Untitled

3rd POV

The Clone War has raged on for 4 long years. To most it might not seem like a long time, though the destruction and violence has made the war seem 10 times as long. Most of the Jedi are stretched thin throughout the galaxy. Even Master Yoda has gone to support troops on the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk. Anakin Skywalker has raced back to the Senate Tower on Coruscant to rescue Chancellor Palpatine from Count Dooku while his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, engages General Grievous on Utapau. Anakin’s former padawan, Ahsoka Tano and half of Anakin’s battalion, including Captain Rex, is on Mandalore with Bo Katan to help her capture Darth Maul.

Elsewhere, on the snowy forest world of Kaller, General Bilaba, her padawan, Commander Dume, and Clone Force 99 fight off the swarming battle droids. The General and her padawan were in need of reinforcements, so CF99 was dispatched, despite only having 5 members.

On a nearby Outer Rim planet, Master Iyola and her Padawan, Wyyntrr, are pressing their assault with their battalion. Wyyntrr is an albino Wookiee. He was born blind because of his albinism. As he’s gotten older and stronger with the Force, Wyyntrr has learned to sense where things are. With most Jedi, they use the Force as a source of knowledge and power, but Wyyntrr’s master, Iyola, has taught him to use the Force as an extension of his senses instead.

The two are leading their battalion in a stealth mission to push back the Separatist battle droids.

“Just 2 klicks south General,” Commander Pierce, the clone commander, alerts. That’s when Master Iyola freezes, a cold chill running down her spine. Wyyntrr also feels it as well.

“Master?” Wyyntrr asks cautiously. The clone’s hologram beeps.

“Could be good news,” Commander Pierce replies sarcastically.

“Answer it,” Iyola says seriously. The clone commander nods and answers the message. A cloaked figure appears, the shadows of his hood conceals his face.

“CC-4121, execute Order 66,” the mysterious, dark figure orders. Pierce straightens.

“Yes my lord,” Commander Pierce replies coldly before looking at Iyola and Wyyntrr. The Jedi Master takes a protective stance in front of her Padawan. The clone suddenly points his dual blaster pistols at the two Jedi and fires off rapid shots! Master Iyola manages to ignite her purple saber and deflect the barrage of blaster bolts in time.

“Master!” Wyyntrr roars. He ignites his own teal lightsaber and blocks 2 incoming shots.

“Stay behind me Wyyntrr!” Master Iyola orders, trying to keep every nearby trooper in sight.

“What’s going on Master Iyola?!” Wyyntrr asks frantically as he smells the scent of heat and electricity. A blaster bolt! He dodges just in time as the red bolt of light whizzes by his face.

“Get to our ship-I’m right behind you!” Master Iyola snaps.

“But-“

“GO!” Iyola says, disarming 3 clone troopers with one arching swing of her purple lightsaber. She jumps up, spinning as she does and kicks a nearby trooper back as Wyyntrr runs as fast as he can.

As Iyola blocks two blaster bolts aimed for her head and chest, she’s unable to block the one that hits the back of her thigh.

“Gah!” She yelps in pain.

“Master!” Wyyntrr cries out, skidding to a stop before racing back. Before she can protest, Wyyntrr manages to get to Iyola and deflects 2 blaster shots before letting his Master drape an arm over his shoulders and support her weight. Being a Wookiee, Wyyntrr is physically stronger than the average 11yr old, but he still grunts with effort.

The two Jedi hurry as fast as they can through the dense swampy jungle, hearing the clone troopers right behind them.

“Padawan, listen to me. You are much faster than I am. I can hold them off long enough for you to get back to our ship and go back to the Temple for help-“ General Iyola tells him.

“W-What?! I’m not leaving you! I won’t!” Wyyntrr assures her.

“Wyyn, look at me,” Iyola says in a gentle, soft tone. Wyyntrr immediately listens, knowing how serious she is. He looks in the area where Iyola is. Being blind, he has a tendency to look near instead of look at. He feels her calloused, tough hands gently cup his cheeks.

“You are strong, Wyyntrr. Stronger than you know. Something is wrong with the troopers. I don’t know what’s going on but they are not themselves. You have a good heart Wyyntrr. Please do not lose it,” Iyola tells him, kissing the top of his head lovingly. Knowing what his Master is doing, he lets tears slip out of his bright red eyes as he clings to her waist.

“I will always be with you,” she whispers before slipping her arm off of him and igniting her purple saber. The troopers close in as Wyyntrr slips away. Iyola stands at the ready but is quickly swarmed and surrounded by clones. They unleash a barrage of blaster fire on the Chiss Jedi General. Iyola takes out a couple clones before she takes a hit in her stomach, causing her to freeze. She gasps in pain and that’s when a wave of pain washes over her as the sound of blaster fire is deafening, before the life leaves her eyes. Her lightsaber deactivates and falls to the ground next to her body with a slight thud.

“Find the Commander! Contact the base-we can’t let him escape!” A clone orders. That’s when Commander Pierce, walks out of the shadows and foliage. He walks up to General Iyola’s lifeless body and touches the lightsaber hilt with his foot before bending down to pick it up. He rubs the mud off the hilt before attaching it to his utility belt.

“He won’t get far,” Commander Pierce assures the clone troopers, “move out!”

Wyyntrr runs as fast as he can through the marshy swamp. He’s breathing hard and even though he’s put distance between the clones and himself, Wyyntrr can still hear the troopers pursuing him.

“This way!” He hears a voice cry out and panic rises in his chest. The adrenaline allows his Force abilities to take control and he speeds up.

He’s about to start climbing up a tree when pain suddenly washes over his entire body. His hands immediately come to cover his stomach, but is both relieved and worried when he doesn’t feel blood or any sign of injury.

“Master!” Wyyntrr gasps, his eyes widening. Master Iyola—she’s hurt and Wyyntrr can sense it, thanks to their close bond. That’s when he hears a distant scream. Master Iyola! Wyyntrr starts racing back but when he tries to sense where his Master is, all he feels is emptiness and an intense sadness overtakes the albino Wookiee and he drops to his knees.

“There he is!” A clone trooper exclaims and fires at Wyyntrr. He flinches, dodging the red bolt of light and roars mourningly before leaping as high up as he can into the trees. Thanks to the dense tree cover, he’s able to run through the branches much quicker than slogging through the water and mud.

“Split up!” Pierce motions up to the trees and half the troopers immediately shoot their ascension cables up into the trees and are lifted up.

Wyyntrr gets back to the base but hides in the trees. He shuts his eyes and reaches his hand out. He feels a huge metallic shape and realizes it’s the ship. Wyyntrr gets as close as he can to the protective wall surrounding the base before sensing movement. He takes a breath and makes a huge leap over the wall and starts to flail a bit as he falls. He roars fearfully before hitting the ground, rolling as he does to lessen the impact. He tumbles a bit and shakes off the daze. As he stands up, he senses movement nearby-

“It’s the Commander!” A clone trooper yells and Wyyntrr gasps. He takes off towards the ship as the clones at the base descend down upon the young albino Wookiee. He flinches when he feels the heat of a blaster shot whizz by his head.

Wyyntrr gets grazed by two shots, one on the shoulder and on his right foot, on the heel. He roars a bit in pain but doesn’t stop running. The Padawan makes it back to the ship and seals himself inside.

“Lock the hatch and engage shields!” Wyyntrr commands the ship’s AI. You see with Wyyntrr being blind, General Iyola has customized her ship to recognize voice commands, making it easier for the albino Wookiee.

“Power engines!” Wyyntrr adds as he hops into the pilot’s seat. He feels the vibration of the ship starting up and feels for the steering controls. He grips the handles and pulls up. As he does, Wyyntrr also feels the ship starting to move forwards and upwards at the same time. Wyyntrr feels the ship rock from the back and realizes he’s getting hit from behind.

Wyyntrr accelerates as fast as possible and shoots up as he pulls hard on the steering. The ship tilts almost to 90 degrees.

“Hyperspace coordinates for Coruscant!” Wyyntrr says, pressing the mic button on the steering’s right handle. The autopilot takes control of the hyperdrive and it hums to life. The stars turn streaky as the ship zips into hyperspace. Once he feels the ship lurch forward, Wyyntrr slumps against the chair before sobbing mournfully for his Master.

Clone Force 99 have also left the nearby world of Kaller. To spare Caleb Dume, Hunter lied to Crosshair and now the unit is heading back to Kamino in their ship, the Havoc Marauder.

As Order 66 rages through the galaxy, there is one planet that is relatively safe compared to the others. Kamino, the stormy ocean planet of cloners. They are responsible for the creation of the entire clone army. The chief scientist, Nala Se made no protests when Master Shaak Ti was called to Coruscant. However, the Togruta master has asked her long-time close friend Master Jaeruho to fill in for her. A Crèche Master, Jaeruho is a shaggy, middle aged man that looks older than he is and prefers the company of children. While he’s not the best duelist, Jaeruho is wise with the Force and has realized that to best help The Jedi Order is to protect and teach the children.

