New face of humanity

[srwu_npc4]

Following the disaster of the terrorist attack (and later Lost Seekers showing up), Project Khnum was not accepted by ESUN. Moreover ethical concerns ensured that thorough investigation must first be performed before it is allowed to continue in any shape or form.

But what of the clones? The clone soldiers who, after something happened to them, now are apparently sapient and acting with a will of their own. There is less than a dozen survivors, but one of them speaks up.


"Uncertain... I mean. I am uncertain what I wish to do now." The clone gestures - at the armored Genoace, at a handheld weapon dropped not too far away.

"But it's not this."

Comments

[pulledplug]

Well... stuff like that happens. I mean, not knowing what you want to do.

But it's a big world. Really big. Tons of stuff to learn about and see if you like it.

[His hand is offered once more!]

Like thumb wrestling!

[srwu_npc4]

The clone looks down on the hand.

"Thumb wrestling?"

Looks like it's not the one you talked to before...

[pulledplug]

[Unfortunate, but expected. With how many of the clones that died, the one he talked to was probably dead. Still...]

Yeah. Something people can do for fun.

[srwu_npc4]

"Fun?"

The clone looks puzzled. Not at the word itself, but at a thought they're trying to recall.

"I have a memory... of someone having 'fun'."

[pulledplug]

Lots of people try to have fun. Having fun's a good way to be happy, definitely one of the best! Makes sense you'd remember someone having fun.

[A beat. But then-]



Wait how far back do your memories go?

[srwu_npc4]

"These aren't my memories. They were shown to me, and I... awakened. Before that, I trained, I was prepared. It took months. But I wasn't myself. I was only doing what I was told."

[pulledplug]

Totally crap way for anyone to live, "sapient" or "sentient" or whatever or not.

But now you got your chance, man. Make some real memories, have some real experiences, and have a real life.

Might not seem possible right now but just... well I know you and your buds can do it.

[srwu_npc4]

"Yes." The clone stands still in hesitation, but finally nods.

"I don't know what to do next. I don't know yet, but I will figure it out."

[defies_fates_hand]

Well... you can stay with us. We can help you find your way... and you don't need to fight if you don't want to.

[And as if to punctuate the point Interitus is promptly hugging the clone tightly.]

I definitely know Interitus wants to make sure you're all safe and happy...

[srwu_npc4]

"No, I..."

The clone is interrupted by a hug. Despite the plant creature's embrace, the talking continues.

"I do not wish to fight. Some of the others do but it is their choice."

"I felt... memories. They weren't all safe or happy..."

[defies_fates_hand]

Yeah... I can understand that...

[Ren did go through plenty of rough spots indeed.]

Maybe you could travel and see the world, maybe you could help people rebuild their lives, maybe you could choose to learn...

I can't really tell you how to find your way, a lot of people have trouble with that too but... the best I can tell you is to follow your heart. Just like the person whose memories you felt.

[srwu_npc4]

"Follow my heart... you're not speaking literally."

[defies_fates_hand]

It wouldn't really make sense if I was.

One day you'll find something that you feel you have to do because it feels like the right thing. I think... maybe once that happens, you'll know what you want to do.

[srwu_npc4]

"Yes. I understand."

"Until that day comes, I am willing to live. After, as well, but this is my current objective."

[brought_it_back]

That's fine. I don't think people will try to force you, anymore.


...Um...You probably don't know me, but I think we have a lot in common.

[srwu_npc4]

"No, I don't know you."

"But I have no reason to disbelieve you. What do we have in common?"

[brought_it_back]

The man, Edward McDowell...I am one of his creations, too. A child of something called Pedantic Blue. After it failed, he wanted to use me as the source for something like Khnum...I refused, and when he tried again with Chou's help, he created you. He's always been working towards the same goal, just with different methods.

...Um...So I guess that makes us adopted cousins...or something.

[srwu_npc4]

"Understood." The clone nods, taking it all in quickly. But after a moment, they also add...

"Have you found something to live for?"

[brought_it_back]

...Yes. I still don't really know my path for the future, but...

...For a lot of my life, I was alone whenever I most needed help. I ended up staying with some pretty bad people, just because I needed someone, anyone, to help me through life.

I want to make sure other people don't have to deal with that.

[srwu_npc4]

"I will remember this. I will make sure - that we all remember this."

[actuallyselfish]

"Then don't," Dido offers. "Travel, investigate, participate in a diversity of experiences, until you find something you want to choose. We'll–the Unity Group– will help as much as we can."

[srwu_npc4]

"Acknowledged. Whatever help you can give, it's welcome." The clone doesn't seem too embarassed to admit that. Well, maybe a little.

"I have memories of many different experiences, but they aren't mine. The memories belong to someone else, the one who freed us."

[actuallyselfish]

Dido thinks back on what she read in the mission debriefing. "She–the person whose memories you inherited–came from a cruel future, where her people were slaves. And yet she was kind and caring beyond belief."

Dido draws in a breath and nods. "She would have been proud that her memories freed you. And she'd want us to help you find your own way."

[srwu_npc4]

"Understood." The clone says after a pause, accompanied by a solemn nod.

"I will make sure my actions will reach her expectations."

[lostamigo]

...Sorry for your dead brethren. They tried to protect us.

[srwu_npc4]

"They did what their programming told them to. So did I."

[lostamigo]

Well. They could be awake now. Enjoy their freedom like you.

...Think you're gonna be okay in the world? You don't know much about many things, do you.

[srwu_npc4]

"I know. It wasn't meant to be. I cannot change what happened but..."

"So this is how sadness feels."

The clone's breathing becomes more irregular, if only for a moment.

"I don't know what to expect but I will find my way. Still we could use any help we get."

[lostamigo]

I'm sure UG will give you food and a place to stay till you figure out what you want to do, at least.

...You know how to eat, right?

[srwu_npc4]

Even with eyes obscured by the helmet, the clone gives you a curious gaze.

"Affirmitive. I am capable of all basic life functions, even if I had no need for some of them."

[lostamigo]

Right. That's good. You'll probably get to like some of'em, I bet.

...Hey. Weird question. That helmet. You can take it off, can you?

[srwu_npc4]

"Yes. I do not feel the need to do so, but I can."

[lostamigo]

Well. Don't do it if you don't wanna. But if you don't mind, I'd like to take a look at your face.

[srwu_npc4]

"I don't mind. I can do this much."

The clone clicks something on the neck, and removes the helmet.

The person staring at you has a very short buzzcut, unhealthily pale skin, and eyes sunken from reading the helmet's displays all the time. But if you watch closely... the clone definitely has Chou's face.

[lostamigo]

I'd lie if I said you look healthy. But it's nothing some fresh air can't fix.

I know it's a face you share with some others. But still, you got one. It's yours. Don't be ashamed of it.

[srwu_npc4]

"I won't be."

The clone hesitates, then adds.

"Same to you."

[lostamigo]

...Yeah. For me, it's... complex. But don't worry about it. You got more important things to mind, friend.

Your life's only starting now. Have a good one.