Altered Lives The Parody Chapter 9: 08 Testing Times, an evangelion fanfic

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Altered Lives (The Parody)

Book 08 "Testing Times"

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

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"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.

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.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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.

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

Chapter - Scan.

Somewhere deep inside the NERVIS Base, Rave#3 lay flat on her back beneath the sophisticated sensors of a Medical Imager. Standard medical probes attached to her body monitored normal body functions, while more exotic means scanned her thoroughly via x-ray, ultrasound, infrared, & nuclear magnetic resonance.

She was not the only one being so thoroughly examined…

In another room, miles away, another Clone was in the same situation. Further away again, a third Clone was also under the high tech microscope.

Mayi Buttin sat behind the control console in the room where Rave was, patiently monitoring the apparatus that surrounded the young blue-haired girl.

Glando Atari suddenly entered the room. He took up position behind Mayi, out of her field of view. Mayi tried not to react, but the way the hairs on the back of her neck stood up, was mute evidence of how much Glando's presence was creeping her out.

"Are the machines operating properly?" Glando spoke unexpectedly, the suddenness of his question making Mayi flinch.

"Yes Sir," Mayi promptly replied, "All Scanning elements on line, & recording!"

Glando turned his attention to the pale girl being analysed. He stared at Rave#3 for a few seconds, then consulted his watch. Minutes passed slowly as the second hand ticked its way to the appointed time.

"Rave," Glando finally ordered in low & measured tones, "Acquire the sequence…"

"Yes Sir," Rave#3 opened her mind to whatever her sister Clones might want to tell her…

A flow of images, thoughts, data, flowed into Rave#3. Most of it was just the normal 'noise' of the Group Mind components, the mundane experiences. Then, she was aware of something else… There was an echo in the maelstrom, feelings similar to Rave#3's own personal perceptions of the room around her. No, wait! Echoes, from TWO other locations…

#6 to #3, acknowledge call?

Rave spoke as well as 'sent' her response, "#3 to #6, continue."

#6 to #3, Start Send… Yellow… Hard… Clear… Oblong… Facet… Celsius… End Send

Rave#3's lips moved, her words in perfect synch with the thoughts in her mind, "#3 to #6, Received… Yellow… Hard… Clear… Oblong… Facet… Celsius… Confirm?"

#6 to #3, Confirmed!

Glando smirked, as the secret codes Fu2ok had just given the most distant Clone were expressed clearly by Rave#3.

The machines continued to scan & record vague fluctuations in the bodies of the Clones for another half hour. Then the test repeated, but this time with Rave#3 being the starting point for a different message.

For another half hour after that, the machines continued to probe & record.

Mayi looked on, not knowing what Rave was talking about, or what was going on…

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

Chapter - Breakfast.

Shakey Atari was enjoying the soft comfort of his bed. Still in dreamland, he was walking through a meadow, through masses of flowers.

From somewhere, he heard someone start calling his name. He looked around, but despite the sound coming nearer, he couldn't see anyone. Then he looked up. Above him, an extremely blurry full moon looked down at him from a cloudy blue sky. Shakey blinked, trying to get his eyes to focus.

And the blurry moon & cloudy sky resolved itself into the ceiling of his room, & the face of his blue-haired friend, Rave Imanonymous, as she leant over him…

"Shakey?" Rave asked, "Have you had enough sleep? Or are you still tired?'

"Yeahhhh," Shakey yawned & turned over in bed, "…'nuther ten minutes… wake up…"

"I will call you in ten minutes then," Rave straightened her posture, "What would you like for breakfast?"

"I'll get it," Shakey protested sleepily, trying to sit up.

"Rest," Rave pushed Shakey back down, "I will make breakfast."

"…my turn…"

"It may be your turn," Rave explained, "But it is my choice… What would you like for breakfast?"

"Ohh… …zat case… eggs, toast, orange juice…"

"I will tell you when breakfast is ready," Rave walked out.

Shakey lay back & closed his eyes, not really awake, & not deciding if he wanted to wake up… This was such a nice dream after all. "Rave's nicer inna morning than Aesir…" he mumbled.

A few minutes later, Shakey found it wasn't a dream, as the smell of cooking food wafted through the apartment. 'Who's cooking?' he asked himself, 'Can't be Mazurka… It smells like real food…'

Shakey staggered out to the kitchen, only to blink his sleep heavy eyes in surprise on seeing Rave in the kitchen, cooking food enough for three people.

"R-Rave?" Shakey was dumbfounded.

"Yes?"

Shakey rallied, "Uh… I mean, Good Morning!"

Rave smiled slightly, "Good Morning to you as well, Shakey."

"Um… Then that wasn't a dream?"

"What wasn't a dream?"

"You asking me what I wanted for breakfast?"

"Eggs, toast, orange juice," Rave pointed to the various parts of the meal on the table, & what was still in the frypan.

"Oh…" Shakey went a bit pink, "Thank you…"

"You are welcome."

Shakey stood there, not knowing what else to say, or do. Fortunately, he was saved by the appearance of Mazurka, who had been lured out of her bed by the delicious aromas wafting through the apartment.

Mazurka took it all in her stride. She went straight to the fridge & grabbed her first six-pack of the day. "YEE-HAAAaaaa!" she crowed after inhaling the first can, & then shortly afterwards, "Burr-URP!"

Shakey was more than a little embarrassed by Mazurka's usual morning behaviour.

Rave didn't flinch, but calmly pointed out, "Mazurka? I made breakfast of eggs, toast & orange juice. Would you like some coffee as well?"

"Sure thing!" Mazurka hungrily confirmed, "I'll take some of everything, thanks!"

Rave dished the food out onto the three plates, & they all sat down to eat.

Mazurka ate three mouthfuls, then emptied another can of beer. "So… Rave," she asked, "How come you're cooking for us this morning?"

Rave paused to swallow her food before replying, "It was my choice. Shakey has often cooked for us, I wanted to return the favour."

"Oh?" Mazurka's expression grew somewhat sly, "How'd you decide on the menu?"

"I asked Shakey what he wanted for breakfast," Rave answered guilelessly.

Mazurka raised an eyebrow, "Did you get him out of bed as well?"

Rave paused, "No. I may have woken him up. But he stayed in bed."

"Shakey?" Mazurka admonished in mock-sternness, "You let this poor girl do all the work of preparing breakfast for us?"

Shakey felt his cheeks grow warmer, "Yeah well… I thought it was a dream…"

"Oh?" Mazurka grinned as she leant towards her favourite victim, "You often dream about Rave cooking for you?"

Shakey went red, & choked on the mouthful he was chewing. Rave went slightly pink, but ate her food in silence.

When Shakey recovered, he gulped down the rest of his food, then announced, "I've got to get ready for school! Thanks for breakfast Rave!" He quickly scuttled off to his room, & away from any further comments Mazurka might make.

"Mazurka," Rave waited until Shakey was safely behind his closed door, "There are some things I need to talk about…"

"Shoot!" Mazurka magnanimously ordered as she grabbed another beer.

Rave paused & looked blankly at Mazurka.

Mazurka sighed, "I meant, you can 'shoot' your questions at me…"

"Thank you," Rave's voice dropped to little more than a whisper, "Yesterday, I received E-Mail messages from another girl at school. She had been victimised by those who attacked me."

Mazurka was suddenly dead-serious, "Victimised? How? An… 'assault'?"

"I am not sure. She only told me that they had called her names, put her things in the bin, & pushed & hit her. However, she told me that other students had trouble with them as well. She did not specify what happened to them…"

"When did she tell you this?" regardless of the question, Mazurka's attitude was more like that of an investigating officer.

"Here in your apartment, and also-"

"What? She was in here? When?"

"Yes," Rave went on to state in more detail, "She met me after school, & we walked here with Shakey. He prepared a meal for us, & afterwards I walked her home. I heard parts of her story here, & also at her home. She was upset at what they had done to her, & was unable to talk readily about it. She was frightened that they might be a further problem if she told anyone…"

"Don't worry about THAT!" Mazurka growled angrily, "I'll have a word with Security for her! If she wants to press charges, I'm SURE we can accommodate her wishes!"

"Thank You. Her Aunt asked me to consider doing so."

Mazurka looked thoughtful, "Then again… I don't know how much trouble those jerks are in… It may be a case of NERVIS wanting to keep things quiet…"

Rave looked at Mazurka expectantly.

"Oh don't worry Rave," Mazurka reassured with a dismissive wave of her hand, "I just mean that NERVIS will probably take care of their prosecution without much publicity. From what I know of their attack on you, they'll be 'out of the picture' for QUITE some time! Your friend won't have anything to worry about, whether she presses charges or not…"

Rave looked thoughtful, "Mazurka… Is she my friend now?"

Mazurka was caught off guard, "Well… She might think she is… Remember what I told you about how a friend treats another person?"

"Yes."

"Well, she probably thinks you & Shakey have acted like friends to her…"

Whatever reply Rave might have made, was prevented by Shakey's emerging from his bedroom, ready for school.

"See you later Mazurka," Shakey called out, as he & Rave went out the door.

'Coming out of your shell at last, Rave?' Mazurka thought as the door shut…

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

Chapter - Meetings.

Shakey & Rave made it to school in plenty of time. Which was just as well, as they had a few surprises waiting for them.

Surprise Number One, was finding Natsumi Iwakawa waiting for them at the school gates…

"Good Morning Ms Imanonymous, Mr Atari," Natsumi waved hello to them & walked over to join them.

"Please, call me Shakey…" Shakey felt self-conscious at such a formal address, 'It's too much like being called 'Pilot Atari'…'

Natsumi returned cutely, "Then please call me Natsumi, MR Atari…"

Rave observed the interchange, then made an offer of her own, "Please call me Rave… Ms Iwakawa…"

Natsumi smiled, "Yes Rave… And will you call me Natsumi as well?"

"Yes," Rave replied in her usual monotone, before adding, "Natsumi."

