(S FICTION) Within the Sound of Silence (PG13) Options

[Canadian bAiken]

First, I have to say I love your avatar again, but it's very distracting. I keep watching it...and watching it....

The food from the WMS canteen was not bad, and it still tasted so despite having sat around the stable for a few hours.

Yeah, never keep your food in the stable. LOL

Fin turned and saw Timothy hanging onto the fence some distance away from them. As soon as he realised Fin had noticed him, he released the fence and backed a few steps away. But he did not leave.

What a sad image this was. Him hanging pitifully on the fence. Reminds of one other clone who used to do the same thing. Except poor Timothy's love interest isn't interested Wahhhhhh!

“It’s alright, I understand.” Timothy sounded choked with emotion. He was gripping the fence so hard now, as if something would happen if he let go. “It was absolutely necessary. I forgive you.”

He's very understanding, but it's clear, by the very fact that he's here at all that he's not willing to give up so easy.....or at least not to try to get over her anytime soon.

“You could come closer.” Tim gestured her towards him. “Give me your hands.” She slowly reached out, her fingers touching his. He grasped at them, holding her hands with the fence between them. He contemplated them for a while, his fingers playing with hers. “There is nothing to make up for. It’s all in the past. I want to be friends Fin. Just friends will do. I won’t push you into anything you don’t want.”

This is just so very sweet. The touching through the fence....so sad too, since that's all they can do. No hugging, no touching her face. Sad. Sad too that he's making it clear here that even though he's willing to just be friends, he still is hoping for more.

I loved that kissed her fingers and I love that she was a little reluctant to take her hand back. Gives me a little hope inside that she might be falling for him after all.

Great chapter, Mezz. Sweet and promising. Loving it. And I think I just want to hug this Timothy all to freakin pieces.
:flowers :popcorn

[mezzogal]

haha! yay! spilled over to pg 2!!! :rah


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13. My Little Brother’s got a Girlfriend

“Well someone’s looking very happy.” Wilder commented as he and Owen flopped down to join Timothy in the rec room. “Something happen we don’t know about?”

Timothy giggled, blushed slightly, looking to Owen for help. Owen took his look to mean consent. “He’s met a girl, Wilder.”

Wilder’s shocked expression gave way to amazement and amusement. He jokingly punched Owen’s arm, teasing, “He told you but you never told me? How could you, Owen?! My little brother’s got a girlfriend and I’m the last to know. What kinda big brother am I, huh?”

Timothy couldn’t help laughing. He was in such a good mood that the smallest thing would set him off.

“And what’re you laughing at?” Wilder scolded. “I care so much for your welfare and there you were, hiding such an important matter from me.”

Timothy could not stand it anymore and burst into full fledged laughs. He laughed so hard that at the computer terminals, Ace turned, asking, “What’s so funny over there? Wanna share the joke?”

“Naw. Tim’s just got the attack of the giggles.” Owen answered before Wilder could. “Private joke.” Turning back to Wilder, he admonished him. “I know you were gonna spill it. Don’t. If Tim wanted to broadcast it, he would’ve.”

“I wasn’t gonna say anything.” Wilder insisted, surprised at Owen’s rebuke.

“He’s right though.” Timothy had calmed down from his laughing fit. “I’d rather not tell the world right now. She’d skin me alive if she found out I broadcast it. And we’re just friends.”

“She managed to talk to you then? You’ve trashed it out between you?” Owen asked, concerned. Timothy told about running into her by the pasture. He did not, however, tell them about the incident with their fingers. That belonged to the private files. He wasn’t ready to share that with anyone. It felt sacrilegious to discuss it.

“Must be so frustrating, being stuck in here, only spending minutes at a time together.” Wilder had hit the nail on the head, saying out Timothy’s inner frustrations. But at the same time, Wilder sounded sad too. Timothy guessed that all of them felt that way, all having had the same experiences of freedom. As the rec room filled up, Timothy excused himself back to his apartment, leaving Wilder and Owen to talk.

“What d’you think?” Owen asked.

“I think he doesn’t just want to be ‘just friends.’” Wilder observed. “There’s more. He’s got a real bad crush.”

“That’s what I thought too.” Owen worried aloud. “Tim doesn’t seem to realise that’s he’s unrequited. I don’t know if we should encourage him.”

