Chapter 19 – A Plan of Action

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD

Author's Note: Dooku hatches a plot with Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka... And they begin slowly working towards stopping Sidious. ;)

~ Amina Gila

It was so late when Dooku finally finished his business with the Separatist Senate, that they'd agreed to save the major planning for the morning. Sunrise finds all four of them wide awake in the medical wing. The orders are… horrible. Dooku can freely admit that much. But since he's had time to sleep on them, he's been able to put his emotional reaction aside and focus on the strategic aspects.

"Anakin, as soon as this meeting is over, you need to upload that list to two separate, secure databases and protect them with an access code that only you and I will have," Dooku instructs, standing with his arms crossed at the foot of the younger man's bed.

"I'll be on it," Anakin promises, glancing sideways at Tano who is leaning on his bed. "Is Asajj coming here for the meeting?"

Dooku shrugs. "I told her about it, but I don't know if she'll actually come."

It's Kenobi who gets down to business. "What are we going to do? We can't realistically remove or destroy the chips in millions of clones without anyone knowing."

"We can't tell the Jedi either," Anakin adds. "I don't trust them. They'll ruin everything if they know. Whatever we do will only work from our end."

"Damage control?" suggests Tano slowly. "Is there a way we can prevent the chips from being activated even if they're present?"

It's an interesting notion, and one which Dooku will have to consider later. Maybe he can get ahold of the Kaminoan file on the inhibitor chips without Sidious learning. It'll be a risk, but it's not impossible. "Unless we get more information, we'll have to assume that the chips will be activated at the point in time when Sidious deems it necessary."

"Can we reverse it?" Anakin questions.

"Not that I'm aware of, no." Dooku shakes his head. "It is likely that there's a secret code which can shut the chips down, but it would be external to the chip itself. Now that you've already broken through the encryption, there won't be a way for us to find out."

"It would be like looking for a magical lock that we aren't sure exists," mumbles Tano. "I don't know how that would work."

Anakin glances at her before sighing. "I have to agree with Ahsoka. I can break through encryptions, but what we'd have to look for isn't something I'm sure I could find. Besides, chances are high that we couldn't back track something like that. Even if there is a code, the chip won't necessarily tell us what it is."

"Then we'll have to find another option," Dooku decides, looking at Kenobi. Anakin is their resident mechanical genius, so if he says something, it must be true.

"Can we create a failsafe?" Kenobi queries. "Is it too late for us to create our own order?"

A heavy silence falls in the room. What he's suggesting will be perfect if they can do it. If they can get access to the main database, they might be able to update it from there, which should theoretically reprogram all the chips in existence. "Anakin?" Dooku gives him an expectant look.

"I don't know." He furrows his brow in thought. "I would have to see the database to know what kind of programming they use. I never paid attention, but it's possible that the chips are still linked to the main database. If they are, I imagine it would transmit the update on a frequency which won't be able to be accessed."

"Is there a way for you to find out?" Kenobi gives Anakin a searching look.

"I would have to go to Kamino. Can we invent a reason for such a trip?" Anakin glances between Dooku and the others.

"What if you went to Kamino to eliminate all records of your involvement with the clones' training?" Tano suggests brightly.

"That would be legitimate," Dooku agrees instantly. "I could even clear such a mission with Sidious; however, we may have to wait until you have completed your newest mission." He'll have to think about it and determine the best way of approaching Sidious with the request.

"Which mission?" Anakin asks blankly.

Dooku pulls out the datapad containing the datacard Sidious gave him before his departure. "Sidious wishes to continue expanding our army of Dark Side users. He has instructions for the capture of a Jedi."

"Details," Anakin demands firmly, stiffening.

"Tano, you have been assigned to the mission along with Anakin and Ventress," the Count tells her – all of them actually. "A Jedi by the name of Barriss Offee will be going to Christophsis to deliver supplies to the planet. Ventress will be dispatched next week to help establish a Separatist military base. There will be a conflict, and in two weeks from now, you are to capture Offee."

He can feel Tano's growing horror and dismay, so he gives her a questioning look. "Barriss is my friend," she says faintly. "I – I – He's doing this intentionally, isn't he?"

Dooku dips his head in agreement. "Possibly." Part of him doesn't want to explain the most likely reason why Sidious chose Barriss, but the truth will come out anyways. "I believe that the choice was more because Anakin killed her master on Geonosis."

Kenobi shoots Anakin a startled look which he meets, completely unfazed. Dooku doesn't even feel any guilt from the younger man over his actions. Whether or not that's a good thing remains to be seen.

"If I help capture Barriss, she'll hate me," Tano confesses fearfully. "She'll never help us."

Anakin snorts. "She hates me anyways. Even if she likes you, she'll never ally with me." He taps his fingers on his thigh. "How will we break her?"