Natsumi sidled up to Rave, & began to indulge in the usual 'Girls Talk' that schoolgirls always have with their friends, "…and I said to her, that if he really wanted to see her best friend…"

Rave remained politely silent for the most part, taking notes, & trying to hide the fact that she didn't know what Natsumi was talking about…

Shakey glanced sideways at them & smiled. For some strange reason, he felt more relaxed & carefree than he had in ages…

Surprise Number Two, was waiting in their classroom…

"Hey, Shakey!" called a familiar spectacled boy, who until now had been absent.

"What? KANTSEE!" Shakey nearly shouted on seeing his friend. He went over & gave Kantsee a bear hug, "Oh man! Kantsee! Am I ever glad to see you!"

"I'm glad to see you as well," stated Kantsee, "However, despite how happy you are to see me, I feel I must remind you, that I'm not Gay!"

Shakey let go of his friend in a hurry. Then he saw the smile on Kantsee's face, & realised that Kantsee had been ribbing him.

"YOU!" Shakey playfully punched his friend in the shoulder, not upset in the least by Kantsee's Macho joking around.

"Seriously though, it's good to be back!" Kantsee was obviously pleased, "I was starting to miss all the Military Hardware…"

Shakey sweat-dropped at his friends comment, 'Same old Kantsee…'

Rave stood nearby & watched silently.

"And how are you, Ms Imanonymous?" Kantsee asked politely.

"I am well thank you, Mr Hayeater," Rave surprised Kantsee by speaking to him. Then she surprised Kantsee even further, by going over & giving him a bear hug, just as Shakey had done.

Shakey blinked in surprise, while Kantsee just stood there, his mouth opening & closing in shock, like a goldfish out of water.

"And Please," Rave added on releasing Kantsee, "Call me Rave…" With that, the blue haired girl went & sat in her usual seat.

Kantsee was paralysed with shock for a few seconds. Then he turned to Shakey & whispered, "Who is she, & what's happened to the Real Ice Maiden?"

Shakey took a deep breath, & tried to explain it as best he could. "Kantsee, trust me on this… Rave… really isn't the girl you thought you knew…"

"Oh?" Kantsee raised an eyebrow, "So the rumours are true then?"

Shakey slumped in his seat, "Oh No! Not more rumours… Listen! Trust me on this too! The rumours about me & Rave aren't true! It's all just a big misunderstanding!"

"What's this about you & Rave?" Kantsee looked confused.

"Huh?" Shakey suddenly felt uneasy, "Aren't you talking about me & Rave being an 'item'?"

"No… I was talking about Rave beating up those thugs last week…"

Shakey realised he should have kept his mouth shut…

"But!" Kantsee leaned over to leer conspiratorially at Shakey, "If there's something you want to get off your chest… You can always confess your Guilty Secrets to me…"

"Oh God!" Shakey groaned, "It's NOT like that!"

Kantsee grinned, "Oh? What IS it like then?"

The timely arrival of Hickory Harikari & some of the other girls, put a damper on any further revelations Shakey might make.

Surprise Number Three, occurred when Rave rose from her seat & went to talk to Hickory & the other girls…

An unusual action that was not lost on those in the classroom. Kantsee & Shakey both shut up & watched, although for different reasons. Kantsee was still shocked by how much Rave had changed in his absence. Shakey though…

'What are you doing now Rave?' Shakey wondered.

"Good Morning Ms Harikari," Rave said politely.

"Good morning Ms Imanonymous," Hickory politely replied.

"Please, call me Rave," Rave gave Hickory a slight smile, before sweeping her gaze over the other girls.

"Hickory blinked in surprise, "All right… Rave…"

"I need some advice," Rave asked.

This frank admission stunned the other girls into fascinated silence. When the other girls didn't answer, Rave pressed on with, "Yesterday, I was told that the Senior Gang had been victimising other students in the school. What do you know about this?"

That broke the ice!

Within seconds, Rave was in the middle of a feminine maelstrom of gossip, news, & innuendo. This time though, she was NOT the subject of conversation. Rave listened & took notes, frequently asking for clarification of terms used…

"So… Shakey," a bewildered Kantsee asked his equally bewildered friend, "You were saying she's definitely NOT the girl I thought she was?"

Shakey nodded silently.

"In that case," Kantsee took his friends reaction as a yes, "Who is she then?"

Shakey opened his mouth to speak, shut it, opened it again, then sighed deeply. "I'm not too sure myself," he admitted, "Things have changed a lot recently…"

"Oh?" Kantsee raised an eyebrow, "How?"

"LOTS!" Shakey asserted, emphasizing the word with the sure authority of someone who'd seen it first hand, "It's too much to go into now… Lunchtime would be better…"

"Okay," Kantsee shrugged nonchalantly, 'That'll give me more time to get updates from my contacts. Provided they're still in the area…'

In the meantime, Shakey pressed Kantsee for information on Kantsee's life, during the time he'd been absent.

"Nothing to say really," Kantsee replied morosely, "I was stuck out on a cousin's farm WAY out in the sticks… They didn't even have cable TV…"

Shakey Manfully commiserated with Kantsee's plight…

Surprise Number Four, would start making itself known as the other students arrived…

Not that Shakey or Kantsee noticed it, although Rave would notice, but would not attach any importance to it…

…The way the other students kept a wide margin between themselves & Rave…

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

Chapter - Kindly Concern.

In the depths of the NERVIS Base, AVE Pilot compatibility testing of the Clones continued round the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Systems breakdowns permitting…

Mid-morning, the latest group of Clones exited the test facilities. They were the last to be tested for the next few hours, due to scheduled maintenance.

Mazurka had been overly pessimistic about how many Clones would be tested in a day. She had thought 24, it was far less. So far, only 9 Clones other than Rave#3 had been tested.

The number of Clones tested wasn't due solely to equipment malfunction & maintenance. It certainly wasn't due to any 'softness' on the part of Command towards the Clones. No, it was because the tests weren't just the 'basic' ones potential Pilots received.

All of the Clones were subjected to a range of tests in the simulators. As well as basic compatibility tests, they underwent compatibility testing with data from Unit Won, & Unit Too. Rave#3 was often re-tested beside her 'sisters' as a 'statistical benchmark', her presence in a Test Unit preventing it from being used for another Clone…

In the testing facility, Fu2ok rubbed his tired eyes.

"Sir?" Mayi was worried at the elderly man's appearance.

While there were different teams who performed the duties of Bridge Crew during testing, Glando was adamant that either he or Fu2ok be present at all tests. While the tests might have required 12 hours of constant presence from either man per day, Glando had other duties that prevented him from being available for many of the tests. Consequently, Fu2ok was doing the Lion's share of supervising the tests, & often exceeding 12-hour workdays in the process…

"Hmmm? Sorry," Fu2ok mumbled wearily, "I didn't hear you…"

Mayi tensed slightly, "I said Sir, that we've finished collating the data…"

"Oh right…" Fu2ok replied absently, "I'll take the results to the Commander… You can all stand down… The next shift will continue the tests after Maintenance has been completed…"

"Yes Sir…" Mayi watched the older man shuffle off, 'He's tiring himself out…'

Mayi returned to her desk. One of her monitors showed Rave sitting in the Pilot's lounge in her AVE Pilot Snug Suit, holding a can of drink. Mayi zoomed the image. Rave's face came up in detail, showing the beginnings of dark rings under the girl's eyes, & a general listless look to her young face.

The appearance of the blue-haired girl made Mayi uneasy, 'This isn't right! Rave's been run ragged during these tests. I don't know how she's managed to keep going, but she won't for much longer…'

Uhoh stretched back in his seat & yawned, "Penny for your thoughts?"

Uhoh's yawn reminded Mayi of just how tired she felt herself.

"Just thinking how tired Rave looks…" Mayi admitted.

"Don't worry," Moccona reassured her, "She's finished testing for the day. She'll be able to go home & rest now."

Mayi wasn't convinced, "Still… It's a long way back to her apartment…"

"What's that got to do with it?" asked Moccona.

"Well…" Mayi flustered, "She has to get showered & changed… Then there's travelling time… Let alone getting a meal… I mean… the poor girl looks like she's about to fall over!"

"Security will look after her," Moccona stated the obvious.

"Huh," snorted Mayi derisively.

"Hey, if you're that worried about her," Uhoh chipped in with his thoughts, "Why don't you go & make sure she gets home all right?"

Mayi was taken aback by the comment, "Uh… I've still got work to do here…"

Uhoh shrugged the comment off, "That's okay. Me & Moccona'll take care of it!"

"But…" Mayi protested, "I don't really know her that well… I don't know if she'd accept if I offered her a lift, & I don't want to embarrass her…"

Moccona raised an eyebrow, "Let me get this straight… You've already given Rave numerous 'full' medical examinations… Yet you're worried you might embarrass her, just by offering her a lift?"

"Yes," Mayi sighed, obviously embarrassed, "All of my dealings with her so far, have been strictly professional, 'business as usual'… I don't know how she'd react if I tried being a 'normal' person with her…"

"Mayi…" Moccona dropped his voice to a whisper, "Are you uneasy with how she's 'different' to the rest of us?"

"That's not it at all!" retorted Mayi.

Moccona persisted, "Then why not offer your help? It won't hurt to ask?"

"Yeah," added Uhoh, "Go do the 'Girl Power Thing'! It'll do her good…"

"All right then, I will," Mayi snapped, before standing up & walking off.

"Heh, Chicks," Uhoh confided to Moccona after Mayi had left the room, "They all turn into 'Mother Hens' sooner or later…"

Both of the men laughed at the joke.

Mayi found a tired Rave in the Pilots' lounge. She timidly approached the girl, "Rave? How are you?"

Rave#3 turned her head to look at Mayi. Up close, Rave's face looked even more haggard than it had on the monitor, "I am… fine… Ms Buttin."

"Are you sure? The tests have been rather tiring?"

Rave nodded silently.

"Rave?" Mayi hesitated, then forged ahead, "Would you like a lift home?"

"That will not be necessary…"

"It's no problem, I've got my car, so I can drop you off at your apartment…"

"I will not be going back there…"

"Oh? Why not?" Rave's comment worried Mayi, 'She's not scheduled for MORE tests is she?'

