The Great City Offilo, the capital of Arth, was a city built on trade. Vendors lined the streets of the middle class district, hollering and giving free samples. The smell of fried meats wafted upwards mixing with the polluted air, created by burning coal. Salesmen interrupted people walking at the edge of the crowd. A man asked if I wanted to buy sweets. Unfortunately for him, I wasn’t an impulsive buyer and ignored the man. The insignia for being in the fleet kept me safe. Otherwise, a seven year old was likely to get kidnapped or worse.

In the distance the floating citadel rose above the poorer classes. The empire had never sought renewable energy, caring little of the consequences to the environment.  The only way for the wealthy to escape the skyrocketed asthma rates was to build higher. Instead of skyscrapers, anti-gravity devices lifted planned neighborhoods far above in the sky.

For the first time, I saw aliens walk the streets. The kind with three eyes, four arms, and had tentacles for feet. Some could fly with insect wings, and weren't even humanoid. Others were humanoid, but with craniums larger than normal. From reading history, I knew humans were the dominant race on Arth. Ambassadors, traders, and criminals from other worlds migrated to the  trade city. While the empire wasn't considered a galactic superpower, its economic status wasn't to be taken lightly.

Automobiles were a banned form of transportation. From poorer citizens to richer ones, the Ersah were used. Their foreboding features were  ignored and lost within the crowd. I can not say i’d fancy facing off against one of them. Those beasts were essentially organic tanks.  Alice recommended hiring a cab as a cheap mode of transportation. I inserted my hundred credits in the taxi driver’s hand and we left for the established shop center.

“We are here” grumbled the rider. I promptly thanked the man and headed for the shop entrance. Written across the sign was “Quert’s genetic wheels and deals”.  I hesitated before entering the shop, but decided I’ll need an edge over other clones to survive the boot-camp. Originally, I was going to by clothes and frivolously spend my money, but Alice informed me of my impending doom. The empire based everything on skill. Most clones would spend their money buying equipment or having enhancements done to obtain a better job or rank. With that money they would further improve themselves.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Not wanting to end up a janitor in Fleet Command, using my credits as an investment was a must. Alice informed me, this place gave out the best deals. Thirty thousand credits sounded like a lot, but I had just learned a five minute taxi ride cost a hundred credits. The imperial government were a bunch of cheapskates.

“Hello” I called out. Five minutes passed until a voice replied.

“I’ll be down in a sec. Have some complimentary water, while you wait.”

I looked to my left seeing the water dispensary. The “Complementary water” was a hose and with a coin slot on the wall. The water was not even free.  Yep, I could definitely “trust” this doctor to operate on me.

“Welcome to my office young sir. How can I help you?” the doctor continued.

“Genetic enhancements”

“Anything specific. Ah. You’re a clone. Well what is it then boy? Improved leg movement, Increased arm strength or something else.”

He handed me a list of different procedures. These were the ones in my  price range of 29,900 credits:

-enhanced hearing- taken from the genetics of a crowned cave bat. Allows the patient to use mild forms of echolocation. 12,000 credits

-enhanced strength- this procedure simply increases the muscle density of arm and leg muscles. The patient will have a stronger body depending on the price paid. Arm increase x2. 7,000 credits / Leg increase 2x. 7,000 credits.

-limb attachment- adds an extra human  limb. The patient can hold, grasp or run with extra limbs. 10,000 credits

-Photogenic memory- taken from the genetics of those born with Photogenic memory. the patient can remember every detail of his or her  memories. 20,000 credits

-titanium claws- taken from claws of the Ersah. The patient now has claws to scratch others. (warning scratching others can lead to major bleeding and death.) 15,000 credits

Alice suggested photogenic memory as I was a budding tactician. I would have taken the enhancement, but being a superhuman looked like fun. It also fulfilled a fantasy I had in my previous life. I let Alice continue advising me. Sure I was supposed be an officer in training, but I bought the titanium claws and both sets of enhanced strength anyway. Every clone went through a set of martial games so the enhancements would be useful. I could also scratch my subordinates if they became insubordinate too.

The Doctor guided me to a seat. I was sedated by some medicine and slowly closed my eyes. I was going to wreck those other seven year olds with my mighty power. Ha ha ha...