Chapter Three
The Birth and the Rescue
The pain and the anger was still there, that is how he managed to live. Vader wouldn't simply die like that, no. He climbed up the embankment, while using every bit of the dark side of the Force to keep himself alive. The only thing that remained of Vader was a severely burned body and his prosthetic right arm. As the volcanoes exploded around him as he moaned in pain, he heard a noise approaching. Over his head, the Emperor's shuttle approached the Facility. Once it landed, it's occupants: Darth Sidious, Commander Fury of the 481st Legion and a couple of his men got right to work searching for Vader.
"Your Majesty, this way!" shouted Savoy as he led the way to where he spotted Vader.
"There he is. He's still alive," said Darth Sidious as he looked at his apprentice in awe, amazed that he managed to survive his injuries.
Vader looked up to see his master before rolling on his back, knowing he was safe.
Sidious quickly turned to Fury. "Get the medical capsule from my shuttle immediately."
"Yes, sir. Right away," replied Fury before looking at one of his subordinates and nodded. As the two of them went back to the shuttle to retrieve the medical capsule, Darth Sidious walked down to where Vader was, leaned down and put a comforting hand on his apprentice's forehead.
(Meanwhile, back at the Kaliida Shoals Medical Center...)
Grand Master Yoda waited patiently for the return of Obi-Wan, at his side were Aayla, Ahsoka and Plo Koon. The four of them were meditating to pass the time and were conversing with an old friend.
"Failed to stop the Sith Lord, I have. Still much to learn, there is." Said Yoda as he meditated
"Patience. You will have time. I did not. When I became one with the Force, I made a great discovery. With my training, you will all be able to merge with the Force at will. Your physical self will fade away, but you will still retain your consciousness. You will become more powerful than any Sith." Said the voice of Qui Gonn Jinn, the man who rescued Anakin as a young boy.
"So it is possible. Eternal consciousness." Said Aayla.
"The ability to defy oblivion can be achieved, but only for oneself. It was accomplished by a Shaman of the Whills. It is a state acquired through compassion, not greed. Love is the answer to the darkness." Stated Qui Gon.
They continued to converse until Senator Organa walk up to them to deliver important news.
"Excuse me for interrupting," he said politely. Yoda, Ahsoka, Aayla and Plo Koon opened their eyes and glanced at Bail. "Obi-Wan Kenobi and the clone troopers with him have made contact."
The Negotiator and Tribunal quickly exited out of hyperspace, with Padme's ship swiftly making its way to the medical center from the hangar of the Venator. Docking at the nearest airlock, Obi-Wan came onboard the medical center with urgency as he carried the unconscious Padme in his arms, quickly followed by Kix, C-3PO and R2. It was very clear that Padme was in need of urgent care and she had a very visible baby bump. The group were greeted by Ahsoka, Aayla, Plo Koon, Bail, Thire, Fox, Stone, Bly, Gree, Neyo, Wolffe, Blitz and Bacara.
"We'll take her to the nearest medical room. Quickly!" said Bail. The group rushed towards said room.
(Meanwhile, back on Coruscant...)
A massive thunderstorm had moved in and consumed Galactic City. Emperor Palpatine's shuttle was currently being escorted by a trio of Alpha-3 Nimbus-Class V-Wing Starfighters in the severe storm. Once the escort had reached the Grand Republic Medical Facility (later to be renamed as the Emperor Palpatine Surgical Reconstruction Center), the first two V-Wings broke off, clearing a way for the Emperor's shuttle to land on one of the platforms. The third V-Wing landed right behind the Emperor's shuttle.
Clone shock troopers of the Coruscant Guard (those that were loyal to the Empire) lined the edges of the landing platform, serving as temporary guards for the Emperor. Fury and one of his subordinates walked down the shuttle's boarding ramp, followed by a medical capsule containing Darth Vader (who was currently breathing through a respirator due to his damaged lungs). Two more clone troopers followed the rear of the medical capsule, then came Palpatine with two of his Royal Guards right behind him.
As the storm got worse, all Vader could feel was the burning sensation in his injuries as the rain connected with his body. Eventually, the rain stopped as he and Palpatine went inside for the former's 'rebirth'.