Rave's next words only slightly relieved Mayi's concerns, "I have orders to use accommodation in this facility."

"Orders? From who? Why?"

Rave looked at Mayi for a few moments, 'She has Security Clearance, & the need to know… The Commander did not order me to keep it secret…'

"The Commander…" Rave said quietly, "For security reasons…"

"Oh…" the words explained everything & nothing to Mayi, 'Security reasons? What's going on?'

Rave rose slowly, & started off to the showers, one hand not quite reaching out to the walls for support.

"Rave?" Mayi called out after the exhausted girl.

"Yes?" Rave paused without turning to face Mayi.

Mayi slipped back into her Professional Persona, "You look tired. These tests have strained you. In my Medical Opinion, I believe that you should eat as soon as possible, then sleep it off."

"I will go to the Canteen after I shower."

Mayi faltered, then said with as much enthusiasm as she could muster, "Good! I'll meet you there!"

Surprised, Rave turned to look at Mayi, "Why?"

Mayi hid her nervousness with what she hoped was a nonchalant shrug, "Because I'm hungry myself, & I dislike eating alone."

"I do not understand?"

Suddenly nervous, Mayi looked at the floor & rubbed her hands together, "I prefer to eat with friends… It's more fun!"

Rave blinked, 'Does she think of me as a friend?' She pondered the situation, the murmured, "I will see you there then, Ms Buttin…"

An emotional weight seemed to lift off of Mayi, in less nervous tones she offered, "Please, call me Mayi off-duty…"

Rave merely nodded, then continued to the showers…

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

Chapter - Obligatory Shower Scene…

In the changing room, Rave met up with the other two Clones who had just been tested along with her. They had already washed up, & had changed into the hospital outfits the rest of the Clones were wearing. They both turned their quiet gazes on Rave as she started to change.

You are tired #3 #13'sent', turning on the shower for Rave.

Yes Rave#3 replied, stowing her Snug Suit in the laundry hamper.

Will you need assistance in the showers? from #12.

No. I am not that tired Rave#3 entered the shower, Although…

Yes? both of the others sent.

Ms Buttin said I looked tired… Her Medical Opinion was that I should eat soon, & get some sleep Rave#3 began to relax as the warm water began washing the TLC away, along with some of the bone-weariness from her body.

Yes #12 agreed, You should #13 concurred.

She also said she would eat with me in the Canteen… Rave#3 began washing her hair clean with soap & water.

Does she wish to evaluate your health in an informal setting? #13 queried with some concern, Does she think you are merely fatigued… or… unwell?

Neither… Rave#3 sent from behind closed eyes, the jets of water washing the suds from her hair,

? Explain! both Clones sent.

She said she was hungry herself, & that she would prefer to eat with a friend her hair feeling clean, Rave#3 began soaping the rest of herself.

?? What Friend?

I think she meant myself. She asked me to call her Mayi, off-duty…#3

#12 considered the information A friend does show concern for the health of another friend…

Does she wish to be a friend to the rest of us? #13.

I do not know… Rave#3 let the shower wash the suds from her skin.

Would she let us eat with her as well? #12.

I do not know… Rave#3 reached out & turned off the shower.

We can ask her #13 offered Rave#3 a towel.

Yes. We can Rave#3 towelled herself dry, then walked to 'her' locker. She opened it, then stopped still, staring at something in the locker.

Is something wrong? #12.

No. Just observing Rave#3.

Explain?

Rave#3 gestured towards the locker My clothing. I have numerous copies, but no variety

What of it?

My wardrobe. It is like ourselves. Numerous copies, but no variety Rave#3

We have variety now. Our Hairstyles

That is not what I meant Rave#3

???

Rave#3 reached out to touch the fabric hanging in the locker The clothes wait to be worn. As they wait in the locker, so we waited in the Doppelganger Lab. Bodies waiting to be worn, by the lifestyle called 'Rave'…

The other Clones remained silent as they digested this.

Rave#3 took out her school uniform & held it in both hands, contemplating the coloured cloth Does 'Rave' exist? Or is she just a set of habits that we follow? A life that wears US?

She is all we know how to be #12.

Shakey wants us to be more! Rave#3's hands clenched the fabric, wrinkling it He tries to help us be more! He treats all of us as individuals! As people! Not as 'clothes' that can be replaced when they wear out!

Yes… agreed the others.

I… miss his presence… Rave#3 closed her eyes.

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

Chapter - Canteen Companions.

A short time later In a Canteen near the AVE Pilot testing centre, Mayi received a surprise… Rave appeared, with two other Clones following close behind her.

"May the others eat with us as well?" Rave#3 asked Mayi, indicating the other Clones with a hand.

"S-sure!" Mayi was only slightly startled by the 'triplets' before her.

The three Clones nodded in unison, then went to the servery…

The Canteen staff, or rather, the NERVIS Catering & Commissary Corps, prepared all of the meals served in the sprawling NERVIS Base. The Logistics & Economics involved in such a large undertaking, meant that the meals were all prepared in one central location, then 'delivered' to various canteens all over the Base.

In the more 'secure' parts of the base, the canteens were usually the self-serve 'pigeonhole' type, where refrigerated shelves kept the food hygienically fresh behind small plastic doors. People just took what they wanted, with stock monitored to ensure the availability of popular choices, & minimise wastage.

Depending on the time of the day, or orders from 'UP TOP', the canteens could also provide a more formal 'buffet style' set-up. In such cases, the pigeonhole shelving was augmented by a self-serve table that could include hot soup, roast meat dishes, or just about anything else 'Command' wanted.

The current set-up in the canteen was a blend of the two, with pigeonhole shelving holding the usual fare, & a large table holding vegetarian fare for the Clones. Platters of prepared fruit & vegetables lay beside ranks of sandwiches based on cheese, egg, or vegetable fillings, as well as vegetarian versions of Sushi Rolls & pasta noodle dishes.

The Clones stocked up, taking a selection of fruit juice, bottled water, soft drinks, & milk drinks from the refrigerated servers to wash their meal down with. Ready to feed, the Clones seated themselves at Mayi's table.

"May the others call you Mayi as well?" Rave#3 asked.

"Err… Yes, you may…" Mayi was more than slightly flustered at the situation, but not by the actual request itself, "Um… H-How should I address you?"

"Please call me #13," replied #13.

"Please call me #12," replied #12.

"All right… #12… #13…" Mayi replied in a faint voice, handling the situation as well as could be expected.

Rave#3 sent a message to the other Clones, #12 & #13 have given permission for Ms Mayi Buttin to use their numbers… Can she use your numbers as well? All in favour respond?

YES That is agreeable No problem

Against? Rave#3 sent.

There was no answer. Rave looked at Mayi.

"Please call all of u- the others… by their numbers, Mayi," Rave#3 offered.

"Err… Thank you…" Mayi accepted the offer graciously, even if she did so with a weak voice.

"And may we all call you Mayi, off-duty?" Rave#3 looked placidly at Mayi.

Mayi rallied at the way the conversation was getting back to 'normality'. "Sure…" she shrugged, "Actually, you can call me Mayi even when I'm ON duty, unless you're uncomfortable with it…"

"We will, Mayi," the three Clones chorused, much to Mayi's nervous discomfort.

Call her Mayi, on or off-duty sent #13

We will! sent ALL of the other Clones.

Mayi was still concerned about the tired blue-haired girl, "Rave… Will you be all right getting to your accommodation tonight by yourself?"

"Yes," Rave#3 replied calmly, then added after a short pause, "Thank you, Mayi."

"What about you others?" Mayi tried to keep the conversation 'normal'.

"Security will take care of us," replied #13, while #12 munched on.

Mayi nodded, not really at ease, but not as spooked as she had been.

They ate in silence, Mayi gradually getting accustomed to the Clones…

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

Chapter - Statistics.

In his office, Glando & Fu2ok went through the data collected so far.

"You were right Atari," Fu2ok slumped wearily in his seat, "Unit Won IS treating them differently to Rave#3. Clone#11 lasted just over 3 minutes before being rejected…"

"And how is Rave#3 doing?" Glando demanded, "Has there been any change?"

Fu2ok failed to stifle a yawn, "Not much! So far, she hasn't even lasted 5 seconds before being rejected by Unit Won! She can barely synchronize with Unit Too."

"What about the others?"

"Mixed results…" Fu2ok flipped through some papers, checking data, "To put Clone#11's score with Unit Won in perspective, none of the others lasted more than 40 seconds… She did well with Unit Too, with the second highest synch rate of 4 percent. Clone#12 had the best result with Unit Too, just over 9 percent, but she only lasted 7 seconds with Unit Won…"

Glando considered the news in silence for several moments, then muttered, "Perhaps we should change the parameters of the test subjects…"

"What do you mean?"

"If 'mental contamination' is the key to gaining control of Unit Won, perhaps we can speed things along with further contamination…"

Fu2ok stared aghast at Glando, "You can't be serious!? Mental contamination may reduce their conditioned obedience! The last thing we need is for any of them to lose control & go berserk!"

"Have faith Professor," Glando smugly remonstrated, "I was thinking of something a bit more, 'Socially Responsible'… A way of changing their mindsets, while reinforcing desirable traits…"

Fu2ok sighed, "All right… Tell me what you've gone & planned behind my back…"

"Professor," Glando said in hurt tones, "You wound me… I've done nothing of the sort… Major Kutsarug is the one responsible this time…"

"M-Major Kutsarug?" Fu2ok's jaw dropped open in shock.

"Look at this & tell me what you think," Glando handed a folder over.

Fu2ok took the folder & read silently. As he read, various emotions tinted his face. Intrigue, worry, humour… Eventually, he finished reading.

Fu2ok stared at a particular page, "Well… It's… original… I'll grant you that…"

"Will it help our current project?"

"Depends…" Fu2ok yawned again, "I can see your point… This proposed curriculum of Major Kutsarug's will certainly change the 'mindset' of the Clones… It will certainly make them seem more 'different' to Unit Won! But…"

"But?"

