Fragmented Lives The Parody Pieces

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... Pieces, scenes, vignettes & experimental writings using characters from NGE & the Altered Lives storyline.

25. 24 Babes in the Wood

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Fragmented Lives (The Parody Pieces)

"Babes in the Wood"

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Copyright Info and Disclaimer.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" is Copyright (c) 2003 by Gainax.  All OTHER material is Copyright (c) 2003 their owners.  All materials used for PARODY purposes.

"Altered Lives (The Parody)" and "Fragmented Lives (The Parody Pieces)" are Copyright (c) 2003 by DBM.  This work is an Amateur, Non-Commercial work by an Anime/Manga Fan.  This work was created in the Spirit of the Copyright Exemptions regarding Parodies and Satire.

If you like my work, 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 and 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 and 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 and side effects of such activities.  Along the way, there'll be swearing, violence, drugs, Adult situations, and frank discussions of sex education/family planning information, as well as thoughts and opinions on the morals and ethics of sexual assault, dating, courtship, marriage, alternate sexualities, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, Family Values, etc.

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Fandom Alerts and 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 and Anime TV/Movies).

' ' denotes thoughts.

" " denotes speech.

* * denotes emphasis, or electronic communication.

denotes other method of communication.

--- denotes letters deleted for censorship reasons.

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Author's Ramblings - Happens immediately after 'ConJob'.

You want some Foreshadowing?

"On the run for something he didn't do, Shakey Atari tries to relax, unaware that a Squad of Trained Killers is zeroing in on his location…"

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Fragment - Burden.

The fire crackled, casting off sparks which soared briefly in the warm updraft, expiring before reaching the starry night sky above.  The flames cast their flickering light into the small forest clearing, creating dancing shadows.

Shakey Atari sighed in contentment, as he sat on the forest floor, and leaned back against a convenient fallen log.

His good friend Kantsee, had really helped him out this time.  Not only had he loaned Shakey some camping gear, he'd also told him exactly where to go.

This part of the 'Reforestation Project' was still under development, and was to open for Public use as a camping ground in another three months.

By then, it would have a paved road leading to it, as well as 'Town' water and sewerage for the 'rest rooms', a playground, barbecue pits, and a kiosk.

All that was still in the future.  The only signs of such impending change, were the brightly coloured surveyors markers, which dotted the area.

At the moment, it was still 'real' forest.  Which meant that crickets chirped, owls hooted, and a thousand unseen creatures rustled through the dark night…

…And there were no spy cameras, and no way, that Shakey had to worry about Aesir finding him, and giving him a hard time…

Shakey sighed in contentment.  For the moment, Life was Good.

His grumbling stomach though, reminded him that Life, could be 'better', namely by having something to eat.  'Why not?' thought Shakey, 'I've got the fire…  I've got the time…  I've got the Marshmallows!'

Shakey turned aside and rummaged through the backpack Kantsee loaned him, turning up not only a large pack of Marshmallows, but a steel toasting fork as well.

He turned back to the fire, only to shriek in sudden surprise as he found his view blocked by a body in green cloth.

Shakey's battle reflexes kicked in, and he scuttled over his log 'backrest' at amazing speed.  His hand groped for the handgun Kantsee had ALSO loaned him.

Kantsee had urged Shakey to take some form of 'protection', because as he put it, "Bears do lots of things in the woods, one of them is MAUL campers…"

To which, Shakey had replied, "Kantsee…  There AREN'T any bears in OUR woods…"

To which Kantsee had lifted an eyebrow and countered, "**WE'VE** had WORSE!"

Shakey had realised the truth in Kantsee's words, and had grudgingly accepted a handgun from his friend.  He'd kept it in the backpack until he was out in the 'wild', where he'd tucked it in his waistband, in the small of his back.

Shakey's hand came up, his loaded gun drawing a bead on…

…A Rave Clone?  Dressed in some kind of jungle green 'Ninja' Outfit?  The lack of a mask or hood, threw Shakey, but the split-toed 'Tabi' boots decided it…

Shakey understood how a trained person, under cover of darkness and in the 'camouflage' of a green outfit, could blend in with the forest, literally, 'becoming one with it', and sneak up on another…

He didn't understand how the same person could do THAT if they had blue hair, and skin so pale they practically 'glowed' in the dark…

'Lets' see,' he thought, securing the gun, and trying to figure out which Clone it was.  'Blue hair, shoulder length Pony Tail, braided 'Ear Tails', Red eyes, no tan…' his mind quickly ran over the possibilities.

"Sorako?  Is that YOU?" he finally asked.

The Rave Clone, known as Sorako, inclined her head and smiled slightly, "I see no small detail can escape the all-knowing gaze of my amazingly brilliant big brother," she teased.

"What are you doing out in the forest?"  Shakey asked, clearly bewildered.

The smile vanished from Sorako's face, "I should be asking YOU that question, Shakey.  Especially since we came out here looking for you."

Shakey sighed deeply in resignation.  He knew it had been too good to last…  "That's a long story…"

"That's all right," Sorako replied, stepping around the log, and offering her hand to help Shakey up, "I've got two ears, and nothing else to do tonight…"

Shakey silently took the offered hand, and got up, seating himself back in the spot he'd been in…

"Please Shakey," asked Sorako, concern for him showing in her voice and face, "Tell me why you ran away tonight.  Did we say or do something wrong?"

"Did…???"  Shakey almost choked as he recalled the current reason he was 'living rough', was that Aesir would be making his life much 'rougher' if he was still at Mazurka's, and it was all due to the Clones innocent recital of an old event that Shakey thought was long gone and forgotten…

He took several deep breaths, as he reminded himself that the Clones didn't KNOW how such things could affect others…

Sorako waited patiently for her 'brother' to speak…

"Tell me," Shakey began, "Has Aesir calmed down yet?  Is it safe for me to go back to Mazurka's, or should I stay out here awhile longer?"

"Yes, Aesir has calmed down.  Yes, it is 'safe' for you to return to Mazurka's.  No, You should NOT stay out here any longer…  There are CRAWLY things out here…"

Shakey couldn't believe it.  He was sure Aesir would have stayed mad at him much longer than the few hours he'd been away.  A few days certainly…

"Aesir's calmed down?" he asked, not quite believing his ears…  After all, this was Aesir they were talking about…

"Yes," confirmed Sorako, "She is no longer angry over losing her brooch."

"HER BROOCH???" Shakey exclaimed in shock, "Then she wasn't angry at ME???"

"No," replied the puzzled Clone, "Why should she be angry at you?"

"…"  Shakey's brain was working overtime trying to sort things out…

"Shakey?" asked Sorako, "I answered your questions, will you answer mine?"

Shakey gave a deep breath and LOOKED Sorako in the eyes.  "Only if ALL of you promise *NOT* to tell *ANYONE* else!  NOT Mazurka, NOT Aesir, **NO-ONE** else!!"

Sorako was taken aback at the intensity with which he made his request.  This was not like Shakey!  "We Promise," she meekly affirmed.

"Is this area 'secure'?" asked Shakey warily, "Are we alone out here?"

"Yes.  We are the only ones out here," replied Sorako, not bothering to clarify that the 'we' part included a dozen or so other Clones in the area…

"All right then," began Shakey, "The reason I ran away, was because I thought Aesir was mad at me, because…" he paused to gather himself, "I thought she'd found out what 'happened' when I delivered Rave's I.D. Card **THAT** time…"

Sorako was silent, waiting for Shakey to continue.  When he didn't she spoke quietly, "I do not understand…"

Shakey sighed, he thought she might not 'get it', "Do you remember what happened after Rave came out of the shower, surprised me, and I tripped?"

Sorako nodded, "Yes, we both fell to the floor."

"Do you remember the position we were in at the time, on the floor?"

"Yes, you were on top, we were underneath…"

"Do you remember where my hands were?"

Sorako blushed slightly as she remembered.  She lowered her gaze demurely.

Shakey noted the change, "Knowing Aesir as WELL as you now do, WHAT do you think her reaction would be if she found out?"  He didn't wait for her to answer, deciding to 'spell it out' for her, just in case she didn't 'get it'.

"Aesir would think I did it DELIBERATELY.  She's often called me a pervert, even though I've done NOTHING.  **I** think she'd get VERY angry at me," he stated.

"…i… see…" said Sorako, in a small voice.

"When you talked to me in my room, I thought you might have told Aesir and Mazurka about the incident, and that was why Aesir was so upset.  THAT'S why I ran away," he paused for effect, "Sorako, could all you Clones PLEASE do me a BIG favour?"

Sorako nodded silently at Shakey, a worried look on her face.

"Could you **PLEASE**…  Keep information about that incident 'quiet'?  If either Mazurka, or Aesir EVER found out about it, I'd get nothing but grief over it…"

"We cannot do that," replied Sorako, looking away from Shakey.

"Wh-Why not?" asked Shakey, feeling an icy premonition of doom…

"Because they already know about it."

"Ohhhh Noooo!!!" groaned Shakey, putting his head in his hands, "Since WHEN?"

"Mazurka found out about it on the day it happened, and Aesir found out from Mazurka soon after she first arrived in the City"."

Shakey stared at Sorako in shock.  They'd KNOWN?  ALL these YEARS?

"I think that's why Aesir STARTED calling you a pervert…" finished Sorako.

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Fragment - Comparisons.

Shakey rested his head on his knees.  His body started convulsing.

"Shakey?" asked Sorako in alarm, "Are you all right?"

Then he started laughing, small chuckles at first, growing into full-throated roars of laughter.  He settled down after a minute, wiping tears from his eyes…

"Ah-All thi-this time…" he gasped, "Hi-I've been wuh-worrying… they'd f-find out…  N-now I know, they knew ALLLL alonnnggg…" he had a huge grin on his face.

He suddenly reached over and grabbed Sorako into a fierce 'bear hug'.  "THANK YOU!!" he cried into the surprised Clones shoulder.

"Why?" replied the puzzled Clone, who didn't know what she or the other Clones had done, to earn such heartfelt praise.

"Because all this time, I've been worried that they'd find out and I'd get in trouble over it…" clarified Shakey

"Why should you get in trouble for it?  It WAS an accident…"

"Because a lot of people wouldn't even BOTHER with that fact, they'd just go straight ahead and brand me as some sort of pervert…"

Sorako was silent as she thought about this.

"I do not deserve your thanks," she said shortly, "We told others, not knowing that you might be hurt by the release of this information.  I am sorry."

"Ah, don't worry about it!" smiled Shakey, feeling wonderfully benevolent and merciful, now that such a weight had lifted from his soul.

Sorako looked at his happy face and wondered.  "Shakey?  Has this been such a burden to you all this time?"

"Hmmm.  Ah, I wouldn't say a 'burden'…  It's just something that I didn't want as common knowledge.  It sort of balanced out anyway…"

"Balanced out?"

"Yeah.  I WAS worried about how people might think if they knew, but at least I had the knowledge that you didn't hate me for it.  A lot of other girls would have given me nothing but grief over something like that, but you didn't."

"You didn't hold it against me.  You didn't try to 'use' it against me…  you never tried to make trouble for me over it.  That's one of the reasons why I accepted all of you, as much as I did.  To me, you were all the same as Rave."