(Kaliida Shoals Medical Centre, Naboo system)
Padme rested on an operating table, while a GH-7 Medical Droid, Kix and several clone medical officers examined her. Yoda, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Aayla, Plo Koon, Bail, C-3PO, R2, Appo, Rex, Cody, Bly, Gree, Neyo, Wolffe, Blitz, Fox, Stone, Thire and Bacara all watched the scene unfold from behind a window. Kix and another clone medical officer left the room to meet with the group to give them their respective reports on Padme's condition.
"How is she?" asked Plo Koon.
"Medically, she's completely healthy." Said Gauze, the clone medical personnel of Kaliida. "But for reasons we can't explain, we are losing her. It's as if she has lost her will to live."
Ahsoka and Aayla gasped, while uneasiness set in with Plo Koon, Bail and the clone officers.
"She's dying?" asked Obi-Wan.
Kix nodded his head sadly. "Yes, sir. But we need to operate quickly if we are to save her babies."
"Babies?" asked Bail, raising an eyebrow.
"She's carrying twins," said Gauze.
Yoda contemplated the news, while Obi-Wan and Ahsoka went over to the window to look at the pregnant woman. Obi-Wan brought a hand to his mouth as he thought of what to do.
(Meanwhile, back on Coruscant)
Vader was currently on an operating table and still using a respirator to breathe through. A surgical droid was currently installing the Sith Lord's new prosthetic limbs and other cybernetic implants, while another one was carefully picking away at all the remaining chars of clothing and flesh from his body. An assistant droid was giving Vader a blood transfusion, while a surgical droid was injecting the Sith Lord with painkillers as he started to scream out in pain, and all under the watchful eye of Darth Sidious-who wanted his apprentice to stay awake during the whole process so that the pain would make him stronger.
(Kaliida Shoals Medical Centre, Naboo system)
Padme's cries were heartbreaking as she struggled to give birth to her twins. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were surrounding Padme, giving her their support.
After more struggling, the cry of the first baby was heard. Kix held the baby as he showed it to Padme, telling her it was a boy.
"Luke," said Padme, giving her son a name. Kix then gave Luke to Obi-Wan and the Jedi Master held him close to Padme so that she could see her new child. The mother caressed her son's head.
"Oh, Luke." said Padme before she began to cry in pain again as she tried to force the second baby out of her body. Ahsoka clutched Padme's left hand as she continued to scream and then finally, the second baby popped out. The group outside watched as Kix held the baby in front of Padme.
"It's a girl," said Obi-Wan.
"Leia." Padme managed to say, still holding on to Ahsoka's right hand for support.
Meanwhile
A mechanical arm positioned itself above Vader's head as it brought the eerie skull-like mask lower and lower to the Sith Lord's face. Vader look into the red eye sockets of the mask. Once the mask was placed on his face, the helmet was lowered. It sealed shut and a hissing sound could be heard before the breathing apparatus started working, and the menacing sound of rhythmic mechanical human breathing was heard.
Padme was on her last legs as she started to breathe in heavily. She looked towards Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, who each had a baby in their arms.
"Obi-Wan, Ahsoka." said Padme, looking up at the two as they waited for her response.
"There's still good inside Anakin. I know. I know there's...still-" Padme's chest kept rising and falling as her breathing became more and more intense until she couldn't go on. Padme Amidala nodded off and passed away.
Obi-Wan looked at her devastated, while tears ran down Ahsoka's eyes as she cried. Both of the babies started to cry, sensing their mother had left the world they lived in. Yoda looked at the scene in sadness before closing his eyes as his ears dropped, with Aayla, Plo Koon, Bail and the clone officers lowering their heads in mourning.
At the same time
The operating table tilted vertically until Darth Vader stood upright, with the straps around his wrists restraining him.
Palpatine approached his apprentice. "Lord Vader, can you hear me?"
"Yes, my master," replied Vader, who noticed his voice had a deep baritone to it. He then turned his head slightly to the left to see the Emperor standing next to him.
"Where is Padme? Is she safe? Is she alright?" asked Vader. He needed to see her again, to see her beautiful face and the bump on her stomach. The only thing he desired was his beloved wife.
