Hello to all!
An update is here just before Thanksgiving! I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get it out before the holiday, but a huge thanks to my beta editor for getting to it during a busy week.
This chapter sort of clears the air and ties in a few people we haven't seen in a bit (or at all). Minor spoiler: for anyone who loves clones, you're going to love this chapter ;)
That's all for now. But as always, let me know your thoughts in the reviews!
"My sleep wasn't peaceful enough. I have the sense of emerging from a world of dark, haunted places where I traveled alone."- Suzanne Collins
Chapter 30. Nightmares
Fire. Fire and ash. Magma and lava. Howling sulfuric gusts flew past in a stream of yellow sparks. The thick air suffocated a person's senses like a poisonous blanket. One could barely breathe, let alone think.
Luke Skywalker wiped sweat off his matted, dark blond hair. He stood above the fiery river, lightsaber humming in his hand. Glancing around the hellish scenery, it somehow seemed familiar…what was this place?
An ominous sense of deja vu turned to horror as he looked straight ahead and what he saw chilled his bones amongst the sweltering heat.
"Father."
Anakin stood alone, casually using the body of a mining droid to avoid the fiery chasm below, as if it were made of water and not magma. But what frightened Luke the most was the eyes: they burned as hot as the planet they stood on. And that wrathful ire focused entirely on him.
"You lied to me, Luke."
"No, that's not true."
"Shut up!" Anakin roared, pointing his azure blade straight at his heart. "You pretended to be my confidant. My friend. Except all this time, you were planning to kill me."
"Never!" he protested. "Father, I want to help you. I've always wanted to help you. Let me do so now!"
"It's too late," came the animalistic growl. "You brought this on yourself. Either you kill me or I kill you."
A scowl turned into a demonic smile made all the more disturbing by the golden sparks dancing over his hair as though he were a fallen angel.
"And I know you're no stranger to murdering family members."
Luke felt a wetness in his eyes instantly dried by the immense temperature. The tears did not fall, but the Skywalker clan had. It was too late. Palpatine must have gotten to him already.
"I will not fight you."
"Then you will die."
Anakin slashed so quickly Luke barely brought up his saber in time to block it. They engaged in a furious round of blows, precise and deliberate. Any loss of balance could lead to one or both of their deaths. But the two Skywalkers danced their duel of fates, stroke for stroke, anticipating the other's moves so fast blue and green seemed to become a single, shining color against the surrounding volcanic blasts.
They clashed, blade against blade, with Anakin trying to use his superior height and physical strength to push Luke off his platform. Almost on instinct, the blond spotted a nearby hill, sloping upwards parallel to the lava bank and before Anakin swung the killing stroke, leapt backwards.
"It's over, father!" he shouted, landing cleanly on top of the bank. "I have the high ground!"
His words came out as someone else's. Not his own.
"You underestimate my power!"
"Please, don't jump!"
Luke saw his warning had no effect as Anakin moved closer to the bank, eyes swimming in arrogance and bloodlust.
"You don't have a choice, son."
"Back away, now! Don't make me do it!"
Luke could feel the terrible action that was about to occur. He'd seen this before. He knew what was about to happen. He had to stop it! Right now!"
He watched the events play out like an unavoidable headlong speeder crash. Anakin jumped, intending to outflank him from above. One flash of jade later, it was over. The Betrayer fell to the ground, missing three limbs, moaning in agonizing pain.
"Why?!" Luke was practically sobbing now. "Why father? Why does it always come to this? Why don't you listen?!"
"Murderer!" Anakin spat with frothing venom, eyes glowing yellow from the dark side now consuming him. "Kinslayer! You were supposed to help me!"
"Do you know what you've done?!" Luke screeched back, his own throat bleeding from the heartache scratching against it. "Do you know the suffering you've caused me and everyone else around you?!"
He chucked his lightsaber into the magma sea and fell to his knees, ashamed and distraught over the deed. How could he have committed such an unspeakable act? Going back in time meant saving his family, not destroying it. What would Yoda and Obi-Wan think? What would Leia think?
Luke peered back down the hill and saw not Anakin but his lost nephew.
"Ben…" he whispered. "What have I done?"
"Uncle! Help me!" the boy begged, frightened, confused and lost.
"Hang on, Ben! I'm coming! Don't move!"
"Don't let me die!"
Luke sprinted down the hill, ignoring the volcanic ash that burned his lungs and scalded his boots. He would not fail Ben a second time. If only his middle aged legs moved faster.
"Uncle!"
"Ben!"
The boy slid further and further back into the waiting mouth of the fiery river waiting to consume all who dared touch it. He began screaming in pain.
"I HATE YOU!"
Luke reached out as the edges of his vision began to whiten in a hot flash.
"NO!"
Luke jolted awake, his entire mattress soaked as though it had been dipped into the sea.
Disoriented he awkwardly slipped off the bed, crashing down in a pool of sweat, hitting his rear hard.
"Son of a Hutt!"
The throbbing pain had the additional effect of bringing Luke back to reality. His breathing slowed and his surroundings came back into focus. This wasn't Mustafar. The Clone Wars still raged. Padme lived and Anakin had not turned to the dark side.
"Just a dream," he murmured. "Just a dream."
Now disgusted by the sheer amount of sweat that began forming a sticky mess on his clothes and skin, he opted to go to the refresher and take a shower.
Grabbing a towel, Luke peered into the darkened mirror and for a split second, he saw his own face morph into that of Ben Solo's, causing him to jump back with fright.
"Calm down," he scolded himself and checked the time. Three hours before sunrise.
Yes, he needed a very long shower. He'd prefer drowning to experiencing any more horrendous nightmares.
It wasn't like he was going back to sleep anyway.
"I hope you grasp the seriousness of our situation, Master Jedi," the hologram of Bail Organa told them. "The Republic stands at a precipice. Only by working together, can we preserve our democracy."
Yoda leaned forward and made a grumbling noise. Of course, he agreed wholeheartedly but he needed to play his part. The Council would not react kindly to violating its impartial status unless given urgent reason to do so. Senator Organa was a good man and a skilled orator, but it was up to the Grandmaster to push the right buttons.
"We sympathize, Senator," Mace Windu said in a tone largely devoid of it. "But you must understand ours as well. Any Jedi involvement in government puts us in a delicate spot."
"Our popularity has waned," Ki-Adi Mundi added. "Ever since the Temple bombing support for the Jedi has decreased."
"This is not a popularity contest," Organa countered deftly. "This is protecting the rights of the people in our government. It's my understanding that protecting the innocent is the highest priority of any Jedi Knight."
It was not a slight, almost a backhanded compliment designed to spur potential allies into action. Yoda understood how blind they'd been. How complacency had led them here. Trapped in a near unwinnable war, working for the very person they sought to destroy. But the others did not. At least, not yet.
In a way the Grandmaster realized that while not Force sensitive, Bail Organa represented the righteous path. The path they should have taken long ago. He did not follow the din politics, he simply did what was right for the people.
