...That's actually extremely clever. Great way for Edward to launder his identity. Explains his biometrics, explains his appearance, explains him not wanting to spend a lot of time in public.
Sure, him looking to be about thirty or whatever is a surprise, but everyone knows some clones are artificially aged up quite a bit. Maybe Edward's just overbaked?
That's actually extremely clever. Great way for Edward to launder his identity. Explains his biometrics, explains his appearance, explains him not wanting to spend a lot of time in public.
Sure, him looking to be about thirty or whatever is a surprise, but everyone knows some clones are artificially aged up quite a bit. Maybe Edward's just overbaked?
Probably the reason why he didn't do that sooner is so that he didn't accidentally give the idea to the various nutjobs and megalomaniacs running around the Human Sphere to actually go and try to make clones of him. I would assume that, anyway.
If it comes up later and we decide to go that route, hopefully that doesn't end up happening.
Sure, him looking to be about thirty or whatever is a surprise, but everyone knows some clones are artificially aged up quite a bit. Maybe Edward's just overbaked?
"Wait, how long were you teaching teenagers?"
"A few years, why?"
"That'll do it."
"...huh?"
"I also would have accepted 6 months in customer service."
Sure, him looking to be about thirty or whatever is a surprise, but everyone knows some clones are artificially aged up quite a bit. Maybe Edward's just overbaked?
Ple not only had at least 11 clones her own age, but it was done incredibly fast under Glemy, to the point where the original had absolutely no idea they even existed before meeting Ple Two.
If they wanted a believably-aged Char to try and control Neo Zeon, it would have been easy and fast.
Just say he broke out awhile ago, and Nunnally gave "Edward" some help to explain why he was working at the school.
The "short telomere problem" of rapid clone aging also turned out to not actually be a result of cloning, but it has popped up often enough in the last 40 years of sci fi that you could also just throw that into the story.
But yeah at the same time it's even more common for clones to, for whatever reason, get decanted at the same physical age as their source material and then grow from there, Ple being the number one Gundam example (I'm actually unclear on whether Full Frontal was a genetic clone or some unknown Newtype surgically altered and brainwashed to be identical to Char - a Solid Snake or a Venom Snake, as it were).
I'm actually unclear on whether Full Frontal was a genetic clone or some unknown Newtype surgically altered and brainwashed to be identical to Char - a Solid Snake or a Venom Snake, as it were
My understanding's been that Full Frontal is a Cyber Newtype who was modified into being a Char stand-in for the Sleeves. Definitely a Venom rather than a Solid.
But yeah at the same time it's even more common for clones to, for whatever reason, get decanted at the same physical age as their source material and then grow from there, Ple being the number one Gundam example (I'm actually unclear on whether Full Frontal was a genetic clone or some unknown Newtype surgically altered and brainwashed to be identical to Char - a Solid Snake or a Venom Snake, as it were).
I'm actually unclear on whether Full Frontal was a genetic clone or some unknown Newtype surgically altered and brainwashed to be identical to Char - a Solid Snake or a Venom Snake, as it were
Adding on to what others have said I belive that Full Frontal was a mix of colum A and Colum B, with added Char's Newtype Force Ghost thingy maybe getting shoved into his already unstable head what with being a Cyber-Newtype.
Jupiter Empire Military Junior Pre-Academy
Off-Campus Associate Facilities, Ganymede
One Day Ago…
Jovian Imperial Military Coordinator Paptimus Scirocco sighs as he runs a hand down his face. Sitting in the back of the military transport, he stares through the Looking Glass, allowing his eyes to trace across the lunar surface of Ganymede as the ship descends towards the Praga Plantation. From this distance, the Plantation almost looks like any ordinary Jovian colony - four square kilometers of space contained within a squat dome a little more than two kilometers in diameter, and half a kilometer tall. Unlike ordinary colony domes however, the outside of the Plantation has been covered in a layer of specially treated plating the same color as the surface of the moon, which makes the facility all but invisible from a distance if you don't know what you are looking for.
It galls Paptimus every time he is forced to visit one of the plantations, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't understand and accept the truth of it. Hiding is the best defense that the Empire has against aggression from the other solar powers. It doesn't matter that Lord Dogatie has the Divine Right of Kings, the rabbles that rule over the other nations would never accept his guidance on their own, and if they were to discover the things that the Empire is developing, they would jump to conclusions as to the reasons behind them.
Regardless of the fact that these things are being developed as a means to protect the Empire, Paptimus knows that they would see these things as a sign that the Empire is preparing for a war of aggression, and would react accordingly.
So the only thing that they can do, for now, is hide.
