Months passed since the Bad Batch went on that treasure hunt with Phee. Adventures came and went, and so did the first semester of school. With winter break over and the kids back in school, things seemed like they were going to be okay despite many clavatizations and various other escaped criminals being faced and recaptured. But, people were also concerned. Who could blame them though?

Mariverde was still on the prowl, and more clones were disappearing. Of course, not everyone was concerned about the clones. There were still those who saw them as nothing more than military equipment.

One night, a bunch of clones were sitting in a bar, having drinks and chatting. They were worried about their brothers, and about what would happen to them. More and more of their brothers were disappearing, and the Senate said they were doing all they could, but they didn't believe them.

Recently, the Galactice Republic welcomed a new member. A representative from Enchantran planet Escuela. Lady Mary Anne Posada, a renowned school board official turned senator. When she was elected into the Senate, she promised she would aid in this battle against Mariverde, but for the clones, they didn't think she was being true to her word. It didn't help that her right-hand man was Edmon Rampart, or that Tarkin was another new ally of hers. The senator claimed she knew nothing of this attack on Kamino, but the clones thought otherwise, as did the Jedi.

"The entire galaxy believes Rampart's lies, even the Senate. It's not right." said a clone named Cade.

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it. Let it go." said another, whose name was Slip.

"How can I? Kamino was our home, and that witch destroyed it. All those cities, all those people gone, because of that monster. And the Senate doesn't think she had anything to do with it."

Slip thought his friend was crazy though.

"Why would a butterfly witch want clones?" The former asked.

"I don't know, but why is Rampart covering it up, huh?"

The clone sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Slip. I can't stay silent any longer."

"Wait. What did you do?" asked Slip.

"I sent a message to Rampart. Gave him the chance to tell the Senate the truth before I did it myself."

Cade left the bar, Slip following close behind.

"Cade! Cade, stop!" Slip begged. "You know what Rampart's capable of. It's too dangerous."

"Slip, we need to do something. What happened on Kamino was wrong." Cade said. "Please, I need your help. Together we can-"

Cade never got to finish his sentence, however, because he was shot! Slip took out his blaster, but it got shot from his hands too! So he hid behind a bike. People were screaming as they caught sight of the shooting. Whoever was shooting kept trying to hit Slip, but he found shields in the form of the bikes parked nearby and made his way to Cade. He checked his brother's pulse. There was none. So, he just grabbed Cade's gun and fired in the directions the shots came from, but only faced more shots. Then, Slip got an idea.

Slip activated the vehicle he was hiding behind and continued firing, using it as a moving shield until he could jump over the railing and ride away.

Meanwhile, more clone troopers came and found Cade's body on the ground.

"Secure the perimeter!" said one clone.

All four troopers looked around, guns at the ready, but nothing.

The next morning...

Chancellor Organa was nearing his wit's end as new problems just kept on rising and rising. But as the new leader of the Senate, he had to be as calm as possible.

"While the cataclysmic storm on Kamino was tragic," said one senator, named Gani Riduli. "the reality is that without the production of new clone troopers, we are vulnerable. Admiral Rampart's proposed Defense Recruitment Bill will keep us protected."

"I concur with the honorable delegate of the Banking Clan," said a Gossam senator. "A new conscripted military is what this galaxy needs. One comprised of the people who fight for the people."

"With all due respect," said Garrett, standing with Padme as another Enchantra representative, being that he was on the education board. "The clones you want to keep producing have not had proper training or preparation of any kind to face the main threat that is Mariverde."

"This recruitment bill has been discussed, debated, and tabled each session for a reason." said another senator. "There are more pressing matters in the galaxy right now than the costly creation of a new military. The war is over."

"Perhaps where you reside, Senator Pamlo."But the Mid and Outer Rims are rife with insurgents. We must be protected."

Chancellor Organa got everyone's attention and said, "The deployment of the clone army was a result of the Emergency Powers Act, put forward by then Chancellor Palpatine during the Separatist crisis. Despite the fact that this army was revealed to be part of a sinister plot does not displace the fact that shifting to a military of citizens swearing loyalty fundamentally goes against the principles of this body."

