Delia left Schaeymoure's office feeling a little anxious and uncertain. Her heart was filled with a lot of conflicting emotions. She never thought she'd find herself in this situation: now she had a brother who wasn't just a clone project, but a living, breathing person.
When she returned to her room, she saw Galbraith sleeping peacefully in his crib. His face was so defenseless and calm that her maternal feelings awoke. Delia went to him, sat down next to him and gently ran her fingers over his cheek.
"Hello, baby," she whispered, her voice shaking with excitement. "I'm your sister, Delia. And you're with me now."
She felt a little better when she looked at him. Yes, he was her cloned brother, but in his eyes, even when they were closed, she saw something more - hope and possibility. She wanted to take him under her wing, protect him from the dangers that surrounded them both. She felt like it was her responsibility, and that no matter how much she feared, she couldn't leave him alone.
"I don't know what lies ahead," she said quietly, "but I will do everything to protect you. You will not be one of the Convention's projects. You will be my family.
With every word, her confidence grew. Delia decided that she would teach Galbraith everything she knew. Even though her own life was full of risks, she wanted him to grow up in a safe environment, free from the influence of the Convention and all the threats that came with it.
"I don't know how to be a good sister," Delia continued, looking at her sleeping brother. "But I'll try."
At that moment, her gaze fell on a small toy that had been left in the room when she returned to the Moon Base. It was a stuffed moon owl, made of fabric with bright stars on it. Delia picked it up and placed it next to Galbraith, imagining how they would play and laugh together in the future.
"We will study together," she smiled. "I will teach you everything I know. And we will protect each other."
Delia leaned down carefully and kissed his forehead, feeling her heart fill with tenderness.
"Welcome to our world, Galbraith," she whispered with a smile.
A few days later, Delia and Galbraith continued to settle into the Moon Base, and Schaeymoure was actively helping her to establish contact with her brother. He came to her room with new ideas and methods that could facilitate communication and strengthen their bond.
"Children, even cloned ones, have needs," Schaeymoure said, weighing each word. "Understanding and consideration are the foundation. Galbraith is too young to understand much, but he senses your attitude toward him."
Every morning, Delia tried to create a special atmosphere for Galbraith. She sang him lullabies, read him books that Schaeymoure recommended, and even played recordings of the sounds of nature around the Earth, hoping that this would help her brother feel more comfortable. One day, as she was putting him to bed, Delia couldn't resist making a joke:
"I hope you won't at least demand my salary for a birthday present," she said with a smile, looking at his peacefully sleeping face.
Looking at Galbraith, she felt a mixture of joy, embarrassment, and anxiety wash over her. Unaware that he might have taken the joke more seriously than she realized, Delia continued:
"If anything, I can find you a good job. Maybe you'll become a great scientist, and I'll tell everyone: "This is my brother, Galbraith, the creator of a new technology!"
Inside, she continued to feel uneasy at the thought of having to take care of someone else now. What would their life together be like? And what should she know about her brother? At that moment, Schaeymoure appeared in her room again.
"How are you, Delia? What's the plan for today?" he asked, looking at Galbraith, who was sleeping in his crib.
"I'm trying to figure out what it's like to be a sister," Delia admitted. "It's not as easy as I thought."
"Yes, it can be difficult, but you're doing it," Schaeymoure said with a supportive smile. "Galbraith isn't just an experiment. He's your brother. And you have a unique opportunity to create a real relationship that may be even stronger than that of ordinary siblings."
Delia looked at Galbraith and her heart filled with warmth. She felt that despite all the difficulties, she had a chance to create something beautiful.
"You're right," she agreed. "I'll try to do everything I can to let him know he's not alone."
"And don't forget about yourself," Schaeymoure added. "Taking care of yourself is important, especially when you start taking care of someone else."
The words struck a chord with Delia. She knew she couldn't forget her own needs and feelings, even if she was now responsible for Galbraith's life.
"You're right, as always," she said, genuinely grateful to Schaeymoure for his support. "I'll need to take some time for myself, too."
Schaeymoure smiled and nodded.
"That's exactly what you should do. Now let's try playing with Galbraith. I found some games for him that will help you get closer."
Delia felt her confidence begin to grow. She was ready to take responsibility for Galbraith and create a strong bond with him. However, while she was trying to establish a connection with Galbraith, strange things began to happen at the base. One day, while walking down the corridor, Delia came across a group of scientists who were discussing something with obvious anxiety. When they noticed her, the conversation immediately stopped and confusion appeared on their faces. This only increased her suspicions.
