Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Once You Eliminate the Impossible, Whatever Remains, No Matter How Improbable, Must be the Truth.
Newsreel:
Fugitive!
After uncovering a conspiracy to conceal the existence of biological implants in all clones, Arc Trooper Fives is brought before Chancellor Palpatine to Present his evidence.
In a stunning turn of events, Fives is accused of attempting to assassinate the Chancellor.
On the run and with little options, Fives arranges a secret meeting with Jedi General Anakin Skywalker and Clone Captain Rex, in hopes that the truth can finally be unveiled...
The police shuttle provided by the local authorities touched down on the landing platform of the abandoned warehouse in section I-9. Once the shuttle had safely set down on the platform, the cockpit opened to reveal Anakin Skywalker, Jedi General of the Republic, and his clone captain, CT-7567, or Rex to the general and his clone "brothers". Before getting out of the cockpit, Anakin hit a switch that opened the blast doors to the transport bay, revealing General Shaak Ti, the red skinned Togruta Jedi gently stepping out onto the hard, durasteel platform.
Once the three lifeforms had exited their transport, they began making their way to the partially opened doors of the eerie warehouse.
The very atmosphere made Anakin shudder in discomfort.
"Well, these are the coordinates Kix gave us," he began with an uncomfortable hint of uncertainty in his voice, his eyes roaming over the rundown building, a deep sense of foreboding enveloping his very being.
"Let's hope Fives is in there."
Rex also felt a strange since of foreboding as he approached the warehouse, an uneasy feeling forming in the pit of his stomach as they were searching for the fugitive clone who attempted to assassinate the Chancellor.
"I hope he knows what he's doing."
Rex then felt a hand gently touch his shoulder. Looking to his left, he was met with the caring gaze of Shaak Ti, who offered a reassuring smile. From what Rex had learned from his brothers, as well as firsthand experience, Shaak Ti was a very caring Jedi who actually treated the clones as human beings, and not property like the Kaminoans that manufactured them.
Rex returned the smile as Shaak Ti began to speak.
"Trust in your brother, Rex..."
Shaak Ti then cast her eyes done to the floor, her gaze growing distant.
"As I do."
Even though the last part was said in somewhat of a whisper, Rex shared a knowing look with Anakin.
It was no secret among the two that not only had Shaak Ti grown fond of Fives since his time as a cadet, but also vice versa.
They were especially surprised when they learned that Shaak Ti, a stickler for the rules of the Jedi Code, was engaged in romantic relationship with the former Arc Trooper, after having caught them in a rather intimate embrace in what was thought to be the empty halls of a Jedi cruiser.
Deciding to let them have their moment, Anakin and Rex had vowed to each other that they would keep their secret.
Upon realizing that the two men before her were smirking at her pensive expression, Shaak Ti, her lekku growing darker in color from embarrassment, began walking ahead of Rex and Anakin, as they continued smirking at each other. However, before Shaak Ti entered the building, Anakin stopped her by gently grasping her left shoulder with his mechanical right hand.
"What is it, Skywalker?"
The question was not asked in impatience, or anger, but rather genuine curiosity, especially upon feeling the warm aura of friendship radiate from the young Jedi.
Taking on a more serious expression, Anakin decided to make one thing very clear.
"Shaak Ti, I just want you to understand, that Rex and I know about you and Fives."
Anakin held his breath as Shaak Ti face took on a look of shock. Feeling her anxiety through the force, Anakin began to send reassuring vibes, which seemed to work in relaxing her. Upon sensing that she was calm, Anakin continued.
"It's alright, your secret is safe with us."
The air soon turned tense as Rex decided to add to the conversation.
And when he did, Shaak Ti could not help the overwhelming sense of irony that flooded her mind as her own warning to Anakin was practically repeated word for word to her.
"But the man we will see inside, may not be the same man you fell in love with."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Shaak Ti finally spoke.
"I understand, and I am prepared to face whatever lies before me."
