Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight
“I want you to start from the beginning,” Big ordered, stepping closer to Fig once the women and the married human couple started to leave the docking area.
Fig hated being away from Anna. He worried about her, but as he watched her walk away, Gemma stuck close to her side.
“Fig,” Rod growled.
He tore his gaze from Anna. “The female I spoke to on the other shuttle used the financial transaction that paid for us to leave Clone World as a code. She said she was one of three. Only Free, Marisol Florigo, and I knew of that transaction.”
“Someone else could have found it. What about the human who flew us off Clone World? It’s possible that he told the authorities how he was paid since we shoved him in the escape pod and let him live.”
Fig met Blade’s gaze. “No. We routed the pilot’s money through six untraceable accounts to pay him. The funds we used for our escape were siphoned from Clone World maintenance accounts. The female asked if he was alive. Her concern was for Free. I feel confident that it is Marisol. The uncertainty is her motive for seeking us out after all this time.”
“I’m most alarmed about how you were found in the first place,” Big admitted.
“I’ve thought about that. I used our secret Clone World account to pay for Anna’s transition. Marisol helped create that account. It’s possible she was closely monitoring it and saw the transaction I made. All she’d have to do was track the shipment from DJD Clone Corp and follow it from Earth toward Clone World. She had to have known I’d intercept the transport before it arrived.”
The three other clones all glared at Fig.
“I didn’t have the funds myself to bribe the company to accept Anna’s body and have her cloned with her memories intact. I said she was Rico’s sister, so they’d be inclined to fulfill the special order of an unblanked clone.”
“Damn it, Figures.” Rod looked furious.
“Anna was worth the risk.”
“Not if Ms. Florigo is setting a trap to recapture us. What did you tell her?” Big crossed his arms over his chest.
Big, Blade, and Rod hadn’t worked in the finance department, so they weren’t familiar with the human. Fig hadn’t known her all that well either, but they had worked together. “I ordered Marisol to wait at that location in her shuttle until we contact her. She agreed.” Fig really wanted to check on Anna. “Free is the one who knew her best. Anna suggested that Marisol might have regretted not joining us when she was supposed to. Perhaps she realized how much Free meant to her after she’d decided not to leave the life she had on Clone World.”
“Or it’s a trap,” Rod snapped.
“Or that.” Fig kept eye contact with Big. “Free would want to know. We all witnessed how devastated he was after losing Marisol. He’d never forgive us if we didn’t tell him what is going on. It could be his chance to reunite with her.”
“Or it could be an opportunity for us to be captured and executed. I do agree with you, though. Free would want to know about this situation.” Blade reached up and rubbed his jawline. “I could fly the Morgan to provide backup for Free when he goes to investigate in case it is a trap. My vessel has impressive weapons onboard if we find ourselves in a fight.”
“I won’t be able to visit Mandora Station to figure out what DJD Clone Corp is up to now. I’ll be flying my shuttle to provide backup instead.” Rod appeared torn. “This is the worst timing. What if Jorgonson Industries is producing and testing the survivability of unblanked clones again? The humans are heartless, and the clones will suffer the same fate as the original dozen. They’ll go insane, commit murder, or end their own lives.”
Big lowered his arms, addressing Rod. “Where is Ram? You two stay in contact most often. Can he fly to Mandora to see what Jorgonson Industries is up to?”
“Ram was taking a job to earn credits on a human freight transport last we spoke. His shuttle needed repairs. I haven’t heard from him in over a month. He promised to contact me once he returned to his shuttle with the parts. Ram did warn me that he might be working for up to two months.”
Fig gaped at Rod. “Has he lost his mind to work that closely with humans? It sounds exceedingly dangerous.”
“We both have learned to blend in well with humans. Especially if we wear hair extensions and artificial facial hair.” Rod scowled back. “I offered to buy his replacement parts, but Ram likes to do things his own way. I got the impression he’s working for humans that tend to avoid authorities as much as possible.”
“Ram can’t help us.” Big glanced between them but stayed his focus on Rod. “We’re stretched thin. I agree that it’s important to discover what Jorgonson Industries is up to. We have room to house any rescued clones if they are being produced away from Earth’s surface to circumvent the laws. We’ve dreamed of adding to our numbers here. I know we all feel the same guilt over the many we had to leave behind. That station has to be easier to attack and flee from than trying to go after our brethren on Clone World. Security there is too tight.”