“You’ve met the girl right? What’s she like?” Wilder inferred.

“She’s…” Owen thought about it. He had never really formed an opinion of her. “She’s pleasant enough. Not drop-dead gorgeous or anything She is interested in Tim, but I think, as a friend. She doesn’t seem like the type to be romantically hooked up with guys, any guy at all.”

“You’re afraid she’ll hurt him.” It wasn’t a question.

“She already has.”

“Let’s look on the bright side.” Wilder cheerily commented. “Tim’s got a crush. My brother’s got a girlfriend. The little baby’s all grown up now.”

[Canadian bAiken]

Timothy couldn’t help laughing. He was in such a good mood that the smallest thing would set him off.

Make sense. He probably saw the whole finger incident as indication that she might feel more for him than a friend. I don't think he realizes that even though she may feel something, she's not willing to explore it. Just my opinion of her feelings that is.

He did not, however, tell them about the incident with their fingers. That belonged to the private files. He wasn’t ready to share that with anyone. It felt sacrilegious to discuss it.

Deep down, I wonder if he's really not sure if it means anything at all.

“You’re afraid she’ll hurt him.” It wasn’t a question.

“She already has.”

“Let’s look on the bright side.” Wilder cheerily commented. “Tim’s got a crush. My brother’s got a girlfriend. The little baby’s all grown up now.”

Sadly, getting your heart broken helps the growing up thingy along rather well.

Poor Timothy, I hope he gets what he wants, or else finds a way to move on. Still, what doesn't kills us only makes us stronger...so the saying goes.

Great chapter, Mezz. So sad, even through all the giggling. :flowers

[mezzogal]

14. Opening Your Heart to an Invisible Stranger

Timothy found a message waiting for him on his apartment computer. It was from Fin to her Guardian Angel. They had been exchanging messages regularly. It read, “Certain friends touch your heart, and you are one of them. This is the kind of friend you are…so far, yet so near…so simple and yet so precious.”

It was a bittersweet feeling Timothy had. He sent back a quick, “Thank you. How’s your day?” He was not sure how he was going to tell her who he was. He didn’t know how she might react. She might hate him for deceiving her. She trusted her Guardian Angel, but he doubted that she trusted Timothy as much.

“It was ok.” She replied. “Ran into an old friend at work.”

“You don’t sound too happy.” Timothy sent back. He could sense that she had some tensions behind that statement. And he could guess at who she was referring to. Fin took a while to reply. He wondered whether it was because she was uncomfortable about replying him. It was quite personal. He was a little surprised that she would even consider opening her heart like this to an invisible stranger.

“It’s a bit of a problem with him.” She finally replied. “He’s a nice sweet guy, but he sees me in a way that I don’t see him as. I think he likes me, but I just see him as a friend. Don’t know what to do.”

Timothy was in a dilemma. How could he help with a problem like that? How could he hope to advise her objectively? Especially since it was his own situation they were discussing. He decided to go with his gut reaction. “Maybe you could just give him a chance. Maybe you’ll see him differently. I’m guessing you don’t interact much with him?”

“No. I seldom talk to him. Job limitations. Maybe I’m just afraid of being around him too much. Don’t want to encourage him.” Fin responded.

“What do you mean? Why would you be afraid of him?” This time Timothy did not stop to consider objectivity, but answered truthfully as himself. He was appalled that Fin was afraid of being with him. It explained a lot.

“I don’t know. He’s different from other guys I’ve met. I don’t know how to react around him. Sometimes, I think he expects things of me that I can’t give him.” Fin suggested in her reply.

Timothy paused, unsure of how to reply her. This was something he did not expect. He had no idea she felt that way about him.

“Why don’t you talk to him? Try and work things out between you. I’m sure he has no idea you feel like that. He’d blame himself for your apprehensions.” Timothy advised.

“You think so? I don’t know how to tell him. He might react negatively. I don’t want to hurt him again.” Fin’s anxiety was evident in her reply.

“You wouldn’t hurt him. He deserves to know how you feel. He’d be glad you told him.” Timothy sincerely told her, hoping deeply that she’d discuss it with him. He didn’t want to go on causing her confusion and guilt.

“I’ll think about it. Thanks.” Fin took a long time to reply this time. He wondered if he had scared her off. But it wasn’t the time to pursue it.