Both nodding in understanding, Anakin and Rex joined Shaak Ti as they entered the dark and foreboding warehouse. The two Jedi promptly ignited their lightsabers, the blue glow illuminating the shadow-laced interior. Rex also took precautions, drawing both of his standard issue pistols and holding them at the ready. Walking deeper into the warehouse, Anakin decided to try his luck and call out to see if Fives was indeed there.
"Fives," he gently called, "Fives we're here."
With no immediate reply, Anakin decided to try again.
"Come on out, we just want to talk to you."
After another few moments without reply, the trio began to fear that the clone had set them up, until finally they heard a rushed, panicked voice call out.
"General Skywalker, thank you for trusting me!"
After another moment of silence, Fives spoke out a gain.
"And you've come without troops?"
Anakin, knowing that he could relieve some of the tension, confirmed it.
"We Have."
There was sudden shift in the force as Shaak Ti and Anakin could feel Fives anxiety spike again.
"LOWER YOUR WEAPINS THEN!"
The harsh, panicked cry actually managed to scare Shaak Ti as her heart broke at sound of the man she loved being in an uncharacteristic state of panic. Ever since he was a cadet, Shaak Ti knew Fives as a strong-willed soldier who radiated confidence. She even let her mind flutter back to the aftermath of the battle of Kamino when Fives, in private and without hesitation, confessed his feelings for her as they both mourned the loss of 99...
A clone so dear to both of them.
Now...she knew something was very wrong.
Anakin, not wanting to let his guard down so easily in such a confined space, spoke in a somewhat hesitant manner.
"I don't think so Fives," Both Jedi felt another spike of anxiety in the clone as he began to go deeper into a state of panic.
"PLEASE SIR!" he cried sharply, before calming himself down.
"Please...I'm unarmed."
Looking to Shaak Ti, she sent a reaffirming nod to both him and Rex to not antagonize the clone any further. With that, the two Jedi extinguished their lightsabers, as Rex called out to Fives that he was placing his pistols down on a nearby crate. Shaak Ti could definitely feel the tension in the air as she could sense the anxiety that was imitating from the frightened clone, who remained crouched down behind some empty containment crates.
Thinking her voice would help to ease his tension, the Togruta Jedi also called out.
"Fives, sweetling," she began, earning a surprised look from both knight and clone captain who had never heard the Jedi master use such terms of endearment before,
"It's me, it's Ti. Please come out, we only want to talk to you."
Both Jedi could then feel the anxiety surrounding the fugitive clone lessen and, upon hearing the sound of shuffling feet, turned to find the shocked clone stumble out from behind a stack of crates that had only been ten feet from them.
Overcoming a bit from the shock, Fives whispered in a low raspy, voice;
"Ti!"
Shaak Ti, unable to hold herself back anymore upon witnessing the frightened man before her, rushed to him with tears streaming down her cheeks. The two then found themselves in tight embrace as the Togruta held the clone close to her body, her lips meeting his in a hard, passionate kiss. The scene itself actually caused Anakin and Rex to awkwardly look away, a deep blush of embarrassment spreading on both mens' cheeks.
But luckily, after just a few seconds, Shaak Ti broke the kiss.
Wanting to do whatever she could to help her lover, the emotional female wanted to get straight the point of why they were there.
"What is this about Fives?"
Regaining some of the composure he had left, Fives turned so that he was facing the entire trio.
"You need to know that I am being framed, because I know the truth!" he began rather loudly.
Interest peaked, Anakin began cautiously approaching the trembling clone, who, upon noticing his general approaching, slightly retreated into the arms of the Togruta currently embracing him. Stopping for a moment, Anakin slowly stepped forward and place a comforting hand on Fives' shoulder.
"What truth?"
Upon seeing that the general was in fact listening to him, Fives stepped away from Shaak Ti, explaining to the trio before him in very erratic movements what he had uncovered.
