Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 59: The Rogue Clone
Nadia was in the middle of taking a shower.
She felt happier that she went to visit Corellia for a week with Hal, Maybelline and Grandmother Valerie to take a break from the Clone Wars.
Though now she was back in the Jedi Temple to help her comrades fight in the Clone Wars, Nadia still missed seeing Ahsoka around.
"Where ever you are, I hope you are doing great, Soka."Nadia thought with a fragile smile.
Nadia then stepped out of the shower to dry herself.
After getting dressed in her usual attire, Nadia began to slowly brush her hair and immediately notice her Padawan braid.
The raven haired girl desperately wanted her Knighting Ceremony to happen soon, so that she can finally became a Jedi Knight.
Though it was the right of the Jedi High Council and will of the Force to only grant the rank of Jedi Knight for any Padawan Learner.
"I won't stop believing that I won't become a Jedi Knight someday."Nadia thought with a stern look.
After tying her hair into a ponytail, Nadia headed out of the showers and began walking around the Jedi Temple.
Anakin and Ferus were on a mission to retake the ring space station in Ringo Vinda's orbit with twin Jedi Masters Tiplar and Tiplee as well as leading several clone trooper detachments against the occupying droid force under Admiral Trench.
Maybelline was among the younglings in the Heliost Clan in the middle of a lesson being taught by Jedi Master Tera Sinube.
Hal, on the other hand, was off Coruscant and on a mission with General Rahm Kota.
Nadia made her way to the room of the Jedi Temple and smiled when she caught sight of a female Zabrak Jedi Padawan named Maris Brood rushing past her to join her clan.
Suddenly, Cal rushed up to Nadia and tackled her with a hug.
"Hey, Nadia!"Cal greeted excitedly.
"Whoa there, Cal."Nadia answered with a smirk."What's with all the excitement?"
"I joined my Master in the battlefield again and I was able to take down some of the droidekas."Cal exclaimed as he released Nadia."Though the first time I fought droidekas, I actually froze and he had to take them out."
"That's good to hear, Cal."Nadia praised."And who knows? Maybe someday you'll be fighting alongside me."
"That would be awesome!"Cal remarked excitedly.
For the rest of the day, Nadia decided to spend time with Cal.
The Padawan of Jedi Master Jaro Tapal told her various things he did including taking notes of how talkative B1-series battle droids were and how B2-series super battle droids argued with each other.
Like Caleb, Nadia found Cal as another fellow Padawan that she was able to talk to.
The Clone Wars escalated into one of the largest wars in galactic history in a matter of weeks. The members of the Jedi Order played a pivotal part in the war, acting as generals to the vast Grand Army of the Republic; an act which troubled the Order and caused the deaths of thousands of Jedi during the war.
The Jedi Schism also threatened the unity of the Order as some Jedi did not want to fight. It was an event that split the Jedi Order three months after the start of the Clone Wars.
Hundreds of Jedi refused the Jedi High Council's orders for them to follow Chancellor Palpatine's appointment of them to positions within the Republic Army.
Their reasons included the belief that it was not a Jedi's position to lead armies that the Separatist Crisis should be handled through diplomacy and not war. In addition, they had better things to do.
Nadia and Cal sat in the refectories of the Jedi Temple while talking to each other.
"Nadia, can I ask you something?"Cal asked.
"Go ahead, Cal."Nadia insisted.
Cal glanced at each side of head before whispering something in Nadia's ear.
"Is it true that you slapped Master Unduli?"Cal asked.
Nadia letted out a slight sigh.
"Yes, Cal, but I don't regret it."Nadia admitted with a frown."She was Barriss' Master and her student's downfall was her fault. If she showed Barriss that she cared about her and been there for her more, Barriss would've never betrayed the Jedi Order and framed Ahsoka for her terrorist crimes."
Cal looked down in thought.
"That's a good point."Cal admitted.
Then a smile appeared on Nadia's face before she ruffled Cal's hair a bit.
"But no point looking back at the past."Nadia declared."What's important now is to focus on completing our training as Padawans, so all of us can become Jedi Knights someday."
Cal smiled lightly at Nadia's words.
"You're right about that, Nadia."Cal agreed.
After she finished spending time with Cal, Nadia headed to the Jedi Archives to a read a book.
Nadia started reading a book that talked about the events that occurred during the Old Republic as well as historic figures like Bastila Shan and Darth Revan.