Yoda briefly tried reaching out to Qui-Gon to see if he could break through the shroud of the dark side but found the Force silent.
"You are correct, Senator," he said now. "And share your concerns, we do. A false savior Palpatine is. Too long has he stayed in power."
Organa nodded, knowing that Yoda had his back. The question was, would the rest of the Council follow suit?
"Every hour our movement grows and we plan to force the issue at the beginning of the next Senate session which is in three days. But if we are able to obtain the necessary majority to issue Order 65, the Jedi must be prepared to arrest the Chancellor if he refuses to step down."
"All options must be considered before any decision is made," Windu said sternly, though even he appeared more receptive to the idea. The Head of the Order had never been a fan of Palpatine, even before the war.
"Take the time you need, but not too much time," Organa said with a small, respectful nod. "Every second we delay brings us closer to autocracy."
The hologram disappeared and for once, the Council did not mince words or hesitate in debating the topic.
"If we agree to this, we're officially in uncharted waters," Adi Gallia was the first to say.
"It's not without precedent," Oppo Rancisis said, always taking the logical approach. "The Jedi have acted in the interests of the Republic in wartime before."
"But not against its leader," Saessee Tinn pointed out.
Any option on the table presented multiple problems accounted and unaccounted for. Yoda silently noted that their ability to foresee the future had diminished into nothing. He'd sat on the Council for a long time. Longer than any Jedi in history and the atmosphere never felt so…uncertain.
The dark side clouds all. Sidious has blinded us
"I don't see how we are not acting in the best interests of the Republic if the end goal is to save it from a man who has no intentions of returning to democracy," Shaak Ti argued from her position on Kamino.
"But will the people see it that way?" Kit Fisto said with caution.
"And what of our own power?" Ki-Adi Mundi posed philosophically. "Could this not lead us down a darker road than the one taken by Palpatine?"
Yoda had heard enough. Time to take control and play his part.
"A dark path perhaps, but the darkest path? I think not."
Everyone, even Mace Windu, turned towards the one Jedi who commanded universal respect. Their ever present leader full of wisdom and insight.
"Sense a plot to destroy the Jedi, I do."
More than a few faces blanched at that statement, but Yoda was not prepared to sugarcoat anything for the sake of sparing their feelings. The hour was far too late for bruised egos.
"From Senator Organa, Master?"
"No," he corrected Agen Kolar immediately. "From the man he seeks to remove. The dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor."
Through the bond he shared with every Council member, he implored them to join him in meditation. Sensing a path through the Force, Yoda's light acted as a guide, a beacon towards the gathering storm clouds…
…centered right over the Republic Executive Building. The Grandmaster mentally bade them to observe and feel, but not too close lest they wake the sleeping dragon inside. It was easily missable. Sidious concealed himself well as the dark side acted like an expanding cloak both nowhere and everywhere at once, shielding the Sith from prying Jedi eyes. But a closer look left little room for interpretation. The storm clouds carried an ice cold wind, chilling to the bone. A warning to stay away.
Yoda pulled away and so did the signatures of everyone else in the room and suddenly, they were back in their comfortable Ivory Tower though the mood was quite the opposite.
"That…" Adi Gallia choked out. "That was the worst thing I've ever felt."
"It also confirms something even more unfortunate. That the Sith we're looking for is likely here on Coruscant," Deepa Billaba reasoned.
"We must call a search." Mundi's voice, often serene and light, had turned nervous. "Who knows how much power they hold. Especially within the Republic."
Yoda resisted the urge to sigh. Even now, they could not fathom their biggest enemy was the Republic. He meditated to the Force for guidance and this time he did hear an answer.
Not yet…wait for Obi-Wan
"Sinister this is," he said at last. "Rule out any possibility, we cannot. The dark side controls the actions of the Chancellor. Of that, I am certain."
"Grandmaster, I have another theory."
Mace Windu spoke up now. Yoda eyed him carefully, sensing the Haruun Master's increasing ire.
"Yes, Master Windu?"
"Perhaps the Senate isn't the only institution infiltrated by the dark side."
Oh no, not this again
"Trust I do in Luke Ahch-To," he said, seeking to nip this before it got out of hand. "He is not an enemy to fear."
"Then I officially must protest," Windu said in a hardened tone. "Why is it that during his trial you acted unilaterally and pardoned him?"
"Violate the code, he did not."
"We could have used the opportunity to interrogate him and instead he walks freely throughout these halls, all the while knowing as much his past as we did before…which is to say nothing at all."
Yoda sensed the distress from the other Masters. He and Mace were supposed to be a team. A powerful, united front against the darkness and yet here they were, fighting amongst themselves. They'd never disagreed this strongly before.
"Wasting our time on this matter, we are, Master Windu."
"With respect, Master Yoda…you are deflecting."
He stood up and gazed around his colleagues pointing back at Yoda.
"Who's to say the darkness we felt could not fool the wisest among us?" he declared. "Or any of us? What if it's been in front of our faces, breaking our rules and abusing our hospitality?"
"Master Windu-"
"You two have grown exceptionally close. Is he blackmailing you? Or perhaps, something worse?"
"You are out of line," Adi Gallia said sharply, standing up as well. "Master, think of what you're saying."
"I don't expect impartiality from you either, Master Gallia," came the dismissive arrogance.
"What? Because he saved my life? You act as though that's a bad thing."
"Another story that was never fully explained."
"There's nothing to explain!" Gallia fired back, losing her normally ultra calm demeanor. "He did it because it was the right thing to do. And you have the audacity to accuse this man of using the dark side?"
Yoda had enough and slammed his gimmer stick into the ground in an act of supreme authority he resented having to use. But use it, he must.
"Master Windu, Master Gallia, you will cease."
Slowly but surely the two Masters sat back down. The diminutive Jedi stared intensely at both of them before being completely satisfied no other outbursts would interrupt the meeting.
"Fighting amongst ourselves, a path to self destruction that is. We are going against the will of the Force."
He paused and made a decision.
"Adjourn this meeting we shall until such time where we can properly make a decision. Meditate, we must."
This at least earned unanimous consent and the meeting ended without further incident. But Yoda hung back, eyes lingering on the back of Mace Windu who had begun whispering something to Ki-Adi Mundi. Fear and suspicion had taken over the normally stout and stoic Head of the Order. His feelings came in as a black cloud, an obstacle blocking all reason.
A potential problem this is
They needed Master Windu to help defeat Sidious when the time came. But for now, he could not reveal any of Luke's prior knowledge without Obi-Wan and Anakin present and properly informed. Another search through the Force confirmed as much.
With a degree of irony, he realized that despite being its youngest member, the Council sorely missed Obi-Wan's influence and thanked his stars that he would be returning by tomorrow.
There was no such thing as luck, it contradicted Jedi thought. But as Yoda contemplated the vast expanse of the Ivory Tower, observing it as a symbolic monument both to their success and hubris, he wondered whether some forces in the universe worked beyond the mortal plane. Was Luke's presence proof of that?