"The truth about a plot, a massive deception!"
His own interest peaked, Rex began to cautiously approach his brother, wanting to learn more about what he had uncovered.
"By who?"
Seeing now that he had the complete attention of the entire group, Fives continued to voice his discovery to them.
"There's a sinister plot in the works against the Jedi," he ranted, pacing rapidly while clutching his head as if it were about to split open at any moment.
Shaak Ti looked on in worry as her beloved struggled to explain what he had discovered.
"I can prove that everything I know is true beyond A SHADOW OF A DOUGHT!"
The sharp explanation at the end caused the trio to jump in alarm. And it was at that moment that Shaak Ti realized that Rex was right; this was not the man she fell in love with.
Something was indeed VERY wrong.
Her train of thought was broken as Anakin continued to speak to the distraught clone in a gentle, yet pressing tone.
"Show me the evidence."
Fives, attempting to think of a way to prove it, began to aggressively poke at his temple as he spoke.
"It's… uh…" he stammered, before finally blurting it out, "It's in hear, it's in all of US! EVERY CLONE!"
Rex himself was becoming scared at what Fives was implying.
"What is it?" he inquired, his own voice rising in panic. Fives suddenly feeling exhausted, leaned against a nearby crate, raising his arm to rest his head against the armored limb. Upon noticing this, Shaak Ti rushed to her love, ready to offer whatever aid was needed. Regaining some strength, Fives continued.
"Organic chips built into our genetic code, to make us do whatever someone wants, EVEN KILL THE JEDI!"
The trio were all genuinely shocked. Wanting desperately for Fives to be wrong, Anakin turned quickly to Shaak Ti as Rex moved an arm to feel the back of his head, hoping himself that Fives was mistaking.
"Shaak Ti," Anakin began in panicked voice.
"Is there any truth to this?"
Upon seeing the look of confirmation on Shaak Ti's face, Anakin began fearing the worst.
"There are chips, Skywalker," she began, still in shock over what she had be told, "but the Kaminoans insisted that they were to keep the clones more docile than their host, Jango Fett."
Fives was suddenly overcome with a bout of anger as he screamed at the top of his lungs.
"THE KAMINOANS ARE LIARS!"
The group jumped at the sudden outburst, with Shaak Ti suddenly bursting into tears as she witnessed the clone she loved become even more broken.
"IN FACT, THAT KRIFFING NALA SE DID SOMETHING TO ME BEFORE WE LANDED!"
Breathing erratically, Fives managed to lower his voice to a more controlled volume.
"She injected me with something, some kind of drug that is making me act like this, so it looks like it's because of the chip!"
Shaak Ti, shocked at this new revelation, quickly turned to the clone captain beside her, who was now just as terrified.
"REX!"
"RIGHT!" he responded curtly.
Reaching into his belt, Rex pulled out a portable medical scanner that Kix had loaned him. Approaching Fives, Rex quickly scanned his brother, at first with some difficulty as his hands were shaking in fright. Upon finishing the scan, Rex put in a code to process the results. Once the results came in, Rex stumbled back in shock before turning the scanner back to the two Jedi, insisting they see the results themselves.
"He's right!" he forced out in pained whisper.
"He's been injected with a class four hallucinogen which is causing this erratic behavior!"
Anakin, still processing what he had just been told, turned to Shaak Ti, whose wide eyes were filling with tears.
Anger suddenly enveloped Anakin as he turned to Fives.
"If Nala Se did this," he seethed through clenched teeth, "Then she know more than what she is letting on."
Turning back to Rex, Anakin inquired about a possible solution Fives' current condition.
"Rex," he began, "do we have anything in the ship that can counter the drug in Fives' system?"
A look of realization flashed across Rex's face.
"Yes sir! Each gunship is equipped with an emergency detox kit in case of overdose! I'll go get it!"
