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

[mezzogal]

Before i start, i'd just say that everything here is fictional and any resemblance to anyone (excpet me) is purely coincidental.

A little note that cba suggested i mention. Although it looks and sounds like one, this is NOT an Orientation story. if anything, maybe you could call it a 'pre-orientation'. take note of the time setting. hope that makes things clearer.

This is my first time writing a story like this, so i hope it's ok. Really excited about this, so while i'm still in the mood to show the world my writing, (fingers crossed) off we go:


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1. Help! Clay Aiken’s Been Kidnapped!
"…This is the night where we capture forever and all our tomorrows begin. After tonight we will never be lonely again…"

The sweet melody washed through the theatre, a sea of people on their feet, swaying and cheering appreciatively to the music. It is the final round of American Idol. Clay Aiken is singing his second song for the night. He looks and sounds fantastic, if slightly nervous. Somehow, his show of nerves appears to enhance rather than hurt his image. He is confident without seeming too proud of his abilities. He exudes quiet, humble excellence in what he is doing. The audience is spellbound in the palm of his hand.

"…I’ve been waiting forever for this. This is the… night…"

As words and music fade away, engulfed by deafening screams and applause, Clay breathes a sigh of relief. It’s over. He has done his best; it is good enough for him. He feels the adrenaline rush, the judges comments sound so distant and faraway. As he made his way backstage, he allows himself to feel a surge of self-pride and happiness in what he has achieved.

But he knows too well that it will not last. He is not who people think he is. Not Clay Aiken, but a clone of the original man. Back at the facility, before his appearance, he would look at himself in the mirror. He sees a face that is not his own. The face of a dead man. ‘Who am I?’ he thought wistfully, ‘I’m just a pathetic thing with the identity of someone dead.’ Sometimes he hated himself for that. ‘Someone’s death is the reason for my existence. I should never have been given life in the first place.’ The face in the mirror was a constant reminder. A helpless anger would wash over him as he thought back on the shattered promise of the Original. Betrayed by one of the clones, Clay had been killed, replaced by sad mockeries that were the clones.

‘A whole new meaning to life after death.’ The bittersweet thought entered his mind. ‘At least I didn’t let down his memory.’

He knew his purpose was served. He would be leaving the theatre, not to return to the facility, the only home he knew, but to be captured and killed by the WMS. Or, as he heard the facility staff say, he would be disposed of. It saddened him, even though he knew it must be done. For the sake of god knows what higher purpose that lay behind his creation. They were coming for him. He knew it.

As he rounded a corner, he was accosted by a group of women wearing camouflage print outfits. There were formal enough to be uniforms, yet trendy enough to blend into the crowd. His heart quickened with fear. There was only one reason why people dressed like this would be here and run into him. Would they kill him here and now?

“Is it time?” he asked, voice soft and trembling.

“Yes it is.” One of the women answered him. Pity was evident in her eyes.

“I’m ready.”

He closed his eyes, steeling himself for the final blow. As he bade a silent farewell to his short life, he wished he could stop shaking, and prayed that it would be a quick and painless end. He felt the sting of a needle entering his thigh, and he collapsed, unconscious to the ground.


~~


She had managed to sneak backstage during the convenient chaos of the commercial break. In the distance, she saw a bunch of women exiting the building, carrying something big between them. It looked like a body. A long skinny, unconscious someone wearing a suit. Could it be…? She silently followed them, preparing to raise the alarm. They bundled the body into a blue van. She caught a glimpse of the person’s face.

“Argh! Somebody help! They’re kidnapping Clay Aiken!!” She freaked out and ran back to the building for help. Before she was forcibly removed from the area, she saw Clay Aiken, coming to see what the commotion was about. She stared at him in disbelief.

“No way! No way no way no way! I just saw you being loaded into a van.” She was shocked beyond belief.

“Well, you must be mistaken Miss.” Clay said, a half smile on his face. “I’m here, and I’m perfectly fine.”

“But I…” her voice faltered as she was confronted with the unmistakeable truth of the matter.

“You oughta see you a good shrink, lady.” The burly security guard informed her as he ejected her from the theatre. “Hallucinatin’ like that ain’t such a great idea.”

[mezzogal]

2. Welcome to Your New Home

He opened his eyes and found himself lying on a reclining chair in a pleasant looking room. There were some machines in the room that he could not identify. There was also a dark haired someone working at a desk across the room from him. Wherever he was, and whatever had just happened, he realised that he was not dead, nor was he back at the facility. He tried to sit up but found that he was securely strapped to the chair. His fear at that moment was almost overwhelming. He instinctively struggled to free himself.

At the sound of his movements, the lady at the desk looked up, smiled and went to stand next to him. She put a reassuring hand on his arm, “Good, you’re awake. I’m Dr Nat. You’re at the WMS compound. You’re safe now. Don’t be afraid.”

“I’m supposed to be dead.” He whispered in disbelief. “The WMS was supposed to kill me.”

“You were told that we killed clones.” Dr Nat gently replied. “It isn’t true. That’s just what they wanted you to think. Nothing will happen to you now.”

“Why am I strapped down?” he asked, trying to convince himself that she was speaking the truth.

“Security procedure I’m afraid.” Dr Nat apologised. “Right. Let’s get on with your check-up shall we?” She was brisk and efficient in her tasks, giving him a full and thorough medical check. He found himself trusting her more and more. Dr Nat seemed genuinely concerned for him as a person, not as an expensive new toy. And she had shown no signs of malicious intent towards him. Although he wasn’t really paying attention, he realised that she was giving him a quick introduction to the compound and the WMS. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was an individual person.

Someone else came in as Dr Nat pronounced him whole and healthy. She introduced herself as Colonel Kav, in charge of the clones. He fought the urge to call her “Ma’am”, she strongly reminded him of a stern boarding school mistress. He sensed that she was not one to cross or annoy.

“Thank you Nat. I’ll take him from here.” Kav gave Dr Nat a quick nod and turned towards him. She removed the restraints holding him to the doctor’s chair and put a pair of handcuffs on him.

“Thank you Dr Nat.” he called out, giving the doctor a nervous smile as Kav led him from the room.