Since the beginning of the Clone Wars, Master Jaeruho has taken Jedi Younglings to the planet of Kamino to learn about the clone cadets. Now he’s taken Youngling Maisy with him. She was brought to the Temple as a baby and immediately took a liking to Master Jaeruho, and he with her. Youngling Maisy is an energetic, curious 4yr old that Master Jaeruho often calls ‘too smart for her own good’.

Maisy’s been excited to go to Kamino ever since Jaeruho told her. They got to see the embryo tubes and were now going to see the youngest cadets, the infants and toddlers.

The two walk down a long sterile bright white hallway. As they walk, Master Jaeruho feels the same dark coldness most Jedi felt before the clones’ turn. He freezes and Maisy looks up at him.

“Master Jae? What’s wrong?” the Youngling asks.

“Something’s…wrong,” he warns.

“I’m not sure…things are…clouded,” he whispers. That’s when they hear lots of footsteps coming down the hall.

“Come little one-we must hurry-“ he says, motioning to the girl and she reaches up so he can easily lift her into his arms.

They hurry down the hallway but Jaeruho skids to a stop when he hears more footsteps coming from the opposite way.

“Ok Maisy-I need you to listen to me very carefully-“ he says as he sets the girl down. The Jedi Master draws his pale lime green saber. He looks down both ways of the hall, judging where to focus first.

“Master-look-“ Maisy says, pressing the biggest button on the nearby console. A door whooshes open.

“In! Hurry!” Jaeruho motions and they run in, letting the door close in time. Jaeruho deactivates his saber and motions for the girl to be still and quiet as he watches the door. Silhouettes of the clone troopers hurry by but none stop.

“Master-“ Maisy whispers.

“Silence Youngling,” Jaeruho snaps quietly.

“But-“

“Maisy-I mean it-“ The man insists, not taking his eyes off the door. His grip tightens on his lightsaber hilt.

A tense, silent moment passes until Master Jaeruho quietly sighs with relief. He turns and sees Maisy frozen in fear. Frowning in confusion, he follows her gaze until he spots a young cadet with golden blond hair, rich tan skin and bright, deep brown eyes with matching dark, thick eyebrows. Unlike the other cadets, this one is a girl, Master Jaeruho realizes. She’s wearing the same headpiece Nala Se wears too, the older man notices.

“Who are you?” He asks as Maisy clings to his leg, peeking out to look at the older girl.

“My name’s Omega. You’re Jedi…aren’t you?” The girl, Omega, asks. Master Jaeruho nods.

“Master Jaeruho and Youngling Maisy,” he introduces. Omega looks at the little girl peeking out from behind Jaeruho’s leg.

“I’ve never met another human female before. I only have brothers,” Omega says.

“Omega, do you know what’s going on?” Jaeruho asks seriously, getting the blonde girl’s attention.

“I’m not sure, but it could be the inhibitor chips,” Omega explains.

“Inhibitor chips?” Jaeruho asks.

“What’s a ‘inbitter’ chip?” Maisy asks.

“In-hi-bi-tor chip. They’re in all the clones except for Alpha and me,” Omega explains. Master Jaeruho’s stony eyes widen. He’d read Master Kenobi’s report on the Kaminoans right before the war. Alpha was the clone Jango Fett wanted for a son…Boba Fett.

“Boba-“ Jaeruho whispers, causing Maisy to look up at him in confusion, but Omega nods. She’s never met him before, despite being genetically identical, but Omega has heard Nala Se talk about the boy before he escaped the Kaminoans at the start of the Clone War. She had assumed he looked like the various other cadets that are a bit older than her. Omega had hoped she would meet him someday. She knew he was created before her so Omega is unsure if he knows about her…or not.

The sound of footsteps gets everyone’s attention.

“Something’s wrong with the clones,” the Jedi master warns the children.

“Omega…I know the clones to be loyal and trustworthy allies. Can I count on you?” Master Jaeruho asks seriously. Sensing how serious the older man is, Omega nods as Maisy looks worriedly between the two.

“I wanna help however I can,” Omega assures Master Jaeruho. He relaxes when he feels the older girl telling the truth.

“Listen to me, both of you,” he says, motioning for the girls to come closer.

“The clone troopers are going door to door checking for me. They know I’m here, somewhere. I’ve felt a dark shift in the Force and…the future of the Jedi and the galaxy is…uncertain. We must get back to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. I can create a diversion so that you two can escape. Omega, my ship is the T-6 Jedi Shuttle at Hangar 13-B,” Master Jaeruho says, taking out his lightsaber. He opens it up and the children watch curiously. They easily spot the glowing blue kyber crystal and awe at it.

“Youngling—I want you to take this,” he says, handing Maisy the small blue crystal.

“I-I don’t understand-“ She tells him, taking it anyways.

“I have a plan. I’m not the best with a lightsaber and I can’t have the kyber crystal in the wrong hands in case anything happens. I know it’ll be much safer with you, Maisy….with both of you,” Master Jaeruho says, including Omega, who nods. Maisy takes the small crystal and shoves it in her pocket and nods.

“I won’t let you down,” Maisy tells the man. He smiles warmly.

“I know. Now stay with Omega, no matter what, ok? She knows Kamino better than me and knows where our ship is. She will get you there,” Master Jaeruho says.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” Omega reassures Maisy, offering a hand. The Youngling looks at the female clone and finds herself nodding before taking Omega’s hand.

“I’ll meet you both at the ship,” the Jedi Master tells the girls.

Jaeruho motions for the girls to hide. Omega gently pulls Maisy along and the two hide in the cabinet space under the countertop at the back. Jaeruho puts his saber on his belt and hurries out, immediately catching attention from passing clone troopers.

“There he is! BLAST HIM!” The girls hear before blaster fire. Maisy moves to get out and help her Master but Omega grabs hold of her upper arm.

“No-we can’t. Not yet-“ Omega warns quietly. Before Maisy can argue, they hear the door whoosh open and footsteps walking in. The sound moves around and they can hear various sounds of rifling.

“Clear. Keep moving. The Jedi split up. The kid’s gotta be here somewhere,” the girls hear a trooper say. Seeing how afraid the Youngling looks, Omega reaches out and grabs her hand, squeezing gently to calm the girl. She looks at Omega who nods ever so slightly. Maisy gulps down her panic and nerves before remembering that she wouldn’t let her master down. She can be brave, like the Jedi are supposed to be.

The door whooshes open again before it closes and Omega sighs with relief.

“Ok, c’mon, we gotta hurry,” Omega tells Maisy as they crawl out of their hiding place. They hurry over to the door panel and Omega opens the door only a crack so she can peek out. Making sure it’s clear both ways, Omega opens the door all the way and the two hurry out.

“This way,” Omega says, grabbing Maisy’s hand. The two hurry down the hallway.

The girls turn to the right when the hall splits off into two ways but Omega immediately stops, causing Maisy to bump into her. Omega spots Taun We, a Kaminoan scientist that often kept an eye on her and gasps. Before Maisy can ask, Omega turns and slams the button on a nearby console to open a supply closet.

“Hide!” Omega hisses, nearly pushing the Youngling in.

“H-Hey-!” Maisy exclaims as Omega shuts the door on her.

“There you are Omega,” Taun We says, “Nala Se has been looking for you. You know the facility is in lockdown.”

“I-I know but I had to finish some research at the library-“ Omega lies. She’s not a very good liar, but she often does find herself in the library more often than not. Nala Se doesn’t let her have much freedom otherwise.

Taun We nods, not thinking anything of the girl’s explanation.

“I understand, but the Jedi Master and his Youngling are still here. It’s not safe for you to be by yourself,” Taun We says.

“B-But I thought the Jedi were good-“ Omega tries.

“They’ve turned on the Chancellor and tried to assassinate him. They are traitors to the Republic,” Taun We explains. Omega’s eyes widen.

“I’ve told AZI-3 to take you back to Nala Se,” Taun We says before the medical droid floats into view.

“AZI!” Omega smiles happily.

“Hello Omega. It is good to see you again,” AZI responds.

“Nala Se is expecting you. Do not to wander,” Taun We says before walking off.

“Let’s go Omega,” AZI says once the two are alone.

“AZI-I need you to keep a secret-“ Omega says walking up to the closet door. She pushes the panel and the door whooshes open. Omega sees the Youngling looks shocked.

“Who are you?” AZI asks.

“This is Master Jaeruho’s Youngling,” Omega explains. The medical droid blinks in shock before looking at the little girl.

“We have to get to hangar 13-B,” Omega tells the droid.