Leaving the area, Rex rushed out to the landing platform where then gunship was still setting. But, upon retrieving the kit, Rex heard the unmistakable sound of troop transports descending down into the lower levels. Rex could make out the unmistakable markings of the Corusaunt Guard on the transports.
Running quickly back inside, Rex returned to the group to find Shaak Ti sitting on the floor, Fives' head cradled in her lap, while Anakin knelt beside them.
Retrieving the emergency applicator, Rex placed a canister of a counter-solution inside before jabbing the applicator in Fives' neck, resulting in a pained groan from the affected clone. Almost immediately, the chemical solution took affect as Fives began to calm down from the effects of the counter-solution, resulting in the investigating trio breathing a sigh of relief.
However, the celebration was cut short as multiple clones from the Corosaunt Guard, led by Commander Fox, burst into the room.
"DON'T MOVE!"
The two Jedi and clone captain froze as Fox and about a dozen of his men had their blasters trained on the fugitive clone lying on the floor, who at this point was just beginning to recover from the detox solution that had just been injected into his system. Acting quickly Anakin stood to his feet and, with the amount of bravery only Anakin Skywalker would have, stood between Fives and the red armored troopers.
"STAND DOWN, FOX!" he bellowed, determination radiating from his very being.
Fox, with a bit of hesitation, finally spoke up.
"I can't do that, General!"
Anakin, sensing that Fox had a steely determination, needed to know the full extent of the commander's mission.
"And why not!"
Just as Anakin had suspected Fox would do, the Shock trooper commander began to relay his mission to the Jedi before him.
"I have orders to terminate the fugitive! He has been deemed a menace to the Republic, and must be terminated!"
Not only was Anakin shocked, but so was Rex and, understandably so, Shaak Ti, whose grip tightened on the still disoriented clone in her lap.
Rex stood to his feet and, being overcome with anger, and fearing for his brother's safety, began to stalk menacingly toward Fox, only to be held back by Anakin, who was quite surprised by his captain's resilient strength. Fox, sensing ill intent from Rex, leveled his blaster toward the blue clad clone. Rex, seeing this, decided to try his luck by taunting Fox.
"You going to shoot me too, Fox?!" he growled out, still trying to break free from his general's grip.
"You might as well DO IT!" the last bit was said with such force that it actually caused everyone in the room to freeze in shock; no one had ever heard Rex speak so defiantly to someone who outranked him, besides General Krell.
"You've already helped to drive Ahsoka away," Rex continued, trying to swallow a lump that formed in his throat, tears welling in his eyes.
"And if you take Fives..."
The tears began flowing freely as Rex glared daggers through the visor of Fox's helmet.
"Then I have nothing left to live for."
Looking toward Fox, who at this point had lowered his pistol to his side, with his men following suit, Anakin motioned him to remove his helmet. Doing as he was instructed, Fox, followed closely y his men, removed his "bucket," revealing a clean shaven face, and jet black hair that was slicked back so that it clung tightly to his scalp.
Looking into Fox's eyes, which were now filled with the unmistakable look of confusion and hopelessness, Anakin decided to get more information out of him.
"Who gave the order to terminate Fives, Fox?"
The question was asked with such tenseness, that Fox knew it was better not to cross the impulsive Jedi any further.
Taking a deep breath, Fox reveled the truth.
"My orders came directly from Chancellor Palpatine himself, General."
"It's Palpatine."
The quite voice had unmistakably come from the incapacitated clone on the floor. Everyone tensed as they all looked toward Fives, who was now starting to come around from the effects of the detox. Shaak Ti, unsure of what Fives meant, decided to see if he was recovered enough to answer intricate questions.
"What do you mean, love?"
The newcomers, along with Anakin and a recomposed Rex, circled around Fives to hear what he had to say with great interest.
Moving to sit himself up, with some help from Shaak Ti, Fives began to look around at the enlarged group.
"He's behind everything."
This strong accusation caught everyone off guard.