"Without the mask he looked more human."Nadia read."It was easier to remember he was just a man, with all the weaknesses and vulnerabilities that implied. With the mask, however, Revan was an icon, a symbol. He was the shaper of history, an individual defined by his actions rather than his thoughts, feelings, and beliefs."
Nadia held her chin in thought.
"A saviour, conqueror, hero and villain. So Darth Revan was all those things."Nadia murmured in surprise and lightly snickered."And to think he also formed a Force Bond with Bastila Shan. No doubt those two were a awesome power couple."
Nadia continued reading a bit more of the book, only to become dumbstruck.
"When the Mandalorian threat first arose, Revan and Malak were eager to defeat the enemy of the Republic. But the Council thought it best if we moved with care and caution. The true threat, the council feared, had not yet revealed itself. But Revan would not be dissuaded. Charismatic and powerful, it was inevitable many of the Order would flock to Revan's seemingly noble cause. Malak was the first to join his closest friend. Others followed, many of our youngest and brightest, intent on saving the galaxy from the Mandalorian threat."Nadia read and then nervously rubbed the back of her neck."So Revan wanted to make sure the Mandalorians have been defeated once and for all? If I told Satine I idolised a Shan, she no doubt wouldn't take that well."
After reading a couple of more pages, Nadia then simply closed the book.
"Despite his heroics and victories, Revan had caused atrocities and brought terrors across the galaxy during each of his wars. I almost immediately point to his actions during the Jedi Civil War when he became Darth Revan. The most egregious of his crimes would create a devastating force of nature that would cause ripples in time itself. As a direct result of Revan's actions and commands, the being known as Darth Nihilus would be born. A freak of the Force and a living horror that nearly consumed all life in the Galaxy."Nadia thought uncomfortably and looked at her hands."But without Darth Nihilus, I wouldn't even exist…"
Nadia shook her head, not wanting any bad thoughts to get in her head.
"I am nothing like Darth Nihilus."Nadia thought with a stern look."But I still have to smack awake some of the Jedi Council members on that."
A hand lightly tapped on Nadia's shoulder and she looked up to see Ferus smiling at her.
"Hey, Dia."Ferus greeted.
"Hi, Ferus."Nadia responded with a smile.
The moment their eyes connected, both Ferus and Nadia were eager to share a passionate kiss with each other.
But the couple knew they couldn't since they were inside the Jedi Temple.
"How did the mission to retake the ring space station in Ringo Vinda's orbit go?"Nadia asked.
A troubled look appeared on Ferus' face upon hearing his girlfriend's question.
"That's what I want to talk to you about."Ferus admitted."Come with me."
Ferus led Nadia out of the Jedi Archives to talk to her on what occurred during the assault in Ringo Vinda's orbit.
"Tup did what?!"Nadia said in shock.
"He suddenly killed General Tiplar."Ferus answered while rubbing his forehead."When we retreated from the battle droids and tried to question him on his murderous actions. Tup said he doesn't remember and for a brief moment he goes into some form of trance and began constantly muttering, 'Good soldiers follow orders'."
A distributed look appeared on Nadia's face.
"That's creepy."Nadia responded."What happened to Tup after that?"
"Tup was checked for medical disorders, but strangely no clues to his bizarre condition, which makes him alternate between trances and clear moments where he has no memories of his blackouts, were found."Ferus exclaimed."He was sedated and sent back to Kamino for examination. Me, Anakin and Fives were accompanying Tup, but our return trip was ambushed by Separatists."
Nadia folded her arms.
"It sounds like Tup killing General Tiplar is some kind of Separatists plot."Nadia assumed.
"Me and Anakin thought the same thing."Ferus declared."Though I have a feeling Fives is on the case to trying to figure out the cause of Tup's actions."
"Fives?"Nadia said in surprise.
"Fives is a good friend of mine like Rex is to Anakin."Ferus exclaimed."I trust him."
Nadia nodded in approval.
"Well, if Fives is trying to figure out the answer to Tup's disturbing action, then I'll trust him too."Nadia stated.
Ferus smiled at Nadia.
"Thanks, Nadia."Ferus answered."That means a lot."
What Nadia didn't like about the Jedi Council was mostly for their hypocrisy and the bad choices they usually make.
The Jedi Council also elected their own members that shared their personalities and strongly followed the corrupted Jedi Code that made them act like emotionless machines.