“The termination of the Jedi is paramount. If Nala Se finds the Youngling-“

“I know-I know-“ Omega interrupts AZI so he doesn’t frighten Maisy even further.

“You promised!” Maisy argues, tugging on Omega’s sleeve.

“It’s ok-I won’t leave you-I promise. I’ll get you to your ship,” Omega insists and the little girl calms down a bit before nodding.

“AZI, I need you to stall Nala Se as long as possible,” Omega tells her droid pal.

“But Omega-“

“AZI—the kid needs me-“ Omega insists, grabbing hold of Maisy’s hand and squeezing lightly.

“I understand. I will keep Nala Se busy,” he says and the girls smile.

“C’mon, we gotta hurry-“ Omega tells the Youngling, who nods. They hurry out while AZI goes to find Nala Se to make sure the head Kaminoan scientist isn’t looking for Omega.

Omega hurries down the hall, pulling Maisy along with her.

“Your friend will be ok, won’t he?” Maisy asks, glancing behind as they rush down the hall.

“Of course. AZI knows the drill,” Omega assures the younger girl. Omega looks at her and sees the small braid in her hair. Omega finds it hard to believe this little girl, barely a child, is a Jedi.

“Your name’s Maisy right?” Omega asks and the younger girl nods.

“It’s gonna be ok,” Omega tries to reassure the Youngling.

Omega turns left and goes all the way down until it splits into either right or left corridors and Omega takes the left. That’s when Maisy feels a cold feeling rush down her spine and settle at the pit of her stomach. The Youngling stops in her tracks and turns around.

“Master-“ she whispers.

“Maisy? C’mon-we have to keep going-” Omega insists. Maisy seems almost frozen.

“He’s in trouble-“ Maisy insists before running back the other way, taking the right corridor instead.

“Wait! Maisy! Come back!” Omega exclaims and chases after the Youngling.

Maisy is able to use the Force to figure out which turns to take. She slips down a smaller, narrow hallway but before she gets to the other side, she’s yanked back.

“Gotchya!” Omega gasps, panting a bit at having to catch the speedy little girl.

“Omega-Master Jaeruho’s in trouble! I know it!” Maisy insists. That’s when the girls suddenly hear blaster fire and fighting. They watch and Maisy’s eyes widen when she hears Master Jaeruho cry out in pain. Before either girl can do anything, they see the Jedi Master get thrown backwards before getting outgunned! The girls watch in horror as a spray of blaster bolts head right for the Jedi Master. He uses the last bit of his strength to stop the incoming blaster fire before sensing a familiar presence. He turns and down the small hallway, he sees Maisy and Omega! More blaster fire rings out and hits Master Jaeruho as he is preoccupied with holding back the first wave of blaster fire. Pain shoots all around Maisy both inside and outside despite having no physical injury.

Before the Youngling can scream in horror and run to her Master, Omega reaches around the girl with one arm, holding her and uses her other hand to cover the Youngling’s mouth, muffling the noise.

“Mmmmff!!! Mmmm-mmmmhhh!!” Maisy glares at Omega through teary eyes

The young clone carries the little girl away, keeping a tight grip on Maisy. The Youngling fights with everything she’s got but Omega is simply stronger than the 4yr old. Once they’re safe, Omega lets go and Maisy glares up at the older girl, swinging her fists at Omega’s legs, hitting the older girl’s thighs a couple times.

“Why did you do that?! I could’ve saved him!” Maisy snaps angrily. Omega reaches out and grabs Maisy by her shoulders.

“There wasn’t anything you could’ve done—you would’ve died with him,” Omega insists, holding the girl. Sadness washes away the anger Maisy feels. She feels her chest, where she felt the pain the most. Where the blaster bolts hit Master Jaeruho. Luckily the pain faded as soon as it came but the sadness is almost too much.

“He…He’s dead. He’s dead and I’m alone,” Maisy chokes back a sob.

“No, I’m with you now and forever Maisy. I will protect you, I promised Master Jaeruho,” Omega insists. Maisy nods and starts crying at the mention of her now deceased Master. Omega gently pulls Maisy into her and hugs the little girl, getting her attention. Maisy cautiously brings her own arms up and wraps them around Omega.

“We have to get to the hangar. The only safe place for you is on your ship,” Omega says as they part and Maisy sniffles but nods in agreement.

“Ok,” she replies glumly before taking Omega’s hand and follows the older girl.

The two girls get to hangar 13-B as the immediate security alert stops. It’s almost dead silent and hardly anyone else is there.

“Over there!” Maisy points to Master Jaeruho’s ship.

“Let’s go,” Omega says and the two hurry as fast as they can. That’s when Omega spots clone troopers, the Coruscant guard specifically, and pulls Maisy behind a stack of crates and motions for the girl to be quiet. Maisy gasps and clings to Omega’s leg, gripping her pants tightly and squeezing firmly, her face buried in Omega’s hip. Omega can feel the fear radiating off of the little girl and it reminds the young clone of similar feelings when Nala Se would perform medical procedures on her. No one was there for Omega at the time, but she can stop someone else from going through those feelings alone. She pries the Youngling off her leg long enough to kneel down and fully wrap the girl in a hug. Omega picks Maisy up and the Youngling buries her head under Omega’s jaw, tucking her face into the young clone’s neck. Her arms are clinging around the back of Omega’s neck while the girl’s legs are wrapped around Omega’s waist so tight she doesn’t really need to support the Youngling, but Omega does anyways to make her easier to hold.

“Hold on,” Omega whispers making sure it’s clear before making a beeline for the T-6 Jedi shuttle.

Omega opens the hatch door and hurries inside, shutting the door behind them.

“Ok, we’ve made it,” Omega says, trying to put Maisy down, but she won’t let go. Sensing the younger girl needs to be comforted, Omega looks around until she spots the small hall that leads to the bunks. Omega walks over and sets the girl down before looking at the messy bunk with pictures taped up all over the wall and realizes this is where Maisy sleeps. She looks at the pictures and sees that despite the crude 4yr old drawing, it’s a picture of her and Master Jaeruho. There are other kids in a couple other drawings and there’s even a picture of her, Master Jaeruho and a small, wrinkled green figure with a walking stick. Omega marvels at the pictures and how personal the space seems to be. Omega lives in Nala Se’s private lab and it’s very basic and bare because the chief scientist won’t let Omega decorate (believing such things to be a waste of time and resources).

“Ok you have to stay here. Lock the ship. I’m gonna get help,” Omega tells Maisy.

“Y-You’re leaving me?” Maisy whimpers, sniffling wetly.

“I know some people that can help us get to the Jedi Temple. I have to go talk to them and you need to stay safe. I’ll be back for you, I promise,” Maisy wipes her eyes and nods.

“Ok. I’ll stay safe and wait for you,” Maisy says glumly. Omega gently strokes Maisy’s wild, shaggy dark brown hair and smiles before nodding once and hurrying out.

Omega’s POV

I walk out of the ship and once the door closes, I hear the locking mechanism click. Good, at least the Youngling will be safe here. I hurry out of the hangar and make my way back to Nala Se.

“Mandatory assembly, all personnel report to general assembly area,” the voice over the PA system. Nala Se will be there.

I make my way to the upper viewing deck and see Nala Se. AZI-3 is nowhere in sight. Great, I sigh.

“Omega, where have you been? You know not to wander off,” the Kaminoan scientist scolds. Despite the natural calm tone Kaminoans have, I can tell how stern and upset Nala Se is.

“I-I’m sorry. I was…hiding from the Jedi,” I lie.

“There is no need to worry, Jedi Master Jaeruho has been terminated. His lightsaber,” Nala Se says, holding the metal hilt out to show me. My eyes widen. Nala Se turns and hands the saber hilt to Lama Su, the Prime Minister, who tucks it away in his clothes. That’s when a hologram of Chancellor Palpatine appears. He’s wearing the hood of his cloak but his eyes…they’re dark and cold.

I stand beside Nala Se and look out at the sea of clone troopers. I hope they’re here. I scan the crowds as the Chancellor makes his speech. That’s when I spot them. Clone Force 99. The troopers in black and red armor. I make eye contact with Hunter, the sergeant of the squad and smile.

“The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated. Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger. The war is over. The Seperatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society,” Palpatine’s hologram announces. Everyone cheers and even the Kaminoans clap.

“Refresher-“ I tell Nala Se before racing out to get to the hall that leads to the main assembly area, where I saw Clone Force 99.

Hunter’s POV

“What is it?” Tech asks me when he sees me looking up where the Kaminoans are. I saw a little girl with blonde hair and when I turn back, I see that she’s gone.

“Nothing,” I say.

“In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society,” Chancellor Palpatine announces. Everyone cheers.

“Still don’t think the others are programmed?” Tech asks me. I sigh. Things are…uncertain, that much is clear.