“Rod should go spy on them.” Fig felt responsible for part of the trouble they faced. He’d placed the order that had alerted Marisol of Clone World funds being used to gain Anna. He was certain the human had tracked the shipment to him. “I’ll provide support for Free with my shuttle instead of Rod. That way, we’ll have the firepower of three shuttles to fight off an attack in case Marisol has set a trap.”
“I could take my shut―”
“No.” Blade cut Big off. “You belong here to keep our families safe. That’s your priority. Fig, Free, and I can handle whatever is on that waiting shuttle. Rod should travel on to the station to spy on the subsidiary company of DJD Clone Corp.”
“Agreed.” Rod nodded. “Deal with Ms. Florigo while I find out what is going on at the station facility on Mandora. I’ll send a message if I need assistance to free any clones they might have grown inside vats there.”
“We went from being bored to taking severe risks,” Big muttered. “And now we have a hell of a lot to lose.”
Fig understood. He had Anna now to worry about. At times, he wondered why he fought so hard to survive. That wasn’t an issue any longer. All he wanted now was a long future with the female he had fallen in love with.
“Life can’t be that cruel to us anymore,” he muttered, holding the gazes of his fellow clones. “We’ve suffered enough in the past, fought for our freedom, and it’s time we finally catch some breaks. I don’t want to die for a very long time now that I have found happiness.”
“I’m still seeking my purpose, so hopefully I’ll find it on Mandora if I’m able to rescue some clones.” Rod cleared his throat. “Even if I’m wrong, I like having a task.”
“We’ll be too far away if you need immediate backup, Rod.” Big appeared grim as he shared his thoughts.
“I’ll keep attempting to contact Ram. It’s possible he’ll get my messages and meet me at that station. Right now, I’m only planning on spying on Jorgonson Industries to discover what they are up to. I won’t do anything rash. I’m not suicidal.”
“Good enough.” Big turned, starting to walk away. “Let’s eat, and we’ll discuss this more.”
Blade started to follow him, but Rod headed the other way.
“I’m leaving now. Give my apologies to your females and the human married couple. I’ve stayed long enough already.”
Big stopped, spun, and put his hands on his hips. “You can leave tomorrow.”
“I’m leaving now.” Rod kept walking, heading toward one of the far docking doors.
“Let him go,” Blade quietly murmured. Then he raised his voice, shouting. “Contact us if you get into trouble. We’ll come!”
Rod lifted a hand and gave them a thumbs up, indicating that he’d heard. He accessed his docked shuttle before disappearing inside and sealing the doors behind him. Red lights flashed above the lock in seconds, warning that the vessel there was releasing the clamps.
“He shouldn’t go alone.”
“Fig, he doesn’t have anything yet to keep him here.” Blade motioned for him to walk with him and Big. “We’re the lucky ones who have found love and companionship. Rod won’t find that here, but maybe he will on Mandora if DJD is producing illegal clones that need to be rescued.”
All three of them left the docking area together. The communication band on Big’s wrist chirped a few times. It was linked to the station computer. He shared the updates as they came in. Rod had safely maneuvered through the asteroids they’d left to protect and shield the station.
“Gemma is going to be pissed that Rod didn’t say goodbye,” Big predicted. “She’s been trying to talk him into staying ever since he showed up with Hailey’s parents. I kept telling her that he felt like a third wheel.”
“Rod did feel that way.” Blade nodded. “He hated that we were all paired up except him. I do hope he’s able to rescue some clones and that at least one of them is a female that might be interested in him.”
Fig silently hoped for that, too. “When are you going to send a secure message to Free about Marisol? I didn’t ask what her situation was concerning power and supplies on the shuttle.”
“I’ll do that after the celebration meal. The females have been planning it ever since you informed us you were coming home and bringing your Anna to live here.”
“We assigned you to one of the manager quarters near us,” Big let Fig know. “Gemma wanted your Anna close in case she struggled with being a clone.”
“Anna isn’t having any difficulties with her new body or how it was made. She’s incredibly resilient.”
“You did bring her back from death.” Blade shot him a grin. “I just want to know what prompted you to have an old human turned into one of us.”
