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

[Canadian bAiken]

short one

Remember, it's not the size it's how you use it. Remember also, this only applies to story chapters.
:grin

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.

Romantic notions of high ideals are not quite as attractive when faced with the bitter reality of a situation.

How to explain the circumstances of death?

Especially in this situation.

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.

Understandable, but it's sad, nonetheles.

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.

Almost as if everything that happened before was 'playing army' and now it's all real. Too real.

Great chapter, Mezz. Still on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. I get chills when I read your story, seriously. Like I instinctively know that just about anything could happen and probably will.
:popcorn

[dixiehellcat]

it's not the size it's how you use it. Remember also, this only applies to story chapters.

Does not. :lol

Wow mezzo. Still here and getting chills along with CbA. This really is gripping. Can't wait to see how things develop from here.

[aurryinne]

Can't wait to see how things develop from here.

You get to wait awhile...depending on how many sequels she writes. :grin

[mezzogal]

You get to wait awhile...depending on how many sequels she writes.

i'm working on one sequel. but that will probably drag till next year. i haven't got the time nor inspiration to write much these days.

yup, but thanks to all of y'all for hanging in here with me.

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19. Something Terribly Wrong

“How could this happen, Tim?” After helping to clean out the huts, Fin had gone to the pasture fence looking for Timothy. She had to talk to someone, someone who cared. “How could anyone do that to someone else?”

“Because he’s cruel and evil, Fin.” Timothy tried to comfort her. He saw that she felt upset and confused. “It’s funny. We see things like this happen on TV, in the news and we’re ok with it. But when it really happens to us, it’s just so hard to take.”

“Exactly.” Fin agreed. “I don’t know why I’m acting like this. It’s not like I was that close to them…” She trailed off as they fell into a comfortable silence. Timothy wanted to hold her, to make her sadness go away. But with the fence between them, that was impossible. He sat on the grass hugging his knees close to his body, half leaning against the fence.

“Tim, there’s something I can’t figure out.” Fin broke the silence. “If all of you are clones of Clay Aiken and Alclayda, how come he’s so different from all of you? I mean, I can’t imagine you doing anything like that, so how come he can? It’s like…some mad evil alter ego of Clay or something.”

“I don’t know Fin.” Timothy sounded apologetic and began to explain. “Based on the guys here, I guess we’re not identical, but we…express some traits more strongly than others. Alclayda was created different from the rest of us. I heard the scientists back at the facility gossiping that they had genetically manipulated DNA to create an ‘improved’ Clay.”

“But they didn’t!” Fin exclaimed. “They created a twisted madman!”

“I know.”

Timothy knew instinctively that the clones were different from the original. He felt that no matter what they did, or pretended or threatened to do, no clone could even think of carrying out kidnap, torture or murder in cold blood. Something had gone terribly wrong when Alclayda was created. Whether intentional or not, the result was clear for all to see.

Fin thought to change the subject. She cast round for something easier to talk about.

“I heard that new clone’s taking things pretty hard.” She opened. She heard of JLM through the gossip channels. About how he was the one involved in the kidnapping situation.

“Yeah, he is.” Timothy sighed. “But don’t worry about him. Owen and Dylan are talking to him. He’ll be fine with them.”

“You know…” Fin was nervous to repeat this piece of gossip. “Rumour has it…I mean, some people have been saying, that you clones are in cahoots with him. They think that, maybe, there’re spies among you.”

“What??!” Timothy was shocked. “Th-that’s crazy!!”

“I know. It’s really crazy.” Fin empathised. “That’s just what they say. Especially after all this. They don’t know what happened, why it happened. They think the only explanation is that he’s got inside help.”

“One of us?!” Timothy sounded outraged.

Fin nodded pensively. Sadly, it was a logical conclusion to reach. The clones were the ‘Other’. Their origins were from the enemy. And they had been allowed to be caught and live in the WMS compound with no response from Alclayda. The convenient reason for this, fitting in nicely with the current situation, was that, intentionally or otherwise, one or more of the clones served a double agent role.

She sat and leaned against Timothy’s body. “If it counts for anything, I don’t believe it.”

