Page 71 of F Clones

“What in the hell is that?” Anna had moved closer, too.

“Humans who leave or live away from Earth are embedded with a data chip inside the palms of their hands shortly after birth,” Big explained. “They are supposed to be coded to that human’s DNA. Removing it, transferring it into another body, or even attempting to hack the data on one is supposed to destroy it. The human authorities use scanners to safeguard that clones aren’t permitted to enter Earth, some other planets, and most space stations near Earth.”

“I don’t think I had one of those when I was still human,” Anna admitted.

“They began using them about fifty years ago,” Marisol told her. “You should have been given one at birth.”

“Oh. That explains it. I was born way before then.” Anna smiled at the M Clones. “You four are being so quiet. I haven’t been here too long. I’d be happy to give you a tour of the station after we eat.”

“We both will,” Figures offered. “I’m sure you’ll need clothing and other things to make you feel at home.”

“Speaking of, during dinner, you can tell me what sleeping arrangements you prefer.” Big met their gazes, staring at Free the longest. “Your quarters haven’t been touched except I had your bots clean and Magna stock your kitchen.”

That perked Marisol’s interest. “Who is Magna?”

Gemma was the one to answer. “Not who. What. Magna is a silver robot that cooks. Some of the nicer apartments have them. It freaked me out the first time I saw it because I watched way too many horror movies.”

“Let’s move this to our quarters and eat while the food is hot. I didn’t use a Magna to cook. I actually enjoy doing that myself. We’ll all exchange stories and get to know each other better.” Klista motioned everyone to follow her and her human husband. “Come on.”

Free lifted Marisol’s hand, kissing the back of it. “We’ll eat and then go to our quarters. I think you’ll like where we’ll live.”

“I know I will.” The mining station would be her new home, and the people living there hopefully would become her friends.

Chapter Ten

The dinner had been great. Even better, Marisol really liked the clones and humans she spent time with while they ate. Some of the couples had shared their stories. It amazed her that her grandfather had ordered an illegally unblanked singer from Earth, but DJD Clone Corp had messed up. They’d stolen the wrong body of a woman with the same name. Big had found Gemma as she was being shipped to Clone World.

Free led them to one of the cabins, pressed his palm print to it, and the double doors opened. Marisol gawked a bit as they entered the upscale living room. It was nicely furnished and had an open floor plan, so the kitchen was within sight.

“This used to belong to one of the humans with an important job. There are two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and an office,” he summarized. “There is a Magna in the kitchen to do our cooking.”

That made Marisol smile. Gemma, her new friend, had warned her. “I’ve met those types of androids before. We don’t have them on Clone World, but other resort planets and some of the nicer space stations I’ve stayed at do. I’m glad we have one. I’m a terrible cook.”

“I am as well.”

“I kind of guessed that since all you had on your shuttle was nutrient bars and those freeze-dried packs you add heated water to.”

He took her hand, leading her through the living space and down a hallway. The main bedroom was also roomy, nicely furnished, and had a resort-like spa bath. She had her choice of a steam shower, real water, and even a bathtub big enough to fit two. “I’m surprised you chose this for yourself.”

“Big insisted. There are a total of ten luxury suites, and only six of us. I always believed it was too much space for an individual, but he convinced us to claim them as ours.”

“How did he do that?” She released his hand and took a seat on the oversized bed. The mattress was like sinking into a cloud.

“He reminded us that we wanted a better future and that expansive living quarters were achieving that goal.”

She smiled. “I like it.”

“That’s all that matters.” He locked gazes with her. “The M’s seemed to relax and settle in better.”

“I was worried about them, but dinner was a great way to break the ice and get to know each other better. I really like Sam and Klista.”

“They seem to be good humans.”

“Anna might be my favorite. She’s so happy to be alive.”

Free took a seat next to her. “I’m very glad that Figures decided to rescue her in the only way he knew how after she died in his arms.”

“It triggered me realizing you were still alive, at least one of you, and refusing to eat my drugged dinner.”

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