Episode 16 – Clones
A Sith Scheme: Uncovered! Following her incarceration at Malachor V, Bounty Hunter Ailyn Vel has revealed to the Republic, the existence of a diabolical Sith Plot to undermine the Republic through the use of cloned sleeper agents within the Republic and the Jedi Order! In an effort to verify these rumors, Grand General Galen Marek has dispatched Jedi Master X2 to his homeworld of Kamino with a top secret cargo to try and find a way to counter the Sith's plot and avoid catastrophe!
Kamino System…
A Starspeeder modified for cargo transport dropped out of hyperspace, heading straight for Kamino. Inside, Master X2 stood behind the cockpit, staring out the main viewport towards the planet while Commander Able manned the controls. Ronderu sat behind him, her hunting mask secure on her head, meditating while Sev stood next to the Jedi Master, wearing his full Katarn armor but with his helmet under his arm. Behind the front row of passenger seating were several long cargo containers that appeared to be powered for some reason. Ronderu now had a light purple cloak around her.
"Kamino. It feels like an eternity since I was last here." X2 said softly.
"It's been almost forty years for me." Sev added.
"To think, we were all first generations of our brothers. Now we're coming home. Thank you for bringing us along General." Able said to X2 who gave a smile.
"I felt you might be interested in coming along, Able. Kamino is our home or at least the closest thing to home that we clones have. I haven't been here since before the end of the Clone Wars though. What about you?" X2 asked as Able glanced at his Phase I helmet resting on the floor near him.
"I came here once with General Marek during the Rebellion. He wanted to get me a serum to stop my artificial aging. But that was twenty years ago. Do you think there are any of our brothers are still living here?" Able asked.
"Very likely actually. The 501st Legion exclusively uses Fett Clones so they need to come from somewhere. Kamino is the only place that still produces them." X2 replied. Sev let out a snort of derision.
"They're probably all shinies." Sev mumbled.
"Compared to the two of you, definitely." X2 chuckled as the Starspeeder approached Tipoca City, touching down on one of the landing platforms. Ronderu quietly stood up from her seat, pulling the hood on her Jedi robes up over her head. She stood so that only her masked face was visible from beneath her robes.
"I feel wrong here." Ronderu said softly.
"I don't sense anything. What's troubling you, my young Padawan?" X2 asked.
"My great-grandfather once tried to conquer this planet. I feel that my presence is unwanted." Ronderu replied.
"Hey, take it from someone who actually faced your great-grandfather and lived. You're not him. You might share his blood and his skill with a lightsaber but trying to hold yourself accountable for his actions would be like trying to bring charges against Grand Master Skywalker or Chancellor Solo for the destruction of Alderaan, or trying to hold me responsible for the actions of my brother. You are your own person. Don't try and be anyone else." X2 said as Ronderu gave a nod, the two Commandos disembarking the Starspeeder into the constant rain of Kamino. The Jedi pair emerged close behind them.
"I saw Grievous once. He ran the moment he saw me and my squad, the coward." Sev said as they headed for the doors into the city where a Kaminoan official was waiting for them.
"Welcome, Master Jedi. We have been expecting you." The Kaminoan woman greeted.
"I assume you received General Marek's message then." X2 said, the Kaminoan giving a nod as they started through the facility towards the Prime Minister's office.
"Yes we did, although the reason for your visit is still unknown to us." The woman replied.
"It's a top secret matter, one that I must insist receive the utmost discretion." X2 said as they passed a group of young Fett Clones in training gear. They looked at the two older clones with silent awe as they passed.
"Off to target practice if I'm not mistaken." Able commented.
"Or to lunch." Sev added.
"If you don't mind my asking, how goes Kamino's cloning programs?" X2 asked as they entered into one of the observation bridges that overlooked one of the many cloning chambers with the birthing pods inside.
"While not as active as they were during the time of the Clone Wars, we have maintained our cloning programs. We suffered some setbacks following our attempted rebellion using a series of Anti-Imperial Clones bred from the Fett Genes but we have persevered. We remain the sole provider of Fett based clone soldiers for the Republic's Five Hundred and First Legion. I am curious however as to the presence of these two Fett models. Are they defective?" the woman asked.
"He might be." Able mumbled, motioning subtly to Sev.
"Shiny." Sev mumbled back.
"Actually I brought them along because Kamino is as much their home as it is mine. The three of us are veterans of the Clone Wars. I'm also one of your…products." X2 explained, the Kaminoan woman looking him over curiously.
"What is your designation?" she asked.
"X2. I was cloned from the genes of Jedi Knight Falon Grey." X2 replied. The Kaminoan's eyes lit up in realization.
"Ah, a Grey model. One of the only two that we ever produced. I am impressed to see you have survived this long. Although, what ever became of X1?" She asked as X2 glanced away, remembering his duel with his brother at Mustafar.
"He died shortly after Endor." X2 replied, the Kaminoan woman giving an understanding nod as she continued to lead them towards the Prime Minister's Office.
"Such a shame. Our samples of the Grey genes have degraded since those days, otherwise we could make more." The woman said as they reached the Prime Minister's office, the doors opening for them.
"Master Jedi, this is Prime Minister Yorn Su." The woman introduced as the Jedi Master bowed to the Prime Minister.
"An honor and a pleasure, Master Jedi. Please have a seat." Yorn said, a pair of spoon shaped chairs descending from the ceiling for X2 and his Padawan.
"I am Jedi Master X2. This is my Padawan Ronderu Sheelal, and our escorts Able and Sev. The nature of this meeting is very delicate and I'm afraid this meeting must be between the two of us, alone." X2 said, Yorn giving an understanding nod.
"I see. Very well." The Prime Minister said as X2 turned to Ronderu.
"Ronderu, I'm sorry about this. Please understand that this isn't a matter of trust, but a matter of security. The less you know right now, the better." X2 said, Ronderu giving an understanding nod.
"I will be fine Master. I will accompany Able and Oh-Seven." Ronderu replied.
