Chapter 6: Kamino

Kamino is the fifth world in a system of 13 planets orbiting an aging star south of the Rishi Maze, a dwarf satellite galaxy in a decaying orbit in a loose sector of an unnamed grouping of stars between the Rishi Maze and the main galaxy. The stormy water world of Kamino is located in the Wild Space region beyond the Outer Rim. The planet had three moons orbiting the planet itself, including Korasa. The planet was composed of a molten core with a rocky mantle and silicate rock crust. Climatic change had long ago submerged the planet's continents, drowning the planet under a global ocean that covered almost all of the surface, with a few islands left that were once mountain tops. These mountain-tops, though, were rained on almost incessantly. However, the surface of Kamino os not always subject to constant rain, as such was in a Separatist attack to gain a DNA sample of Jango Fett. Its savage storms and powerful lightning bursts could be seen vaguely through its relatively thick atmosphere. Although technically part of Wild Space region in the galaxy, it is sometimes referred to as an extra-galactic planet due to its system being located between the main galaxy and the Rishi Maze dwarf galaxy.

A somewhat secluded from the rest of the galaxy, little is known about the origin of the Kaminoans. There are many peculiarities about the particulars of Kaminoan physiology: their digitigrade stance, once adapted for firm seabeds, eventually only saw use in the hallways of their science facilities, while only male Kaminoans exhibited fin ridges along the rear of their small, bulbous skulls. The almond-shaped eyes are able to see color only in the ultraviolet spectrum. Therefore, what appears as white dwellings were actually colored with shades that Humans and other humanoid species couldn't see.

Kaminoans rode flying cetaceans called aiwhas. Indigenous to the planet Naboo, these aiwhas were theorized created using cloning technology to many of the clone troopers and many other natives that are aware of how it works.

Fives always disliked that this was basically their loading zones; the second they are cloned; there is a possibility where they could die. Each day they hoped the war would end just so they could prevent more vods from perishing on the battlefield yet the war doesn't appear any closer to an end.

"I am afraid that you will all have to say goodbye to your friend for now," Nala Se finally spoke.

The captain seizes onto Fives wrist to prevent him from objecting.

"Yes doctor," Rex responds for them as he removes his helmet.

"General."

"Hello Captain and Fives. That's correct right?" Fives didn't miss how she is looking over him more than his captain which is extraordinary since most Jedi Generals only see the clones as mere backups even off the battlefront. "I understand that you served closely with Tup. Correct?"

"Yes General," Fives obeys the command. "Tup and I were together when he...he...when he lost control..." He didn't want to just come out and say that his brother had assassinated Tiplar in cold blood. That exhibits too much like they are dooming Tup before they had all the explanations and results.

And Fives had already seen what transpired the last time something like that had happened. He'd lost his General, his friend! The 501st have been far more depressed with the loss of their General.

Shaak Ti smiles sadly as though she knows what he is contemplating and that her next words might cause him even more grief. "Then I will need you to come with me, Fives."

"What?" he stutters for a moment. Many of the clones did refer to her as 'Mama Shaak Ti' a title that falls aways but she didn't acknowledge them that much besides a few glances. It is said Ti was one who believed in Skywalker's innocence, and Jesse had claimed that he once overheard General Kenobi saying that they had a mentor type of relationship before the war. Hopefully, she will understand what he is going through after losing someone who is like a protege to her and allows him to stay. "I mean with all due respect, General, I can't just leave Tup now. I can't abandon him."

"It is time for the doctors to do their work now," is the answer as the Master posture for the trio to walk with her behind Nala Se. "There is no need to be afraid. I can assure you that Tup is in capable hands. Dr. Nala Se is of course the Chief Medical Scientist here on Kamino." To be blunt, Shaak Ti isn't entirely in the belief that Tup is in the right hands; while the Kaminoans doctors were good of course, but Tup is just another midpoint to thrive like each of the clones are, even to a doctor like Nala Se. "Nala Se was also one of the primary engineers of all the Clones. And now, Fives, we must take care of you." That alarms the clones who shift their heads to stare at the Jedi Master.

"Me? Me, you don't need to worry about me, General," Fives remarks with his casual smirk on his face, hoping that this wouldn't ended awkwardly as there was that one time when he was caught holding Commander Tano... well she was commander at the time and most men in the 501st, ever the overprotective, was tempted to jump him. The last thing he needs right now is every clone on Kamino searching for his head.

Shaak Ti rises a hand slightly to cut off additional objections. "The truth of the matter is we can't be sure that Fives is clear. He'd admitted himself that he was close to Tup. A full exam needs to be completed. If this theory about a virus causing Tup's breakdown is true, than it is more than likely that you have been exposed to the contagion that caused it Fives. Right now you are fine because you haven't entered the advance stages yet as Tup has." Fives glances back at Rex who only gives the ARC-trooper's face a small smirk, undoubtedly enjoying that Fives is going to the medics this time, considering the ARC trooper taunted him the last time he'd went. "But if it is a virus and you were exposed than any information we can gather from you could be what we need in order to find a cure for Tup."