No. No time to think on that now. Ahsoka would deliver the records to Senator Amidala and the Liberal Caucus. Luke would ensure the exposure of Order 66. And by the following day, the entire Council, the galaxy, would learn of Darth Sidious and his lies.
Hopefully, everything would go according to plan.
Senator Organa had a 'Loyalist Committee' meeting with Palpatine and the rest of those who stood willfully or unintentionally ignorant of the Chancellor's true scheming. Politics required appearances, something Padme Amidala was well used to by now. But it only made those flashes of honesty that much more valuable. Precious moments where one could drop the facade of having to play nice in order to attain a concession or funding for a bill. There were far bigger things at stake.
Ahsoka Tano had just delivered that on a silver platter.
"It took awhile for this to bear fruit, but we were finally able to prove the Chancellor's corruption."
The teenage Jedi attached a device to the end of a datapad, scrolled through the contents and began to play. In minutes Padme became horrified. Half an hour later, she was livid.
"This," she swallowed. "This is far worse than I ever could have imagined."
The two young women sat on one of the couches in her personal office and while Ahsoka gave a look of empathy, it did not nothing to lessen the sting of betrayal. This man had presented as a wise, magnanimous political figure who'd shown personal courage during the Trade Federation invasion and helped win back their planet's freedom. And though she often found herself opposing Palpatine's initiatives, Naboo was their shared heritage and pride. And even if he was aiming to become a dictator, however misguided, she hadn't assumed this level of treachery.
"I know it's a little shocking to hear," Ahsoka said, placing a hand on her own. "But Chancellor Palpatine isn't just unethical, he's…evil."
There was something extra in the way she said the word 'evil.' A trepidation, a heightened sense of marked fear. Padme couldn't know what the reason was, but anything that struck fear in a bold, confident person such as Ahsoka spoke volumes.
"It doesn't matter if it shocks me or not," she replied, maintaining her usual air of dignified strength. "What matters is that we now have proof that the Chancellor cannot be trusted a second longer to run this Republic."
"With all due respect, m'lady, he already does."
It was reminiscent of what Luke told her during their rendezvous at the restaurant weeks prior. The unequivocal message that Palpatine was nothing short of a sinister despot waiting to stamp his unshakable will on the galaxy.
Well, she'd been trained for situations like this. She'd faced all manner of bullies and political thugs, even assassinations, never backing down. This time would be no different.
"You know my chief concern is the legality of these recordings. Circulation among the Senate will almost certainly lead to an investigation…or it could lead to arrests."
"But it needs to be heard," Ahsoka insisted firmly. "If people know what he's truly up to, then you'll win more Senators over to your side."
Yes, that was one way of looking at it. But Padme's experience in politics left her quite aware of the laws of unintended consequences. Perhaps the other Senators would break for their Caucus and vote to remove Palpatine. Or they could run to him, dismiss the concerns out of hand, bog down the next session down in procedure, or even call for charges of treason. And with the war so close to an end, why challenge the most popular man in the Republic?
'It is in these troubled times that we must look to our leaders for guidance, a responsibility that as head of this government, begins and ends with me. Though the road ahead is challenging, I will not rest until I restore peace to the Republic.'
She recalled one of his first wartime speeches and noted with a degree of bitterness that the man had never truly lied. Peace, yes. As soon as the Separatists were defeated, of course. Justice? Never. That much was apparent by now.
"I will take these findings to Senator Organa. I'm sure he will have an idea on how to use this information to further our cause."
She placed her own hand on top of Ahsoka's and held back a sudden emotional surge.
"Ahsoka, we've been friends for a long time. You're not just my…Anakin's former Padawan, you're family. I worry for you and the rest of the Jedi."
She'd nearly slipped up. Confessing to Satine made keeping her marriage under wraps that much more difficult. But seeing the look on the Togruta's face, it hit her that this was no longer a well hidden secret but an open one.
She knows
"Padme."
The use of her first name indicated the importance of what Ahsoka was about to say.
"You're not just worried about the Jedi. You're worried about Anakin. Specifically he might do if the Jedi turned against the Chancellor."
Nothing more needed to be said as Padme willed herself not to think about such a scenario.
"I trust in Master Skywalker's judgment," she said diplomatically. But appearances did not keep up today. Not now.
"Senator…you don't have to pretend. Like you, I worry about Anakin. And I've tried to prevent the day where he might lose control."
"I love him so much and yet he's so…stubborn," she choked back a sob. "We've recently made up and I don't want to ruin that but…but-"
"He's loyal to the Chancellor and you're actively working against him," Ahsoka finished for her. The response came in the form of a deflated sigh.
"Yes."
Jedi didn't normally do hugs. Luke's introduction to a new philosophy showed Ahsoka just how emotionally backwards the Order truly was, so she disregarded the rule on attachments altogether. She loved Padme, just as she loved her husband. It wasn't wrong, it was vital. Necessary even.
"Come here."
The two embraced with Padme's eyes becoming wet with tears. Ahsoka could feel her conflict, a horrible pull between duty and love that threatened to tear her apart. It wasn't sustainable in the long run.
"You need to tell him the truth. For your sake and his. We won't win this fight without Anakin Skywalker."
"But will he listen?"
Ahsoka gave a reassuring smile. It was not lost on her that Padme's hands moved instinctively towards her stomach.
"You're the one person in this universe he listens to above all else."
"Thank you, Ahsoka."
The Senator stood up as she had a prior engagement with the budget committee. She'd see Bail afterwards and deliver the news.
"Please tell Master Yoda the information has been received and we hope to hear confirmation of Jedi support in the coming days before the next session."
Ahsoka bowed as decorum dictated, but paused before leaving.
"Padme, do you know you're…carrying?"
The intrusive question surprised the Senator.
"What? No, I'm not pregnant."
"Are you sure about that?"
The inquiry may have appeared disrespectful to a casual observer. But Padme knew the look in Ahsoka's eye. The kind Jedi always had when they perceived something beyond that of most people's ordinary senses.
"I was tested a month ago as part of a routine checkup. It came back negative."
"And wasn't it the Chancellor's personal physician who performed this checkup?"
Padme almost asked how she knew but then remembered how close she and Luke were. And the advice he gave her at Rejavariks.
"I'd check again if I were you."
Ahsoka exited the office. Alone, confused, and more than a bit hopeful, Padme touched her womb once more.
Was she pregnant all this time without knowing? Could Jedi detect what doctors could not? The tests administered were state of the art, the best Republic health care had to offer. It was hard to believe Dr. Frix wouldn't tell her about this. What incentive did the man have to withhold such a life changing event to her body?
Fearful maternal instincts kicked in at the thought of Palpatine sending someone who deliberately lied about the most important thing that ever happened to her. She clutched her stomach as though something terrible might happen if a hand weren't kept there at all times.
'Chancellor Palpatine isn't just unethical, he's…evil.'
The man could piss up a rope. It was time to get a second opinion.