After the assembly, we gather and before we leave, are approached by Governor Tarkin. I’ve never met him but I know Echo’s worked with him before. Echo doesn’t like him and Tarkin doesn’t like us.

“Well, Sergeant Hunter, isn’t it? I must say I am impressed with you and your squad’s abilities, especially on Kaller,” he says. Flashes of Commander Dume making that enormous leap over the chasm makes me pause.

“Though I suppose the accolades should go to your sniper,” he says and my eyes widen slightly.

“According to his report, you let Commander Dume escape while CT-9904 pursued the commander,” Tarkin says so I open my mouth to reply when he raises a hand, stopping me.

“No need for excuses. Allow me to give you another chance to prove your worth. Onderon has had recent insurgent activity. You and your squad will go and squash any attempt at rebellion,” Tarkin orders.

“Yes sir,” I respond and he nods once before walking off, leaving us alone.

“C’mon let’s head back to our barracks,” I tell my brothers before heading out into the great hallway.

We walk through the white sterile halls. I think over that ominous message the Chancellor said until I feel another presence.

“Galactic Empire? We’re soldiers of the Republic,” Echo argues.

“Republic, Empire, what’s the difference?” Crosshair asks.

“The systematic termination of the Jedi is a big one for me,” Tech pipes up. I stop when I’m sure we’re being followed.

“Lads, we’ve got company,” I announce and turn around. The others do as well and I see that little girl from earlier. She smiles and waves at us.

“Hello-“ she says.

“What’s that?” Wrecker asks, bending over to look at the girl.

“My name’s Omega,” she introduces herself, “I was wondering when you guys were coming back. I’m glad I found you. I need your help,” the girl, Omega, explains.

“You know who we are?” I ask and she smiles and nods.

“Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo and Crosshair. You’re Clone Force 99,” Omega says, sounding off our names as she looks at each of us.

“What’re you doing on Kamino kid?” I ask. Before the girl can explain, Nala Se approaches.

“Her job. She is my medical assistant, one with a curious mind that causes her to wander,” the Kaminoan head scientist explains before reaching out to Omega.

“Come along Omega,” Nala Se says. Knowing better than to argue, Omega grabs Nala Se’s outstretched hand and lets the Kaminoan guide her away. As they turn a corner, Omega looks back at the clone squad and waves.

“This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder,” I comment.

3rd POV

As Nala Se and Omega walk down the hall, Nala Se talks with Omega.

“There hasn’t been any sightings of the Jedi Youngling so I want you to stay in my lab,” Nala Se tells the girl.

“I can take care of myself-“ Omega insists.

“I mean it Omega, no more wandering. Not until we find the Jedi,” Nala Se insists.

“Fine, can I at least go to the library? I’ll get the holodiscs I want and go right back I promise,” Omega insists. Nala Se sighs, knowing Omega well enough that if she were to say no the girl would go anyways.

“Very well,” she says and Omega sighs with relief before running off.

Instead of going to the library, Omega heads to the barracks to find Clone Force 99 and talk to them. She navigates through the halls and gets to one of the other thousands of barracks and stops to take a steadying breath. Omega knows it’s going to be a lot to explain, she just hopes they’ll listen to her. She reaches out nervously and presses the ringer on the computer pad.

Inside, the group turns to the door before sharing looks.

“No one ever wants to see us,” Tech comments. Hunter approaches the door and opens it and when he doesn’t see someone immediately, he looks down and spots Omega!

“H-Hello-can I talk to you?” Omega asks. Hunter glances back at the rest of his squad. Crosshair rolls his eyes while Tech, Wrecker and Echo all look unsure and shrug.

“Hunter, the Onderon mission,” Crosshair insists.

“What is it kid? We can’t stick around for long,” Hunter tells her.

“I need your help, please,” Omega insists.

“Help? With what?” Wrecker asks.

“There was a Jedi Master here,” Omega says. The others freeze and Hunter and Tech share a look while Wrecker’s eyes widen and Echo and Crosshair share an uneasy look.

“Th-The clones—they…they turned on him-“ she stutters slightly, remembering how she had seen him before getting gunned down and shot. How she had to pull Maisy away as fast as she could as the little Youngling fought as hard as she could to get to her master. Hunter stiffens at the description of Order 66.

“Hunter, I’m leaving for the mission. Come or not but I won’t make the same mistake you made on Kaller,” Crosshair says before walking out to go to Onderon and Hunter sighs.

“Cross wait-“ Wrecker tries but Tech puts a hand on his shoulder before motioning to Hunter.

“He’ll come back,” Hunter assures everyone before looking at Omega.

“So you said that the Jedi General that was here…was killed?” Hunter asks seriously and Omega nods.

“He was gunned down. I saw it,” she insists.

“And…so did the Youngling that was with him,” Omega adds hastily.

“Youngling?!” Echo asks clearly shocked.

“What’s a Youngling?” Wrecker asks.

“A Youngling will become a Padawan. Younglings are…little,” Echo tries to explain. Aging is a weird concept for clones since most of them have accelerated aging.

“What happened to the Youngling?” Hunter asks.

“I found her…I got her to her ship but we need help. Her master said to go back to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant,” Omega explains.

“Hunter, Crosshair is close to leaving…and I don’t think he’ll wait for us,” Tech says.

“The Jedi have always supported us, fought alongside us. Plus this is a little kid, barely a child. A Youngling won’t survive Hunter, you know it,” Echo argues.

“It’s practically illegal to be a Jedi now. You all saw what happened on Kaller. If one of us turns—“ Hunter says, but that’s when Omega steps up.

“I can help you with that. Nala Se put inhibitor chips inside every clone,” Omega explains.

“I can help you get them out,” Omega says. Hunter, Wrecker and Echo all share an unsure look when Tech steps up.

“She is a clone. I analyzed my initial scan from when we met in the hall,” Tech says, “and being Nala Se’s medical assistant doesn’t hurt,” he adds.

“What about your chip?” Hunter asks.

“I don’t have one,” Omega states factually. The others blink in surprise.

“Aw-no fair-“ Wrecker mumbles quietly.

“If I help you get your inhibitor chips out, will you help us?” Omega asks, desperately looking between the clone troopers.

Echo, Tech and Wrecker all look to Hunter, waiting for the sergeant to make the call. Hunter rubs the side of his head. Even though he felt fine on Kaller, albeit confused as hell, there’s no guarantee the chip won’t reactivate at any time, for any of them. And Crosshair seems to be proof of that. Hunter sighs.

“Alright, we’ll help you,” the sergeant reluctantly replies.

“What about Crosshair?” Tech asks.

“Once he comes back we’ll get his chip out too,” Hunter reassures Tech, who nods.

“We have to get the Youngling to the Jedi,” Echo says. Having worked with the Jedi the most out of the group, he’s the most willing to help.

“First, these inhibitor chips,” Hunter says, rubbing his temple. Echo nods in agreement.

“All medical facilities are on lockdown,” Tech warns.

“Hurry, we don’t have a lot of time,” Hunter says and they all hurry out to find the nearest sterilized room.

Meanwhile…

Crosshair storms out of the barracks angrily. He knew they were more than the average clone trooper. They were special. They were meant for greatness in the coming changes to the galaxy and Crosshair was frustrated Hunter couldn’t understand that. But he would show them. He’d show them all that he could be capable if given the chance. The sniper walks through the halls, thinking on the girl that showed up at their door, the same one from earlier after the assembly.

Hunter didn’t even know this girl, and yet he listened to her but didn’t even consider Crosshair’s position. Crosshair knew since Kaller that he and Hunter wouldn’t fully agree but the sniper wished his sergeant would at least think about his options.

Crosshair gets to the hangar they left the Marauder in.

“You must be CT-9904 of Clone Force 99?” Crosshair hears a voice. He turns and sees Governor Tarkin approaching him. There’s a man with slightly wavy, rich brown hair that’s slicked back and in a drab gray uniform with the Governor that Crosshair doesn’t recognize.

“Sir,” Crosshair answers, standing at attention.

“Where is the rest of your squad?” Tarkin asks.

“They are needed elsewhere,” Crosshair responds truthfully, “but Hunter has entrusted me with the mission. I am more than capable,” the sniper assures Tarkin. The Governor looks at Crosshair.

“Very well. Succeed in this mission and you’ll be rewarded with an important position in this new Empire,” Tarkin tells Crosshair, who nods.

“Yes sir,” Crosshair responds as the two begin to walk away.

“And trooper?” Tarkin asks, getting the sniper’s attention. Crosshair stops and glances back at Governor Tarkin.

“Your initiative on Kaller has not gone unnoticed. Consider any accolades or commendations to be solely yours. You may yet prove to be of more value than your defective brothers,” Tarkin says and Crosshair stiffens unsurely.

