The Republic Military Complex was in total disarray.
All around, clones bustled about, desperate to find order in the sudden lock-down. Outside, gunships were landing, dispatching more troops to bolster security. Inside, red lights flashed and klaxons sounded as Shock Troopers ran through the crowded halls, shutting blast-doors and securing key positions so that nothing could get in...
or out.
And right now, in a cold, ray-shielded cell in the detention wing, Nala Se knew there was no chance of her getting out...
At least not in vibro-bands.
The long-necked alien sat on the rather uncomfortable durasteel shelf that acted as a bed, her face rested in the palms of her hands as she tried to wrap her head around what she had heard.
The Chancellor was a Sith Lord, and had planned to use the inhibitor chips to destroy the Jedi.
All this time, she had known Palpatine was aware of the chips, but was unaware of the full extent of his involvement. Now, after hearing the true purpose of the inhibitor chip, Nala Se actually felt sick to her stomach, that she would have had a hand in the systematic extermination of an entire culture. To her own surprise, Nala Se felt a warm tear trickle down her cheek...
And at the knowledge that almost caused an innocent man to be killed.
AT that moment, she was begging to rethink everything she had ever thought the men she had helped to create.
Nala Se was pulled from her thoughts when she heard the ray-shield to her cell turn off, followed by three pairs of feet walking down into the cell. Raising her head out of her hands, Nala Se looked up to see three beings who looked very displeased to be in the same space as her;
Anakin Skywalker, Shaak Ti, and the man she had almost gotten killed...
CT-5555.
Fives, Nala Se corrected herself in her mind,
His name is Fives.
"You know why we're here."
Five's low voice and hard glare conveyed to Nala Se that what was said was meant as more of a statement than an actual question. Nala Se, realizing that she had truly made a huge error, numbly nodded her head, a small grimace on her face as she cast her gaze to the cold, hard floor.
Shaak Ti was the next to speak.
"Tell us about the Inhibitor Chips."
Taking a deep breath, Nala Se willed herself to look at her interrogators as she began to speak.
"What I had said on Kamino about the Inhibitor Chips making clones less violent was a lie. They were to make them more compliant to orders, limiting their rational thinking so that they would follow any orders without question."
The two Jedi and one clone listened with malice, but at the same time, intrigue.
"And Order 66?" Anakin inquired calmly, but still with a hard glare.
"A safe-guard, meant to be used against rogue Jedi."
Rogue Jedi, Fives thought to himself, his mind instantly going back to Umbara, only for him to shake the unpleasant memories away. However, his face scrunch up in confusion when he saw a look of recollection cross the kaminoan's face.
"But, something, does not make sense...when Order 65 was issued, the inhibitor chips would have prevented any clones from obeying the Chancellor's orders."
After hearing Nala Se reveal this information, the three other occupants looked at each other, clearly surprised at this new development. But, luckily, they would soon get clarification of this error.
"General Skywalker."
Looking to the source of the interruption, Anakin looked upon the Shock Trooper with intrigue.
"Yes Corporal, what is it?"
Stepping into the cell, the corporal handed Anakin a data-pad, it's screen glowing with information.
"We ran a diagnostic on the inhibitor chips that were in Nala Se's possession...
and, as somewhat expected...we only found the coding for one of the contingency orders."
After a moment of hesitation, Anakin took the data-pad from the trooper, offering a nod thanks, a clear indication that the trooper was dismissed. Looking back at the personal device, Anakin was secretly hoping to see a list of the 150 contingency orders for the Grand Army of the Republic. But, to his utter horror, he, along with Fives and Shaak Ti, only found one.
One which could only be activated by one man...
Lord Sidious.
"Order 66," he began in a shaking voice, the true purpose of the order making him feel weak in the knees and sick to his stomach.
"Under this Directive, Any and All Jedi Must be Executed for Treason Against the Republic."
Upon hearing this, Nala Se could have sworn she felt the room spinning, her thoughts racing at how naive she had been.
"H-he said...I didn't know he..."
Hearing Nala Se's pained whispers, Shaak Ti, with soft expression, walked toward the frazzled scientist, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, making the lanky alien look down into the togruta's eyes, her tall frame, even when seated, making her tower over the three other beings.
"Who said what, Nala Se?"
Taking another breath, Nala Se answered.
"A Jedi named Tyrannus. He supplied us with the a preliminary sample of the structure of the inhibitor chip. He claimed it was under the instruction of the Clone Army's original benefactor, Jedi Master Syfo Dias. Tyrannus told us that the chip was only a safe guard for ROGUE Jedi...not all."
"Does Lama Su know?" Fives finally asked, pulling his eyes away from the data-pad to look at Nala Se, who only nodded. Fives felt his face twist in anger, that the kaminoans had willingly allowed these chips to be implanted in them, without knowing the full extent of their programming.
