Brotherhood

Chapter 17 - The 501st

The first thing Anakin becomes aware of is the unbearable ache in his entire body. The memories filter in next, bringing with them a sinking dread. But if given the choice, he knows he would do it again. There was murder in his master's eyes when he was electrocuting Obi-Wan. He was enjoying it, and Anakin couldn't bring himself to stand aside and let his friend die. Drawing on the Force to siphon away his pain, he forces his eyes to open.

Next to him, Ahsoka is sitting on a chair, doing something to his mechanical arm while Dooku stands beside her, pointing something out to her. "What?" mumbles Anakin, forcing the word out. He would really like a drink, but if he can't get out more than one word at a time, he won't be having much luck asking.

"You're awake," Dooku comments, a hint of relief on his face. "You've been unconscious for several hours." He moves swiftly across the room, boots clacking on the tile floor. That's the sound which makes Anakin fully register his surroundings. He's in the medical wing.

"Sidious is gone," Ahsoka adds, smiling over at him, "And I'm fixing your arm. Dooku got me the parts." Anakin blinks at her in confusion. She's – why?

"Here, drink this." Dooku holds out a glass of water, helping Anakin sit up enough to drink it. He sips it slowly, feeling immense relief as it flows down his throat. He still feels extremely weak, but that's normal. It'll pass given a few more hours, and he'll be back to normal. "I'll let Tano explain the situation to you," the Count adds after giving Anakin another minute to fully regain consciousness. "I have to speak with the Separatist Senate and attend to some other matters. I shouldn't be gone long."

Anakin nods, and with one final glance, Dooku turns and leaves the room. Looking around, Anakin spots Obi-Wan laying silently in the bed next to him. On the other side of the room, two clones are standing over someone – another clone? Probably Appo. Ahsoka seems to catch his quizzical expression because she hastens to explain.

"Two of clones, Kix and Coric, were medics, so they've been taking care of you and Obi-Wan." She pauses, eyes flitting to them for a moment. "Appo is here too," she continues, confirming his suspicions. She hesitates then, shifting uncomfortably. Anakin reaches out, touching their bond briefly. Though it's still quite weak, he can unmistakably sense uncertainty and worry.

"What is it?" he prompts, giving her an expectant look.

"The clones," she breathes, expression haunted. "They have chips in their heads, a-and they can be mind-controlled using them. No one knows what the orders are, except Sidious. Dooku thinks that one of them is to execute you which is why Appo attacked you."

Anakin blinks up at her in a stunned silence. It's – that – no. Just no. "That's wrong!" he bursts out, shaking his head. "That's no better than a slave chip! If we can get one of the chips, I can crack the encryption and figure out what they contain." He glances over at the medics, who must have heard his words though they don't give any indication that they're listening. A new determination floods though him, tampered only by his fear. Whatever he does, he must be very discreet, because Sidious cannot learn what they're doing. It would mean their death sentences.

"Good." Ahsoka gives him a weak smile and squeezes his mechanical hand. "Dooku said you probably could. If you don't mind, I can finish fixing this." She motions to the prosthetic. "It was completely wrecked by the lightning, and another patching wouldn't work. I had to replace it. Dooku got me the parts, but I could use some help."

Anakin hums quietly, inspecting her handiwork. "You're good," he praises with a wan smile of his own. "Here. Pass that." He points to one of the tools, and they soon become complete engrossed in the inner workings of his arm. He doesn't mind Ahsoka's help nearly as much as he thought; he's always been a little touchy about getting help in repairing and upgrading his arm which is why Dooku rarely offers. But this is... pleasant.