Luke Skywalker couldn't suppress a grin at the cheers and hollers received upon returning to barracks.
It had been a long time since he'd experienced that kind of adoration. As a young, no name pilot that blew up the Death Star and rescued a glamorous princess of Alderaan, he'd really had no idea what to do or how to act except smile and take in the moment. As a more seasoned warrior, fresh off a battle with Darth Vader and the Emperor, there was more relief than anything else, but also a quiet happiness mixed with a soft sense of grief. His father had died but from the ashes of death came the rise of a new era: an era of balance and peace. One that would restore true justice and break the chains of tyranny forever.
And so he became an icon. A name never to be forgotten, igniting hope in his allies and fear in the scattered Imperial remnants left behind. The legend of his deeds quickly outstripped the objective measure of what he'd accomplished. Billions sang his praises without realizing what they were praising.
But this kind of cheering came from soldiers. Salt of the galaxy, hardy, earnest, and honest men. There was a simplicity in it.
"Welcome back, sir!"
"We knew you wouldn't be out for long!"
"Three cheers for the General! Slayer of Grievous! Hero of the Republic!"
Three successive 'Huzzahs!' rang out and even Luke had to indulge them a little bit by raising a hand. As he moved through the crowd, he came upon Captain Rex, who had a much more tempered expression but glowed all the same, extending a hand.
"It's good to have you back, General."
The two shook and Luke turned towards the sea of blue and white clad soldiers that looked to him, utterly enamored.
"I think they're expecting a word or two, sir," Rex said with a note of amusement.
"Kriff."
This was Leia's territory not his own. He preferred to let actions do the talking. But seeing the eager eyes of his men, how could one refuse?
"This may come as a disappointment to you guys but I'm not very good at making sentimental speeches."
A chorus of polite laughs, while a few more continued to shout 'speech!'.
"I hear you loud and clear Hardcase. I'm not sure why Kix let you out of the infirmary but all the same-"
More laughter. Though Luke enjoyed the company of his men he scanned the room for Echo and Fives. Urgent matters between them needed to be addressed.
"What can I say, except that I'm honored to be back among the finest soldiers a man could hope to lead."
More cheers and hollers. Even a few whistles.
"We have a tough fight coming up. The war is almost over but this is no time to get complacent. In the coming days, we'll likely receive an assignment so I want everyone sharp, fit, supplied, and ready to go at a moment's notice."
The room shared a mutual nod. Luke tightened his lips. Hopefully, there would be no need for another battle and the heinous plot currently resting inside their heads, fully exposed. Not another casualty to this group would occur under his watch.
"As the new commander of the 501st, I'm proud to lead you wonderful guys into battle anywhere, anytime. So let's get to it."
This time, Rex ensured proper protocol was followed.
"You heard the General! Step lively!"
The simultaneous snap of armored boots and crisp salutes echoed out.
"Sir, yes, sir!"
A flurry of noise and activity followed suit. Luke turned to Rex and wasted no time in getting down to business.
"Before anything else, I want to see Echo and Fives in my office, pronto."
"Yes, sir. I'll locate them right away."
In no time at all, the two ARCs were standing in front of him while Rex stood outside. Normally, he'd have a conversation with his second in command about the state of the legion before anything else. But circumstances dictated a different approach.
How fast he received an update from Echo and Fives could mean the difference between life and death.
"So, it would seem we have quite a lot to talk about."
The two troopers were stiff as boards, probably out of caution that their newfound General might be upset with them. He sought to put them at ease, detaching the comlink from his wrist and sliding it forward on the desk.
"At ease, at ease. They just gave that back to me today. I apologize for not answering if you tried to contact me at any time."
"Not your fault, sir," Echo said, body language relaxing as did Fives. "We weren't sure whether to use it or not given the circumstances."
"Probably best that you didn't. Even as I sit here, at least a third of the Council wishes I was on a boring outpost in the Outer Rim."
"Why?"
Five's blurted out the question without a customary 'sir' at the end. Luke recognized the indignation in his eyes and silently appreciated the show of loyalty.
"The reasons are too complicated to get into," he said, feeling the weight of fatigue pressing down on him at the mere thought of the Council. "There are differing opinions even amongst the Jedi. But that's not my main concern."
He put the comlink back on his wrist, flexed it and hoped that in his absence something popped up that would allow a path to expose Order 66. Sidious and Dooku had buried the existence of the inhibitor chips so deep, it took a malfunctioning one to nearly reveal the plot inadvertently in the original timeline.
Would the Force reward him for his diligence in trying to locate a sign before it was too late?
"Have you noticed anything suspicious among the men?"
Fives looked at Echo, who nodded at his brother to go first.
"Well, sir. Truth be told, we're not sure. We've asked around the barracks and nothing seems out of the ordinary…"
Luke leaned forward just a little bit. There was a 'but' in there.
"Yes?
"The rest of the men were upset at your abrupt departure," Echo jumped in. "The battle at Ringo Vinda didn't help matters. General Kenobi and General Skywalker were in a feud of some kind. Casualties were higher than normal. But there wasn't anything beyond combat related stress."
He looked behind him to make sure he wasn't being overheard. Luke didn't have the heart to tell him the durasteel walls were sound proof.
"Except that after we got back, Tup had a nightmare."
"A nightmare?"
"Worse," Fives clarified. "He was rolling around and thrashing like he was attacked or something. He kept going on about a 'mission' of some sort."
Luke hoped his reaction didn't frighten the two ARCs as he felt the color leave his face. He kept a stoney expression when trying to find out more.
"Did he say anything about this mission?"
"It's pretty bad, sir. He said the mission had to do with killing someone…against his own will."
A pallid silence followed. When the Jedi didn't say anything, Echo began asking questions.
"Sir, I know you said that this might be a Sith plot. Do…do you think that's the plan? That they could brainwash us into killing all the Jedi?"
Luke pressed two hands together but gave no other visible reaction. Echo had essentially figured the gist of it out. But they couldn't know the true mastermind. Not yet. Not until Tup was placed under Jedi protection.
"That is my theory, yes," he answered, giving the most diplomatic response possible. "Is this the only sign you've noticed?"
"Yes, sir. Tup hasn't said a word about them since. But I can hear him tossing and turning at night. He keeps on mumbling about this mission. Frankly, it's more than a bit disturbing," Fives answered honestly.
"And no one else knows about these nightmares?"
"No, sir. Just Torrent Company. No one else knows anything."
Luke got up from the chair and addressed the admirable ARCs in front of him. Advanced recon units were some of the best the Republic had to offer and these two were a classic example why. Efficient and discreet, while possessing a distinct moral fiber. Not every soldier could say the same.
"I thank you for your dedication and devotion to secrecy involving this matter," he told them. "We're in a precarious position and you've both done excellent work."
"Thank you, sir…but will Tup be okay?"
Luke felt the strong older brother affection Fives felt for Tup, the latter being one of the younger 501st recruits.