"Very well." X2 said as Ronderu and the clones left the room, leaving X2 and the Prime Minister alone.
"Now then, General. What is your business here?" the Yorn asked as they both sat down in the chairs.
"As I said, it's very delicate. We recently uncovered evidence that implicates a Sith Plot to destroy the Republic from within. We're trying to avoid a panic since if word of this plot got out, the Republic could conceivably destroy itself due to a wave of rampant paranoia." X2 explained.
"And what does this have to do with us?" Yorn asked, unsure of where the Jedi Master was going.
"The information implies that the Sith have access to advanced cloning techniques. We have a documented example of this to back up the information. A group of Jedi Padawans on a mission to Kalee was briefly captured by the Sith. They escaped but one of the Padawans was killed. Not long afterwards, we raided a Sith Prison facility and found this same Padawan alive and well." X2 explained. Yorn seemed to pick up on the implication.
"You don't mean to imply that we have been cloning Jedi." Yorn stated, X2 shaking his head.
"No, although I'm living proof that you have before. Your associate out there identified me as a Grey Model." X2 said, the Prime Minister sitting back in his chair slightly.
"Ah I thought you were familiar, yes. But if we are not suspected, why come to Kamino?" Yorn asked.
"It's not just Jedi that the Sith are cloning. The cargo on my ship will help provide the next clue. I'll need some help unloading it." X2 said, Yorn giving a nod.
"I will arrange for some of our trainees to assist in unloading your vessel." Yorn said as they stood up.
"Make sure the containers are taken to a medical chamber." X2 said, mildly startling Yorn.
"What exactly are in these containers?" Yorn asked. X2 hesitated a moment before answering…
"I guess we could call them prisoners."
…
"I wonder if they still have the old Citadel Course." Able wondered as he, Sev, and Ronderu walked down the hall.
"I wonder if they ever started cloning females." Sev stated, earning a glare from Able.
"You are defective." Able muttered.
"And you're still a shiny." Sev replied.
"Gentlemen, such squabbling is beneath you." Ronderu stated. The two clones turned to look at her.
"We're brothers, Commander, it's how we are." Able said as they approached a walkway overlooking a room full of fresh young clones trying on their Stormtrooper armor for the first time. The armor hadn't been painted with the 501st colors yet so they were stock Stormtrooper armor. Sev took a deep breath.
"Ah, nothing like the smell of fresh armor." Sev said with a contented sigh.
"Pity they didn't go back to the old Phase one or Phase two armor. Less Imperial looking. I'm having a hard time not blasting them right now." Able commented.
"Hey! You three! What are you doing here?!" they heard a Fett clone ask. The three turned to see a Fett Clone in Stormtrooper armor with the markings of a Captain approaching, his helmet under his arm.
"Beg your pardon, Captain?" Able asked.
"Why are you two wearing that old gear? What's your training group?" the Captain asked tersely. Able and Sev looked at each other for a moment before removing their helmets, the Captain's face blinking slightly at the sight of two noticeably older clones.
"Watch yourself, Captain. I'm Commander Able, designation BL-1707. You can call me sir." Able said, the Captain quickly fumbling into a salute.
"Commander, sir! My apologies sir!" the Captain said, Able and Sev both returning the salute.
"At ease Captain. No harm done." Able replied.
"Am I to assume you arrived here with the General?" the Captain asked.
"That's right." Able replied, Ronderu stepping forward.
"How did you know that there was a General here?" Ronderu asked, suspiciously.
"It's the talk of the facility. Ever since the Prime Minister received a message from the Grand General, we've been on the top of our game, preparing ourselves for his arrival. All divisions are ready for inspection." The Captain replied.
"To my knowledge, we aren't here for an inspection." Ronderu stated.
"Oh. Well the men would be honored if you would speak to them. The experience of two veterans, like yourselves, would mean a lot to them." The Captain said.
"Pass." Sev said but Able was more amenable.
"I'd be honored to speak to my…younger brothers." Able said as the Captain saluted again.
"This way sir." The Captain said as he started to lead Able away, leaving Ronderu and Sev to their lonesome.
"I sense you have something else on your mind, Oh-Seven." Ronderu said, Sev turning to look out over the room full of clones below, sighing heavily.
"Yeah. Something's been eating at me ever since I got captured on Kashyyyk by the clankers. Now that we're here, I can finally find what I'm looking for." Sev said, Ronderu arching an eyebrow.
"What are you looking for Oh-Seven?" Ronderu asked as Sev looked at his helmet, looking at his reflection in the visor.
"I want to know what happened to my squad after Kashyyyk. The Kaminoans keep detailed records on the current status of every clone they ever created. They'd have records on my squad mates. If I could just find out, at the very least, whether they were alive or dead…then those nagging questions in my head will go away." Sev replied.
"Do you know where the Kaminoans would keep such information?" Ronderu asked, Sev giving her a smirk.
"Yeah. The archives. Follow me." Sev replied as they headed off down the hall.
…
In one of the medical wards of the Kaminoan facility, several clones helped to haul the containers from X2's Starspeeder into the medical ward. Each of the containers had repulsorlifts built into them so transportation was easy. X2 and Yorn stood in an observation room overlooking the operating room. One of the clones, a medic trainee, began opening a container that was placed on the operating table. The container's lid opened with a hiss and a small cloud of frozen water vapor escaped. As they removed the lid, they found the frozen corpse of an ordinary human man with a military grade haircut. Several incision marks across the chest and stomach that had been sewn back together indicated that the body had already undergone an autopsy.
"I still am not quite certain how this relates to the Sith plot you mentioned." Yorn commented.
"Our information indicates that the bulk of the Sith army are clones. They use a wide variety of templates to lessen the chances of detection. Indeed, very few of the bodies we recovered from our recent engagements with the Sith are identical, the usual telltale sign of their being clones. We're hoping there's a way of identifying them on a genetic level. A sort of, clone detector if you will." X2 explained, Yorn looking thoughtful.
"Have you had any successes in distinguishing a clone from the original?" Yorn asked, X2 nodding.