“You’re very welcome honey.” He heard her reply.

He tried to pay attention as Kav took him outside the building. The sights, sounds and smells came rushing at him from every direction. He didn’t notice Kav’s indulgent smile as she slowed down enough for his wide eyed, slack jawed person to take in his new surroundings. To his eyes, the compound was the greatest thing ever and it was beautiful enough, with the wind kissing his face, grass, trees and open skies all around. He thought he spied horses in a distance. There were some people smiling amused smiles at his astonished and amazed expression.

He did not know how long he had lingered but he finally was brought to an imposing looking gate and fence. He looked uncertainly at Kav.

“This is what we call the Clone Gate.” Kav explained. And those,” she gestured to the buildings beyond the fence. “Are the clone buildings. Welcome to your new home.” She opened the gate and led him in, towards her office.

“Colonel,” he asked, “Why are the clone buildings kept separate from the rest? And why am I handcuffed and restrained all the time? I’m not a criminal.”

“That’s what you say.” Kav replied, finally unlocking his cuffs in her office. “It’s a security matter, one of our main rules. Clones cannot associate with the soldiers unless the soldier has completed her CPTs. Neither can you leave the clone areas without authorisation.”

“You just don’t trust us.” He felt hurt. “I wouldn’t hurt anyone. And I would never run away.”

“Yes, I’m sorry, we don’t trust you.” She conceded matter-of-factly. “It’s not about you running away. And it’s nothing personal, I assure you. It’s more of…we can’t be sure if you’re truly with us, or still with Alclayda. It’s best for us to have a certain degree of control. For everyone’s safety.”

“So my death sentence has just been commuted to a life imprisonment.”

“Put it that way, yes.” Kav almost sounded sorry for him, hearing the plaintive inflection in his voice. She quickly returned to her brisk business-like manner. “Your apartment has already been assigned to you. Wear your appearance clothing at all times, except, if you like, in private. One of your brothers will be showing you around. Just stick to the rules, don’t cause trouble, and you’ll be fine.”

She handed him an electronic pass key to his apartment.

“You need a name.”

“Why don’t you pick one for me?” he still felt like he was dreaming. “The way parents pick names for their kids.”

“I’m not your mother!” Kav laughed, but she thought for a while.

“Timothy.”

This post has been edited by mezzogal: Nov 19 2008, 03:20 AM

[mezzogal]

3. Happy Birthday, brother
The Wildcard clone, Wilder, had given him a whirlwind tour of the clone residences. There weren’t many clones but they all warmly welcomed their newest ‘little’ brother into the family. The clones were in the rec room watching…well, themselves, losing the American Idol title to Ruben Studdard. Wilder introduced Timothy and sat him down with Owen, the ‘big’ brother eldest clone.

“You sang really well last night.” Owen commented to Timothy. “We were watching. You really blew us away for a minute.”

“Aw, shucks Owen…” Timothy began, before Wilder broke in.

“It’s true Tim. You did real good last night. If we could vote, we would’ve voted for you.”

“Yeah. Crashed the system, jammed the phone lines, and made darn sure that we, ahem, I mean, Clay, won.” Darin grinned at his intentional slip.

“I just did my best, like Ruben did too.” Timothy quickly injected.

Timothy fell silent as he let his brothers’ chatter wash over him. The day had been full of surprises and he was getting sleepy. He silently observed them, so alike and yet so different. Putting aside the looks and voice, he could well be in a room full of different people instead of clones. He was actually looking forward to his new life.

“Earth to Timothy!”

Timothy jerked out of his reverie, focusing on the grinning face of Wilder.

“Houston, we have contact!” he announced. Timothy blushed to the roots of his hair, embarrassed to have been caught spacing out.

“Quit teasing him Wilder. The poor guy’s had a long day.” Dylan came to his rescue.

“Yeah, sorry guys. I’m just so completely exhausted.” He quickly latched on to Dylan’s ready made excuse. “I should go catch some sleep.”

A chorus of agreement answered him. As he left the room, he heard yells of “G’night Tim! Sleep tight! Don’t let the bed bugs bite!!” Timothy smiled affectionately at himself. He already loved those guys, albeit insane as they may seem. They were truly his brothers in more ways than one.

Timothy had not gone three steps from the rec room before he realised that he had absolutely no idea which way his apartment was. He turned to go back for help and smacked right into Wilder who was immediately behind him, giving him the shock of his life.

“Oh my Lord, Wilder! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean…” Timothy began apologising.

“Dang it Tim! Don’t. Ever. Do. That. Again.” Wilder was impossibly speed-talking and emphasising every word at the same time. “Do not ever do that with me behind you…you near scared me senseless…”

“How’d I know you were behind me?” Timothy teasingly enquired. “You trying to sneak up on me or something?”

“Look who’s talking.” Wilder put on his best ‘my-good-intentions-have-been-wronged’ voice. “Out of the infinite goodness of my heart (cos the Colonel told me to take care of you), I came to escort you back to your apartment, and all I get are unfounded accusations. You just hurt my poor delicate feelings Tim.” He put his hand over his heart and pretended to sob. Timothy began to giggle.

“Alright. Ok. I’m sorry. Cut it out already.” Timothy tried, and failed, to sound contrite. “My sincerest apologies for breaking your shattered heart, my dear darling brother. Now will you please help me find my apartment Wilder?”

Wilder’s ‘recovery’ was nothing short of miraculous. “Apology accepted. C’mon, let’s go!” He grabbed Timothy’s arm and pulled him down the corridor at a rate which the mad March Hare would have been proud of.

“Er…Wilder?” Timothy tried to slow him down. “What’s the rush? I’m not going to turn into a pumpkin you know. And I highly doubt you will either.”

“Aw, where’s the fun in that? Anyway, here we are.” Wilder finally stopped a few seconds later. Timothy let himself in while Wilder stood at the doorway. The apartment was immaculately neat, save where the two of them had dumped Timothy’s issued belongings a few hours earlier.

“You wanna come in?” Timothy invited.

“Nah.” Wilder shrugged, leaning against the door frame. “You’d want some alone time.” There was a comfortable silence for a few moments. “Hey, I’m sorry I dragged you down to the rec room just now. I shoulda thought you’d be tired.”