Sorako understood.  Rave#2 had 'strong feelings' for Shakey.  The other Clones had inherited her feelings, along with her memories.

They now had 'strong feelings' for Shakey for their OWN reasons, and not just because they were a bunch of lonely 'lab rats' responding to the first person to genuinely care for them.

For his part, Shakey had liked Rave#2.  Being the 'shy boy' he was, he'd never thought it could go further than being 'good workmates'.

That had changed after he'd learned of the Clones' 'blood kinship' to him.  He had surprised ALL of them, by wanting them as 'family', as 'sisters'…  Since then, he'd 'been there' for them.  As a friend, 'brother', and supporter.

The Clones loved him for it.  That was why the Clones went looking for Shakey.  They were worried about him.

"Not only that," he mused, "You were one of the few people who didn't get upset when I fouled up.  You forgot my mistakes, instead of harping on about them."

Shakey fell silent, staring into the flames for a few moments, "I thought you acted SO cool about it," he finally said, "So grown up and mature.  It wasn't until later that I realised how 'innocent' you really were."

He turned to look at Sorako beside him.  She blinked in response.

He continued, "I only figured it out, when Rave beat up those jerks at school.  You know, the ones who tried 'pickup lines', and got angry when they didn't work?"

Sorako nodded, they remembered.

Shakey sighed, "You didn't know what something like the 'I.D. Card incident' could DO to a person's reputation, did you?"

"You are correct," confirmed Sorako, "We did not understand what had happened, or what we should feel or do about it.  So we asked Dr Akatlover."

"She asked us many questions, in a rather serious tone of voice.  We did not understand her attitude, or her advice at the time, but we do now…"

"What advice did she give you?" asked Shakey, curious to know.

"She said, 'It was just a little mishap', but that if it happened again, or if anything else should happen, or if we had any other questions, we should see her privately.  She said we should not bother telling anyone else about it."

Shakey shuddered, what would have happened if his Father had found out?

"We also asked her about the advice you gave us to smile…"

"What did she say?"

"That it was good advice," Sorako murmured, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

Shakey smiled at her, "That was partly why I agreed to help Mazurka teach you about how the world works.  I'd realised that you were 'babes in the wood, surrounded by hungry wolves' so to speak…"

"And we thank you for it," said Sorako, reaching out and gently squeezing his shoulder for emphasis.

"That's okay, I enjoyed helping out, even if I did get embarrassed at times."

"We are sorry for any trouble we caused you…"

"You?  Trouble?  HAH!  After living with Aesir, YOU were a welcome relief.  If you want to know about 'trouble' try living with HER!  I swear, there are times I just don't KNOW what she wants from me!"

"I thought she wants you as a boyfriend?"

"I'm not sure if she really wants that.  I wouldn't really know what to do if she DID.  Sometimes I think she's after a 'crutch', to help her 'make-believe' that her problems don't exist.  I DON'T want to become a replacement for Cagey…"

Sorako looked blankly at him.

"You know, Cagey?  Mazurka's old boyfriend?  The man Aesir had a 'crush' on, a few years ago?"

"Was that a 'crush'?"

"Oh YEAH!" said Shakey, rolling his eyes for emphasis, "Was that EVER a 'crush'…  TOTALLY 'obsessive'!  Always comparing 'other males' to him, trying to make-believe that someday they'd be together, and everything would be right…"

"…"  Sorako sat quietly, staring thoughtfully into the distance.

Shakey was lost in his own thoughts, and didn't notice the change in Sorako's attitude.  He went on, "I'd like to help Aesir, she is my friend after all.  But, being her 'boyfriend'?  I'm really not sure I could do that.  I worry that if either of us gets too close, I'll screw up, and make things WORSE for her."

Sorako was confused, "Why do you think you'd make things worse?"  After all, the Clones had no complaints about Shakey's treatment of them…

"Everyday Experience!  All my life I've failed to meet the expectations of other people.  When I screwed-up, they'd waste no time in telling me so!"

"I've lost track of the number of times, I've been put down, laughed at, and generally dismissed as useless…  If I hadn't been an AVE pilot, I wouldn't get ANY respect at all…"

"I'm only sixteen for crying out loud!  I don't KNOW how I'm supposed to act half the time, and I CAN'T read minds, so why do others get upset when I don't act in the way they never told me I'm SUPPOSED to act?"

Sorako sympathised with Shakey on that point.  Many times the Clones had felt like that themselves.  Although, usually for different reasons.

Shakey calmed down a bit, "Although Aesir has been more 'tolerant' the last year or so…  She doesn't hit me so much, and it doesn't hurt as much when she does…"

He smirked, "Maybe I'm growing an E.T. Field of my own…  Whaddaya think 'sis', could it 'run' in our 'family'?"

Sorako ignored his joke, "Don't you want to be her boyfriend?"

Shakey looked at the ground, suddenly serious, "I just don't KNOW…  The thought of me being the 'man' for her, doesn't seem right.  Our personalities are so different…  I can't believe she'd be happy with a guy like me."

"There's always some 'little thing' I do wrong, or fail to do properly, and it sets her off…  No matter what I do, or how hard I try, I never seem to be good enough for her…  Perhaps she's right, and I am just a hopeless wimp…"

"You are NOT a hopeless wimp," protested Sorako, rising to Shakey's defence.

Shakey smiled ruefully, "You may not have noticed, but when I'm not 'wearing' an AVE, I'm NOT very 'Macho'… And I haven't 'worn' an AVE for quite some time…"

"There is more to being a 'Man' than being 'Macho'…"

"Oh?"  Shakey arched an eyebrow, "Such as?"

"Being caring, kind, honest, loyal, brave, humble, helpful, a friend…"

"Talking about your OWN ideal boyfriend, Hmmmm?"

Sorako's face went a delicate shade of pink.

"Although, that's NOT a bad set of things to look for in a guy.  Have you found anyone like that yet?"

Sorako nodded shyly.

"Ah-HA!"  Shakey exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger, and leering like Mazurka did when she'd 'gotten the goods' on someone.  He decided to do the 'Sibling' thing and clown around with his sister's 'love life'…

"Do I hear 'Wedding Bells'?  Sniff, SOB!  My little sisters are All Grown Up!  Don't let HIM get away my dears!  A man like that is hard to find!  TRUST me on this, I'm a guy myself, and I KNOW what men are like!  …Who is it by the way?"

"Actually," said Sorako, looking at the ground, "I was talking about you."

"…"  Now it was Shakey's turn to blush and be silent…

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Fragment - Offers.

For quite a while, the only noises were the night sounds of the forest, and the crackle of the fire.

Sorako thought over what Shakey had just said.  It confirmed a lot of what the Clones had guessed over the years.  Shakey was insecure.  He wanted to be liked and accepted by others, but was afraid of fouling up and making others dislike him.

…And as for how Shakey defined a 'crush'…  He wasn't the only one blushing.

Sorako eased the silence with her soft voice, "You really don't know how other people see or think about you, do you?"

Shakey mumbled incoherently, not meeting her gaze, embarrassed that another person, any person, would think favourably about him, in that way.

"Would you like to know how we Clones think, and feel about you?"

Shakey looked at her and smiled bashfully, "I think I already do…"

"Do you really?  Would you be willing to put that to the test?"

Shakey was puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"Would you let us 'synchronise' with your mind?"

"Ah…"  Shakey was caught off guard, a Human synchronising with a Clone was a much more serious matter than a Human synchronising with an AVE.  As far as he knew, the Clones had only done it a few times, and even then, only in emergencies.

"Ah…  That… won't… be necessary…  I'll… take your word for it…"

"Why not?  The process will not harm you."

"Yeah…  But…"

"Are you afraid we will know all your secrets?"

Shakey's troubled expression said it all…  He knew the Clones would see his memories…  All of them…  And that had him really worried…

Shakey loved the Clones as a brother would.  He'd trust them with his life…  Or even trade his life for theirs…  But that didn't mean he liked the thought of any other person 'knowing' everything that was stored in his mind…

No one else would either…  Especially if the person were a teenage boy going through the time of life, in which they constantly questioned their own personal worth and personal values…

…And had started to 'notice' girls…  Shakey really wasn't too sure about others seeing his… err… 'thoughts'… about that!  Especially not a group of girls…

He wasn't too 'happy' with some of his own thoughts, himself…  Nor about his self-perceived 'unattractiveness', or his woeful 'lack of experience'…

He tried to avoid the 'brag' sessions, the other teenage boys engaged in.  He hoped none of the other guys noticed how quiet he was about some subjects.  But he was too honest to make up lies to compensate for his 'lack of experience'…

Besides, the Clones might ask Mazurka to explain something they'd seen in his mind…  Or, God forbid!  Ask Aesir instead!!

Something like that would be more embarrassing than if Mazurka found out about his stash of 'Men's' magazines…  Or those 'Art' videos he'd rented…

In short…  Just like any other 'normal' teenage boy, who was 'growing up'…  Shakey had a serious self-image problem…

The Clones had waited patiently for Shakey to answer.  When he didn't they wondered why.  Unfortunately, they could jump to conclusions too…

"Or are you afraid you'll know all OUR secrets?" murmured Sorako.

"I already know all your 'Dark' secrets," Shakey jokingly replied.

"Shakey," began Sorako quietly, "We have some little surprises for you…"

Shakey started to sweat nervously.  He knew what that phrase meant!  'Little' was always an understatement.

"There are things in our lives we've never told anyone else.  Not Mazurka.  Not Aesir.  Not even you.  Keeping them secret is not an easy thing.  They weigh on us.  Like the I.D. Card incident to you, it is a burden we feel we must carry.  We are afraid of what others will think, and how they will act, if they find out."

This analogy to Shakey's 'secret fear' hit home.  "If you want to talk about it, I'm willing to listen," he genuinely offered.

"Thank you.  We would like to share these things with you.  We trust you.  Besides, you have shared much with us over the years…  And sharing confidences is a 'Human' thing to do…"

"Hey…  That's what Big Brothers are for…"

"Shakey.  That is the first thing we must tell you…  We now know how much Alien DNA we have…  The amount of Human DNA from your Mother is… very small.  The Alien life form we were created from, was 'Humanoid' to start with.  Your Mother's DNA mostly added 'cosmetic' details, to make us look more 'Human'."

"So you're saying you've got our Mother's 'looks'?"

"A lot more than that…  The Aliens had no gender…"

Shakey choked, looking incredulously at Sorako's definitely 'feminine' figure.  "So you're saying, you've got mom's 'figure' as well?"

"That… is one way of putting it…" Sorako hesitantly agreed.

"Um…  If they had no gender, then how… DID…?"  Shakey WAS a teenage male…

"They reproduced by 'budding'.  A smaller version of the adult, would form on the adult's body.  It would break away and start it's own independent life."

Shakey was intrigued, "Literally, a 'chip off the old block' eh?"

"Yes.  The developing young would absorb nutrients and 'memories' from the parent while attached, education and gestation occurred at the same time…"

Years of reading Science Fiction had prepared Shakey's mind to accept such a concept, not to mention 'Reality As He Knew It', but he still wondered about how this would impact on him being an Uncle… "So which method will you Clones use to have your own children, Human, or Alien?"