"Yes but only when we have a blood sample of the original to compare it against. We tested a blood sample of the deceased Padawan against that of the one we rescued from the Sith Prison and the deceased one showed some signs that were not naturally occurring. I brought the blood samples from both so we could get your opinion on them." X2 said, producing a small rectangular box from under his robe and handing it towards the Prime Minister. Yorn immediately took the box and set it down on a table, opening it up to reveal two clear phials full of blood, one marked with a red X on a white label, indicating the clone's blood. Yorn proceeded to remove both phials and plugged them into a medical device which immediately brought up two separate holograms of nearly identical DNA strands.
"Hmm…interesting. This was indeed a clone." Yorn commented.
"Yes but here in lies the problem. If the Sith are producing an army of clones, we won't have a blood sample from the original template to compare them against. Is there any way to tell if someone is a clone of another person without having an original sample?" X2 asked, Yorn looking at him in thought.
"There is, actually. Every clone, regardless of any genetic modifications made, even if they're designed to be an exact duplicate of the template without any modifications, possesses specific genetic markers that are identifiable. However, these markers differ depending on who performs the cloning." Yorn explained.
"So a factory seal of sorts?" X2 asked, Yorn giving the metaphor a little thought for a moment before answering.
"In a manner of speaking. These markers are actually a byproduct of the cloning process. Tell me, did you have growth acceleration added to your genes?" Yorn asked, X2 arching an eyebrow.
"I did, yes but my growth was stunted at the age of ten after the introduction of the serum to bring my aging to normal human levels. I was the equivalent of twenty years old at the outbreak of the Clone Wars." X2 explained before they heard a tapping on the glass behind them. They turned to see one of the Kaminoan doctors on the other side.
"Go ahead doctor. What have you found?" Yorn asked.
"This man is indeed a clone, but the markers from his birth are…unique." The doctor explained.
"Define unique, doctor." X2 said as he and Yorn approached the glass.
"The genetic markers are similar to the ones left by our own techniques but with some differences. They're similar to the Spaarti variants in that they appear to be created over a period of months. Longer than Spaarti clones but shorter than our own." The doctor said as X2 glanced back at the medical display that showed the Hisari clone's DNA strand.
"Humor me for a moment, but does the clone sample in here have the same markers as the clone in there?" X2 asked, the Doctor opening a holographic display showing the two DNA strands, one of the Hisari clone and the other of the Sith Trooper corpse on the table. As she studied the strands her expression became more and more puzzled.
"This is unlike any cloning process I've ever seen. Master Jedi, I have studied the cloning techniques of our competitors and this is truly original work. The clone…the one whose sample you have in there…it was created in less than a day. A flash clone. It's genetic structure was already beginning to degrade. Why would someone create a clone this quickly? It would have died in a matter of hours after its birth." The doctor explained but X2 narrowed his eyes in a scowl.
"Because someone intended for it to die. My Padawan, Ronderu, said that she felt the clone's presence in the force disappear when the clone died. I think what happened was, the Sith rendered all of the Jedi on Kalee unconscious, took a DNA and memory sample from Hisari, made a flash clone of her so that it would fool us into believing she had died. I bet that they would've used Hisari for something far more nefarious…perhaps as another Dark Jedi if they could've succeeded in turning her to the Dark Side. But the question is, why her? Why her of all the Jedi there? They could easily have taken samples from Master K'Kruhk or from Padawans Velia, Yodin, Grun, or even Ronderu and that's not to say they didn't. Yet Hisari's the only one they captured and replaced." X2 pondered.
"At least to your knowledge." Yorn commented as X2 looked up slightly.
"Master K'Kruhk did mention that the clone of Hisari felt the same through the force." He said in thought.
"Perhaps we better test the Kaleesh female as well." Yorn suggested, X2 nodding in approval.
"I'll contact her right away." X2 said, reaching for his comlink.
…
Earlier in the facility, Able was brought into a room were entire platoons of 501st clone cadets were lined up with their training instructors.
"Ten-hut! Commander on deck!" the Captain ordered, the cadets standing at attention and saluting.
"At ease." Able ordered, returning the salute. The cadets immediately stood at ease.
"Men, today we are given a rare honor! This is BL-1707, otherwise known as Commander Able! He is one of the first generation of our brethren! A veteran of the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War that followed it! He has served as an ordinary soldier for the Grand Army of the Republic, an elite Commando in the Rebellion, and now serves as Temple Guard for the Jedi Order! He has agreed to speak to us and share his experiences with us! Pay close attention men, his advice may save your lives as well as the lives of those we are sworn from birth to protect! Commander, the floor is yours." The Captain replied as Able cleared his throat and began to walk down the lines of the soldiers, all with the same face but with their own customizations, expressing their individuality.
"I look at you, and I see the faces of my brothers! You are my brothers but there are many generations separating us! To have fought in the Clone Wars was and is a badge of honor, but unlike the rest of my generation, I was spared a dark fate of lies and betrayal! I don't have some glorious history of great and epic battles! I've been in a few, sure, but I was shot down less than a year into the war! Yes I flew in at the apex of our glory at Geonosis! But then I was shot down and forced to survive on my own for over twenty years until I was rescued by the Rebellion! From there, I fought against my own brothers! I must apologize if I address you in a rude manner, as a part of me still sees the Stormtrooper armor and feels the urge to pull a blaster on each of you! You might be wondering, what could have possessed me to fight and kill my own brothers?! My reasoning can be summed up with one word and a number: Order 66!" Able said, his face contorting in disgust at the very mention of the order and most of the younger clones, including the Captain had similar expressions, sharing Able's hatred of the old executive order.
"When I heard that that order had been issued at the end of the Clone Wars, and heard about the senseless execution of all those Jedi, I couldn't help but vomit in disgust at my own brothers and their willingness to comply with that order! What made me even more disgusted was when I learned that they still served the new 'Empire' in instilling fear when they should be inspiring hope! I agreed to fight for the Rebellion, if anything, to restore us all to our former glory! That glory might be tainted due to twenty plus years of oppressive service to the Empire, but I see a bright future for us in the Republic! Together we can overcome twenty years of fear and once again become a symbol of hope to the people who need it the most!" Able continued as the clones nodded, many of them holding their heads high.