“It’s ok Wilder. I enjoyed it. It was fun.” And he meant every word. “I could get used to it here.”

Wilder let out a quick giggle. “Well, glad you enjoyed the first day of your new life.” Timothy grinned at him. “Night.”

He left the doorway, but just as Timothy moved to shut the door, he popped his head back with a quick, “Oh, almost forgot. Happy Birthday, brother.”

This post has been edited by mezzogal: Nov 19 2008, 03:28 AM

[mezzogal]

4. I’m NOT Crazy
Clay Aiken did not win American Idol. He became a national phenomenon. No, make that, world wide, phenomenon. But there was something slightly mysterious about him. Something…just something. She knew it the day she witnessed him being bundled into a van. Darn if she saw Clay Aiken just minutes later. She knew exactly what she saw. She knew Clay was not who the world thought he was. That’s why she had jumped at the chance to work at the WMS, to civilians, a center dedicated to studying the phenomenon. She was to be a civilian girl-Friday, a glorified term for free-for-all assistant to the assistant’s assistant. Crazy job, but it paid well. She’s already been interviewed off the base and had only to report to begin.

The Quartermaster met her at the gate, giving her a quick tour of the huge compound. The admin buildings, hospital, Inspector huts, stables…Except for some large buildings behind a chain linked fence. She figured those were restricted buildings and so said nothing of them. She just silently absorbed what she was told, until she saw something familiar.

“That blue van.” She pointed. “I swear I saw it before. They were kidnapping Clay Aiken with it.”

“Kidnapping Clay Aiken?” QM had a tone of humouring a young child. “No, hon, we don’t kidnap Clay Aiken here. What purpose would that serve?”

“I’m not crazy.” She insisted. “I know I saw a bunch of women putting Clay Aiken into the back of that van. It was at the American Idol final. He was wearing a suit.”

“I never said you were crazy. And it’s high time I brought you to meet the General. Quit dallying already.” QM quickly rushed her to the admin building.

The general’s office was spacious and beautiful, yet managing to be comfortable and non-intimidating. The lady seated behind a solid wood desk rose to shake hands with her. “Welcome to the WMS. I’m YouStopRightNow. Glad to have you here Miss Finduilas.”

“You can call me Fin, for short.” She offered.

“Fin. Ok, I take it QM’s shown you most of the compound then?” YSRN looked quizzically at her.

“Except the clone areas General.” QM replied, dropping her voice to whisper to the General. “You said civilians should not know about the clones immediately, but she’s already seen Timothy being captured. She should be told.”

“Indeed.” YSRN pondered for a moment. “Fin, how would you react to meeting Clay Aiken face to face?”

“Er…” this was an unexpected question. “Just act normal I guess. Hi, how are you, how’s life…”

“And…?” the General prompted.

“There’s more?” Fin was confused. Why were they asking her this? “Ok, I know there’s something strange about that man, I don’t know what, but I’d just treat him normally. No reason to act weird around him.”

“The reason I’m asking,” the General sat back in her chair. “is because what you witnessed at the American Idol theatre, is a secret part of what we do here. Other civilians on base are not told this on their first day. We usually observe them and see if they can handle the information. This information is strictly classified Miss Finduilas, do you understand?”

“I understand.”

“The man you saw being captured was not Clay Aiken per se. He is a clone of Clay. One of the many which are created for Clay’s appearances. Clay appears to have become ‘evil’, Fin. We call him Alclayda. We capture the clones because it is their only hope for survival. Alclayda will destroy them if they fall back into his hands. Those buildings are the clone residences. The clones are safe there and part of our job is to protect them.”

Fin was astounded. The truth, it seemed, was stranger than fiction. The information slowly sunk in. “At least now I know I wasn’t hallucinating. Clones. That’s gonna take a while. Could I meet that one I saw?”

“His name is Timothy.” YSRN informed her. “And no, you can’t. Rule number one: You are not to associate in any way with the clones without official authorisation. And since you are a civilian, that authorisation will only come if it is part of your work to liaise with them.”

“Thank you General. I understand.” Fin responded. “My sanity and rational reasoning mind has just been thrown out the window. And I’m still not crazy.”

This post has been edited by mezzogal: Nov 19 2008, 03:30 AM

[mezzogal]

5. Little Boy, Don’t Cry
Fin settled down quickly to her new duties. She had no fixed schedule. It was like being a messenger girl permanently on call. For now, her duties were confined to the admin and hospital buildings, entering data and doing cataloguing. Other times, she doubled as the tea and coffee lady. Occasionally she saw clones in a distance being led around the compound, but she had not had the chance to work directly with them yet.

A few weeks later, Fin received a summons to assist at the hospital. As she entered the examining room, she was confronted with what was possibly the most bizarre scene she had ever seen. Dr Nat, Colonel Kav and four clones. Two were injured, with cuts and scratches, one bloody gash on a forehead, a black eye, and bruises. A third clone was unconscious with an arm that looked broken. The fourth clone looked like he was in the final stages of freaking out. Except for the unconscious one, the clones were handcuffed. For a moment, Fin was stunned at the sight.

“Fin.” Dr Nat ordered. “Snap out of it! I need you to take Timothy,” gesturing to the near hysterical clone, “out of the room, try to calm him down.”

“Can’t you just give him something Nat? He insisted on coming along.” Kav sounded annoyed, looking askance at the doctor and the clone.

“No.” Dr Nat firmly replied. “Fin, outside. Now.”

Fin led the trembling man into the nearby waiting room, sat him in a chair and got him some water. It was so surreal. She had to force herself to remember that this person was not Clay Aiken, despite his looks to the contrary.

“What’s your name?” she asked him gently.

“T-timothy.” His voice was still shaky although his body had stopped trembling. “My name’s Timothy. Are they gonna be ok?”

“They’re gonna be just fine.” Fin reassured him. “Dr Nat will fix them up.”

“I think Rease broke his arm. He…”

“Don’t worry, they’re not going chop it off.” Fin tried unsuccessfully to make him smile.

“It was my fault. I should’ve tried to stop them.” Those handcuffs looked more like bracelets than restraints on his skinny wrists. Fin had no idea you could wring your hands while wearing cuffs.