"But… I don't know if it will be an advantageous change or not… It could go the other way, & lower their effectiveness…"

"I think not," Glando quietly disagreed, "The topics discussed are within the scope of what STEELY wanted them to learn… eventually…"

Fu2ok frowned, "So, we'll be doing some of STEELY's dirty work for them?"

"It will certainly appear that way to some people."

"Have we got 'guests' again?" Fu2ok had a worried look on his face.

"They are being… entertained," replied Glando, "They will not be a problem. Especially if they should report on how we are training the Clones…"

Fu2ok gave Glando a hard look, "But will they only stay 'observers'?"

Glando stared back at Fu2ok, "If not, we will respond in kind. In the meantime, appearing to train the Clones as STEELY wish us to, can only stand us in good stead. Do you have any objections to the planned curriculum?"

"Not really… But knowing what they were designed for… I wonder what our 'guests' will think of the Clones learning 'dressmaking'…"

"Indeed," Glando smirked, "The thought had crossed my mind…"

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

Chapter - Rooftop.

The school bell tolled the start of the lunch hour, & students began to stream from their classes, & talk freely with their friends.

It was the first real chance Kantsee & Shakey had that day in which to really catch up with others lives. Kantsee had assumed that Shakey would have lunch with him on the rooftop, as they normally did. He was right. What Kantsee hadn't thought about, was that Rave might come along as well…

It was a strange situation for Kantsee, watching Rave eat her lunch beside the two boys. 'She really has changed…' he thought.

The strangeness was unsettling, but Kantsee plucked up his courage. "Err… Rave?" he asked, "I've been away for a while, & things have changed…"

"Yes. They have."

"Err… How? Exactly?"

Rave stopped eating, & looked at Kantsee placidly. "I can not say," she replied, "I am not aware of what your world view was, & I do not know what it now is. Therefore, I cannot comment on any changes in it."

Rave went back to eating…

Kantsee was shocked. Not just that Rave had actually spoken more than a few words to him, but that she was now… 'Philosophical?' he began to sweat.

Shakey was a better source of information, but not by much…

"So how did you defeat the last Alien?" Kantsee fished for answers, like a master angler might shoot fish in a barrel.

A sudden look of pain slid over Shakey's face, & he looked troubled.

Kantsee was worried by the change in his friend, "Shakey? Was it a bad one? I know I wasn't here… But if you want to talk about it?"

Shakey shook his head dismissively, "No… That's not it… It's just…"

"Just?" Kantsee prompted.

Shakey had tears in his eyes as he spoke to Kantsee, "I've learned what it feels like… to lose people… To see them hurt… In pain… To know…"

It was too much for Shakey, tears began to roll down his face.

Kantsee felt bad, he only wanted information, not to hurt his friend. "Shakey…" he muttered, "If this is hard for you…"

"No," Shakey sniffled, wiping his face with the back of his hand, "I'm over the worst of it… But I think I know how Toe-Jam felt… when his sister got hurt…"

Kantsee was debating if he should do the 'Manly' thing & reach out to comfort his friend, when Rave beat him to it. She went to Shakey, & put a comforting arm around his shoulders.

The action spooked Kantsee. 'She's comforting him? When did she get so… so… 'normal'? What happened that would change her so much? Was it what happened to Shakey?'

"You could not save them," Rave's quietly murmured words reached Kantsee's ears.

'Oh man!' Kantsee swallowed hard, the words making him think he now knew what happened, 'He must have seen people get hurt & die…'

An emotional knot formed inside Kantsee, he was no stranger to the horrors of war & human suffering. Even though he'd only come into contact with 'sanitised' versions of death & suffering, he still knew what it was like to see people in dire need, & not be able to do anything for them. He'd known since he'd seen his first 'Real' War movie over a decade ago…

The film had a scene where a helicopter was rescuing some troops from a jungle. One of the wounded was accidentally left behind… The sight of the crippled man trying to run after the chopper, screaming piteously for help while the enemy closed in on him, had haunted Kantsee for weeks afterwards…

'If he doesn't want to tell me… I won't ask,' Kantsee resolved.

Kantsee decided it was best to change the subject, "Rave?"

"Yes?" Rave kept her arms around Shakey, keeping her attention focussed on the boy she held in a caring embrace.

"What happened last week? Between you & the 'Seniors' gang?"

Rave turned to look at Kantsee. Kantsee gulped, as Rave's unblinking stare bored into him.

"Have you heard rumours?"

"Uh… Yeah…"

"What have you heard?"

Kantsee hesitated, then shrugged his shoulders & ploughed on. "Well… Most of the rumours say you put six guys in hospital… In various ways, for various… ah… 'reasons'…" Kantsee trailed off.

Rave stared at Kantsee, evidently waiting for him to continue. When he didn't continue, she quietly informed him, "They attacked me. They had heard rumours that Shakey & I had consummated a physical relationship…"

Kantsee blushed, Shakey looked weary, Rave continued speaking, "They thought I should not waste my time with him, as they were sure I could have a better time with them…"

Kantsee squirmed uneasily. He knew as well as Shakey did, what such words & attitudes from a pack of arrogant thugs could lead to…

"I declined their offer, & they became angry. They tried to intimidate me, but I would not let my Personal Rights be infringed upon. Then they hit me."

Kantsee couldn't look at Rave now. A sick feeling ran through him, as this was the point in the story where some of the rumours became… disturbing…

"I fought back, using the Martial Arts training I received as an AVE Pilot. They suffered serious injuries. I did not. They were taken away by Security."

Kantsee breathed a sigh of relief. He had hoped certain rumours were wrong. He wasn't sure he could have listened to Rave describing what had supposedly happened to her in some of them…

"So…" Kantsee hesitantly asked, "So… It was only a fight?"

"It was not an 'assault'…" Rave's deadpan tones made her answer seem all the more suggestive…

"You fought them off?" Shakey sounded surprised, concerned, worried & amazed in the one sentence, "Security didn't intervene? I… didn't know…"

Rave turned slightly pink, "Security did not have to intervene…"

Kantsee could accept that, 'Yeah, makes sense that a Combat Pilot should know how to fight hand-to-hand… As Aesir proved when she first arrived…'

Kantsee looked away from his friends, not quite having the courage to see their response when he asked, "I guess that leaves… what happened between you two…"

Shakey groaned, "I already told you, that was a misunderstanding… Fact is, Rave slept over at Mazurka's… Mazurka was going to let her sleep in Aesir's room…"

Kantsee's eyes went wide with fear, & he began to sweat as he imagined the reaction Aesir would have if THAT had happened.

"Yeah, RIGHT!" Shakey agreed with Kantsee's reaction, "So anyway, I offered Rave the use of MY room, while *I* slept in the Living Room… And SOME people… misinterpreted that as meaning… that me & Rave…" He couldn't finish.

"We did not do what they said we did," Rave finished Shakey's comment for him, "Nor did we attempt to."

"Actually," Kantsee was more than a little embarrassed, "I didn't mean that… It's just, the two of you… You seem… closer… And you Rave, no offence meant, but you seem to be more… more…" Kantsee shrugged, "I don't know… you're almost a different person…"

"As Shakey said," Rave quietly replied, "I'm not the girl you thought you knew…"

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

Chapter - Afternoon.

The rest of the school day passed slowly for those impatient to escape its clutches. Eventually though, school let out, & its captives were free to go.

The trio of Rave, Shakey & Kantsee walked through the school gates…

Kantsee had decided to walk with his two classmates. It had been too long since he'd seen his friend, let alone enjoyed the company of someone who didn't think Kantsee was some sort of Gun-Nut/Survivalist. Then there was the chance that he might overhear something of interest from the two AVE Pilots…

Despite all of his best efforts so far, Kantsee was none the wiser as to why Shakey, & especially Rave, had changed so much. Even his 'contacts' could only tell him that the last battle had destroyed much of the city.

…Along with AVE Unit Null…

Not that Kantsee had gotten confirmation of such from either Rave or Shakey. Kantsee had mixed emotions over what he had been able to confirm. On the one hand, 'Too bad I missed it…' On the other hand, 'If the battle was so bad that Unit Null was destroyed, Rave was lucky to survive…' Then there was the disquieting thought, 'Half the City was destroyed? What about the Shelters? Are all the people who seem to missing dead, or just evacuees somewhere else?'

At the School gates, Kantsee got another surprise in the person of Natsumi Iwakawa. The young girl had been waiting, & promptly ambushed the trio as they left the school.

"Hiya Rave! Hiya Shakey!" Natsumi took up pace with her friends.

"Hello Natsumi," Rave gave a brief nod.

Kantsee blinked at Rave's casual greeting, 'She's friends with Rave?'

"Hi Natsumi," replied Shakey with a smile, "How was your day?"

"Fine thank you," Natsumi was the traditional image of a happy young schoolgirl.

Shakey gestured towards Kantsee, "Oh, by the way, Ms Natsumi Iwakawa, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Mr Kantsee Hayeater…"

"Hello," Kantsee lifted his hand in a semi-wave, "Pleased to meet you."

"Hello Mr Hayeater."

Kantsee coughed, "Please, just plain Kantsee is fine."

"All right Kantsee… Call me Natsumi!"

Natsumi walked beside Rave, providing much of the conversation in the group. Once again, Rave stayed quiet & took notes. Kantsee & Shakey made the usual Macho small talk that males of their age did.

Unknown to the group, they were being watched…

Glando had ordered heightened surveillance of the Clones, especially the one playing the part of 'Rave'. Accordingly, part of a specialist team was currently monitoring Rave's activities from a nearby van.

They weren't the only ones…

STEELY also had 'observers' in the area. They were there as STEELY was no longer entirely 'confident' that things were what Glando said they were.

None of which was known to the four friends, as they wound their way home.

"Shakey?" Rave interrupted Shakey's conversation with Kantsee.

"Yeah?"

"Would you like a Malted Milk?"

Shakey blinked once, then smiled mournfully as he realised they had almost walked past 'their' Milk bar, "Uh… I'd like to, but I'm a bit low on funds at the moment…"

Rave felt concerned, 'Has he spent all his money on us?'

