Here we are again guys. Gonna keep this going. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and I love the feedback I'm getting. I'm glad that everyone is happy so far. I will say though that the story isn't gonna be all sunshine and rainbows. There is a storm coming.


The sound of marching boots filled Anakin's ears as he marched the Five Oh First up the steps of the Jedi Temple. Beside him was Captain Rex, blaster pistols holstered inside of their respective pouches. Even when marching in formation, the clones slight confident swagger was evident to Anakin. He knew Rex would never admit it, but he took a small amount of pleasure in seeing the Five Oh First Legion in formation like this. Over nine thousand clones marched up the steps behind them. Torrent Company lead them, directly behind him and Rex as Anakin's personal command company, leading up the first of the sixteen battalion's, each man carried a weapon at right shoulder arms, barrels of the blasters pointed skywards.

He had to admit… he allowed himself to feel just a bit of pride at his troops marching like this. In formation in the early dawn light of Coruscant. The Temple looming over them as they neared the top and the Pylons of the Four Masters. Anakin could see Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Mace Windu awaiting him at the top of the stairs. When they crested the stairs, he looked to Rex and nodded. The clone nodded in return, and gave out a cry of "Company… halt!" which was echoed by those farther back as the entire legion stopped on the stairs.

Before them stood Masters Yoda and Windu, both looking over the mass of clone troopers before them. Anakin stepped forward and bowed. "Masters, I'd like to introduce you to the rest of the Five Oh First Brigade. Every man is ready, willing, and able to guard the Temple." He said. This was mostly for the many holo-net camera's which were reporting the event, as it wasn't every day that an entire brigade of clones was paraded from their barracks to the steps of the Jedi Temple, much less a highly awarded unit like this led by their General.

"A fine unit you have here Skywalker." Master Windu said as he looked at them.

"Thank you Sir. They've served the Republic well."

"I can tell. And they'll continue to do so." Windu said with a nod. "Captain. Have you briefed your men on the current situation?"

"Yes Sir." Rex replied. "They all know where to set up guard, patrol, and stationary positions." He said with a nod. Of course… the real briefing would come inside the safety of the Jedi temple.

"Good. Welcome, the protection of such loyal men shall be." Yoda said as he stepped forward. "Knight Skywalker. Lead the men to their designated sleeping quarters you must. Designated areas in unused halls we have." He said.

Anakin nodded, having already been shown the old halls that were rarely used. They'd been transformed into temporary barracks, with enough sleeping quarters for each room to hold a Battalion of men. "I shall Master." He said.

"Hmm, settle your men you should. Re-brief them thoroughly you must today. Then, return to the Council Chamber after settle them you should. Much to discuss, there is." Yoda said.

Anakin nodded again, then turned to his men and motioned for them while Master Windu and Yoda cleared a path for the mass of clones. Anakin could see glimpses of the holo net droids flying around, recording them. None dared to enter through this side of the Temple though… it was against the law, and the company of any droid or person found doing so would face repercussions from the Republic. He smirked some, he'd never cared for news cameras. Especially since he and Padme had become a couple… there was always a risk of one discovering them. He led the men through the main hall of the temple, headed more towards the center. Many Padawan's and younglings had gathered down here, watching the army march through the corridors with quite a bit of awe on their faces. Anakin smiled to them some as he marched past.

It did bring back painful memories though, of his own Padawan. Ahsoka had left. He couldn't blame her either… the Jedi had nearly gone down a very dark path, and one they were still trying to steer away from. It bothered him… how quickly they'd just ousted Ahsoka from the order. Just to appease the council and Palpatine. Even when he'd set things right, she'd turned them down on offering her back. Still something he couldn't blame her for. She had to feel betrayed. He wished he could bring her back.

"Uh Sir… we're here." He heard Rex, snapping him from his thoughts. Anakin nodded, taking a moment to turn on his coms to the unit wide channel.

"Alright! Each of these sets of doors leads into a large room which has been repurposed as temporary barracks. First Battalion will take this one! Second Battalion the second one. And so on." He said with a nod. "Get settled in quick and get your holo-projectors set up. Every man in this Legion needs to hear what I have to say." He said as he stepped aside to make room. "If that's all clear, then let's get to it!" Anakin said with a nod.