Sorako was silent for a few moments, then she turned a sad face to Shakey, "Neither.  As we are neither Human nor Alien, neither method would work for us…  We are the first and last of our 'species'…  The beginning and the end…"

Shakey was troubled by Sorako's statement, "What about 'surrogate motherhood'?" he asked, trying to find some hope for the Clones… "You know, where an embryo is implanted into an infertile woman, and she carries it until it's born?"

The Clone shook her head, and looked away, "No, that wouldn't work either.  Our creators took precautions…"

Not noticing Shakey's worried look, Sorako continued in greater detail…

"When our creators decided to make us look 'female', they spliced certain sections of your mother's DNA that dealt with 'female' sexual characteristics.  Their attempt worked, even giving us a rudimentary Female Reproductive system."

"We still would not have been able to breed with true Humans…  Our hybrid DNA would prevent any cross-species fertilisation…  We could not breed like the Aliens did, as those parts of the Alien DNA were replaced…"

"However, there was the possibility that our reproductive systems, might allow us to be 'Parthenogenetic'.  That is, to reproduce on our own, without the need for any 'fertilisation', such as the reptile known as the 'She-Oak Skink'…"

"As a precaution, we were… 'sterilised'… The part that could have carried a child was removed, as were the parts that might create one.  It is as Doctor Akatlover said, we are all 'empty vessels'…"

Shakey wished he'd kept his mouth shut…  "I'm sorry…  I didn't know…"

Sorako smiled faintly at him, "Don't worry, our systems were 'rudimentary'.  There was very little chance of our being able to reproduce at all…  Like so many other women…"

Shakey didn't understand her comment, and he wasn't sure if he should ask for clarification.  It was probably a 'women's thing' anyway…

Sorako continued, apparently unfazed by her revelation to him.

"Our UN-Human DNA is the 'source' of all our powers, telepathy, levitation, regeneration, and the abilities to create, and modify E.T. Fields…"

"It affects us in other ways.  Our senses are 'different'.  For example, our vision extends into the Infrared, and into the Ultra-Violet.  That's how we found you in this forest.  Your small fire was a clear beacon to us."

"These 'differences' in senses are compounded by the 'differences' in our nervous systems.  We have 'synchronised' with Humans.  We know that we do not think the 'same way' as you do.  We have had trouble understanding how Humans think.  At times, we wonder if we are even able to understand how you think."

Shakey couldn't resist, "Huh!  Aesir says SHE doesn't understand how I think either…  Sounds to me like you're just as much a 'normal' woman as she is."

"We also know our real 'birthday'…"

"Great!  What Star Sign are you?"

Sorako appreciated Shakey's attempt to lighten the mood of things, but some of the information would defy any attempt at humour…

"The First Rave Clone was permanently detanked on March 30, 2001'…"  Such as the necessary phrasing of this little gem of information…

As the Clones had predicted, Shakey shut up, just sitting there in silence.

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Fragment - Dark Secrets.

"Shakey, the world now knows 'Second Strike' was a planned catastrophe, an attempt by STEELY to 'Cleanse' the world of 'inferior beings', and gain power…"

Shakey sensed an uncommon nervousness about the Clone…

"It also had another purpose.  To destroy their secret Antarctic weapons development facility, and all of its secrets.  With the advent of 'Ice Mining', it was no longer 'secure', and would not be able to pass as a 'research base'."

"Your Father left the facility just days before the catastrophe.  He was acting under orders to retrieve certain… 'resources'…  He left with data files, and the production models of a new weapon.  A weapon that if used properly, would have given STEELY Total Control of the planet…"

Sorako paused, fearing how Shakey would react to what she had to tell him, "He left with the bio-weapons known as the 'RAVE' Clones."

Shakey stared at her, wide-eyed in shock.

Sorako's voice took on an unusually 'bitter' tone, "The name 'Rave', is an acronym, of the English words 'Recombinant Alien Verisimilitude Entity'.  All of we Rave Clones, are AVE's.  The ultimate AVE."

"We were designed as a 'smart' weapon.  One that could 'aggressively subdue' any opposition to STEELY's rule, without any damage to industrial infrastructure, or the environment, as conventional weapons and tactics would."

Sorako noticed Shakey's quizzical look, and clarified the point.

"Our 'Human' size and appearance meant we could unobtrusively 'infiltrate' any gathering, or group.  We could then destroy them, either one by one, or as a group.  Selective use of our powers would not destroy valuable buildings and facilities, nor would it destroy surrounding plants and animals…"

"It wasn't just to secure and preserve STEELY's power that we were created.  We were also to be 'enforcers', of STEELY's 'Human Standard'.  Those not meeting the 'Standard', were to be terminated.  We were created to do that."

"To be useful as such, we had to follow 'official' orders without question, and enforce the 'Chain of Command' whenever the need arose.  To ensure we would respond as required, we were all 'brainwashed'."

"That's what our Memory Download sessions really were.  Kept in a condition of 'Sensory Deprivation', we accepted the only stimulus we were allowed.  Our minds were affected, our perceptions twisted, by deliberately biased input."

"Our lives were planned to reinforce our 'programming'.  We followed orders, as 'programmed' to.  We were observed, to see if our 'responses' were consistent.  That's why 'Rave' had so many 'tests'.  That's why she had no personality and lived in a hovel.  Any 'change' would stand out more."

"That's why we slapped you when you criticised your Father years ago.  Our 'Pavlovian' conditioning at work.  You were of value to the AVE project, so we merely reprimanded you.  Had we been fully 'active', we would have killed you…"

Shakey didn't want to believe that, but as he saw the anguished expression on Sorako's face, and heard her apologetic tone, he believed her, and shuddered…

Sorako's voice had held traces of bitterness, it fairly dripped it now, "Aesir was correct, when she called 'Rave' a 'Doll'.  We were 'good little tools'…"

Sorako fell silent, letting Shakey have time to digest this, to make any comments if he wished…  As well as to get her own emotions under control.  These were NOT easy things to talk about…  When he stayed quiet, she continued…

"Do you know what diverted us from our 'Manifest Destiny'?"

Shakey dumbly shook his head, still coming to grips with what he'd just heard.

"Doctor Akatlover.  She saw through the lies that blinded her.  She wanted to get revenge on your Father.  Not just for how he'd used her, but for her Mother's death.  That was the only reason she tried to kill us."

"When the tank broke, you, Mazurka, and Doctor Akatlover were drenched with TLC.  It enabled us Clones to 'download' some of your memories and personality traits.  Such things were never meant to be part of us."

"STEELY was upset at the events, they wanted to terminate us immediately.  We were no longer 'good little tools'.  We were 'contaminated'…  Your Father prevented them.  He asked them NOT to enforce such a decision until exhaustive tests had been conducted, and ALL the facts were in."

"My Father did that?" asked Shakey, surprised at his Father's Humane concern for the Clones, and his actions on their behalf.

"Yes.  But for his OWN reasons, not for OUR continued well-being.  After all, there WAS much valuable data to get from studying us…  How badly 'contaminated' were we?  In what ways?  Did it affect our 'loyalty'?  Would it affect the development of our 'powers'?  Could we be 'salvaged'?"

"The saving argument was our 'telepathy'…  Our ability to communicate with each other was unprecedented.  As was our rapid learning ability.  STEELY wanted to know more.  They wanted to incorporate such features on 'future' models…"

Sorako stopped, giving Shakey time… as well as herself…

======================================================================

Fragment - Rumours and Truth.

Shakey was curious about something Sorako had said, especially as there had been 'stories' in the 'Tabloid Press'…

In the aftermath of the Final Battle, Glando was mercilessly pilloried by the media.  People wanted BLOOD, and HE was a convenient scapegoat…

Partly because he had been the Commander of NERVIS, and as the man 'in charge' he was considered 'responsible' for it's actions, and partly because he was dead and couldn't defend himself…

Some of these stories were straight out Fantasy, that only tried to pass themselves off as 'News' in an attempt at humour, or satire…

Others were misguided half-truths, or the disturbingly credible ravings of paranoid minds…  These often gave good 'background reasons' for some of the actions and events of days long past…

Then there were Hard Truths…  Soul chilling revelations of genuine Dark Doings and Dirty Deeds by NERVIS and STEELY, things to make ANY sane person question reality…

Others 'fixated' on Glando, and his relationships with his wife, the two Doctor Akatlover's, and the Clones…

…Especially why he'd kept so many lovely young ladies secretly locked up in a Basement Lab…

This led to some extremely disturbing 'rumours', and 'stories'…  Most were highly 'unsavoury', and had 'lurid' titles, and 'purple prose' in them…

Shakey had been considerably upset when he'd first seen such trash.  He'd hoped these were outright lies, or just the writers perverted personal fantasies…

But he didn't know for sure if they were outright lies, or had been based on horrible secrets…  And it had worried him…

He had considered taking legal action.  He wasn't interested in clearing the name of his father, or to clear his family name.  He was worried about the ladies who most often 'featured' in these stories, his 'sisters' the Clones.

He hadn't done anything, for two good reasons…

ONE.  Mazurka pointed out, Legal action meant he and the Clones would need to go to court, be on the witness stand, be 'cross-examined', and answer highly personal, and 'probing' questions…

Shakey hadn't understood what she meant by that, and had asked for clarification.  As Mazurka had so 'tactfully' put it, the questioning would be the legal equivalent of a 'Full Physical Examination'…

Then he understood, he'd had enough of those as a pilot…

She'd also advised him, that the media would make a 'circus' out of it, and what little privacy he and the Clones had, would completely disappear…  And for that reason he should ask the Clones about things first, and see what they wanted to do about it…

TWO.  Shakey had gone to the Clones asking their opinions, and if they wanted to go to court about it, especially as it would affect their lives…

He hadn't asked the Clones for their side of the story.  Partly as he didn't know how to ask them if such sleazy stories were true, and partly because he wasn't sure he could handle the truth, if it wasn't what he hoped it would be…

The Clones noticed how upset Shakey was, and had told him not to 'worry' about the stories, as they were sure they would eventually die out by themselves…

By COMPLETE COINCIDENCE, in the week after Shakey had his talk with the Clones, the 'Journalists' that wrote the stories had 'little' accidents…  Along with the editors of the Publications that printed the stories…

For some UNKNOWN REASON, and just as the Clones 'predicted', the stories stopped…

Still…  Shakey had been considerably upset by the stories, and he'd never found the time, the tact, or the courage to ask the Clones about them…

Until now…

"What… 'other' reasons… did my Father have…?" he asked hesitantly.

Sorako stared at Shakey for long moments, making him uneasy, and making him wish he'd never asked the question.

Shakey gulped, and turned nervously away from those unblinking crimson eyes…  "I'm sorry, if this is something you'd rather not talk about…"

"No," Sorako said quietly, "It is something we must talk about.  You must know the Truth.  Don't worry.  Those rumours are not true.  Although they are based on the reason why your Father continued to help STEELY after your mother died…"

Shakey gulped again, and paid attention…

"Your Mother was a brilliant scientist, with an IQ well over Genius level.  She married your Father, when they were both much younger.  When your Father was a different person, to what he became."

"STEELY knew of her genius, and its potential to aid their research.  They also knew of your Fathers traits, and their potential, as ally, or adversary."