"I strongly disagree, Chancellor Organa."

Bail felt like he was going to lose his mind with how Mariverde was making everyone fear possibly worse than during the Clone War.

"King Qui-Gon, where do you stand on this matter, seeing as your family appears Mariverde's primary target?" the chancellor asked.

Qui-Gon stepped up and said, "I believe this Senate must look in the best interest of all its citizens, including the clone troopers. Despite the threat Mariverde poses upon my family, that is not the only issue that exists. My family has plenty of aid in our own protection from this threat, but my other concern is that of the interests of the clone troopers."

"I must conquer with His Majesty," said Senator Chuchi. "What about the interests of the clone troopers? Why are they not included within this legistlation?"

"The clone army cannot sustain given their accelerated aging and should be slated for decommissioning."

"Actually, the accelerated aging was found to be reversible," said Padme. "But even if it weren't, the clones are not like droids to simply shut down."

"Yes. These are soldiers who defended us, defended our worlds."

"Mmm, I didn't realize you spoke on the clones' behalf, Senator Chuchi."

"If we don't, who will?" said Chuchi. "After all they have sacrificed, you wish to discard them? Leave them with nothing? Is that how we repay them for their service?"

"Not to mention that many of the troopers have just been vanishing, possibly to be used for something terrible. A threat we may know nothing about." said Padme. "Is this what this Republic stands for? How can we debate commissioning a new army without a plan in place to care for our current one?"

Rampart heard the crowd chattering and decided to step up.

"I hear your concerns, Senator Chuchi and Princess Skywalker." Rampart said. "Allow me to assure this delegation that provisions are in place to aid the clones as they begin to be phased out."

"What do you know about their needs, Admiral? Have you asked them?" said Chuchi. "Or do they not get a say in their future? And is nothing going to be done about the kidnapped troopers?"

"I am open to discussing any and all provisions you, or the clones, have in mind. If we work together, I am confident we can adequately address their concerns."

"Well, until then," said Padme. "I motion to table the vote on the Defense Recruitment Bill."

"I second." said Senator Pamlo.

Many others appeared to agree as well.

Lady Posada walked through the hall with Rampart. She was a fairly beautiful maiden with brown hair tied in a side ponytail, and she mainly dressed in forest green.

"Governor Tarkin assured me you were capable of getting the Senate to support this bill." said Posada. "I am not the one who will suffer if it doesn't pass."

"It will. A few vocal senators and royals will not derail us."

"They already did. If any of them begin to dig further into what truly happened on Kamino, then our plans are at risk. And so are you."

"I have measures in place to ensure that does not happen." Rampart assured. "Let Senator Chuchi make her demands for the clones. Once she's appeased, the Defense Recruitment Bill will be approved long before any of the provisions she's seeking come due."

"For your sake, Admiral, be certain there are no more surprises."

Senator Chuchi, Padme, and Qui-Gon and Shmi went to meet with some clones to tell them what happened at the meeting.

"So that's it?" said Slip. "We served our purpose and now they want us out?"

"That's why I'm here, to better understand your needs."

"And that's also why I'm here," said Padme. "And to figure out how to proceed."

"I need to stay a trooper. Can you make that happen?" said Slip.

Shmi had one idea.

"Qui-Gon, one possible way for those who want to remain troopers could possibly become guards." Shmi said. "The children could use more protection than ever."

"That does sound like a very smart alternative, Dear." Qui-Gon said. He looked to the clones. "As my wife has said, if you would be open to it, perhaps you could become a royal guard. It is almost the same as fighting in war. And once a clone has completed the required rotations-"

"Yeah, yeah, we know, the Republic considers us obsolete." Slip interrupted. "Talking won't change that."

"That's not true." Padme said. "It can changed your futures."

"We can craft a pension plan-"

"Pension plan?" said Slip. "I'd rather be out there out there fighting those insurgent groups that keep popping up than become a babysitter."