"I promise to do everything I can to ensure his safety."
"And what about the rest of the men? Shouldn't they be warned along with the Jedi?"
It was yet another reminder of how the clones were true heroes. Thinking of others before themselves.
"Not yet." He didn't like being deceitful but he had to be vague enough not to jeopardize their lives. If Sidious learned of a clone rebellion before they'd had a chance to identify and remove the chips, it spelled doom for them all. "Tup needs to be examined and tested for us to have proof of Sith involvement. We're going to uncover the truth, but I must ask you to keep silent for just a little longer. Until the right moment."
They did not argue and Luke felt no inkling of doubt or disobedience from either ARC.
"Yes, sir. Understood."
"I swear to you, I will keep every man in this legion, in this army, safe from harm," he said with great emphasis and he could sense they believed him. They were free citizens because of him. He was a general who kept promises.
Except when it comes to family, a nasty voice in the darker part of his consciousness taunted and the image of Ben Solo burning on a fiery hill flashed before his eyes.
"Sir, are you alright?"
His composure must have slipped for a second as he felt a wetness stinging his eyes.
"Yes…yes, of course. Please send in Captain Rex on your way out."
Get it together. This is no time to think about the past
But no matter how harshly he admonished himself, Luke Skywalker felt he was losing a personal battle against the enormous wave of emotional guilt flooding him to the point of drowning. Yoda's vision was further evidence to what he suspected the Force wanted him to do all along.
How? How could it come to this? Surely this wasn't the answer? He'd made the mistake of giving up on one relation, it could not be that the solution to fixing the past was to kill the man responsible for his existence? It sounded like something Sidious would come up with: pitting father and son against each other. And why not? The demented Sith Lord had done it once already.
What am I to do?
"Sir, you wanted to see me."
He thanked the Force Rex showed up to save a potential meltdown. He cleared his throat a bit too awkwardly but maintained a dignified air.
"Yes, I did. We haven't had a chance to chat since my reinstatement."
"Well, you didn't miss much," Rex said, though his tone indicated the opposite. "But there was quite a bit of confusion surrounding your suspension. Most of the men didn't understand why it happened in the first place."
Luke half shrugged and waved the subject aside. He didn't want to revisit it.
"It's not important for them to know."
"Agreed. The point is, we're glad you're back. More importantly, we're glad to have a Jedi we can trust leading us."
"So is that an admission you like me better than General Skywalker?"
Rex's mouth curved upwards in a rare smile. The Captain had a sense of humor by now, thanks to Anakin.
"You're not going to get me to play favorites," he said with a light chuckle. "But High General Skywalker made it clear that no one else would take his place except you."
"Well I'm flattered." Actually more like on the verge of tears but that was beside the point. "And now the responsibility of leading the 501st through the rest of the war intact falls to me. What do I need to catch up on?"
Rex gave a brief summarization of the state of the Legion: supplies, infirmary reports, morale, and paperwork that would require his signature among other things. Luke paid close attention. The Captain had a memory that rivaled an elephant.
"We've been able to catch a breather after Ringo Vinda, it's helped us fill in some of the gaps."
"I'm sorry about the casualties," Luke said, wishing he'd been able to patch up Obi-Wan and his father's falling out much sooner. "I'll see what I can do to get more reinforcements."
"We're used to operating undermanned. The 501st receives a lot of the top assignments, which puts us up against the best the Seps have to offer. Not that it ever stops the boys from doing their duty," Rex added with a bit of pride. "But it does mean we deal with some high casualty numbers at times. If it wasn't for General Skywalker, they'd be a lot worse."
"Of course," Luke said both to himself and to Rex. "And there's no word of any upcoming deployment?"
"None that I've heard. It's standard protocol to be given two weeks rest after a long campaign but we almost always get called up sooner than that. I'm guessing it happens even sooner this time around, especially with the Outer Rim sieges going on."
Then I need to act now
Sidious no doubt intended to act the same as he did the first time. Stretch the Jedi thin and catch them unawares. And since his little chat with Dooku, Force knew what the man might do.
"Rex, there is something you should be aware of."
"What, sir?"
"It concerns Echo and Fives."
The Captain's polite bewilderment morphed into suspicion.
"I had a feeling those two were up to something. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it."
"It's nothing they did wrong," Luke clarified. "But they did just inform me of something rather serious about Corporal Tup."
Rex furrowed his brow.
"Tup? What's wrong with him?"
"Apparently he's been having serious nightmares. Nightmares that involve him being forced to murder someone at the behest of someone else."
Seeing an olive skinned clone go white would have been a comical sight were it not for the morbidness of the situation.
"That sounds…ominous," Rex finally said. "But it's just a dream, right?"
"And how many men in the Grand Army of the Republic have reported such nightmares? According to Echo and Fives, Tup's been having them more and more. I can't take any chances, Rex. The health and safety of this Legion come first. That's why I'm going to need to run a Level Five Atomic Brain Scan on Tup."
"Level five?"
All officers were required to go through some form of medical training. Rex didn't have the same expertise as someone like Kix, but he was aware of that much.
"Yes. I suspect that what we're dealing with is some form of trauma to the brain. A level five scan will detect any anomalies."
"Sir, are you sure that's necessary? I'm going to get some serious pushback from the higher ups if I order that kind of procedure."
"Don't worry about that," Luke said reassuringly. "If anyone gives you trouble, I'll cut through the red tape. Just get it done."
Rex nodded and gave no indication he'd disobey. The blond knew from experience by now that Rex was not above questioning orders, but he'd follow the ones from those he respected to the letter.
With any luck we can run this test on Tup, get this chip out of his head and Sidious won't be able to commit his genocide.
"I'll tell Sergeant Appo to pull him aside and alert Kix. The only place we can do that kind of scan is on the medical bay inside one of the Cruisers. I'll have to make sure we're not interrupted."
Luke knew Rex well enough for him to be discreet when it came to sensitive information. After all, the man kept the secret of his father's marriage for the better part of three years.
"In any case, let's go down to the gymnasium. I have a surprise for the boys I think they'll get a kick out of."
"Oh? What did you have in mind?"
A boyish smile spread across Rex's face.
"Let's just say it isn't your typical sparring exercise."
Thirty minutes earlier…
"So you really think we gave the General what he was looking for?"
Echo and Fives debated the merit of their investigation as they headed towards the sparring mat. Most of their brothers had already made their way over.
"Seems like it," Echo said with a shrug. "All he wanted was to know if anyone showed signs of nightmares, headaches, or irritability. Tup fits at least one of those three."
"But what if something happens? The General isn't exactly giving us much to go off of."
Fives was always one to try and over analyze things. But Echo did see his point.
"Tup is probably going to get checked out by the Jedi," he reasoned, wiping some dust off his pauldron. "You know how it works with them. They'll do something with the Force that will lead to some answers."
Fives' worried expression softened.
"I know," he said. "But I wish we knew more. The Jedi are in danger and I don't like it."