"STEELY knew how dangerous the Alien technology was.  They had already made several attempts at 'synchronising' with it…  They knew there was a good chance your mother would… have an 'accident'… "

Shakey grimaced, this was OLD news, but it still hurt, especially as he recalled the AVE 'graveyard' he'd once seen…  A graveyard of 'failed' AVE experiments, and grim proof of other 'accidents'…

"Both your parents were temporarily vital to STEELY's plans.  Without either of them knowing, STEELY incorporated your Mother's DNA into our research program…"

"When your Mother died, as per STEELY's expectations, your Father became emotionally unstable.  STEELY could have had him terminated, but he knew too much, and there was the danger he may have taken 'precautions'…  Besides, he still had considerable potential use, if he could be controlled…"

"STEELY presented the information about our heritage as a 'Fait Accompli', a fact after the event.  They asked your Father if he wanted to be a part of our 'upbringing'.  He was emotionally vulnerable, and he accepted."

"He was the closest thing to a Father we ever knew.  Even though he saw us more as tools than children, and a living symbol of a promise STEELY made to him…"

"To clone his dead wife for him, if he served them well…"

"Eventually, your Father finally accepted as truth, what he had suspected and feared.  STEELY had NO intention of keeping their word to him…  It drove him mad.  Not a drooling, retarded, insanity, but a cold, calculating, intensely vicious desire for revenge."

"As part of his revenge, he prepared many secret 'Doomsday Files'.  These files held the truth about what was going on, in great detail.  He organised to have them automatically released in the event of his death, a final safeguard against any sudden treachery from STEELY."

"Dr Akatlover found some of the files, and programmed the MOGGY Super-Computers to release copies of the files immediately on her death.  This was to be another part of her revenge for the death of her mother, and as she feared, her own eventual demise.  These release of these files to the Mass Media, especially the ones detailing STEELY's offer to clone his wife, would ultimately provide the basis for THOSE rumours about himself, and we Clones.""

"Do not worry Shakey, none of those rumours about we Clones are true…"

Shakey was relieved.

"We killed your Father for other reasons," Sorako said, shattering Shakey's feeling of relief.

"YOU killed…?"  Shakey was too shocked at this revelation to finish his question.  He'd thought his father had been 'assassinated' by STEELY agents…

"Yes.  We… disobeyed him… during the Final Battle…  Because of our actions, he was subsequently killed by enemy troops.  Our actions killed him… even if we did not physically do the deed…"

"W-why did you turn against him?"

The Clone shifted uneasily, "He… had been using us.  He thought it 'Justice', that we Clones, the symbol of STEELY's lie, should be used against them…  A tool intended for Genocide, refined into a tool of Personal Vengeance…"

Shakey blinked.

The Clone continued in a subdued voice, "We finally saw what he had become.  What the war had turned him into…  A cold, twisted monster.  He no longer cared about anyone or anything but revenge.  All he wanted, was revenge.  There was nothing he wouldn't do to get it.  No lie he wouldn't make.  No action he wouldn't take.  No tool he wouldn't use.  No person he wouldn't sacrifice…"

"…Not even You, Shakey…" Sorako concluded her explanation with a meaningful look at Shakey.

'They killed my Father?  By turning against him and refusing to follow his orders?'  Shakey sat there, trembling as various emotions boiled through him.

He accepted without question, the truth of the Clone's words.  Shakey thought of the many times he's wanted to kill his Father, to use an AVE to squash the cold arrogant man like the bug he was…  The Clones had unwittingly done it for him…  He didn't know whether to be grateful to them, or envy them…

"That's…"  Shakey stumbled with his words and his feelings, "That's… okay with me…  As far as I'm concerned, my 'Father' died years before his body did…"

======================================================================

Fragment - Others.

Sorako relaxed slightly.  Shakey was taking things rather well so far, certainly better than the Clones had…  This next bit though, would be painful for him…

"Shakey, did you ever wonder why the Alien War Machines only attacked this city?  Why the Aliens never attacked in groups?  Why, despite all their power, the Aliens never destroyed the city?"

Shakey chewed his lip thoughtfully.  He had wondered…  Especially since he'd seen the effects of the Alien power blasts first hand.  If the Aliens had attacked in a group, they'd have won easily…

The Clone provided the answer, "Because this city was another weapons development facility.  It was a testing grounds for AVE's…  Those we piloted…  We Clones…  And those we fought…"

"WHAT!?" Shakey's eyes went wide in shock, "You mean the Enemy were AVE's!?"

"Yes.  They were AVE's.  Different forms, different functions, different capabilities, different strengths, different weaknesses…  All were AVE's.  All were tested, and found wanting.  Our 'fight' to preserve the Human Race against an Alien invasion, was a lie.  We were only being 'test' pilots for STEELY…"

Shakey only half-listened to Sorako.  All the pain and Human suffering of the people in this city…  What happened to Toe-Jam and his sister…  Just 'tests'?

"That wasn't in the news," his voice quavered, as he struggled with the truth…

"No," agreed Sorako, "For good reason.  The threat of Alien Invasion, made Humans co-operate with each other.  STEELY abused that co-operation, perverting it to their own advantage.  They 'staged' attacks to suit their own needs."

"If the real truth were known, Humans would revert to their old ways.  There would be wars, and the squandering of vital resources in useless conflict.  The world has known Peace, for all these years, due to a lie.  In two or three generations, Humanity may mature enough to handle such truth.  But not now."

Shakey groaned, "So we still have to live with lies…"  Would it never end?

"Yes.  Humans already live with many lies that aid and comfort them.  The Tooth Fairy, the Easter Rabbit, Santa Claus, Religious Cults, Political Correctness…"

Shakey wondered what else he'd been lied to about…  All the 'enemy' units he'd destroyed…  They were AVE's…  Like the one he'd piloted…  Piloted…

"Who piloted them?" he asked quietly, fearing the answer of how many deaths he was responsible for.

"A form of Doppelganger System, based on Clones of Kowmoo."

Shakey felt sick in his guts, "So I've… killed… more than a… d-dozen…"

"No!" Sorako's response was quicker and more assertive than normal, as she had noticed Shakey's emotional state, and wished to save him grief.

"Most of the Doppelgangers were secretly salvaged, with their pilots intact.  Very few died fighting you and Aesir.  And they died when they self-destructed."

"The others weren't killed?  What happened to them?"  Shakey was glad he didn't have the blood of so many people on his hands.  He'd had enough problems dealing with the death of Kowmoo…

"They were 'recycled' into the Doppelgangers on the 'Limited Edition' series.  They were 'Veteran' fighters.  As you recall, we Clones took care of them."

Shakey remembered that Rave had ejected, and totally destroyed, the Control Units on the attacking AVE's…  He didn't hold it against her either.  Not after what they'd done to Unit Too and Aesir…

But he still didn't understand…  "Why him, and not other Children like us?"

"Or even Rave Clones in the Doppelgangers?"  Sorako stated the unasked question, making Shakey feel uneasy.  What if the Rave Clones HAD been in the enemy units?  How would he have felt, knowing he'd been killing them?

"Kowmoo was the name of the original hybrid.  The Kowmoo we met, was a Clone of him.  Rave was an 'upgrade', a 'new' model, yet to be fully grown or tested."

"Kowmoo's abilities were already known, as was his 'loyalty'.  That's why they finally sent one in without an AVE, to destroy us through stealth."

Shakey gulped nervously, "Then that wasn't just a 'test'?  If we hadn't stopped Kowmoo they would have really caused Third Strike?"

Sorako nodded, "If Kowmoo had succeeded in following orders, an energy event of similar magnitude to Second Strike, would have occurred."

"But WHY?" protested Shakey, "Why would they want to destroy this City?  Wasn't it a valuable facility?  What about the staff?  What about you Clones?"

"The City had accomplished what it was set up to do.  Test the AVE's.  Refine their technology.  The City had too much 'sensitive' data in it.  As did the staff who worked here, many of whom were 'inferior' by STEELY's standards.  We 'contaminated' Clones, were to have been destroyed along with the City.  Total Destruction would keep it COMPLETELY secret.  And," Sorako paused.

"AND…??"  Shakey wondered, 'Wasn't that enough?'

"…And, 'Third Strike' would further 'Cleanse' the world of 'inferior beings', by devastating Asia, China, Eastern Russia, India, The North Pacific, and the Western Seaboard of the North American Continent."

Shakey started sweating.  'If we hadn't stopped Kowmoo…' he thought.

"Third Strike would give more power to STEELY.  It would cause considerable distress to the major powers of the North American Continent, keeping them too busy with their OWN disaster relief efforts to intervene in STEELY's plans."

Shakey interrupted, "But if Kowmoo was supposed to kill us all, why did he just 'give up' like that?  He could have tried to escape and try again?"

"We believe that he was more like we Rave Clones than STEELY thought…"

Shakey's stomach suddenly grumbled in protest, reminding him he hadn't eaten yet.  "Is it okay if we take a break?  This is HARD going, and I'm hungry…"

"Yes," Sorako agreed, it had been a lot for Shakey to absorb, and she didn't want to overload him.  "The final things are only about we Clones, and our abilities…"

======================================================================

Fragment - Cooking Lesson.

Shakey had the misfortune to find that his earlier panic had resulted in the toasting fork falling into the fire…  It was now more of a 'Toasted Fork', and glowing red-hot.

He sighed in defeat.  At least the Marshmallows had survived.  Even cold they were nice, but he would have preferred toasted ones…

"Here," he said offering the freshly opened pack to Sorako, "Try some, I think you'll like them."

Sorako hesitantly reached in, and took out a Marshmallow.  She put it in her mouth and thoughtfully chewed, before swallowing and reaching for another.

"They taste even better toasted," advised Shakey.

"How do you toast them?"

"Normally, I'd impale them on the tines of a toasting fork, and toast them over the open flames, or better yet, hot coals of a camp fire.  Unfortunately, the toasting fork's too hot to handle, or I'd show you…"

Sorako contemplated the piece of hot metal.  Then she concentrated, and a customised E.T. Field shimmered into existence.  "Will this do?" she asked.

Shakey brightened up.  He might get toasted Marshmallows after all!  He loaded some marshmallows on, and gave Sorako a lesson in the finer points of the art of Campfire cooking…

They didn't burn too many…

They finally got it right, and they ate the fruits of their labours.  Sorako agreed, Toasted Marshmallows DID taste better.

Afterwards, they sat and rested for a bit, watching the glowing embers…

Shakey was having a hard time with his new information.  He sat and tried to sort it all out in his mind, and come to grips with it…  Sorako noted his mood and remained silent, giving her 'brother' time…

======================================================================

Fragment - Personal Attributes.

"Shakey, do you want me to continue?" Sorako asked quietly, wondering if Shakey was able to go on or not.

Shakey roused himself from his introspective state, "If you want to tell me, I'll listen, but if you don't want to tell me, I'll respect your privacy."

"Very well then," Sorako said, "When Rave#2 died, Rave#3 was taken out of the 'tank', and told that she was now 'Rave', and to carry on living as she remembered."