“What were they trying to do Timothy?”

Timothy swallowed hard before replying. “Wilder convinced Darin and Rease to climb a tree with him. Wilder was up the highest, then Darin, then Rease below them. I was on the ground. I think Wilder’s branch broke. He fell and hit Darin. Both of them crashed into Rease and smashed him into the ground…”

Fin put his arm around his shoulders. He was shaking again and looked like he would break down.

“And then I…I ran for help. Ran to get Colonel Kav. Lord, I was so scared! Rease could have broken his neck and died! All three of them could have died! I should’ve gotten Owen to talk Wilder out of it. Wilder would’ve listened to him. I knew it was a dangerous thing…”

He continued to babble on but Fin pulled him into a hug and he began sobbing into her shoulder. She sensed the depth of affection Timothy had for his brothers, his worry that they were hurt, and he blamed himself for not stopping what he knew would hurt them.

“It’s not your fault Tim.” Fin soothed him, hugging him tighter to make him feel more secure. “No one could know what might happen. It was just bad luck that it happened alright? Don’t blame yourself ok? Boys will be boys, always wanting to do dangerous things. Your brothers are no different. It’s ok to take a tumble now and then. Concussions happen. There’s no harm done. They’re all ok. You’re ok too Tim. Alright dear?”

“But they could’ve…they could have…” he pulled away and looked at her straight in the face.

‘Little boy lost.’ She thought. Fin saw a child behind his eyes at that moment. The look a child would give when he loses track of his parents in a large store.

“They didn’t.” Fin firmly told him, leaving no room for argument. She looked back fully into Timothy’s clear green eyes. “Nothing serious happened to them. They’re alive and well. They didn’t die. And it is not. Your. Fault.”

Timothy finally looked like he was pulling himself together emotionally. He gave her a shy smile. “Thank you Inspector. Sorry I’m being such a baby.”

“It’s not a problem Tim.” Fin laughed lightly. “I’ve seen worse. At least I don’t have to give you sweets and a pacifier to keep you quiet.” Timothy giggled at the thought of being given lollipops to stop crying. “And I’m not an inspector. I’m just civilian personnel here.”

“What’s your name, Miss?” Timothy looked intrigued.

“Geez! Did I forget to introduce myself?” Fin smacked herself on the forehead. “I’m sorry Tim. My name’s Fin, resident assistant’s assistant’s assistant, manic loony and whatever’s in between that you might want me to be.”

Timothy looked like he wasn’t sure if he should laugh or remain serious. He was spared the decision by Kav appearing at the door to collect him.

“So, I’ll see you around Fin?” he asked hopefully.

“We’ll see.” She grinned widely back at him.

This post has been edited by mezzogal: Nov 19 2008, 03:32 AM

[mezzogal]

6. The Worse Kept Secret
It was one of those times when she wasn’t needed to assist anyone. Fin was glad. She wanted to do some exploring of the grounds on her own. She decided to visit the stables. She liked the horses there, even though she was a bit afraid to get too close. Taking her time, she meandered through the trees bordering the pasture. It was nice, cool and quiet; a place a city girl like her seldom had the chance to experience.

But before she could really get down to serious down time, the peace was shattered by several male voices talking and laughing loudly. Fin realised that she had wandered too close to the clone fence and had come across a group of clones hanging out. She tried to sneak away unnoticed.

“Hello there!” Too late. Someone had already spotted her. She winced. Should she run or should she stay? She teetered towards the ‘run’ option. She slowly turned, backed off, preparing to bolt.

“Don’t go Fin.” Alright. There was only one clone who knew her name. It would be too much of a coincidence if he’s here now. She turned round.

“Timothy! Hi!” She grinned at him. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Neither did I.” Timothy broke away from the group and approached the fence, pressing up against it, hooking his fingers on the mesh. He still hadn’t lost his ‘little boy’ look. “It’s been a while. How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been ok.” Fin did not move any nearer. Her eyes roamed towards the other clones. “Been busy and all… Is that Rease? The concussed guy who broke his arm climbing a tree?” To her confusion, the red-jacketed clone, whom she thought broke his arm less than two weeks ago, was perfectly healed.

Timothy glanced back at Rease. “”Yeah, that’s him. He heals fast. We all do.”

Fin was amazed at the rate of recovery. An injury like that would’ve taken at least a month to recover naturally.

“It’s something they did during our creation, I guess.” Timothy suggested. “Listen, Fin, do you wanna come closer? It’s a bit of a pain talking with you so far away.”

“No. I don’t think so.”

“Why not? I won’t bite. I can’t walk through the fence even if I wanted to bite anyway.”

Fin saw that Timothy genuinely wanted her to come closer, to talk to her. She’d like it too, except…

“It’s against the rules Tim. I’m not even supposed to be talking to you in the first place.”

“Do you always take rules so seriously?” Timothy challenged.

“Only when my job’s at stake.”

Timothy tried to change the subject. “Did you mean it when you said you were a raving lunatic?”

“Are you trying to get me fired?” she retorted.

“They won’t fire you.” He reassured her.

Fin rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Yes they will. Are you the general? How do you know they won’t?”

“Cos the soldiers do this all the time.” He informed her. “They sneak up here to meet guys they like. It’s the base’s worse kept secret. You should see what they get up to in the CPTs, when they’re allowed to…”

“You–“ Fin shook her head in amusement. She took a few steps forward. “And to think I thought you were a nice innocent guy.”

Timothy burst out laughing that that. “You have no idea.” He paused while Fin rolled her eyes again before asking, “Do you have a boyfriend Fin?”

“No…”

“Want one?” Timothy’s evil grin could not get any wider.

“You need to work on your pick up lines, cos that totally did not work.” Fin’s cell phone vibrated as she squashed Tim’s attempts. “And I gotta go. I’m wanted.”

“Can I see you again? Please?” He suddenly lost his former confidence and sounded like he was pleading.

“I don’t know. I don’t have a fixed schedule…”

“I can come down here everyday.” He offered.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. No you don’t, you idiot.” She scolded. “We’ll just wait and see if we’re fated to meet again.”