"He told me in the medical center," Fives continued, finally finding the strength to stand to is feet, once again with aid from Shaak Ti, this time accompanied by Rex. Looking to everyone with a newfound determination, Fives, with a now clear head, relayed what he had heard.
"He orchestrated the war with Dooku, pitting both sides against each other from the start. He created the army to overthrow the Jedi, the Republic, the Confederacy,
ALL OF IT!
And when all sides were weak enough, he would create a massive Empire."
The group looked around at each other in shock, unable to process what they had just heard. Anakin, refusing to believe that the man he had seen as a father for so many years was behind the entire war, pressed Fives further for details, hoping to prove him wrong.
"Fives, why would the Chancellor want to overthrow the Jedi?"
Looking into his general's pleading eyes, Fives told Anakin the only thing he needed to hear;
"Sidious."
Anakin's eyes widened at the realization of what Fives was implying. He was almost too afraid to speak the answer out loud.
But, thankfully, Shaak Ti beat him to it.
"Palpatine is the Sith Lord we have been looking for."
Anakin looked into the wide eyes of the Togruta Jedi, shaking his head in disbelief. Seeing that Anakin wasn't too willing to accept this obvious truth, Shaak Ti continued to support Fives's claim.
"It explains the darkness that is constantly surrounding him, and why the Jedi's vision into force has been so clouded for the past decade."
"WAIT!" Fox suddenly interjected, redirecting all attention onto him, "Are you trying to tell me, that the Chancellor planned the war, and was planning to use us clones to kill the Jedi?"
Sensing the feeling of hurt and betrayal imitating from the clones in the room, Shaak Ti sadly nodded her head.
Fives seeing the hurt in his brothers, finally spoke.
"We are being used Fox. That's why Nala Se drugged me. They wanted to make it look like I had gone crazy and try to kill the Chancellor so you would have 'no choice' but to kill me. We HAVE to stop this before it's too late."
Fox, feeling quite dejected, looked pleadingly at his brother, silently begging him for an answer. Luckily, Fives had one.
"Thankfully, I think I might know how."
Everyone leaned in, listening intently for Fives' plan.
"Protocol 65."
The two Jedi looked at each other in confusion, while the clones in the room exchanged shocked expression at what Fives was suggesting. Seeing the confusion on the two general's faces, Fives began to explain further what he was getting at.
"Palpatine told me that the Kaminoans were told that this 'Protocol 66' was to be used as a safe guard against 'Rogue Jedi,' but, there is another protocol which we can use in this situation."
"And it is this protocol 65?" inquired Shaak Ti.
Fives nodded as he began to explain.
"Protocol 66 is one of 150 contingency protocols for the army to follow. While Protocol 66 is meant to 'detain or kill rogue Jedi,' Protocol 65 entitles the same thing, but to the Chancellor IF he is deemed unfit to serve. However, there is a catch; the majority of the senate, or the Security Council, has to vote in favor of it, otherwise, it could be construed as treason. The problem is, I have no evidence."
Seeing the dejected look on his brother's face, Fox began to contemplate how to get the evidence they needed. Thinking deeply for a moment, Fox was struck with a idea.
An idea he was hoping he wouldn't regret implementing.
"I wouldn't say that, Fives."
Everyone in the room was shocked that Fox was willing going along with the conversation.
Approaching Fives, Fox took the arm that contained Fives' com unit. As he began entering in an unknown code, Fox began to explain what he was doing.
"Even when the com is not in use, the mic apparatus continues to function. This often allows my men to tap into each other's coms during undercover investigations. If you're telling the truth Fives, then the entire conversation you had with Palpatine should be on here."
Everyone was surprised when Fox used Palpatine's name, rather than calling him Chancellor. Curious, Fives voiced what everyone else must have been thinking.
"Why are you going along with this, Fox?" looking into his brothers eyes with a steely resolve, Fox voiced his reason.
"I may not be the most well liked clone in the army, but no one uses my brothers and gets away with it."