"And what happens when you're too old to fight?" said Chuchi.

"That's not a scenario we are trained to think about," said another clone.

"It's time you did. All of you."

"As difficult as it is to accept, your military service will come to an end." Padme said. "We've helped many other clones find work in other places before this doresho gypsy problem arose. You get to choose what your lives will be."

"You've spent years fighting for us. Let us fight for you." Chuchi said. "Tell us how to help, and we will make sure your needs will be met."

The clones started to look at each other and think about it, and then one by one, all of them stood together in support.

A little later...

"Thank you for trusting me," said Chuchi, shaking hands with one of the clones. "I'll do what I can. We all will."

And so, the clones left to await what would happen next. Meanwhile, the royals had to hurry off to pick up the kids from school.

"Senator?" Slip said, coming out

"Yes?"

"Are you truly intent on helping clones?"

Chuchi knew it would be hard to gain the clones' trust, but she knew what she was doing.

"You have no representation in the Senate. You deserve to have someone speak on your behalf."

"It won't matter. Admiral Rampart can't be trusted."

"Why not?"

"He's lied to you. To everyone."

"Kamino wasn't destroyed by a storm as many were led to believe. It was an attack ordered by Rampart himself. He's working with that butterfly witch!"

Chuchi walked a little closer to talk more privately.

"Why would you make such an accusation?"

"I was there, aboard his Venator among a few other kidnapped clones." said Slip. "He new kinds of soldiers that opened fire on the cities. I was barely able to escape."

"If that were true, the Senate would know. Someone would have come forward."

"Rampart made sure no one could. Mariverde never lets the faces of her cronies be visible, and anyone who does see their faces goes missing or ends up dead."

Chuchi noticed Slip definitely didn't look good.

"You don't look well, trooper."

"The name's Slip. Check my service record if you don't believe me. CT-0409." Slip began backing into the bar again. "You seem like one of the good ones, Senator. Be careful."

And the doors closed as Slip was all the way in. Chuchi wasn't sure what to think at that moment.

One of Senator Chuchi's guards came up to her and asked if everything was alright.

"Yes. Everything's fine," she told him. But those last two words, she wasn't sure were true.

The royal family was worried about this whole deal with the clones too. So far, there had been a few clones who managed to be rescued or escape attempted kidnappings.

Anakin was in charge of calling every one of the royal families who'd aided in finding protection for as many clones as they could. According to what he found, many of them were still safe and accounted for. Fives was among those safe and well. Sometime after Sidious was killed, Fives was cleared to leave Equinaro, where he'd been staying while it was kept from the Sith that he was alive, but he chose to stay, having met and fallen in love with a lovely centaur named Kenna, similar to how Cut Lawquane fell in love with lovely farmer Suu. He seemed pretty happy too. Maybe he'd eventually start a family with her. As for the younger clones, the foster agencies confirmed that every single child clone was under strict guard whether they were still in the orphanage or being placed with a family.

"Fives seems pretty happy with his new girlfriend." Anakin chuckled.

"At least some clones are happy," sighed Padme. "This recruitment bill Rampart is bringing up doesn't seem like it'll do much good for anyone but him."

"How has that man not been taken into custody by now?" said Kara. "After what Hunter shared, I'd say it's obvious he must be in cahoots with Mariverde."

"We know that, but a few other people might need convincing."

"No one believes anyone will help a doresho gypsy other than one of their own kind." Kara sighed.

"With any luck, let's hope we can defeat Rampart's bill and buy some time to figure out what he's really up to."

"Maybe he's not as bad as you think." Garrett said. "Lady Posada is a respected school board member. I've met her before. She believes in second chances."

"How long has it been since you last met with her?" Kara pointed out.

"A while, but I don't think she could've changed that much."

Anakin wasn't so sure though. It wasn't that long ago someone he thought was his friend turned out not to be who he thought they were and was only planning to use him for personal gain.

Sometime the next day, Senator Chuchi was in her office, when one of her guards entered the room to let her know that Admiral Rampart was expecting her.

