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He missed that feeling—the freedom of working quietly without his brothers’ constant chaos. He missed the joy of answering all her questions. He missed the time when he and his brothers got caught sneaking cake with her. But what he missed the most was that warm, dark embrace that made him forget he had to return to the dormitory. The next day, he was punished with double physical training, but he didn’t care.
In the span of six months, Tech began growing rapidly due to the effects of accelerated aging. It was a crucial period—any carelessness could lead to muscle or bone injuries. The Kaminoans had designed specialized training and medical exams for it, and daily inspections became more frequent. He and his brothers no longer had time to sneak into the lab sector to see Melina.
“She still hasn’t replied to you?” Hunter walked toward him slowly, drying his dripping hair.
Tech’s fingers flew across the tablet as he frowned. “No. The last message I got from her was two weeks ago.”
“No training tomorrow.”
“I know.”
The experimental sector was far from the clone living quarters, separated by a main building. He walked down the hidden path he had taken countless times, arriving at the familiar door. Three light knocks, one heavy knock—that was their code. A minute passed. Still silence. He entered the familiar passcode. The lock turned green, and the door opened.
The lights flicked on automatically as the door opened—but Tech froze. There was nothing here. No familiar shade of purple, no tools or parts scattered on the floor.
“What are you looking for?” A calm, slow Kaminoan voice came from behind him. He turned around.
“I’m here for my things.”
“They’re over here. Doctor Noa said someone would come to collect them.”
He saw his familiar box. Aside from his own tools, it was empty. On the way back, carrying the box, he didn’t even notice the soft sigh that escaped him.
What were you expecting? A dramatic farewell letter like in a cliché soap opera? Or for her to say goodbye to you in person? You were never meant to be permanent in each other’s lives. Respecting someone’s choice—that’s who you are.
22 BBY, Clone Force 99, a squad of elite, enhanced soldiers, completed their first mission swiftly against overwhelming odds. Upon returning to Kamino, they were granted two days of rest. After hearing that 79’s bar on Coruscant had been turned into a clone bar, they decided to check it out.
Neon lights, echoing DJ music, clones in uniforms and armor drinking themselves into a stupor, a few girls showing interest in them. They made their way to the bar, ordered a few glasses of blue milk liquor and a dozen Corellian beers. Hunter looked up at the second floor and decided to find a quieter spot, motioning for the droid to carry their drinks upstairs. Tech was still looking at his tablet until Crosshair called out to him. Only then did he reluctantly pull his gaze away and follow his brothers.
“May, too many orders? Share one with me.”
A familiar voice—though a bit hoarse—rang out. He couldn’t mistake it. It was Melina.
Tech turned quickly and walked toward her, standing across the bar, staring at her for a moment. He opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. As he hesitated, Melina asked,
“What's your drink of choice? My recommendation today is wild plum berry.?”
“It’s been a while. Where have you been?”
Melina frowned and turned to May.“Is this some new pickup line?” Then she turned back to Tech.
“I believe we’re meeting for the first time tonight, cutie.”
SHE DON'T REMEMBER ME