"Memory Downloads were the primary source of education for we Clones in the tank.  Everyone in the 'know' thought that Rave#3 was completely controlled by her programming.  They didn't know there had been changes in her programming that no one knew about."

"We received subconscious 'impressions' outside of the Memory Download sessions, from the Clone who was 'Rave'.  We didn't know about this until we merged with the Alien Artefact.  We found that it too, had received memories from 'Rave'."

Shakey looked incredulous.

"There is only one way we can explain it.  We are very close to being fully Alien.  The Alien technology mimicked their natural abilities of communication, much as Human audio/visual systems mimic the senses of sound and sight."

"Because of our Alien DNA, we believe we had the ability to 'link' mentally with the Alien Artefact, this enabled us to fully synchronise with it, and control it in the Final Battle.  That was also why it unexpectedly activated its OWN E.T. Field when Kowmoo approached it.  It thought of itself as 'Rave'.  It recognised Kowmoo as an 'enemy'."

Shakey wondered if the giant Artefact thought of itself as his 'little sister' as well…  He sweat-dropped at the thought of being hugged by it…

"We believe that Kowmoo had enough Alien DNA to receive 'impressions'.  We believe he 'sensed' something from the Artefact.  Something that made him decide not to follow his orders.  Something that made him give up."

"Such as?"  Shakey asked.

"We do not know," Sorako stated the simple truth…

For a while that was all she said.

Sorako roused herself and began to speak, "You called us 'innocent'.  We know what you meant.  But, we are not so much 'innocent' or 'naive', as we are 'ignorant' and 'unknowing' of what response is appropriate in a given situation.  What we should say or do."

"Especially," she added cryptically, "Since we often find our 'programmed' responses are in conflict with what others consider 'proper'…"

"Our 'personality traits', are the result of our 'programming'.  This includes our Memory Downloads, and our 'Real' life experiences.  As we share all of our memories and life experiences, we Clones are essentially all the same being.  A single mind in many bodies, that…"

"Hold on!"  Shakey interrupted, "I'm having trouble with THAT concept.  I can accept you share thoughts and memories.  I can accept you are Clones, and are all genetically identical, but you are still separate individuals, 'People'…"

Sorako thought for a few moments, then continued, "When you had your physical examinations, they tested the reflex nerves in your knees, correct?"

"Yeah, So?"

"When they tested the nerve in a particular knee, it jerked in response, but the other knee remained still.  Despite being part of the same body, and linked by the same nervous system, your reflex nerves still worked independently of each other, without consideration of any stimulus the other was receiving."

"We Clones are like that.  Each of us is connected mentally to the others, a sort of 'non-physical' nervous system.  The 'Individualism' of each Clone, is based on the unique 'programming', or 'life experiences' that particular Clone has as 'memories', stored in the central nervous system of that Clone."

Shakey was confused, "But, if you share all of your memories and life experiences, doesn't that mean you all have the same 'programming'?"

"Although we share all our memories, we do not share all that a memory is…"

Shakey stared at Sorako, with a confused look on his face.

Sorako tried to explain it better, "When we Clones share Memories, we use highly subjective 'impressions'.  They are rarely a complete experience.  They usually focus on certain elements."

"For example.  Here and now.  I hear the sounds of the fire.  I see the glowing embers.  I feel their heat.  I smell the smoke.  An 'impression' may contain ALL, or SOME of these things.  It may concentrate on a single aspect, such as the heat patterns on the toasting fork."

Shakey looked at the Toasting Fork.  All he saw was a dullish red.  What did the Clones see?  He considered the embers it lay in…  They were dark shapes, with various reddish hues, and here and there irregular yellowish lines.  He wondered…

Sorako continued, "An 'impression' may include emotions.  It may include an analysis of an event.  It may include enough specific data to satisfy the needs of another Clone, or it may not…"

Shakey slowly nodded, "So it might be like a movie, with sound and picture, but without all the other stuff that makes up the experience of being there…"

Sorako nodded, pleased at his analogy.  "Each Clone reacts slightly differently, as each has slightly different 'life experiences' or 'programming'.  Although we can 'link' with other Clones, and use their 'memories' of their life experiences."

Shakey mumbled, "Sounds like one of those women's 'networking' things…"

"It is more like when you synchronise with an AVE.  You become each other.  Your mind becomes that of the AVE, as well as being that of your own body.  When you leave the AVE, you become a mind, confined to your own body again."

"This is why we Clones are ALL so similar, we can access the memories of other Clones, we can 'mimic' their responses.  Individual Clones, acting on their own, without reference to any others, are more noticeably 'individual'.  Myself and Twelve for example."

I HEARD that!! from Twelve, manning the 'spy cameras' somewhere in the City…

"Personal Experience, is the most powerful type of 'memory' ANY Clone can have, as it contains ALL the sensory data.  Do you remember teaching us to dance?"

Shakey nodded.

"Do you remember how every single one of us, wanted to dance every single dance we learned, at least once, personally, with you?"

Shakey blushed a little, and nodded.

"We practiced the moves on our own, learning them by heart.  Yet it was not as 'strong' a teacher as actually doing the dance with someone we liked."  Sorako lapsed into silence, bowing her head, and turning away from Shakey.

When she hadn't spoken for a good few minutes, Shakey asked her, "Is that all that you wanted to tell me?"

She nodded, but stayed silent.

After a couple more quiet minutes had stolen by, Shakey asked her, "Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?"

"…shakey…" the Clones voice was trembling, and hesitant, "…does this change… how you see us?  now you know… what we were designed for… that we are… not even human… not even your 'half' sisters…  What are we… to you… now?"

The minutes ticked by as Shakey thought things through.

'So, the Clones were designed to be killing machines?' thought Shakey, 'So What?  They hadn't any say in the matter, nor in their 'brainwashing'…  The way they helped other people to survive during and after the Final Battle had proved they WEREN'T what their creators had MEANT them to be…'

Many months ago, Shakey had reconciled himself to the Clones Alien Heritage.  Ever since then he had looked on them as 'Family', and not just as 'People'…

He'd accepted the Clones as Family, as 'sisters', not just because they were 'blood kin' to him, not just because they were good people, and not just because he liked 'Rave#2', the Clone who had died saving him…

He'd accepted them, as he'd seen a potential for the 'sweet nature' his dead mother had.  Whether a genetic 'keepsake' from his mother, or personal trait he wasn't sure.  But it was something precious, something he didn't want destroyed…

…As his mother had been 'destroyed' by his Father, and STEELY…

Shakey wouldn't let a similar fate befall the Clones.  Not by his Fathers' hand, not by STEELY's hand, nor by the hand of the Media, or the General Public…

Or by Shakey's hand either…

Shakey reached over to Sorako, and gently took her by the shoulder, turning her to face him.  She kept her head downcast, and her eyes shut.  Neither stopped her from trembling with the fear of rejection, or kept tears from her eyes.

"Why are you crying?"  Shakey murmured, saddened by the Clones condition.

"…afraid…"

"What are you afraid of?" he asked softly.

"…lose… everything…"

Tonight the Clones had trusted Shakey with their secrets.  Burdens they'd borne for years.  Shakey was not the most brilliant mind in the City, but here and now, he realised just how vulnerable the Clones were…  He knew that what he did or said next could hurt them badly…

Shakey spoke quietly to her, "Out of all the creatures on this planet, only Humans cry.  Regardless of how much Human DNA you Clones do, or don't have, I still think you're more 'Human', than those who planned 'Second Strike'."

Shakey pulled Sorako to him in a brotherly embrace, "If just being friends, is okay with you, then we'll just BE friends…"

Sorako returned his embrace, grateful for his acceptance, and crying from relief.

"But," continued Shakey, "I'd really miss all my 'little sisters'…  So if it's okay with you, I'd prefer to keep my 'family'…"

Sorako looked into his eyes, as she realised what he was saying.

"After all," continued Shakey gently, 'Family is, as Family does', and you've all been more of a Family to me than my own Father ever was…  Regardless of DNA…"

"…thank you…" sobbed Sorako, relaxing completely as the stress and tension left, feeling safe and loved, within the caring embrace of her 'big brother'.

Shakey and Sorako kept their family embrace, enjoying the simple pleasure of such a 'Kodak Moment', until disturbed by shuffling sounds from the darkness.

Shakey tensed up, peering into the gloom, trying to determine what was making the noises.  His hand reached for the gun Kantsee had loaned him…

"Don't worry," said Sorako from within his other arm, "It's only 'me'…"

Shakey relaxed as the first of a dozen Clones came into the clearing.  They formed a half circle in front of him.  As one they timidly raised their gaze to his and asked, "Please Shakey, can we have a hug too?"

Shakey smiled at them, and stretched out the arm that had been going for his gun.  "Sure, but I've only got two arms, so you'd either have to wait in line, or… we could have a 'Group Hug'…"

The Clones smiled, and as one, closed in for a 'Group Hug'…

In the depths of a forest, two People, one Human, the others not, renewed their friendship and family ties…

======================================================================

Fragment - Morning After.

The dawn light filtered through the slight mist that had risen from the forest overnight.  Where a sunbeam shone through unhindered, it changed the greyish fog into a cloud of living gold.

Shakey Atari was waking up, feeling warm and cosy in his sleeping bag.

The Clones had insisted on sleeping in the clearing, surrounding Shakey in a rough circle.  They knew there were dangers out here in the 'wild', and that if any of those dangers wanted a piece of THEIR brother, they'd have to go through the Clones and their E.T. Fields first…

Not that they were 'roughing it' too much…  An E.T. Field had kept any dew or rain off, and kept them all warm by trapping some of the warm updraft from the dying fire.  It had also kept out any 'Forest Dangers'.  Other E.T. Fields had provided 'air-bed mattress' facsimiles for the Clones…

Shakey had been amazed that the Clones could manifest an E.T. Field even when asleep.  He supposed that they must have learnt a lot about the nature of their E.T. Fields over time, and even more about how to use them…  He remembered how easily Sorako had 'created' a Toasting Fork with hers…

He was surprised and amused to find two of the Clones had snuggled up next to him in the night.  Obviously seeking emotional comfort from close proximity to their bigger 'brother', like a child sleeping with their parents.

They lay beside him, their heads using his chest for a pillow, and their arms draped protectively/possessively across him.

Shakey smiled tenderly, touched by this innocent display of absolute child-like trust by his little 'sisters'.  He sighed, happy to be alive…

He lay like this for some time, going over the events of last night.

The Clone Sorako, had told him of the secrets that burdened the Clones.

Shakey had been happy to help them lighten their souls.  He knew what it was like to carry such burdens, and he didn't like carrying them…

Afterwards, other Clones had come in, and they'd had a general 'camp-out'…  The Marshmallows hadn't lasted long, but they had lasted long enough…

They'd sang songs, and told stories.

Partly as this was what Shakey felt they should do, as they were 'camping', and partly as he'd wanted to 'lighten the mood' after what he'd heard.  It was a Human trait to forget troubling things by doing something 'fun'…

He'd asked the Clones to tell Mazurka that he was safe, but not where he was, just in case she or Aesir decided to come after him as well, and to tell her he'd be back sometime next day…

Shakey hadn't wanted to go back to the apartment that night.  Not just that he was already having a great time in the Forest, or because he didn't want to deal with any of Aesir's comments about his 'running away'…

This wasn't just a simple case of cowardice in the face of Aesir's 'abrasive' personality, although that was certainly good enough reason by itself.