But that won't last forever. Soon enough the Empire will be strong enough to protect itself from the rest of the solar system, strong enough to prove to the rest of humanity that Dogatie is the true ruler that humanity needs…
The only ruler who can protect them from what is coming.
Paptimus glances away from the Looking Glass and back down to the pad in his other hand. Staring back at him is the image of a strange, almost organic looking machine, and the humanoid alien that had been the machine's pilot.
It has been nearly ten years since the Decade of Doom ended. Nearly ten years where most of the solar system has slowly grown soft and fat off the decadence of peace. But that is the way of ordinary people, it takes great people - Like Lord Dogatie or Paptimus himself - to see trouble coming and prepare for it.
It takes doing what has to be done, no matter how unpleasant that might be.
A thought that echoes in Paptimus's head after the shuttle finally touches down inside of the Plantation's hidden docks, and he makes his way into the Plantation proper.
Doing what must be done, no matter how unpleasant.
The other powers would be furious if they saw the weapons that the Jupiter Empire were developing - Novel applications of old technologies, entirely new weapon systems, fresh mobile suit designs for those weapons, and even the creation of entirely new Super Robot Platforms - but the other nations would be beyond incandescent with rage if they learned about the Plantations.
Mobile Suits and Super Robots require pilots, and if the Jupiter Empire wants to have a chance against the forces of the rest of the solar system then ordinary pilots just won't do. They need the best of the best. They need Aces. Aces among Aces even.
Skills like that aren't easy to come by, however. Normally it takes years of training, battle, and hard work to reach the pinnacle. Normally. There are exceptions. Newtypes are the most obvious, but there are others as well. Natural born geniuses like the Demon Emperor of Britannia, or freaks of nature like the crew of the Getter Machines.
Individuals who were above and beyond their peers. Aces of Aces. But such figures were greatly limited. A powerful Newtype - such as the one that killed the original Paptimus - might be able to turn the tide of a single battlefield, but the wars that are coming will be so much bigger than that. A few Newtypes won't be enough to save Humanity. A few Aces won't be able to turn the tide of an entire war.
The Empire is going to need more than just a few Aces. They are going to need Armies of them.
The Empire has Newtypes, but even the hardships that the Imperial Citizens have lived through hasn't been enough to make enough combat ready Newtypes. And so Supreme Leader Dogatie decided on a different path. A better path.
The Plantations.
Specialized genetic facilities hidden across Jovian space, where the Empire works to create the ultimate Aces - combining together the genetic information of extraordinary individuals who will become the backbone of the Empire's forces moving forwards.
While from the outside the Plantations look similar enough to the other Jovian colonies, the inside is a different matter. Unlike the average dome, the Plantation is not the whole of a metropolis, densely packed into the tight confines that the dome offers them. Instead, the plantation almost looks like it could have been a slice of the earth, plucked up from the surface and carried halfway across the solar system to its new home.
Or, at the very least, that is what the Crops' caretaker has told them. The artificiality of the environment is clear to Paptimus however, from the fractal pattern across the inside of the dome, each piece made of Looking Glass in order to give an approximation of a sky, to the carefully managed temperatures, and the sprinklers currently creating an approximation of clouds overhead. Paptimus would never mistake this place for being anything like the real world, but it is all that these children have ever known.
Paptimus quickly makes his way along the paths that weave through the Plantation's grounds until he reaches the boarding house that the Crops live in. Here and there he notices one of the Crops going about their days.
A pair of young men, one that looks remarkably like Paptimus himself, dart back and forth through the trees with toy weapons in hand. The one that looks like Paptimus carries a foam Heat axe in one hand and a water gun designed to look like a beam rifle in the other, while the other child has a foam beam sword, and a toy shield that looks like the ones the Federation uses is his other hand.
In a way it looks like a game of hide and seek, but to Paptimus it looks like training.
Further along the path, he passes the large lake that the Crops have been given, where a young girl swims laps along the shallow edge of the water, and further out two others float on innertubes.
Personally, Paptimus has never seen the appeal of large bodies of water. Perhaps the original felt differently, but even here in the Empire Water continues to be one of the most important resources available, which means that using it frivolously feels like the height of decadence. Yet, he also understands that this paradise is both the price these children pay, and the payment they are given for their services.
Outside of their missions, and the one time that each group of Crops is taken to one of the slums in the oldest colony, these children never leave the dome. This is their home.
But speaking of missions.
Paptimus knocks quickly on the door to the boarding house, and after a moment the Commander of this particular Plantation answers.
"Coordinator Scirocco. To what does the Praga Plantation owe this pleasure?" Commander Iron Mask says, the emotionless visage of his mask doing nothing to hide the smile in his voice as he steps to one side to allow Paptimus inside.