Palpatine didn't hesitate to break Vader's final 'wall' to bring him to his side. "It seems, in your anger...you killed her."
The blood in Vader's veins ran cold as anger and disbelief surged throughout his body. "I?! I...I couldn't have. She was alive. I felt it!"
The Sith Lord's anger finally let itself out as he began crushing the medical droids and shattering their tubes, the contents of which fell on the floor. The room also began to quake as Vader's anger lashed out, crushing the nearby walls. He then tore his hands from the operating table's restraints. Vader stumbled forward since he was not used to his new prosthetic legs. He quickly regained his balance and growled before letting out all of his emotions in a pained voice: "NOOOOOOOOO!"
Behind him, the Emperor was grinning evilly, knowing he had succeeded in getting his lethal enforcer. With nothing else to live for, Darth Vader would serve his master without question or doubt.
Onderon, Japrael System
Meanwhile, Delta Squad follows Clone Force 99 on their own mission. After dropping the samples off at the hidden prototype Venator, they set off back to Tipoca City and planted a tracker on the Bad Batch's ship. Now they were following the tracker which led them to Onderon, a planet once occupied by the Separatists. The squad watched the Bad Batch as they scouted 'insurgents'. Boss analysed each individual clone and only one had him worried. Crosshair. Even though it seems like his mutation may have stopped the full effect of biochip, the effect was still there even if it was slightly. Delta Squad watched as the Bad Batch was caught by the 'insurgents' who are led by Saw Gerrera. After a few minutes of talking, Saw let them go.
Unknown to Clone Force 99 though, they were followed not only by Delta but by another. A probe droid sent by Tarkin to observe their every move. Fixer noticed the droid and moved behind it and tried to take it down silently. But a shot from Hunter's pistol cut his objective short. Fixer quickly took cover to hide from them. As the Batch headed back to the camp, they discussed Omega, the girl they encountered earlier on Kamino. The girl turned out to be a clone of Jango Fett and is enhanced. Hunter decided to return to Kamino and rescue her despite Crosshair's protests. Delta Squad watched as they went on their way.
"Contact our inside men at Tipoca City. Tell them to get ready." Boss said to Fixer as they ran back to their own ship.
Tipoca City Brig, Kamino
As predicted, the Bad Batch were arrested and thrown in the brig for treason. They found Omega in the cell with them and just as Crosshair began another complaint, a group of four Shock Troopers entered.
"You four, you are being relieved of duty. We'll take it from here and we have orders to take CT-9904 with us." Said the Lieutenant as he held his carbine across his body.
"Yes sir! Come on, boys. Let's get some grub." Said one of the clones as they all went out.
The Lieutenant then opened the ray shield and said, "Alright you five. Let's get out of here."
Everyone in the cell were shocked. "What is this?" Hunter asked, clearly confused.
"We are on the side of the Republic. Commander Cody ordered us to remain behind to keep an eye on things. Clearly he was right. Furthermore, we received a signal from Delta Squad to spring you out of here. Oh and one more thing, don't freak out." said the Lieutenant. With that, he nodded to one of his men and he stunned Crosshair.
Hunter jumped back and shouted, "What the hell are you doing?"
"Trust me, it's for your own good and his. Now come, we'll be heading back to the Hangar Bay and getting on your ship. We need to get out of here and head to Kaliida Medical Centre and fast!" the Lieutenant replied back.
The group ran back to the hangar bay, taking every precaution, avoiding security until finally they reached the hangar bay where another group of shock troopers were loading the stuff onto the Bad Batch's ship.
"It'll be a tight squeeze but we'll manage. Let's go." Said the Lieutenant as they all boarded the ship.
The ship flew out of the hangar bay and jumped to hyperspace without Tarkin's knowledge.
Kaliida Medical Centre, Naboo System
The Maruader finally arrived at the medical centre where there was a fleet of Venators surrounding the facility. As the ship docked, the Bad Batch along with Omega and the rogue Shock Troopers were greeted by Delta Squad.
"You four will come with us. Sickle, take Crosshair to the medical room and prep for chip extraction." Commanded Boss.