"I'm sure the General has a plan. Imagine word getting out about a Sith controlling the Grand Army of the Republic? It would cause a panic."
Not to mention the backlash if General Luke's theory turned out to be false, Echo reasoned further in his head. But it did beg several questions: who was the Sith Lord? How did he plan on implementing this scheme? And what methods would he use to control them? Any clone worth their salt would never turn against the Jedi.
The lack of clear answers only raised the specter of something dark and sinister in his mind. Something that had been missed up until this point…
"Fair enough. In the meantime, let's keep an eye on Tup and make sure he's doing alright," Fives said, adjusting his holsters and setting his blaster pistols to stun. Echo gave him a light nudge of the elbow.
"Uh, I think that's going to take awhile."
A massive crowd had gathered in the sparring gym and it didn't take long to find out why. At the center stood four distinct clones, who's features were radically different by Kaminoan standards. Each wore an equally distinct set of armor, all painted in rusty maroon color. But every man in the room buzzed around them like flies to honey. The chatter only increased as the two ARCs moved through the crowd until they spotted a familiar face (honestly it was hard to tell sometimes when you all shared the exact same one).
"Hey our resident ARCs have returned," called out a jovial voice they recognized as Jesse. "What did our dear General want with a couple of scrubs like you two?"
They returned a jaunty grin and gave their brother a firm shake.
"Oh, you know. Just the usual ARC Trooper stuff. Might be a little over your head, though," Echo shot back playfully. "What's all this then?"
Jesse indicated with his head.
"Clone Force 99 stopped by for a visit. It's all anyone can talk about."
Ah, that explained things. The Bad Batch had become an increasingly legendary unit of clones over the course of the war, each one noted for a special ability of some kind. Fives had heard stories, of course. They all did but this was the first time anyone in the 501st saw them this close.
"They don't look like any clones I've ever seen. Especially the big one. He must be at least two meters tall."
"Let's go take a closer look."
They pushed their way to the front and saw immediately why they were attracting so much attention. These clones weren't just different, they were cool.
"One at a time, one at a time," the leader said, holding up his hands. At least Fives thought he was the leader. He certainly looked the part- long, flowing brown hair, a chiseled jawline and an intersecting tattoo on the left side that gave a distinct skull-like appearance. The theme fit well with a skull adorned headband. He had an air of calm, quiet effectiveness. Keen, penetrating eyes scanned the room, as though they were always on alert.
"Hunter, come on! Why are we here again?"
The tall one, a bald, hulking menace with a scar that spread like a web across half his face, whined and acted as much like a child as a soldier. To their surprise, Commander Cody stepped out from behind the large man.
"You're here, Wrecker because if you're going to be working alongside standard clone trooper units, you'll need to get to know them first. A little integration never hurts."
"That remains to be seen," one of the others stated in a stiff monotone. He wore odd looking, circular shaped glasses and carried a miniature data pad. Though his expression was neutral, Fives detected a degree of awkwardness over the attention.
"Don't worry Tech, they're just regs."
The last of them, a tall, lanky fellow with a buzz cut and the outline of a scope tattooed around his right eye, appeared standoffish, cold even. But he was quickly reprimanded by Cody.
"That attitude of yours is exactly why we're having this meet and greet, Crosshair. Defeating the Separatists requires discipline, strategy, and above all, team chemistry."
"But we've met the 41st already!" Wrecker continued to complain. "We're not even going to be fighting with these guys."
"That's not the point, trooper Wrecker."
Every clone stiffened a little straight when Cody used that tone of voice. Though a caring General, everyone knew he did not suffer fools or inappropriate off color remarks.
"Though you're not officially under my command, all of these men are your brothers in defending the Republic and everything we hold dear. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir," Hunter said respectfully. "We strive to be the best and it's an honor to share a room with the best."
Such a comment was appreciated by all who heard it, including the two ARCs. Fives felt his respect rise for one called Hunter. Cody apparently thought so as well. His stiff posture relaxed.
"Alright. I think everyone in this room has earned themselves a bit of fun. Which is why Rex and I have organized a sparring contest. Clone Force 99 versus the elite troopers of the 501st."
That certainly earned a roar of approval from the crowd. Wrecker was ecstatic.
"Oh, yeah! Who wants some?!"
"I'm going first. Step aside," Crosshair rebuked him icily as he began removing his upper body armor and weaponry.
Echo and Fives came up beside Cody as the multitudes around them prepared to decide amongst themselves who would earn the honor of squaring up against the infamous Bad Batch.
"I have a feeling this wasn't your idea," Echo said with a small hint of humor.
Cody greeted them warmly and shook his head.
"It was Rex's, actually. Technically, these boys don't have an official commander but they've just been assigned to special operations under General Unduli. The Seps are planning on attacking Kashyyyk with three divisions and her forces won't be enough to hold them off."
"And…four men make up a three to one disadvantage?" Fives asked slowly.
"I'd ordinarily share your skepticism. But I've seen these guys in action. Let's just say, they're an army by themselves."
Echo perked up and saw Crosshair take off the upper chest plate of his armor and step into the ring. Appo was the first to challenge him. The First Sergeant was one of their best and tough as nails to boot.
"And you're sure nothing will go wrong, sir?"
"Something could always go wrong, trooper. That's why we prepare. But hey, Captain Rex personally requested this exercise and General Skywalker approved it. Good soldiers follow orders, am I right?"
There was something about that phrase that made Fives' stomach wriggle. He could hear Pong Krell cruelly laughing as if they were back on Umbara. Someone who tricked and tormented them at every turn all the while every man in the 501st was forced to obey nearly every single order because they had to. Because they'd been trained to do it without question. Such a mindset nearly got them killed.
"With respect, sir…good soldiers do the right thing."
Cody eyed him curiously, but then his eyes shifted downwards, as though his own memories of that terrible campaign had come back.
They snapped their attention back up to the ring where Appo and Crosshair were currently duking it out. The former tried to use his superior weight and strength to overpower the slim, marksman. But Crosshair was quicker. Ducking underneath a swing, he blocked another double jab and delivered a solid kick to the chest.
Appo recovered and caught him in an armhold, but Crosshair wriggled free and applied the same move only this time, it encircled the neck. He swung down to the mat and tried as he might, the Sergeant could not break free.
The referee, Lieutenant Vaughn in this case, tapped the floor after five seconds and the fight was over. Crosshair's teammates cheered while the regulars elbowed and teased Appo, who look none too pleased being taken down in under a minute. There was no shortage of volunteers to take his place.
Fives decided to take a chance in speaking to the leader…Hunter, was it?
"Impressive. Is he always like that?"
He didn't mean it to sound like a barb but Hunter took no offense, laughing quietly at the remark.
"Yeah, Crosshair's not one for conversation. But if you need someone to hit a target from ten klicks away, he's your man."
"I assume that's why his reflexes are so incredible."
"You catch on fast," Hunter said with a complimentary nod. "It's true. He may look wiry, but he's quick. And deceptively strong."