Anakin was a Force-sensitive human whose blood contained the highest known midi-chlorian count.
But even though Master Qui-Gon was the only who believed him to be the Chosen One destined to bring balance to the Force by destroying the Sith, Anakin still wasn't granted the rank of Jedi Master.
Nadia, however, could tell immediately it was because the Jedi Council didn't trust him since they believed he was unable to control his emotions and in danger of falling to the Dark Side.
In a way, Anakin and herself were in the same situation.
"Such wisdom."Nadia scoffed sarcastically."The Council make sure we feel antagonised and alienated from them at every turn."
Nadia was clearing her room up a bit as RG-G1 gave her a gentle beep.
"I'm alright, G-G."Nadia assured as she used a feather duster to remove the dust in her book shelf."I've been thinking. If the Jedi Council members wanted to give healthy support for mental and emotional growth then they would completely change how they teach the Force."
RG-G1 letted out a beep.
"Just wish the Jedi Council had members that actually had hearts and emotions."Nadia declared with a frown."If Anakin would become master, he'd be the youngest Jedi Master ever, at the age of 22. The previous youngest was 28 years of age. Who was this Jedi? Mace Windu. And everything's clear now."
Nadia then notice her comlink beeping causing her to take it out and answer it.
"Yes, Master Ti?"Nadia asked and got a respond, only to become shocked."I'm on my way."
RG-G1 gives a questioning beep as Nadia placed away her comlink and glanced at him.
"I'll tell you about it later, G-G."Nadia assured.
A while later, Nadia joined Master Shaak Ti, Anakin and Ferus in the Jedi Temple's communication center.
Master Yoda, Mace Windu and Plo Koon were also in the meeting, but as holograms.
Master Shaak Ti showed a hologram video of Fives escaping the Clone Troopers that were trying to catch him.
Previously, Fives continued to push for answers regarding the mystery of the clone contamination and secures an audience with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.
But the situation quickly collapsed when Fives was accused of attacking the Chancellor and he was now fleeing deep into the Coruscant cityscape while pursued by his fellow clone troopers.
"I can't believe Fives would try to assassinate the Chancellor."Anakin commented.
"It's not like him to do this all the sudden."Ferus stated with a troubled expression.
"The Kaminoans feel a virus corrupted the clone's inhibitor chip which has led to this behaviour."Shaak Ti explained."ARC trooper Fives feels he is the victim of a plot. Separatist or otherwise."
"All security and clone forces on Coruscant have been ordered to join the manhunt."Mace Windu stated."The Chancellor has been moved to his Senate quarters and the perimeter has been secured. However, Jedi involvement has not been requested."
"At least the Chancellor is out of harms way."Nadia complemented.
Ferus quietly gives Nadia a glance at her declaration.
Master Yoda held his chin in thought.
"Hmm…discover the truth. we must."Master Yoda declared.
"If there is a plot involving the clones, we must get to the bottom of it."Mace Windu suggested."We will investigate quietly. Undercover. We must make sure this clone is not killed."
"I'll handle this investigation."Anakin admitted."Fives was part of the 501st. If Rex, Ferus, Nadia and I find him, he'll trust us."
"Be wary."Shaak Ti warned."Since he removed his inhibitor chip, Fives may no longer be the man you once knew."
Meanwhile, Fives took an air taxi driven by Jay Igno to the clone bar 79's.
The rogue clone was unable to pay for the cab ride, and tells Igno to 'bill it to the Republic' which amused some drunken clone officers who accompanied him inside and give him an officer's cap.
In the bar, Fives recognised his fellow 501st troopers Kix and Jesse.
As a squad of shock troopers from the Coruscant Guard arrive and begin to check IDs, Fives approached Kix in the refresher.
"So I guess the 501st is back on Coruscant?"Fives asked.
"Oh, yeah, we just got back from Ringo Vinda."Kix answered."The strangest thing happened out there."
"Yeah, I know."Fives replied.
Fives removed the cap he was wearing to reveal the marks on his head.
"Fives? Whoa."Kix said in surprise as Fives went next to him and placed his cap back on."What's going on? They say you tried to assassinate the Chancellor and that you're infected with that virus that killed Tup."
"I don't have time to explain right now."Fives declared with a frown."All I can tell you is is that I'm being framed. All of us, even the Jedi, are in grave danger."