Fin could tell that he was disappointed. She blew him a kiss and ran back to the compound.

[mezzogal]

7. Do You Believe in Love at First Sight?
Owen had never seen Timothy look like that before. He was sitting alone in the rec room, staring into middle distance, with a goofy Mona Lisa smile on. He seemed completely oblivious to the other guys playing their loud noisy computer games. Owen sat himself down, determined to wheedle information out of him.

“Hey Tim!”

Timothy was visibly startled at Owen’s greeting. “Gosh Owen! You shouldn’t sneak up on a guy like that. Almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Well, they say getting a good sharp shock now and then is good for the heart.” Owen informed him. “S’why horror movies are still in fashion.”

“Shut up, wise guy.” Timothy teased, giving Owen a friendly punch on the arm.

Owen laughed. “Enough of that, boy! ‘Fess up. Who’s the girl?”

Timothy looked at him in disbelief. “Am I that readable?”

“No. I can read your mind.” Owen made hand gestures of sucking out thoughts from Timothy’s mind before giving him a playful shove. “Come on. Who is she? I won’t tell everyone.”

“Yeah. You’ll just tell Ace, then the whole world will know.” They laughed. “But seriously, Owen. Do you believe in love at first sight?”

“Well, yeah, I guess. It’s a real nice romantic thing I read…”

“Ok. Next question. Do you believe in fate?” Timothy cut him off with another question.

“What’s up with you Tim?” Owen thought about the question for a while. “I guess fate is kinda like thinking that everything in your life is already planned and you’ve got no say in it…” he paused, trying to gather his thoughts. “Part of me believes in fate. But part of me thinks that we’ve been given free will to alter our ‘fates’. Like we don’t have any fixed higher destiny in life.”

Owen became pensive. “I’ve always wondered what’s the spiritual status of clones. I guess, if we have souls, we’d be subject to fate cos god…but if we don’t…”

“Let’s not go there right now Owen.” Timothy quickly changed the subject. The issue of clone spirituality scared him. He’d rather think happy thoughts. “The girl. I don’t think you know her. Her name’s Fin. She does odd jobs around the base. She’s really cute.”

“You like her.” Owen teased.

Timothy proceeded to spill out his heart to his brother. He told Owen about the incidents in the hospital and by the fence. Owen was tickled that Timothy had managed to so spectacularly crush on someone he had met only twice. He was happy, seeing Timothy fizzing over with excitement. But he was also worried that this was an impossible puppy love. Fin did not sound like she was interested in Timothy. It was like falling in love with a random person you bumped into at a busy train station. Owen did not know how to help his brother. He had no experience whatsoever, and memories of Clay’s forays into romance were few, far between and pathetically pathetic.

“…it’s like the song Owen. ‘This is the night.’ I never really understood it before. But now I know. It’s what happens when you meet someone special and…”

“There’s only one thing I can tell you Tim.” Owen interrupted. “You have just made me believe in love in first sight.”

[mezzogal]

moved my story! and here's the new part.
:sun

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8. Getting to Know All About You

“Did you really park yourself here since that day?” Fin sounded incredulous as she came across the clone again. It was one of those days when she had free time on her hands. Tracing the route she had taken previously, she found that all too familiar figure on the clone side of the fence reading alone under a tree. Fin folded her arms, looking expectantly at him.

“I thought you didn’t want to break the rules?” Timothy questioned her, not moving from his spot, not daring to hope that she was willing to spend time with him.

“I figured rules are made to be bent. As long as this doesn’t become a habit.” She told him. Fin had heard rumours and stories through the underground grapevine about personal relationships between the soldiers and clones. She had decided to test the boundaries and indulge Timothy for a while.

Timothy looked ecstatic. He jumped up and stood by the fence, as he did before. “I was hoping to see more of you. But if this is the best… Tell me about you Fin. How come you ended up working here? Tell me everything about your world.”

Fin wanted to laugh at his boyish enthusiasms. He was practically bouncing with excitement. She tried to keep things platonic by keeping a respectful distance from him and the fence.

“Ok. How did I come here?” she thought for a second. “I came here because of you.”

“You’re kidding. Me?” Timothy was surprised. He had not expected that kind of answer.

“Yes. You.” Fin teasingly pointed an accusing finger at him. “I was there at the AI final. I saw you being captured. And since then I figured there was something not right about Clay Aiken. So I kinda jumped the chance to come here. Which reminds me. Is there a clone here, the one who did the ‘Bridge over troubled water’ song at AI?”

“Do you always like changing the subject so fast?” Timothy was amused. “And yes, he’s here. Why?”

“Be-cause,” she drawled. “I want to give him one big smack in the face. It’s because of him that people start thinking I’m crazy.”

“I’ll let him know then.” Timothy made a mental note to warn his brother to keep away from Fin, for his own safety. “You didn’t mean it right? When you told me you were a maniacal lunatic?”

“Of course not.” Fin sounded offended. “Who but me who calls me a loony is just asking to be smacked.” She laughed. “How ‘bout you? You as insane as the other guys in there?”

“They’re not insane. They’ve just got a lot of pent up energy.” Timothy affectionately defended them. “Throw a bunch of guys together in a restricted space 24/7 and you’ll get some quirky kinds emerging.”

“Well I don’t think I want to know what quirkiness you guys get up to. It sounds wrong somehow.” Fin had a wicked smile on.

“And you’re implying…?”

“Nothing. I said nothing.” She shook her head, making a gesture of washing her hands of the matter. Timothy gave her a sceptical look.

“And to think I thought you were a sweet innocent girl.”

“Quit throwing my own words back at me man! Think of your own accusations. Be original. Do the right thing.” She did the perfect imitation of Russell Peters. They both burst out laughing.

“Why don’t you join the WMS, Fin?” Timothy asked as he sobered down. “Then you can take the CPTs and not have to sneak around like this.”

“Ah. Ulterior motive, you have. But interested, I am not.” Fin did a Yoda impersonation. “I’m just not really interested. Lazy maybe, but why should I join? I’m ok like this. If I wanted to join an army, I wouldn’t travel all the way here to do it.”