“Yes sir,” Crosshair repeats. Of course Crosshair wants to be recognized, but he still wants Hunter and the others to be part of it as well. Tarkin nods before walking off, leaving Crosshair alone. Perhaps once he succeeds, Crosshair can use his newly gained favor to convince Tarkin to give the rest of the squad another chance. Crosshair heads to the Havoc Marauder and makes sure he has everything he needs before powering up the ship and taking off.

Elsewhere…

Maisy’s POV

I’m sitting alone in Master Jaeruho’s ship, trying to keep myself from crying, but I can’t help it. I want Master Jaeruho. I wanna go home, back to the Temple. I want Omega to come back for me. I wish she was here. But I’m all alone.

“I’ll be back for you I promise,” Omega’s voice rings in my head. That’s right, she didn’t leave me. She’ll come back. I just have to be patient (like Master Jaeruho always tells me). I sniffle and wipe the tears out of my eyes before taking a look out the window to make sure it’s still clear. I don’t see anyone at first, not until the hangar door opens on the other side of the room. My eyes widen when I see a whole bunch of clone troopers! I can feel the fear grip me as I freeze. What do I do now? I can’t let them catch me and Omega won’t be able to find me if I leave. I guess there’s only one thing to do. I have to find Omega myself.

I snap out of it and hurry around the ship, making sure to take anything I think I’ll need. I don’t see anything but when I pass by my bunk, I spot the biggest, most colorful drawing I taped up on my wall. It’s me, Master Jaeruho and Master Yoda at the Temple. The tree in the courtyard is in the back. I take it off the wall and fold it up before tucking it inside my outer tunic.

I run over to the cockpit and open the hatch underneath the console. It’s a way out. Crawling through the hatch I manage to drop down and out of the ship’s side. Before anyone can see, I race behind a stack of crates and disappear.

For a moment, I stop and think about Omega. She was really nice to me and Master Jaeruho seemed to trust her. If she really is a clone, then she’s not like the others. Omega is safe. I feel a warmth wash over me and that’s when I see her! She’s hurrying down a hallway and I think there are people with her! I follow the nice, warm feeling out of the hangar and down the maze of halls.

On Onderon…

Crosshair’s POV

The Marauder drops out of hyperspace and I can see Onderon in the distance. I pilot the ship through the planet’s atmosphere and make sure to land in the dense forest for cover. My coordinates are just 5 klicks northeast of here. No problem. I grab my gear and sling my rifle across my back before slipping my helmet on. That’s when our Gonk droid powers on and walks over to me. He’s always been a bit of an odd droid and he’s defective, like us, so he fits right in I suppose.

“Where others?” He beeps.

“On Kamino. This is a solo mission. We’ll go back for them once I complete my mission,” I explain to the droid. He beeps satisfied and heads back towards the gunner’s mount.

“Stay here and guard the ship. Keep your comms on. I’ll contact you when I’m coming back,” I instruct.

“Yes. Stay. Watch ship,” the droid beeps. I nod and walk out, locking the bay door shut behind me.

I make sure to input my coordinates into my helmet before starting to trek through the forest. The insurgents I’m supposed to eliminate have been causing enough trouble to get the attention of Governor Tarkin. Part of me wonders if they are surviving Jedi.

I climb over a fallen tree but when I’m up top, I take a look around through the scope on my helmet. Nothing. Good, at least I’m not being followed. I keep moving and weave through the trees, avoiding dense brush that I can’t get through. Hunter would just use his vibroknife to slice through but time is of the essence and I can’t spend time cutting through.

I do have to stop when I come to a small river. I look around and don’t see a way across. I reach on my belt and pull out the grappling hook attachment for my rifle. I attach it to the 300 foot ascension cable before loading it to my rifle. I aim for the tree directly across from me and aim up, a good 20 feet. I fire and the hook wraps around a tree limb and one of the prongs of the hook catches on the rope. I press the trigger to start pulling me and increase the speed so I practically fly over the water. I release the line and land quietly on the other side. I tug on the cable and the hook unfolds and the cable falls off the limb. I retract the cable and put the hook back onto my belt before continuing a brisk pace through the woods.

It’s been hours and the sun is low, almost set. I use my helmet scope to make sure I’m still headed in the right direction. That’s when I see a small dot of red! A heat signature! My eyes widen. I hurry up and after making my way through the woods, I come to a clearing. The heat signatures grow and as I get closer, I see even more. I climb up onto a small rocky outcropping and grab my rifle. I aim and when I look through he scope, I’m shocked to see civilians! I expected surviving Jedi but…but there are families and children here. Insurgents are insurgents, a passing thought reminds me.

“Pull the trigger, and you’re dead,” I hear a voice. I freeze and that’s when I notice I’m surrounded! They got me when I was caught off guard.

“Put the rifle down, clone,” another voice orders. I glare at them through my helmet before slowly lowering my rifle, knowing not to fight back.

“Take him,” the third, a female, orders and the other two people come over to cuff me while the female takes my rifle. I sigh but I don’t resist.

I’m lead through to the campsite. The other people see us and when they see me, they turn cautious and stare at me.

“Well well, I figured it was only a matter of time before you clones tracked us down,” I hear a man’s voice. I turn and see a dark skinned man with bright green eyes and a beard approach me from the shadows. He’s wearing worn, mismatching armor and appears to be the leader of these insurgents.

“Who are you?” I ask gruffly.

“Humph, my name doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you are my prisoner now. Where are the rest of your clone brothers?” He asks.

“Kamino,” I respond sarcastically, however truthful. His face hardens.

“I don’t think you understand your predicament,” he says.

“Take his helmet off, I wanna see his face,” he orders and that’s when my helmet’s yanked off. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim sunset lighting and I see the man staring me down. I glare back at him.

“Hmm…You’re a clone alright. Armor’s different, you a commander?” he asks, trying to figure out who I am. I stay quiet before looking around. The children are hiding behind the adults, glaring up at me. The young man in faded, worn armor chuckles humorlessly, getting my attention.

“Not expecting to see the truth?” He asks.

“You are insurgents-“ I say.

“That’s what they told you?! Well take a good look at who you were sent to destroy!” he snaps angrily.

“Makes you wonder what else they aren’t telling you,” he says.

“So what do you want?” I ask.

“I’m not going to kill you if that’s what you’re wondering,” he informs me.

“We fight against the tyranny of the newly formed Empire ever since Chancellor Palpatine unjustly declared himself Emperor,” he says.

“The Jedi tried to assassinate the Emperor. They are traitors to the Empire, just like all of you,” I growl.

“Humph, the other clones like Captain Rex sure are smarter than you,” he says and my eyes widen at the name.

“You..know Captain Rex?” I ask. He nods.

“We fought side by side with the clones once. And now, the Jedi are dead. Most of the clones have turned on the citizens they were supposed to protect and killed their Generals in cold blood. There’s no one who can fight for us now, we have to take our own freedom,” he says.

I will admit to being caught off guard, but good soldiers follow orders.

“Most clones?” I ask, thinking on the man’s words.

“You could’ve pulled the trigger earlier. But you looked to see who we were,” he says.

“Why?” He asks.

“It didn’t feel right,” I admit quietly and he nods.

“The clones helped free Onderon. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. The War with the Separatists may be over, but the civil war is just beginning. You can either adapt and survive or die with the past. The choice is yours,” he says, moving behind me. He uncuffs me and I rub my wrists.

“You know I’m only here for my mission. I don’t care what happens to you or Onderon, as long as I destroy the insurgents but…wanting to follow your own path shouldn’t be considered an insurgency,” I say and the dark skinned man smiles and nods.

“Thank you. You’re not like the other clones,” he says and I nod.

“CT—9904, Crosshair,” I introduce, standing at attention instinctively.

“Crosshair, you’re a good soldier,” he says and outstretches his hand to me.

“Saw Gerrera,” he introduces as I clasp his hand with my gloved hand and nod.

“We should pack up and move, Saw,” the female says, handing me my rifle back. I take it and sling the gun over my shoulder. The freedom fighter to the right hands me my helmet.

“Right. Get everyone organized,” Saw orders and the others start packing up.

“I have to get back and think of a clever enough lie,” I say and Saw nods.

“Good luck. You’re welcome to fight with us any time,” Saw offers and I nod.

“Thanks, but I was born to be a soldier,” I say.

“Yeah, just be sure to be a soldier on the right side of the fight,” he says and I nod and put my helmet back on before heading back to the Havoc Marauder, thinking about Saw’s final words all the way back.

I hadn’t had time to dwell on it but the Empire is key to our survival. That’s why I need to be a part of it instead of being destroyed by it. Hunter and the others…they don’t understand. But they’ll see. They’ll all see in time. I contact Gonky to prep the ship.

Back on Kamino…

Maisy’s POV

I race down what feels like the 100th hallway when I suddenly see Omega run by. My eyes widen and relief washes over me.

