NOBLE: The Bad Batch

𝟑𝟑: Wake Up

18 BBY | Unknown Month or Day
Wayland | Mount Tantiss (based in the past tense)
Main Landing Bay | A few days ago

Doctor Hemlock strode out of the main facility, flanked by Clone Commando Commander Scorch and two other commandos. The recent success of transporting the Zillo Beast to Wayland had gone according to plan, but lingering questions remained.

"Did any of the villagers see the Zillo?" Hemlock asked, his voice calm yet expectant.

"Several," Scorch confirmed, his tone firm and unwavering. "The locals have been detained and will be dealt with. However, two vessels escaped our assault—one was a military-class shuttle, the other an interstellar transport, both highly modified."

Hemlock came to a halt as the incoming shuttle he had been expecting began its descent. The wind from the thrusters whipped at his coat as he considered Scorch's words. "Find out who they are," he ordered.

"Yes, sir." Scorch gave a crisp nod before turning back toward the facility, leaving Hemlock to greet his new guest. The shuttle touched down, its ramp lowering with a slow hiss. From the interior, Lama Su emerged, hands clasped behind his back, his long strides unhurried, his expression unreadable.

"Hello, Prime Minister," Hemlock greeted coolly, a slight smirk playing at his lips. "Apologies—former Prime Minister."

Lama Su didn't so much as blink. "Why have I been brought here?" he asked, his voice devoid of interest, cutting straight to the point.

"The cooperation of your chief scientist has not been forthcoming," Hemlock replied smoothly, stepping forward. "Nala Se's defiance... is problematic. Not to mention her sister's experiment."

Lama Su exhaled, tilting his head slightly. "It must be frustrating to have resources yet lack the expertise to achieve your goals." He cast a brief glance around before lowering his voice. "As for Noble... she has been a problem her entire life. And if you fail to convince Nala Se, it won't be long before you find yourself in a cell, just as I have."

Hemlock let out a soft hum, as if mildly entertained by the notion. "I fear you misunderstand your position. If you know a way to persuade the scientist, now would be the time to mention it. However, it is not Noble that concerns me or Doctor Thallium." He paused. "It is XCP-101."

Lama Su's expression flickered with something close to intrigue. "So... Nisha finally created the replacement?" He pondered the thought for a moment before shifting back to the matter at hand. "In exchange for my freedom, I will provide you with the details you need."

"I'm listening," Hemlock said, his voice smooth, but the gleam in his eyes sharpened.

"There are two particular clones you must locate," Lama Su revealed. "Noble—who possesses abilities that cannot be replicated. Nisha Se's project may seem like perfection, but the one who came before the rest is the true key to your work." He paused. "And the other... is a child. Omega. She is inseparable from Nala Se. Both are crucial to controlling your chief scientist."

Hemlock's expression shifted, something close to satisfaction settling over him. "How very interesting," he murmured, his mind already calculating the possibilities. He turned and gestured for Lama Su to walk with him, leading the way back toward the facility. "It seems we have much to discuss. Now... tell me more about this Noble I keep hearing about."

Lama Su's eyes glinted with a knowing look as he began. "She is the daughter of the emperor. Many call her a clone... but it's not that... simple..."

+++

Marc—designation XCP-063—moved like a shadow through the cold, sterile corridors of Tantiss Base. It was nighttime, the base shrouded in eerie silence, save for the hum of distant machinery. His fingers trembled as he fumbled with the stolen key card, the tiny piece of plastic determining whether he lived or died. The lock beeped. The door slid open. He stepped out, pressing himself against the wall, his breath shallow. Every step had to be calculated; every movement was precise.