“Do that. Praying for you, for guidance. ‘Sending you butterfly kisses to help you sleep tight. Remember that angels watch you through the night. God bless.’”

Timothy closed the conversation and switched off his computer. He had to think. He reflected on her reply that she thought he expected things of her that she could not give. Did he really expect things of her? Maybe so. She had come to symbolise freedom, a world that was different from all that he knew. When he saw Fin, he saw a chance that he’d never have. Maybe he was living through her but he didn’t realise it. Maybe he saw Fin as a form of salvation, a beam of light in his personal darkness. He realised how he may have made her feel, knowing how he felt about her, and knowing that she could never truly fulfil his expectations.

Now it was his turn to be unsure of himself. He had to sort out whether he truly loved her as a person, or whether he loved her because of what she symbolised to him. If it was the former, then he had to earn her trust, let her know that he did not expect anything from her. If it was the latter, then, he knew he should stay away from her, that he would be in the wrong in pursuing the relationship. The problem was he felt that he was a bit of both.

By rights, he wasn’t supposed to know all this. The Timothy she knew wouldn’t know this. He had to behave like he didn’t know. If he thought hard enough, he felt like scum. It was like spying on Fin, even if she was telling this of her own will. This wasn’t the way to have a relationship. Relationships are based on trust, not on deception.

For now, Timothy decided to let it be. He would place everything in God’s hands, and pray for it to be resolved in God’s own sweet time.

[Canadian bAiken]

It read, “Certain friends touch your heart, and you are one of them. This is the kind of friend you are…so far, yet so near…so simple and yet so precious.”

This really struck me, because it applies board friends as well, I think.

It's a little sad that Timothy thinks Fin trusts her guardian angel more than him. She doesn't even know who her angel is, but she knows Timothy. It shows how little he feels she thinks of him. Sad.

He was a little surprised that she would even consider opening her heart like this to an invisible stranger.

I think it's sometimes easier opening up to strangers than those that love you. When you open up to strangers you really don't have anything to lose...with those you care about, you could lose their friendship, their respect, their love.....yeah, strangers are easier.

“It’s a bit of a problem with him.” She finally replied. “He’s a nice sweet guy, but he sees me in a way that I don’t see him as. I think he likes me, but I just see him as a friend. Don’t know what to do.”

Well, at least we know now how she feels. Suddenly I feel sad knowing he's wasting his time. But I'm still hoping she's just in denial.

Now it was his turn to be unsure of himself. He had to sort out whether he truly loved her as a person, or whether he loved her because of what she symbolised to him. If it was the former, then he had to earn her trust, let her know that he did not expect anything from her. If it was the latter, then, he knew he should stay away from her, that he would be in the wrong in pursuing the relationship. The problem was he felt that he was a bit of both.

I really liked this part because I think it's possible to love certain people in our lives this way. People we idolize or people we love because of who they are to us (parent, etc) and not because of the person they are. You're making me think.

For now, Timothy decided to let it be. He would place everything in God’s hands, and pray for it to be resolved in God’s own sweet time.

:lurve

Wonderful chapter, Mezz. Lots of self questioning here for Timothy and seeing how he feels about it all now that he knows better how Fin feels. Great job!

:popcorn

[dixiehellcat]

:cry Such a sweet and sad exchange mezzo! I do like Timothy's honesty in facing his feelings and trying to sort out why he feels as he does.

He had to sort out whether he truly loved her as a person, or whether he loved her because of what she symbolised to him.

But like CbA, I kinda hope Fin too needs to take a closer look at her feelings. This comment:

Maybe I’m just afraid of being around him too much.

and

He’s different from other guys I’ve met. I don’t know how to react around him.

tempt me to hope. No matter that she says one thing about why she feels this way, I wonder what lies beneath.

[mezzogal]

ok, i think this is kinda drama and cheesy, but read on anyways...


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15. Even in the Face of Danger, We will be Here

Things were happening at the WMS base. Alclayda had just released an album in Clay’s name. “Measure of a Man” was an instant success, reaching double platinum in record time. What worried the officers was that this was possibly the crowning glory of a deception, a sign for them that Alclayda was achieving his goal of world domination, to recreate a mania as big as Elvis’ years ago.

