Earthlings 2: The Dark Age

27

"Execute Order 66."

It was the first time in this galaxy that Eli had actually heard those words coming out of someone's mouth. But hearing it from Ferren Barr  of all people was... quite disturbing to say the least. Even though Eli had anticipated it.

"Verla, Eli- get back," Ferren instructed as the Inquisitors glanced around at the Purge troopers, now with their chips activated and turned against them.

"Uh..." Ninth Sister began.

"Don't you dare, you stupid clones!" Tenth Brother snapped. "We're Inquisitors, not-"

"You think they'll listen?!" Fifth Sister hissed, getting into a defensive position. "We were Jedi, that's one thing the boy was right about."

"Well, not anymore we aren't!" Ninth Sister retorted. Seconds later, lasers were fired at the Inquisitors with their double bladed red lightsabers as they tried to parry as much as they could. But alas, they were trained death squads. Eli could only watch in astonishment as the Inquisitors got a taste of their own medicine.

"Master Barr..." Verla breathed. "I can't believe that actually worked..."

"I can, Verla," Ferren replied simply. "I fought alongside the clones once, but now I know they are merely machines; little better than droids. They must obey their programming. As the Inquisitors were once Jedi themselves, and the clones were built to kill Jedi, well...you see the result."

Eli grimaced. "Ferren... I've seen you make decisions before that were either bold  or stupid. If this didn't work, I'd have said it was a stupid idea."

"But it did work, didn't it, Eli?" Ferren replied wryly. "I turned the clones' programming against the Inquisitors, didn't I? Therefore I would consider this bold. "

"But you are also a Jedi," Verla pointed out. "And so is he, and I'm with you both. Once they kill the Inquisitors, won't they come for us ?"

"No," Ferren said calmly. "Remember why I sought you out." He extended an arm to support her. "Now, Verla... use everything that I have taught you... and leap."

The three of them proceeded to somersault over the ensuing firefight, deflecting any blaster bolts in the process. Landing at the mouth of the tunnel, they made their escape, much to Sixth Brother's outrage.

"You should totally partner with Saw Gerrera sometime," Eli remarked sarcastically.

Ferren smiled wryly. "The funny thing is, Onderon is actually next on my list. Thanks for the reminder."

"Where will we go, Master Barr?" Verla queried as they fled down the tunnel. "How will we escape?"

"You must hide, Verla," Was his response. "You and Eli. Go deep into these tunnels; wait until the battle is done. Find allies, leave this planet when you can. There must be... no, I know  there are other Jedi left in the galaxy. Eli is one. He came to get us offworld... now you must go with him, and find the others. I have found no records of Kenobi's death, or Yoda's. Perhaps Quinlan Vos or Kendall Chance survives. Find one, and have them teach you."

"Why not Eli-?"

"He's nearly 17, he can't teach you right now."

"You will not come with me?"

The Iktochi shook his head. "No... I have another fight ahead of me... one I intend to win. Henderson- I trust my apprentice will be in good hands?"

Eli just sighed. "I'll... do my best to get her to Jabiim before the Inquisitors catch up."