"Alright you sorry sacks of genetics, you heard the General. Let's get set up!" Rex said as he moved and pressed his code into the door panel, letting it raise up for them. Torrent company quickly moved in with their equipment slung on their backs, ready to start setting up shop along with the rest of first Battalion. The other Battalions quickly moved past, settling into their own rooms.

Anakin had to give a bit of a nod to his men's efficiency at jobs like this. He'd come to rely on them to set about on any task that was set before them and find a way to overcome it. Combat had hardened them and him as well since Christophsis. They'd followed him into hell, and he was proud to lead them.

It didn't take long for their barracks to be set up as each company commander reported into him. Anakin moved into the first barracks area and came to stand at a holo-projector with Rex. "Alright everyone. Gather round!" He called out. The clones all came near as they could he looked around. He was already being displayed on the projectors, as he could see the ones further down the room lighting up to show him and Rex. He waited for all the projectors to confirm their connection.

"Alright. I bet your all wondering why I'm speaking to you now. Well… what I'm about to tell you is currently of the upmost secrecy. It was not safe to all of you any of this until now due to the possibility of the enemy finding out." He began, hearing a few ripples of chatter move through the clones.

"I know the news of the incidents with troopers Tup and Fives have spread through the ranks pretty quickly. That Tup passed to some disease he supposedly caught, and Fives betrayed the Republic. Well… after a secret investigation… we've come to realize that both are false. Fives was no traitor, and Tup did not pass to a disease." He said.

This had gotten his troopers attentions, as he could feel all eyes on him. He glanced to Rex, who removed his helmet. "Before he passed, Fives informed myself and Rex of a plot. At first… we weren't sure. But after what we found we know it must be true." He removed the chip they'd gotten from Rex, showing it for all to see. "This, is an inhibitor-chip. There is one inside each and every one of you right now. This one came from Rex. We were told that their purpose was to make sure none of you became as aggressive as Jango Fett. That… is a lie. For one thing, I've seen all of you fight twice as hard as Fett ever claimed to. Secondly… these chips carry a far darker purpose."

He nodded to Rex, who pulled up the list of rules they'd discovered on the chip. These were displayed on the projector, and on each man's helmet display. Anakin gave them a moment, knowing that the worst ones had been highlighted. He could see the shock ripple through each trooper as they read them over.

"Brothers… I know this is a hard pill to swallow. But its true. Tup killed General Tiplar on the orders inside his chip… just like this one. It malfunctioned, activated early, and caused him to execute her against his will." He said. "The malfunction… wasn't that it made her kill him. It was that it activated too soon." Rex explained.

There was murmuring among the clones, all of them now. Anakin could sense the fire that was building. The anger and feeling of betrayal from his men. He stepped forward, but Rex wasn't done.

"The people who did this, they think us no better than those Clankers. They plan to use us like mindless robots to kill our own commanders! All with this one chip. And a single phrase, uttered from the Chancellor. He could do it on a whim, and we wouldn't be able to resist. I used to think we were just soldiers… nothing more. That our only place in life was to fight and die for the Republic. I guess I wasn't the only one." The Clone Captain practically growled next to Anakin, pulling his helmet off.

"We're men! We aren't meant to bow down and blindly follow orders! Good soldiers don't just follow orders. Good soldiers do what's right. Good soldiers follow their hearts!" He was shouting now.

Anakin was amazed… he'd never seen Rex this fired up. The effect it was having on the men around him was clear. There were shouts and nods of agreement. Some soldiers were raising their fists into the air in agreement.

"We won't stand for this! The Chancellor betrayed us, betrayed the Republic. He's been in league with the Sith since day one. He's stood against everything that the Republic… that we stand for. He plans to treat us like a bunch of clankers! Well… I say no more. I know where my loyalties are." Rex said as Anakin looked on. "And I think I know for all of you too. My loyalty goes to General Skywalker, to the Jedi, to the Republic. And most importantly. To my brothers. Now, who's with me!" He shouted at the end.