Timothy put on a sad pathetic expression. She paused, contemplating whether to go on. She decided to make things clear.

“I know what you’re thinking Tim. But I’m not going to get into any love relationship…with you or anyone else. I didn’t come here to find a boyfriend. Friends maybe, boyfriend, definitely no. I’m sorry Tim.”

This time, his disappointment was real. Timothy bit down on his bottom lip and hung his head, looking unseeingly down at the grass. His thin fingers played with the wire mesh a moment before he pulled himself away, retreating to the perceived safety of the tree. He looked lost.

“Tim? Are you ok?” Fin began to worry. She didn’t know it would hit him so hard. “I’m really sorry. I still want to be your friend…Tim, talk to me, please.”

“I’ll be ok.” He sounded like he was choking. He didn’t lift his eyes from the ground. “I’ll…I’ll…I’ll see you around, Fin.”

He turned and ran, out of sight, back home.

Fin cursed. She knew she really blew it this time.

[Canadian bAiken]

You're bringing! :rah

[mezzogal]

9. Do People Ever Get Enough of Silly Love Songs?

“I’ve been such a fool.” He thought.

Back in the privacy of his apartment, Timothy was agonising over the failed relationship that never was. He felt so foolish. What did he expect from her? They barely knew each other. Did he really think Fin was going to fall head over heels in love with him? That belonged to the world of movies and love songs. Not to his world. This was reality. In real life, people don’t fall in love with a clone, an imitation of a man, with no real past, nor any real future.

Timothy didn’t try to stop the tears from falling. Seated by the window at the correct angle, he could see the WMS front gate. It was evening. The gates were opening to allow the civilian personnel to leave the base for the night. Timothy knew she was there. He wondered what she was thinking. He caught a glimpse of the world beyond the gates. Her world. A world that he could never share. His forehead rested on the window frame and he sobbed heavy hot tears, remembering what it felt like when she held and comforted him.

He went to lie on his bed. His stomach growled but he didn’t feel hungry. He didn’t know what he felt anymore. He heard someone at the door, checking if he was in, and then walking away when there was no answer. He felt detached from the present. Darkness fell but he didn’t bother with the lights. He just laid there, in the no man’s land between waking and dreams.

The words of a song rose into his mind. ”You’d think that people would’ve had enough of silly love songs.”

How true. Time and again, silly love songs put ideas into people’s heads. Foolish unrealistic ideas that they yearn to come true. When it doesn’t come true, they become crushed, and go back to the songs. Do people ever get enough of all that silliness? Will they ever give up or give in?

“This is stupid.” Timothy thought. “I really like her. I’ve got a crush on her. But does she know how I feel? Maybe to her, I’m just one of the clones. I’m nothing. She’s probably got a boyfriend outside anyway. I should just forget about her.”

Deep down however, he still nurtured a hope that something could happen between them. He smiled weakly in the darkness as an idea, another silly love song, struck him. He could just start out to be friends with her. Then maybe, over time, she would come to realise that she liked him too. At the very least, even if nothing happened between them, there would still be a friendship to remember.

It began to rain. Timothy’s heart still ached at Fin’s blunt rejection hours before. But as he lay on his bed watching the rain fall, he imagined the city that was somewhere in the distance. The city with its lights glittering through the darkness. Somewhere in that mass of lights, Fin would be home, maybe resting, maybe relaxing with her family. He pictured her warm, happy and safe. He prayed for her to remain that way, even if he could not share in her happiness and was comforted by the prayer.

Silly love songs did have their uses after all.

[Canadian bAiken]

He felt so foolish. What did he expect from her? They barely knew each other. Did he really think Fin was going to fall head over heels in love with him? That belonged to the world of movies and love songs. Not to his world. This was reality. In real life, people don’t fall in love with a clone, an imitation of a man, with no real past, nor any real future.

This is just really sad. What's even sadder is that I can see his point. What future can you have with a man who doesn't officially exist? A man who's kept behind huge walls and not allowed to see the real world, let alone make a life in it. I feel so badly for him. Poor sweet Timothy.

He caught a glimpse of the world beyond the gates. Her world. A world that he could never share.

I like this part a lot. His feeling that there are two different worlds...his and hers. True probably in a way, but less so than he thinks, I'm sure.

He could just start out to be friends with her. Then maybe, over time, she would come to realise that she liked him too. At the very least, even if nothing happened between them, there would still be a friendship to remember.

Well, it's a start and who knows. She just may come to care for him....and if he's happy just being friends, then he'll have that at least.

He pictured her warm, happy and safe. He prayed for her to remain that way, even if he could not share in her happiness and was comforted by the prayer.

The beginnings of true love...caring this much for another person that you want them safe and happy even if he can't be with her.

Short but sweet, Mezz. Nice job. I'm looking forward to reading more about sweet Timothy.
:flowers

[dixiehellcat]

:cry So sweet and sad. I just love your Timothy, mezzo.

:popcorn Ready for more!!

[mezzogal]

10. Avoidance does not help

For the next few days, when Fin reported for work, she instinctively glanced over to the clone compound. She saw activity there, the usual morning bustle. But nothing, or rather, no one, significant, caught her attention. She sighed, wondering if he was ok. She knew she hurt him. Timothy had to understand. They could not start anything vaguely romantic. It was just wrong. She was sorry for her words; sorry that she inadvertly hurt him. But she knew she wasn’t wrong in doing so.

“It could never work out, and it’s best he knows it now.” She thought. “I will not give him any false hopes.”

She threw herself into her work, even requesting for extra assignments. Anything to reduce the opportunity for her to go to the fence by the pasture. It was silly avoidance behaviour, she knew. Why was she letting that clone affect her like this? “This is stupid. Stop it girl!” she sternly scolded herself.

They say that the more you avoid something, the higher chance it has of happening. Fin was sent to assist Colonel Kav in admin work for the clones. She needed to organise and update the clone identity cards. The existing ones were damaged by a computer virus. Initially, Kav tried to make some light conversation, but Fin was so unforthcoming that she gave up and they worked in silence.

After working for a few hours, Kav had to leave the office to assist in clone CPT programming. She left Fin alone to continue working. While she was away, a clone appeared at the office looking for her.