No, he had a lot to think about…

Particularly about a certain offer, the Clones had made him…  To 'synchronise' with his mind, to let him know how they really saw him, and truly felt about him…

He'd been wrestling with this decision for much of the night…

He really wasn't too sure about it.  True, it would be an experience, but it would let the Clones see his memories…  All of them…  And that had him worried…

Shakey was typical for a boy his age, with all of the self-doubt, and insecurity that was part and parcel of 'growing up'…  He worried that the Clones might think worse of him, or that his view of the world might 'disillusion them'…

Despite all the good arguments against giving the Clones 'Full Access', there were also good arguments for it.

Shakey knew how 'innocent and trusting' his 'little sisters' were.  He frowned as he realised that they were 'child-like' in many ways, and in this predatory world, there were dangerous people only too willing to take advantage of that…

Shakey worried about his 'sisters'.  He wanted to give them the world, and he wanted to protect them from the dangers in it.  To save them from Pain and Grief…

If he did let them see his mind, it would be an education for them.  For starters, they'd learn in minutes, what it was like to be a teenage male…

That information alone would help them greatly in their dealings with other teenage males, and provide a good basis for an understanding of men in general…

It would certainly help them to interpret the world around them, especially as he saw it, through his cynical, jaded eyes…

He had a chance to help them…  To show how much he trusted them…

He saw himself as their big brother, and as such, he knew he had a responsibility to help them, and to protect them.  If they were ever hurt by something that he could have prevented…

Shakey drew a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.  He'd DO it!  He'd take the Clones up on their offer!

His emotions had affected his heartbeat, and that in turn had roused the two Clones who were nestled against him.  They rose in unison, their faces turning slightly pink, as they realised where they'd woken up.

They'd meant to be near Shakey, in case danger threatened, but not this near…

"Good morning," he said cheerily to his personal guardians, "Did you have sweet dreams?"

Their faces turned a deeper shade of pink as they mumbled "Good Morning" back.

"Thanks for watching over me," he said, his comments bringing a shy smile to their faces, "Now!  Who wants Breakfast?  I'm starving!"

So were the Clones.  Shakey had supplies for himself for a week.  Most of it disappeared in minutes.  The vegetarian Clones made short work of the non-meat products he had, such as the instant noodles, bread, jam, and canned beans.

Shakey decided to cook all of the meat and eggs he had, and take them back with him.  You couldn't get a genuine 'campfire cooked' taste to food unless you cooked it over an open fire, and it had been awhile since he'd eaten such food…

Things rapidly turned into a cooking lesson for the Clones, who were interested in the concept of 'Campfire Cooking'.

Their survival training mostly involved raw natural foods, as they were vegetarians, and 'cooking' involved fire, and that provided a means of detection for enemy forces…

With the news he was heading back, most of the Clones disappeared, their jungle green outfits literally fading into the Forest.  Sorako stayed with Shakey to act as an Escort/Bodyguard for him, in case there was trouble.

======================================================================

Fragment - Back to Reality?

They walked in silence, enjoying each other's company, and the pleasurable experience of breathing the fresh morning air of the Forest.

"Ummm…  Sorako?"

"Yes Shakey?"

"What we talked about last night, are you Clones feeling any better now?"

"Yes.  Thank You!" her reply was accentuated by a smile, and a lazy stretch.

"Ummm…  Sorako?"

"Yes Shakey?"

"That… offer you made… to 'synchronise' with my mind…"

Sorako looked expectantly at him.

"I've been thinking…  If the offer's still open…  Is it okay if we…?"

"Yes, and Yes Shakey," she replied, a larger smile on her face, "When?"

"Ahhh…  Well, I need to get cleaned up first, and Mazurka will want a 'little talk' with me…  Aesir will probably chew me out too…  Then there's school…  Depending on what Mazurka says, is this afternoon, after school all right?"

"That is agreeable with us," confirmed Sorako.

"Is there any particular time that suits you Clones best?  Or is there anything special I need to do beforehand to prepare for it?  How long does it take?"

"No, anytime you would like to try is fine with us.  There are no special requirements, but it would be best if you could be in an environment where you could relax naturally.  It would not take long."

"Uhhh…  I DON'T think the term 'relaxing environment' is going to apply to Mazurka's for a while…  What if I turn up at the 'Clone Zone'?"

"We will be ready for you, whenever you turn up," Sorako confirmed.

As Shakey predicted, Mazurka did want a 'little talk' with him…  Mostly along the lines of how worried they were about him, if he had ANY problems, she was there for him to talk to etc…  Shakey felt slightly foolish about it all.

"Mazurka," he'd said, when he'd been able to get a word in edgewise, "Do you know what happened when I delivered Rave's I.D. Card that time…"

Mazurka had looked a little flustered at his unexpected question, but had rallied magnificently, "Of course I do, Doctor Akatlover told me about it…"

Shakey pressed ahead, "Why didn't you tell me you knew about it?"

"Because you were emotionally fragile at the time, and I wasn't sure how you would handle things if you knew that I knew about it…"

"Did any of you ever tell my Father about it?"

Mazurka blinked, "Of course not!  There were ENOUGH problems between you two…"

And so it went…

Aesir though, was another matter…

Shakey's timid "Good Morning Aesir" was met by an arched eyebrow, and the proverbial 'cold shoulder'…

Shakey didn't know whether to be relieved, or worried…  True, she hadn't erupted like a volcano as he thought she would, but her distance and silence, was almost as bad.  Lava killed quickly, while a Glacier crushed you slowly…

School was another episode in surreality…  'Rave' was at her usual seat, as were the 'disguised' Clones…  They looked at Shakey when he came in, only fleeting glances, but ones with amusement and expectation in them…

Despite events following the 'Final Battle', the Clones had refused to give up their 'normal' lifestyles.  They still lived 'multiple lives', taking turns at being the 'fictitious' characters they 'role-played', but now they were creating REAL lives for them…

They even attended school with Shakey, in an attempt to eventually earn a High School Certificate, while elsewhere… other Clones underwent a more 'thorough' education, earning College degrees in mere months!

The Clones were aided in their studies by Mazurka, who'd moved mountains to get them all a 'rounded' education.  They currently had over a dozen separate College degrees among them, some 'post-graduate'!

Aesir had 'mixed feelings' about this…  True, the Clones were outdoing her, but Aesir had salvaged her pride, by helping them as much as she could, taking solace in the old saying 'The pupil eventually outgrows the Teacher'…

…And in the other old saying, 'There are NO good students, just good teachers', and if Aesir's pupils were this good, that reflected VERY favourably on her!

Shakey had wondered about that, as he was sure the saying went, 'There are no bad students, just bad teachers', but he wisely kept his mouth shut…

The Clones studied 'non-college' material as well, Plumbing, Calligraphy, Cosmetics and Make Up, Bricklaying, Gardening, Fashion Design, Motor Mechanical, Secretarial Skills, Special Weapons and Tactics, Novel Writing, Flower arranging, Martial Arts, Hairstyling, Gourmet Cooking, Explosives ordinance, Origami …

Shakey had actually feared for his sanity one day, when he'd recognised a 'disguised' Clone working behind the counter of a well-known fast food shop…

Here was a 16 year old, working 'Part-Time', in a minimum wage job, when she had the equivalent of several college degrees, and the ability to wipe out the military might of several 'powerful' nations all by herself…

…Asking him if he wanted 'Fries with his order…

Lunchtime came, and as usual, Shakey had his meal with Rave, and one of the other 'Disguised' Clones.  Aesir turned up, but still gave him the 'cold shoulder' even though she engaged in animated conversation with the others…

Shakey had the sinking feeling that he'd get 'more of the same' when he got home that afternoon…  And the next day as well, and the day after that…

School finally ended, and Shakey had to make a choice, should he go straight to the Clones, or should he go to Mazurka's first, eat, shower and change his clothes before going to the Clones to get his 'mind read'?

He decided this would probably be a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event so he'd better make an attempt to dress accordingly…  That meant having a shower etc…

Aesir didn't walk home with him, having decided she could live without his company for a while…  She'd gone off with Hickory and the 'Disguised' Clones to do some shopping, and 'Rave' was on classroom cleanup.

All the way home Shakey was having second thoughts about going through with it…  Was it really going to help the Clones?  He was still turning over his thoughts, as he had something to eat, as he showered, and as he got dressed.

He only paused from his internal debate, to decide what he was going to wear…

He decided on 'neat casual', putting on dress slacks, dress shirt, and a jacket…  He added a tie to it as well, not sure if it was overdressing or not…

A note on the refrigerator door, a quick call to the 'Clone Zone' to say he was on his way, and he was out the door…  Still having second thoughts…

======================================================================

Fragment - Peace of Her Mind.

At the 'Clone Zone', he was met by one of the Clones.  He had no way of knowing which one it was, as she was dressed in a traditional Kimono, her blue hair done up in a traditional manner, and traditional white makeup on her face.

Shakey was startled, wondering if this had been done for him…  If so, then he was considerably underdressed for the occasion…

'Err…" he said, a worried look on his face, "You look very nice.  Does it have anything to do with my being here?"

The Clone looked amused, "No Shakey, I'm studying historical costumes…"

She led him to a sparsely furnished apartment, where three other Clones waited.  Shakey recognised them, Sorako in a tracksuit, Iwako in T-Shirt and jeans, and Kuroko in her School Uniform…

Shakey felt self-conscious, mainly because they were dressed so casually…

"Uhhh…  Hi!  Is this a good time?" he flustered nervously.

"It is if you are ready," Kuroko replied.  All three looked amused.

"So…  What do I do now?"

"First, lie down on the table behind you."

Shakey hesitated as he noticed the table for the first time.  It appeared to be some sort of medical examination table, with tube steel construction, and a padded vinyl top to it.  He felt awkward doing so, but he lay there, tie and all…

The turning down of the lights startled him, and he was more than slightly nervous as the three clones took up positions, on his left, on his right, and at his head.

The Clones beside him, took his wrist in one hand, and intertwined the fingers of their other hand with his.  The one at his head touched his temples, gently stroking her fingers through his hair.

"Now close your eyes and try to relax."

With his eyes shut, he was suddenly aware of the Clones touch.  The warm clasp of their hands on his was comforting, while the gentle movements of fingers running across his scalp was oddly relaxing.

"Do you trust us Shakey?"

"Y-Yeah…" he faltered, "Uhhh…  I meant to tell you…  There's… 'Guy Stuff'… in there, and I don't know how you'll… ummm… take it…  You'll probably think it's kinda weird…  If you've got any questions about… what you see in there…  Can you please ask me about it?  Instead of asking Mazurka, or Aesir I mean…  Please?"

"Don't worry Shakey, we won't reveal your secrets to anyone else…"

"Thanks…  I appreciate it…"

He lay there in the twilight for a few minutes, until the regular massage of his scalp, began to genuinely relax him…  The Clones holding his hands noticed the change in the tightness of his nervous grip, and the change in his wrist pulse.