“And so it begins.” Fin thought. “This is how you start taking over the world.”

Indeed. Taking over the world does not necessarily involve an army. All it takes sometimes is ideological warfare. Brainwashing is usually more effective than brute force. Look at the great tyrants of history, Hitler, Mao, Stalin. Ideology is such a powerful tool. It’s frightening; things people will do in the name of what they believe in. The power a person would wield, when he controls and is the focal point of that mania.

Alclayda must have been very confident and secure if he had decided to release the album. It was as good as telling the WMS, “I have won. I have achieved the power. I have defied your miserable efforts.” It was as good as issuing a direct challenge.

Timothy had ignored the advice of his brothers, constantly and deliberately hanging around the clone fence, both at the exposed area intersecting the WMS compound, and at the screened area bordering the pasture. He was afraid for Fin. He feared that she was putting herself in danger, whenever she left the compound each night, she could be walking into a trap. He would watch for her everyday, just to catch a glimpse of her and reassure himself that she was safe.

Fin thought about Timothy too. She knew what would happen to the clones if Alclayda caught them. She did not want him killed. However, her worry was not as great because, for better or worse, Timothy was safely in the clone compound, under the watchful eye of Kav and the WMS security. She knew nothing would happen to him as long as the WMS remains.

The WMS went about their duties as normal. But none could deny the fact that things were beginning to happen. Things which were moving out of their control.

Fin and the other civilians worried as well. However, their worry was less ideological and more practical. The WMS was their source of livelihood. They were innocents caught up in a greater entanglement that should not concern them in the first place. But their very presence at the base was indication enough of their loyalties. Leaving the base regularly exposed them to dangers. If anything happened, they would be treated as the soldiers were. No mercy.

The general YSRN had called them together to brief them about the situation, as well as to clarify rumours that had been circulating.

“As you may have heard,” she began. “There is an increased threat which Alclayda has now presented to us with. We have issued the status of high alert. The release of the album is something which we have anticipated, but we could not imagine the huge impact it would have. Alclayda has become powerful beyond what we think. The likelihood is that he will discover the location and make an attack, to destroy us.

“Many of you have been with us since the beginning. We do not want to see any of you hurt or killed on our account. As civilians, it is our responsibility to ensure your safety, the safety which is unlikely to be found here in the event of an attack. After much deliberation, it is decided that you will be given the choice, to leave or to stay, in the full knowledge that remaining here is pledging allegiance to the WMS. In the course of the alert, if you decide to leave, you may do so without consequence…”

There was an outbreak of whispers and murmuring. There were some who were outraged that the officers could even consider that they would abandon the base in their time of need. Atropos stood and interrupted YSRN.

“I think I speak for all of us,” she said, voice clear and firm. “When I say that we will not walk away in the time of crisis. The WMS has been a good employer, and as employees, we will repay what we have received.”

“Atropos is right.” Fin stood in support. ”General, the WMS is not merely our employer, its staff our superiors or colleagues. You are our friends. And I, for one, will be damned if I let down a friend like this.”

There was scattered applause and shouts of support and encouragement. The general held out her hands, calling for silence.

“Is this your decision then?” YSRN asked. “Knowing all the consequences, is this your choice?”

“It is, General.” Atropos spoke again. “Even in the face of danger, we will be here.” It was a solemn feeling throughout the room. This could be their death sentences. But none faltered. YSRN saw this. She did not know to be heartened or worried. But the decision was theirs.

“So be it.”

[Invisible Ink]

I'm getting kinda misty here :cry They are willing to stand with the WMS -- to stand up to Alclayda :box -- and probably without benefit of the weaponry the WMS has at their disposal! Soldiers without the trappings of soldiers! :salute

Such loyalty! I am truly impressed! :thumbsup


And I have to wonder if just a tiny part of their willingness to help might be due -- in part, at least -- to the fact that there are a couple of hundred cute, sexy Clay clones in the compound ?? :woohoo Ya think?? :yes :brows :grin


But we won't go there, will we? :squish :lurve

[Canadian bAiken]

How'd I miss this? :oogle Where was the orange thingy?

Taking over the world does not necessarily involve an army. All it takes sometimes is ideological warfare. Brainwashing is usually more effective than brute force. Look at the great tyrants of history, Hitler, Mao, Stalin. Ideology is such a powerful tool. It’s frightening; things people will do in the name of what they believe in. The power a person would wield, when he controls and is the focal point of that mania.