“She’s not in. She had to step out for a while.” Fin informed him.

“Do you happen to know where?” he probed.

“I think she said something about CPT programming.”

The clone chewed his lip in thought. “Do you mind if I stay and wait for her then?” he asked.

“Is that allowed?” Fin was alarmed. She didn’t want to be caught breaking rules right under a superior officer’s nose.

“It won’t be your fault, it’d be mine.” The clone flashed her a grin as he sat himself by Kav’s desk. He scrutinised her for a while, taking in her lack of uniform and what she was doing. “I’m Owen, by the way. You’re that girl Tim talks about, aren’t you?”

Fin looked at him in surprise. What exactly did Timothy talk about her? Seeing her startled expression, Owen quickly added, “Don’t worry. It’s nothing bad. Tim didn’t tell the whole compound. I just wheedled the story from him one day.”

“Is he ok? I haven’t seen him since…” Fin trailed, not entirely willing to discuss too much.

“He’s fine.” Owen cheerily replied. “A bit quiet the past few days, but he’s ok really.”

“Is he still upset? Or angry with me?” Fin anxiously asked, all work forgotten at her chance to find out about Timothy.

Owen looked a little confused. “No. Why should he be? You’re the girl of his dreams. Why? Did you two have a fight?”

“Well…” Fin nervously began, thinking hard at how to formulate her sentence. “I kinda told him straight to his face that I’m not interested in him. He started shaking and ran off.”

“Ouch. He never told me this.” Owen now looked concerned. “He just pulled back into himself.” He fell silent, pondering the situation. “So, he’s been avoiding you, and…you’ve been avoiding him?”

“Looks like it.” Fin admitted. “I just don’t know how to face him. It’s gonna be a very awkward silence, I tell you.”

“Avoiding each other isn’t going to help.” Owen advised. “You two should try and re-open communications. Talk things through. Tim isn’t mad at you. He’ll jump to give you another chance.”

“You think so?” Fin was sceptical.

Owen was wearing the most self-confident smile she had ever seen.

“I know so.”

[Canadian bAiken]

For the next few days, when Fin reported for work, she instinctively glanced over to the clone compound. She saw activity there, the usual morning bustle. But nothing, or rather, no one, significant, caught her attention. She sighed, wondering if he was ok. She knew she hurt him. Timothy had to understand. They could not start anything vaguely romantic. It was just wrong. She was sorry for her words; sorry that she inadvertly hurt him. But she knew she wasn’t wrong in doing so.

I know she's right. She knows she's right. Yet, I also know she's lying to herself by pretending that she doesn't care for him. It's so obvious that she does.

Initially, Kav tried to make some light conversation, but Fin was so unforthcoming that she gave up and they worked in silence.

Am I the only one wondering why she's being this way? I'm dying to know.

He scrutinised her for a while, taking in her lack of uniform and what she was doing. “I’m Owen, by the way. You’re that girl Tim talks about, aren’t you?”

Made me smile. I love Owen....I hope he's feeling cupid-ish.

Owen looked a little confused. “No. Why should he be? You’re the girl of his dreams. Why? Did you two have a fight?”

Wawwwwwwwwwww. And now she nows very close to the full truth of it.

“Avoiding each other isn’t going to help.” Owen advised. “You two should try and re-open communications. Talk things through. Tim isn’t mad at you. He’ll jump to give you another chance.”

“You think so?” Fin was sceptical.

My question is, does she want one? And another chance at what? Just friendship, or more?

Anxious to find out more, Mezz. Great chapter. Standing by for more.
:flowers

[mezzogal]

very short one this time. i don't know anything about clone programming so all procedures here come from my imagination.

this part is dedicated to my ex (failed) crush howard. :sigh


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11. I’m Your Guardian Angel

Timothy was delighted. Part one of his plan had gone off very well. Now it only remained to see whether technology decided to agree with him or not. He began typing something and pressed the ‘Send’ button. He crossed his fingers and waited.

Somewhere in the large WMS grounds, Fin’s cell phone rang, registering a message received. It read, “Let Love be your companion, Hope be your guide, and wherever Life may lead you, keep Laughter by your side. God bless.” She smiled, amused at the message. There was no sender listed and she did not recognise the number. Surprised, but in a good mood, she replied, “Who are you?”

At his computer console, Timothy received the message. He was so happy. It worked! It really worked! He typed back: “I’m your guardian angel.”

Fin was infinitely amused at the reply. It told her absolutely nothing about the sender, but it reminded her strongly of the ‘angel-mortal’ games she used to play in school. “Who are you? Do I know you? Guy or girl?” she probed further.

It took a while, but she received a reply. “Guy. Yes, you know me. Pls don’t try to guess who I am.” Fin didn’t expect there to be an answer, given the parameters of the game she was familiar with. She was surprised to find that it was a guy messaging her. It threw her off balance as no guy had ever contacted her for any reason but work related issues. No guy she knew would have sent her a message like that. She jokingly sent back: “Are you a stalker? ;P”

Timothy almost fell over laughing when he read that. She had absolutely no idea that it was him. This was perfect. He replied, “No. But I’ll be looking out for you. God bless. – Guardian Angel”

Fin was touched but she decided to drop the matter for now and put her mind back at her work. She was supposed to be assisting to set up an area for someone’s CPT but Kav had sportingly asked her to be present at a clone programming session. Fin thought about how ironic it was that the clone to be programmed was named “Stalker”. He had grinned flirtingly at her when she entered the room.

“Don’t worry, this won’t hurt. We’ll remove the programming after they’re done.” The technician assured. Stalker didn’t look apprehensive at all so Fin assumed she was the one who looked terrified. Kav placed him in a chair that would not have looked out of place in a hairdresser’s salon. With the technician’s instructions, Fin placed wired electrodes on the clone’s temples and lowered what looked like a perm machine such that it covered the top of his head. He really looked like he was going to get a perm, if it weren’t for all the computers and machines attached to it.

Stalker must have sensed her anxiety because he nonchalantly said, “Relax. I’ve got an angel looking out for me.”

