Chapter 29 Return to Kamino

As Obi-Wan was relating his theory to Lyman Malta, the rogue Clone calling himself Black had finally broken under the unrelenting mental torment the examiners had subjected him to. Like an open book, Black revealed his relationship with the man Obi-Wan suspected was behind the assassination attempt. Although he could shed no light on Lyman's motive, the confession was enough for the Vice Chancellor to authorize Malta's arrest; having already ordered several Clones to assist Master Skywalker, she could now officially order them to take Lyman Malta into custody.

With Lyman now securely in the hands of the authorities, Anakin and Ferri helped Zak return his unconscious master to the Temple to recover. Although Anakin was almost certain the drug Lyman had used to subdue the Jedi master would do no permanent harm, after the scare with their two Padawans, he did not want to take any chances. After running a test on a sample of his blood, Declan assured them the effects would be temporary as the drug worked its way through Obi-Wan's system. He predicted Obi-Wan would more than likely awake after an hour or two, although he could not guarantee how he would feel when he did. And two and a half hours later, the Jedi Master did finally stir as he moaned and rolled over before opening his eyes, only to quickly clamp them shut as even the subdued light worsened his pounding headache, "Not feeling so hot, are you." Anakin observed smugly from his seat nearby, "Maybe next time, you'll wait until I've caught up with you."

Obi-Wan moaned again and focused on willing away the throbbing in his head, "He..." He began and then moaned and sat up abruptly as he felt the overwhelming need to retch.

Anakin leaped up, adjusting a bowl that had been placed beside the bed and guiding Obi-Wan's head toward it; then remaining with one hand placed reassuringly on Obi-Wan's back, "Yeah, Declan thought that might happen." He said as Obi-Wan emptied the contents of his stomach into the waiting bowl, "Are you feeling better?"

Obi-Wan remained with his head between his knees, waiting for the wave of nausea to pass, "No." He answered.

Anakin patted his back and then went into Obi-Wan's bathroom, soaked a towel in cold water and face cloth in warm. Returning to the bed, he placed the cold towel on the back of Obi-Wan's neck and handed him the warm face cloth, "Declan said this won't last long; it's just the side effects from the drug Lyman used on you." He informed him.

Obi-Wan wiped his face, "That's reassuring." He replied.

Anakin pressed on the cold towel gently, "Well, that's what you get for being reckless; how many times have you lectured me…." He started.

"He was just about to leave, Anakin." Obi-Wan interrupted, in a weary tone, "There wasn't time."

"You're probably right." Anakin admitted with a sigh, "But what if he had shot you with something lethal?"

"Well, then I would probably be dead." Obi-Wan answered, "But it would not have prevented me from trying to stop Lyman."

Anakin shook his head, "You're impossible." He said.

"Would you rather he had gotten away?" Obi-Wan asked.

"No; I guess not." Anakin conceded begrudgingly.

"I didn't think so." Obi-Wan replied and then eased back down and covered his eyes with one arm, "Where is Zak?"

"He and Ferri are helping Dena prepare to face the Council." Anakin told him and then returned to the bathroom to dampen another towel.

"You don't have to hover, Anakin." Obi-Wan said as Anakin placed the cool towel in his hand.

"I'm not going to; I just wanted to be here when you woke up. Now that I know you're alright…well, more or less, I'll leave; Declan says the best thing you could do is just to sleep this off." Anakin replied.

Obi-Wan folded the towel and covered the upper part of his face with it and sighed deeply, "Well, I guess that's what I'll do then; thanks for staying."

"That's what brothers do." Anakin answered as he patted Obi-Wan's arm, "Oh, by the way, I understand the Vice Chancellor has requested a meeting with the Council; I'll fill you in when you're a little more like yourself."

"Good; because admittedly, I don't think I'm up to attending it." Obi-Wan said.

Alright, just get some rest; I'll see you later." Anakin told him.

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Why Black had turned rogue was still a mystery; and to that end, the Chancellor advised Mon to consult with the Kaminoans, who were responsible for the creation of the Clones to begin with. Perhaps they could shed some light as to what had happened for Black to have such a vastly different personality than the others. Mon in turn, decided to contact the Jedi Council with a request that they, having already involved themselves in the assassination investigation, extend it to include an interview with the Kaminoan authorities in Tipoca City. "It is curious that this Black is vastly different that the others; the Jedi would be happy to investigate if that is what you wish, Vice Chancellor." Mace told Mothma as her hologram shimmered in the center of the Council chamber.