He held out a hand which Fives took.
"Sergeant Hunter, at your service."
"ARC Trooper Fives. This here is my batchmate, Echo."
"A pleasure," Hunter said after pleasantries were exchanged. "This here is Tech," he said, indicating the goggled man with a severely receding hairline. "And Wrecker," with a nod towards the aforementioned giant clone. "I hear ARC Troopers are some of the best."
"Almost getting eaten by a giant eel will teach you a thing or two," Fives said with a grin.
"Giant eel?" Wrecker asked confusedly.
He puffed out his chest a little and brandished his helmet.
"Yup. I got one painted right here to prove it. Echo's handprint was originally blood from its eyeball after we took it down."
"You don't say," Hunter said, scanning their armor up and down. Wrecker looked mesmerized.
"Wow! And you killed that thing by yourself?"
Echo rolled his eyes and gave Fives a playful shove.
"Don't mind him. He's been known to exaggerate. For one thing, Rex was the one who took down the eel, not us," he explained. "It was also on the Rishi Moon outpost. We had to defend it from Grievous."
"I like Rex, he's a good man," Hunter said, watching as the next contestant, Ridge, entered the mat against Crosshair. "Still, defending an outpost from the most notorious Sep general is a story I'd like to hear more about."
"I would too," Tech chimed in. "The odds of two clones defending an outpost from Grievous are about one million, five hundred and seventy six thousand to one."
Echo regaled them while Fives observed the next few matches. Some gave better efforts than others. A couple of the veterans, including Ridge and Coric, almost succeeded but in the end emerged defeated. Five rounds of this passed and with each one, Fives grew impatient. And more than a little annoyed.
"If this is all the best reg division offers, I can't say I'm all that impressed," Crosshair said, giving an obnoxious yawn, twiddling a toothpick in between his fingers. "Is there anyone who can give me an actual challenge?"
A familiar feeling began boiling in the ARC's blood. The kind that desired a fight.
This kriffin bastard thinks we're no good
"I can."
It caught the attention of Echo and Hunter, still talking animatedly about the defense of the Rishi Moon.
"Fives? What are you doing?" his brother called to him as he took off his upper armor and set the blaster pistols on the ground.
"What does it look like I'm doing? Kicking some ass."
The rest of the 501st cheered at this show of confidence and even Echo couldn't resist hollering in support. And why not? Someone had to show that jumped up marksman what for. His arrogance had been rubbing Fives the wrong way from the beginning. Time to win a round for the 501st.
"And who are you?" Crosshair practically sneered.
"The name's Fives. ARC Trooper. 501st."
"An ARC Trooper, eh? I've heard of them."
Crosshair removed the toothpick from his mouth and flicked it away.
"But a reg is still a reg."
Fives did not back down. If anything, he grew bolder.
"You're gonna eat those words."
He only received a snake-like smirk in response. Kriff, he wanted to take this guy down.
Captain Vaughn gave the okay and the round began. Five advanced first, but did not come out swinging right away. If ARC training taught you anything it was to survey an opponent before striking. Find a weakness and exploit it. But doing so against Crosshair wouldn't be easy and he found that out quickly.
He was met with two quick jabs, one hit, one missed, but it sent a message. Don't get too close or the snake will bite. Crosshair's mouth widened as he sent two more strikes but Fives was ready this time. He dodged them and gave a solid right hook against a key pressure point in the shoulder.
"AGH!"
Crosshair groaned and flexed his arm while Fives reciprocated the same smirk. It sent a message. He was no pushover and would not go down easy.
"Well, well, you might actually test me."
He ignored the taunt and continued to focus on his line of attack. Crosshair gave a mighty kick which Fives blocked. He countered with a double step low kick to the shin and tried to land the same punch, which was blocked in turn. The marksman faked right and landed a blow to the temple with his left, and he stepped back to recover.
So he's a Southpaw. That's interesting
Fives knew Crosshair was likely a tad quicker but he held an edge in overall strength. Appo had tried the same thing, so he'd have to use a different strategy.
He ducked low from two more lefty blows and countered with two of his own which were swept aside. He tried a swing with his right but then placed a solid punch to the gut. This caused his brothers in the 501st to cheer.
"Come on, Fives bring him down!"
"You got this, brother!"
He felt invigorated by the support but almost proved to be his undoing. With Crosshair doubled over, Fives went in for the kill. But his finishing move was evaded and he suddenly found himself in a chokehold.
"You put up a good fight," came the serpentine hiss in his ear. "But as I said: a reg is still a reg."
Call me that one more time, Fives growled internally. But there was no denying the stickiness of his situation. Crosshair's forearm squeezed like a boa constrictor and breathing became more difficult. Time to think fast.
Powering his legs, Fives dug in, and using all his strength flipped Crosshair onto his back to the roar of the crowd. Before the marksman could recover, the ARC put his head in a scissor lock, effectively sealing the match. Try as he might, Crosshair's struggles were in vain.
Lieutenant Vaughn slapped the floor after ten seconds and Fives released his opponent. Breathing heavily, he raised a triumphant fist, cementing the victory to the deafening cheers of the men. That was for the 501st.
Crosshair gave the tiniest nod which Fives reciprocated. There was no haughty sneer of superiority or dismissal with the term 'reg' this time. From the ashes of battle came respect. A feeling Hunter voiced aloud as he navigated his way through the adoring crowd, all of whom were singing his praises and giving pats on the backs.
"Well played, ARC Trooper Fives."
Hunter had the smallest of smiles on his face. He appreciated it as much as the commendation received from the rest of his brothers.
"Thanks."
"Hey someone had to defend our rep," Echo said with a laugh and lightly shook Fives on the shoulder. "You should see him in action. He's the best."
"You both are from the sounds of it," Hunter said more seriously. "Echo told me you both were rookies defending that outpost."
"We were. But we also can't take full credit. We lost too many good men that day, including three in our squad," Fives told him, a bit of sorrow dampening the triumph of victory as he remembered Droidbait, Cutup, and Hevy. Hunter seemed to understand this.
"It's never easy losing your brothers in war. That's why we have each other. That's why I look after my squad. And make no mistake, in another lifetime I think you two could have been a part of it."
It was the highest of compliments one could receive and both ARC Troopers knew it.
"Yeah," Echo said with a small smile. "Maybe."
They noticed Crosshair standing off to one side, avoiding any eye contact or human interaction as the next contestants entered the mat. Fives knew that look, and sympathized. It was the kind one made when licking their chops after a loss. And he hated to lose any kind of fight.
"Is he gonna be okay?"
Tech merely shrugged.
"It's only his pride that's been wounded."
Hunter gave a noise of amusement.
"Yeah, like Tech said, he's fine. Not many regs get the better of us in these exercises. Give it a couple hours and he'll be back to his normal charming self in no time."
Fives snorted.
"That's reassuring."
With Crosshair gone, Wrecker wasn't going to be denied his chance at a good dustup.
"Who wants some?!" he bellowed. "Come on!"