“Omega!” I cry out and dash to her. She skids to a stop and spots me. Before she can call my name, I leap at and collide with Omega’s hips and wrap my arms around her waist. I was so caught up in the moment, I didn’t even see the people with her.

“Maisy! Wh-What’re you doing?! We were coming to get you-“ Omega asks. I pull back and look up at her.

“Troopers were coming in the hangar. I had to leave-but I found you!” I exclaim. She nods but before she says anything else, I spot the others with her and my eyes widen when I see they’re clones! I gasp and back away from everyone fearfully. Master Jaeruho—he…they…I feel frozen as tears stream down my face.

“It’s ok, they’re not like the other clones,” Omega’s voice cuts through the fear. I blink and look at her.

“They won’t hurt you, I promise,” she assures me. I feel myself take a breath as I sense the truth to the older girl’s words. I nod, sniffling and wiping my eyes before eyeing the clones cautiously.

“Who are you?” The trooper with goggles asks me. The others look at me.

“This is Maisy,” Omega introduces, holding a hand out to me. I take it before hiding behind her.

“This is Clone Force 99. Hunter, Tech, Echo, and Wrecker,” Omega introduces, pointing at each of them in turn.

“You’re the Youngling the longnecks were looking for,” the big one called Wrecker, says.

“Don’t worry, we’re here to help,” the one with long hair, Hunter, adds, but I stay quiet.

“The sterile room is just down this corridor,” Tech, the trooper with goggles says.

“C’mon, we have to hurry-“ Omega says and pulls me along with them.

We get to the end of the hall and stop in front of one of the millions of doors that look exactly the same. The door whooshes open and we hurry inside. Tech locks it once we’re all in. I look at the trooper with pale skin and a missing arm. Echo. His left arm-it’s a scomp instead. I look and see Echo’s legs are prosthetics as well. Echo looks at me and almost immediately looks away though I don’t know why. I look around the room and see it’s nothing special.

“What’re we doing here?” I ask.

“We have to get the inhibitor chips out of them,” Omega explains. I remember Omega talking about the chips from earlier, when I was hiding with Master Jaeruho and I nod in agreement. If those chips made the clones kill Master Jaeruho, then they need to come out.

“Echo, scan the computers for any information about the chips. Tech start up the medical scanner. Wrecker. Keep an eye on the girls. I’m up first,” Hunter says, taking off his bandana. He pulls out a vibroknife and shaves a small spot on the side of his head.

“Hunter-I found something from Captain Rex!” Echo alerts. We all gather around Echo and the console.

“Who’s Captain Rex?” Omega asks.

“A friend of ours,” Hunter replies.

“I…I don’t believe it-“ Echo gasps.

“What? What is it?” Wrecker and Hunter ask at the same time. I see tears start falling out of Echo’s eyes.

“It’s…It’s Fives-“ he says.

“Hunter-the scanner’s ready-“ Tech says, getting Hunter’s attention.

“Who’s Fives?” Wrecker asks Echo.

“He’s…he was my brother…we…we were the last of Domino Squad. I…I was at the Citadel with him when—“ Echo trails off.

“They…they killed him. Rex says Fives and Tup discovered the inhibitor chips and the Kaminoans…the longnecks kept them quiet. So they wouldn’t expose the chips, they were killed,” Echo says, his voice wavering as he holds back his sadness. I see Wrecker and Omega share a worriedly look so I step towards Echo and reach out, taking his prosthetic in my hand. He looks down at me and I look up at him silently, just an empathetic look on my face.

“I…I’m sorry. I never knew what happened to Fives and now…finding out he’s dead,” Echo says and I nod.

“You’re still here though. And we need you,” I tell him and he nods once, wiping his eyes with his hand.

“Echo, does the report say anything about what the effects of removing the chips are?” Tech asks, getting his attention as Hunter sits down on the table.

“Tup died after having it removed. According to Rex, Fives believed he was part of a plot, which we now know is Order 66,” Echo says, “he escaped Kaminoan custody and was gunned down by the Coruscant Guard,” Echo explains.

“If we remove the chips…we won’t know what’ll happen after, right?” Omega asks and he nods.

“Kid…if…if we do anything to hurt you or scare you…you have to use your Jedi powers on us,” Hunter tells me. My eyes widen. I poke my head out from behind Echo and stare at Hunter.

“W-What?” I ask, clearly shocked.

“There’s a good chance we’ll die but if we don’t and we still have to follow Order 66, then you have to save yourself and use your Jedi powers,” Hunter encourages. I look to Omega and she nods.

“He’s right. I don’t have a chip and I’m only Nala Se’s medical assistant—I’ll protect you but I can’t fight like a soldier,” Omega tells me. I find myself nodding.

“O-Ok,” I mumble and Hunter nods approvingly before laying on his back. We watch as Tech uses the scanner on Hunter’s head. Echo picks me up and I cling to him as we watch.

After a while, nothing shows up on the scanner.

“Tech? Anything?” Hunter asks.

“I’m not picking anything up,” Tech frowns.

“Try 3 millimeters up from my right temple,” Hunter says and Tech adjusts the machine before trying again.

“How does Hunter know that?” I ask.

“They all have enhanced abilities. Hunter’s is sensing electromagnetic pulses,” Echo explains.

The scanner machine beeps in error again at not finding anything.

“I don’t understand why the scanner isn’t detecting anything,” Tech says.

“Echo, does Captain Rex’s report say anything about how they found the chips?” Wrecker asks and Echo shakes his head.

“Just that the scanner found them-“ Echo says. I look between Echo and the scanner machine.

“I can help,” I assure them and before anyone can protest, I wriggle out of Echo’s grip and hurry over to the other side of the table so I’m near Hunter’s head.

“Turn on the scanner on 3,” I tell Tech and he nods. I reach out and put my hands on either side of Hunter’s head.

“1…2…3-“ we count together. I shut my eyes and take a breath.

“Remember Youngling, you are one with the Force. As a Jedi, the Force will always be with you. You are one with the Force, and the Force is with you,” I hear Master Jaeruho’s words echo in my mind.

“I am one with the Force and the Force is with me,” I say out loud and repeat it over and over.

“I am one with the Force and the Force is with me. I am one with the Force and the Force is with me-“ Hunter starts repeating the words with me. That’s when the scanner suddenly beeps!

“Found it!” Tech says, clearly surprised.

“Ok, Tech let’s hurry,” Omega says and he nods. Now that there’s time to at least sit and think about what happened, I feel how tired I am. I slump against the opposite wall and feel my eyes shut.

I’m suddenly shaken awake. Weird…I usually dream but…there was nothing this time. I blink and rub my eyes tiredly before yawning.

“What’s going on?” I ask tiredly.

“Everyone’s got their inhibitor chips out,” Omega tells me and I wake up. I look between the soldiers and see they are just smiling at me kindly.

“Do you guys feel ok?” Omega asks and Hunter nods.

“Never better kid,” Hunter replies. I see everyone has a small white bandage on the side of their heads.

“W-What do we do now? Master Jaeruho’s ship was taken-“ I tell them.

“We have a ship, the Havoc Marauder. We just have to wait for our 5th member to come back,” Tech explains.

“5th member?” I ask.

“Crosshair, our sniper,” Wrecker explains.

“We have to get his chip out when he comes back and then we’ll all leave Kamino together,” Hunter says.

“And…and never come back?” Omega asks tentatively and I’m just now realizing that she wants to leave like me. Hunter nods.

“And never come back,” he confirms and Omega smiles.

“Crosshair should be back any minute now. We have to get to him before the Kaminoans do,” Echo says and Hunter nods in agreement.

“Right, let’s go-“ Hunter says and the group heads out of the room.

“C’mon li’l Jedi,” Wrecker tells me, holding out his hands. I leap into him and he picks me up easily with one arm and runs out with the others.

Meanwhile, returning from Onderon…

3rd POV

Crosshair returns to Kamino, all while thinking on Saw Gerrera’s words. If he was going to work with the Empire, he would need to know EVERYTHING about the missions from now on. However, a thought keeps popping up in the back of his mind. Insurgents didn’t necessarily mean droids. But he can’t get the faces of the children out of his mind either. He couldn’t harm the children, even if they were rebels. The Commander was different, he was a Jedi. Crosshair sighs and leans back in his seat. His head hurts so he rubs his temple slightly. What was he going to say to Governor Tarkin? Hunter may have lied about that Jedi kid on Kaller, but Crosshair knows the Empire wouldn’t believe such a ridiculous lie if he were to say something similar.

Crosshair flies the Marauder through the stormy atmosphere of Kamino and into Tipoca City. He heads to the nearest hangar and lands inside.

“I’ll go get the others. Wait for us on the ship,” Crosshair tells Gonky, who beeps obediently. The sniper departs the ship and glances over, spotting an irregular ship. A T-6 Jedi Cruiser! Crosshair sees the ship is covered in magnetic locks and even blocked off, something Crosshair thinks is strange.

