Chain Reaction

~Twelve - An Argument and Explanation - Anakin~

A wave of satisfaction and peace wafts through me and Ahsoka's bond, calming me slightly as I focus on the most annoying task at hand. Dealing with Mace Windu. 

"Skywalker. I do not know what situation you have created, but I demand you allow us passage back to Coruscant." It takes all I have to not roll my eyes at him. I respected his abilities and power, especially with his unusual style of Vaapad, but never his personality. Most of all now, since I am no longer a member of his order. "I have told you multiple times now Windu, you can't leave. The attack before is only the beginning." Windu is about to reply, probably in retaliation, when a familiar voice stops him. The ever calm and steadfast presence is somewhat comforting. At least it means that perhaps Windu can be shown reason. 

"Brother Skywalker is correct." I turn to see Kage Sirai approaching, bringing me to take action and bow. She's earned my respect, and not just from her power. "Kage Sirai." A light smile, that somehow appears also grim, makes its way onto her face before falling. That causes me to worry. She must sense my concern because she lifts a hand to stop me from speaking. 

"Your former student is alright. I do believe that Sister Tano simply requires some closure on a particular matter. Her heart is certainly not one of fire, that is for certain." I understand. My Snips has always been calmer, more serene in the light than I have ever been. Even if there are moments of emotional outbursts, she was always a better fit for the Jedi than I was. The thoughts remind me of me and Sister Nadia's conversation. 

Still, the Jedi, aren't really peacekeepers anymore. The Order... isn't what it obviously used to be back in the Old Republic. Too much politics and war have corrupted them, blurring the lines. As much as I hate to admit it, Sidious, and his plan, is quite ingenious. I glance back at the clone squad that Windu was accompanied by. Clone Force 99, experimental defective clones that had enhanced abilities. They usually worked with Cody from what I remember. They all looked very uncomfortable. 

Ignoring the obvious argument between the Master of the Jedi Order and Kage Sirai, I turn to the clones. "I'm sorry for all of this. It was never our intention that you would be wrapped up in this mess. I'm Anakin. Anakin Skywalker." The Seargent, who half of his face is darkened with a face tattoo, inclines his head in acknowledgement. 

"Hunter." 

"General?" I look over to see who I know is Echo. The Separatists did a number on them. He has several mechanical amputations and additions, his skin is far paler, but it certainly is him. I smirk a little. "Hello Echo. It's been a while. Glad to see you in one piece." Saluting with his mechanical arm, he smiles a bit. 

"If you do not mind explaining, what exactly is going on? Since the battle with the unidentified creatures, there has been little contact and explanations on what exactly is going on." 

"That is Tech." Obviously enhanced intelligence. With his glasses, Tech seems to be the most 'normal' clone out of the squad. 

"What are you on about now?" The largest of the clones, enhanced strength no doubt, practically yells when speaking, confusion obvious in his expression. The silent one, a single tattoo surrounding his eye, only rolls his eyes while chewing on a toothpick. 

"That is Wrecker and Crosshair." Nodding in their direction, I clear my throat, trying to gather my thoughts. It's hard to think of how to begin the explanations. It was never part of the plan for them to get involved after all. 

"It's nice to meet all of you. As for explaining, that is a bit more complicated. I used to be part of the Jedi Order, as you probably know. If you didn't, I was the general of the 501st. My former padawan, Ahsoka Tano, was our commander. Around a year ago, she was framed for a bombing at the Jedi Temple, and was sent to military trial. I found the culprit just before she was sentenced to most likely execution. The Jedi Council allowed for this to transpire without listening fully to both sides of the story. When it was all over, me and Ahsoka left the Jedi Order. 

Almost immediately after, we were sent a vision, a call for help in the Force, towards this place. Following it, we were attacked almost immediately by the same dark creatures. They are evil forms of us, created by the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, who is the cause of the Clone Wars to begin with. This war was orchestrated by him, to follow a century old plot to destroy the Jedi Order and all other Force users. That way, the Sith could rule the galaxy.

This is the Cavern, headquarters of the Grey Jedi, an order of Force users who have been presumed dead by both the Jedi Order and the Sith. Me and Ahsoka joined them, and we have been working to prevent Sidious from taking control of the galaxy and ending the war. When we crossed paths, we were on a mission to meet up with our allies in the Galactic Senate." I now notice a few more presences, Obi-Wan, Cody, Rex, Wolffe, and Plo Koon. I vaguely remember them traveling with us, but it's all been a bit of a blur. The stress and craziness have gotten to me I suppose. 

"Skywalker, if you were meeting up with the senators, I'm assuming that you staged the kidnapping?" I nod. "It was the best way to avoid suspicion. That way, the others would be able to complete the other portion of the mission. Thankfully, that was done much more successfully than the meeting." 

"And what might that be?" I breathe deeply, contemplating how to explain to the clones that their inhibitor chips were meant to be used as a means to an end. That they were simply a means to an end. They deal with it more often than not already. I glance around, seeing my former master, allies, and brothers. 

"Anakin. Tell us. Please." I look over at Obi-Wan, my brother and father figure since Qui-Gon passed. My closest friend and confidant, who I didn't trust with my deepest thoughts for the longest time. He knew, of my relationship and love for Padme. He knew, and never said a word. He and I are similar in so many ways and yet so different. From our still strong bond, I can tell he blames himself, but he must understand that I had to take a different path than the Jedi. 

Rex, my captain and brother. An advisor and confidant while in this war. Someone who has taught me as much as I have taught him. Someone I trust, and trusted, with many secrets, and who has believed in both myself, and Ahsoka. 

Echo, a dear friend and brother, reminding me often of details I could never remember. Which often saved my shebs. He helped bring life to the men, being a mother hen and teacher to Ahsoka when the time presented itself. It makes my chest clench whenever I recall that he and Fives won't ever create blackmail lists for the men or challenge their brothers to arm wrestling or bets. Being the last two of their squad, they were always inseparable. 

Commanders Cody, Wolffe, and Plo Koon, three allies and advisors in their own right. They often provided insight that prevented either casualties or my fraying sanity falling apart at the seams. 

Even I'll admit, Windu has proven insightful in some situations. Even if he's always disregarded me and treated me as an outsider who somehow found myself in the middle of the Jedi Order, he is the Master of the Order for a reason. 

They deserve to know the truth. 

The clones especially. 

Taking a deep breath, I begin to explain. "The clone army was designed to be the key to taking out the competition of the Sith. Implanted inside each of their heads was an inhibitor chip, which was told to be a prevention to out of control behavior. That is only partially true. Programmed are a series of orders that can only be activated by one person, who happens to be Darth Sidious. Once an order is activated, the clones follow through without comprehension, like puppets. The mission had been to dismantle the chips, using the Force, from the inside. Because if we hadn't..." 

I don't need to finish the thought. All of the clones are touching their heads, all eyes wide in shock. Even Windu is floundering. If the situation wasn't so severe, I would've forever remembered such a rare moment with pride and satisfaction. 

"So, what can we do?" I glance over at Kage Sirai, who is now accompanied by Padme and the other senators. 

"Brother, you know Sidious the best, what do you suggest?" I'm about to tell her that I have absolutely no kriffing clue on what to do, when an idea hits me. A sly smirk begins to make its way across my face, a plan forming in the forefront of my mind. 

"Okay, here's what we'll do..."