Both Jedi, Rex, and Fives suddenly developed a new sense of respect for the shock commander.
After a few more moments on Fives' com, Fox finally hit pay-dirt.
"FOUND IT!"
And with that, the com sprang to life, revealing a very detailed account of the incident, which fully confirmed what Fives had said.
Looking around, Anakin and Shaak Ti noticed the looks a shock and anger on the faces of every trooper in the room. The anger they could feel in the force was so powerful that it was almost staggering.
Looking to Fox, Anakin gave a series of commands to him and his troops.
"Send this recording on all frequencies from here to the Outer Rim. Also send out the message that 'Protocol 65' is in effect; The Chancellor is a traitor to the Republic and that all troops are to disregard all transmissions from him and his officials. Inform your men he must be apprehended at all costs. Also, send the recording to Senator Amidala; she is a member of the Security Council. With this information, they will no doubt vote in favor of removing the Chancellor."
Noticing Fox typing away at his com, Anakin gave a sly grin when Fox conveyed it was already done. Looking around at all the faces that now held a steely resolve, Anakin's gaze landed on Shaak Ti.
"Inform the council what is about to happen. We may need a few more sabers...and Fox."
Looking up from his com, Fox met the the steely gaze of a determined Jedi.
"I want an APB put out for Nala Se...
I want a word with her when this is all over."
Turning back to the group of Shock Troopers, Anakin issued an order he thought he would never give.
"Let's go get this kriffing nerf-herder."
And within minutes, they were off.
And within the hour, they received welcome news.
The interior of the LAAT/i Gunship was illuminated by the holographic glow of Senator Padme Amidala's form, which was under the direct attention of its occupants, which included Anakin , Shaak Ti, Rex, Commander Fox, Fives, and a hodgepodge of 501st and shock troopers.
"It is the decision of the Security Council," Padme began, "that Chancellor Palpatine has committed treason and sedition against the Republic and the Jedi Order, and that he must be removed from power. Order 65 has been issued; all Republics troops have been order to disregard all transmissions from the Chancellor and his advisors. But I must warn you; we have tried to keep this quiet, but we have learned that Palpatine has barricaded himself in his office." Nodding to the senator, Anakin began to speak.
"Don't worry Senator," he began, "We will deal with this. We do not know what Palpatine is planning, but it is clear he's onto us. Just make sure the other senators and all other non-security personnel are kept safe." Padme nodded, and before signing off, looked to her secret husband with pleading eyes.
"Please be careful, Ani." Anakin could hear faint snickering from some of his men, as well as a few snorts from the Corusaunt Guard at the senator's pet name for Anakin. Paying them no mind, Anakin joked to his wife.
"Hey, I'm always careful." With a small smile, followed by an eye roll, Padme signed off. The chuckling from the other occupants of the gunship continued for a few moments until Anakin decided enough was enough. "All right everyone! It's time to focus! As the Senator said, Palpatine has barricaded himself in his office, which definitely means he has no intention of coming quietly!" The clones all mumbled in agreement, only to be abruptly cut off as Anakin continued. "So, we'll need to divide in teams so that this can be done quickly, and without risking collateral damage. Fox!"
"Yes, Sir!" the Shock commander bellowed, snapping to attention, helmet tucked under his left arm.
"You and your men will protect all non-essential personal!" Fox then gave a prompt salute.
"Understood, Sir!"
"Rex! You and the boys will accompany myself, Shaak Ti, and any other Jedi who may be coming to lend us a hand!" Rex, who was supporting a still recovering Fives, nodded to his general.
"You got it, boss!" he stated. Looking to Fives, both Anakin and Shaak Ti could feel the eagerness imitating from him. The tattooed clone was bolstering a confident smile and determined gaze that could only be rivaled by Anakin's.
"I'm ready to do my part, General." At this statement, both Anakin and Shaak Ti looked at each other with uncertainty. They knew Fives wanted to be a part of the operation, understandably so as Palpatine had set him up, but he was still in no condition to be any help to anyone. Picking up on the uneasiness in his generals, Rex decided to cut them a break by speaking to Fives himself.