Dooku purses his lips. "We won't. You will." There's a flash of smug darkness from Anakin, and he seems momentarily thrilled that he finally got the mission he's been waiting for. If Kenobi or Tano sense it, they don't say anything.

"I suppose we'll have plenty of time to plan the capture," Kenobi surmises. He doesn't seem happy, but he's still planning to go along with it. That's… good. They need to stick together regardless of what comes.

"Anakin, I'll tell Ventress to get the things you need to make two backup copies of the list of orders," Dooku informs him. "You and Kenobi should be able to leave the medical wing immediately afterwards. The medics can check on you if you don't feel good, and the normal staff should be back by the end of the week."

As befits his status, Dooku has dozens of people who work on his estate. They remain mostly unaware of his double identity, so whenever Sidious pays a visit, he gives them a one-week leave. The normal medic who tends to Anakin – and sometimes him – after injuries is absent for that reason. Hence why he'd asked if any of the clones were medics.

"I know," Anakin sighs exasperatedly. They've been over this numerous times, but by the Force, that boy has a hard time taking care of himself sometimes. Shaking his head fondly, Dooku makes his way out of the room. He has many duties to which he must attend, namely preparing the Separatist forces for the Clone Wars. It's been a long time in coming, and he must ensure that he's ready to play the game of chess against the Republic.

**w**

Three days later, Anakin is standing on a small landing platform near the facility on Kamino where the clones are being raised and trained. He's been here many times in the past, but never to this particular side. Even though it's night, he pulls up his hood to fully conceal himself. He's completely hidden in the Force, and he knows that the Council member Shaak Ti will never sense his presence. He will leave long before she could learn of him.

Sidious had been quick to offer his consent that Anakin be sent to Kamino to erase all evidence of his involvement with the clones' training. Whatever the Jedi have heard will be regarded as rumors or speculation rather than fact. The truth will remain shrouded in the shadows just as his master wants, and Anakin will be able to discretely further his own plans. He should be given access to the main databases which will allow him to run a perfunctory scan to determine the feasibility of hacking it to add another order to the inhibitor chips.

His eyes glow yellow in the darkness as he stealthily approaches the facility. Before he left, Dooku had contacted Lama Su, the Prime Minister of Kamino and informed him that there could be no evidence of Anakin's involvement in the clones' training regimen. To ensure the proper deletion of the data had been done, Anakin was dispatched to conduct it himself. Officially. Other than Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Asajj, no one, not even the Kaminoans, will be permitted to know the true reason that Anakin is sneaking into their facility under the cover of darkness.

To the best of his knowledge only a few of the Kaminoans are actually aware of the extent of the plot, and one of them, Nala Se, who is a doctor at the facility, is supposed to be waiting for him. Anakin pulls his cloak tighter, knowing he completely blends in with the night. There is rarely a time when he doesn't wear entirely black. Even the lightweight armor – concealed under the cloak – which he wears atop a tunic is painted black. He touches his lightsaber hilt briefly before stepping up to a back exit.

It slides open, and a tall female Kaminoan stands there. Nala Se. "Welcome, Lord Vader," she greets him in a low voice. "I have been waiting for you."

"Where is the Jedi?" Anakin demands brusquely as he enters the facility. "I hope that you have her under watch."

"Everything has been arranged as instructed," she replies in an unaffected tone. "Master Ti is in her assigned quarters. We do not allow her near the main data storage facility, and she has no reason to enter that area."

Anakin doesn't let himself relax. When dealing with Jedi, it's always best to be on alert. Besides, this isn't only a mission for Sidious. It's also a mission for Dooku, and he won't get any second chances. He taps into the Force, having long since mastered the art of accessing it without making any other Force sensitives in the area aware of his actions. The Force around them is clouded with hints of tension, but it's soothing as well. There is no danger. Not at the present.

"Lead the way, doctor," Anakin says finally, motioning to her. He keeps his hood up, knowing that in the event the Kaminoans fail to erase the footage of this part of the facility, those who see him will not be able to ascertain his identity outside of his voice. It could be a problem, but not one he'll worry about. Dooku had given them instructions for that aspect of the mission, not him.

Without an extra word, Nala Se turns and begins briskly walking along corridors. It's brightly lit inside, almost too much so, and Anakin grimaces at how conspicuous he's being. If the Jedi ever see footage of this, they'll correctly assume that he's a Sith. And they'll probably have Nala Se arrested for treason. That will give them access to her databases which include everything about the inhibitor chips. On that note, maybe he should insist that he personally destroy all the footage. At least that way he won't bear any responsibility if word gets out.

It's not long before they enter the main control room. "The clones who were on guard duty have been dismissed for the night," the Kaminoan informs Anakin as he hastily makes his way over to the main data terminal.

Nala Se enters the authorization code, stepping aside to give Anakin the room he needs to work. He doesn't normally make a practice out of hacking security or databases, but he certainly does know how to do it. That was one of the things which Dooku ensured he learn, something which has proven useful from time to time, especially when he's trying to cover his traces – like now.