"Have you located trooper CT-0409?" she asked the guard.

"Not yet, but we will keep looking."

Meanwhile, trooper CT-0409, a.k.a. Slip, rode his bike into an alley and kept his head low. With those assassins on the loose and Mariverde watching from God-knows-where, he had to be careful!

Slip managed to hide behind a large box and activate his comlink.

"It's Slip. I'm in some trouble." Slip said to someone on the com. "I've heard you can help me get out, but you have to hurry. I don't have much time."

As for Chuchi, she spoke with Rampart, who made it clear he found it ridiculous that the Senate should supply pensions for millions of clone troopers.

"If that is not manageable for you, Admiral..." Chuchi said. "Then, perhaps is not the time for your recruitment bill."

"Oh, I wish that were the case," said Rampart. "But the murmurs of rising threats and insurgency are more than rumors. My priority is keeping the galaxy safe. But, I do agree with you."

Rampart had Senator Chuchi join him in his office.

"The future of the clones requires further discussion and planning. We owe them that, for their service."

Except, Senator Chuchi had something on her mind.

"Something troubling you, Senator?" Rampart asked.

"The storm that caused the cities of Kamino to fall. How is it that you survived?"

Rampart sighed and said, "I was taking part in a training exercise off-world. If I had been present, perhaps more could have been saved. It was a tragedy."

"The majority of the Kaminoan population was lost, Admiral. That is beyond tragic."

"Indeed. But we must move forward."

"Perhaps it is easier for some than others."

Rampart and Chuchi just looked at each other sternly for a bit, the latter giving the last word.

"Good day, Admiral."

And she left.

Senator Chuchi walked down the street with her guard, when another one of her guards rushed up right toward her with an urgent message.

"You've received a secure communication."

"From whom?" the senator asked.

That night, Senator Chuchi and her guard walked by a parked vehicle when an R2 unit came by and beeped a message to them.

It appeared the droid wanted the senator to come with him. Alone.

"It's alright," said Chuchi, looking at her guard. "Wait right here."

And she followed the droid into the alley, where she was met by Chancellor Organa.

"Chancellor Organa?"

"Riyo." Bail bowed. "R2-C4, keep an eye out."

And the droid left the two politicians alone.

"You and Padme caused quite a stir during yesterday's session," said Bail.

"Curious how speaking up for what's right has become an act that causes a stir," said Riyo. "Unlike inaction, apathy, or ignorance."

"Indeed. I heard you had a meeting with Admiral Rampart. Was it productive?"

"Surprisingly so. I expected more pushback, yet he conceded to many of my requests for the clones."

"You sure he's being honest?" said another voice that was obviously too young and too feminine to have been Bail.

"Who said that?" Riyo asked.

"I did." Lamenta said, turning visible. Bail being chancellor, he'd have to literally become invisible to get anywhere unnoticed. So, naturally, he asked Carmine if he could 'borrow' his daughter for a bit.

"Chancellor or not, if anything happens to my daughter, you're gonna get it." Carmine had threatened, being the protective dad he was.

"Princess Lamenta, what are you doing here?" Riyo asked.

"Helping. And about Rampart, I'm not sure he's being honest. Trust me, Count Crescendo often had me as a contract consultant and advisor on his tours. People will say almost anything to get certain people to let their guard down."

It was true. With Lamenta's ability to see when people were lying, she was more than willing to help her father make sure no one could cheat him on a record deal or pull one over him. Both for the sake of her parents' careers and because she loved her family, she did not take kindly to people trying to lie their way to victory, which was why she got pretty salty around lawyers a bit of the time.

"Lamenta is right, and Rampart is skilled at saying all the right things." Bail added. "Especially when he doesn't want anyone looking deeper."

"So I've been hearing," said Riyo.

"There are other whispers if you listen closely enough. The issue of clone rights is part of a much bigger picture. These insurgencies that have arisen. Their numbers are growing, and I believe Mariverde is growing afraid. If systems start to realize that she is using the clones for a bigger scheme, that will threaten whatever her ultimate plan is."

