Chance Encounter
Chapter 4
The next day, Obi-Wan and Anakin set out to make their investigation at Kamino. He first went to find a star chart to navigate a course, but he couldn't find one. He checked the Archives and the librarian and discovered that it wasn't there. The entire planet was missing from their data banks, though such a thing should be impossible. You'd have to have special clearance to altar a star chart and whoever had done it had gone to great lengths to keep it hidden away.
"Master, are we done yet? The Archives are boring."
"Quiet, Padawan. I'm thinking."
It clear why Lady Thrice had her suspicious about the Order. There was somebody working behind the scenes. They likely had a mole or a breach.
Obi-Wan then muttered to himself out loud, "Blast, this is getting serious. I wonder if I can contact, Miss Thrice?"
Ani asked, "Why?"
"Because someone has deleted the location of Kamino and I'm guessing she knows where it is."
"Yeah, but didn't she say she'd be near by?"
"Well, I don't know how to contact her."
"Oh," stated the boy in defeat.
Obi-Wan patted Anakin's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Padawan. We can try using some of my old contacts. Some are very well traveled and cloning is an expensive operation. I doubt there are many planets that cater to such clients."
However, just as the two Jedi left the Temple they saw the hooded woman walk by except instead of hiding under a cloak, she was instead dressed in a beautiful gown with a long silk robe. Her raven hair was pinned up into two buns similar to those found on Naboo and her had a string of gems wrapped around her neck. She looked like a rich noble woman and at first Obi-Wan hardly recognized her.
"Well, speak of the devil. We were just talking about you, Milady."
Thrice bowed her head and replied, "How fortunate. I've been thinking of you too. I wanted to ask how things went with the your masters?"
Slowly, the two began to walk together and before they knew it they were out on a stroll. Anakin walked beside his mentor and silently listened in.
The Jedi Master said, "I spoke with Master Yoda and I am to conduct an investigation to see who is behind the commission."
The beauty nodded her head. "Yes, very good, but what about the clones? Several are already in gestation."
"They will be dealt with, Milady. However, I made another find. It appears that someone had deleted the location of Kamino in our Archives. I was hoping you'd provide me with the location?"
Thrice frowned and paused in mid step and said, "Of course, though I feel that I must inform you that my mission is not only to play messenger, but to also deal with the problem at Kamino before the end of gestation. Lord Swan will not tolerate a clone army at the Core."
Surprised, Obi-wan said, "But aren't you being a hypocrite? I thought your people were genetically altered beings."
"Yes, but I have an identity. I wasn't created to be like somebody else. But, if you don't mind, I would like to join you in your investigation."
Immediately, he replied, "No, it is too dangerous. I can't allow it."
Thrice looked defeated and drew in a deep breath. "Oh, of course." Deep down, she realized that she actually wanted to go because she wanted some excitement. Living the life of a peaceful agriculturist was boring. Thrice missed the battle and the challenge of a worthy opponent. She discovered she didn't like the quiet life without a little fun. Yet, she could jeopardize the Clan. She could be a rogue and start fights without a good reason. She had to let the Jedi handle things and stay behind.
"I'll inform you of the outcome when I return."
"Yes, I suppose it's for the best."
XXX
Location: Kamino
The planet Kamino was a terrible wet place. It was raining and the world was made up entirely of one enormous sea. Obi-Wan flipped his hood over his head and Ani did the same. They were quickly greeted by a tall slender Kaminoian who seemed to think they were Jedi representatives here to over inspect their operations.
Obi-Wan decided to play along. And after a while they were given the grand tour of the artificial wombs and test tubes. They had a few sample clones fully grown, but the rest hadn't yet been developed fully. It appeared that Lady Thrice's intelligence was correct. They were only in the gestation phase of operations.
"You can see that we are operating on a large scale. The clones are all based of the same genetic template and grown in fully matured in maturation chamber. The entire process takes a few years from lab work to basic education. We expect to be finished in about 8 years, 10 years in total."
Politely, Obi-Wan said, "It's very efficient. Though, if you don't mind I'd like to check the original contract."
"Of course, please why don't you wait in the conference room while I go retrieve it."
"Thank you, that would be most appreciated."
The moment the door was closed, Ani sighed and sat down on a sofa and said, "Wow, that was creepy. Gee Master, Lady Thrice was right. They are making clones on Kamino. Are we going to get rid of them?"
"In time, Padawan. The lady said if we did not handle the matter before the end of gestation than the Clan would get involved and dispose of them. I want to first see the contract and see who commissioned the clones in the first place and then we shall proceed."
"Yes, Master."
XXX
A few minutes later, the Kaminoian returned and showed Obi-Wan the contract, however the client's name was that of a Jedi Master that was already dead. It appeared that someone was possessing as the Jedi Order and having the clone army made, but Obi-Wan still hadn't uncovered whom.
"I would like to the Jedi representative posted here to oversee your progress."
The Kaminonian replied, "We have no such representative. You have been our first Jedi inspector since operations began."
"Well, isn't there anybody I can speak to?"
"We do have the original template, Jango Fett."
"I would like to speak with him."
"Yes, please follow me."
Obi-Wan and Anakin shared a look and followed the tall alien to another part of the compound. They were led to an apartment and the Kaminoian knocked on the door. A few seconds later the door opened and out appeared Jango Fett. He looked at the Kamino strangely and then over at Obi-Wan and Ani.
"Yes?"
"These Jedi wish to speak with you."
"Yes, thank you," answered the man.
The Kaminoian politely bowed and left while Obi-Wan approached him and asked, "Mr. Fett, what do you own of the Jedi client that commissioned these clones?"
"I don't know. I've never met him."
"Then, how are you getting paid for your services?"
"Privately, it's sent to me through credit. Why? What's all this about?"
"Nothing, we're just having a friendly chat."
Enraged, Jango said, "Do you think I'm a fool!"
The mercenary then shoved Obi-Wan back and closed the door to his apartment and sealed the door. Obi-Wan tired to get it open, but then pulled out his lightsaber and ignited it. He cut down the door and kicked it in. He ran in with Anakin following behind. They saw Jango dressed in a battle suit with a helmet and was carrying a fetus inside an artificial womb. He then leapt out the window and down towards a landing pad and was about to escape on a ship, but Obi-Wan jumped too to follow him down.
Jango fired his blaster at Obi-Wan and the Jedi Master deflected the laser beams with his blade. However, the hunter was good and Obi-Wan nearly fell off the platform. Jango was about to step on Obi-Wan's fingers and send him to his death into the sea, but Anakin finally jumped too and tacked the hunter to the ground. Yet, Jango was bigger than Ani and stronger. He quickly knocked the boy out with a punch in the gut and boarded his ship and disappeared into space.
XXX
TBC
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