“Because it’s not true.” Timothy declared. “It’s just not true. None of us would do such a thing. This is our home, we wouldn’t…”

“Hey.” Fin turned to face him. She stretched her fingers through the fence as far as she could, to touch him. She could barely grasp his shoulder. “Don’t worry about it ok? It’s just a rumour.”

Timothy silently turned and held her fingers. Every second of physical contact with her was precious to him.

“Well look at me.” He joked weakly. “I’m supposed to comfort you and here you are comforting me instead.”

“Stop it.” Fin giggled, giving him a friendly tap on the hand. “We’re all stressed. Things are becoming really weird around here.”

Timothy affectionately squeezed her fingers, laughing. “Fin darling, things have been weird here since the beginning.”

“What do you…” Fin frowned.

“What’s considered weird if you think that harbouring forty or so clones is normal?”

Light finally dawned. “Okay…I get it, you goon!” She playfully hit the fence where he leaned against it. In those few moments of laughter, all worries were forgotten. Both of them felt better already.

“Still,” Fin commented. “You can’t deny that something’s gone horribly wrong, the system is disrupted, things are changing.”

“I know.” Timothy conceded. “It’s not time to worry yet. I trust the officers. They won’t turn against us overnight. Things haven’t reached that stage yet. No matter what happens.”

[Canadian bAiken]

i haven't got the time nor inspiration to write much these days.

:squish

Timothy wanted to hold her, to make her sadness go away. But with the fence between them, that was impossible. He sat on the grass hugging his knees close to his body, half leaning against the fence.

I can see this image so clearly in my mind.

Something had gone terribly wrong when Alclayda was created. Whether intentional or not, the result was clear for all to see.

That much is clear.

I love that Owen and Dylan are taking care of JLM. I know they're not the same characters as in the O stories but somewhere in my heart, they are.

“You know…” Fin was nervous to repeat this piece of gossip. “Rumour has it…I mean, some people have been saying, that you clones are in cahoots with him. They think that, maybe, there’re spies among you.”

This actually fits perfectly along the lines of the original WMS board. This is how they viewed the clones when they referred to them during their role playing, that the clones were not to be trusted, that they were perhaps in cahoots with Alclayda.

Sadly, it was a logical conclusion to reach. The clones were the ‘Other’. Their origins were from the enemy. And they had been allowed to be caught and live in the WMS compound with no response from Alclayda. The convenient reason for this, fitting in nicely with the current situation, was that, intentionally or otherwise, one or more of the clones served a double agent role.

Actually, she's right. It's a perfectly logical conclusion, based on your points listed.

Timothy silently turned and held her fingers. Every second of physical contact with her was precious to him.

I love this and I love the image of her reaching her fingers through the fence to touch him and only being able to touch his shoulder. Sad and kind of symbolic. Like their relationship...barely touching, separated by a barrier...unable to really connect.

Timothy affectionately squeezed her fingers, laughing. “Fin darling, things have been weird here since the beginning.”

:lol He's got that right.

“Still,” Fin commented. “You can’t deny that something’s gone horribly wrong, the system is disrupted, things are changing.”

“I know.” Timothy conceded. “It’s not time to worry yet. I trust the officers. They won’t turn against us overnight. Things haven’t reached that stage yet. No matter what happens.”

:oogle I never considered this, that after what Alclayda did, the soldiers could really turn against the clones. But, I guess it might be understandable.

Now I'm getting worried. :nervous Great chapter, Mezz. I'm all anxious to find out what happens next, and worried for the clones. You know, it's really great reading a clone story where I don't know what's going to happen. Brings back the suspense for me. Being 'all knowing' has it's downside. :lol

:flowers

[Invisible Ink]

I agree

Sadly, it was a logical conclusion to reach. The clones were
the ‘Other’. Their origins were from the enemy. And they had been allowed to be caught and live in the WMS compound with no response from Alclayda. The convenient reason for this, fitting in nicely with the current situation, was that, intentionally or otherwise, one or more of the clones served a double agent role.

Actually, she's right. It's a perfectly logical conclusion, based on your points listed.