"No worries," Kantsee piped up, "In addition to spending my time at a farm with no cable TV… They didn't have any stores either… I'll buy 'em!"

"No," Rave's refusal surprised both the boys, "I will pay for them…"

Rave turned to Natsumi, "You prefer Caramel, correct?"

Natsumi nodded shyly.

Rave turned to Kantsee, "What flavour do you prefer?"

Kantsee grinned, "Vanilla. But any flavour really, as long as it's free…"

Rave turned to Shakey, "And which would you like?"

Shakey smiled, "Well, I'd really like to try a flavour we haven't tried before… So, I'll let you choose…"

Rave blinked, "You want me to choose?"

Shakey shrugged, "Sure!"

Rave went slightly pink, 'He wants me to choose? Does he trust my judgement that much?'

Inside the shop, Rave looked at the range of flavours…

The range was not vast, but it did make Rave pause. The list ran something like, Banana, Caramel, Chocolate, Coconut, Pineapple, Strawberry, Vanilla.

Rave considered her options, 'Shakey wants a flavour we have not tried before… The only ones we have not tried, are Banana, Coconut, Pineapple, & Vanilla… I have tried Caramel, but Shakey did not have any that time…'

Rave attacked her problem logically. 'Kantsee would like Vanilla, & Natsumi would like Caramel. If I get those flavours, there is a chance they may share them… That leaves either Banana, Coconut, or Pineapple…'

Rave looked at the list again, & made a decision, 'I will choose alphabetically.'

"Please?" Rave asked the Shop Keeper, "May I have three Malted Milkshakes?"

"Sure," returned the Shop Keeper, "What flavours?"

"One each of Banana, Caramel, & Vanilla."

It was about that time, that the STEELY observers, got a call from 'Up Top'…

"Come in Tourist, this is Travel Agent… Time to confirm your booking…"

"Tourist here… Destination has three alternatives…"

"Three? Report target status!"

"Uh… Say again Travel Agent?"

"Report in plain!"

"Roger! Target has three companions. Third Pilot, a male classmate, Kantsee Hayeater, & a female student, Natsumi Iwakawa. All four are in a Milk bar at…"

"Milk bar?"

"Erm… Yes… Milk bar…"

"What is the target doing in a Milk bar?"

"Ah… Would you believe, buying Malted Milkshakes for all of them?"

"…"

"You copy that, Travel Agent?"

"…target is… buying… malted milkshakes…? …for them…?"

"Well… Yeah! Caramel, Vanilla, &… I think… Yes! Banana!"

"…tourist…"

"Yes, Travel Agent?"

"…carry on observing… Travel Agent out…"

When Rave tried to pay, she became painfully aware of the fact that the Milk bar in question couldn't accept her NERVIS Charge Card for the transaction.

"I'm sorry dear," the Shop Keeper was MOST apologetic, "Our EFTPOS unit has packed up again… Someone probably cut a cable by accident somewhere…"

Rave looked uncertainly from her useless card to the Shop Keeper & back again.

Seeing Rave's problem, Kantsee sprang to her rescue. He Manfully unclipped his bulging wallet, "No Worries! I'll pay for them!"

"I said I would pay," Rave put a hand out to stop Kantsee from taking money from his wallet, physically refusing his kind offer, "Please wait here. I will get the funds from an ATM…"

"It's okay," Kantsee reassured, "I'll pay for them now, you can pay me back later… Besides, if the EFTPOS isn't working, the ATM's might not be either…"

Rave looked at Kantsee, "Why?"

Kantsee was puzzled, "Why what?"

"Why would you pay for me?"

Kantsee shrugged, "I dunno… Because you're a friend, I guess…"

Kantsee's words surprised Rave, 'He sees me as a Friend…? Shakey has a photo of his classmates in his room. They are his friends. We wondered if they were also our friends, now that we are their classmates… Perhaps… they are…'

Rave then surprised Kantsee by smiling at him. From his seat at the table, Shakey also smiled…

The smile slipped off of Shakey's face, when Rave & Kantsee brought the Malts over to the table. Kantsee had his Malt, Natsumi had her Malt, while Shakey saw to his sudden embarrassment, that Rave had only bought three Malts… And that the Banana flavoured one she had with her, had two straws in it…

"Ah… Rave…" Shakey pointed at the Banana Malt, "The Malt?"

"We will share it," Rave simply replied.

"Err… Is that okay with you?"

"Yes. Should it not be?"

Shakey didn't reply, but he did seem rather subdued. And more than a little pink in the cheeks…

Kantsee thoughtfully slurped his Malt, 'Hmmm… Looks like Rave & Shakey are more of an item than Shakey's willing to admit… Unless… He's too thick to notice?'

The sudden realisation that his friend probably WAS 'too thick to notice' caused Kantsee to start laughing. Not the safest thing to do, if you're trying to drink a Malted Milk at the same time. Kantsee's choking fit didn't last long.

Shakey meanwhile, was remembering Mazurka's words about how much all of the Clones 'liked' him. 'We shared Malts previously,' he mused, 'But… What does this mean? Is she just trying to save money, or being a friend, or…?'

Shakey was too shy to look at Rave, so he didn't notice how she looked at him all the time she was drinking the Malt.

Natsumi did though. 'Boys!' she thought in exasperated amusement, 'They NEVER have a clue!'

Kantsee also noticed how Rave was looking at Shakey. Kantsee's second choking fit was considerably longer than his first.

Unknown to the four children, the unseen observers had also noticed the seemingly innocuous social interaction, & had made detailed records of it. Classified reports were soon making their way via 'secure' means to the decision makers of STEELY, & NERVIS.

Unaware of the building storm, the four friends enjoyed their time in the sun…

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

Chapter - Muddying the Waters.

Running any large organization was never easy. An organization like NERVIS, was even more difficult, especially if you were the sort of Megalomaniac who wanted 'total control' over the organization you ruled with iron fists…

Because of the size of Glando's workload, not to mention the nature of his work, He often spent long hours in his office handling paperwork, or participating in high-level conferences. Sometimes he spent days at a time in there…

So, it was from purely practical need, & not from any sort of pampered Executive Ego, that there was an Ensuite attached to Glando's office. As well as a Kitchenette, a bunk in a storage room, a compact laundry, & numerous telecommunication lines…

Yet, even with his 'home away from home' so close at hand, Glando Atari, the 'Hermit of the Executive Offices', was always pressed for time.

…But he was never so busy that he couldn't receive an urgent call on his 'private' phone from his network of spies…

The sudden low-pitched ringing caused Glando to stop reading the report before him. He tensed slightly as he looked at the source of the sound. Then he reached over & picked the phone up before the third ring…

"Report," Glando's voice was a neutral monotone, proof that no matter what, he was the one in control…

A lengthy pause followed.

"I see," Glando eventually murmured, a frown on his face, "No. What they have seen is… allowable… There is no need to intervene… Yet…"

Glando paused to listen.

"Correct. Keep them under high surveillance. Should they cause any 'problems', you are authorised to 'solve' them…"

Another pause.

"That is all," Glando finally said, before hanging up the phone.

For several minutes afterwards, Glando sat in silence, a scowl on his face. His brooding was interrupted by the ringing of another phone, one that was reserved for less 'urgent' calls.

Glando casually picked it up, "Report."

Glando's expression softened as he listened.

"What else have we confirmed about the girl?"

A short pause followed, with Glando listening intently to his caller.

"Place her under surveillance until further notice. Inform me of any further association she has with any of the candidates…"

Glando paused to listen.

"Yes, level Three… For her & her family… No need to take chances."

Another pause.

"No. That won't be necessary. Continue Rave's surveillance as per current guidelines. The same for the Others. That is all."

Glando hung up the phone, & returned to the reports on his desk, a bemused expression on his face.

Sometime later, Fu2ok entered Glando's office, feeling greatly refreshed after a mid-day nap. He placed another thick pile of printed reports on Glando's desk, only to blink in surprise as he became aware of Glando's facial expression.

"Err… Good news I hope?" Fu2ok cautiously asked.

"Hmmm?" Glando replied absently, looking up from his paperwork.

"You look too happy, for a man with STEELY spooks sneaking around behind him."

"They are not a problem…" Glando sounded disinterested.

Fu2ok began to sweat nervously at Glando's unusual reaction, "They will be, if they see something we weren't expecting them to see…"

"They already have," Glando replied cryptically, actually breaking into a smile.

"What do you mean by that?" Fu2ok was officially worried, "And WHY are you so D--N calm about it?"

Glando waved his hand dismissively, "Don't worry Professor. It's just something they weren't expecting to see, something that will actually help us…"

"What? And How?" Fu2ok demanded.

"Rave has started making friends with other children at school…"

Fu2ok stood with a shocked expression on his face, "F-friends? Rave?"

"Yes," Glando was obviously amused at Fu2ok's reaction, "We know she is on friendly terms with my son. But she appears to have made a friend with a younger girl at her school as well…"

"How?"

"Investigations have revealed that the younger girl was a victim of the gang Rave fought last week… Common suffering often creates bonds of friendship…"

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" Fu2ok spluttered incredulously, "Are you insane!? This has the potential to… to…"

"Help Rave develop normal social perspectives," Glando finished.

"But…"

"Don't worry," Glando calmly reassured, "ALL of the Clones are under high surveillance. Resources are available, should any problems arise…"

"Including the 'Emergency Containment' systems?" Fu2ok asked dryly.

"They are armed…" Glando's answer was simple.

"How can you be so calm? Something as random as this…"

"Is still within the parameters defined for their development!" Glando insisted.

"How can you be sure of that?"

"See for yourself," Glando offered a sheaf of papers to Fu2ok.

Fu2ok took the papers, & began skimming through them. "Atari!" he suddenly fumed, "This is dated yesterday! Why wasn't I notified then?"

"You were overworked…" Glando smoothly answered.

"I'm touched by your concern…" Fu2ok replied sarcastically.

