{"id":1150,"date":"2015-12-10T07:31:34","date_gmt":"2015-12-10T13:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1150"},"modified":"2015-12-12T07:18:18","modified_gmt":"2015-12-12T13:18:18","slug":"the-cimalian-princess-clone-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=1150","title":{"rendered":"The Cimalian Princess: Clone – Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Clone<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 1<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Admiral Jack White walked slowly with his wife, Mary, towards a new restaurant which opened near the base.\u00a0 Randy and Meia would join them for dinner much to the delight of Mary.\u00a0 She had taken Meia under her wing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how are things going at work?\u2019 Mark asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, fine so far, nothing new to report though,\u201d Jack said, wishing he actually had something to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s good news then,\u201d she replied back to him.<\/p>\n

Jack gave that some thought, but he would like to know where the Cimalians had gone.\u00a0 He did not think that an entire civilization could simply disappear without a trace.\u00a0 Scout ships had been sent and so far nothing, now they were sending ships into areas close by where they could go.<\/p>\n

He turned into the restaurant instantly spotting Meia.\u00a0 Her blue hair made her stand out wherever she went.\u00a0 Sure a few teenagers colored their hair, but they hardly ever wore a flight uniform with their hair color.\u00a0 It was that combination which usually gathered the most attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll be,\u201d Mary exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cMeia\u2019s wearing something other than her flight uniform.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack glanced over finally able to see more than the top of her head.\u00a0 He had to admit, she appeared quite feminine tonight.\u00a0 She wore a dress and had her hair pulled back into a ponytail.\u00a0 He looked over seeing his son also in civilian clothes, a bit unusual for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess they wanted to be more comfortable,\u201d Jack said.\u00a0 He wore his admiral\u2019s uniform, and proudly.\u00a0 After the invasion many had come up to him to say their thanks.\u00a0 They all called it a war, but few seemed to realize the war still was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening sir, do you have a reservation tonight?\u2019 the host asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we\u2019re joining another group here, the White reservation for four,\u201d Mary answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d he replied after looking down at the list.\u00a0 \u201cThis way please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack followed behind his wife as they were lead to the table with Randy and Meia.<\/p>\n

\u201cRandy, Meia,\u201d Mary said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so good to see you two.\u00a0 I know that you\u2019re awfully busy out there, but it\u2019s nice to see you from time to time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMom, we saw you over the weekend.\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know dear, but that\u2019s a long time for a mother,\u201d Mary replied back to him, not batting an eye.<\/p>\n

Jack grinned knowing Randy wouldn\u2019t win this argument.\u00a0 Jack knew from experience that Mary would continue talking long after he stopped.\u00a0 He looked over at Randy, giving a discreet nod before turning towards Meia.\u00a0 She seemed content watching the verbal battle between Randy and his mother.\u00a0 The waitress interrupted anything further, taking their order and disappearing in the back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I hear you\u2019ve been testing the new fighter?\u201d jack asked, looking over at Meia.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir, the additional engine power for vectoring thrust makes them superior to the Vengeance fighter of the empire,\u201d Meia replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Jack said rubbing his chin.\u00a0 Meia\u2019s casual se of \u2018empire\u2019 to mean the Cimalians bothered him at first, but after some thought realized a lifetime of use could not be undone in such a short time.\u00a0 She had gained their trust not by words, but by actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, looks like the results of the election are coming in,\u201d Randy said, looking up at the TV screen in one corner.<\/p>\n

Jack twisted in his seat to see for himself.\u00a0 The government set up special elections after it came out that many had been part of the Cimalian Empire.\u00a0 He could not recall such a demand for action on the government.\u00a0 Jack had been approached by members of the Radicals to run but declined.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see Able Sauer is the current leader,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would do well,\u201d Jack replied knowing the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings are changing it seems,\u201d Randy replied.\u00a0 Jack had to agree considering everything which happened in the past couple of months.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you settled in?\u201d Mary asked, looking over at Meia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still have moment where I have to remember where I am, and who I am now,\u201d Meia replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to have you as part of my crew,\u201d Randy said honestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, we tried to recreate the crash, and the odds that you would survive, well, we had a hard time getting the computers to come up with a way for you to survive,\u2019 Jack said, knowing they ahd tried for a month before getting a very small chance to survive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess truth is stranger than fiction at times,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n

They were interrupted by the waitress returning with their food, setting down several plates and silence lapsed for a few seconds as everyone tasted their food.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood choice mom,\u201d Randy finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew everyone would enjoy it, how about you Meia dear,\u201d Mary asked, looking over at the younger woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good,\u201d Meia replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s the Akagi coming along?\u201d Jack asked, knowing he could look at the reports, but wanted to hear it straight from the captain, his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompleted, doing a shakedown now.\u00a0 Well give those Cimalians a run now,\u201d Randy answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, because this war is only paused for now,\u201d Meia said quietly to them.<\/p>\n

Jack nodded his head already knowing that.\u00a0 The fact Meia echoed his thought only reinforced what he believed about the war despite what some said.\u00a0 He look down as his communicator buzzed.\u00a0 Reaching out he activated it watching as Chad\u2019s face appeared on the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry to disturb you admiral, but intelligence has something for you,\u201d Chad said to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right there then,\u201d Jack said, wondering if this would b the information he had been expecting for a couple of weeks now.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed me to go with you?\u201d Randy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, whatever this is will have to go through intelligence first before you get involved, finish talking with your mother,\u201d Jack said, giving Mary a kiss and headed back to the base to find out what happened.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Meia watched as Randy\u2019s father left.\u00a0 She felt glad that many felt as she did, the war was not over and they were taking the threat seriously.\u00a0 As long as her uncle remained Emperor the Cimalia Empire would threaten them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really should dress up more often Maia, you look lovely tonight,\u201d Mary said, interrupting Meia\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n