"Schaeymoure," she called to her mentor when she met him in the hallway. "Why is there such a strange atmosphere at your base? I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong."
Schaeymoure looked at her with a worried expression on his face.
"It's just a change," he replied. "Some research projects are running into difficulties, and we're under pressure. But that's not your concern."
"Not my concern?" Delia repeated, raising her eyebrows. "I know Galbraith was created as part of some project. Why can't you tell me the truth?"
Schaeymoure sighed, sensing that the conversation was becoming serious.
"I can't go into details, Delia. We have commitments you don't know about yet. It's important that you focus on your brother and his health."
But Delia couldn't just turn a blind eye. She sensed that her "gift" might have deeper motives than just helping. That evening, after Delia left Galbraith to sleep, she decided to conduct her own investigation. Taking a small communicator with her, she headed to the lab where the research was taking place. Delia noticed that one of the doors was slightly open. Sneaking up, she peered inside.
What she saw shocked her. The scientists were discussing new data on cloning, and Delia realized that cloning was not just an experiment "it was part of a larger project that could threaten the safety of not only the base, but the entire moon.
"We can't let this get out," one of the scientists said. "If information about our project leaks, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Delia froze, leaning against the wall. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Her brother, her life, this could all be part of a plan she had no idea about. When she returned to her room, her thoughts were filled with anxiety. She glanced at Galbraith, who was sleeping peacefully in his crib. The hidden motives and dark plans of the Convention seemed more real than ever.
The first thing Delia did was look at the old records of the project. While everyone was asleep, she snuck into the archive storage. There, she quickly found the necessary folders, filled with documents and reports. One of the documents was a diagram that linked her genes to the research of cloning technologies to create the "ultimate soldier." Delia felt her heart beat faster. As if her own abilities were being used to create combat units that could be manipulated.
"If that's true," she said to herself, "then I could have become part of something terrible."
She continued to delve into the documents, and soon came across an entry about a secret that might be kept from her: that cloned siblings like Galbraith were to undergo special tests to test their potential loyalty and allegiance.
This thought deeply troubled Delia. She decided to talk to Schaeymoure, but not in the same way. She was not going to just take his word for it. She needed more information, and she knew that only he could give her the answers she needed.
"Schaeymoure," she said to him the moment she met him in the hallway. "I found the records of cloning. Why didn't you tell me that my genetic material was being used to create 'perfect soldiers'?"
Schaeymoure froze for a moment, and then his face changed.
"Delia," he began, but she interrupted him.
"No, no excuses. I want to know the truth. What's going on at the base? What does this have to do with the Convention?
Schaeymoure sighed and his gaze became serious.
"You must understand that we have a complicated relationship with the Convention. They are a powerful organization, and they are very interested in our research. We were looking for ways to use cloning technology to create more effective methods of protecting and defending the Moon Federation. But, unfortunately, some of the plans got out of hand."
"Out of control?" Delia repeated, feeling the rage building inside her. "You mean we could become part of a military conflict? My brother could become part of it?"
Schaeymoure looked at her stubbornly.
"I don't know how serious this is. But you must understand that we need to prepare. I can't guarantee that the Convention won't try to gain control over our research. They are always looking for ways to manipulate."
As Delia tried to gather all the information about her cloned brother Galbraith, her suspicions were confirmed: Galbraith was not just a gift "he was a key figure in the Moonbase's wider plans.
"How could they do this?" Delia whispered, realizing that Galbraith had become part of this crazy scheme without even knowing it.
After collecting her thoughts, Delia decided that she needed to talk to several key people at the base who might be involved in this project. She managed to arrange a meeting with one of the project's leading scientists, Dr. Earl Knight. He was a renowned expert in genetics and cloning, and despite his reputation, he was still a person who could be trusted. Delia hoped that he could shed some light on the situation.
"Dr. Knight, thank you for agreeing to meet with me," she began once they were in one of the research rooms.
She noticed that there were a lot of documents and samples around.
"Delia," he nodded, his expression focused. "How can I help you?"
"I know that my brother, Galbraith, is part of the super-soldier project. I need to understand what you plan to do with him and the other cloned children."
Earl Knight sighed, his face becoming more serious.
"It's not as easy as you think. The project was conceived as a way to create a new generation of researchers who could continue the work of studying space and protect the Moon Federation from possible threats. We are looking for approaches to how to use their genetic characteristics."
"But you do realize that this isn't just an experiment?" Delia countered, feeling anger rising inside her. "These children aren't just test subjects. They're living beings!"
"I understand, Delia. But you must know that the project is highly classified. We need to ensure the safety of the base, especially in light of the recent threats from the Convention. The cloned children must undergo special tests to determine their abilities, and only then can they be used for research."