Naturally, people were scared when the number of clavatizations seemed to increase, and despite more escaped convicts being captured, Mariverde continued to spread chaos, and no one was sure what exactly she was up to. According to what Mariposa knew, Mariverde never made a clear pattern in any of her plans. She liked to make her enemies question their own sanity by making things look obvious but then not making them look obvious when the solution is so simple, all of it to the point where her targets become paranoid, stressed, and above all unable to focus on keeping their guard up, thus making them easy prey for her.

"It's convenient, isn't it? How a catastrophic storm destroyed the cloning facilities on Kamino, making room for a new army that may not know how to face this new threat. Tipoca City, designed to be submersible, weathered thousands of storms over the years, yet it's suddenly wiped off the map."

Riyo decided it was time to come clean about Slip.

"I spoke to a clone, who claimed Rampart gave an order to attack the Kaminoan cities."

"I was there. I saw the blaster fire." Lamenta said. She pulled a sleeve from her left arm to show a small scar. "My parents don't even know I got this scar from that fight."

"You were shot?!" Bail gasped.

"No... I fell down and scratched myself."

And the grownups sighed with relief.

"Did the clone offer proof?" Bail asked.

"He said he was on the ship that opened fire," said Riyo. "He was able to escape after being captured. If we can convince him to testify."

"Where's the clone now?"

"In hiding. My guards are out searching."

"Be careful, Riyo. You may not be the only one looking for him."

Meanwhile, Rampart made a little call of his own to a masked someone.

"Have you located the clone?" asked Rampart.

"Not yet. But Senator Chuchi's guards have also been searching for him." said the masked assassin.

"Follow the senator. If she finds him, handle it." Rampart instructed.

"The senator as well?"

"Yes. Ensure it can't lead back to me."

"Understood."

And the call ended there.

Avoiding the assassin was getting harder by the minute; Slip had to be extremely cautious if he wanted to make it out alive. One little slip, and everything would go wrong.

Slip made his way into a dark alley to make a call on his com.

"I'm at the rendevous. Where are you?"

"I'm en route." said Slip's contact over the com. "Hang tight."

Slip wiped some sweat from his brow, when he suddenly heard footsteps headed right for him! He quickly lifted his gun, and from in front of him appraoched a figure, who was revealed to be one of Senator Chuchi's guards. And he wasn't alone.

"Easy, trooper." said Riyo, coming out slowly.

"Senator?" said Slip, surprised to see her.

"You're a hard person to track down.

"What are you doing here?"

"I believe you were telling the truth about Admiral Rampart. I want you to help me."

"No. No. No, no. No, no." Slip quickly shook his head. "I'm leaving once he gets here."

"Who?"

"Someone who can make me disappear, where Mariverde can't find me. How did you even find me? Were you followed? If you can get to me, so can she."

"I can protect you. Once the Senate hears what you have to say-"

"Senator, you're not listening to me. They already killed Cade. My life is in danger. Yours will be too. You have to go!"

And Slip tried to run away, but Senator Chuchi quickly got in front of him.

"Wait! His attack on Kamino didn't just affect the cloning facilities. Rampart wiped out entire cities and nearly killed several children in the process."

Slip tried to run away again, but the senator got in front of him again.

"Thos who perished, including the clones who died trying to speak the truth, they deserve justice."

Slip still didn't seem like he was willing to come forward, but Riyo was persistent. But both were also unaware they were currently being watched.

"Testify before the Senate." Riyo begged. "Rampart must be held accountable."

Just then, Senator Chuchi's guard warned her that it wasn't secure in this area, and insisted that they leave immediately.

"Yeah, he's right," said Slip. "and you don't need me. The evidence you want is aboard Rampart's ship. Check the bridge's command log. I saved a backup to the central system-"

Suddenly, Slip was shot!

"Protect the senator!" exclaimed a guard.