"The Sith, our former slave masters, have returned to the galaxy and are using armies of cloned soldiers as their weapon! I don't know about you but the knowledge that there is an army of cheap knockoffs of us running around bringing fear to the galaxy makes my blood boil! It's up to you, you and all successive generations of our brothers to become that symbol of hope for the innocents of the Republic! If there were one piece of advice I could give to each of you, it would be this: don't follow just the Republic! Don't just give your loyalty to one individual like the Chancellor! Devote yourself to serving the Republic as a whole, because that's who we serve! Not some politician!" Able said, earning nods of agreement from the clones.
"And if there's any one group that you can trust, it's the Jedi! You're all a part of the 501st Legion, you're known to the galaxy as Skywalker's Fist! You are the elite, the proud, and the last of the Fett clone dynasty of the Clone Wars! I have faith in you all! May the Force be forever with us and our brothers! That is all!" Able said, the clones snapping to attention and saluting, Able returning the salute.
"Are there any questions for the Commander?" the Captain asked, a few clones raising their hands.
"I've got one. Is there time for a rebuttal?"
The clones all turned towards the back of the room to see another clone, clearly older looking with a white goatee and hair, leaning with his back against the wall in old Imperial Storm Commando armor.
"I beg your pardon?" Able asked as the clone stood up off the wall, approaching the Commander.
"I agree with you for the most part, about not being strictly loyal to the Chancellor, about being loyal to the Republic as a whole. But when it comes to putting our faith and trust in the Jedi, that's where we differ." The clone said. His voice was different than the rest which set off a bell in Able's head.
"You're one of the deluxe models. Only an old commando would have their genes altered enough that their voice could differ from their brothers." Able commented as the old clone nodded.
"Yeah but it was more for necessity so our squad leaders could tell us apart over the comms. And, like you, I served the Old Republic at the outbreak of the Clone Wars, at Geonosis. Then I served the Empire, hunting Jedi and their ilk directly under Lord Vader's command. The Jedi are traitors, they don't give a damn about our lives or the lives of their men. They'd as soon as abandon us, leave us behind to die. You ask me, Order 66 wasn't uncalled for. It was needed as vengeance for all the clones they allowed to die on the battlefields of the Clone Wars." The old commando said, getting into Able's face.
"You're the second commando I've met. Are all of you defective?" Able asked. The Commando clinched his fists together.
"Only the ones who defected to the Rebel terrorists." The commando replied.
"And you're allowed to teach these cadets? It's been a while since I've shot an Imperial bucket head." Able said, reaching for his blaster. The Commando was doing the same.
"It's been a while since I shot a Rebel scumbag." The Commando said with a snarl.
"Sirs, please! We're brothers!" the Captain exclaimed, barging in between them.
"If you ever want to prove to me you're really a clone, you'll meet me on the training deck." The commando said before turning and leaving. The Captain ran a hand over his face in frustration.
"You're all dismissed." The Captain said to the trainees who stood at attention for a moment then started filing out, platoons at a time in formation.
"Sir, I apologize for his behavior. He's one of the 501sts oldest members. He specializes in dealing with Force Sensitives that go rogue and he imparts this knowledge to the cadets. Lord Skywalker encourages that we know this skill but unfortunately ol' Stormy also tries to impart his hatred of Jedi along with them." The Captain explained to Able.
"You don't have to apologize for him. I just hope he doesn't encounter the General…or the Commander." Able replied.
"Commander? You mean the Kaleesh girl?" the Captain asked.
"Commander Sheelal. She's a Jedi in training under General X2. Poor kid's father is one of the Sith Lords we're fighting. She's on our side but she likes to wear a hunting mask that resembles that of General Grievous. From what I understand, she's his great-granddaughter even." Able explained, the Captain nodding understandingly.
"Perhaps we better find them just to be sure, sir. Most of us training officers don't exactly take ol' Stormy's bias against the Jedi kindly and neither do most of the cadets. Whenever the men start to question the Jedi, we remind them that Lord Skywalker is a Jedi and they clam up." The Captain replied.
"Agreed. Let's see where the Commander has gotten herself. I only hope the commando that was with us is with her right now. It might dissuade that bucket head from attacking." Able said as the two started walking off, unaware that Stormy had overheard their conversation and was affixing his old Storm Commando helmet to his head before walking off. Stormy walked into his quarters, knelt down at a footlocker, opened it, and pulled out a DC-17 rifle with blaster attachment. He quickly grabbed the sniper and anti-armor attachments before looking at an old Clone Commando helmet on his desk, several tick marks dotting the edges of the helmet. He dusted off one of the tick marks.
"Been a while since I added another Jedi to my kills." Stormy said before grabbing a pack full of equipment and walking out of the room.
…
Meanwhile, Sev and Ronderu walked down the halls of the facility, approaching a doorway guarded by a pair of cadets in training armor but equipped with real blasters and detonators.
"This is the archives?" Ronderu asked, Sev nodding.
"Yep." Sev replied.
"Will they not let us in?" Ronderu asked.
"Dunno." Sev replied.
"Then let us try and gain entrance." Ronderu said as she headed for the entrance. The two clones snapped to attention as she approached.
"Commander, ma'am, how can we be of service?" one of the cadets asked.
"My friend, your brother, wishes to access the records to determine the fate of his squad members from the Clone Wars. I would like you to let us in so we can access those records." Ronderu said plainly. The Cadets looked at each other before hesitantly giving their response.
"We're sorry ma'am, but the archives room is restricted. You'd need a General's authorization or permission from the Prime Minister to access them." The cadet replied.
"Very well. I will speak with my Master and request his permission. We shall return." Ronderu said before turning and walking away, Sev following hesitantly in tow.
"That's it? We're just walking away, Commander?" Sev asked.