"Still," Glando lured the conversation onto a new track, & pushed a thin folder over, "We other more pressing matters. Another situation has provided us with some… unexpected assistance…"

Fu2ok opened the folder & began to read it. His jaw suddenly dropped in surprise, "You've assigned Pilot categories for the Clones? How could you possibly decide something like that when we haven't even tested them yet?"

"I didn't," Glando informed his astonished advisor, "The MOGGY computers ran a simulation, based on the results we've already obtained. What the report you hold doesn't show, is a direct correlation I've found between the Clones, the source of their 'Contamination', & how it should affect their abilities…"

Realisation swept over Fu2ok's face, "So… You think you can predict which Clones will have the best chances of piloting Unit Won? But how did you discover this in the first place?"

"When I ordered the Tank Clones to impersonate Rave#3, I chose Clones not rostered for duties in the near future. As we are testing in number order, lowest to highest, I chose those with high numbers. I couldn't use those with the highest numbers, as they were the most injured in the Lab incident."

Light glinted off of Glando's glasses, "That's when something occurred to me. Something that gave me the key to what you now hold in your hands. I realised that the Clones with the highest numbers, were most likely among the first to leave the tank… That explained the severity of their injuries. Those injuries occurred when other Clones ran into the leaders, & crushed the leaders against the lab infrastructure…"

"Hmmm…" Fu2ok followed Glando's reasoning.

"But…" Glando continued, "Although they were first out of the tank, they did not get 'low' numbers. Many people see numbering systems as being some sort of 'merit' system… Number One is always best, & so on. However… These test results show that the ability of the Clones to Pilot, has nothing to do with the 'number' they have…"

Fu2ok raised an eyebrow, commenting, "That's obvious."

Glando continued, "Based on information obtained from the Clones themselves, & from surveillance tapes of the incident, I formed a theory. A theory overwhelmingly supported by the test results so far. Look at the diagram on the last page…"

Fu2ok shuffled the papers, & found a printed diagram of three circles placed at the points of an irregular triangle. Each of the circles had a character in it, 'S', 'M', or 'R'. Irregular curved shapes were drawn around the circles, overlapping each other in several places. Within the curves were numerous three-digit numbers. Several of the three-digit numbers were in coloured ink.

Glando spoke, clarifying the significance of the diagram "As you know, there were three sources of possible mental contamination in the Doppelganger Lab incident. Shakey, Mazurka, & Ritzy. The numbers on that diagram, are those of the Clones themselves, placed according to where they were in the heap that resulted when they left the tank. The Clones with the best results so far, are closer to the 'three-way overlap' than are the others…"

"Yes," Fu2ok hissed, "It makes sense! If the Clones were contaminated from TLC assisted synaptic contact, they could receive contamination from all three of the non-Clone sources in the Lab! Even if each Clone did not receive the same levels of contamination from EACH of the sources!"

Fu2ok looked admiringly at the diagram, "So… We now have a means of identifying which Clones will give the best results! This will be a great help in testing!"

"Unfortunately…" Glando muttered sourly, "No, it won't…"

"What do you mean, No? This theory is backed up by valid data, isn't it?"

Glando sighed before answering, "Yes. But… Not all of the Clones know where they were during the incident, due to unconsciousness, or confusion caused by their injuries… Even if they know, they didn't stay in the same place. There's also a possibility of Secondary contamination from the Emergency Medical Teams…"

Fu2ok frowned at the implications, "Which means that that the injured Clones in the Hospital, will probably have the most mental contamination, & thus have the best chance of synchronising with Unit Won?"

"Perhaps," agreed Glando, "But as you said earlier, we haven't tested enough of them to be sure… And TLC does lose its… potency… at lower temperatures…"

Fu2ok grimaced, "Yes… The theory may be sound, & it may appear to be backed up by valid data… But this wasn't a controlled experiment… There are too many unknown variables, too many 'wild cards'…"

"Which means that we should look at conducting 'controlled' experiments…" Glando suggested.

Fu2ok looked warily at Glando, "What do you propose?"

"Clones with low scores, to be deliberately contaminated under controlled Lab conditions, from pure memory sources. To see if they can be… augmented…"

"A tall order. We don't have any memory sources 'pure' enough to use…"

"You're forgetting, we have the data cores from Units Null, Won & Too. As well as the base encoding blocks from the MOGGY computers themselves…"

Fu2ok nodded warily, "Yes… I hadn't considered them… They may work…"

"Then there's the education Major Kutsarug intends to give the Clones."

Fu2ok snorted in amused agreement, "That should REALLY change their mindsets…"

"As will any 'normal' socialisation Rave engages in," Glando insisted, pushing forward yet another folder, "To that end, I have another plan…"

Fu2ok picked the folder up, & began to read…

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

Chapter - Hidden Insight.

The NERVIS Base was a large multi-level maze that extended for miles beneath the surface of the earth. Because of its sheer size, there was a need for many more of the 'Rest Facilities', than the number of humans actually demanded.

The 'Rest Facilities' that dotted the base at predictable intervals, not only incorporated Toilets & Hand washing amenities, but were usually clustered together with Tea Rooms, First Aid rooms, & Emergency Assembly areas. Showers were another common option in the Rest Facilities, sometimes as dedicated hygiene facilities, but more often as 'emergency decontamination' systems in the First Aid rooms…

In one such amalgamated facility deep within the NERVIS Base, a single person was using the amenities as a temporary habitation…

Rave Imanonymous. Or rather, the third Rave Clone to play that role…

Rave#3 stood beside a makeshift bed, dressed in her usual school uniform. Dark rings under her eyes marred her normal appearance…

Glando Atari stood before Rave#3 in a casual pose, his hands in his pockets. His body language broadcast calm indifference, despite the way his hard gaze looked searchingly at Rave. For her part, Rave stood calmly under the scrutiny, as if unaware of the visual examination she was under.

Then Glando spoke, "How are you feeling?"

"Much better sir."

"Lieutenant Buttin told me you were fatigued," Glando's voice was tinged with concern, "I know these tests are important, but your good health is also important. You should have told someone if you were feeling the strain."

"I am sorry sir," Rave's head tilted downward, & she looked unhappy.

"It is not an adverse criticism against you," Glando amended, "You have given outstanding service in these tests. I for one, am proud of your performance."

Rave's head lifted, & her cheeks pinked slightly at the words of praise.

"However," Glando firmly intoned, "In future, I want you to advise the relevant personnel of any stress, strain or fatigue you feel. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir."

"Rave," Glando's voice took on an unusually gentle tone, "I think it best if you have a break from the testing schedule. Rest for a few days, & regain your health. You say you feel better, but I can still see the effects these tests have had on you."

Rave's head tilted lower.

Glando sighed, "Unfortunately, you'll have to stay down here. Don't worry, I'll have a real bed brought in… And an entertainment unit… Some books as well…"

Rave stood silently, her head bowed.

"Rave?" Glando looked intently at the girl, "Do you still… communicate… with the Others?"

"Yes sir."

"How often?"

Rave paused before answering, "It depends. If something important happens, we share the event among ourselves as it happens. If we are told to disperse any information, we do so. Otherwise, we talk at night."

"When you go to sleep?"

"Yes sir."

Glando quietly asked, "Do you ever talk about Shakey?"

Barely a heartbeat passed before a small voice answered, "…yes sir…"

"You all like Shakey, don't you?"

"…yes sir…" the small voice repeated.

"I too, was young once," Glando murmured softly.

"Some advice for you Rave," Glando said in a voice tinged with bitterness, "Don't let your emotions become a tool that can be used against you, or let your emotions affect your judgement. If you do, bad things will inevitably happen…"

Then Glando strode out of the room, leaving a puzzled Rave trying to figure out just what Glando's words were meant to say…

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

Chapter - Game Pawns.

That evening, the Clones had a visitor in their new home.

Glando Atari.

Glando stood in the Canteen area, quietly observing the Clones as they gathered.

"Are you all here?" Glando asked when no stragglers had joined the throng for several minutes.

"No Sir," the Clones answered in unison, "As per your orders, all of we healthy Clones have assembled here, apart from those following your other orders."

"Relay this meeting to all of the others… 'silently'…" Glando ordered, "None of you are to speak to any one else about the topics we will discuss here, unless I personally authorise it, face to face. Understood?"

"Yes Sir," the Clones chorused.

"Now," Glando got down to business, "Rave#3 will continue to stay in the Test Facility until further notice. Other Clones will continue to impersonate her at school. AVE Pilot Compatibility Testing will continue, as per Major Kutsarug's schedule. The schedule for Dorm Duties though, may have to be changed…"

The Clones' expression didn't change.

"The reason for the changes is three-fold. One, to allow Clones to impersonate Rave#3 at school. Two, to allow leeway in proposed training courses. Three, to allow more of you to attend school with Shakey…"

A subtle change swept through the assembled Clones at the mention of Shakey. Their faces were still impassive, but there was a spark of interest in them.

Glando continued, "Those attending school, will wear disguises… This is for security reasons. Clones not attending school as Rave#3, will impersonate a fictitious character. Each fictitious character, will only be impersonated by a particular group of Clones. You will take turns impersonating them, just as you are taking turns to impersonate Rave#3."

There was a noticeable change in the Clones attitude. They were looking intently at Glando now, hanging on every word.

Glando smirked slightly as he noticed the change in the Clones attitude.

"Funding is to be arranged for the purposes of disguising yourselves. The disguises in question, will include changing the colour & style of your hair, changing your skin colour with dyes, & the use of contact lenses to change your eye colour. At this point in time, there will NOT be any 'plastic surgery', although that is an option that may be considered in the future."

"These new characters that you will impersonate, will be given backgrounds, or 'personal histories', to create the illusion that your character is 'real'… I want those of you who participate in this, to learn the character off by heart. The lessons Major Kutsarug is planning to give you on Modern Society will help. However, you will also receive extra training by professionals…"

"Are there any questions?" Glando looked over the massed crowd.

"Yes Sir," one Clone asked, "Will we be able to choose which character we impersonate?"