He hurries through the horrible sterile white hallways that hurt his eyes and that’s when he hears footsteps. He squints slightly and sees Nala Se! Crosshair swallows the lump in his throat that formed at the sight of the scientist.

“CT-9904, come with me,” she orders calmly and Crosshair silently follows the Kaminoan until he decides to speak up.

“I was to report back to Governor Tarkin,” Crosshair informs her.

“Governor Tarkin is waiting for us,” she says and his eyes widen slightly.

They get to Lama Su’s office and see that both the Prime Minister and Governor Tarkin are waiting for them.

“Ah, CT-9904, I hope my faith in you has not been unfounded,” Tarkin says.

“I’m afraid I found no sign of any insurgents,” Crosshair says and Tarkin’s expression darkens.

“It seemed as if they knew they were being watched,” the sniper explains.

“Well, I must say I’m disappointed. Perhaps you’re right Doctor,” Tarkin tells Nala Se, causing Crosshair to look between the two.

“CT-9904, we have decided to give you one chance to help yourself. Do you know where your squad is?” Lama Su asks. Crosshair glares at everyone.

“No. I haven’t seen or talked with them since leaving for Onderon,” Crosshair growls. He wouldn’t give up his brothers so easily even if he did know where they were or what they were doing. Lama Su and Nala Se share a nod before Tarkin motions.

Suddenly Crosshair is swarmed by the Coruscant Guard and is held down.

“H-Hey! Get off me! I didn’t disobey my mission! I didn’t!” Crosshair snaps and tries with all his might to break free, but the others have a firm grip on him. That’s when the sniper feels a sharp, cold pinch on the side of his neck before feeling tired. He tries to fight it off, but it’s no use. His vision is going dark and fuzzy and his eyelids are impossibly heavy.

“Take him,” Nala Se orders as Crosshair passes out.

The Kaminoans and Tarkin watches as the Coruscant Guard carry Crosshair out of the room.

“Let us know the results of the procedure,” Tarkin tells Nala Se, who nods obediently.

“Yes sir,” she responds before walking out.

Nala Se has the Coruscant Guard put Crosshair onto a medical table and put on the restraints around his wrists, chest, waist, and ankles.

“Clear the room,” Nala Se says and the Coruscant Guard exits the medical room. The head Kaminoan scientist turns on the machine. It sends an electrical signal through the brain to the inhibitor chip to amplify the chip’s effects. Crosshair tenses in pain and struggles instinctively against the restraints. Nala Se turns up the dial on the console and watches the electricity get stronger. Nala Se often had CF99 and even Omega hooked up to machines so she knows Crosshair can take it.

After 2 minutes, Nala Se turns the machine off. She waits a moment until she hears Crosshair groan before turning the PA on.

“CT-9904, can you hear me?” Nala Se asks. He groans.

“Yes,” the sniper growls.

“I will now remove your inhibitor chip, do you understand?” Nala Se asks.

“In-..Inhibitor chip?” Crosshair asks and that’s when Nala Se injects the sniper with morphine.

“Just relax CT-9904. Everything will be over momentarily,” the Kaminoan scientist replies as Crosshair passes out.

Knowing where the chip is and having personally installed the chips, Nala Se is able to easily remove the biomechanical chip rather quickly. Once the chip is out, Nala Se’s able to take a look at the tissue where the chip was connected. She inspects the area and sees the area doesn’t look damaged, so she removes the sniper from the machine and starts up another. It lasers up the incision and bandages the side of his head.

Nala Se injects a stimulant into Crosshair, waking him.

“CT-9904–how do you feel?” Nala Se asks him on the PA as she releases his restraints. He groans and sits up.

“I…I’m ready for orders,” Crosshair says and Nala Se nods approvingly through the glass window before walking into the room. Crosshair gently touches the bandage as he watches Nala Se enter the room.

“The inhibitor chips…they were for Order 66,” Crosshair realizes and Nala Se nods.

“You no longer needed your chip, so I removed it,” Nala Se explains.

“Will you still follow Order 66?” Nala Se asks. Crosshair nods affirmatively.

“I have reason to believe Omega is hiding something from me…or someone,” Nala Se says.

“The Jedi Master brought a Youngling with him,” the Kaminoan scientist explains and Crosshair’s eyes widen.

“Master Jaeruho was eliminated but the Youngling has escaped and has been hiding. But I believe Omega found the Youngling,” Nala Se tells him and Crosshair nods.

“I will eliminate the Jedi and anyone who helps the Youngling,” Crosshair says.

“No, do not harm Omega, even if she helps the Jedi. She is mine,” Nala Se orders and Crosshair nods obediently.

“Yes ma’am,” he says.

“Return to me when you’ve killed the Jedi,” Nala Se orders and he nods once more before walking out.

Back in the maze of hallways…

Hunter’s POV

We run briskly down the sterile white halls that hurt my head a bit. I look to my side and see Tech with Echo and on my right Omega keeps pace. I glance behind me and see Wrecker holding the Jedi Youngling with one arm easily. Wrecker nods once at me and I keep running.

“Tech—did you find the Marauder yet?” I ask.

“Yes. Hangar 13-B,” Tech says and I nod.

“That’s where the Jedi’s ship was,” Omega says as we run.

“We’ll have to be cautious,” Echo says and I nod in agreement with the ARC trooper.

“Anything on Crosshair?” Echo asks Tech.

“Hopefully he’s waiting at the ship for us,” Wrecker says optimistically.

“We just have to get to the ship and then I’ll go after Crosshair myself,” I tell him, trying to be more realistic but at the same time, not crushing Wrecker’s hopes and he nods.

We finally get to the hangar and I hear Omega breathing hard.

“W-Where’s Master Jaeruho’s ship?” Maisy asks, getting my attention. I look and see it’s mostly empty except for a lot of metal crates stacked up and the Marauder towards the left side of the large room. There’s no other ship. The Youngling squirms out of Wrecker’s arms and looks around.

“The Jedi’s ship was here earlier. We saw it,” Omega tells me as she catches her breath and Maisy grabs her hand.

“It doesn’t matter. We know our ship better,” I insist.

“Take the girls, power up the ship and wait for us. I’m going after Crosshair,” I say to the boys. That’s when I hear Maisy gasp and turn to the closed door. It opens loudly and the wall-sized door opens on the other side to reveal Crosshair along with shock troopers and Kamino troopers in gray. Crosshair isn’t in his regular armor. It’s all black and clearly Imperial armor.

“Crosshair,” Omega says, her eyes wide. I motion for the others to take cover behind the metal crates before taking a step towards Crosshair.

A tense moment passes and the only noise is the storm outside.

“Best stand down sergeant. Make it easier on yourself,” Crosshair says, shifting the toothpick in his mouth.

“Have you lost your mind?!” I demand, looking at the other clone troopers aiming at me and the rest of my squad, including the young girls.

“We should’ve followed orders on Kaller,” Crosshair growls. Before Maisy can try and sneak by, Omega grabs hold of her and shakes her head silently.

“I did what I thought was right!” I argue defiantly.

“You never could see the bigger picture. The Jedi must die,” Crosshair snarls and I see Maisy flinch and cling to Omega, burying her face in Omega’s stomach as the older girl holds her.

“Surrender and hand the Jedi over,” Crosshair orders and I glare at him before glancing back at the others. I see Wrecker, Tech and Echo put their helmets on and ready their blasters for a fight.

“Is that an order?” I ask.

“Hmph, I guess it is,” Crosshair replies.

“Well, I guess I’m disobeying that one too,” I tell him. I keep an eye on him and feel the others look at me. Crosshair flicks the thin wooden toothpick out of his lips as he glares back at me.

Lightning streaks across the sky before thunder claps loudly. I stand at the ready, waiting for Crosshair to make the first move. I’m not going to hurt Crosshair. Echo and Wrecker share a look as Tech waits for my signal. Omega looks at me as she keeps a protective grip on the Youngling. My grip on my blaster tightens and Crosshair’s finger moves to the trigger on his rifle.

That’s when I see him tense ever so slightly before aiming his rifle right at me and firing off a single shot! I duck behind the stack of crates the girls are hiding behind as the other troopers start to fire on us. The girls flinch as Wrecker and Echo start firing back. I make sure the kids are ok when a smoke grenade is tossed towards us. It hisses, releasing smoke. I look back and see Tech nod at me.

3rd POV

The smoke covers the room and forces Crosshair to switch his helmet’s scope to heat signatures instead. He looks through the scope and sees the rest of his squad along with the two kids taking cover behind the metal crates as blaster fire flies across the room.

“Tech get the ship powered up now!” Hunter orders.

“I’m working on it,” the pilot insists as he enters the ship and starts the power up sequence.