Anakin covered his ears as a chorus of voices shouted out in agreement. He couldn't help but smile as the clones cheered. Rex probably didn't realize it, but the clone had climbed on top of the crate the holo-projector was in. He'd practically whipped the troopers up into a frenzy, and from the reverberations in the force that Anakin could feel, it wasn't just first battalion. The entire Legion was ready for a fight. He hopped up onto the crate next to Rex, instantly getting his troopers attention as they quieted down.

"Alright… seeing as you are all eager to help us. I have to say I can't thank you enough. I couldn't ask for more loyal and capable men to serve with. I'm proud to stand by you all in battle." He said, nodding. "We've brought you here not just to protect the temple, but to have those chips removed from you away from roving eyes. Each day, one battalion will move through the medical centers here at the Jedi Temple. The operation to remove the chip is minimally invasive. You should each be back on your feet inside an hour or two with little more than a bacta-patch over the operation point. We will bring Palpatine to justice… but for now we need to wait for the proper proof to be found. The public have been blinded by Palpatine like the rest of us. He's made many to lose faith in the Jedi. If we go after him without more proof… then he'll do exactly what we need to stop." Anakin explained.

There were nods of agreement… he could sense that every clone wanted to storm the Chancellors Office right now and stop this. But they would hold it for now until things were ready.

"Alright. For now, First Battalion, report to the Halls of Healing. Captain Rex will lead you there and Master Che will handle the preparations for Surgery. The rest of you, I want you to assume the assigned positions and start setting up guard posts and patrols. There is a real threat to the temple, and we do want to protect against it." He said. When there were no objections he nodded. "Well, let's get to it." He said, after which there was a bustle of activity as the many clones went about their preperations.

"I've got to say Rex… I haven't heard a speech like that from you before." He said chuckling.

Rex sighed, "I uh… I just had to speak what was on my mind Sir. I'm glad the men received it well."

Anakin chuckled, "Would you have expected otherwise. Every man in this unit looks up to you Rex. You've brought them through more fights than a Hutt has credits." He said.

Rex smirked, looking to him. "Well, I take that after you Sir. These men would die for you. As would I. Because we've seen you ready to do the same." He said.

Anakin hadn't expected that… but he smiled some. "Well… hopefully after this it won't come to that." He said. "Thank you Rex, I… I wasn't sure I could lead the Five Oh First when I first became their commander. You put trust in me though, and now I couldn't imagine myself not leading this unit." He said.

Rex nodded, "Cody may speak highly of Kenobi. But, I don't think any man in this unit would trade a hundred Jedi for you leading them Sir." He said as he looked to them. "I know I wouldn't. I've tried it before. I'm too used to your 'unorthodox' tactics." The clone suddenly chuckled, lightening the tension and seriousness of it all. Anakin laughed.

"And what's wrong with my tactics?" Anakin said.

"Well Sir… I've recorded 'Plan B' in my personal log as 'Wing it and hope for the best' for a reason." The clone told him.

Anakin smirked, "Plan B is a proven and valued tactic and you know it." He said.

"If you say so Sir." The clone said with a laugh, he looked to his men. "General… we're gonna be okay. I can feel it in my gut." He suddenly said.

Anakin sighed… they were both war weary and the war was far from over. There was still more, so much more. He nodded, "Yeah… we are. We are." He said. He checked the time and realized he needed to meet with the council. "I'll stop by to check on the men a little later. The council wanted to talk to me about something."

Rex nodded, "Alright Sir. I've got things handled down here. We'll get it done."

Anakin smiled some and turned away, heading off to get to the council room. He could feel it… this all felt right. Like they were accomplishing something. He took a breath, and set off for the Council.


Obi Wan settled back into his seat. After a long morning of discussion, the High Council had agreed on a short recess while Master Yoda and Master Windu went to greet Anakin and his clone troopers. He had to admit… it was impressive to see the entire Legion march up the steps into the Great Hall, led by his once Padawan. He'd lately been keeping a far closer check on Anakin after the revelations while meditating with Master Jinn.