“Anna was kind and smart.” Fig cleared his throat, choking a little with emotion. “I told her what I was before she was killed. Anna not only accepted me but encouraged me to live and find love. She deserved better than to die in a bar by a criminal.”
They entered one of the living areas on the massive mining station after taking a lift. Fig remembered the layout well since he’d helped bring the place back online after it had been abandoned by the humans. He even remembered where Big had decided to live. They entered one of the large homes that high-level mining employees used to inhabit. He breathed easier the second he saw Anna.
A long dining table had been set up between the living area and the kitchen. The female and male humans were all seated there as a Magna served platters of food and trays of drinks. Anna smiled when she saw him.
Fig hurried to her side, taking the empty seat that had been left open for him.
“Is everything okay?” She appeared concerned, her hand gripping his.
“It is.”
“Where is Rod?” Gemma had stood from the table, her gaze locked on the entry doors they’d just come through.
Big took a seat next to her, pulling her down to be seated again. “He’s gone on a mission.”
“Damn it!” Gemma shook her head, appearing sad. “I knew he wouldn’t stay. I just wish…”
“Rod knows where his home is, and he’ll return when he’s ready to settle down. We discussed this.” Big leaned in and gave Gemma a little hug. “He’s still searching for his purpose.”
Fig was impressed by the spread of food the Magna laid out on the table. He forced a smile at the human couple. “Thank you for holding a celebration for our arrival.”
“You’re welcome.” The male smiled wide, his soft brown eyes showing sincerity. “This place is so incredibly big that it will be nice to have more people to become friends with. My Klista loves to have everyone share meals.”
“My parents are loving it here.” Hailey was all smiles, too. “Dad spends most of his days exploring and checking out the old mines. We’re from a mining planet. He’d like to get a few of the machines back in working order.”
The human male looked excited. “The thing about large companies is they waste resources. There’s a lot of minerals left over that they didn’t deem worthy of their time. I can get us a good income going from what they left behind. Having credits is always a good thing in case we ever need to buy stuff that isn’t already here.”
“You are more than welcome to do that,” Big decided. “This is your home now.”
Fig watched Anna closely, relieved when she started chatting with everyone at the table. She looked relaxed and at ease. She and Gemma were doing most of the talking. They had the most in common since they’d both been born and lived on Earth for so long, even if it was in different time periods.
The meal was delicious, and after they finished, he was more than ready to be shown at their private home. Their quarters were just down the corridor from Big and Gemma’s. It was one of the nicer homes with an open living space and a big kitchen, and it came with two-bedroom ensuites.
A Magna stood ready to take orders in the kitchen. Fig was happy to see it, not wanting Anna to feel the need to do any of the cleaning or cooking. He felt certain plenty of cleaning bots would be hidden inside the walls, just waiting to be put to use. Big’s next words verified that.
“Everything has been stocked. Gemma, why don’t you give Anna a tour and tell her how the bots work? Fig and I need to make a secure call. We won’t be gone long.”
Anna frowned.
“I won’t be gone long either,” Fig promised. “Big and I are going to reach out to Free. He needs to decide what to do about the shuttle that contacted us.”
“I’ll show you all the perks of bots.” Gemma once again hooked her arm with Anna’s. “Then the two of you can get some alone time to settle in. You’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed after meeting everyone. I hope you feel welcome here, Anna.”
“I do.” Anna’s gaze locked with Fig’s.
“I’ll hurry.”
She nodded. “I’ll be okay.”
Fig left with Big, heading toward the docking bay again. They used their shuttles for secure communications. It was the safest method. They felt mostly sure they’d removed any hidden triggers the station communication systems might have installed to alert the mining company of their presence. It was better to be one hundred percent certain, though.
They entered Big’s shuttle. It was the one they’d originally arrived in. Memories of that time filtered through Fig’s mind. They’d been so excited and frightened when they’d breached the mining station, unsure if it could still support life. There had been a possibility that the company had invited salvage companies to take what they wanted. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. They’d had to do some repairs, but they’d gotten the place operational again.
“I don’t even know what to say to Free.” Big took a seat in the pilot chair. “I’m worried this will be a trap.”
“It’s his choice to make if he wishes to risk it.” Fig allowed more memories to stream through his mind. “Free loved Marisol. It never made sense to me why she didn’t show up at the rendezvous point. She risked her very life to help us escape. The owner of Clone World wouldn’t have cut his own granddaughter any slack if she’d been caught. Rico would have made an example out of Marisol.”