"For the moment, yes. We shall gain nothing if we attempt to enter by force. Patience, Oh-Seven. We will access the archives and you will learn the fate of your brothers." Ronderu said as they continued on, the Padawan reaching for her comlink but as she raised it, she noticed some of its circuitry was exposed.
"Hmm, it would seem my comlink is broken. Oh-seven, is yours working?" Ronderu asked but Sev shook his head.
"It's been broken since I used this thing to collapse the skull of a Katarn shortly after destroying the droids that captured me on Kashyyyk. Kinda ironic really. A Katarn getting killed by a Katarn armor helmet." Sev said with a chuckle, quietly reminiscing about the kill.
"Then we shall have to borrow one." Ronderu said as she saw a pair of cadets patrolling the hall.
"Soldiers!" she called, the cadets snapping to attention.
"Yes, Commander?" they both asked in near-perfect unison.
"Do either of you have a working comlink? Mine is…damaged." Ronderu said, holding her damaged comlink up for emphasis.
"Yes ma'am, use mine." The cadet said, handing Ronderu the comlink.
"Thank you, cadet. I shall return this to your training officer. What is your designation?" Ronderu asked.
"KT-124, ma'am…but some of the men call me Grater." The cadet replied.
"Thank you Grater. I shall make sure your comlink is returned to you." Ronderu said, pocketing the comlink.
"You're welcome, ma'am." Grater replied.
"Ma'am, if you'd like, our helmets have built-in comlinks so we don't need the portable ones. If you need a spare, take mine." The other cadet said, offering his comlink.
"Thank you, cadet. My friend will need it as his helmet's comlink is broken as well. What is your designation?" Ronderu asked while handing the other comlink to Sev.
"LT-343. Call me Dutch, ma'am." The cadet said as Ronderu nodded.
"Thank you as well. May the force be with you both. You may continue your patrol." Ronderu said as the cadets saluted before walking off, not noticing a figure in Storm Commando armor walk past with a datapad. Stormy turned to glare at Ronderu as he passed by, not even noticing Sev as the clone's back was turned.
"Master X2, do you copy?" Ronderu asked into the comlink after adjusting it to the right channel.
"Ronderu, I was just about to contact you. I need to see you in the medical facility right away." X2 replied.
"I'm on my way now, Master. In the meantime, Oh-Seven has a request to ask of you and is tuned into the same frequency. Ronderu out." Ronderu said, looking to Sev who motioned with his head to go-ahead without him. Ronderu gave a nod back in response and started walking off down the halls.
"Go ahead, Sev." X2 said over Sev's comlink.
"Sir, I'd like permission to access the clone archives. I want to find out what happened to my squad from the Clone Wars." Sev said.
"Given the circumstances I believe that is a fair request. You've not asked for anything since your rescue from Kashyyyk. Very well, I will inform security to let you into the archives." X2 replied.
"Thank you sir." Sev said.
"Please don't make a mess, Sev. X2 out." X2 replied as Sev turned back towards the archives, approaching the doors just as the cadets got off their helmet comlink.
"We've just received orders to let you in sir." One of the cadets said, opening the door for Sev who walked inside. The room was typical of the Kaminoan design, stark white walls in an oval-like sphere. There was a single console in the center of the room, a holoprojector installed in the floor behind it. Sev approached the console, removing his helmet and placing it on a side panel of the console. He immediately pulled up a display.
"Okay…which key is the 'any' key." Sev mumbled as he started to fumble with the computer. The cadets outside glanced in at him curiously.
"Do you need any assistance, sir?" one of them asked.
"Uh…do either of you know how to work this thing? I know how to slice a computer when it's locked but…a working one?" he replied, one of the cadets entering the room.
"No worries, sir. It's fairly straightforward. Would you like me to operate it for you, sir?" the cadet asked, the other looking in, none of them noticing as Stormy slipped around the corner in the direction Ronderu had gone.
"You mind?" Sev asked as the cadet stepped up to the console.
"So, what are we looking for sir?" the cadet asked.
"Let's start with me, it should give us a jumping off point. Look for RC-1207." Sev ordered, the cadet entering the information. Almost instantly it brought up a hologram of a far younger Sev both in and out of his armor.
"Says here, you were listed as MIA after the Battle of Kashyyyk then only recently listed as 'retired.'" The cadet said as Sev gave a nod.
"Alright, does it list my squad?" Sev asked, the Cadet looking the display over.
"Yes, here it is sir. Says you were assigned to Delta Squad…but according to this, the squad was disbanded after the transition into the Empire." The cadet reported.
"Damn. What about its members? RC-1138 or RC-1140?" Sev asked, the Cadet entering in the information but then shaking his head.
"Sorry sir, nothing." The Cadet replied.
"What? Impossible! You must have entered it wrong! Try again!" Sev ordered, the cadet flinching slightly and reentering the information but shaking his head.
"I'm sorry sir, but the computer has nothing on an RC-1138 or an RC-1140." The cadet replied.
"Hang on, didn't you say Delta Squad was disbanded during the transition from Republic to Empire?" the cadet outside asked as he entered the room.
"Yeah, why?" the first cadet asked.
"Well if you paid attention in the Legion's History Lessons you'd know that most of our brothers received new designations during the transition. Try the same numbers but with the prefix 'IC' instead of 'RC' at the beginning." The second said as the first entered the information and almost instantly it brought up a hologram of another clone in stark white Katarn armor.
"Here we are sir, IC-1138, formerly RC-1138, alias: 'Boss.' According to this he was assigned as the leader of the 501st's Imperial Commando Special Unit, participated in numerous operations but was killed in action by Rebel forces during an attack on a Rebel Base on Dac three months before the Battle of Yavin." The first cadet reported, Sev taking a deep breath, muttering something in Mando'a.
"Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum: Boss. Okay what about Four-oh?" Sev asked, the cadet entering the information. Soon another clone appeared, also in stark white Katarn armor.