This would be true, except that we are dealing with the psyche and personality of Clay Aiken. That, IMO, will potentially throw a wrench in the enemy's plans. They think they know Clay, but somehow I don't think they do, and they won't know how to cope with it. :doi (Hopefully they cannot cope --- our hero, Clay, will overcome all of this!) :write

:lurve Loving the story! :heart Now I must :bed :grave

:flowers Write more, please!!! :daisy :grin :lashes

[dixiehellcat]

This would be true, except that we are dealing with the psyche and personality of Clay Aiken. That, IMO, will potentially throw a wrench in the enemy's plans. They think they know Clay, but somehow I don't think they do, and they won't know how to cope with it.

Good point Ink. Good can imagine what it would be like to be evil, but evil can't imagine what it would be like to be good.

(ETA cuz that last word originally came out 'goof'. Which applies to Clay too, actually. :lol)

:squish Mezzo.

[mezzogal]

bit of a short one. taking up space.


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20. A Breach of Protocol

“You wanted to see me, General?” Fin nervously entered YSRN’s office after receiving a summons. It was a few weeks since the tragedy and the base was slowly adapting to this new lifestyle.

“Yes I did. Please have a seat.” YSRN gestured to a chair before her desk. Fin sat, unsure of what to expect.

“How do you like working here Fin?” the General asked.

“Er…well…” Fin wetted her lip to stall time. “It’s alright. I mean, erm…it’s a good working environment, met some nice colleagues and I really enjoy working here.”

The general nodded. “So far, I’ve had good reports of you from your supervisory officers. They say you are efficient and reliable and a pleasure to work with.” Fin mouthed a ‘thank you’ as YSRN continued. “Which is why I’m a little surprised to find out that you have been breaching protocol.”

Fin was stunned. She began to say something but the general quickly silenced her.

“You have been seen in the company of a certain clone, TITN-0503, Timothy. Apparently not once but multiple times. We have found activity between his personal computer and your cell phone.” The general looked extremely stern at this. Fin was confused. To her knowledge, she didn’t do anything with Timothy that involved her cell phone. But she remained silent, waiting for YSRN to finish.

“Miss Fin, if I recall correctly, I specifically told you that, as a civilian, you are not to associate with the clones without official authorisation. And here you are, blatantly flouting that rule.”

Fin was slack jawed. She had nothing to say and knew there was nothing for her to say. The rule was a rule and the fact was that she had intentionally broken it. And was unlucky enough to get caught.

“Rules are in place for a reason.” YSRN continued. “Especially now, security is of utmost importance. How can we expect to maintain security if our own personnel persist in breaching it? I’m saying this because you are a civilian, and we cannot control what you do off the base. That in itself is already dangerously…”

“Timothy and I are not against the WMS.” Fin dared to interrupt. “I’m sorry I broke the rule, General. There’s nothing more I can say about it.”

“I’m glad you admit it.” YSRN approved. “But it doesn’t make it any less serious. The only reason I’m not handing you your pay check right now is because of your good record. So consider this a warning, Miss Fin. The next time you’re caught, you will leave the base permanently. Do I make myself clear?”

“Very clear, ma’am.” Fin realised that YSRN was aware of the secret relationships and meetings happening between the clones and the rest of the WMS. However, they were not caught in the act. She was. It was like the law against littering. Everyone does it, and the law knows that, but not everyone is unlucky enough to get caught and face punishment. The general had no choice but to issue the warning.

Fin silently apologised to Timothy. This time, she would not break any more rules.

[Invisible Ink]

IMO, the General is making a mistake. First Fin is put in contact with Timothy by Dr. Nat -- a WMS soldier. The Gen should realize that all clones have a high potential for empathy/affinity with others.... in other words, they usually make friends easily if given the chance. Especially when it's someone NOT a clone, i.e. a "regular" person. How could they expect otherwise?

There should be more curiosity and concern about the "activity" between a personal computer and a cell phone, especially if Fin has no knowledge of such activity. THAT is what I would be questioning.

You don't accomplish anything by nit-picking an exceptional employee to death. You should ask instead of acuse, offer suggestions. Personally I think the General is in a reactionary mode following the death of the three soldiers. She's hurt emotionally and psychically, and she's taking it out on Fin, whether she knows it or not. I hope she wises up soon. She needs to KEEP employees like Fin, not threaten and drive them away.