She looked over at Mary, then Randy who seemed to become very interested in his meal before Meia replied back.\u00a0 \u201cUm, thank you.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t been in a dress for years.\u00a0 Everything in the empire is geared towards the military.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a waste,\u201d Mary said, turning to the two of them.\u00a0 \u201cNow, let\u2019s hear what\u2019s been going on the last couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meia went back to her meal while listening to Randy answer his mother\u2019s questions.\u00a0 Thankfully no questions were about the two of them.\u00a0 Meia knew the older woman thought they would go well together, but Meia did not feel ready for a relationship yet not when she had so many personal questions unanswered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what are you brooding about?\u201d Mark asked.\u00a0 Meia looked up to see Mary looking at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, nothing much,\u201d Meia finally asked, wondering if she could get away with that answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear, that face said more than nothing,\u201d Mary said indicating she knew more as always.\u00a0 Meia began to wonder if the woman would read minds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess everything,\u201d Meia finally said.\u00a0 \u201cMy family, my past, seems like my entire life has been built upon a lie and drugs, but for what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the universe only reveals it\u2019s answered on its terms.\u00a0 When the time is right you\u2019ll receive your answers,\u201d Mary replied to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this another one of your predictions mom?\u201d Randy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, a simple observation from someone my age,\u201d Mary replied with a smile to them.<\/p>\n

Meia knew Randy\u2019s mother had some ability to understand things beyond the normal, and some even said she could predict the future.\u00a0 Meia didn\u2019t know if she believed in the future anymore.\u00a0 She watched as Randy\u2019s communicator went off.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral White,\u201d Randy answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cRandy, I need you to get back to the Akagi and prepare for a new mission,\u201d she heard Randy\u2019s father say.\u00a0 \u201cWe might have their position.\u201d<\/p>\n

The news created some excitement in Meia, a mixed of emotions pouring though her.\u00a0 Excited that the empire had been found, and yet dread at the fact it meant she might have to face her uncle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, be right there,\u201d Randy said, looking over at his mom.\u00a0 \u201cSorry mom, but-\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething has come up, I understand.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been married to your father for years,\u201d she said to him.\u00a0 \u201cCome back safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meia watched as the statement caught Randy off guard for a second.\u00a0 He paused looking as if he wanted to say something before giving her a kiss and looking over at Meia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll walk your mom home and meet you back on board,\u201d Meia said, knowing that any departures would take time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, if we need you I\u2019ll have you paged,\u201d Randy stated, then left the two of them alone in the restaurant.<\/p>\n

The waitress returned with the check, which Mary paid for before they slowly made their way outside into the night.\u00a0 The night air had chilled slightly, different than on board a ship where the temperature remained almost constant.\u00a0 They passed a group of teenagers who stopped and looked at Meia.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you that ace fighter pilot with blue hair?\u201d one asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah,\u201d Meia replied, unsure about that.<\/p>\n

\u201cCool, I want to dye mine blue, but don\u2019t think they can get it as dark as yours,\u201d the girl replied<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you tried the Swamp and Asteroids over at Brairy?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, do they do a good job?\u201d another teenager asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy daughter mentioned it as a good place,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, thanks,\u201d the girl replied as the group continued on down the road talking about dying their hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems you\u2019re a bit of an inspiration to the younger crowd,\u201d Mary said.\u00a0 \u201cThe kids today want to dye their hair again.\u00a0 Imitation is a form of flattery.\u00a0 Of course I\u2019ve seen pink and green as well as blue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s not too bad, they could be saying other things about me,\u201d Meia said, recalling the trials.\u00a0 She expected to be locked up as a soldier of the enemy, or even worse but she managed to emerge as a star.\u00a0 Her hair color had become a symbol among the younger people.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what was your natural color?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n

Meia had to think about that for a few seconds.\u00a0 \u201cBlonde with a reddish tinge,\u201d she finally replied.\u00a0 Her hair not had a blue tinge to it when she underwent the genetic modification.\u00a0 It was not noticeable in general unless she really looked, or didn\u2019t shave certain areas of her body.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s amazing what we can do with genetics these days,\u201d Mary said, as they continued to walk before reaching the tram.<\/p>\n

Taking that close to the base before heading to Mary\u2019s house.\u00a0 There was something comforting about just walking with the older woman.\u00a0 Perhaps it had to do with the fact she treated her as a daughter, something she had not had in years, since her own mother was killed.<\/p>\n

They stopped at the doorway to the house, and Mary turned looking very serious at Meia.\u00a0 \u201cTrouble is coming child, be ready and be strong.\u00a0 Trust your instincts, they have served you well, they will again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, all right,\u201d Meia replied, a bit startled by the strength in Mary\u2019s voice when she spoke and looked down at her feet.\u00a0 When she looked back up Mary\u2019s expression had changed back into the kind motherly face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you have a good night and I\u2019ll see you later,\u201d Mary said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too,\u201d Meia replied, turning to make her way back to the base.\u00a0 She pondered Mary\u2019s words, wondering what the older woman might mean.\u00a0 What type of trouble was coming?<\/p>\n

End part 1<\/p>\n

Continued in part 2<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Clone by AJ Marks Part 1 Admiral Jack White walked slowly with his wife, Mary, towards a new restaurant which opened near the base.\u00a0 Randy and Meia would join them for dinner much to the delight of Mary.\u00a0 She had taken Meia under her wing. \u201cSo, how are things going at work?\u2019 […]
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