"Fives," he began carefully, earning a somewhat weary glare from the ARC Trooper, "while I understand where you are coming from, you are still in no condition to…"
"I am not a liability Rex," Fives firmly stated.
If only Rex knew that wouldn't be the last time he'd hear those words.
Letting out a long sign, Rex was about to counter Fives' statement, when the sound of Anakin's com broke the tension. Lifting his com to his face, Anakin answered.
"Skywalker hear!"
The small compartment was then filled with the familiar, authoritative voice of Mace Windu.
"Skywalker," he begun abruptly, "We have received Senator Amidala's transmission. Myself, Master Yoda and Obi-Wan are in route to the senate complex. Masters Plo and Unduli will also be arriving promptly. This treachery must not continue!"
"Understood Master; see you there!"
"Copy that; Windu out!"
"Skywalker out!"
Looking back to Fives, Anakin promptly turned his attention over to the senior medic of the 501st, Kix.
"Kix, stay with Fives; make sure his looked after."
Snapping to attention, Kix quickly moved over to Fives as Rex handed over the incapacitated clone. Letting out a groan of annoyance, Fives finally relented as Kix braced himself against his still slightly disoriented brother.
The Outside of the Senate Building was in full disarray; Shock Troopers were setting up a perimeter around the complex as riot troops attempted to keep back curious onlookers. A majority of the senate, including Senators Chuchi of Pantora, Free Taa of Ryloth, Organa of Alderran, and Lux Bonteri of Onderon, were being escorted out of the building by more shock troopers, as well as Senate Commandos, the latter group being lead by Captain Taggart. The roar of gunships was heard over the platform as Skywalker's force began to jump down onto the durasteel floor before the transports even touched down.
Before moving to join Skywalker and the rest of the troops, who at this point were joining the newly arrived 212th Battalion, Wolf Pack, and 41st Elite at the base of the complex, Shaak Ti looked to Fives, who had by seated by Kix on the edge of the transport and was looking back at her with a sort of longing. Smiling tenderly at the ARC Trooper, Shaak Ti leaned, which was followed by her right hand cupping the troopers left cheek. Kix, feeling a little awkward, turned away on the false pretext of checking his medical scanner. Shaak Ti took this as an open invitation to lean into Fives as she placed a tender kiss on his lips, which was gladly reciprocated. Pulling back, she flashed Fives a loving smile.
"Everything will be fine, my love."
Fives caring smile was soon replaced by a look of horror at what, or rather who, had appeared behind Shaak Ti. Shaak Ti, catching onto Fives's nervousness, felt her own spike at the feeling of a rather familiar, and disapproving presence. Turning around, Shaak Ti found herself mere feet from none other than her fellow council member Mace Windu, who was sending her a very harsh glare. After a few tense minutes, Windu finally broke the silence.
"The Council will have a discussion about THIS later, Master Ti," he began, his gaze shifting between the Togruta and clone, "But for now, we have a mission to complete."
"Yes, master," Shaak Ti mumbled, her head lowered in submission. As Windu turned to rejoin the other newly arrived masters, Shaak Ti spared one more glance at Fives, who offered an encouraging nod and loving smile. Returning the smile, Shaak Ti moved to join the others.
Looking from the retreating from the Jedi Master, to his brother, Kix couldn't help but let out an amused laugh at his brother's predicament.
"You sure know how to pick 'em, Fives," he joked, which earned him a shoulder to the ribs from said clone.
"Shut up, Kix!" jeered Fives as he couldn't help the smile that was forming on his face. However the smile faded as Fives recalled Shaak Ti's promise that everything would be fine; to Fives, something didn't feel right. Shaking the thought from his head, Fives could only watch as the Jedi, backed by legions of his brothers, marched toward the Senate Building.