The bravado of the 501st cooled considerably. Not many wanted to volunteer their services to be a punching bag for the six foot six behemoth.
"What's the matter?" Echo ribbed his brother. "Not going to defend your title?"
"I like to spar as much as the next man but I'm not insane."
Fives had only entered the ring to defend the honor of his division. But fighting Wrecker was akin to suicide. Who was stupid enough to try?
The answer came in seconds.
"What the heck. Let me have a go!"
The distinct man bun nearly floored the two ARCs as the 501st cheered. What on earth was Tup doing up there?
"Don't worry," Hunter assured them, seeing the panicked looks on their faces. "Wrecker likes to play rough but he's not a thug. He won't hurt your friend."
"At least…not permanently," Tech noted blandly, which earned him a disapproving frown from his leader.
He couldn't know their concern stemmed from a different reason, one they hadn't spoken aloud yet. As Tup shed his top armor and began bouncing around the mat, Fives felt torn between intervening and staying silent.
"What do we do?" Echo whispered.
"I don't know!" he whispered back. "It's not like we can stop him. Having nightmares doesn't make you disabled."
Hunter eyed them curiously but said nothing and soon Lieutenant Vaughn signaled the start of the match.
It went about as expected. Tup squirmed his way out of reach from Wrecker's clutches, but he could only avoid him for so long. Punches were absorbed like a sponge in water and Tup's eyes widened in horror at what he'd gotten himself into. In seconds, Wrecker had picked him up as though he were an infant.
"Oh, yeah! Here it comes!"
Wrecker proceeded to body slam Tup onto the mat, causing his head to jerk back in a whiplash. Several 'ooos' rang out.
"Wrecker! What's the matter with you?"
Commander Cody intervened, checking in on the downed trooper, who was barely conscious.
"I'm-I'm sorry," the giant said sheepishly. "I got a little carried away."
Echo gave Wrecker a harsh look.
"Carried away? Are you kidding?"
"Technically, it's not his fault. Trooper Tup should have known the odds were not in his favor. No one forced him to fight," Tech responded.
Echo was about to retort but Hunter got in between them.
"Let's all take it easy. It was an accident, I'll make sure Wrecker is disciplined. You check in on your friend."
He quickly made his way to the mat and placed an understanding hand on his gigantic friend's forearm.
"It's alright, Wrecker. I know you didn't mean it. But I am going to have to assign you to latrine duty for a few days. And no smashing any droids until it's done."
Fives thought the punishment a bit underwhelming and he was more than a bit peeved that the colossus didn't know his own strength. But his primary worry lay with Tup.
"Come on," he said to Echo. "We need to make sure he's okay."
"Right."
As they moved through the hushed crowd, Fives could see Tup had gotten up, supported by Cody and Kix. But he looked extremely woozy and unsteady.
"Make room. Give him some space," Cody told the rest of the troopers, though he allowed Echo and Fives to assist their comrade.
The two ARCs lifted each one of Tup's arms around their shoulders but paused when he began muttering to himself.
"Tup?"
Tup's head kept rotating around, as though it wasn't properly attached to the rest of his body. His eyes began rolling back. Fives could hear the words properly now.
"Good soldiers follow orders…good soldiers follow orders…"
"What in the name of Kamino is he talking about?" Kix asked.
"I have no idea."
Tup kept repeating the same four words over and over again. To Fives, it was almost as though he'd fallen into some kind of trance. It made him feel very unnerved. Kix grabbed Tup's jaw and opened the eyelids for a closer inspection. The pupils were heavily dilated.
"We need to run a few scans," the medic said, worry entering his voice now. "I've seen plenty of hits to the head but nothing like this."
The sound of automatic doors opening signaled that General Luke and Captain Rex entered the room and they gazed at the scene playing out in front of them. The latter crooked an eyebrow.
"What did we miss?"
Cody was the first to answer.
"We had a little accident during the sparring competition. Tup hit his head pretty hard and we're taking him to the infirmary now. I…apologize for letting things get out of hand."
Rex began waving the apology aside, but Fives saw General Luke's eyes narrow at the sight of Tup's continued incoherency. He ignored the two clones and walked straight up to the corporal.
"Tup…Tup…can you hear me?"
"Good soldiers follow orders…good soldiers follow orders…"
There was a peculiar look on the General's face. Almost as if he expected this strange behavior. Disturbed certainly. But not surprised.
"Tup…it's Jedi General Luke Ahch-To."
Something about that phrase triggered the trooper. The head stopped rotating and it centered straight ahead. A normally mild mannered clone, he took on an expression of pure murderous intention.
"Kill the Jedi…"
He lunged forward, his hands twisted into claw shapes in a shocking display of brutality. Anticipating this, Luke stepped to the side, causing Tup to stumble. When the clone turned around attempting this again, Luke calmly used the Force to stop him dead in his tracks. This allowed Fives and Echo to subdue him to the ground.
The entire legion gasped. Rex and Cody stood completely stunned at what had just happened. Then shock gave way to nausea and horror.
"Get him under control!" Cody shouted as Jesse also aided the ARCs in pinning their friend to the ground, who'd begun violently thrashing. Rex was slower to action, still disoriented by the actions of one of his own men.
"Tup," he croaked. "Do you know what you've just done?"
"I don't know that he does," Hunter interjected. Even Crosshair, Tech, and Wrecker appeared floored by what they witnessed. "But make no mistake, Captain. Corporal Tup just tried to physically assault a Jedi."
'Physically assault' was putting it mildly, in Fives' opinion as he wrested Tup's left arm behind his back. Assault and kill were not in the same league, and he'd been in enough combat situations to recognize the difference.
He was going to kill General Luke.
"Tup for kriff's sake, stay still," Jesse whispered harshly as his friend still tried to break free. "Kix, a little help here?"
The medic inserted a muscle relaxant and the struggles ceased. But the general anxiety throughout the room could not have been higher. Thankfully, Luke took immediate control.
"Listen up," the General announced. "We need to stay calm. Echo, Fives, and Jesse, take Tup back to the infirmary. Kix, run every scan imaginable. Commander Cody, Captain Rex, I want you to contact the Council and inform them of what's happened. Everyone else, remain on standby in your barracks. We're going to get to the bottom of this right now."
Fives didn't remember much after that as the flurry of boots, armor, and activity blurred the senses while assisting Tup to the infirmary. But he did recall the dilated pupils in Tup's eyes and the phrase uttered before attacking General Luke.
'Good soldiers follow orders.'
Taking a fearful glance at Echo, a distinct chill ran up their spines.
The most dangerous enemy yet was the one they couldn't see.
Well, well. Looks like the first inkling of Order 66 has been exposed...or has it?
Originally, the Bad Batch weren't supposed to appear in this fic, but I found a way to give them a cameo. Hope you all enjoyed it:)
Next chapter is going to be a big one in terms of length and plot movement. Keep your eyes peeled for about mid-December.
Rock on!
~The Wasp