"There is a mission request - Have you been made aware of the Xenotech found inside of Patroclus?" Paptimus asks as he hands the pad over to Iron Mask, walking alongside the man further into the building.
"Yes. The strange semi-organic mobile suit, and the alien that was piloting it." Iron Mask says with a nod. "The technology is fascinating, if only because we have never seen anything like it. What does the Supreme Leader need?"
"One of the Supreme Leader's associates, a Doctor Rosenbloom of Arzenal Station, says that he has worked with organic interfaces before, and if we could supply him with the machine, the battle data from our encounter, and a blank Bio-brain that he may be able to reactivate the machine under our control. In order to best put the Xenomachine through its paces, he wishes for a Franxx team to be sent along with."
Iron Mask is quiet for a moment, idly flipping through the orders on the pad in front of him. "I see. I see. Hmm… Tell me, Paptimus, given this 'Embryo's' reputation, should I expect the crops sent to be returned in pristine condition?"
"It is vanishingly unlikely." Paptimus admits. "Doctor Rosenbloom may have been instructed not to interfere with the Crops sent to him, but he's never been one to hold himself back. Whatever experiments he puts the Crops though… probably… won't kill them, and the results will be worth it regardless."
"Hmm. Yes. In that case, I know exactly which team to send." Iron Mask says as he idly signs off the order on the pad, before passing it back to Paptimus. "Tell Embryo to do as he wishes with them, so long as we receive a copy of the data."
"Oh?" Paptimus asks as he glances down at the names of the selected team.
"J.3 are talented pilots, with one of the highest sync ratings on record, but there is clearly an issue with the mix. While J.3b was decanted with minor physical deformities, they are well within operating parameters, it is J.3a that is becoming an issue." Iron Mask admits. "She has developed an insubordinate personality, and has been asking questions."
Before Iron Mask has a chance to elaborate, a chime echoes through the Plantation.
BONG! BONG! BONG!
"Ah. The end of the Crop's Leisure period. Good, good. I am unsure where the J.3 Unit is, but they should be returning soon. It is nearing meal time, and J.3b is always early. This way, you can meet with them and inform them of the mission yourself."
As Paptimus starts to nod, they both hear a quiet creaking as a door near the end of the hall starts to shift. It opens less than a finger's width before Iron Mask calls out. "J.3a. J.3b. Here."
The door freezes for a moment, before it opens fully. Standing there is…
The girl standing in the doorway looks almost like the boy who killed the original Paptimus. It makes sense that Kamille Bidan's genetic sequence was included in the database that the Empire built, but what is a bit of a surprise is the slightly defiant look on her face. Paptimus has never seen a Crop with such a sharp look on their face, but he can feel that it is more bluster than strength.
That, and a deep care for the girl behind her.
Which is strange, because Paptimus had been told that the Franxx system required both a male and female pilot, but if that is the J.3a, then the girl behind her must be J.3b.
The second girl is shorter than J.3a - but that isn't as notable as the fact that she is not only an albino, but that there is a thin layer of scales across the back of her arms, along with a dusting of scales beneath her eyes and down the sides of her cheeks.
Iron Mask stares at the two for a moment longer, before he points down at the ground in front of him. Just like that, all the fight fades from the Kamille look-alike, and the two approach. "We are here, Papa." J.3b says, and Iron mask sighs.
"It is Father." He says simply.
"Of course, Papa." J.3a says, the hint of a smile on her face is nothing compared to the flare of amusement that runs through her emotions. Paptimus sees what Iron Mask means by an Insubordinate streak.
Well, that problem will solve itself soon enough. Paptimus doesn't want to think about what kinds of experiments that Embryo will do to the two, but if giving these two to the mad scientist allows the Empire to gain access to the alien mobile suit.
"This is Coordinator Scirocco." Iron Mask says, "And he is here because the Empire has a mission for the two of you. Go. Eat. Collect your pilot suits, and meet the Coordinator at Gate 5. You have thirty standard minutes. Dismissed."
Both girls quickly nod before hurrying back the way they came. Iron Mask just shakes his head. "Be careful with those two, Paptimus. J.3a has a bad habit of interpreting rules in ways that no one other than 3b expects. For the most part her actions do benefit the missions she takes part in, but the inconsistencies are a continuing issue. I know that it will not likely make a difference in this particular mission, but you never know. They may even manage to defeat the Xeno Suit."
"I'll believe that when I see it. Still, my job is just to deliver them to the Arzenal station this evening and retrieve them and the ship three days from now."
I have no idea who these people are, but is it bad I don't really see anything really evil here? Ganymede is the first line of defense, and hostile aliens are a proven threat. Clone armies, ones being treated like people, are a legitimate answer considering universal conscription is normal. The names are odd but far from the strangest change humanity has undergone.
