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She tries. She tries so hard to keep the tears from falling, to keep her breath even. But another hiccuping sob makes her guardian cast her a disapproving glance.
“Omega,” Nala Se scolds, “either compose yourself or I will have you removed.”
Omega’s fingers curl into tight fists, but she keeps them pressed at her sides. “I don’t want them to go,” she dares to say, voice small.
The Kaminoan sighs, a long hiss of air. “We’ve been over this countless times, Omega. The experimental units cannot stay in the lab. They are not your pets. Their purpose is not to provide you with companionship. They are weapons. They are soldiers.”
“They are my brothers!” Omega protests. “Please, let me go with them. I can help them!”
“You can do nothing for them, Omega,” Nala Se says. “You are not like them, and they are not like you. Now, if you cannot keep your emotions in check, I will have you escorted from the room and you will not say goodbye.”
Omega knows she means it. If Nala Se is anything, she is true to her word. Omega has to be brave for her brothers, she has to tell them goodbye. That she’ll find them again. Even if they won’t understand or remember. Omega will. That’s what matters right now.
“I’ll be better,” Omega says bravely.
After a slow and critical stare, Nala Se grants Omega two minutes to give her final goodbyes to the little ones she has helped cultivate since their tubes. Because of their enhancements, they were allowed to be raised to some extent by “natborn standards,” whatever that means. The four toddlers are strapped into their transportation cart, their large dark eyes watching Omega as she approaches.
“It’s okay,” she tells them, rubbing a fist over her eyes to erase the tears that linger on her lashes. “We’re going to be okay. We will be apart for a while, but I promise…” She glances to where Nala Se is across the room, then Omega leans in and whispers, “I’ll find you again.”
The little 99 with enhanced senses reaches out to her with pudgy hands, wanting to be picked up. Omega shakes her head. “I can’t,” she whispers, letting him wrap tiny fingers around hers. “I’m sorry.”
When the lab assistant comes to push the cart away, the tiny clones begin to cry.
But Omega doesn’t cry as she watches them go. She has to be brave. Because she will find them again.
And she will help them.
No matter what Nala Se says.