Obi-Wan had sensed darkness within Anakin for quite some time now, since the start of the war. He'd just never been able to get his young friend to speak with him about it. Of course, that'd only gotten worse after his time as Rako Hardeen. His lies to Anakin had opened a rift between them that'd taken time to close.

He could tell that Anakin was tempted by the dark side… but he hadn't realized just how much. It hurt Obi-Wan, he felt that he'd failed Anakin despite the conversation they'd had a few days ago, after the meeting about the clone orders. Yet he saw that Anakin was getting better, and he intended to help his padawan. Anakin's light was brighter than it had been in a long time. The light side of the force slowly pushing back the darkness within him. It would take time, but he planned to help Anakin overcome his demons.

"Master Kenobi." The voice of Mace Windu shook Obi-Wan from his thoughts. He looked around the Council Chamber to see all eyes on him, some with smiles on their faces. Obi-Wan's face heated up some from embarrassment at his lack of attention.

"Ah, my apologies Master Windu. My mind has been other places lately." Obi-Wan said.

"Hmm… considering Knight Skywalkers brush with the darkside were you?" Yoda suddenly asked with a knowing look.

Obi-Wan sighed, "Yes Master… I cannot help but feel that I failed Anakin in training him. I did not see this coming. He told me of his dreams, and yet I chose to try and convince him to ignore them. Had I listened to him, I feel I could've prevented the death of his mother and Anakin's brush with the dark side." He said as he shook his head.

"It was not your fault Obi-Wan." Master Plo Koon told him through his hologram projection. "We all knew that Skywalker would be different from other younglings and padawans when he first arrived. It was all of us who failed to adapt to these differences." He said.

Yoda nodded, "Failed Skywalker, you have not. Kept him from completely falling to the dark side sooner, I feel you have. Do not feel shame Obi-Wan. Taught Skywalker well, you have." The old grand master said.

Obi-Wan sighed, but nodded. "Thank you Master Yoda, now. What was it that was needed?" He asked again.

"Well, it actually pertains to a Padawan. Many of us are planning to take new ones on. Master's Mundi and Koon have both agreed to choose a new Padawan once they return. As has Master Fisto." He said. "We feel that taking on another apprentice would benefit both yourself and Knight Skywalker."

Obi-Wan didn't know how to react to this. After what he'd gone through with Anakin, was he ready to take on a new padawan? He still had fears that he hadn't done Anakin justice as a Padawan, regardless of what the council said. Would he have the same issues with a new one?

"Fear this, you should not Obi-Wan. Mistakes, we make, perfect we are not." Yoda told him. "Sense the pride in Anakin I do, that your Padawan he was. Learn much from each other you did. Not just a teacher are you, but student as well." The Grand Master said chuckling. "Go, observe the Padawans whom are of age. Think it over you should." He smiled.

Obi-Wan nodded some, giving a small sigh. "Alright Master, I shall. But… I know that Anakin is not yet ready to take on another padawan. The loss of Ahsoka had a bad effect on him. Because of what we did… bending to the Senate and Palpatine like that, he feels that he failed Ahsoka." Obi Wan told them.

There was an uncomfortable silence in the room, Obi-Wan knew he'd struck a chord with that… but it was the truth at the end of the day. The High Council, himself included, had abandoned Ahsoka without a thought. Left her to a military tribunal without any support.

"I agree with Master Kenobi." Came the calm voice of Shaak Ti. He had a feeling that she would have an idea of what the young Togruta was going through. "I feel we should discuss the possibility of sending Knight Skywalker in search of Padawan Tano. To deliver an apology from us and to offer her reinstatement into the order." She said with a nod.

Windu looked thoughtful, but nodded some. "We'll discuss it later today. Master Kenobi, I think we all know your feelings on the matter. You are free to go observe the Padawans."

Obi-Wan nodded, exiting the chambers with a bow as he headed down and off towards the educational halls, where the Padawans would be. He took a moment to release his apprehension to the force, knowing that if he was meant to find a Padawan, he would.