"IC-1140, formerly RC-1140, alias: 'Fixer.' Second in command of the Imperial Commando Special Unit, promoted to unit commander after the death of IC-1138. Killed in action by Rebel forces on Hypori one year after Yavin." The cadet reported as Sev lowered his head.
"Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum: Fixer. Now for the last one. RC…or IC-1262." Sev said, the cadet pausing, both cadets looking at each other before looking towards Sev curiously.
"Did you say Twelve-six-two?" one of them asked.
"Yeah why?" Sev replied. The cadets looked hesitantly at each other for a moment before looking back at Sev.
…
Meanwhile, Ronderu was standing in the middle of the hallways of Kamino. She was absolutely lost in the place. The halls all looked the same to her. She would try following her Master's presence in the force but the halls were like a maze and she kept ending up at dead ends or random areas. She let out an audible sigh.
"Something the matter, Commander?"
Ronderu spun around to see what appeared to be a heavily armed soldier in old Imperial Storm Commando armor.
"As a matter of fact, yes. I appear to be lost. Can you assist me in reaching the medical wards?" Ronderu asked as the Storm Commando gave a slow nod.
"Of course, follow me." The Commando said as he started escorting her through the halls.
"Much appreciated." She said as they walked through the halls. As they walked, she sensed that something was off about the Commando next to her, a sense of malice. She glanced at him curiously, suspicion clear in her face although it was unnoticeable due to her mask. She looked at his rifle and recognized it.
"I see you favor antique weaponry." Ronderu commented.
"Pardon?" Stormy asked.
"Your weapon. It is a DC-17m interchangeable weapon system. I met one of your brothers who favors the weapon." Ronderu said as Stormy checked his weapon's clip, fully loaded.
"That's right. Optional attachments include the RPG Anti-armor and sniper. Personal favorite's the anti-armor. Other weapons and most armors are useless against explosives." Stormy explained as he led Ronderu into a storage room.
"Are you certain we are going the right way?" Ronderu asked, stepping into the middle of the room.
"You are, yes." Stormy replied, detaching the blaster attachment and installing the RPG attachment to his rifle, inserting an explosive round. Ronderu was now very suspicious of the clone and reached for her lightsabers.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"It's a shortcut." Stormy replied as he raised his rifle towards Ronderu who still had her back turned. She quickly leapt up into the air just as Stormy fired the round, the RPG exploding but Ronderu was holding on near the ceiling and was only lightly singed. Instantly alarms started sounding, the halls darkening with a red light glowing inside. Stormy immediately looked up and pulled an E-11 rifle from his side and opened fire at her. The Kaleesh Padawan dropped down onto the ground and ignited her lightsabers, deflecting his shots and charging towards him. Stormy quickly leapt back out of the doorway and slapped a button on his belt, almost instantly a green glow appearing along his armor just as he raised his arm to try and block Ronderu's lightsaber. Much to Ronderu's shock and disbelief, her lightsaber bounced harmlessly off his arm. Stormy instantly took advantage of her surprise and managed to blast her in the left shoulder causing her to drop her lightsaber in that hand, quickly leaping away, putting some distance between her and the murderous clone.
"Personal shield unit developed for the Galactic Empire's Special Imperial Commando Unit, designed to repel Jedi lightsabers!" Stormy yelled, clipping the E-11 to his side and loading another charge into the DC-17. Ronderu wasn't sure why he was attacking, only that she needed to get away from him. She quickly summoned her dropped lightsaber to her hand with the Force before running away, clipping the extra saber to her belt.
"Good! Run! Adds to the thrill of the chase." Stormy said raising a datapad as a pair of cadets came running up.
"Sir, we've received reports of an explosion and blaster fire! What's happening?!" one of the cadets asked.
"The Jedi attacked me! She must be a spy! Seal off all entrances and exits to this section of the facility and set your weapons for kill!" Stormy ordered, the clones saluting and running off. Stormy smiled darkly beneath his helmet as he raised his datapad, a blip on the screen moving quickly away from him. He then began to follow after her.
…
Elsewhere in the city, X2 and the Prime Minister rushed into the command center, the alarms blaring.
"What is it, Commander?! Invaders?!" X2 asked the 501st Commander on station in the command center.
"No sir! The only non-Kaminoan vessel to arrive in the whole system lately has been yours sir! We're receiving reports that the other Jedi that was with you attacked one of our instructors! He managed to scare her off and she's on the run! He's ordered the entire area sealed off!" the Commander replied.
"Ronderu? Impossible!" X2 replied in disbelief.
"Perhaps she is indeed a spy and she was caught doing something suspicious and attempted to remove the witness." Yorn suggested, X2 sighing heavily in response.
"I don't want to jump to conclusions just yet. Let me in to try and join the search. Ronderu's a skilled swordsman and many of the clones wouldn't stand a chance against her. Maybe I can talk her down and determine whether or not she really is a spy." X2 said as the Commander nodded.
"I'll alert the security teams to let you through." The Commander said as X2 turned and ran for the door.
…
Back in the other part of the facility, Ronderu ran through the hall, clutching her wounded shoulder. As she rounded a corner she saw a squad of 501sts in full Stormtrooper armor and brandishing blaster rifles.
"Look! There she is! Blast her!" one of the troopers ordered, the others turning and opening fire on the Kaleesh Padawan. Ronderu quickly activated her lightsaber and charged towards them, deflecting blaster bolts. She quickly leapt in at them and swung her blade, cutting their rifles in half, disarming them but leaving them otherwise unharmed. She then used the force to knock them hard against the wall, knocking them out but not killing them. In under thirty seconds, she had disarmed and knocked out the entire squad, but she had little chance to celebrate as she sensed a presence behind her in the force and quickly spun back in time to deflect a round from a DC-17m's sniper attachment.
"Not bad for a Padawan." Stormy said, still glowing with his personal shield.
"Why are you doing this?!" she asked, confused.
"Why? Easy question to answer. It's my duty." Stormy replied raising his rifle again and taking another shot. Ronderu either dodged or deflected the shots before turning and running down the hall away from the rogue commando. Stormy gave chase, swapping out the sniper attachment for the RPG attachment again as he ran after her.