I like this and it's so very true. Persuasian is often more effective than threat.

I love that Timothy watches the compound to be sure Fin is safe. He truly does care about her, that's so clear, especially here. I know he doubted whether his love was real but this says it all.

As civilians, it is our responsibility to ensure your safety, the safety which is unlikely to be found here in the event of an attack. After much deliberation, it is decided that you will be given the choice, to leave or to stay, in the full knowledge that remaining here is pledging allegiance to the WMS.

Makes total sense.

“It is, General.” Atropos spoke again. “Even in the face of danger, we will be here.” It was a solemn feeling throughout the room. This could be their death sentences. But none faltered. YSRN saw this. She did not know to be heartened or worried. But the decision was theirs.

Generals have to be tough, that's a given, and I like how you present the General here. Strong, matter of fact, and yet fair. She gave them a choice. They made it.

The danger in this story feels so palpable. I can almost feel something on the horizon, watching...waiting. I think the hair on my arms is standing at attention. Appropriate, yes? :grin

Really enjoying this story, Mezz. So wonderfully dark and uncertain is the tone. Keep it coming.
:popcorn

[Singing Shoe Div...]

Hi Mezz,

Aw, you have made Timothy so sweet. Fin definately has some issues, but I think Timothy's persistance will prevail. Love the whole Guardian Angel scenario. He is a smart man! Trust first then, well who knows?

I too see something on the horizon...can you bring it into focus quickly? Ok, I will admit I am a little impatient. Good things come to those that wait, good things come to those that wait....

[Invisible Ink]

and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait …


:waiting :waiting :argh

[dixiehellcat]

Wow! :eek Yeah, it feels like a storm brewing. (inspects hair sitting up on arms)

And how brave of the civvies to cast their lot with WMS at such a perilous time. :salute

[mezzogal]

wow. record number of comments. thanks all!! *muacks*

hi Invisible Ink!

And I have to wonder if just a tiny part of their willingness to help might be due -- in part, at least -- to the fact that there are a couple of hundred cute, sexy Clay clones in the compound ??

i wasn't exactly thinking of it that way. ..in that vein, i was thinking...it's like, the clones are friends to them, and some of them may even be in relationships with the clones. :grin

and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait … and wait …

patience, my dear, patience! anyway, fyi, usually i post on saturday and wednesday (SG time). so Ink, you'll have about 12 hours more to wait.


hi to SSD also!!

I too see something on the horizon...can you bring it into focus quickly? Ok, I will admit I am a little impatient. Good things come to those that wait, good things come to those that wait....

very good idea! waiting is good. :grin


hey cba and dixie! :balloons

you know, reading the responses about the civilians decision brought something to mind. here in singapore, they're really big on this concept of total defence. that is, the concept that wars and conflicts are not only military in nature anymore and therefore shouldn't just involve the soldiers and military anymore but also the civilians. so they've got things like social defence, economic defence, psychological defence...things that normal people like us can take part in. it's like this:

Soldiers without the trappings of soldiers!

very interesting... :innocent


see y'all tmr!

[mezzogal]

disclaimer: the characterisation used in this part is NOT reflective of clay in real life.

i'm not too good at drama...but i'm trying.

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16. It’s Your Move

The news of the civilians’ decision spread quickly. Secretly, the soldiers were glad of it. Their friends had strengthened their ranks, even if they were not part of active duty. It was their show of support that heartened them. They prepared themselves for the threat.

But nothing happened.

The base settled back down into routine. The high alert was relaxed, but the knowledge of the threat remained. How could they ignore the signs? All around, the album was still sharply in focus, every interview, every appearance, served to remind them of its presence. With it was the reminder that they were vulnerable.

Alclayda soon made his move. A few weeks after the album release, news came. While out on a mission, a team had been ambushed; one member had been fatally injured and brought back to the base where she died while receiving treatment. The remaining three were in Alclayda’s hands. It was the first time the WMS operatives had failed in their mission, and it proved ill.