A soft voice breathed into his ear, "This next bit is the start of our synchronisation with your mind.  It is like synchronising with an AVE, but it won't feel exactly the same as that…"

Shakey felt like he was floating, there was no up, no down, no sideways…

There was also no light, but it wasn't dark…  It was like being in a brightly lit room that had non-reflective black walls, and no angles to cast shadows…  He couldn't 'see' anything, but he 'knew' it was there…

At the edge of his perception, he heard something…  It came again and again, sometimes louder, sometimes softer, nearer, further?

He realised it was his name.  Someone was speaking his name…  Or rather, softly breathing it, as the quiet tones being used, felt more like a gentle summer breeze blowing across his ears…

There was a change in the 'room' as well, rather than having non-reflective black walls, it now seemed to be a gradually lightening fog, but a fog at a considerable distance, as he couldn't make out any particles of mist…

The voices were closer now.  He heard amusement in them.  They seemed to be moving around him, even as they said his name.  The sounds did not come from any particular fixed point, but rather 'slid' around him, in unseen arcs.

He felt another change.  The air seemed to have more body to it, like a sea breeze on a sunny day…  It had taken on a dark golden hue, like the dawn sky…

The voices were whispering in his ears now, gentle zephyrs coming close to deliver their soft welcome to him, before shying away to let another approach him, and deliver another message of welcome…

He felt soft warmth encircle his chest from behind, and close snugly to him.  A feeling of arms encircling him, a head resting against the back of his neck, someone hugging him from behind, letting him know his back was protected.

His felt similar warmth on both of his arms, twining between his fingers, and holding his hands, a feeling of heads resting on his shoulders, letting him know his sides were protected…

These gentle feelings held him in a loving embrace, telling him that he had no reason to be afraid, that here, he was totally welcome, among unseen friends…

And still the voices came, welcoming him to this peaceful realm, their home, smiling at him without faces, letting him feel their joy at his presence here…

Unknown to Shakey, this was the true 'Mind' of the Clones, a mental expanse vaster than any Human mind ever could be, and comprised of not only the Clones' own individual mental resources, but those of the AVE's and the Alien Artefact as well.  All combined into one cohesive self-aware entity - 'Rave'…

In the midst of it, all the Clones came to welcome Shakey, expressing as best they could to his limited Human intellect, how they saw him, what he meant to them, and how they truly felt about him.

In other corners of this 'Mind', unnoticed by Shakey, several facets remained apart, watching silently, either because they were too inexperienced in such things, or too shy, to speak their welcome as the Clones were doing.

These facets were the individual essences of the AVE's and the Alien Artefact, and the living memories that were Rave#1 and Rave#2…

All good things must come to an end.

Shakey never knew how long he'd spent in the 'Mind' of the Clones, but he never regretted being there.  Leaving it was another matter…

When the peaceful scene finally started fading, from a warm golden haze to a tranquil 'Midnight Blue', he felt deep sorrow…

Back in the Apartment of the Clones, he was on the verge of tears.

The Three Clones helped him sit up, and gave him a glass of water.  They remembered his simple act of kindness to Rave#3 that time.

"…thank you…" he said in a small voice, not knowing how else to describe his feelings about the event, "Thank you very much…"

Before he'd left, each of the Clones had given him a hug, and thanked him.

Shakey didn't know why they were thanking him, and he didn't ask, as he thought they were just being polite.  Still, he was glad they were so polite to him, as it appeared they didn't hold anything in his mind against him…

As Shakey had thought might happen, the Clones had read his memories.  They had learnt much about human nature, especially that of Teenage males.  This information would prove of immense value to them in their lives.

They had also seen Shakey's fears and worries about letting them into his mind.

Despite all that he knew about them, that they were created, and programmed to be inhuman killing machines, he had still trusted them…

They saw how his decision was based on concern for the well-being of the Clones, his 'little sisters'.  He had thought their well-being more important, than keeping their respect for him, or preventing personal trouble for himself…

The fact he'd bothered to 'dress up' for the occasion, showing that he valued their 'gift' as 'special', only strengthened the impact of his actions…

Shakey wasn't surprised that other Clones in the apartment block might want to treat him like the three Clones had done, and want a hug as well.  He was surprised though, to find them all, literally, lined up outside…

It was a gauntlet he was happy to run…  These were the people closest to him in the world.  His only real family, and the only people he knew loved him unconditionally.  The extent of their love was getting him all misty eyed.

He had just finished hugging one Clone, when he was tapped on the shoulder, without thinking, he turned and hugged the Clone who'd wanted his attention.

The first clue he had that something was wrong, was when the Clone went rigid in his embrace, instead of returning it as the others had done.

The second clue, was when he noticed the Clone had long red hair…

The third clue, and this was the 'clincher', was Aesir's voice in his ear, saying in a DANGEROUSLY quiet monotone, "Shakey…"

Shakey went rigid with sheer terror, his eyes widening, as he recalled that Aesir had gone shopping with Hickory and some of the 'Disguised' Clones…

Shakey tried to release Aesir, but his muscles were paralysed with fear, knowing that 'Sudden Death' was inevitable, once Aesir had room to move…

Aesir moved in his embrace, unexpectedly putting her arms around Shakey, and embracing him back.  Rather **FIRMLY**…

Shakey didn't know WHAT to do.

Aesir gave him a clue, growling in his ear, "If you let go before I do, you're **DEAD**…"  She then rested her head on his shoulder, and sighed contentedly.

Shakey held the embrace for a *LONG* time…

======================================================================

Fragment – Epilogue, Preferred usage.

The end of another day, and Mazurka was reluctantly leaving another session in the Hot Tub.

"Mazurka?" the familiar blue-haired voice interrupted Mazurka's after soak reverie.

"What's up Rave?"

"There is… a matter…" the Clone intimated, "We need to talk about.  It has to do with our… early upbringing…"

Mazurka tensed, remembering some of the unpleasant things the Clones had already told her.

"There is a document," the Clone hesitated, "We would like you to read it tomorrow…  It… details things…"

"Of course," Mazurka quietly agreed, "But are you sure you want me to read it?"

"No," the Clone's reply was subdued, "But we feel it is for the best.  You should know what is in it.  The rumours about us in the Media are hard enough…  Having to remain silent on the truth… is even harder…"

Mazurka nodded, a grim expression on her face.  In an early interview, soon after the Final Battle, she'd had to field a question from some sleazy tabloid reporter who asked if…

"How many of the Female Bridge Crew had sex with Glando Atari?  And did Glando prefer 'One on One' or 'Group Encounters'?"

Mazurka's response was short and swift.  Quick as a flash, she had drawn her gun, and put a round in the edge of the seat the man had been sitting on, right between his legs.

"Commander Atari was a normal man," Mazurka too-quietly replied, "And as such he only had the one penis.  Which is one penis MORE than SOMEONE is going to have, if they try to insinuate unhelpful or unsavoury, let alone defamatory things, about the Private Lives of either myself, or any of my staff…"

The fact that Mazurka's pistol still pointed unwaveringly at the nervous reporter's crotch didn't help his composure much, nor did Mazurka's comment that…

"A helpful reminder.  The Authorities of this City are not bound by either the Laws of Japan, NOR the legal recommendations of the U.N.  The Laws of Physics however, are something that we pay utmost respect to, particularly those applying to Ballistic Impact Injuries…  Next Question!"

For some strange reason, the remaining questions were all shining examples of Professional Journalism at its very best…

- - - - - - - - - -

The next day, Mazurka sat down in her office and checked her e-mails.  As usual there were dozens of 'High Priority' items offering updates on critical situations, and requesting whatever aid was available.

One item however stood out from the rest…

"From Your Girls" the single line highlighted red characters on a yellow background, and despite the creation date, it lay at the very top of the page of e-mails.

'Mayi Strikes Again!' Mazurka grinned, recognising the handiwork of their very own in-house computer wizard.

Clicking on the e-mail activated a hypertext link, one that connected Mazurka with a 'Secure Channel', and a screen asking…

'Enter Access Code…'

Mazurka frowned, 'If they've got this sort of security on it, it must be something important…  I hope my computer doesn't have to 'self-destruct' ten seconds after I've finished reading it…'

A few seconds after typing in her access code, a document opened and Mazurka began to read…

- - - - - - - - - -

Mazurka blinked, then looked again at the information on the computer screen, feeling cold and hollow inside.

'Development and Deployment of the R:AVE Clones.'

Mazurka's stomach turned as she found out just what had actually happened to the first two Clones to bear the name of 'Rave' in their extreme youth…

…Extensive 'psychological conditioning' including 'sensory deprivation', 'aversion therapy' using 'electric shock treatment' from cattle prods, the shocks triggered in response to 'cognitive choices', or actions the Clones took, or if the Clone was too slow in obeying an order…

…And throughout the text, the Clones were referred to in such endearing terms as 'the test animal', 'the construct', or even just 'model number'…  In all the document, the Clones were never referred to 'Rave Imanonymous', never as 'the child', never in any way that made it seem that the author saw the Clones as anything more than some manufactured item, fit only to be used as any other easily replaceable and thus ultimately disposable thing…

Mazurka felt sick on seeing tables indicating acts of 'Negative reinforcement' (punishment) were much more common than any 'Positive reinforcement' (reward).  She felt worse, when she saw the explanation of…

'…instill an expectation in the constructs, that unauthorised actions would cause them pain… …making the rarer rewards of official approval all the more valuable…'

Then there was a tantalising glimpse of why Rave might 'dislike eating meat'… 

One of the psychological development tests the Clones would carry out, was the care and keeping of pets.  When still a 'child' by Human standards, they took on the care of several baby kittens.  The Clone would care for the kittens for several weeks, ensuring they received adequate nourishment, and physical care.

…Then when the kittens were old enough, the Clone was ordered to slaughter them, and turn them into a traditional Asian meal…

This was to reinforce in the constructs, that life was fleeting, and that they too might only live as long as their purpose allowed.

The constructs could expect to live a life with a minimum of pain however, provided they obeyed orders.  They could even gain the rare reward of 'official approval', if they acted diligently enough.  An added bonus to avoiding the punishment they would receive if they didn't perform as they were expected to…

Since the constructs' memories were 'implantable' into the others in the tank, Death itself was nothing to fear, nor was any pain incurred in death as the pain of death would not be 'passed on' to those in the tank, but would only be experienced by those that died, another form of penalty for failure…

Overall, it was the closest thing the Clones had to 'religious instruction' on the matter of Life, Death, The Hereafter, and Eternal Reward…

Then there was the Combat training, where the constructs were never allowed to hurt another Human without 'direct orders' to do so.

…And details on the occasions they WERE ordered to do so…

Mazurka hurriedly skipped over the autopsy reports on the sparring partners the Clones had 'used up' in 'Destructible Testing'…  The pictures were… unsettling…

Then there was the section on…

"'Post Third Strike Scenarios'…?" Mazurka had been stunned, "POST Third Strike Scenarios?  What the H--L!?  Third Strike was supposed to destroy Humanity?  How could there BE any POST scenarios?"

The document told Mazurka some unpleasant truths…  As well as exactly what the R:AVE Clones were ultimately supposed to be…

'…dispersal of constructs from the area of Third Strike to the rest of the world under the guise of refugees, enables infiltration as sleeper agents…'

'…the success of Mata Hari in an earlier World War showed that a woman with a pretty face and attractive figure could…'

"Oh God!" Mazurka was aghast, a line not far below confirming her worst fears.