"But what can I do, Fives?"Kix asked."How can I help?"
"I need to talk to Rex, General Skywalker, General Olin or Commander Aomori."Fives admitted.
"Well, they've been tasked with finding you."Kix stated."Just just turn yourself in."
"No! No, I'll never get to them."Fives argued with a stern look."You don't understand. What I'm mixed up in, it goes all the way to the top. The highest levels are involved in the conspiracy. I have to talk to General Skywalker, General Olin, Commander Aomori and Rex directly, alone."
Kix looked at Fives quietly before responding to him.
"Look, I can contact Rex, but I can't guarantee he'll bring the Generals and the Commander."Kix suggested.
"Good, good, good. Thanks, Kix."Fives thanked."I appreciate it."
Afterwards...
Anakin, Rex, Ferus and Nadia arrived to the warehouse on Level 1325 of the Coruscant's underworld which Kix told them where Fives was hiding in.
"Well, these are the coordinates Kix gave us."Anakin declared."Let's hope Fives is inside."
"Eh, I hope he knows what he's doing."Rex admitted.
"I'm sure he would since he only trusts us."Ferus commented.
Nadia simply nodded at her companions.
The group then went inside the warehouse.
Anakin, Ferus and Nadia had their lightsabers ready and Rex held his pistols as they explored inside the dark yet large building.
"Fives?"Anakin called out."Fives, we're here."
"It's alright."Ferus assured."We just want to talk to you."
"General Skywalker, General Olin, Commander Aomori, thank you!"Fives voice called out. "Thank you for trusting me. Have you come without troops?"
"We have."Anakin responded.
"Put down your weapons, then!"Fives demanded.
"I don't think so, Fives."Nadia responded with a small glare."You attempted to assassinate the Chancellor."
"Please, ma'am!"Fives begged."Please, I'm unarmed!"
Anakin, Ferus and Nadia placed away their lightsabers before glancing at Rex.
"All right."Rex stated and placed his two blasters on a crate."I'm putting my pistols down."
"What are we here for, Fives?"Anakin questioned.
"I need your help."Fives replied.
"I know you do."Anakin answered."We know you're not well. It's been rough for you these past couple days."
"I'm not crazy!"Fives argued angrily."Please, please, just just hear what I have to say."
Anakin, Rex, Ferus and Nadia notice Fives' voice was coming from behind a nearby crate causing them to slowly walk towards it.
"Fives, we're here to listen."Ferus responded."But it won't work, if you keep hiding."
"Just come with us."Nadia insisted."Let us take you back to the Temple and you can explain everything."
Suddenly, a ray field got activated and it trapped Anakin, Nadia, Ferus and Rex inside it.
"No!"Anakin scowled angrily.
"I just need you to listen to me!"Fives begged as he came out his hiding place."Please!"
"I'm not really sure we have any other choice."Anakin retorted with his arms folded.
"I was framed because I know the truth!"Fives protested."The truth about a plot! A massive deception!"
"By whom, Fives?"Ferus questioned.
"Well, there's a sinister plot in the works against the Jedi!"Fives stated."I have proof of it! I can prove that everything that I know is true beyond a shadow of a doubt!"
"Then where is this evidence you are talking about?"Nadia demanded.
"The evidence is in here!"Fives replied while pointing in his head."It's...it's in here! It's in all of us! Every clone!"
"What is it?"Rex asked.
"Organic chips built into our genetic code to make us do whatever someone wants."Fives answered desperately and pointed on his head again."Even kill the Jedi. It's all in here."
Both Anakin and Nadia simply glared at Fives, neither of them believing what he was saying.
"Let's just get you some help first."Anakin suggested."Then we can review everything. It'll be okay, Fives. We'll sort this out."
"Ah, you don't believe me!"Fives shouted in anger.
"Fives, we are listening to you."Rex assured."We only want to help."
"How do I know you're not tricking me?"Fives snapped."How do I know it won't be a trap? The Chancellor will try to kill me! I promise you that!"
Ferus' eyes widen in surprise at Fives' declaration.
"The Chancellor?"Ferus asked in confusion."Why would he want you dead?"
"He's in on it!"Fives stated."I don't know to what extent, but I know he orchestrated much of this! He told me in the medical bay!"
"He told you? When you tried to assassinate him?"Anakin questioned."You have gone too far, Fives. The Chancellor isn't capable of what you claim."
