Chapter 32 - Clones
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD
Anakin paces back and forth on the landing platform, grumbling under his breath. "I simply cannot believe they would do that to me!" he finally explodes, glaring holes into the ship.
A quiet sigh follows his declaration. "We need to plan, Skywalker," Dooku answers him firmly from his place next to the ship, "I did not expect the Council would see my view, but it was worth the try. Now that you have left the Order along with Master Kenobi, we need to change our plans. I have no doubt that Sidious is currently on his way to defame me to the Separatists. We can no longer rely on them for support. I have contacted a number of key people and explained the situation to them. While we can be certain they will help, it will not be enough."
Anakin stops pacing, turning to face the Count. "So, what will we do? We can't just take a group of clones with us!" He pauses, a thoughtful look on his face. "Could we?" As he turns his mind onto the problem at hand, the anger and frustration fade to the back of his thoughts. That was probably Dooku's intention from the beginning, but he knows he needs a distraction, so he lets it rest. Getting himself out of situations has become a specialty.
"Theoretically we could," Dooku admits, "The clones are programmed by chips to follow orders from their superiors. I expect that your clones respect you enough to follow you once those restrictions are lifted."
Anakin hums quietly, considering his clones. Everyone knows that the clones in the 501st are some of the best, especially since they are as unconventional as he is. That's why they're superior to droids. They can improvise. They have emotions. They can think through situations. He's never seen them as disposable. They're his comrades. They fight together. They protect one another. He would love to have them with him when they return to Serenno to begin their hunt for Sidious.
"Is there anything you can do about the chips?" he inquires, "You said they can be used to turn the clones on the Jedi. Sidious will have the ability to turn them against us."
"As a matter of fact, I do," Dooku answers, "Before we came, I brought a device which will generally deactivate the chips permanently. In certain occasions, it can trigger them to react, in which case we will be unable to control them."
"I don't know what Obi-Wan will say, because we could face serious charges by taking Republic forces when we haven't been authorized to do so," Anakin remarks, "But that doesn't concern me. Once Sidious is dead, the war will be over. That's what counts most right now."
"You're right," Dooku agrees, "But we can use this to our favor. I intend to speak to the Senate, telling them what has transpired to try and achieve immunity in exchange for information. If we make it appear as though the Jedi Council has given us permission, it will not be a problem."
"Yes, but can you do it?" Anakin counters, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Perhaps," the Count answers, watching him carefully, "I hope so."
Anakin steps towards the ship. "Very well. Let's go get the clones." He pauses, realizing that Dooku won't be able to leave. The landing platform is the safest place for him to stay at the moment. Dooku's expression says as much though he doesn't say it aloud.
"Fine. Where's the device?" Anakin asks walking up the ramp.
"I'll give it to you," Dooku answers following him. He enters the shuttle and opens a small, concealed compartment, withdrawing something that vaguely resembles a deactivator.
"That?" Anakin questions skeptically as he takes it, "How does it work?"
"You have to do it on an individual basis," Dooku explains, "Put it next to the back of their heads and pull the trigger. It shouldn't hurt them too much but be careful. They might react or lash out at you or the others."
"I'll be careful," Anakin assures him as he walks down the ship's ramp, slipping the deactivator into a pocket. He walks away to find the speeder he used to get there. He doubts that the Council will actually send someone to search for him, but he can't completely disregard the possibility. Hopefully, Obi-Wan will warn him if they do.
He speeds away, heading straight for the barracks. He knows the 501st will still be there. He hasn't been gone that long relatively speaking, and they wouldn't be assigned a temporary general immediately. When he arrives, he goes in search of his commander, Rex.
"General Skywalker," Rex greets him, saluting, "We'd heard rumors you were dead, but we didn't believe them."
Anakin grins despite himself. "I don't die that easy. I need to talk to you." He glances around, motioning for Rex to follow him to a more secluded spot.
"What is it, General?"
"A situation has arisen," Anakin begins cautiously so as not to provide too much information. He needs to say just enough for Rex to understand. "I have learned that the one behind the Clone Wars is Palpatine, who is a Sith Lord. The lines between friend and foe have begun to merge." He meets the clone's eyes, pausing for a moment to assure himself that Rex understands what he's saying. He's a good soldier. If he's surprised, he doesn't show it.
"I know that the clones have chips installed which will likely stop you from following me over the Republic, but I can rectify that. The question is: are you willing to join me – even against the Senate's desires – to help put an end to this conflict?" Anakin waits while Rex considers the question. He doesn't for a moment doubt the man's loyalty. He will agree.
Rex nods, "Yes, sir. I will be willing to join you. I might have a duty to the Republic, but I also have a duty to you. If you want me to come, I will."
Anakin smiles slightly. He knew that would be Rex's response. "I will deactivate your chip, so you will no longer be forced to follow orders against your conscience," Anakin explains, lips quirking upwards when he considers the Council's reactions to learning what he's doing. He's helping end the war. They really should be happy.
"Thank you, sir," Rex replies.
"And contact Cody and ask him the same question," Anakin instructs, "If he agrees, I want both of you to collect about three dozen of your best men. Each of you needs to select someone trustworthy to remain in charge when we're gone."
"Yes, sir," Rex answers, nodding. Anakin pulls out the deactivator before putting it near the back of Rex's head and pushing the trigger. He can sense a surge of energy shooting out from it, but Rex doesn't even flinch. He doubts the clone can even feel it.
"Done," Anakin comments, stepping back. "If all went as planned, the chip will never work again. We'll have to – um, borrow a ship since we technically don't have permission to leave." He notices Rex suppress a smile but chooses not to mention it. "We're teaming up with Dooku," he adds quietly, "He's flipped sides, but I think Obi-Wan and I are the only ones willing to accept it."
"We'll be trusting Count Dooku?" Rex asks, a hint of incredulity in his tone.
"I already did." A smirk plays on his lips. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing, Rex." Unlike the Jedi, Rex doesn't express any concern. He simply nods, accepting what Anakin said, despite his reservations.
While Rex contacts Cody, Anakin leaves to commandeer a transport ship. Several dozen clones will need proper transportation. Only a few could fit in their shuttle.
It doesn't take him nearly as long as he thought it might. A few mind tricks and carefully worded explanations work wonders, and less then twenty minutes later, Anakin has acquired several hyperspace capable troop transport ships. He's also ready to deactivate the chips in the clones who will be coming with them to Serenno. It takes longer than he'd like, but when he's done, he reaches out to Obi-Wan through the Force.
"Master, I'm ready to leave," he sends.
"Thank the Force," Obi-Wan's dry reply enters his mind, "I was beginning to wonder if you'd gotten into trouble. Getting clones to help us really wasn't the greatest of ideas."
"Tell that to Dooku," he shoots back, "I'll have to go with them. We're taking off now."
"May the Force be with you, Anakin," Obi-Wan answers, "We'll leave now as well."
Anakin straightens, looking at the clones facing him, completely loyal to their mission. "Rex, have the men get on the ships. We need to leave now."
"Yes, sir," Rex replies, turning to his men and giving them the orders. In ten minutes, they're exiting Coruscant's atmosphere and making the jump to hyperspace. It was easy. Maybe too easy, but Anakin knows the backlash won't be pretty. He only hopes that Dooku has plans of how they'll deal with it.