Make sure you read the previous update from today before you read this.
Things seemed normal in the packing up of the camp. Clones were loading supplies, cleaning their weapons, or boarding the gun-ships.
It was anything but normal. A silent blanket of tension, fear, and obedience was hovering over each trooper. Usually, this would be the time the Commander and the General would be discussing the next mission, or strategy changes for upcoming battles.
But there was no General.
Only a Commander, who alone seemed to be feeling something other than duty and accomplishment. Sorrow. Extreme sorrow.
Cody was mentally beating himself up. Each breath seemed to contradict everything he had ever believed in.
He should be dead. He should be on the ground, unmoving and unbreathing. His heart should be stopped.
And yet, he was still alive. He was still standing and breathing. His heart was still beating.
A clone is supposed to die before his general. He is supposed to protect his Jedi to the end. He is certainly not supposed to turn his weapon; his gun; his cannon on that same General and fire.
Cody didn't know what had come over him. All it had taken was three simple words and suddenly he was an unfeeling, unemotional, unthinking soldier. He had executed his order's perfectly, not once thinking of the consequences or what he was doing.
Now he knew. He knew exactly what he had done. He knew the truth about himself and his brothers. Fives had been right. There were chips in their heads. He had always known something of the sort, but had been told they were for identification and safety. Never had he suspected this sort of thing to come from those chips.
He had thought Fives was lying.
Oh kriff, he had thought Fives was lying…
How could he have ever thought that? Fives was a brother, and yet, Cody had considered he was crazy, insane even, to even think of accusing the Chancellor of controlling them. How could he have been so naive? There was evidence, Fives had said so. He had found the evidence, and even though the Chancellor- Oh Force, the CHANCELLOR…- had tried to stop him from telling anyone, Rex had heard.
Rex had heard some of his words and believed there was something.
Rex…
Why in the world- in the galaxy- had he not believed Fives? Why hadn't he believed when Rex did? Cody trusted Rex with his life. He knew the man inside out. They had always been so close, and now…
Cody didn't know what to do. He wanted to run away and never look back. The look of surprise and betrayal on his general's face would never leave his mind. Everytime he blinked, an image of Obi-Wan, sinking in water, unmoving, entered his mind. Every time he felt like screaming.
His thoughts were brought to a halt when one of his brothers marched up, "We're ready to depart, Commander."
Cody looked up from the ground to Wooley, who was standing at a stiff attention. The commander couldn't help but be slightly startled at the blank look on the troopers face. Straight, serious, a blank slate. "Thank you, trooper."
Wooley saluted and marched away without another glance.
Cody had already learned that many of his brothers seemed to have lost any personality- and their own names. Even the commander himself, was feeling a little different. And he didn't like it. Cody wanted to run away- desert the Grand Army of the Republic- if it was even called that now. But every time he tried to take a step in the opposite direction the words came pounding back in his head.
Good soldiers follow orders… Good soldiers follow orders… Good soldiers follow orders…
Cody wanted to scream, "SHUT UP!" but he couldn't. Not now. He wasn't strong enough to save his General- he couldn't resist the order. And he probably wouldn't be able to continue to resist-
But he would be there for his brothers. If any of them needed a 'Pillow' now was the time. Cody didn't know how many, if any, were 'awake' in some sort but he was determined to find them and try and keep them sane. Even if it meant going against everything he believed in. Even if it meant never getting to speak his mind again.
Even if it meant losing his own sanity.
This is what he promised to himself and his brothers.
Cody stood up and looked to his right to find Bacta at attention.
The medic saluted. "Commander, the injured troopers have been treated and are ready for transport."
"Thank you, trooper."
The sight of the medic saluting made the commander want to throw up. He wanted to scream in horror and terror at the sight of Wooley not caring about anyone. And he didn't even want to find where Boil had disappeared to- the image of all sarcasm and annoyance gone sickening him even more (actually, now that he thought about it, where had Boil disappeared too?).
Cody felt like he was suffering his General's fate- drowning.
Did I say nice? Whoops...
Every time I watch Clone Wars now all I can think about is how Cody is a victim of Order 66 and how he is stuck there... UGH!
And if you think this is the end, then you are incorrect. Hopefully the update will be soon. I get to use the computer more! Yay!
Anyway, reviews are always welcome. Please don't kill me or my Padawan!