"Not quite," Glando replied, "There are only so many characters to be created. If too many choose the same one, then it will create logistical difficulties. As it will if too few choose a particular character. Then there is the fact that only a few Clones can be part of the initial scheme."

Many of the Clones looked slightly crestfallen at the announcement.

Glando noticed, "You will not be playing a game. You will be part of a serious attempt to teach you how our Society works. I will assign your characters based partly on lottery, similar to how Major Kutsarug assigned your numbers. Don't worry, you will all get a chance eventually. Until then, you must study hard, & learn how to apply your lessons in the real world."

The Clones seemed satisfied with that.

So did Glando…

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

Chapter - Soliloquy.

The ruins of the Doppelganger Lab had been sealed off, but the detritus of the emergency, as well as its frantic aftermath, lay everywhere as no clean up crews had been sent in.

The investigation itself had not yet been officially concluded, but no one doubted that the lab itself would be written off. The estimated costs ruled out any attempt at repair & refurbishment…

…Even if there was the intention to repair it…

Abandoned by everyone, the corpse of the lab now had a visitor. A shadowy figure lurked in the gloom, a small torch providing a puddle of furtive light. Detritus crunched under foot as shadows flickered across the wreckage, the figure stopping at the cracked remnants of the tank wall. A hand idly touched the tank wall. Pieces broke off & scattered over the floor.

"…i'm sorry…" the words whispered into the still air.

"…i failed you…"

"…again…"

"…although most survived…"

"…many did not…"

"…i protected them…"

"…as long as i could…"

"…but now…"

"…the committee wants them…"

"…wants 'Rave'…"

The soft words faded into silence.

"…you know what that means…"

"…afterwards…"

"…they'll abandon her…"

"…throw her away…"

"…just as they do with everyone else…"

The silence returned for several moments, only to be broken by a deep sigh.

"…what chance have we got…?"

"…what chance did we ever have…?

"…what can i do…"

A pause.

"…no…"

"…i can't give up…"

"…i've come this far…"

"…even if I lose…"

"…I'll keep fighting…"

"…but…"

Another pause.

"…without you…"

"…i'm only one man…"

Silence fell again.

Long moments passed, & then the figure made its way out of the lab. It paused at the threshold to look back in the Lab, as if to make sure no trace of its sojourn remained. Straightening its posture, it turned to face the light in the corridor outside the Lab.

Then Glando Atari, 'Heartless B-----D in Charge', strode out into his domain…

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

Chapter - Traveller.

The NERVIS Base ran around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, everyday of the year. There were NO holidays for those caught up in the fight for Humanity's existence against the mysterious aliens.

But since Humans are only human, they couldn't work the endless hours demanded by the jobs in NERVIS. NERVIS workers HAD to take time off for the things their frail, imperfect bodies needed, things like food, sleep, & activities that provided mental relaxation…

Accordingly, working hours in NERVIS fell into one of four daily shifts of seven hours each. Each shift overlapped half an hour with the shifts on either side of it. In practice, those starting work were always briefed personally on any changes by workers form the previous shift. This enabled excellent communication between shifts, & allowed a smoother response in emergencies.

Which is why Fu2ok was leaving during the middle of one such shift, in the very early hours of the morning. There would be fewer eyes to see him leave, & fewer tongues to tell of it…

Fu2ok leant on a handrail, watching as flight crew performed final checks on a supersonic transport…

Glando walked up & casually rested a gloved hand on the handrail, "The cargo is loaded… There should be no complications during the flight."

"I certainly hope not," Fu2ok returned, "Still, it's what's at the other end that worries me…"

"There will be no problems there either," Glando quietly reassured, "All of the personnel involved are trustworthy, & have been fully briefed. They know what to expect…"

Fu2ok drew a deep breath.

"Here," Glando handed over a small oblong box, "You may want to review this while travelling…"

Fu2ok gingerly took the parcel, "Is it the same as the others?"

"Identical," Glando murmured in confirmation, "For all practical purposes… Don't worry, spares are also being carried…"

"If this works…" Fu2ok muttered, "Things will change completely…"

"Yes," Glando conceded, "If things go as anticipated, we will implement the new schedule immediately. If not…"

"We go with what we've been given…" Fu2ok muttered sourly, "Some choice…"

The pair fell silent, watching as the Transport taxied across the runway.

Glando suddenly spoke, "You do realise, that from here on out, there can be no direct communication between us? We both must follow the timetable, exactly?"

"I understand," Fu2ok clenched his jaw, "Too much possibility of 'certain people' finding out I'm not at home…"

"I have prepared a cover story for you, should the need arise…"

"Oh? What?"

Glando wore a slight smile on his face, "You've been working rather hard lately. In the interests of your continuing good health, I deemed it advisable for you to take a break… A holiday, if you will…"

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

The END of Book 8 of 'Altered Lives'

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

OMAKE - Scan.

"Rave," Glando finally ordered in low & measured tones, "Acquire the sequins…"

"Yes Sir," Rave#3 opened her mind to whatever her sister Clones might want to tell her…

…Right before she started giggling uncontrollably…

"CUT!" yelled the Fan Fiction Writer, knowing that once Rave had the 'giggles', it'd be a good five minutes before she was able to continue…

May's lip trembled, & then she burst out laughing.

"…erm… sorry…" mumbled Glando, going a rather embarrassed shade of pink as he realised he'd just stuffed up his lines, "Can we do that bit again?"

"Do you want me to acquire some beads as well?" Rave jokingly asked, once she was back under some sort of control, "How about embroidery?"

The Fan Fiction Writer hopes this OMAKE proves that writing Fan Fictions, is no different to making movies… Characters STILL flub their lines…

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

OMAKE - Breakfast #1.

"Shakey?" Mazurka admonished in mock-sternness, "You let this poor girl do all the work of preparing breakfast for us?"

Shakey felt his cheeks grow warmer, "Yeah well… I thought it was a dream…"

"Oh?" Mazurka grinned as she leant towards her favourite victim, "You often dream about Rave cooking for you?"

Shakey went red, & choked on the mouthful he was chewing. Rave went slightly pink, but ate her food in silence.

"What about me?" Mazurka teasingly inquired, "You ever dream about me cooking for you?"

Shakey went deathly pale, he did INDEED dream about Mazurka's cooking, although 'dream' is not the right word for the occasions in question…

Shakey gulped down the rest of his food, then announced, "I've got to get ready for school! Thanks for breakfast Rave!" He quickly scuttled off to his room, & away from any further comments Mazurka might make…

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

OMAKE - Breakfast #2.

"Mazurka," Rave waited until Shakey was safely behind his closed door, "There are some things I need to talk about…"

"Shoot!" Mazurka magnanimously ordered as she grabbed another beer.

Rave suddenly rolled sideways, coming up in a combat crouch with her gun drawn & its laser sight sweeping the apartment for potential targets…

Mazurka sighed, "I meant, you can 'shoot' your questions at me…"

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

OMAKE - Meetings #1.

Natsumi sidled up to Rave, & began to indulge in the usual 'Girls Talk' that schoolgirls always have with their friends, "…and I said to her, any drongo could see she had Buckley's with that subbie ever being her other half… I mean, Blind Freddy could see that the way he tools around on his sickle, you just know the Galah's a temporary citizen… And didn't she cut loose at me!"

Rave remained politely silent for the most part, taking notes, & trying to hide the fact she didn't know what the H--L Natsumi was talking about…

The Fan Fiction Writer decided he'd better translate the above Australian or 'Strine' dialect dialogue into standard English…

"…and I said to her, any idiot could see she had no chance with that building sub-contractor ever being her husband… I mean, you don't need eyes to see that the way he rides around on his motorbike, you just know the idiot's going to have an accident & die soon… And didn't she get angry & swear at me!"

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

OMAKE - Meetings #2.

"I need some advice," Rave asked.

This frank admission stunned the other girls into fascinated silence. When the other girls didn't answer, Rave pressed on with, "How do I make a boy notice me? You know, stake my claim on his heart? Twist him around my little finger? Turn him into my love-slave?"

That broke the ice!

"So… Shakey," a bewildered Kantsee asked his equally bewildered friend, "You were saying she's definitely NOT the girl I thought she was?"

Shakey didn't know what to say, although his patented 'Vague Feeling of Impending Doom' did make him wonder, 'I have **GOT** to find out what sort of 'advice' Mazurka is filling Rave's head up with…'

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

OMAKE - Kindly Concern.

"But…" Mayi protested, "I don't really know her that well… I don't know if she'd accept if I offered her a lift, & I don't want to embarrass her… "

Moccona raised an eyebrow, "Let me get this straight… You've already given Rave numerous 'full' medical examinations… Yet you're worried you might embarrass her, just by offering her a lift?"

"Mayi…" Moccona dropped his voice to a whisper, "Are you uneasy with how she's 'different' to the rest of us?"

"That's not it at all!" retorted Mayi…

The truth is, Mayi was SERIOUSLY concerned that Rave might get the wrong idea if Mayi offered the blue-haired girl a lift home. Especially since Mayi was a long standing member of the 'Asphalt Amazons' Bikie Gang, & often rode her Nitro-Burning, Harley Drag Trike to work…

The Fan-Fiction Writer wishes to state for the record, that the previous paragraph SUGGESTS NOTHING WHATSOEVER about Mayi's… *cough* *cough* 'Dating Preferences'… After all, the majority of Male Bikies AREN'T Gay…

…Although the same can't be said for the majority of Males patronising the favourite Bar of the 'Asphalt Amazons'… The Gay Bar, 'Thor's Purple Helmet'…

NOTE - 'Thor's Purple Helmet', the oft-mentioned-but-rarely-seen Gay Bar in this Parody. Bar is owned by the Ultra-Macho 'Thor', a six-foot something sack of tanned muscles, blue eyes & (naturally) blonde hair. The bar itself is immediately recognisable for its logo - that of a World War 2 Nazi helmet painted purple, with white wings attached. The Bar serves a variety of drinks, from Hard Drinking straight alcohol, to Effeminate designer cocktails. The Bar is well-known for the quality of its meals, & as a venue for live bands.