“Wrecker, clear the smoke on 3,” Hunter orders.

“You got it boss!” Wrecker replies and finds two large metal crate lids.

“Girls stay low,” Hunter tells the kids as they flinch when blaster bolts hit near them.

“1…2…3!” Hunter counts down before Wrecker jumps out and claps the two lids together, clearing some of the smoke. The demolitions expert tosses a lid sideways and hits 3 troopers, knocking them down. Crosshair watches before taking aim at Wrecker! Wrecker throws the other lid right at the sniper, who dives and rolls out of the way. As Wrecker reaches for his blaster, Crosshair aims and fires at him, hitting Wrecker’s shoulder! His helmet flies off as Wrecker falls.

“AGH!” Wrecker cries out in pain before he hits the ground. Echo and Hunter’s eyes widen in shock. Omega gasps and starts to run towards Wrecker, exposing herself and leaving Maisy alone.

“Omega don’t!” Hunter says, pulling the girl back just as the sniper shoots, narrowly missing the girl.

“He’s using Wrecker as bait,” Hunter explains to the older girl.

“But he needs help!” Omega insists. As Hunter tries to think of something to do, Maisy stands up and climbs up onto one of the boxes. She focuses on Crosshair and reaches out with her right hand.

Crosshair suddenly feels a tightness around his throat. He gasps and starts to choke when the pressure tightens.

“Maisy! Don’t hurt him!” Omega says, but the girl doesn’t listen. She doesn’t even hear Omega. As nearby troopers aim at the Youngling, Omega grabs hold of her and pulls her down, which also causes the Youngling’s Force grip on Crosshair to stop.

“Tech we’re out of time!” Hunter says.

“Almost got it!” Tech says as the engines power on. Crosshair gasps, taking a breath and rubbing his throat before looking at the Marauder.

“Seal the bay doors!” Crosshair orders. A yellow light and a warning sound rings out as the doors start to close to the outside! Maisy gasps and reaches out with both hands towards the closing doors. The gears grind and the doors screech at being held in place.

“Sir, the doors aren’t closing!” A trooper tells Crosshair. Maisy feels through the mechanical parts of the door and finds the gear shaft that helps with opening the door. The Youngling is so focused, she doesn’t even feel the blood that starts to trickle out of her left nostril. Maisy bends the gear shaft so much that it holds the door open itself. She gasps and pants, letting go of the Force connection, breathing hard.

“When I say go, you take the Youngling and head for that ramp and don’t stop. Got it?” Hunter asks Omega, placing a hand on the older girl’s shoulder. She nods, grabbing hold of Maisy’s hand as Hunter turns to Echo.

“Echo, we go for Wrecker,” Hunter orders. Crosshair aims his rifle.

“Only one way out Hunter. Your move,” the sniper says.

“GO!” Hunter yells and Omega takes off, gripping Maisy’s hand tightly and pulling the Youngling along with her as they run towards the Marauder. Hunter fires back to provide cover for the girls. Crosshair moves and a trooper covers him, firing near the girls. Echo sees and fires back, hitting the shock trooper. Maisy sees 2 troopers about to blindside Hunter, so she holds them in place long enough to get the sergeant’s attention. He fires and hits them. Crosshair, noticing the Youngling is distracted, takes aim at her! Omega sees Crosshair aiming at Maisy and grabs a blaster laying on top of a crate nearby. She lunges for the weapon and aims for Crosshair, firing a shot before the sniper could. Omega’s shot hit’s Crosshair’s rifle, disarming him!

Shocked, everyone looks to Omega. Crosshair takes out his blaster pistol so Omega fires a few more times, all missing Crosshair, but it forces the sniper to take cover and allow Hunter and Echo to get Wrecker and Maisy on board.

Crosshair runs after the ship as it flies off, still firing his pistol, but the ship quickly flies out of range. The sniper stops and takes off his helmet to watch his brothers fly away. On the camera security system, Nala Se watches Clone Force 99 fly off and Crosshair standing, watching them. She walks out of her office and to the Prime Minister’s.

The door whooshes open quietly and Nala Se sees Lama Su standing with his back to the door.

“Has the matter been rectified?” Lama Su asks.

“The inhibitor chip augmentation was a success, however..” Nala Se pauses briefly as she looks away.

“The remaining clones of squad 99 have escaped along with..Omega and the Jedi Youngling,” Nala Se says.

“Hmm, we must be cautious. Until the Empire’s intentions are made clear, say nothing,” Lama Su orders.

“Yes, Prime Minister,” Nala Se answers, bowing before walking out, leaving Lama Su alone.

The Havoc Marauder flies through space, leaving Kamino and Crosshair, behind. Echo has Wrecker sit in a chair as Tech flies the ship. Echo gives Wrecker a numbing shot for his blaster bolt hit and Wrecker whines in pain.

“Ow!” He says.

“Hey! Hey-hey-hey what’s that gonna do?” Wrecker asks as Echo rifles through a box. Hunter stands next to Wrecker as Omega and Maisy stand in the small hallway that leads to the gunner’s mount. Maisy looks up and sees a stuffed tooka toy that’s black and red and a white face. She grabs it and shows Omega.

“Look,” Maisy whispers, handing the toy to Omega, who nods, taking it and holding it gently with both arms.

“You’ll be ok. Just hold still,” Echo assures Wrecker.

“Look what Maisy found,” Omega says, showing the toy to the troopers. Wrecker gasps.

“You found Lula!” Wrecker exclaims. Catching Wrecker off guard, Echo gives the demolitions expert another medical shot, this time in the neck.

“Ow!” Wrecker exclaims and the girls giggle as Tech puts the ship on autopilot and walks back towards the group.

“Let’s see, hold still” the pilot tells Wrecker, holding his datapad out to him.

“Don’t examine me! I’m not a computer!” Wrecker argues.

“This will only take a second,” Tech insists.

“Get that thing away from me!” Wrecker argues as the girls walk off to explore the ship as Echo and Hunter watch them walk over to the cockpit.

Omega’s POV

Maisy and I walk into the cockpit and I walk over to the windows and look out at the vast emptiness of space.

“Pretty isn’t it?” Maisy asks. I blink and look down at the little girl.

“It is,” I agree. That’s when I hear footsteps. I turn and see Hunter approaching.

“Your first time in space?” He asks.

“First time…anywhere,” I say. To be honest, I’ve really only seen about half of Tipoca City, let alone Kamino in general. Nala Se wouldn’t really let me leave her laboratory.

“Impressive shot back there. Where’d you learn how to do that?” Hunter asks me, referring to the shot I made at Crosshair for aiming at Maisy.

“I dunno. I’ve never fired a blaster before. I saw Maisy in danger and…I guess I got lucky,” I explain.

“She’s not the only one,” Tech announces as the others walk in.

“I’m fine. It’ll take more than a blaster shot to put me down,” Wrecker says.

“You were down,” Echo reminds him.

“Yeah well not for long!” Wrecker argues, laughing and hugging Echo with his injured arm. Tech sits at the pilot seat and turns to Hunter.

“What’s the plan Hunter?” Tech asks. Hunter looks at Maisy.

“We have to get Maisy to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant,” I say insistently.

“Omega’s right. Maisy, we’re gonna get you back to the Jedi,” Hunter assures the young girl, who smiles and nods.

“With Crosshair gunning for us now we’ll need help,” Hunter says.

“What about your friends? Could any of them help us?” I ask.

“That…would be a short list,” Tech says and I frown.

“I can think of one,” Hunter says as he exchanges a look with Wrecker and Echo.

“Captain Rex,” the sarge says. My eyes widen.

“From the inhibitor chip report?” I ask and the others nod. I look to Echo.

“We have to find him and get his help. He knows the Jedi better than any of us. If Captain Rex still has the chip, I’m sure General Skywalker could use our help,” Echo says as he plugs into the ship’s computer.

“The 501st was sent to Coruscant. Maybe he’s still there,” Echo says and Hunter nods.

“We’ll have to hurry,” he says before turning to face us.

“Strap in kids. You’re not gonna wanna miss this view,” Hunter says. I take the copilot seat and look up at Hunter. I watch as Maisy climbs up into Tech’s lap as he powers up the hyperdrive. We watch in fascination as the stars turn to streaks of light as the ship lurches forward into hyperspace.

End.

Chapter 2

some things to keep in mind as we're celebrating characters played by and modeled after a māori man:

you can find the full pdf these are sourced from + more information on the subject here

if you're like me and you want to see some māori films that have māori cast members from the star wars universe, here's a list with free watch links where available:

tem's māori-focused films: once were warriors, what becomes of the broken hearted?, river queen, rain of the children, mahana/the patriarch (i'm also fond of a tv show he did called adventurer)

whale rider (keisha castle-hughes, aka queen apailana & emerie karr)