"His just a politician that wanted to hear what you have learned about Tup's sudden actions and you suddenly attempted to kill him."Nadia scowled.
"I swear to you, General and Commander! He is responsible for everything!"Fives protested."You have no idea! None of you do! You're all being fooled!"
Unlike Anakin, Nadia and Rex, Ferus was suspicious of the Chancellor.
"Fives, what did the Chancellor tell you?"Ferus demanded, eager to hear what his friend had to say."I am listening."
"General Olin, the Chancellor-"Fives started.
However, before Fives could finish his sentence, Commander Fox and his troops appeared behind him while holding their guns.
"Stand down, soldier!"Commander Fox ordered."Stand down! Get on your knees!"
"No! No!"Fives snapped."No! Stay back!"
Fives then looked at Rex's blasters that were on a crate, alarming Ferus on what his friend was going to do.
"Don't do it!"Commander Fox shouted."Don't do it, soldier!"
"Get away from me!"Fives snapped.
"Fives!"Ferus shouted in shock."No!"
Fives takes one of Rex's blasters causing Commander Fox to shoot him down.
"FIVES!"Rex screamed."FIVES!"
"No..."Nadia murmured in shock.
"Get this ray shield off!"Anakin demanded.
Commander Fox fired on the device in the ceiling causing the ray shield to deactivate, freeing Anakin, Ferus, Nadia and Rex.
Rex immediately went to Fives' side.
"Brother. Call for help!"Rex demanded."We need a medic!"
"Rex..."Fives whispered.
"Fives..."Rex started sadly.
"This it's bigger than any of us than anything I could have imagined."Fives admitted quietly."I-I never meant to. I only wanted to do my duty."
"Brother! Fives, stay with me!"Rex demanded desperately."Fives! Fives!"
"The mission the nightmares they're finally over."Fives whispered.
Fives then trailed off and died in Rex's arms.
"Fives? No, Fives!"Rex begged, feeling hurt of losing another brother."Come on, Fives! Don't go! Stay with me, stay with me, Fives! Fives! Oh, no..."
Anakin, Ferus and Nadia looked at Fives' lifeless form in sadness as Commander Fox removed his helmet.
Then Commander Fox's troops silently surrounded Fives' dead body.
The following morning, Anakin, Ferus and Nadia went to the Chancellor's Office to see Chancellor Palpatine, Mace Windu, Yoda and Shaak Ti to tell them what had happened.
"A tragic situation, indeed."Chancellor Palpatine stated.
"About the clones breakdowns, have we discovered any new evidence?"Mace Windu asked.
"I've had my own personal doctors examine both bodies."Chancellor Palpatine replied."It appears Nala Se did miss something in her examination."
"Another cause your doctors found?"Master Yoda assumed.
"A parasite."Chancellor Palpatine answered."Native to Ringo Vinda. Probably in the canteen of water they both shared. It did cause the inhibitors to decay, once the parasite had taken hold, it is very rare, however just to be cautious, we have prepared an inoculation for every clone trooper in our army."
"So I guess it's over, then?"Mace Windu asked.
"Yes."Chancellor Palpatine responded."We can finally put this whole wretched situation behind us. We must direct our attention back to the war at hand. Each day we grow closer and closer to victory."
Despite being shaken at what occurred yesterday, Nadia gave Chancellor Palpatine a small smile.
"I guess you're right, Chancellor."Nadia agreed.
Ferus silently glared at Chancellor Palpatine before he looked down with a sad and unsure look upon Fives' death.
"Fives, what were you trying to warn us about?"Ferus thought with a hurtful tone."I should've come to find you alone and you would've told me everything."
At his palace on Serenno, Count Dooku acknowledged that he had received the biochips from Nala Se.
"Lord Tyranus, have you received the inhibitor chip that you requested?"Nala Se asked.
"I have, indeed."Count Dooku answered."You have done well, doctor."
The hologram of Nala Se then vanished.
Count Dooku knelt down before contacting Darth Sidious via hologram as well.
"Our plan has gone undiscovered, master."Count Dooku reported."The clone in question is now dead and the Jedi still suspect nothing."
"Good."Darth Sidious sneered evilly."Destroy all evidence. When the time comes, no one will be able to stop our plan to execute Order 66."
Then the Sith Lord let out a sinister laugh that echoed in Count Dooku's palace.
Poor Fives:(
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!