Clone Girls

These events took place back in CI3, while Licia had closed herself in her room.

“A4, what is this creature?” Young Licia asked as she looked at the colorized hologram in front of her with stars in her eyes.

“Answer: This creature is a Felis Catus. It is more commonly called a ‘cat’.”

“A cat huh…? Cute…” Licia muttered. She tapped on a button and a new cat appeared. “Eh? this one looks different. Why?”

“Answer: Felis Catus have various sub variants.

Exemples: Their hides can have various color schemes. Or, as is shown here, flat ears.”

“Oooh!” Licia showed real excitement at the cats shown to her. 

On the inside A4 was reassured. The AI felt troubled as to how to occupy the Null CG’s mind and keep her in a good mood when it thought of showing her animal pictures. The young girl immediately caught an interest in the animal.

“Additional information: Felis Catus are part of a bigger family called Felidae.

Example photos are shown in this folder.”

The AI highlighted a folder on the interface, catching the young Licia’s attention.

“Let’s see… There’s so many! Panthera Tigris… Panthera Leo… Lynx Rufus-eh? They call them Bobcat? Pfft! What a funny name!”

Licia giggled as she scrolled the images of the folders. Information about each animal was shown too. Unlike her usual self, Licia showed the face of a true kid her age.

“What’s this one… Panthera Uncia ?  Ah, Snow Leopard! Looks cute and fluffy! A-and big too!”

“Fact: Panthera Uncia sometimes put their own tail in their mouth.”

“They do!? I wanna see that!”

The AI obliged. It showed a video of a snow leopard putting its tail in its mouth, and a joyful squeal escaped Licia’s mouth as a result.

A few minutes of Licia scrolling through Felidae's photos, her mood took a sudden turn.

“These Felidae look so fluffy… I want to pet them.” She said in a wishful tone. She laid on her bed on her back, a wishful look on her face.

“Fact: The Felis Catus is the second most popular species to keep as a pet after the Canis Familiaris, more known by the common term ‘dog’” A4 Stated.

“Eh!? That means I can have one as a pet!?” Licia immediately sprung up, hope on her face.

“Short answer: Yes, but not right now.”

“W-why…?”

“Answer: Current resources within the facility are scarce.”

“Muuu… You’re no fun A4!” Licia cutely pouted, before hugging one of her pillows.

Seeing an opportunity to have Licia ‘reconcile’ with Ticia, A4 spoke up.

“...Suggestion: Why not ask your owner?”

“...Her?” Licia’s face immediately turned sour. “I think I already know her answer, so no.” She said, shutting down the idea before even asking. “Just give me some more pictures and videos to scroll through A4.”

“Reminder: You have a training session soon-”

“That can wait!”

The AI’s plan had backfired in an unexpected way...

Since then, Licia held a certain obsession over cats.

After she had reconciled with her mother, she had asked her if she could have a cat, but Ticia said that they could not right now. 

Licia also understood that it was not the time to indulge in such things, however

***

“Let’s save the cats!”

““...””

At their eldest sister’s declaration, all Null CGs reunited around the table sighed.

They had all suddenly been ‘abducted’ by their eldest sister and made to sit around this table. Only then did Licia say these words with a serious look on her face.

“...What about me? Why am I even here?” Lotte said, pointing to herself. Nia had dragged the red haired girl along as she was ‘abducted’, saying stuff like ‘we’ll die together!’...

“Hehehe… Lotte, as my best friend, we’ll go to hell together…” Nia said ominously, a dead look on her face.

“W-what? What do you mean!?” Lotte hugged herself, shivers running down her body at her friend’s words.

“...What in the world is all this about, sister?” Ria asked for all the presents.

“Didn’t I just say it? We’re saving cats!” Licia insisted, tilting her head as if this was obvious.

Her sisters looked at each other, bewildered. This was the first time they had seen their eldest sister act so childishly!

Apart from Ria that is.

“Sister. Less excitement, more details.” Ria said, rubbing her eyebrows in exasperation.

“Oh, right.” Licia finally seemed to get it. “Eeeeve. Explain.”

At Licia’s childish words, everyone looked at Evelyn, who had been dragged here in the same manner as the others.

“Erm, where do I even begin?” Evelyn said awkwardly.

“From the beginning please. Also, sorry for our sister’s… Well, you get it.” Ria said, apologizing before looking at Licia’s pouting face and sighing.

Evelyn nodded and began explaining what this was all about in detail.