Perhaps she should reconsider the "association rules" currently in place. Being in a state of war just might warrant a .... modification of the rules. Since the civilian personnel have chosen to stand by the WMS, they should have a few more privileges than "regular" civilians NOT involved in the WMS work/compound.

**getting off soapbox now** :badgeon

[Canadian bAiken]

Personally I think the General is in a reactionary mode following the death of the three soldiers. She's hurt emotionally and psychically, and she's taking it out on Fin, whether she knows it or not.

Never thought of that. You could be right. After everything that's happened, YSRN may be more worried, more paranoid, more careful, etc. than normal. She would definitely not want this to happen again, or anything like it, and she's probably being super strict in the hopes it will keep it from happening again. Good point.

Great chapter, Mezz. Can't wait to find out the answers to my questions.
:popcorn

[mezzogal]

this is the final part of "within the sound of silence".

thanks to everyone for sticking with me, reading and commenting. :smooch :squish
it's been a blast! i'll be back next year with more on tim and fin. :write

but for now:


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21. O Holy Night

Fin kept her word, intentionally keeping away from the clone areas and Timothy. She had blocked him on her cell phone, knowing now who her ‘Guardian Angel’ really was. She and Timothy were just friends. It shouldn’t be difficult to separate herself from him.

Timothy had received a similar chastising from Colonel Kav, reminding him of his adherence to the rules, and about instigating others to break rules. Although it hurt him, he understood why Fin kept away, and he too did not try to look out for her. He didn’t want her in any more trouble than she already was.

Christmas was coming. It got colder and colder with a hint of snow to come. Most of the clones were eagerly looking forward to their first real Christmas, the first snowfall of their lives. The enthusiasm in their eyes when seeing and experiencing the snow was so magical. Even the quietest, shyest clone went out and played many a boisterous game out in the snow with the others. Not even Timothy could stay morose in such a joyful atmosphere.

Kav watched them play with an indulgent smile. Things most of the soldiers took for granted, the snow, holiday chill, Christmas, she saw through the eyes of the clones. The first time being the most memorable. She had to constantly remind herself of the need for decorum, to restrain herself from joining in their fun and games, although some of the clones eagerly called her to play with them.

Unfortunately, there were no special festivities planned for Christmas. The base was still on high alert. It seemed inappropriate. There was, however, going to be a small commemoration ceremony on Christmas Eve. The soldiers were holding a candlelight vigil. It was to be a solemn Christmas.

The night of Christmas Eve was cold and clear. The velvet blue night sky was filled with stars and the white stains of the Milky Way. The snow made everything cool, fresh and clean. It was a night of magic and miracles. A night where, in the far off past, a child was born who would be saviour of the world. However, a bunch of people were stuck in the here and now with too much time on their hands and not much to occupy themselves with.

“This sucks.” Ace complained. “Here we are stuck with nothing to do! At Christmas!!”

“Aw come on.” Butler tried to lighten the mood. “We’ll find something to do.”

“Oh yeah? Like what?” Ace challenged. “Watch snow melt? How exciting.”

It could not be denied that it was far from festive in the clone rec room at the moment. Christmas carols were playing over the speakers but many of the clones were sluggishly draped over the furniture doing nothing.

“I’m bored!” Ace whined. Darin threw a cushion at him. “Hey! What’s that for?!” Ace instantly retaliated, sparking off a full blown pillow fight at the sofa area. Butler very happily joined in, the other clones realising what was happening, cheered them on.

“Will you three dingbats stop it already??!” Owen good naturedly yelled at them. The three had moved their fight from the floor onto the sofa, jumping all over the furniture in their exuberance. “Colonel Kav will kill us if we thrash the sofa! And I’ll have to fix it!! Hey! Guys!!!”

Owen was, of course, ignored. Smiling resignedly, he sat at the other side of the room to observe with Timothy and Rease, both wriggling with giggles at the scene. Wilder was close by. He seemed to be struggling between staying out of the fun and being a part of thrashing furniture his brother would later have to fix. The good thing of this rowdy, free-for-all pillow fight was that gloom was completely thrown out the window and loud laughter filled the room.