"And how will this affect my brother?" Delia asked, her voice shaking with emotion.
"He's a special case," Earl Knight admitted. "His genetic material is unique, and it could be the key to completing the project. But that also means he'll be under constant surveillance and testing. We need to be sure he meets all the requirements."
Dr. Knight's words pierced Delia's heart. She knew that Galbraith, even as a baby, was in danger. This wasn't just an experiment "this was life, and her brother was an important piece in a game that could endanger them both.
"I won't let that happen," she said firmly. "I'll do everything I can to protect him and stop this project."
Dr. Knight looked at her with concern.
"Delia, don't forget that you're not alone in this. If you feel like things are getting out of hand, we can think of other options. But be careful "some people at the base might not approve of your actions."
Delia nodded and returned to her room. Despite her worries about Galbraith's future, she couldn't help but smile when she looked at him. The baby, wrapped in a light blanket, was snoring softly, his small hands like flower petals moving in rhythm with his breathing. At that moment, all her worries seemed like distant echoes.
"How can you be so carefree?" she said quietly, looking at her cloned brother.
There was nothing about him that suggested complex plans or scientific experiments. He was simply a child, a symbol of hope and new life. She walked up to him and gently stroked his tiny hand. The gentle warmth of his skin was so real, and at that moment there was a soft knock on the door. It was Jerome, one of the nurses who worked at the base.
"Hello, Delia. How are things going with you?" he asked with a kind smile.
"Hello, Jerome. Everything is fine, he is sleeping," Delia answered, trying to hide her worries.
Jerome came closer, looking at Galbraith with interest.
"He's so sweet," he said tenderly. "You know, his genetics surprise everyone. We're all waiting for him to grow up a little."
Delia held back a sigh. She found it hard to believe that Galbraith was being treated as a research subject. She couldn't help but wonder what they would do with him when he grew up.
"I hope he will have the opportunity to live a normal life," she said, not hiding her concern.
Jerome nodded, his expression changing to a more serious one.
"It will depend on many factors. We have some ideas, but they are still under discussion. And, frankly, I am not sure that some of them are ethical."
"That sounds like something I can't agree with," Delia said, deciding she had to speak her mind. "I won't let him be used. He's not just an experiment, he's my brother."
Jerome, noticing how Delia tensed, replied:
"I understand your position, and I am with you. If you have any problems, you can always contact me. I will help as much as I can."
Delia thanked her with her eyes. It was the first time she felt like she had an ally in this fight. As soon as Jerome left, Galbraith opened his eyes and looked at his sister. Delia looked at his small face, which looked defenseless and innocent. But a terrible realization arose in her heart: his life had already been planned in advance, and he didn't even know it. She couldn't let that happen. She couldn't let him be used as a weapon in some war game.
"How is this possible?" she whispered, looking at her brother. "How can you create lives to use for your own ends? You don't deserve this, Galbraith. You deserve something better."
But at the same time, she knew that fighting this system would not be easy. The situation on the Moon Base was becoming more tense with each passing day. She heard talk of discontent, and how some of the scientists and military were trying to use Galbraith as the key to solving many problems. The scientists themselves may have thought it was just a job, but Delia knew that it was an intrusion into people's lives, creating soulless soldiers who had no rights and no choice.
Deciding she couldn't stand by any longer, Delia stood up and began gathering information. She knew Schaeymoure could be a valuable ally in this. He might have some knowledge of the plans that were being made at the base. Delia had to find out how Galbraith had gotten caught up in these games, and what needed to be done to protect him.
"I won't let you be used," she whispered, stroking his head. "I will be your protector, even if it means I have to fight the system itself."
Her thoughts raced in disorganized chaos. How could she protect him when he had such a purpose? His creation had been part of an experiment, and now his life depended on decisions made in the shadows of the labs and offices of the Moonbase. Every breath he took was a reminder of the vast system behind him, ready to use him as a tool.
"You don't have to be what they want you to be," she whispered, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. "You don't have to be a weapon. You have to be free, like everyone else."
With each passing day, Delia realized more and more that her brother was not just a cloned specimen of her. His potential could be used as a tool in the hands of those who did not care about life, but only about power. She knew that the "supersystem" was not just a term, it was a plan to create the perfect soldier who would follow orders without questions, without emotion, without the right to choose.
Reflecting on her own abilities, Delia realized that she had the opportunity to try to change this course. She could use her psychokinetic powers and intuition to intervene and create a defense for Galbraith. But how could she do that when the system itself was so powerful and sinister?