In the Pellian system, there exist animals that are locally revered. Among them was a feline species called Manul. It was an elusive wild cat impossible to domesticate that was rarely seen by human eyes in the wilderness of some Pellian Planets. Its characteristics and floating mysteriousness around it made it sacred to locals, and it was part of the protected wildlife of the Pellian system. Thanks to its protected status, a significant amount of research had been done on the species and their habitats, but scientists had yet to discover all the mysteries of this elusive and reclusive master of camouflage feline.

"However, some of the creatures scientists had managed to track and study have suddenly disappeared…"

Reports of the missing Manuls were brought to Evelyn’s father about three weeks ago. At first they thought it was nothing much. It was nature after all and the disappearance of animals was nothing unusual. However, more reports of missing Manuls came afterwards in just a short span of time and it was soon revealed that a whole litter of ‘Magnus Manuls’ had disappeared…

“...Magnus Manul? What’s that?” Ticinia tilted her head. She was not the only one. All Nulls made an identical move.

“It’s a specific subvariant of our system.” Evelyn explained. “Some animals from the Felidae family have become huge in size compared to some of their counterparts, creating a new variant.”

“Wait, you mean there are huge kitties!?” 

“Y-yes?”

Licia nearly jumped on Evelyn with excitement, surprising the latter and making her blush for some reason.

“I want one!” 

“Sis. You shouldn’t make wild animals your pets. They’ll be happier in the wild.” Ria chided from the side, but it fell on deaf ears.

“What’s a ‘Manul’ anyway?” Vinia asked.

“A ‘Manul’, also known as Otocolobus Manul. It essentially looks like a house cat apart from a few very distinctive characteristics.” Mia said, turning on a hologram display. 

A cat with flat ears, round pupils and a somewhat grumpy look was displayed.

““Ooooh! Fluffy!”” Both Ticinia and Vivia exclaimed, stars in their eyes.

“The body is round!” Licia exclaimed after them, nodding in satisfaction.

Mia continued, giving the description of the species.

“According to the information I’ve gathered on the spot, they have the densest fur of all cats. These Manuls are about the size of a domestic cat for the regular variant, and weigh like one. The ‘Magnus’ Manuls however are about as tall as a horse. Both variants have a stocky posture with their long and dense fur making them appear a bit chubby…”

“Do they come with different fur patterns or colors?”

“Aside from individual differences, not really ? Their fur is generally light grey with pale yellowish-ochre or pale yellowish-reddish hues. Some of their hair tips are white and some blackish. The forehead and top of the head are light grey with small black spots. They also have two black lines on the cheeks running from the corner of the eyes to the jaw joints. Their chin, whiskers, lower and upper lips are all white. They have narrow black stripes on the back and their grey tail has narrow black rings and a black tip. Manuls’ ears are round and set low on the side. Their eyes on the other hand are encircled by white. The irises are yellowish and their pupils are very similar to human’s, unlike other Felidae's.” Mia continued. “Ah, but I read just here that there exists a subvariant whose fur is noticeably more greyish-silver who lives in mountainous areas. There also seems to be an… orange variant? There’s no proof of its existence apart from a few photos though…”

“You know a lot about them.” Evelyn commented in surprise as Mia finished her explanation.

“I just read their characteristics.” Mia answered with a smile. “Honestly, it’s a truly intriguing species. It’s worth studying. Especially this ‘orange’ variant.”

“Don’t hurt the kitties, Mia.” Licia warned, on guard for some reason as if she was a cat herself.

Mia simply smiled, putting a hand under her Chin as she answered.

“I never said I would? I would be interested in studying their life habits, that’s all.”

“So you’re with me?”

“Of course Eldest Sister.”

An alliance of convenience had been formed…

“Now wait a sec Eldest Sister. Do you even know where these animals are being held? There’s no saying they are on this planet, or if they’re even really being poached.” Nicia asked, a frown on her face.

“We are pretty sure about the poaching. Now as for where they are, my father has some suspicions…” Evelyn answered.

“Really?”

“There have been rumors, or rather, there seem to be a very well known place where the elite of the Borkian Confederation do back deals and participate in huge secret auctions…” Evelyn continued.

“Auctions huh? Do you know where this supposed place is?” Ria asked, Evelyn shook her head.

“While I said that this is a known place, no sane Borkians would tell a Pellian where it is…”

“Atrax-ia, I know you’re listening. Surely you know that place right?” Licia said, demanding the answer to the always watching AI.

