» First Words

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Breke Krisst couldn't help but smile. Despite what these countless young boys were bred to do, they were just so adorable. The clones walked in tight, single-file lines, disturbingly serious. It was a sharp contrast to their still-growing bodies. The Human female dearly wanted to reach out and give one of them a big hug. But she dismissed the thought just as soon as she considered it: it's not like any of them would appreciate it, let alone even know what it meant to hug someone.

An adult clonetrooper, fully clad in the signature white armor, ushered the children along. He was standing so straight, that it was quite creepy when he slowly scanned the lines of clone boys; his head seemed to be independent from the rest of his body. The young woman smiled wider.

She was proud. She, like all the other Cuy'val Dar, aspired for nothing less than perfection. The clonetrooper, who was making a fine imitation of a lifeless statue, was a true testament to that. The huge overhead lights shone off his plasteel suit, making him seem all the more like a glorious statue on display.

The sight of the clones taking their seats in front of their assigned consoles never ceased to amaze Breke. They were so coordinated, so precise, it was awe-inspiring each time she saw it. She smiled again. Or maybe my ego is getting a tad too large for my own good?

As the clones concluded their session, they rose as one, then proceeded to walk out to the mess hall. They were just as orderly as they had been when the entered. She decided to talk to one of them, for the sake of conversation. After all, what kind of penalization could there be for socializing with a trainee?

"Excuse me," she said, separating the last clone in line from the rest. He simply stopped in his tracks, and angled his head to look up at her. Like the clonetrooper that had guided them in, his body seemed like a complete different being. "My name is Breke Krisst. How did you like your first class?"

The clone gave a slight shrug.

"What's your name, kiddo?" she continued.

Still blankly staring up at her, he raised a hand to the breast of his uniform. The commando instructor squinted to see.

"Ah, nice to meet you 0117," the trainer said, extending her gloved hand.

The boy cocked his head, unsure of what to do. The ex-mercenary chuckled and sheepishly lowered it. Of course, if he wouldn't know what a hug meant, what are the odds of him knowing how to shake one's hand? Or why?

"Well, I suppose you should be on your way, 0117."

He slightly nodded in reply.

Another clonetrooper strode towards him. "What are you waiting for, recruit? Food doesn't wait. Mess hall - now."

And for the first time in his accelerated life, he spoke. "Yes sir, right away!"