…I should mention, not ALL of the males patronising 'Thor's Purple Helmet' are 'Gay'. Most are 'Bi'… And since the majority of the males there AREN'T the sort who'd give women a hard time, but are more likely to be 'charming, sensitive & caring'… …And might be 'Bi' to boot…

…The 'Asphalt Amazons' use it as a 'cruising' ground…

NOTE#1 Bikies in Japan - The Japanese Government estimated in the 1980's that some 42,500 youths were members in over seven hundred gangs across the nation. Known collectively as 'Zoku' (Tribes), Bosozoku (Reckless Driving Tribes, or Speed tribes) were usually Motorcycle gangs, or rich boys with cars customised into hoon mobiles. While most members were teenagers going through their 'Rebels Without A Cause' years, many gang members had more sinister motivations.

Note#2 - Owning a car in Japan. Major headache, not only do you have the usual problems of paying for the car, maintaining it, fuelling it etc, but you also have the problem of GARAGING it, & for that matter, finding a parking space for it in the crowded cities. Since motorbikes are more accessible/affordable for the average Japanese consumer, they tend to appear in popular Anime/Manga, often associated with the Main Character (Bubblegum Crisis, MegaZone 23, GTO, etc).

NOTE#3 - Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO). In this popular Anime/Manga story, a bike gang member decides to 'go straight' & become a School Teacher. In NGE, it is established Canon that Gendou has been 'in trouble with the law', & that he has an 'unsavoury' past. Could Gendou have been a 'Bosozoku' in his younger years? For that matter, could any of the other characters in NGE?

NOTE#4 - Acceptance of Homosexuality in Japan. 'Gay Bashing', or physically assaulting someone just because of his or her sexual preferences is relatively unknown in Japan. Traditionally, Homosexuality was openly accepted in Japan, rather than ignored, or persecuted as in Western Nations. Medieval Samurai thought it 'unmanly' to have sex with a woman at all, & preferred to have sex with other Samurai, or with those they considered 'Real Men'. In Contemporary Japan, a person still faces more censure for being 'indiscrete' when having a sexual escapade, rather than for having a sexual escapade in the first place.

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

OMAKE - Obligatory Shower Scene…

Rave#3 suddenly stopped in mid-disrobe, the open neck of her SnugSuit draped around her shoulders. Slowly, Rave#3 turned her head. The others followed suit, their combined gazes coming to rest on a Fat, Hairy, Hakujin (White Person or Caucasian, & thus a Foreigner) who was sitting on one of the benches, furiously scribbling notes in a spiral bound notepad.

All three Clones blinked in unison.

"Hmmm?" the Fan Fiction Writer was suddenly aware that the temperature of the room had fallen by several degrees (Celsius). He looked up, & began sweating as he saw how the Clones were looking at him. He smiled nervously back at them, adding the explanation, "Hey, don't mind me! I'm just taking some story notes!"

…The door of the shower block was suddenly torn off its hinges by the screaming lump of biomass that splattered against the hallway wall outside…

"…uurrhhhgggg!" gurgled the Fan Fiction Writer, his severely bruised anatomy peeling slowly off the hallway wall with a squelching noise…

"We will take notes for you," Clone#12 calmly said, trying to fit the remains of the severely dented door back in the doorway.

"Yes," confirmed Clone #13, "That way there won't be any unnecessary or extraneous information that might distract your readers…"

…Which is why the Main scene has a "Zero Degrees H" Hentai (Pervert) rating…

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

OMAKE - Statistics.

Fu2ok sighed, "All right… Tell me what you've gone & planned behind my back…"

"Professor," Glando said in hurt tones, "You wound me… I've done nothing of the sort… Major Kutsarug is the one responsible this time…"

"M-Major Kutsarug?" Fu2ok's jaw dropped open in shock.

"Look at this & tell me what you think," Glando handed a folder over.

Fu2ok took the folder & read silently. As he read, various emotions tinted his face. Surprise, Intrigue, Humour… Eventually, he finished reading.

Fu2ok stared at a particular page, "Well… If I'd known you were into this sort of thing…" He gave Glando a saucy wink, & blew the bearded man a kiss…

"Err…" Glando sweat-dropped, "W-What are you talking about?"

Fu2ok opened the folder to reveal it was full of pictures of 'Real Men, STUDLY MEN, Doing Manly Things… With/To Other Men…'

"How the H--L did THAT get in there?" screamed Glando.

"Oh don't play innocent," Fu2ok oh-so-playfully teased, "You were the one who told me to 'Look at His'…"

"I said 'Look at THIS'…" Glando insisted, "Ah… I mean! I don't know HOW those pictures got in there instead of… FU2OK! Stop drooling over the pictures like that! It's Scary!"

"But he's GORGEOUS!" Fu2ok simpered, "JUST like the Hunky bartender who served me the last time I was at 'Thor's Purple Helmet'…"

Fu2ok suddenly gave Glando a GOOD 'Looking Over' before purring suggestively, "Still, if you'd rather I drooled over you…?"

Elsewhere, Mazurka was rummaging through her desk, desperately trying to find the set of… *cough* *cough*… 'Art Prints'… that Mayi had lent her the other day…

NOTE - Homo Erotic Material in Japan. Quite a bit of it, & NOT just for Men who like other Men… Women in Japan are MAJOR purchasers, especially of Anime/Manga (Cartoons/Comic books) & Doujinshi (Fan made publications). 'Shounen Ai' or 'Boys Love' usually refers to the developing feelings of Teenagers, while more 'physical' relationships are covered under the terms 'Yaoi', or 'June'. The commonness of such material, is due to Traditional acceptance of Homosexuality, & the 'non-judgemental' approach Asian Religions have to Sex in general.

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

OMAKE - Rooftop.

"As Shakey said," Rave quietly replied, "I'm not the girl you thought you knew…"

"Oh? So just who are you then?" Kantsee half-jokingly enquired.

Rave paused, considering the question seriously before answering as honestly as she could, "Just somebody that looks like her…"

"Jih-Just some BODY that looks like her…??" Kantsee repeated Rave's words, turning white as a sheet as he did so. He suddenly jumped up & ran away screaming, "The Body Snatchers are here! The Body Snatchers are here!" His screams faded into the distance…

"Oops," the Clone murmured, realising she may have made another mistake…

NOTE - The above OMAKE is based on a question that has long plagued Fans of the show… If Rave's memories are imprinted on multiple bodies, is it a case of 'Body Snatching', or a case of 'Mind Snatching'?

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

OMAKE - Afternoon #1.

Inside the shop, Rave looked at the range of flavours…

The range was not vast, but it did make Rave pause. The list ran something like, Banana, Caramel, Chocolate, Coconut, Pineapple, Strawberry, Vanilla.

Rave looked at the list again, & made a decision…

"Please?" Rave asked the Shop Keeper, "May I have three Malted Milkshakes?"

"Sure," returned the Shop Keeper, "What flavours?"

"All of them," Rave replied.

The shop-keeper was puzzled, "All of them? But you only want three Malts, & there are seven flavours?"

Rave shrugged, "Just put all seven flavours in the same drink."

The Shop Keeper sweat-dropped, "Err… Are you sure about that? Most people normally only have one flavour per Malt…"

"Hey," Rave quipped, "When a person with blue hair & red eyes comes into your store, 'normal' has already gone out the window…"

The Shop Keeper couldn't argue with that…

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

OMAKE - Muddying the Waters.

So, it was from a purely practical need, & not from any sort of pampered Executive Ego, that there was an Ensuite attached to Glando's office. As well as a Kitchenette, a bunk in a storage room, a compact laundry, & numerous telecommunication lines…

…Or at least, that was what Glando told anyone who'd listen…

The truth was MUCH different…

Glando, stingy penny pinching B-----D that he was, didn't actually HAVE an apartment of his own. He just used his office to live & work in.

This explained why Glando's apartment was never shown in either the Anime or Manga TV series. It also explained why Glando was able to 'stalk' the corridors of the NERVIS Base as often as he did. When you actually DO live at your workplace, you can much more easily make it look as if you 'live' there…

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

OMAKE - Hidden Insight.

Rave's head tilted lower.

Glando sighed, "Unfortunately, you'll have to stay down here. Don't worry, I'll have a real bed brought in… And an entertainment unit… Some books as well…"

Rave stood silently, her head bowed.

"And…" Glando paused, searching for the right words, "…Oh I don't know, just SOMETHING to liven this drab place up! Give it a little 'Joie de Vivre' dear girl… Some nice Lace curtains perhaps? A Deep Pile carpet?"

Glando minced around the cramped quarters, one hand on his hip, the other thoughtfully holding the chin beneath his delicately pursed lips.

A 'sensitive sigh' escaped Glando as once again, the Commander of the NERVIS Base gave in to his latent 'Interior Decorator' tendencies…

Rave stood silently, her head bowed in prayer to whatever Patron Saint looked after Clones, 'Please! Don't let him use the Gold Lame wallpaper again… Or the Leopard skin Linoleum Floor covering… Or the fluffy toilet seat cover in Fluorescent Mauve with matching toilet brush… Or the…'

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

OMAKE - Game Pawns.

Glando smirked slightly as he noticed the change in the Clones attitude.

The Clones seemed satisfied with that.

So did Glando…

'Heh, Heh!' Glando thought, 'Merchandising wise, this should be a NICE little earner! We'll easily convince the Lovelorn Fanboy Retards to 'collect the set' of the new characters' Trading Cards, Dolls, Posters, Body-Pillows, etc…'

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

OMAKE - Soliloquy #1.

The soft words faded into silence.

"…you know what that means…"

"…afterwards…"

"…they'll abandon her…"

"…throw her away…"

"…just as they do with everyone else…"

The silence returned.

And remained firmly in place…

Eventually someone whispered, "Psst! Have you forgotten your lines again?"

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

OMAKE - Soliloquy #2.

Then Glando Atari, 'Heartless B-----D in Charge', strode out into his domain…

…Or rather, fell over on his A--E, as he slipped on some debris…

"CUT!" Yelled the Fan Fiction Writer…

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