"You didn't think to check the programming?" Anakin voiced next, his voice conveying more confusion than anger, especially sense they were dealing with a species that were very detail-oriented.
"Once given the original sample," Nala Se continued to explain, " we were told by Tyrannus that any form of analysis outside of duplication would compromise the already delicate integrity of the chip. We had no choice but to begin production to ensure that the army was ready on schedule."
At that point, Fives had heard all he needed to know. But, there was one final matter to address.
"How do we deactivate them."
Looking to the clone she had caused so much trouble for, Nala Se did something Fives did not expect.
She offered a smile...a kind, genuine smile.
"There is a stand-down code. When the objective has been completed, the code is sent, deactivating the inhibitor chips...it should be listed with the data you have, General Skywalker."
Looking back at the data-pad, Anakin's eyes skimmed the information, desperately searching for the deactivation code.
Unfortunately...there was none to be found.
Nala Se's face fell when she saw Skywalker's dejected face, a clear sign that the Sith's deception had caused far greater damage then was initially thought.
"Without a deactivation code," she began to theorize, "the only hope of releasing the affect clones from the inhibitor chip's control, is to send the to the Medical facility...to have them removed."
Realizing Nala Se was right, Anakin immediately left the cell, issuing orders over his comm as Fives and Shaak Ti were left with Nala Se. Realizing there was no need to stay any further, both the clone and togruta turned to leave, but not before Shaak Ti decided to give Nala Se a little glimmer of hope.
"You have done a great service to the Republic despite your transgressions Nala Se...I will speak on your behalf to the council."
At first shocked, Nala Se's face melted into one of gratitude, this time allowing a joyful tear to slide down her cheek, which did not go unnoticed by Shaak Ti, who smiled warmly at the kaminoan before turning to leave with a still irritated Fives, only for the latter to be stooped by Nala Se.
"Fives?"
Stooping in his tracks, Fives, surprised to hear Nala Se refer to him by his name instead of his number, turned to Nala Se, an inquisitive eyebrow raised as the kaminoan looked bashfully at the ground, only to bring her gaze up to meet his.
"I AM sorry about CT...about Tup. He was a good solider...
with a dutiful Brother."
At first shocked by this tender side of Nala Se, Fives, noting the sincerity in Nala Se's voice felt it only right send an appreciative nod toward the kaminoan, before leaving with his love.
The Council Chamber was deathly quiet. Each individual in the rotund space had their heads bowed in contemplative thought. Whether physically or by hologram, almost every seat was filled, save for the one that was left vacant from the effects of recent events. The air was thick with mourning as the reality of what had just transpired resounded in the force.
Looking up, Yoda turned his attention to every Jedi in the room. In the center of the area was Anakin and Luminara, as they were not Council members. Looking around at his fellow masters, Yoda offered a small smile at Master Plo, who was able to attend this impromptu meeting, provided he was accompanied by the Temples lead healer, Rig Nema. Turning his head back to the center of the room, Yoda began to speak.
"Done well, you have, young Skywalker," he began, offering a small grin to the young Jedi, who offered one in return, "uncovered this deception, with the help of the clone called Fives, you did. Ended, the rule of Sidious has."
Yoda's expression soon turned somber once again.
"But at great cost, with the loss of Master Windu, it was."
The air in the chamber once again turned thick with mourning.
"His death, however, not in vain it was; know now of the inhibitor chips we do. Prevent this from happening again, we can."
Looking to Shaak Ti, Yoda let out a soft chuckle as the togruta master realized he was staring at her. Not being able to take it anymore, Shaak Ti finally voiced her anxiety over Yoda's gaze.
"Is there something you require of me in this matter, Master Yoda?" Yoda's smile broadened at Shaak Ti's question as he began to slowly nod.
"Yes," he began, "Discovered this deception through ARC Trooper Fives you did, Master Shaak Ti. Even with Darth Sidious dead, a great threat, they still pose. Oversee the removal of the chips, you and Nala Se shall. Your report from the Military Complex, shows deep regret in her, it does. Accompany you both, Fives will. Offer some time with each other, it will."
Yoda let out a hearty laugh at Shaak Ti's shocked expression, as well as the other Jedi in the room who stared incredulously at the blushing togruta, save for Anakin, who was bolstering a very smug grin. Noticing the shocked expressions of almost every Jedi in the room, Yoda let out an amused chuckle, which drew everyone's' attention to him.
"What is so amusing, Master Yoda?" inquired Obi-Wan with genuine curiosity. Yoda, turning to the bearded master, giving a knowing smile.
