Chapter Twenty-One
Four individuals walked down the glass and durasteel walkways that provided an unparalleled view of the clone production, or growth rather. Millions of embryos were suspended in single-baby capacity giant test tubes filled with clear gel-like liquid. These were all lighted to show the stages of development in which each group of hundreds of clones was.
Obi-Wan and Sarali now led the way down the walkway so they could maintain an unobstructed view of this altogether shocking cavernous room. "Very impressive," Obi-Wan managed to say whilst Sarali struggled to keep the astonishment from her physiognomy.
"I'd hoped you would be pleased," the prime minister responded. He allowed them a few more seconds to take in the sight before them before he said, "Clones can think creatively. You will find that they are immensely superior to droids. We take great pride in our combat education and training programs." As they came to a stop at the window to another room, Laamasu gestured to the window. This one had clone children all sitting at computer terminals. "This group was created about five years ago."
"You mentioned growth acceleration, did you not?" Sarali asked, finally finding her voice.
"Oh, yes. It is essential. Otherwise a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow. Now we can do it in half the time," Laamasu described as they continued to the next room.
"I see," Obi-Wan said.
"They are totally obedient, taking any order without question. We modified their genetic structure to make them less independent than the original host," Laamasu said as they looked at a mess hall of around five hundred clones eating.
"Who was the original host?" Sarali asked, turning back to look at him inquisitively.
"A bounty hunter called Jango Fett."
Sarali and Obi-Wan glanced at each other. She nodded imperceptibly to all save him, which prompted him to ask, "Where is this bounty hunter now?"
"Oh, we keep him here." Keep? He isn't an animal. "Apart from his pay, which is considerable, Fett demanded only one thing: an unaltered clone for himself. Curious, isn't it?"
"Unaltered?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Pure genetic replication. No tampering with the structure to make it more docile and no growth acceleration," Laamasu explained.
"We should very much like to meet this Jango Fett," Sarali said as they walked past block upon block of clones training.
"I would be very happy to arrange it for you," the other Kaminoan said graciously.
ooooooooooo
The Kaminoan led Obi-wan and Sarali to a residential part of the city, or at least that is what they assumed because it was a closed hallways with evenly spaced doors, much like an apartment complex. She stopped at one door and touched the call button. Seconds later, it opened to show a young boy of perhaps eight years very similar to the clones.
"Bobba, is your father here?" the Kaminoan asked.
"Yep," the boy said, glancing to Obi-Wan nervously. He is at least nervous about Obi-Wan's knighthood. Perhaps some illegal endeavours he and his 'father' wish to hide?
"May we see him?" the alien asked.
"Sure," Bobba said, slowly turning to lead them inside. As he did, he glanced over Sarali, taking in her slender, short form, tail, ears, fur, claws, and odd physiognomy. "Dad, Tan We's here!"
The three stopped and turned once they reached a small, circular entry room. Walking toward them was a man in a blue tunic and black pants. He was of average height. Muscles showed along his arms where he was in the process of rolling up his sleeves. His face was good-looking, for a human, and his hair was black. The most notable part of his appearance, for Sarali, was the fact that he seemed to be of the correct size and proportions to be the bounty hunter. Now, undoubtedly there were many others of the same size and shape, but he could be suspected legitimately.
Sarali could tell from his demeanour that he thought of their presence as an intrusion. He wanted them gone as quickly as possible. He seemed particularly leery of Obi-Wan's presence, which was understandable considering his Jedi robes.
Obi-Wan's examination was a bit less detailed than hers. He noted that the man's eyes quickly swept over Tan We and himself before coming to rest on Sarali. His gaze swept over her, taking in her form easily thanks to the very fitted clothes she wore. Emotions flickered across his face, especially when he took in her tail and facial features. However, they were too fast for Obi-Wan to clearly decipher.
Quite suddenly, he felt uncomfortable having this man study Sarali so. Nearly as quickly as it had come, the feeling was gone, replaced by the so-called Jedi calm. What was that?
"Jango. Welcome back. Was your trip productive?" Tan We said in her, or at least they all assumed it was a female, disturbingly serene voice.
"Fairly," the man answered in a strong baritone. His eyes flicked between the two newcomers, though they more often strayed to Sarali. She was, after all, an oddity; but that was not the only reason.
"These are Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Sarali Linat. They've come to check on our progress," she introduced. Jango did not miss the glance the two shared as the second, the woman's, name was spoken.
"You're clones are very impressive. You must be very proud," Sarali commented whilst Obi-Wan studied the other man closely.
"I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe," Jango said, though his facade was none too convincing. They had both met his like previously.
"Ever made your way as far into the interior as Coruscant?" Obi-Wan asked, seemingly nonchalant.
"Once or twice," Jango answered with a small shrug.
"Recently?" Obi-Wan asked with a bit more force than intended.
"Possibly," the other answered, still maintaining his stoic, 'simple man' mask.
"Then you must know Master Sifodias," Sarali said conversationally, adding a small, closed-mouth smile for good measure.
What happened next was singularly odd. Jango paused, studying them closely for a second. Then, he walked around them so his back was to the window. As he did, he said something in another language, though which one it was neither of them knew. The child walked past them to a door just off from the main room. He closed it quickly, but not before the two got a good glimpse of blue and silver armour. It was him.
"Master who?" Jango asked, looking Sarali directly in the eye. She met his eyes with a penetrating gaze of her own, made especially disconcerting by the type and colour of her eyes.
"Sifodias. Is he not the Jedi who hired you for this job?" Obi-Wan continued, drawing the man's attention away from his companion. My companion...
Jango took a couple steps toward Obi-Wan and tilted his head menacingly. He answered with more roughness in his voice, "Never heard of him."
"Really?" Obi-Wan asked, most certainly not believing the other.
"I was recruited by a man called Tyranus on one of the moons of Bogda."
"Curious," Obi-Wan said. Something was different about his voice. It was obvious that he did not believe a word this man said, but there was something else different.
The two stared each other down for a few seconds before Jango asked, "Do you like your army?"
Obi-Wan nodded minutely. "I look forward to seeing them in action."
"They'll do their job well. I'll guarantee that."
"Thank you for your time, Jango," Sarali interjected quite suddenly, ending the staring match.
The two bowed as Jango said, "Always a pleasure to meet some Jedi," looking at Sarali as he spoke.
Sarali turned and walked out, not dignifying his interest with a response. Obi-Wan quickly followed her out, hiding her from the bounty hunter's gaze.