Earthlings 2: The Dark Age

22

"So... you're saying Rampart may have an ulterior motive...?" Tara looked incredulously at her sister as she sat down on the couch. She'd stepped into the estate to find Toni pacing, and initially presumed it was due to her pending meeting with Cadet Kallus, but apparently that wasn't it...

Toni just nodded. "I was with Senator Chuchi this morning. Outside 79's. According to a clone there, Rampart allegedly destroyed the Kaminoan facilities himself."

"If that were true, then how did anyone else not come forward?"

"They were all silenced."

"Strange..." Tara mused, folding her hands together in thought. "I was talking with Mon the other day about the bill... and the reason behind it. Not just to replace clones, but..."

"Why did Admiral Rampart want to replace clones, when they are perfectly capable of defending the galaxy?" Toni finished for her.

"Yes..." Tara nodded. "This is a rather... interesting revelation, Kamino's true cause of destruction. Do you have any other witnesses besides the clone?"

"He mentioned a boy," Toni replied. "Rampart's son."

"I see..." Tara exhaled before standing up. "Perhaps we can discuss this with the right people."

"By which you mean...?" Toni asked.

"Mon, Riyo... and perhaps Bail." Tara walked over to the door. "Them as well as the authorities. General Madreth. Admiral Ivel."

"Rampart's wife-?"

"Mmhm. She's bound to know something, is she not?"

"Well yes, but- who are you gonna start with?"

Tara paused, weighing her options. Riyo would probably be talking to Rampart about the bill supporting the clones' needs. Bail was either checking his own paperwork or visiting his family. Madreth and Ivel would be busy as well... that left only one.

--

Mon listened to Tara's story while slowly nibbling on her latest cravings- meiloorun slices. So apparently... Toni and Riyo had heard from a clone at 79's that Admiral Rampart was hiding something regarding the incident on Kamino.

Well, if that were the case, as Mon was certain it was, then something had to be done.

"How many clones serve on his venator?" She asked. "Perhaps one of them could testify next session. Or... is that clone still alive?"

"I'm not sure," Tara admitted. "Toni didn't mention his name."

"Of course she wouldn't; not if the clone kept that a secret as to not get caught." Mon sighed, taking another bite of her meiloorun before offering some to Tara. "Rumor has it that another clone was murdered outside 79's last night."

"Do you have any proof-?" Tara asked.

Mon shook her head. "But what I do have is my suspicions. If the Admiral wanted to hide something, especially something he's done... he would act as if nothing happened, while secretly eliminating anyone he deems a threat."

"Anyone-?"

"Anyone. That includes loved ones."

"Toni did mention he has a son who accompanied him to Kamino."

Mon nodded with an amused smile. "Marien Rampart. I've seen him around before. Always running around with his friends... without a care in the world. If we were still in the Republic, that childhood would be guaranteed for my two daughters as well. With this Empire... there are no guarantees."