"Thank you, Master Windu; the Chancellor and I would both be extremely grateful for your assistance." Mon Mothma answered.

"Since we do not have any way of contacting the Kaminoans, we will send a Jedi to speak with Lama Su in person." Ki Adi Mundi informed her.

"Master Kenobi has been there; I believe sending him would be the wisest course of action." Adi Gallia suggested.

"I agree." Yoda concurred.

"Is he up to it? I understand he was not conscious when my men arrived." Mon replied.

"He was drugged; but I was just with him, and although he is still suffering from some of its effects, our healer has informed me that will not last. I am sure Master Kenobi will be fit for duty by tomorrow." Anakin explained.

"Very well, I leave it in your capable hands, Masters. I will await your findings." Mon Mothma said just before her image faded.

"I would like to go along, if the rest of the Council is agreeable." Anakin requested, "I've always been curious about the Kaminoan operations."

The other Council members nodded, and Mace answered for them all, "I see no reason why any of us would object to your request."

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"So, how do you feel about this now, Dena?" Zak asked, sitting on the edge of Dena's bed.

"Better; I can't tell you how glad I am to have the two of you to help me." Dena answered from her perch on her desk.

"The Council will understand; they aren't unreasonable." Ferri assured her.

"I know; but it wasn't really the Council I was worried about, I told you that." Dena countered.

"Well, your parents aren't unreasonable either, are they?" Ferri asked.

"No, at least I don't think so." Dena replied with a shake of her head.

"Listen, Dena, I know it isn't easy, but you have to follow your own path; if it's with Boba, then that is where you must go. If your parents love you, then they will understand." Zak told her.

Dena smiled sadly at him, "Poor Zak; I wish your parents were as loving as mine are." She said.

Zak shrugged and smiled back, "I have stopped wishing that a long time ago and moved on; I have what I need right here." He told her.

They were all silent for a moment and then Dena hopped off her desk, "Well, I don't want to keep either of you any longer; I'm sure you've got better things to do." She announced.

Ferri nodded and stood up, placing a hand on her shoulder as he looked down at her, "Don't worry, Dena; trust in the Force." He advised and then looked at Zak, "A very wise Padawan once told me that."

Dena nodded and watched them both as they headed down the hallway; it was good to have friends, she thought to herself.

Without a word, both apprentices headed for the dining hall; having missed both the noon and dinner meals, they were both thinking along the same lines. Afterwards, Ferri went to his quarters while Zak made a tray up for Obi-Wan; not wanting to disturb his master, he slipped in, left the tray on Obi-Wan's worktable, took away the bowl Obi-Wan had used earlier along with the soiled face cloth. He would deposit the face cloth in the laundry bin and would take care of the contents of the bowl himself before returning the bowl to the healers' quarters where it had come from.

Another two hours of sleep worked wonders for Obi-Wan, and when he awoke the second time, the nauseating headache that had plagued him was gone. By the following morning, he was feeling fit again and ready to travel to Kamino along with his apprentice as had been mandated by the Council. As Obi-Wan watched Zak stow his gear, he could not help but think back to the excitable Padawan Zak had once been. Experience and age had matured him; the excitement was still there, but it was tempered with a measure of control developed through nearly five years of practice, "Ready to go, Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes, Master; I've done a little reading on Kamino, it will be interesting to actually see it." Zak answered.

"It will indeed; just remember, our mission is to find out what happened to Black." Obi-Wan reminded him.

"Oh yes, I understand, Master; but I always look at every mission as a learning experience." Zak replied.

Obi-Wan nodded, "As you should, Zak." He agreed.

"Are we late?" Anakin asked as he entered the cockpit followed by his own apprentice.

"Not in the least; we have only just arrived." Obi-Wan answered.

"You're looking a little better than you did yesterday." Anakin observed taking the co-pilot's seat while Ferri took the other passenger's next to Zak.

"I did as Declan advised and slept it off." Obi-Wan replied as he finished completing the preflight checks, "Strap yourselves in; I'm ready to go."