While some people will take umbrage with sending the clones to test the xenotech given the dangers, humanity is on the clock to militarize and Ganymede knows it. A few lives now for millions later is a very good trade. And I doubt the soldiers will disagree, they have been raised with the specific goal of defending humanity.
And no, I don't think these are children. I think they are barely adults, but not children. I admit I may be wrong on that.
I have no idea who these people are, but is it bad I don't really see anything really evil here? Ganymede is the first line of defense, and hostile aliens are a proven threat. Clone armies, ones being treated like people, are a legitimate answer considering universal conscription is normal. The names are odd but far from the strangest change humanity has undergone.
While some people will take umbrage with sending the clones to test the xenotech given the dangers, humanity is on the clock to militarize and Ganymede knows it. A few lives now for millions later is a very good trade. And I doubt the soldiers will disagree, they have been raised with the specific goal of defending humanity.
And no, I don't think these are children. I think they are barely adults, but not children. I admit I may be wrong on that.
Because it's a slave army? Children literally raised to be nothing but soldiers. And before you say they aren't slaves the second someone starts asking questions or not following orders exact they are getting sent on a suicide mission.
I have no idea who these people are, but is it bad I don't really see anything really evil here? Ganymede is the first line of defense, and hostile aliens are a proven threat. Clone armies, ones being treated like people, are a legitimate answer considering universal conscription is normal. The names are odd but far from the strangest change humanity has undergone.
While some people will take umbrage with sending the clones to test the xenotech given the dangers, humanity is on the clock to militarize and Ganymede knows it. A few lives now for millions later is a very good trade. And I doubt the soldiers will disagree, they have been raised with the specific goal of defending humanity.
And no, I don't think these are children. I think they are barely adults, but not children. I admit I may be wrong on that.
Some fundamental ethics points here, which I don't think you've addressed, are as follows:
1) Creation of clones without the consent of the gene-donors.
2) The very plausible availability of many other paths by which humanity in general can defend itself from aggressors. As a species, we are up to our asses in superweapons and superweapon-related programs of development these days, with a seemingly endless and prodigious supply of mighty heroes to wield whatever technology may arise. We do, indeed, have the luxury as a species of picking and choosing and deliberately avoiding pursuit of ethically questionable superweapon research paths. Which is not the same as saying Jupiter, specifically, has that luxury... but that loops into the next question.
3) The fundamental dishonesty inherent in a tyrannical government making these claims. Ganymede is not "humanity's first line of defense," nor is the entire Jupiter Empire. Jupiter is a great distance from the heavily populated interior of human space and may not even be in the path of any given invasion force, nor is it necessarily the case that invaders would attack Jupiter first; they might even attack Jupiter last. Moreover, Crux Dogatie, given the nature of his rule over Jupiter, does not have credibility when claiming that his weapons are intended to defend 'humanity' in general, as opposed to 'the continued imperial rule of Crux Dogatie in particular.' Weapons it would be ethical to create to save the human race are not necessarily ethical to create to keep a tyrant on his throne, nor to secure a bigger, fancier throne for him. And the Jupiter Empire is institutionally incapable of ensuring that any given weapon is used for the former purpose, not the latter.
4) Custom-raising children- even if they are adults now they must have been children at some point- with the specific intent of turning them into combat machines. In your argument, you presume on their willingness to die, potentially quite badly because Embyro's experiments are predictably unethical or torturous, just to get Crux Dogatie's scientists information on Yet Another Superweapon. Their lives are purely a bargaining chip to the system here. And whatever the Maximum Leader decides is a good way to expend that bargaining chip, is how their designated guardians, including the one who supposedly takes the role of father to them will duly go and expend them. If, as you seem to think, the clones will willingly agree to this, then who raised them like that, because raising a child intentionally to adopt such a warped belief system is necessarily abuse.
Well, I don't think we quite grasped the scale of some of the cloning projects going around human space, so we kind of didn't have the collective stones to just blandly claim that our OG Char in disguise was just one of his indefinite and suspected to be very large number of secret clones made without OG Char's knowledge or consent.
"Well Char, it's official, you are legally recognized as a literal bastard."
I imagine the public reaction to us having THE Char "I helped leveling Sydney Harbor" Anzable would be.....poor. In the event it turns out we also have Lelouch "The Crazy Tyrannical Emperor" in a crew, we are kinda set up to be politically villainized for the understandable reason of willingly harboring a pair of some of humanity's most wanted criminals.
Seriously, theres a very real chance the sole reason we wont be branded hostis humanis generalis is that Nunnaly is not going to let us be so charged.