"Blind to the force, I would have to be, to not feel the bonds formed by this war, Master Kenobi," he explained.
"Developed they have, romantic feelings between Master Shaak Ti and the ARC Trooper."
Everyone's attention once again was on said togruta. To Anakin's surprise, Obi-Wan was actually sporting a small grin at his colleague's predicament. Noticing this, Yoda decided to make Obi-Wan the center of attention for once.
"Obvious, the feelings between Obi-Wan, and the late Duchess Satine, they were."
Now it was Obi-Wan's turn to blush as all eyes were know on him, Luminara's especially, as her gaze seemed to hold a hint of jealousy. Catching on to the envy emanating from her, Yoda decided to tease her next.
"As is Master Unduli's feelings for Master Kenobi."
Luminara's eyes snapped wide open as Obi-Wan's face conveyed the same amount of surprise, but also, to Luminara's further surprise, intrigue. Anakin by this point was laughing out loud at his Master's current situation, until Yoda said something that stopped him cold.
"Certain, I am, that reprimand you for enjoying your Master's embarrassment, your WIFE would, Master Skywalker."
Anakin froze as all eyes were now on him. Casting an annoyed gaze at Master Yoda, the diminutive Jedi merely chuckled before continuing to speak.
"Yes, the love between you and Senator Amidala, strong AND obvious it is."
Anakin looked around to find that many of the Jedi in attendance, save for Master Plo, due to his mask, had a knowing smile on their faces. Anakin began to blush madly at the fact that his marriage was not as under the radar as he thought. Deciding to ease the young Jedi's embarrassment, Yoda continued.
"But, kept you secured to the Light, her love for you has, Young Skywalker."
Anakin, relieved to know that the council was not angry with his marriage, was surprised at what Master Yoda said next. After bowing his head and closing his eyes in deep contemplation, Yoda straightened back up as he came to a startling, but much needed, suggestion.
"A revision to the code, there must be," Yoda continued, earning a surprised reaction from everyone in the chamber, "To allow feelings of love and passion it must. See now, I do, that lead to the Dark Side, the repression of such feelings do. Shaak Ti's love for Fives, and his love for his brothers, helped to uncover the plot it did. Duchess Satine's passing, strengthened Master Kenobi it did. Skywalker's caring for his wife AND padawan, strengthened him as well, it did."
Pausing for a moment, Yoda closed his eyes in a moment of meditation.
"Strengthen the order, I believe it will."
Looking around, he found that all present in the room were nodding or smiling in agreement. Pleased with outcome, Yoda allowed another smile to grace his weary features.
"Then decided, it is."
The sound of a crackling fire echoed around the court yard. The Great Tree, illuminated by the red and orange light of the flames, cast shadows that seemed to dance around the open space. At the center of the courtyard, was a massive pyre. At the center of the mound; the late Jedi Master, Mace Windu.
A large gathering of Jedi, shrouded in hooded robes, surrounded the pyre, as well as clone commanders, military officers, and members of the Senate. At the forefront of the congregation was Master Yoda, flanked by Master Plo and Master Fisto. Standing closely behind them was Obi-Wan, Luminara standing closely beside him, her head bowed in mourning as Obi-wan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The action alone caused Luminara to offer a soft smile, which was gladly returned by Obi-Wan.
Shaak Ti, eyes glossed over with tears, laid her head on the chest of Fives, dressed in a black dress uniform, made for such occasions, as they stared at the flames. Rex, Wolffe, Cody, and Gree all stood at attention, each clad in the same dress uniform as Fives, but with rank bars indicating their positions in the army...
And each with a notable scar on the right side oft here heads.
When word had reached the Medical Facility to prep the clone affected by Order 66 for surgery, the staff wasted no time. Within an hour, all clones had their chips removed. And in the day following, their Generals arrived to see how they were doing. Needless to say, many tears were shed as each clone commander begged for forgiveness.
Obi-Wan had wiped away Cody's tears.
Plo had held Wolffe's hands, a sign that he was safe.
Luminara held Gree's head close to her chest as he cried, placing a tender kiss his head.
And Anakin had embraced his Captain in a crushing hug as the shaken clone sobbed.
Anakin, standing at the head of the pyre, had one arm draped around his wife, who was quietly sobbing.
The other arm was around his former padawan, Ahsoka Tano.
When word had reached Ahsoka about what had happened at the senate building, she rushed to the Temple, hoping to pay final respects to the fallen master. Ahsoka was surprised, and yet touched, that Windu's last words were for Anakin to tell her that he was sorry for what he had done. Though she was happy to hear that Mace was repentant of his actions during her investigation, it still was not enough to convince Ahsoka to come back to the order. Luckily, Anakin understood, telling her to take as much time as she needed to sort things out. With that thought in mind, Ahsoka allowed a small smile to grace her lips.