Riyo's guards quickly got her against the wall to shield her, and one of them ended up shot in the process. Quickly, Riyo went with another guard until they came up to a door that seemed reluctant to budge as the guard pushed it open with all his might, but got shot too! He was wounded, but alive, and he got the senator inside to what looked like a factory of some sort. Another blaster bolt fired, but hit the railing.

Steam started to fill the room, making it hard to see much of anything.

"I'll draw him out. Run for the door. Get to the speeder!" said the guard. "I'll be right behind you."

So, the senator began moving as quickly as she could, but her guard didn't make it out. And before she knew it, the assassin was right in front of her! Or so she thought. Whoever it was lifted up a gun, and fired two stunt blasts at the actual assassin, who was behind the senator.

The senator's rescuer came out from the fog and pulled his hood down to reveal none other than Captain Rex himself.

"You all right, Senator?" said the clone captain.

"Captain Rex? Wha- What is going on?" Riyo asked.

"I was hoping you could tell me." Rex explained. "I came to meet a clone contact of mine when I heard the blaster fire."

"You were who Slip was meeting? He's dead. So are my guards."

Rex sighed both sad that lives were lost, but also disappointed that he wouldn't get what he needed the way he'd planned.

"What happened?"

"Slip told me about what truly happened to Kamino." Riyo explained. "I wanted him to testify before the Senate."

"Someone was sent to make sure that would never happen."

Rex approached the assassin and pressed a button to remove his mask. To his great surprise, underneath the mask was the face of... a clone?

"A clone?" Riyo gasped. "Why would a trooper do such a thing?"

"He's not a trooper. Not sure what he is, but I suggest we question him somewhere more hidden." Rex had an idea then. "And I have just the place."

But, Rex also thought it would be better to call in a little more help.

Rex and Senator Chuchi brought the assassin to a garage where Rex restrained the still unconscious clone to a pole on a shelf.

"Where are we?" Riyo asked.

"Couple of friends of mine own this garage." Rex explained. "They're gone for a bit."

"But a couple of others are here," said a familiar voice.

And in came someone with a dark blue hood over her head, which she took down. And the one under the hood had Rex smiling for what felt like the first time in forever. She wasn't alone either. A certain pony named Fiesta tossed back a hood she'd been wearing too.

"I'd begin to worry I wouldn't get to see you." Rex smiled.

Rex wrapped Ahsoka in a big hug and kissed her passionately.

"You know I wouldn't miss a chance to fight alongside you, Rexster." Ahsoka smiled.

Ahsoka knew her boyfriend had said a clone was involved in an assassination attempt, but she was nevertheless shocked when she got a look at his face.

"You weren't kidding when you said a clone was involved." Ahsoka said.

"I wouldn't have told you they were if it wasn't so." Rex shook his head.

That was when the clone finally came to.

"Nice of you to join us." Rex said. "You got a name?"

The clone just looked away.

"It's not polite to look away when someone asks you a question." Ahsoka said, crossing her arms. "What's your name?"

The clone said nothing again.

"Your number? Say something." Ahsoka didn't get anything. "Hmm. Not much of a talker, are you?"

"You're not wearing any identifiable markings." Rex said to the clone. "Who do you work for?"

Again, the clone said nothing.

"Don't wanna talk about yourself, huh? Fine." Ahsoka said.

Fiesta took a whiff of the clone's head; she'd familiarized herself with many clones, but this one didn't smell familiar to her.

"Tell us whose orders you were following, amigo. And we'll let you go."

"I'm not your amigo." said the clone. Then he looked around Fiesta and at Rex. "And you won't let me go, Captain Rex. You're fighting the wrong battle, brother. You're limited."

"So what does that make you?" said Rex.

The two clones stared at each other for a few moments, before the unnamed clone spoke up.

"A believer."

The clone clenched his teeth, and an electrical shock surged through his head, killing the clone, which Rex and Ahsoka confirmed when they checked his pulse.

"He's dead." Ahsoka confirmed.

"What do we do now?" Fiesta asked.

"What we always do." Ahsoka looked at Rex. "We look for answers ourselves. Fiesta, can you look after the senator?"

"Looking after is my middle name."