“He is a cruel, vicious human born without a heart.” Big’s hands tapped out commands on the console in front of him. “I’m routing the signal now, sending a ping to let Free know we’re attempting to reach him. He calls the Balarian system home most of the time.”
“Why would he wish to be near Jabler? That resort planet is a heavily traveled flight path for humans. It increases his risk of discovery.”
“Free enjoys hacking into pleasure cruiser entertainment feeds that go there, and Jabler is a beautiful planet. He’s sent me short videos of when he visited the surface. The planet owner only has tight security around his resort-zoned areas. Free mentioned once that the automated planetary security system only monitors life signs. It’s to protect the wildlife from being stolen. The defenses only activate and attempt to shoot down vessels leaving with additional heartbeats onboard.”
“He goes down to the planet?” Fig was shocked. “We were created to perform a lot of tasks, but dealing with uncultivated jungles and dangerous wild animals is beyond our capabilities. We’re in finance. The only fighting we learned was from you and Blade.”
“I was a little surprised when Free sent those videos, too. Perhaps he misses the fresh air, and parts of Jabler might remind him of Clone World. I noticed that you don’t seem surprised that he’s hacking into the human’s feeds.”
“Hacking is easy for F Clones.”
“We were both taught those skills for our jobs.” Big leaned back, waiting. “He’s not responding.”
“Give it time.”
“I am. You―” A beep cut Big off.
Fig took a seat in the cockpit, too, tensing as Big opened communications. They were secure transmissions, but they still needed to be careful. Anything could be hacked.
“Father?”
Emotions hit Fig as he heard Free’s voice calling out to Big. They had come up with codenames in case Rico Florigo had hired mercenary teams to hunt the escaped clones. It was too risky to use their given names. Even in Free’s case, since he’d been assigned to be called Freak on Clone World.
Big immediately responded. “I’m glad you were listening for my call. I miss my son.”
“I’m fine if you’re checking in on me. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you again so soon. We usually only talk every few months. Is everything well at home?”
“We’re fine, except one of your brothers ran into someone from your past recently.” Big paused, looking at Fig. He appeared to struggle for words.
Fig completely understood. They never foresaw the situation they were in. He took over, carefully choosing his words so Free might understand. “Hello, brother.” Free would recognize his voice. “I was out shopping for supplies when I ran into your ex-girlfriend.”
Shopping for supplies was code for them raiding a transport to steal clone plasma. Free had only loved one female, so using the ex-girlfriend term would clue him in that it was Marisol. Free continued. “I told her I’d let you know that she is looking for you.”
There was utter silence. Fig guessed that Free had to be stunned by what he’d just heard.
“We didn’t have time to talk, but she’s waiting to see you if you want to meet up with her,” Fig added.
“Where? Is this confirmed?”
He flinched over Free’s harsh tone of voice. It was clear that Free must be feeling stressed. “Confirmed. We exchanged some transactions.” He paused, letting that sink in. Free would understand since all three were in the finance department on Clone World.
“Where is she? Is she at home?”
“No. She’s staying near my retreat,” Free told him. They all knew about his hidden crater, where he spent a lot of time. “We’re just not sure if her intentions are good or not. You didn’t end your relationship on good terms.”
“Some of your brothers want to be there when the two of you speak to each other just to make sure things go well. That’s not up for debate. Family sticks together and watches out for each other.” Big motioned for Fig to back him up.
“Dad is right. A few of us should be there with you to make sure things go smoothly.”
“I’m setting course now. I’ll see you soon. I’m out.”
Communications ended.
“Fuck. He couldn’t even wait for us to tell him more.” Big stood, fisting his hands. “Free is going to get himself killed if he doesn’t proceed with caution.”
“It’s probably the shock of Marisol attempting to find him. He’ll have time to calm down and think more clearly since it’s going to take him days to reach where her shuttle should still be waiting.”
“I hope so.”
“I’m going to spend tonight with Anna, but I’ll leave in the morning so I”ll be there when Free reaches that shuttle.”
“Good.” Big appeared grim as they walked back to their living quarters. “No matter how it goes, bring him home. I have a feeling he’s going to need our support.”
“I will do my best.” Fig couldn’t make promises. Free was a grown male.