It ended with a broken coffee table and Darin having Ace in a headlock. Owen shook his head, clicking his tongue in annoyance as he surveyed the damage, human and otherwise. The room settled into casual banter and light hearted gossip.

“Hey! The soldiers are doing something, guys, come see!” JLM called from his perch by the window. There was a mad rush to the windows. In the distance, they saw the faint flickers of candlelight coming their way.

“Let’s go outside.” Timothy suggested.

Ten minutes later, the clone building had emptied and the clones gathered at the fence. The procession had yet to reach them but they were all affected by the moment. Reflective and silent, they absorbed the atmosphere and reacted accordingly. They could see now, the personnel of the WMS were all part of the procession, holding white candles, walking through the darkness and snow, honouring the victims of their war. It was solemn, almost like a ritual being performed by ancient druid priests in a misty forest. The only sounds were those of the night insects and snow crunching underfoot. The procession approached the clone fence.

“Oh holy night, The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear saviour’s birth…”

Heads turned as a voice rang out in song from near the back of the clone group. It was Wilder. He slowly made his way through his brothers.

“Long lay the world, In sin and error pining, Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth…”

His voice was soft and prayerful and he sang like he meant every word.

“A thrill of hope, The weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…”

The soldiers had stopped, spellbound in Wilder’s song. It reached the heart of both clone and soldier, binding them together, as only a song can. Wilder had reached the front of the fence, holding on to it with both hands as he sang the chorus with all the emotion he felt inside.

“Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices, Oh night divine…Oh night, when Christ was born…”

Some clones were wiping tears from their eyes. So too were the soldiers, the candlelight reflecting the glistening in their eyes. Timothy scanned the group, in hope that Fin was there. He saw her, her head bowed, tears welling behind her eyes but not yet falling. She looked up, seeming to sense him. Their eyes met and their gaze held…

“Oh night, divi…ine…”

The note quivered in the crisp night air, filling the hush with its vibrato and passion. The final strains of the song were slow to fade, seeming to linger in the silence of the wind and trees, even after the people present had moved on from that point in time and space.

“Oh night…Oh holy night…”


[center:e5301dcda5]
~End~ [/center:e5301dcda5]

[Canadian bAiken]

She and Timothy were just friends. It shouldn’t be difficult to separate herself from him.

"Shouldn't" being the operative word here.

She had to constantly remind herself of the need for decorum, to restrain herself from joining in their fun and games, although some of the clones eagerly called her to play with them.

Colonel Kav is indeed made of stern stuff. I don't think I could have resisted an invitation from clones to play in the snow with them.

The night of Christmas Eve was cold and clear. The velvet blue night sky was filled with stars and the white stains of the Milky Way. The snow made everything cool, fresh and clean. It was a night of magic and miracles. A night where, in the far off past, a child was born who would be saviour of the world.

Love how you describe this night.

the personnel of the WMS were all part of the procession, holding white candles, walking through the darkness and snow, honouring the victims of their war. It was solemn, almost like a ritual being performed by ancient druid priests in a misty forest. The only sounds were those of the night insects and snow crunching underfoot. The procession approached the clone fence.

Nice imagery...kinda eerie.

Wilder singing like that, stopping everyone in their tracks to listen...completely understandable. His voice does that to people.

Timothy scanned the group, in hope that Fin was there. He saw her, her head bowed, tears welling behind her eyes but not yet falling. She looked up, seeming to sense him. Their eyes met and their gaze held…

:cry

The way you left it, with finality and yet leaving room for more in the future. I like that.

It's like your world is a parallel universe. Same characters, same names, but in a parallel world where things went in a completely different direction. Leaves me wondering which event was the turning point, the point in which it broke from the O universe and headed in a completely different direction, to that darker reality in this story. Was it the execution of those soldiers, or something that happened long before that? An interesting idea that leaves me wondering and interested in finding out.

Yes, I watch too much science fiction. :lol

Love this story, Mezz. So dark and yet, even in the hopelessness, friendship can bloom and people still persevere. Wonderfully done. I'm still hoping that Fin and Timothy get together in a future story, but then, I'm a hopeless romantic.
:flowers