…
Elsewhere in the city, Able and the Captain reached the security detail guarding the entrance to the locked down facility.
"What's going on?! Let us through!" the Captain ordered.
"Sorry sir, but the area's been locked down! We have orders from the Major!" one of the guards replied.
"Major? It wasn't Stormy was it?!" the Captain asked.
"Yes sir, it was!" the guard replied.
"Damn him! He's trying to murder the Commander!" the Captain groaned.
"Lieutenant I'm ordering you to let us through!" Able ordered.
"Sorry sir, but my orders-!" "Do you know who this is, Lieutenant or did someone say Private?! This is Commander Able, a first gen of our brothers! He outranks Stormy now let us through!" the Captain ordered, the guards quickly saluting.
"Yes sir, right away sir!" the guard replied allowing the two clones to pass through. The Captain quickly pulled on his helmet, Able already with his Phase I helmet on his head.
"We've got to find the Commander! Stormy's trained to kill Jedi and he's got the gear to do it!" the Captain said as they ran.
"Then we need to find Sev as well! He'll know how to handle a fellow Commando!" Able said as they heard blaster fire from further down the hall. They quickly picked up the pace and rounded a corner in time to see Ronderu round an opposite corner, a flurry of blaster fire behind her. She saw Able and the Captain ahead of her but in her state of confusion, she didn't know who to trust and turned to run down a hallway to her right between her and the two clones.
"Commander wait!" Able yelled as a squad of 501sts rounded the corner she had come from.
"Sir, have you seen the fugitive Jedi?!" the Squad leader asked.
"Halt! You are to cease and desist with this pursuit!" Able ordered, the 501sts looking at each other in confusion.
"But, sir, the Jedi-…" the squad leader replied.
"-Is being set up! Did old Stormy give the order to pursue her?!" the Captain asked, realization sweeping over the soldiers.
"Uh-oh." One of them muttered.
"Sir have we been following bogus orders?" the squad leader asked.
"In all likelihood, yes. You have new orders, find Stormy and arrest him! I want him alive, and pass the word along to all the squads you find!" Able ordered, the squad leader giving a nod.
"Yes sir! Come on men, set for stun!" the squad leader ordered as the 501sts turned and ran off back down the halls while Able and the Captain turned and began pursuing Ronderu.
…
Meanwhile, Ronderu had found a spot inside a supply closet to rest for a moment and catch her breath. She was beginning to lose feeling in her left arm and could barely move it without feeling excruciating pain. She collapsed down behind a stack of crates, clutching her wounded arm. Her opportunity to rest ended however as she heard the door to the room open behind her.
"I know you're here, Jedi. There's no use hiding from me." Stormy said as Ronderu grimaced in frustration. She could hear the commando creeping up towards her and her eyes narrowed in determination. She quickly climbed to her feet, crouched down behind the crates before raising her right arm towards the crates.
"Got ya!" Stormy exclaimed, raising his rifle towards her but Ronderu launched the crates at the old clone with the Force, knocking him against the wall and giving her a chance to slip past him.
"Oh no you don't!" Stormy exclaimed, leaping to his feet and running into the hall after her. He saw her running towards a set of doors leading outside the building. He quickly raised his rifle, the RPG attachment still on it, and fired a round. Ronderu quickly leapt forward but the shell landed behind her, the explosion launching her through the opened doors, over the railing on the opposite side and down onto a rain soaked landing platform below. She landed on her left side, still conscious but in pain. She quickly limped to her feet as Stormy came running out onto the balcony above, reloading his gun and leveling it at her.
"Still alive eh? I can fix that." Stormy said switching out for the sniper attachment and taking aim. Ronderu was forced to deflect his potshots, the rogue commando continuing to fire at her as a squad of 501sts ran out onto the platform with Ronderu, leveling their weapons at her.
"Ready! Aim!" the squad leader ordered, Ronderu's eyes widening in horror as the clones prepared to fire. Suddenly she heard the sound of another lightsaber activating as X2 landed between her and the clones.
"HOLD!" X2 ordered, the clones lowering their weapons. Stormy froze for a moment before subtly switching his sniper attachment out for the RPG again.
"What is going on here?!" X2 asked, clearly displeased with the events.
"Master!" Ronderu cried.
"I want to know what's going on here first! Why are they chasing you, Ronderu?!" X2 asked. Ronderu rolled onto her left side, pointing at Stormy as he leveled his RPG at the two Jedi.
"He's trying to kill me!" Ronderu exclaimed, the other soldiers looking up at the balcony, having not noticed Stormy beforehand.
"It's Stormy!" "The old fool's gone rogue!" "Blast him!" the 501sts exclaimed, raising their blasters at the old commando but were suddenly blown away as Stormy turned the RPG on them. X2's eyes widened in shock at the sight as Stormy reloaded the RPG.
"What is the meaning of this?!" X2 asked in outrage.
"This one's for my pod brother." Stormy mumbled as he raised his rifle again, ready to fire when he heard a battle cry and footsteps rapidly approaching him. He turned in time to see a white and red blur charge into him and tackle him to the ground, a stabbing pain in his upper hip on his right side. Stormy swung his rifle around at his attacker but the rifle was knocked from his hand before getting bashed up the head by another one, disorienting him for a moment before he suddenly felt something stab him under the right shoulder, paralyzing the entire arm. Stormy turned and finally saw his attacker, freezing at the sight of a soldier in white and red Katarn Commando armor, his vibroblade retracting into his left knuckle plate. Sev stood over the wounded traitor for a moment, the two cadets from the archives standing behind him. Sev then knelt down and removed Stormy's helmet, looking at the shocked expression of the old clone beneath it. Stormy was breathing heavily, his eyes widened in shock and his face pale as if he'd seen a ghost.
"It can't be. It can't…Oh-Seven…is it really-…" Stormy gasped as Sev removed his helmet, looking pitifully at the old clone.