Lieutenant Sickle nodded and took his group and Crosshair who was on a stretcher to the aforementioned medical room. Delta Squad took the Bad Batch to a room that had Cody, Rex, Neyo, Bacara, Bly, Gree and Wolffe. The rest of the commanders went to their designated planet with the equipment taken by the Infiltrator.
"Hunter, Tech, Wrecker and Echo. It's good to see you boys. Please sit." Said Cody.
The commanders all sat down with Hunter and the group sitting down as well. Delta stood guard behind the Bad Batch armed with their DC-17M interchangeable weapon system.
"Hunter, we had Delta Squad following you after having seen your behaviour at Tipoca City. We assumed you had your chips activated but it didn't seem that way so they followed you all the way to Onderon and confirmed our suspicions." Briefed Rex as he leaned forward.
"But why though? Why have us followed and why have Crosshair stunned when you sent your men to rescue us?!" Hunter said calmly.
It was at this time Omega spoke, "It's because of his inhibitor chip right?"
"His what?" Hunter asked as he turned to Omega.
"His inhibitor chip. The Kaminoans implanted them in the clones to modify their behaviour." Omega replied.
Hunter turned towards Tech and said, "Tech, you said the regs were programmed but you never mentioned a chip."
"How else did you think it worked? And besides, we have a bigger question to ask. What happened to your chips?" asked Tech as he turned from Hunter to the Commanders.
"Three years ago, one of my men shot a Jedi Padawan. We didn't know why he did it but then, we discovered the chip when we arrested him. When we removed it in an operation, it was deformed. He survived but he was wracked with guilt. I knew then, it was significant. So I did a covert investigation and turns out, the chip are activated through one order…Order 66." Said Neyo as he recounted his discovery. "So I gathered as many commanders as I could to remove the chips from us and our men so that we would never betray the Jedi. New recruits had their chips removed in a so called 'Standard Medical Procedure' on our ships. No one knew about it until of course, our Jedi Generals were shot by another legion. The Emperor must have had backup plans or he could have predicted this…we don't know but despite this, we managed to save a few Jedi."
Hunter sat back in shock and said, "So you think Crosshair's chip activated? That's why he was harping on about orders?"
"Yes, we think so. Just to be on the safe side, we'll have your chips removed as well. If you'd like, we are offering a place for you in our special forces programme." Said Cody as he stood up.
"What kind of programme?" Asked Echo
"The kind that involves a lot of sabotage, rescuing and intel gathering." Replied Rex as he too stood up.
"Sabotage?! Hell yeah, I'm in!" shouted Wrecker as he stood up and hit the table, leaving a dent.
The commanders chuckled. "So what do you say boys? Are you in? Ready to fight for the true Republic?" asked Gree.
Hunter hummed and then, looked at Omega. "What about Omega?"
The commanders looked at her and Cody asked, "Omega, we have Madame Se here with us if you'd like to be with her or if you prefer, would you like to be inducted into our special forces training? It'll be a long time for you to be ready to join up with the Bad Batch but we guarantee you that with training, we'll have you ready."
Omega looked at Cody and at Hunter, unsure of her decision. Hunter nodded as if to say that it would be her decision. "I think….I like to undergo the training and be with Clone Force 99."
"Alright, little sister. Welcome to the Grand Army of the New Republic!" said Cody as he walked around the table and crouched to give her a handshake.
Omega shook his hand and smiled. At this point, Hunter stood up and replied, "We are in, Cody. Tell us our next mission."
Cody smiled and then stood up, "There will be time enough for that. For now, we have to get ourselves situated. We need to establish a series of bases before we can actually take the fight to the Empire. But in the meantime, we have a lot of things to do first. First, let's get that chip out of your heads and then, we'll meet with the Jedi."
The Bad Batch moved out of the room and were guided to the medical rooms. Omega followed and her eyes shone with wonder as she looked out the window, seeing the countless stars in space. Her journey was just beginning.
That's it for this chapter! What did you guys think? Did you like the inclusion of the Bad Batch. And yes, Crosshair will not be joining the Empire. He'll be a part of the GANR. The next chapter will be out later on this week or next depending on how I do with my postgraduate studies. I look forward to your reviews and as always, may the Force be with you!