Alclayda issued an ultimatum to the WMS. Broadcast directly to the WMS feeds through their satellite, it was sinisterly simple. Surrender or they die. Among the three of them were thirty fingers. Thirty hours grace. No one was in any doubt about his carrying out the threat once the ultimatum expired. The officers knew too, that in the time between capture and the reception of the ultimatum, their comrades had suffered torture. Images had been sent, evidence to the terrible physical tortures inflicted. The three looked battered to within an inch of life.

The compound was a hive of frenzied activity. Intel officers were frantically trying to locate the source of the feed, the location of the captured soldiers, anything that may indicate a tactical flaw they could exploit. But, nothing. The background in the images resembled the sterile whiteness seen only in science fiction movies. No distinguishing features. The only objects in the images were their soldiers.

Tracing the source of the feed was no help either. It had a promising start; it was traceable. But it led to a wilderness in Africa. Subsequent satellite images showed no signs of life, save an occasional elephant and passing African bushmen. It was a re-routed and scrambled signal. Someone had high end electronic equipment designed to avoid detection.

In the admin building, the offices of the high ranking officers resembled the kind of chaos depicted during failed space shuttle launch scenes. The commander Gwynhwyfyr had to make a decision fast. She, together with her generals and strategy committee were desperately considering their options, which essentially were none. Without knowing the location of the soldiers, their hands were tied; they could do nothing.

Some officers were in favour of the suggestion that they evacuate the WMS base, relocating elsewhere, thereby giving Alclayda a false sense of victory. Playing the devil’s advocate, YSRN pointed out that it was practically impossible to relocate in such a short span of time. The soldiers may scatter back to their homes, but what of the clones? Relocation was not an option.

Ten hours had passed since the ultimatum came into effect. A second feed from Alclayda came through; reminding them, only twenty hours remained, asking if they had made a decision.

“We cannot make such a decision in so short a time.” The commander pointed out, speaking into the microphone where it was miraculously picked up. “We need more time. You have to extend the deadline…hello? Hello?!”

The enormous amount of static told her that Alclayda had broken the connection. Tracing once again showed the African wilderness. Time was running out. They could not surrender, nor could they allow three of their own to be killed.

Two and a half hours later, a video feed was received. It was a video of their three soldiers, one of whom was getting her left hand brutally mutilated. The instrument used was chillingly reminiscent of medieval torture instruments, designed for maximum pain but not to kill. There was no audio available, and some of the officers were grateful for it. But Gwyn and YSRN watched the video in horror and silent simmering anger.

The video ended when the soldier’s hand was thoroughly crushed and destroyed. It faded into a white screen with a message being broadcast.

“No extensions. It’s your move.”

[dixiehellcat]

:eek

[Invisible Ink]

i'm not too good at drama...but i'm trying.

:cry :argh Lord help us if you ever get GOOD at drama! This is ....**more** than enough for me! :doi

I'm sure the commanders are striving to come up with some counter-logic to use.. :read We've never actually "been there" when WMS soldiers were injured/killed :medic :sob Surely they have measures already in place just in case they were captured! What were they supposed to do if captured? Just sit there and look at him? :waiting :surrender :tape

Time to ask for :help :nervous :pope !!!

Don't just sit there!!! :tumbleweed :tantrum

[Canadian bAiken]

While out on a mission, a team had been ambushed; one member had been fatally injured and brought back to the base where she died while receiving treatment. The remaining three were in Alclayda’s hands. It was the first time the WMS operatives had failed in their mission

:oogle Eep!

Some officers were in favour of the suggestion that they evacuate the WMS base, relocating elsewhere, thereby giving Alclayda a false sense of victory. Playing the devil’s advocate, YSRN pointed out that it was practically impossible to relocate in such a short span of time. The soldiers may scatter back to their homes, but what of the clones? Relocation was not an option.

A good idea, if they'd had more time. And they couldn't just leave the clones.

Two and a half hours later, a video feed was received. It was a video of their three soldiers, one of whom was getting her left hand brutally mutilated. The instrument used was chillingly reminiscent of medieval torture instruments, designed for maximum pain but not to kill. There was no audio available, and some of the officers were grateful for it. But Gwyn and YSRN watched the video in horror and silent simmering anger.

:cry

“No extensions. It’s your move.”

That was chilling.