Anakin moves on automatic, pulling up all files which include any mentions of or references to him before systematically eliminating each one. After the initial purge is complete, he erases all backups and modifies the server so no one will realize that someone has been tampering. He doubts that the Republic will actually come to do an investigation here, and even if they do, it will be too late. The files are gone, and nothing they do will bring them back. Besides, Anakin trusts that the Kaminoans will block and hamper any attempts at investigation. Sidious will certainly head off any inquiries as well, so all Anakin's tracks are covered.

Closing out of the database, he hacks into the security footage, and deletes everything along the path he took from the landing platform to the current room. It only takes a couple more minutes to adjust the cameras to stop recording – showing only the images taken right before his arrival – for the next half hour. He knows it won't take him that long to leave, but it's better to err on the side of caution than make any mistakes.

After giving Nala Se a sideways glance to ensure she's not watching him, Anakin begins hacking through the firewalls to uncover the list of orders. He's doing it so subtly that even if the Kaminoans realize someone broke in, they won't be able to trace it back to him or anyone. It doesn't take him very long – really, they should invest in better security, though they probably don't think its necessary; besides, his skills are extremely advanced, and he has the Force to help him, so he has more advantages than the average hacker.

The list in front of him looks like an exact replica of what he'd uncovered by extracting the data from Appo's inhibitor chip. Perfect. He did obtain the correct information, but this, by no means, tells him how he can alter these orders, or if he even can. Maybe he should try a more direct approach. Erasing all evidence of his use, he rises, turning to look at the doctor.

"After exposure to electricity, one of the clone's inhibitor chips malfunctioned," he tells Nala Se with an air of feigned indifference. "Count Dooku was wondering if a revision of one of the orders would be possible if he deems it necessary."

"Of course," she nods gracefully. "We have the ability to update the list of orders and transmit the update to all the inhibitor chips which are wirelessly connected to the main database here. It will require the use of several codes which we installed to prevent any accidental modifications, but if Dooku wishes, we can certainly make changes."

Anakin frowns, putting on a show of deep thought. "Would it affect the clones?" he queries. "Would anyone realize what's been done?"

For the first time, she seems hesitant. "No, I do not believe there will be anything more noticeable than disorientation which won't last longer than one or two seconds."

Anakin is careful not to react to the news, but he files it away for later analysis. If they intend to secretly add an order, then they need to take into consideration the impact it will have on all the clones who will – for all intents and purposes – receive a long-distance download. He's certain there's no way that the transmission could be picked up by any outside technology, because otherwise, it would be far too risky.

"Very well." He straightens, pulling his hood up over his head. "There is no time for me to linger. I must be on my way."

"As you wish, Lord Vader," Nala Se replies, inclining her head. "Should I show you the way out?"

He shakes his head. "I can find my own way." Without another word, he sweeps from the room, determinedly making his way through the halls and corridors towards the exit. To the best of his knowledge, they won't be able to make any updates to the list of orders without the Kaminoans finding out. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but when they're going against Sidious, they can't do anything which might compromise them.

He's back at the shuttle within five minutes, having used the Force to enhance his speed. This entire planet is miserable. He hated Tatooine because of the heat and sand, but Kamino? It's cold and wet. He's not sure which is worse. Leaving his wet outer robe in the hold, he slides into the pilot's seat and blasts off the planet. The sooner he returns to Serenno the better. They have plans to make and strategies to prepare.

While he doesn't know when and how they'll be able to insert the extra order, he knows that they need to be careful with the wording. He hates that the clones have essentially lost their free will because of the inhibitor chips. They're slaves, even if the Republic won't recognize it. The Jedi are no better than slavers, even if they refuse to acknowledge it. This entire war is a hoax, and all of it is solely to put Palpatine on a galactic throne. It's… brilliant. That doesn't mean Anakin has to like it. He'll still do whatever he's told and obtain whatever benefits he can from his position. If Sidious can do it, he can too.

Privately, he thinks that the number for the new order is perfect. 501. He named it after Rex's group, because the men in the 501st had been among the best he'd seen. And Rex is also his ally, even if he and his brothers choose not to openly help Anakin in battle. He can't blame them because he wouldn't want to fight against his family either.

If Sidious tries to issue an order which would end in destruction, he and Dooku will try to override it with the order to execute the Chancellor. If that doesn't work – none of them think it will – then they'll issue Order 501, a dictate that Anakin and Dooku are the only ones who have authority over the clone army. It's a risk, but it's one worth taking. It will be worth it, if only to see the look on Sidious's face when he realizes he's been outmaneuvered by his apprentices.

Final Note: Since I won't be able to release this on Sunday, I'm doing it today instead. But you'll still have to wait until April 11th for the next chapter. Lol.