This really surprised Fin. The second association to the mysterious messages she’d received. At the first opportunity, she texted him. “Dear angel, today I saw a guy doing a procedure at work. He said he’s got an angel watching him too. Is that you doing the watching?” As soon as she sent it, she realised what a stupid question it was. He did not answer her immediately. He answered in the evening, just before she left the base.

“No, that wasn’t me. It was my fellow angel. I’m your guardian angel. Not his. ‘As the shadows of twilight fall, may the blessings of eventide brighten all.’”

[Canadian bAiken]

i don't know anything about clone programming so all procedures here come from my imagination

The best place to get them from. :grin

At his computer console, Timothy received the message. He was so happy. It worked! It really worked! He typed back: “I’m your guardian angel.”

This is so sweet. I love this. He's adorable.

Wow, her asking if the person messaging her was a stalker, then Timothy telling her he's her guardian angel, then her remember that Stalker flirted with her and now Stalker mentions he has a guardian angel. Too freakin bizarre. No wonder Fin suspects he's her 'angel.' I would too with so many coincidences.

I like how you showed the programming. I've never addressed how it was done in my story and this is pretty cool. As one of the producers/writers of Star Trek once said, when you're telling a story you don't have to tell the viewer/reader how the technology works...only that it does. That's enough. Nicely done.

‘As the shadows of twilight fall, may the blessings of eventide brighten all.’

That's really pretty. Where's it come from?

Nice chapter, Mezz. I really love how Timothy is trying to get to her this way, make her wonder who he is. Now that he's her angel, she'll be thinking of him whether she realizes it or not. I wonder how she'll react when she finds out her angel is Timothy. Looking forward to finding out.

:flowers

[mezzogal]

Quote:
‘As the shadows of twilight fall, may the blessings of eventide brighten all.’
That's really pretty. Where's it come from?

someone sent it to me in a message. don't remember who anymore tho.

glad you're enjoying the story so far.

[Canadian bAiken]

I'm loving it! Not surprising really, considering what you're writing about, right?

Yes, I'm sitting right here at my computer. :grin

[mezzogal]

the setting's a bit lame. haha! but necessary to create the 'opportunity'. read on!


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

12. There’s a Clone Watching You Over There

It fell to Fin one day to help groom the horses in the stable. She was to work with a fellow civilian and stable hand, Atropos. The two of them set off, expecting it to be a full day’s assignment, sixteen horses, and half the help not knowing the first thing about horses. They were expected to give the stables a thorough airing as well. Atropos was immensely amused at Fin’s obvious lack of knowledge of horses and was determined to be the one who remedied that lack.

Despite her amusement and fake condescension, Atropos was really a good teacher. Fin was soon able to handle the horses on her own, albeit at a snail’s pace. She did one horse to Atropos’ three, a fact which Atropos took care to note down. Of course, the job had its moments. Once, Atropos, spasming with laughter watching Fin run hurriedly away from her horse for the fourth time, afraid of the horse’s prancing feet, backed up, tripped and emerged dripping from a horse water trough. It was the most fun Fin had ever had at work.

The two of them had unanimously decided to have a picnic of their packed lunches instead of remaining in the stable. The food from the WMS canteen was not bad, and it still tasted so despite having sat around the stable for a few hours. Atropos had suggested that they take some time to relax before going back to work. It was called taking an extended lunch, not slacking. Besides, they had finished half the work already anyway. Fin had very reluctantly agreed. She was not very comfortable with being paid and not doing the work.

“Quit worrying darling.” Atropos chided her. “As long as the work gets done, and done properly, there’s no problem.” Dropping her voice to whisper, Atropos informed Fin, “There’s a clone over there. Been watching you for a long while now. I’d love to talk to him, he’s cute. But I think he’s looking for you. Go talk to him or something.”

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. He just stood there, squirming uncomfortably, looking everywhere but at her. Fin got up to put him, and herself, out of misery.

“Hey Tim.” She greeted.

“Hi.” he echoed. They both stood there, not knowing what to say.

‘Crap. This is so awkward.’ Fin thought. But she tried to initiate a conversation. “Er… so… how’ve you been Tim?”

“I’ve been alright. And you?” He was horribly abrupt, but at least he was not avoiding her gaze anymore.

“I’m fine.” Fin racked her brain for ideas. “I’ve been working with the horses today. I guess I smell pretty bad don’t I? I was practically swimming in horse shit all morning.”

Timothy smiled. “I don’t smell anything.” To prove it, he stepped back up to his usual position, hanging onto the fence.

“Aw. Thanks, ya. You’re probably standing upwind of me, that’s why.” Fin was faking a grin. It was just so painfully awkward, she didn’t know what to do. They just stood in silence. It felt like hours in those few seconds. Finally Fin could not stand it anymore. It was either say something, or walk away. She was not about to walk away again.

“Tim, I’m sorry about the other day. I shouldn’t have been so tactless. I didn’t want to hurt you. I just wanted to tell you the truth, I didn’t think it would affect you like that. I really really didn’t purposely attack you. And I’m really really, really sorry.” She blurted out. “I was wrong to put everything that way. I should have thought about how you might’ve felt.”

She could not read the expression on Timothy’s face. She was relieved, however, not to have detected any accusatory looks. She would have deserved it anyway.

“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.”

“But I hurt you.” Fin insisted. “I hurt you so badly and I never tried to contact you or make it up to you.”

“Yeah, you hurt me Fin.” Timothy admitted. “But I’ll get over it. I’ve got thick skin.”

“That’s not it.” Fin was beginning to get annoyed. “The point is I’ve hurt someone’s feelings, in the worse way possible, and I waited weeks to apologise, and I don’t know how to make up for it.”

“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.”

“Fin! We gotta get back to work!” they heard Atropos calling. Timothy gently pulled her fingers as far through the fence as he could without hurting her, and lightly kissed them. He reluctantly released them, as reluctant, surprisingly, as Fin was to pull them back. He bit his lip, watching her hurry back.

He hung against the fence, so much like a prisoner seeing a loved one go, leaving him behind. He watched until she was lost to sight.

[dixiehellcat]

:cry Yes I'm still reading mezzo! This is so sweet. I hope Timothy and Fin can have something together, be it friendship or more.

And I love his secret identity as her angel. hehe!!