I could just feel the urgency and imagine everyone scrambling to find them. I think I have goosebumps. Scary chapter, Mezz. Can't wait to see what they decide. Anxiously, looking forward to more. :nervous

[mezzogal]

17. They are Beyond Our Help Now

The torture video only served to frustrate the officers more. Analysis of the feed turned out no results, nothing that might help them. Everyone was fearful and anxious. Some were even considering the consequences of surrender, whether it would be better to give in. There seemed no way out of this. Alclayda had made things sufficiently clear. There would be no tolerance of attempts at negotiation. It was either a full surrender, or nothing. The officers were aware that he was playing on their loyalty to one another and exploiting it to the full.

The expected communication at the twenty hour mark did not come. Ten more hours. The commander had not made a decision. Neither she nor her generals could come to any decision. They had, however, instructed Kav to prepare the soldiers and security teams for an attack. They expected Alclayda to discover their location at any time, given that he knew enough to broadcast messages to them.

Inside the clone rec room, the news had broken, to their horror and dismay. Timothy was not there. He was obsessively standing by the fence, as usual. Owen had sent Neil to accompany him, to make sure he didn’t do anything stupid. The quiet Solitaire clone had done as he was told; safety was a concern for all of them now. There wasn’t any of the usual laughter or joking in the room. The clones huddled together in sombre silence, praying in their own ways for divine intervention through this crisis.

“I really need divine intervention now.” Gwyn was thinking. She added out loud. “Any suggestions?”

“Did the soldier give any information before she died? How about checking out the cloning facility or the kidnap site?” someone suggested.

“Nat said that she was not conscious enough to impart anything of use.” YSRN reported. “The site was clean. No traces at all. Our team went in a little too late. Apart from rescuing our soldier and recovering the clone, there was little else they could do. There was high human traffic immediately after the incident. Any evidence that may have been present would have been messed up and destroyed. Convenient.” She gave a sarcastic smile. “And the clone either knows nothing at all or is not talking.”

“JLM knows nothing. He’s as shocked as the rest of us are.” Kav quickly defended the new clone in her charge. “So, we have no leads whatsoever. We’re just gonna let them die?”

“We may have to consider that.” Gwyn wearily replied. None of them had slept in the last twenty-four hours. Six more hours remained, and they were all exhausted.

“We may, but will we take that course of action?” Kav asked. “Is it worth giving up the three of them?”

“If you have other ideas, Kav, please tell us.” Gwyn turned to Kav. “And we all know what will happen if we surrender. He will kill all of us. I have to consider the rest of the soldiers, not just these three.”

“We can’t do that!” Kav was shocked. She sensed which way the commander was leaning toward. “How about the lab facility? Maybe they’re there.”

“We’ve dispatched a team already.” Gwyn answered. “So far, their surveillance of the facility has churned out nothing. Alclayda is either not there, or else disguising his traces very well. Apparently the facility is functioning as per normal. It’s as if they’re not in the middle of the biggest issue in their history. Our team is going to hack into their computer systems; hopefully they’ll find some leads.”

“We have no other choice. In a few hours, the time will be up. If we do not give him the answer he wants…” YSRN shrugged in helplessness. “We have no idea of Alclayda’s plans. Without the information, we cannot do anything, even if we wanted to. Frankly, they are beyond our help now.”

The minutes ticked away. The special ops team’s report from the facility was still negative. They were trying their best, but no further information could be found. It was as if Alclayda and his hostages had simply vanished off the face of the earth.

Less than two hours now remained. The decision was made. They would not surrender. They very reluctantly gave up the three of their friends. It was a hard decision, but a necessary one. The soldiers went out on field missions with the knowledge that they might be injured or lose their lives in the process. It was for the good of their cause. In Alclayda’s holding cell, the three soldiers understood this. Although they wished to be rescued, they knew that there was no way for the WMS to help them. Alclayda was bent on killing someone today. Nothing in the world could change his mind, except if he could have a larger target, which was the base itself. In lieu of that, these three would suffice.

Three minutes before the ultimatum expired, a third feed was picked up. The commander sadly delivered their decision. The disappointment in Alclayda’s voice was obvious. He did not expect that they would allow him to kill their soldiers. He felt that the WMS was a worthy adversary now; they were not the softies he thought they were. He decided to allow a supervised talk between the WMS and the condemned three before killing them.