'…tests with medical dilators, indicates constructs' inability to be impregnated should not affect their ability to use copulation as a tool of subversion when required…'

Mazurka stopped reading.  Standing on trembling legs, she stumbled over to the coffee maker in her office and poured herself a coffee, wandering off to lean against the wall of her office as far from the disturbing evidence on the screen as she could.

'Whores?' Mazurka seethed inside as she sipped from the aromatic cup of liquid in her hand, angry tears brimming in her eyes, 'Those B-----Ds wanted to turn MY Girls into WHORES?!'

Eventually calming down, Mazurka returned to the screen, and continued to read of just how STEELY had planned to use the Clones to infiltrate the surviving societies of Third Strike Earth, and use them as 'sleeper agents' to eventually subvert and control, or totally destroy any opposition to STEELY…

…All of which explained the SWAT training the young Clones had been given, especially as STEELY saw the Clones as nothing more than 'Human-sized AVEs' or…

"…genetically engineered killing machines…" Mazurka barely whispered.

The information also revealed exactly what STEELY wanted the R:AVE Clones to do the majority of the Human Race surviving Third Strike…

'…selective genocide is more than just ethnic cleansing.  Racial purity standards must be enforced to ensure that only the correct amount of hybrid vigour occurs in…'

"Oh God…" Mazurka blanched as she recalled something the Clones had said… 

'We only know how to be Rave…'

"…they only know…"

Seconds later, Mazurka was driving like a maniac to where she knew Shakey was.

…In the Clone compound, surrounded by Rave Clones…

Mazurka stopped outside, positioning the car for a quick getaway.  She checked her gun, taking the safety off, and chambering a round.  She took a few moments to calm herself, breathing deeply, trying to force her adrenaline high into increased speed and strength, rather than blind panic.  Outwardly calm, she walked into the compound…

Mazurka found Shakey on the Canteen level, sitting on the floor, surrounded by a group of Rave Clones.  They were intently watching him as he demonstrated various 'cats cradle' string sculptures with his hands.

Mazurka gulped, 'How do I get him out of here quietly?' she asked herself.

…Her plans were interrupted by a hand encircling her right wrist…

Mazurka turned, forcing herself to act calm, despite her rising panic.  A Clone held her wrist.  She was looking placidly at Mazurka's face. 

"Please do not disturb Shakey.  We will talk elsewhere," was all the Clone said.

Mazurka tried to move away from the Clone, only to find that her wrist was held in a grip of steel.

"We MUST talk," emphasized the Clone, "Please do not disturb Shakey."

With that, the Clone gently, but inexorably, led Mazurka from the room.

Outside, other Clones closed in to surround Mazurka.  One took her left wrist in a gentle grasp.  Another removed Mazurka's gun from its holster, popping the magazine out, and ejecting the chambered round.

"So… You read the computer file." The Clone stated the question as fact, "You now know the real truth about us."

"Yes," Mazurka confirmed, trying to brazen it out.

"You are worried about Shakey," said another Clone.

Mazurka didn't reply.

"You are afraid we may go berserk and hurt him."

Mazurka started to sweat nervously.

"So you came to save him.  With only a hand gun."

Mazurka began to tremble slightly.

"Knowing what we are, what we can do, you still decided to pit your tiny strength against our collective might.  Why?"

Mazurka's trembling had turned into shaking.

"Do you love him?"

Mazurka stared, confusion and denial evident on her face.

"You do," stated another Clone, "We know you do.  We know your mind."

The Clone holding Mazurka's gun reloaded it, keeping the safety on and the chamber empty.  She replaced the gun in its holster.

"Do not worry," a Clone behind Mazurka said, "We are NOT what our makers wanted us to be.  We will NOT hurt Shakey.  We love him too…"

The Clones released Mazurka, and stepped away from her.

Mazurka was about to answer, when Shakey came along.  He wore an unusually serious expression on his face.

"Mazurka," he said, "Don't worry.  My little sisters won't hurt anyone…  Not now, and not anymore…"

Mazurka grabbed him in a fierce bear hug, tears of relief flowing down her face.

"Mazurka," stated a Clone calmly, "We know you love him, but you have to give him room to breathe…"

A half choked Shakey agreed.

======================================================================

The END of this Fragment of "Altered Lives (The Parody)"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Burden

Shakey's hand came up, his loaded gun drawing a bead on…

…A Bear, dressed in a jungle green 'Ninja' Outfit?

…And the FURRY B-----D had Shakey's Marshmallows?

The Gun Thundered, as Shakey blew the creep away…  No WAY was he sharing HIS Marshmallows…  Kantsee was right!  Bears DID do lots of things in the woods, being a THIEVING B-----D was just ONE of them…

======================================================================

OMAKE - Comparisons

"What advice did she give you?" asked Shakey, curious to know.

"She said, 'It was just a little mishap', but that if it happened again, or if anything else should happen, then we should tell her.  Preferably, AFTER we kneed the LITTLE B-----D in the groin…"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Dark Secrets

"Do you know what diverted us from our 'Manifest Destiny'?"

Shakey dumbly shook his head.

"When the tank broke, you, Mazurka, and Ritzy were drenched with TLC.  It enabled us Clones to 'download' some of your memories and personality traits.  Such things were never meant to be part of us."

Sorako finished, giving Shakey time to handle what he'd just heard…

"So what are you trying to say?  That it's all MY fault?" asked Shakey.

"Yes, you STUPID B-----D, if it wasn't for YOU, we Clones would rule the world…"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Rumours and Truth

Sorako stared at Shakey for long moments, making him uneasy, and making him wish he'd never asked the question.

Shakey gulped, and turned nervously away from those unblinking crimson eyes…  "I'm sorry, if this is something you'd rather not talk about…"

"No," Sorako said softly, "It is something we must talk about.  Even if only, so that you know the truth.  Don't worry.  Those rumours are not true.  Although Kowmoo and We Rave Clones came from the same genetic engineering project, NONE of us Rave Clones have had sex change operations…  Although, I sometimes think Kowmoo SHOULD have…"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Others

"The others weren't killed?  What happened to them?"  Shakey was glad he didn't have the blood of so many people on his hands.  He'd had enough problems dealing with the death of Kowmoo…

"They were 'recycled' into the Doppelgangers on the 'Limited Edition' series.  They were 'Veteran' fighters.  As you recall I took care of them."

Shakey remembered that Rave had ejected, and totally destroyed, the Control Units on the attacking AVE's…

"Which means **I'M** the TOP Scoring Pilot around here!" boasted the Clone, "Not YOU, and CERTAINLY NOT that red-haired Kraut matchstick!"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Cooking Lesson

"Here," he said offering the freshly opened pack to Sorako, "Try some, I think you'll like them."

Sorako hesitantly reached in, and took out a Marshmallow.  She put it in her mouth and thoughtfully chewed, before projectile vomiting profusely.

"Are you all right?" asked Shakey, shocked at this turn of events.

"No I'm NOT 'all right' you STUPID B-----D," screamed Sorako between retches, "Did you forget I've got food allergies and THAT's WHY I don't eat animal protein products, like the **RAALLLFFF** 'egg' in those things?"

"Hey, look!  I'm terribly sorry…"

"You WILL be, Shakey!  Don't you WORRY about that!  You **WILL** BE!!"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Personal Attributes

"…shakey…" the Clones voice was trembling, and hesitant, "…does this change… how you see us?  now you know… what we were designed for… that we are… not even human… not even your 'half' sisters…  What are we… to you… now?"

Shakey pulled her to him in a brotherly embrace, "If just being friends, is okay with you, then we'll just BE friends…"

Sorako returned his embrace, grateful for his acceptance, and crying from relief.

YES!!  AT LAST!! crowed Twelve, one of several Clones wanting to give Aesir 'competition' in the 'Dating Shakey' sweepstakes, and now that Shakey saw the Clones as 'Friends', NOT 'Family'… Aesir, your scrawny butt is HISTORY!

Not that the Clones thought Aesir WASN'T 'Good Enough' for Shakey (Not HALF they didn't!), but the Clones HAD seen Shakey first (Well, sort of)…

Twelve began her Machiavellian Machinations, plotting a highly intricate 'Emotional Blitzkrieg' that would ONCE and FOR ALL, achieve a 'Final Solution' to Aesir's attempts to win Shakey's affections…

The other Clones felt a massive drain on their mental resources.  They all sweat-dropped nervously as they realised WHO was causing it, and WHY…

"But," continued Shakey, "I'd really miss all my 'little sisters'…  So if it's okay with you, I'd prefer to keep my 'family'…"

Sorako looked into his eyes, as she realised what he was saying.

S-T, S--T!, and Furthermore, S--T!! screamed Twelve, ALL her brilliant plans going STRAIGHT DOWN the toilet, **AGAIN**…

"Thank You," sobbed Sorako, relaxing completely as the stress and tension left, feeling safe and loved, within the caring embrace of her 'big brother'.

Shakey, you THICK B-----D!! moaned Twelve Why do you always **DO** this?  Are we Clones being **TOO** subtle or WHAT??

======================================================================

OMAKE - Morning After

Shakey worried about his sisters.  He wanted to give them the world, and he wanted to protect them from the dangers in it.  To save them from Pain and Grief…

If he did let them see his mind, it would be an education for them.  For starters, they'd learn in minutes, what it was like to be a teenage male…

That information alone would help them greatly in their dealings with other teenage males, and provide a good basis for an understanding of men in general…

…Mainly because most men never got PAST being teenagers…

======================================================================

OMAKE - Back to Reality?

"Um…  Sorako?"

"Yes Shakey?"

"That… offer you made… to 'synchronise' with my mind…"

Sorako looked expectantly at him.

"I've been thinking…  Is there ANY chance, that things will go horribly wrong, and that my mind will switch places with the Clone's mind, leaving my mind trapped inside a body of the opposite gender to what I am?"

"Err… No… I DON'T think that's possible…" Sorako hesitantly replied…

"So that DIDN'T happen to Kowmoo then?"

======================================================================

OMAKE - Peace of Her Mind #1

In other corners of this 'Mind', unnoticed by Shakey, several facets remained apart, watching silently, either because they were too inexperienced in such things, or too shy, to speak their welcome as the Clones were doing.

…That and the fact they were standing 'guard' over Twelve, who was undergoing the mental equivalent of being bound and gagged.

Shakey had come to visit, and the Clones were taking **NO** chances…

======================================================================

OMAKE - Peace of Her Mind #2

Aesir moved in his embrace, unexpectedly putting her arms around Shakey, and embracing him back.  Rather **FIRMLY**…

Shakey didn't know WHAT to do.

Aesir gave him a clue, LOOKING him directly in his eyes and saying, "I want to have a 'little talk' with you, about the differences between 'Friendships' and 'Relationships'.  Do you already know the meaning of the terms 'Togetherness', and 'Commitment'?  No?  Well then…"

Shakey was a 'captive audience' for a *LONG* time, and couldn't obey his 'gut' instinct to 'Run like H--L'…

=========================The END of the OMAKE=========================