Earthlings 2: The Dark Age

21

18 BBY, Coruscant

Reina Partagaz hopped off the speeder before paying the driver her fare. She'd arrived at 79's on a very important investigation... or rather, just to answer her own question.

What changed her cousin, and why wouldn't he open up about it?

Pulling down her cap and drawing her shawl tighter around her, she entered the clone bar, 79's. Normally she wouldn't step a foot into a bar that a 10 year old wasn't allowed into, but Marien had directed her here after she further interrogated him about his issue. So... here went nothing.

The bar was full of clones, as expected. Clones in full white armor, others in civilian attire. Some were gambling, others were drinking or looking at the women. Yet others were chatting by the counter.

"... The entire galaxy believes Rampart's lies, even the Senate !" One clone in the corner was saying. Reina furrowed her brow. What lies had Uncle Edmon told?

"With the exception of the kid," Another pointed out.

"Yeah, poor kid..." The first clone huffed. "It's not right."

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it," The second chided. "Let it go."

"How can I?!" The first clone muttered. "Kamino was our home, and we destroyed it."

Reina put a hand over her mouth. Destroyed...? But it was destroyed in that storm... wasn't it...?

Regaining her composure, she walked over to the two. "Ahem. You two serve on the Fae, correct?"

The clones turned to her. The second one nodded. "Yes, we do. Why're you asking?"

In response, Reina pulled herself up on a nearby stool. "I'm here to investigate a certain matter. See, my cousin Marien was onboard the Fae with my uncle at Kamino a few months back, and... let's just say he didn't return the same as he was before."

"Yeah, and you have his father to blame for that." The first clone scoffed. "He didn't even shield the view from that poor little guy... just ordered us to do it. All those cities... all those people. Gone... because of what we did. No wonder he was traumatized."

That's why Marien was so sad... Reina realized with a pang.

The second clone sighed softly. "We were following orders."

"Oh, were we-?" The first asked sarcastically. "Then- then why is Rampart covering it up, huh? Forcing his son to cover it up... I'm sorry, Slip. The girl wants her info... I-I can't stay silent any longer."

"Wait..." Slip turned towards him, as did Reina. "What did you do?"

"Yeah, what did you do?" Reina pressed.

"I sent a message to Rampart," The first clone replied. "Gave him the chance to tell the Senate the truth... before I did it myself."

He downed his drink before getting up and heading out. Reina chased after Slip as the clone went after his brother. "Wait!"

Slip ignored her, instead catching up to the first clone. "Cade! Cade, stop. You know what Rampart is capable of."

"Slip... we're not bad men," Was Cade's response as Reina ran to Slip's side. "But what we did was wrong. Please... I need your help. You and the new girl. Together we can-"

Blasterfire sounded, and Cade fell to the ground, dead. Stumbling back, Reina felt herself being pulled aside by Slip, who drew his blaster pistol, only to be disarmed. He glanced at her. "Come with me!"