“It’s ok commander. We understand why you’ve decided this. We can’t expect anything more. It’s for the greater good that this must happen.” One of them spoke for the three.

“Tell our families we love them and we’re sorry and that we’ll be watching them from above.” Another put in. “Goodbye.”

The feed was broken. None of the WMS saw them again. It was a minute after the deadline.

[Canadian bAiken]

They had, however, instructed Kav to prepare the soldiers and security teams for an attack. They expected Alclayda to discover their location at any time, given that he knew enough to broadcast messages to them.

That makes sense. If he's sending the signal directly to them, he must know where they are. Or maybe not.

“JLM knows nothing. He’s as shocked as the rest of us are.” Kav quickly defended the new clone in her charge.

Poor JLM. Well, that tells us where the kidnap site was, I think...and gives us a time reference.

Gwyn turned to Kav. “And we all know what will happen if we surrender. He will kill all of us. I have to consider the rest of the soldiers, not just these three.”

A very difficult decision for a leader to make.

“We have no other choice. In a few hours, the time will be up. If we do not give him the answer he wants…” YSRN shrugged in helplessness. “We have no idea of Alclayda’s plans. Without the information, we cannot do anything, even if we wanted to. Frankly, they are beyond our help now.”

YSRN is tougher but only on the outside, I think. Inside it must be killing her to even consider letting their soldiers die....even if it is to save all the rest of the people on the base.

The soldiers went out on field missions with the knowledge that they might be injured or lose their lives in the process. It was for the good of their cause. In Alclayda’s holding cell, the three soldiers understood this. Although they wished to be rescued, they knew that there was no way for the WMS to help them.

A horrifying thing to face, soldier or not.

I'm not sure talking to the three made it easier or harder to let them go. Probably both.

The feed was broken. None of the WMS saw them again. It was a minute after the deadline.

:cry

Wow, that was pretty intense. No pussy footing around and no sugar coating anything. I feel bad for the commanding officers but I know they had no other choice. I also know that won't make them feel any better. Riveting chapter, Mezz. Awesome.
:flowers :popcorn

[mezzogal]

short one.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18. Interlude

Everyone was devastated when they heard the news. It was the first real crisis they had faced and they had failed. Not merely failed, there was a general feeling of betrayal, that they had let down people they cared for. It was true, sacrifices had to be made, but no one was prepared for the reality of that statement. Before all this happened, that statement was just another cliché that floated around.

Despite the low morale that the base fell into, the officers knew they had to pick themselves up and move on from this. They had to hide their fear, to present a strong façade. They owed it to their fallen friends, not to have given their lives in vain. Healing had to begin.

The bodies were never recovered. No one knew what Alclayda did to them. The commander herself made the calls to their families. They were painful calls and Gwyn could scarcely hold back her choked tears long enough to deliver the news. How could you just call up someone and explain that their daughter was killed? How to tell them that there is no body for them to bury? How to explain the circumstances of death? Gwyn took the responsibility of being the bearer of this news, as she knew it was her place to.

The latest clone, JLM, was especially down. It was while trying to capture him that the incident occurred. Yet he was safely here while they were dead. That would make it his fault. He remembered how frightened he was, caught in the fight, running to hide and quaking with fear until the second team had found him. They brought him back to the base where he thought for sure they were going to exact revenge on him. But beyond gentle questionings by Col. Kav, no one had accused him. No one berated him. He was treated kindly and welcomed by the other clones. It made him feel guilty.

Feelings of guilt were felt by some soldiers too. Psychologists call it survivor’s guilt. When you survived but others didn’t. There were those who felt that they had not tried hard enough. Being a part of making that fateful decision, some officers experienced this guilt coupled with resignation that the deed was done and nothing could change things now.

At the huts where the four soldiers lived, little memorials were set up. Flowers, notes, origami swans were placed at the doorways. There was no official memorial service or funeral. There was no time to organise such things. The base was back on high alert. Alclayda had proven that he was willing to go any length. Anything could happen now. Nothing could be taken for granted anymore. The base had to learn from this painful and difficult lesson.

The belongings of the fallen soldiers were sent back to their families together with the gifts and notes left at their doors. Fin and some others were tasked to clean out the huts. They removed all physical traces of the soldiers, restoring the structures back to empty blankness. In a way, this served as closure, the end of a chapter in WMS history.