And standing alongside Luminara, was Depa Bilaba, member of the Jedi Council, and former padawan to Mace Windu, weeping into the shoulder of her loyal commander, Grey, the clone giving his no-longer secret lover all the comfort he could give. Standing alongside Depa and Grey, was her young padawan, Caleb Dume, who stared sadly at the burning flames that engulfed the Jedi who made his master what she was.
Soon, all that was left of the pyre was a smoldering heap of ashes. Steeping forward, Master Yoda outstretched one hand, the gesture soon being repeated by Master's Plo, Fisto, Kenobi, Unduli, Ti, and Skywalker. With the force, the seven Jedi sealed the ashes in the stone ceremonial casket in which they had been set ablaze, which would then be placed in one of the Temples many mausoleums. After this was done, a group of Jedi Sentinels moved the casket out of the court yard.
The large delegation of mourners soon began to disperse. Anakin turned to see the clone commanders invite Fives out for a drink. After accepting the invitation, Fives turned to Shaak Ti, who smiled broadly and giggled as the clone planted a deep, passionate kiss on her lips. Separating from the beautiful togruta, Fives joined his brothers as they processed to voice congratulations and pats on the back at Fives's good fortune.
Looking to where he had seen his former master last, Anakin smiled as Obi-Wan and Luminara exited the courtyard, their arms linked together as they seemed to be involved in a friendly chat.
"I really should be getting back."
Anakin was pulled from his thoughts at his wife's statement. Looking down to her, he offered a small nod before giving her a tender kiss. Ahsoka turned her head in mock disgust, but was secretly happy that her former master and one of her best friends could now openly share their marriage. In fact, during her self-imposed exile, Ahsoka had taken the time to repair her relationship with a certain Onderon senator. Withdrawing from the embrace, Padme then turned to Ahsoka.
"And where will you be staying, Ahsoka?"
Ahsoka, a bit caught off guard by the question, soon relaxed as she shrugged her shoulders.
"I'll just hop around for a bit, if it's all the same to you, Padme?" But by the look on her face, Ahsoka could see that Padme was having none of it.
"Nonsense! You can stay with me as long as you like!" Ahsoka was completely shocked at this very generous offer. She began shaking her head and waving her hands in an attempt to sway Padme away from her offer.
"No, No, Padme, I couldn't!" Feeling a hand grasp her shoulder, Ahsoka turned to meet the caring, yet playful gaze of her former Master.
"It would be rude to refuse such an offer, Snips." Realizing that she really didn't have a choice in the matter, Ahsoka finally relented to the invitation and was quickly led away by her friend, but not before turning back to Anakin and wrapping her arms around him in a massive hug.
"I've really missed you, Skyguy," she choked out as tears streamed down her face. Anakin, smiling softly, returned the hug as he pulled the young togruta closer to him, while Padme looked on with a loving smile.
"Me too, Snips," Anakin finally replied. Ahsoka, after withdrawing from the tender moment, offered a small smile as she went to rejoin Padme. After the two girls had left, Anakin, after having a brief moment to himself, pressed the button on his com.
"Rex?"
"Yes General?" came the reply.
"You got room in your party for one more?" Anakin inquired with a hint of mischief in his voice. Anakin could hear the amusement in Rex's when he comms back.
"As if you have to ask, sir!"
Anakin, chuckling softy to himself, gazed at the night sky for a few moments, before turning to leave the court yard, happy that he finally had some peace in his life.
But such peace would not last...
"You summoned me, Count Dooku?" the robotic voice of General Grievous sounded in the main office of the Count's compound of Serenno.
The Count, who had been standing with his back facing the room, opened his eyes, which had been closed in mediation, before turning to look at the cyborg general, his aged face as unreadable as ever.
"My Master is Dead...killed by the Jedi."
Even with his expressionless mask, Dooku could still feel the shock radiate from the Kaleesh warlord.
"What shall happen now, My Lord?"
"We proceed as planned...send our forces to Anaxes to wipe out the Republic Shipyards."
Meanwhile, as the Separatist fleet departed for Anaxes, a rescue attempt was taking place on Stygeon prime, in the secret prison known as the Spire.
And as a liberation team of Mandalorians moved to retrieve their quarry, the red-skinned, tattooed zabrak's eyes snapped open from their meditative trance.
But only seconds before Gar Saxon and his team burst through the doors of his cell.
But, even as he was lead out of the cell, the Sith Lord formerly known as Darth Maul, now just Maul, felt his mind reeling at what he had just felt.
Only for a sinister smile to form on his lips as soon as he reached his rescuer's ship.
Savage...You Are AVENGED...
Now nothing will stand in my way.