The three came to a standstill outside just another room in the ostensibly long and winding medical wing. Fives allows out a long exhalation. Like most of the 501st; in fact like most units, including its captains and commanders, he did anything and everything he could to evade a vacation to a medic or doctor, even to the clone medics such as Kix. Unluckily, one can only relax so long while the war is occurring.

Unfortunately, Fives has to see this in his now General; she is exhausted but she does not allow herself to rest because she wants to live up to her Master's legacy. That damn Jedi Council...

No matter, this might be the source of helping Tup.

"Well if it will help Tup, I'll go through the exam General."

"Good. Now as for you Captain Rex, I've had word from Tano. She has ordered you back to the war zone and the Kaminoans have cleared it as you weren't near Tup during the attack. Therefore you are to leave immediately."

The brothers glance at each other bemuse. It didn't make sense. If this is a virus then Rex is now uncovered since he had been escorted here with Tup and Fives. General Tano has comprehend this so neither of them concludes that the order actually came from Tano herself. So why send him back onto the battlegrounds? They didn't have to question the contributor of the order.

But orders are orders and Rex, as much as he wishes he did had no alternative but to follow. "I'm sorry Fives. You know I wish I could stay, but duty calls."

"No problem, Captain," Fives acknowledges with a shrug as he plants his helmet back on. "Fighting this virus will sure be a nice change from fighting a bunch of clankers." This made Rex chuckle and he claps him on the shoulders. They both rest a hand on his wrists for a second.

"I want you to take care of yourself and Tup."

Fives stares down as Rex walks away. Now it is just the arc trooper resigned to protect Tup and find the authenticity of what's going here. He had known something is not right here and is determined to calculate out what and bring it to the light.

"Droid, remove his mask!"

Tup's eyes languidly open as the mask is shed. Then he begins to quiver, gasp for air. Shaak Ti watch as Tup's entire body begins to shake. His breathing sounds almost suffocating as he arches up off the table, the restraints holding him down. His eyes roll back into his head and it is obvious that Tup is in pain, that he didn't know where he is.

Still, in one last of consciousness, he spoke in his thoughts.

'Fives, help.'

Fives has been more enthusiastic to relinquish to the exam when he saw that the room he had been led into had a window that permitted him to watch Tup's tests is originating. He had changed out of his armor and body suit into the same red top and pants that he still hates wearing now than as a cadet if not more since the armor he and his brother wears suffice better then this, but he had little choice. Then he had been felicitous to stretch out on the table as the droid commences to complain over him.

But all that willingness disappears when he glimpses into the window and saw Tup thrashing and trembling.

"Tup!" Fives sit up and shove the droid away, beginning to panic. "What are they doing to him?"

"You must remain calm..."

"Get out of my way!" He stands, slapping the droid, and strolls over to the window as the door to the room buzzes open. Shaak Ti stands there for a moment in the doorway, attempting to remain unmoved when it is clear the clone's agony is remorseful for the Jedi Master as well. Fives veers back to the window, his hands bolster against it. They are lacerating him! They don't recognize what they are performing!

"Please return to the examination table so that we may perform the exam." But Fives disregards the droid, all his attention focuses on Tup in the room next door. His body went upright and tense, before bending in or up as hard as he could with the restraints holding him down. He is still wheezing and choking.

"This clone's reactions are completely normal," he could just vaguely hear Nala Se declares with a finality that makes him want to grab a blaster and kill everything in sight just to reach his brother.

He strikes his hand gently on the window. "General, what's wrong? What's going on?" He pounds on the glass again, not to be offensive nor violent but to attempt and make his voice overheard. Shaak Ti smiles sadly then beckons her hand at the window which is blacked over, blinding him from seeing what is occurring to his brother. "No...no! No!"

Hatred and anger momentarily rise from the trooper, and he is near to tasting vile. How can they just do this?! Not allow him to see whatever they are doing to him! Those Kaminoans! Those Jedi!

Did they care for him and his brothers in the slightest?!

In the first months of the war, clones were treated like things and in truth even Jedi didn't know what to think - or how to treat - them at first! The Jedi Council was wary about the new army, especially since GAR was created!

Why would they care now?!

Are they going to do exactly what they did to General Skywalker?! After - or if - Tup recovers, they might not even care about what had happened due to their own being shot down by just a clone and would just hurl him off to a court! Force, why couldn't General Skywalker be here?! He would have known what to do! He would have-

"Please return to the examination table so that we may perform the exam." Fives ignores the droid in favor of smacking the button that would clear the window only for nothing to happen. This time when he slam his fist against the window it is out of irritation and wishing he could stop it.

Though Fives know it is purposeless and impractical. They wouldn't hear him with the proceedings they are committing on Tup and making all of his efforts to at least... at least see something all the more useless! Even if they do, they would not care as they just want to commit to their efforts!

At the end, Fives has been force to listen and could only think of Tup as the functioning to check for him is hopefully victorious and shortly so he could check on his brother.

Arthur's note: I did this chapter because a friend convinced me to wait a few weeks and I did. While I have lost motivation, I am not going to abandoned this story. This might just be updated every two weeks.

Another short chapter but I think this is going to happen more as writing this arc is hell. I'm thinking about skipping some parts so I can just get to the main parts.

May the Force be with you all always.