The trip to the watery, storm-tossed planet of Kamino was uneventful, and Obi-Wan landed the ship on the platform amidst the ever-present wind and rain which dominated the Kaminoan climate. Gathering their cloaks around them to ward off the inclement weather, Obi-Wan led the way toward to entrance into Tipoca City. Inside, they were by met Taun We, who recognized Obi-Wan immediately and led them down the corridor to the meeting room where Lama Su joined them moments later. As a group all four Jedi bowed politely and seated themselves at Lama Su's invitation as seats descended from above, "What brings you here, Master Kenobi?" Lama Su asked, "Is the Republic in need of another army? I am sure you remember that it will take a minimum of ten years to develop them."

Obi-Wan smiled, "We are not here to order more Clones, Prime Minister; we are here concerning one particular Clone."

Lama Su looked puzzled, "I am afraid I do not understand; the Clones are not bred to develop individual characteristics; with the exception of the one called Boba, they are all completely alike." He explained.

"Well, I can assure you, the one I am referring to is very different." Obi-Wan replied, "He was hired to assassinate our Chancellor."

"That is not possible; our Clones are bred to be loyal to the Chancellor, it is completely against the nature of any of them to assassinate him." Lama Su insisted.

"When you say loyal to the Chancellor, do you mean only Chancellor Palpatine?" Anakin asked.

"No, Master…." Lama Su began.

"Skywalker." Anakin finished.

"Ah, Master Skywalker; no, we have never met Chancellor Palpatine. They were simply taught loyalty to the Chancellor of the Republic. This makes it impossible for any of them to have turned against him." Lama Su answered.

"Well, I assure you, this one did; he is unlike the others." Obi-Wan told him.

"Hmm…that is very disturbing; if you will allow me a little time, I can check our records here. Perhaps an explanation will present itself." Lama Su replied, "I can see to it that you are made comfortable if you wish to stay."

"Thank you, that would be most kind." Obi-Wan said.

"And perhaps your companions would be interested in touring our facilities here; I am sure they will find them as fascinating as you did on your first visit to us." Lama Su suggested.

"Yes, again, I must thank you for your hospitality." Obi-Wan answered.

"Oh, we pride ourselves on it." Lama Su told them, "I will leave you in Taun We's company while I review our files."

Lama Su stood and indicated they should follow him; outside the meeting room, they were met by Taun We who, after receiving instructions from Lama Su, led them down another hallway onto an enclosed walkway with observation windows running down the length of it. As they walked, she went through the explanation of the Cloning process, stopping at several key stages of the growth process. Although the facilities had not changed, Obi-Wan noted the Clones being raised and trained now were no longer in the image of Jango Fett; and the tasks they were training for now did not appear to be military in nature, "We have been commissioned by the Mining Guild to breed them specifically to work in a certain atmosphere. The being we chose to breed them from is native to that planetary system; the growth stimulation is twice what it was for the Republic Army. Since these Clones do not require the extensive training the Chancellor's Clones needed, they can be trained and ready to work within five years. We have a contract with the Guild to provide 10,000 Clones per year." She explained.

Zak could barely restrain his indignation; what he had thought would be an interesting look at the Cloning operations, had become, to him, a hard lesson in bondage. But it was Ferri who voiced what he would not, "If you have to breed that many Clones every year, how many of them are dying in the mines." He asked, not bothering to hide his disgust.

"We are in the business of producing Clones; we are not interested in what they are used for beyond what we are required to know in order to train them." Taun We answered indifferently.

Ferri shook his head and was about to protest when Anakin put on his shoulder and squeezed. Ferri looked at him, "Not here, Padawan."

Ferri sighed and nodded in resignation as they continued on into another section. An hour later, they returned to the meeting room where Lama Su was waiting for them. After seating themselves once again, Lama Su revealed what he had discovered, "It appears your rogue Clone is part of a defective generation; there were roughly two thousand of them that somehow missed the screening faze where the required genes are removed and replaced by the desired ones. While they were injected with the growth gene, the genes which made Jango what he was were not replaced. We discovered the error only five months into the process and disposed of the defective products immediately; unfortunately, somehow, one of them must have managed to remain and escaped further screening." Lama Su explained, "We apologize for the error, and wish to make amends. If you will bring him to us, we will see he is properly disposed of."

With practiced ease, Obi-Wan forced himself to smile, "That will not be necessary; our purpose in coming here was to learn why he is different. Having learned that, we can now end our investigation. We thank you for your time and your hospitality." He replied as he stood and bowed.

"You are most welcome, Master Kenobi; if we can be of any further service, please contact us." Lama Su said.