“Erm, you’re right. I do know the place…” 

The AI answered, somewhat weakly. Atrax-ia knew very well what kind of trouble she was about to get into with her owner, but the Nulls scared her… 

She showed them one luxurious building in the middle of the capital.

“This is the Malaise tower. This building is co-owned by several senators and there are various businesses in there, including ones meant for the shadows. This is where most back-stage deals are made and it does have an opera floor, which could be suited to do huge auctions. According to my information channels, there's a secret outlawed auction planned tonight.”

“Hmph. So the ones making the laws indulge in outlaw practices… How typical…” Nillia commented, huffing in disgust.

“And the chances of the Manuls being auctioned off?” Ria asked.

“84,99%. I know the wealthy elite of the Borkian Confederation quite well. It wouldn’t surprise me if some group captured these animals to sell them off as ‘exotic luxurious goods’.”

“Fantastic. Now we just need a way to infiltrate the place for tonight then.” Licia declared confidently.

“Wait a minute Licia. Did you inform mom about your plans?” Ria asked. All sisters also looked at Licia with a look that said ‘please tell us you did’.

“...” Licia only looked away, sweating profusely.

“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me…” Ria put a hand on her forehead, suppressing her anger. A vein was clearly visible on her forehead.

“Eldest sister, you’re not planning on not telling mom, are you?” Nicia asked, a slight feeling of dread in her voice that was mirrored by her sister’s expressions as they all looked at Licia.

““Please tell her.”” The twins pleaded.

“Erm, it’s not like I don’t plan to? I’ll do it… at one point…” Licia scratched her cheeks, avoiding eye contact as she answered vaguely.

“Eldest sister… Are you trying to doom us all?” Nillia asked warily, a sense of dread in her voice.

“Nothing shall stop me from getting a cat!” Licia answered decisively, even though she knew this meant trouble for her.

“So you intend to make all of us face mom’s wrath then?” Ria criticised, a sharp look on her face.

“You’re going a bit too far aren’t you? Why would I do that to my precious sisters?” Licia laughed it off, a mysterious smile on her face. The smile reminded the nulls of when their mother smiled at them with the intention of punishing them when they did something bad, which made their sense of dread increase.

“Then, if we say no?”

“I’ll use the Null codes.” Licia replied, still smiling mysteriously. 

The others looked at each other before sighing in resignation.

“I thought so.”

““No choice huh?””

“Well, having Eldest Sister owe us something could be beneficial…”

“Let’s deal with this quietly at least.”

“Great! Then let’s proceed with the planning!” Licia joyfully declared once her sisters had all resigned themselves to face their mother’s wrath together…

“...Are you all sure about this?” Evelyn asked, looking uneasy. This was going farther than she ever thought. 

Besides the problem this would cause to her father and her, involving the clones was not something she was hundred percent onboard with. 

“It can’t be helped. Sis is unstoppable now…” Ria said, sending a reproachful look to Licia. The receiver of the glare simply giggled happily.

“So… Why am I here again?” Lotte asked, making everyone focus on her. The red haired girl had stayed quiet all this time, but she felt out of place. What was all this about? She knew nothing and it felt like she was brought into something very troublesome…

“We’ll need some gadgets and a few transports. Could you help Nia?” Ria asked politely, taking over to plan the operation.

“I guess I can?” Lotte said in an interrogative tone. The words were more directed towards herself than as an answer. Her sister recently told her to get closer to the clones. Helping out here was a matter of course… right?

“Lidia, could you infiltrate the area first and verify that our ‘targets’ are there and where they are?” Ria said to the seventh Null, who had remained quiet all this time.

“Roger.” Lidia said and promptly walked away.

“Also, Atrax-ia. Tell mom.” Ria asked of the AI.

“Eh?” Atrax-ia was bewildered. “But I thought it would be better for you if I stayed quiet?”

“I’m not suicidal.” Ria countered. “This is only doing some damage control on my part.”

“Where is mom anyway?” 

“I haven’t seen Grandma either…” 

““...We’ll worry about that later.””

***

“So you’re the one huh? The ‘Clone Mother’… This is our second meeting, isn’t it?” George Rollers said as he looked at Ticia, focusing his cloudy eyes.

“...It’s an honor to meet you, President.” Ticia replied humbly.

“Thank you for coming on such a short schedule.” The ill president said before coughing yet again. 

Ticia looked at him, a neutral look on her face. She had not expected to meet the president of the Borkian Confederation today…

After leaving the Senate, Ticia had taken out the paper that the little girl had slipped into her pocket. It was a message from the president, and the one who slipped in the message was Annabelle.

