Chapter Text
99 shuffled along the hallways of Kamino to Nala Se’s secret lab. Being a lab scraper had some pluses . . . you knew about the inner secrets of Kamino and could go places that many didn’t have access to or even knew of its existence. How did 99 end up being a lab scraper? He was a defect. A defective clone; aging abnormally fast with gnarled muscles that didn’t move with grace and ease. 99 lacked in a lot of things: height, grace and ease (as was aforementioned), moverability in general, strength, prowess, weapon capability, stamina . . . as was said. Many things.
But what 99 lacked in, he made up for with his enormous heart. No one in Tipoca City–Kamino–or the entire Kamino system for that matter could match 99’s compassion, his understanding, his wisdom and foresight. His burning love for his brothers and desire for heroism. No clone could reach the heights he would go for those he loved or swim the depths to save another from the mind. Because 99 knew pain, knew death, he treasured life and saw things more clearly than any.
But, because of his physical defects, 99 was confined to being tested in a lab and maintenance work. It was only by some miracle he was still around. Everyone on Kamino knew that ‘defects’ and ‘unwanted’ clones were decommissioned. How 99 escaped that fate, no one knew. Perhaps the Force was watching over him . . . keeping him safe for a very special destiny. Not all heroes' lives are noticed. Some live in the quiet halls of an unknown place and aren’t known until eons have passed. Some are made heroes through the small things, the light of hope they inflame when all is lost by a single word or action. The care they give when others are hurt. The selfless gift of themselves for a greater cause. Such was the kind of man 99 was.
When he reached there, 99 approached the tall Kaminoan scientist.
“You called for me, Mistress Nala Se.”
“Yes,” her even voice echoed in the empty lab, “I have an additional job for you. One, you must not speak of others. It is a secret experiment which we cannot allow to be set free until it is ready.”
“Are you sure you would like me? Perhaps someone more capable. . .”
“There is no one more capable for the job which you are being given. You are barely noticed on Kamino–” 99 couldn’t help but to look to the floor at that “--and seeing how you are with the other clone cadets has proven you the best probable candidate.”
99 looked up. He had no idea what cadets had to do with anything but then he saw four shining test tubes behind Nala Se, each holding a little baby inside. He felt excitement starting to stir. Perhaps, just perhaps, he was being given something important? Something that would make the difference to someone?
“These will be your charges.”
99 gasped and reached his hand out to touch the glass.
“You are to see to their needs and help keep them. I have my own I need to watch over.”
From the distance, 99 could hear the giggles of a little girl. Right. Poor Omega. That girl all alone down here. Perhaps now that she has brothers, maybe she won’t grow up alone after all. I hope so for her sake.
“I would be honored, Mistress!” 99 couldn’t keep the excitement from his voice.
“Come, I will show you the clones.”
Nala Se and 99 approached the tanks. “This one is 9901. He has enhanced senses. He will be able to pick up on electromagnetic frequencies on an entire planet.”
99 smiled at the abnormally small clone inside and waved a hand at the child squirming inside. “Hello there.” Then he turned worriedly to Nala Se. “Won’t the storms on Kamino have a bad effect on him?”
“If his defect was efficiently produced, then he will learn to deal with it.”
Innerly, 99 scowled. This precious child was a baby human! He deserved to be loved and cared for! Not treated coldly and with disdain if he ‘didn’t turn out how they wanted’. It hurt to think this child might be in danger because he couldn’t handle the powers given to him. 99 made a silent vow to make sure to protect this little guy. He looked . . . a little fragile; he turned to face 99 and his gray eyes went wide, like he was calling out for help. 99 guessed the storm outside was affecting him somewhat. He just hoped the little guy wasn’t in pain, just confused about what he was feeling. Ironically, this child was the ori’vod. 99 knew that, so he had to make sure he grew up strong, like a leader.
They moved on to tank 2 where an abnormally large baby was being developed inside. “This one is 9902. He has been given strength to rival a Rancor.” This child was asleep but squirmed around happily. He must have been dreaming because of the smile on his face. 99 couldn’t help but to smile wider. “Hello there lil’ tooka.” 9902 responded to the nickname and bounced a little with laughter in his sleep.
Tank 3 showed another smaller clone–not as small as the first–but leaner and somehow even more fragile looking. Or perhaps they all look fragile to me because of how small they are. And I get to take care of them?! His eyes looked like they held a light and curiosity, taking in everything around him. He looked calm and content. “This is 9903. He has enhanced intelligence and fast paced learning. If he was formed correctly, he will be adept as well as learned.” There it is again. 99 thought sadly. Don’t worry, child. You are loved.
Lastly, the fourth tank showed a rather cranky baby with a scowl on his face. His eyes seemed to squint as if the dim light hurt him. “Lastly, 9904 has enhanced eyesight. It should rival that of many air predators.”
99 stepped back, taking in the sight of his four ad’ike. He was only just introduced to them but he already felt a deep love for each and every one of them. He couldn’t wait to hold them, help them, teach them, and watch them grow. He would have to give them names of course because he refused to call them by their numbers. Somehow, maybe he could get them to meet Omega and she wouldn’t have to be alone anymore. A burning desire to protect these little ones overrode his entire being.
“Hello ner ad’ike. I’m 99–your buir.”