"Scorch." Sev said softly, a look of sadness and disappointment on his face as he reached for the old clone's dog tags, looking at the inscription: "IC-1262." X2 leapt up to the balcony level, carrying the wounded Ronderu in his arms, setting her down as additional squads led by Able and the Captain arrived.
"We need a medic over here!" Able ordered, kneeling next to Ronderu tending to her wounds while the Kaleesh Padawan looked at the wounded clone as he held tenuously for life. X2 knelt down next to the clone, pulling out a bio-scanner he had grabbed from the medical ward and scanned the clone, the readout showing his heart was acting strangely, indicating a heart attack. The shock of seeing Sev as well as his injuries had taken their toll on him.
"You…you were dead." Stormy, or rather Scorch, said weakly.
"Captured. The clankers caught me…but the Jedi rescued me. She rescued me." Sev replied, pointing to Ronderu, a look of horror and remorse washing over Scorch's face.
"The Jedi…but, a Jedi told us…to abandon you." Scorch whispered, a tear running down his face.
"Scorch, we were trained to follow orders. I'm just sorry some orders stuck with you. If only we had been captured as a squad, maybe it wouldn't be like this. You've allowed me to become your excuse to become a traitor and murderer." Sev said, a tear running down his stern face, Scorch breaking down in tears.
"Oh Sev…please forgive me. Commander, please, I'm sorry. I'm…so…sorry." He sobbed weakly before he took a final gasp and breathed his last, his head slowly falling back against the ground. Sev lowered his head, grimacing as his brother died beneath him. The 501sts, Able, and the Captain all removed their helmets as Sev whispered in Mando'a…
"Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum: Scorch." Sev whispered, shakily before throwing his head back and letting out a cry of anguish, now the last of his squad mates and the last surviving Republic Commando.
Several hours later…
X2 and Yorn stood outside of a medical room as medical droids tended to Ronderu inside the room.
"I would formally like to apologize, General, for the actions of Twelve-sixty-two. He's held a deep seeded hatred of the Jedi for years. Apparently, his squad was ordered to leave Twelve-oh-seven behind on a Jedi's order at the end of the Clone Wars and, after being assigned to a special task force within the Five-hundred and first assigned to assassinate Jedi, his hatred of them grew, especially as his remaining squad mates were picked off by the Rebels and their Jedi leaders." Yorn explained.
"Hatred can be a powerful motivator. My sympathies are with Sev in this matter. He came here seeking to determine the fate of his squad mates and he ends up having to kill the last one of them, leaving him as the lone survivor of his squad. He's lost his family and I understand how that is." X2 said, thinking back to his late-wife as well as his brother.
"Indeed. But on better news, we at least know Padawan Ronderu is not a clone." Yorn said as X2 nodded.
"Yes and I understand the clones here are lining up to apologize to her for the misunderstanding." X2 said as a door opened from nearby, Able and Sev approaching.
"Sev, are you going to be alright?" X2 asked, the old Commando nodding.
"Yes sir. As I see it, my squad was wiped out on Kashyyyk…at least the squad I knew did. I'm the last of Delta Squad and as long as I live, so do they." Sev replied as X2 put a hand on the clone's shoulder.
"You have my sympathies. What will you do now, Sev?" X2 asked.
"Return to duty, sir. It's the best way I can honor my brothers." Sev replied as Ronderu emerged from the medical ward, her left arm in a sling, followed closely by a medical droid.
"She will retain the use of her arm, although she will need to refrain from using it for the next several weeks and will require periodic bacta treatments, at least once a day until her wounds are fully healed." The medical droid reported.
"Commander, I'm sorry about-." "No. There is nothing to apologize for, Oh-seven. I harbor no ill will towards you or your fallen brother. I cannot. To do so is not the Jedi way." Ronderu replied.
"Then I believe it's time we returned home. Is the clone detector ready?" X2 asked Yorn who nodded.
"We have loaded a prototype onto your ship along with the rest of the…cargo. We've already performed our analysis and acquired a wealth of additional samples from them; we have no reason to keep them on hand." Yorn replied.
"Thank you Prime Minister. I hope the detector will help us avert a catastrophe in the near future." X2 said as he bowed to the Prime Minister, Yorn bowing in return.
"I believe your typical farewell wishes are stated: may the Force be with you?" he asked.
"Indeed. And may the force be with you and your people as well Prime Minster." X2 replied as they turned and headed for the exit.
"Master, wait a moment, please." Ronderu said, X2 and the two clones pausing near the exit. Ronderu approached the Prime Minister, holding a pair of comlinks in her hand.
"Sir, I borrowed these from two of your cadets: KT-124 and LT-343. I promised them that they would get them back." Ronderu said as the Prime Minister tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Captain Gallant, those numbers sound familiar to me." Yorn said as the Captain nodded.
"Yes sir. KT-124's comlink number was on ol' Stormy's Datapad. He was using your comlink to track you. That's probably how he was able to find you so easily, Commander." Gallant replied.
"Either way, please ensure that the two receive their comlinks back." Ronderu said as the Captain took the comlinks from her.
"You can count on me, Commander." Gallant said with a salute.
"Thank you, Captain." Ronderu replied as she rejoined her Master at the exit, X2 giving the young Kaleesh a smile and a nod of approval as they turned towards the doors. As they emerged, they found several rows of 501sts, clad in old Phase II Clone Trooper armor bearing the traditional markings of the 501st Legion, lining the platform leading to the Starspeeder.
"Ten hut! Present, arms!" One of the clones ordered, the clones snapping to attention with old DC-15 rifles resting against their shoulders. The Clones immediately started to sing in unison in a language that all the clones on Kamino were taught from birth.
"Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an.
Coruscanta a'den mhi, Vode an.
Bal kote, darasuum kote,
Jorso'ran kando a tome.
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an."
Ronderu didn't recognize the language though.
"Master, what are they saying?" Ronderu asked as X2 smiled.
"Vode An. It's Mandalorian. It means, Brothers All." X2 said as they boarded the Starspeeder.
End Episode 16