The message told them he wanted to meet today if possible.

And so, Ticia and Rika changed their plans to go see the president. This time, he was at the official Residency of the president of the Borkian Confederation, which was close to the Senate. 

As soon as George Rollers made eye contact with Ticia, he understood she was the one at the head of the clones.

Ticia couldn’t hide behind Rika this time. In fact, the roles were reversed from usual. Rika was the one standing behind Ticia, smiling lightly as she was enjoying watching her friend’s struggles.

Ticia on her side was lightly cursing her former general in her head while trying to maintain her poker face.

Seeing them, the president chuckled lightly. 

“Rookie at politics huh? You should harden yourself fast, the political world isn’t kind to tender ones.”

“...Thank you for your words.” Ticia bit her lip and thanked the president. The remark hit her where it hurt. She could see from the president's expression that he meant no harm however. It was just his sincere thoughts as an old political fox.

“How was your meeting with that guy?” George Rollers asked. This time he looked at Rika.

Rika took some time, looking at Ticia first. She wanted to make it clear Ticia was the one pulling the strings. Ticia thought for a bit before nodding.

Rika proceeded to tell what Tyler Jackson told them.

“Hmmm…” The old president looked thoughtful for a while, before looking at Ticia. “That man is dangerous. You should keep an eye on him.”

“Of course, I’ve noticed that.” Ticia said back. 

“Good, good… *cough*”

Another bloody cough. Ticia looked at the dying man, thoughts crossing her mind.

He said he had less than one year to live, but what if something happened? What if an incident reduced his lifespan, poisoning for example?

That would not be beneficial for her and her daughters…

Which is why she suggested the following.

“I happen to have a daughter who is a doctor, would you be interested in meeting her?”

“A clone doctor you say?” George Rollers frowned. Ticia continued.

“Yes, additionally, we possess lost knowledge. Perhaps we would be able to identify your illness, delay it and even…”

“Heal it? I doubt so.” George Rollers said, a smile on his face. “Your offer is interesting. I’ll take it.”

He did not seem to have his hopes up, but even a dying man like him would wish to live even just a little bit longer…

Having Nicia check on his health from time to time wouldn’t be any loss on her side…

“Rather than that, let's get to the main reasons I summoned you. Time is precious.” The president said, his words about time sounding alarming. That would be normal as he was a dying man.

“I’ve talked with Field Marshall Twill. He wants to meet you. Privately.”  He said.

“Field Marshall Twill?” Ticia frowned. The president was pushing for this meeting and alliance, but she still had some personal reticences…

“Indeed. I know you have reasons to distrust him, but it appears things have taken a turn…” George Rollers said, a dark look on his face. 

“...Is the situation on the front that bad?” Ticia asked, weighing the situation.

“No, the problem is not the frontline…yet.” The president answered, releasing a sigh that nearly turned into a cough. “It’s a war of influence.”

“Influence you say?” Rika was the one to answer, frowning.

“The Senate is making a move.” George Rollers answered. “These guys have been divided for their own interest, but it looks like my sickness has pushed them to compromise in order to gain more power…”

The Senate. Hearing these words Ticia grimaced. She was reminded of the Senate woman they met just earlier. 

These people would do everything in order to enrich themselves. Ticia was very familiar with these kind of people…

“What does this have to do with Field Marshall Twill?” She asked.

“He’s on the losing side.” The president said back.

That was enough for Ticia to understand what was happening.

Field Marshall Barry Twill was one of the most powerful men in the Borkian Confederation. He had a solid grip on the military, solid holdings in major industries, and ways to make senators and members of the government agree with him one way or the other…

However, since the events on Brelia 7, The old field marshall’s faction took hits after hits…

A good part of the reason why his influence lowered was… Ticia and her daughters…

While he himself gave up quite easily on the clones, his faction members, like David Fika, did not. They wasted their influence needlessly. 

The other incident involving Ticia was the dissolution of the Guard and Escort regiments systems even though he was not directly involved. Plus, as a result of the Ionian-Borkian conflict dragging on, it seemed that his enemies had taken advantage of the situation to empower themselves with disgruntled members of the military…

The neutrals had also been approached and some of them had taken a side, most however, remained neutral while another few instead decided to take Rika’s side, empowering her.

Their allegiance remained quite vague, but that was something they would have to deal with. As a faction grows in number, it is normal that ideas diverge and not everyone agrees on the same things.

But the Senate remained something concerning…

The fact that these people ‘united’ in order to weaken the presidency and perhaps even make Barry Twill fall was surprising and as the president said, concerning. Even during the Borkian-Pellian war, they were never moving as one block. In fact, the Senate was divided into two factions of nearly identical sizes at the time. One pro-war and another pro-peace.

Ticia did not know how the Senate managed to unite, nor who did it and why, but it was certainly not something that could be swept under the rug. Something was happening behind the scenes…

“I do not know who is behind this, but this forces my hand. The Borkian Confederation will not be able to resist if the Senate takes complete power…” George Rollers said grimly. He then took a pause, before looking at Ticia with a serious look.

“I need to empower you.”

“What do you mean by that sir?” Ticia replied, feeling the pressure but keeping her calm.

“I’ll make it clear that ‘your’ general has become my heir.” The president replied, pointing towards Rika.

“Wha-?!”

Ticia was bewildered by the sudden words. The meaning behind them was heavy. Were these words to come out of this room, they would cause an uproar…

“President?” Rika called the president in a small questioning tone as a heavy tension rose in the room.

“We can’t take small steps as I originally planned. We need to take leaps now. You and Brigadier-General Rika are the best option for the foreseeable future. I’m sure of it now that I’ve met you.” George Rollers replied, making sure his words had weight behind them despite his failing voice.

Ticia and Rika looked at each other. The words were heavy and put even more pressure on them, however, they already made their decision…

“...Understood. Though I cannot promise what will happen after your passing.” Ticia replied.

“Fufu. That’s fine, young lady.” The president chuckled, a smile forming on his pale face. He seemed to have taken a liking to Ticia.

“What do you suggest we do, Mr President?” Rika asked.

“For now, I’ll make it clear you’re under my wing by giving you an official post.”

“What would that post be?”

“I’ll create an executive decree making you and your clones my personal guard.”

“As in… Presidential Guard?”

“Yes. No such post existed before in order to maintain the balance of power, but now that they broke it first, I don’t have to hold back.” 

A fierce smile appeared on the president’s face, reminding Ticia that it was never wise to mess with a dying animal…

“It appears things will get troublesome…” 

“You don’t say…”

Both Rika and Ticia let out a small sigh as they began calculating new measures.

Getting the position of Presidential guard would mean bearing an honorific position. Honorific positions came with traditions, which Ticia and Rika would have to respect. Still, being the personnel guard of the president would give more political weight to Rika rather than simply being a ‘military advisor’, as people thought she was. 

Plus, they would get money out of the position.

The Senate would definitely protest, but as George Rollers said, they were the ones who broke the balance of power first. Their complaints would fall to deaf ears…

“Does that mean we’ll have to ensure the security of this place?” Ticia asked the president. Though he had his own team already, guarding the president would commit to the fact they were his guard. It would also provide an excuse for Nicia and other clone medics to get close to the president without raising too much suspicion. 

“Oh, you don’t have to. But I guess it would fit the title-*cough cough*.”

“We’ll do it.” Ticia quickly said back. There were some risks, but since she had already accepted the president’s suggestion, she should make the better out of it.

“As you wish. We’ll work on the details at another date, I’m reaching my limits for today…” The president said.

Indeed, Ticia nodded. She had noticed how weak the president had become just from this conversation alone. 

“Still… Field Marshall Twill is losing his grip huh?” Rika mumbled to herself.

“Does that have anything to do with General Fika?” Ticia catched Rika’s mumble and asked  out loud, remembering how the Senate woman from before seemed to be fond of David Fika. 

The president nodded.

“Yes. But I don’t have all the details. It’s better for him to explain it himself.”

“If so, then why not meet right now?” Ticia asked, still distrusting. Why was it so complicated to meet him, why do it in secret? Would meeting Rika and Ticia in public be such a blow to the old field marshall?

“He also has his own concerns, you could say…” George Rollers said, a complicated look on his face. “I can’t say more. He wants to tell you in person.”

“...” Ticia remained quiet, her brain trying to come up with the reason why Barry Twill was doing this. 

In the end, Rika put a hand on her shoulder. Ticia looked at her friend.

“It appears we don’t have a choice, Ticia.” Rika said, releasing a sigh. Ticia also released a sigh. If she wanted to know then she would have to take the bullet. 

“When does he wish to meet?” She asked after making her decision. The president answered her.

“Tonight, at the Malaise Tower’s secret auction.”