Grim was not with Obi-Wan. She was in fact, halfway across the galaxy from him.

Obi-Wan was on Coruscant. Grim had stowed away to the Outer Rim. To fight a battle Obi-Wan had no part in.

She was in fact, with Anakin Skywalker.

The moment he had spotted her, he had called Obi-Wan to inform him that his Padawan had snuck away from the Jedi Temple to his mission.

"Hey Master, if you're wondering where your Padawan is, she followed me," he said.

Grim waved at his hologram awkwardly. "Hi, Obi-Wan."

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Grim, what in the galaxy do you think you're doing?"

"Why do I follow anyone on missions I'm not supposed to be a part of?" she asked, unable to answer his question with Anakin there. She hoped Obi-Wan would get her meaning.

"Could you not have mentioned anything beforehand?" He asked.

Grim knew he understood. "Well I had no idea this mission was coming up," she shrugged. "It doesn't matter, I'm here now and it's too late."

"She's right about that," said Anakin. "Sorry Master, don't worry I'll keep Tiny safe and out of trouble."

"Please do. Both of you."

"Understood Master," said Grim.

That had been several rotations ago. In that time Anakin had stuck to his word and had hardly let Grim out of his sights.

She currently fought by his side as they sliced down battle droids together. The Padawan had been getting increasingly anxious as the days passed by and this had not gone unnoticed by the others. So she worked to hide her fear. Not knowing when it would come time to change the events that were soon to take place.

"Push forward!" Anakin ordered the men behind him.

The two Jedi fought side by side deflecting blaster bolts and slicing down droids until they reached a room and cleared it of the droids, meeting up with Tiplee and Tiplar. The four Jedi all deactivated their lightsabers,

"Don't get too comfortable. This battle hasn't been won yet," said Anakin.

Grim glanced at Tup and Fives. "No, it hasn't," she said quietly. How much longer now until Tup's chip malfunctioned? Was it even going to be possible for her to save him, Tiplar, and Fives?

"Master Skywalker, we must get to the command post. Admiral Trench has sent for reinforcements," Tiplee informed him. "We must take this post before they arrive.

A holomap had been set up, and the group gathered around it. "It's time for phase two," decided Anakin. He pointed at the map, "we're at this position. Tiplar, you'll take your men down this passageway. Tiplee, you'll move along here. They'll have to divide their forces to counter us. And when they do, Rex, Grim, and I will press through the middle. If we time it right, we'll all converge on this spot at the same time, and the droids won't know what hit them."

"If we're making a run, we'll need backup," Commander Doom said. "My men are severely depleted."

"Fives, you and Tup take ten of your best men and support Master Tiplar," Anakin ordered.

"We're on it, sir."

"May I also volunteer my assistance?" Grim asked, recognizing that it was time. "You and Rex already have things handled, and I haven't gotten into much trouble," she added.

Anakin gave her a confused look. She hadn't been opposed to sticking by his side until now. What made her change her mind?

"Please Skywalker?" Grim asked, almost begging. "You don't have to babysit me all the time, and besides I would be with Master Tiplar, it's not like I'm asking to go do something reckless on my own."

"She has a point, don't worry Master Skywalker, I'll keep her out of trouble," Tiplar told him.

"And we could use the assistance," Doom added.

Anakin sighed. "Alright. We don't have time to argue. Don't do anything stupid, Grim."

"Wouldn't dream of it Skywalker."'

As they headed off to leave Grim overheard Fives and Tup talking.

"Hey are you alright?" Fives asked.

"Yeah," said Tup. "I...I just..."

"Come on. This is a textbook battle. We've run through this a million times in training."

"Yeah, I know. I just... I, I don't feel like myself."

"What do you mean?"

"Is everything okay?" Grim asked Tup, concerned.

"Jedi," Tup muttered.

Grim took a step back. Then she ran back over to Tiplar instead, afraid of causing Tup's chip to malfunction sooner. She had to save him, Tiplar, and Fives. So many lives rested on her, and the choices of this moment, because changing this would change everything.

Grim stayed by Tiplar's side as they sliced down battle droids together. The Padawan kept her focus on her fellow Jedi and remained aware of Tup at the same time. She worked to be aware of everything happening, because she knew everything depended on this.

The battle was huge, and Grim tried to keep her focus on it enough to survive and help have a place in it, but it seemed her worry was stronger. She kept looking over her shoulder, unable to immerse herself in the battle, worried for when things would go wrong.

She noticed Tup. He was behaving strangely. Grim felt her heart stop as he approached. She was about to shout a warning to Tiplar but she choked on the words as the Jedi was shot. Instead a stangled "No!" was all that managed to escape.

"Sister!" Tiplee cried. She rushed over to Tiplar's body.

Fives tackled and restrained his brother.

Grim was unable to move. She could only stare at the dead Jedi. She felt as if she was frozen. Her mind screamed but she couldn't catch the words. She could hardly catch any noise at all from anyone knowing what had just happened.

Tiplee picked up Tiplar and Grim still did not move. They were retreating but all Grim could do was stare at the place Tiplar had been shot.

"Grim!" her name was being called, and she only heard it distantly. "Grim, we have to go!"

She still didn't move.

Anakin ran back to her and got in front of her. "Grim, we've got to go!"

She blinked. Processing things again, realizing she was standing in the middle of a battlefield that they were retreating from. "Right," she said shakily.

Grim and Anakin ran back to catch up with the others as they retreated back to the base.

Grim tried to focus, a million thoughts running through her mind.

Loudest of all: Order 66.

When they reached the base Tiplee was still with Tiplar. "Why?" she asked. "Why would he do this?"

"I'm about to find out," Anakin promised her.

Grim knew exactly why. Her heart was breaking at the thought. "I'm sorry," she whispered quietly.

Anakin went to question Tup and Grim followed him. "How's he doing, Rex?" Anakin asked.

"I'm not sure, General," he replied. "It seems like he just snapped."

"That can't be it," said Grim, shaking her head. She knew it wasn't.

Rex went over to Tup and shook his shoulder gently. "Tup, can you hear me?" he asked.

"Y-yes, Captain," Tup replied.

"What happened?" Rex asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you have any idea what you've done?"

"Good soldiers follow orders," Tup began to mutter repeatedly. His eyes had rolled upwards. He wasn't himself at all.

Grim walked over to him. "Tup, this 'order' it isn't you. I know what it's saying but it isn't true. This isn't you," she told him gently. She knew what this was. Her mind screamed at her to run. But her heart did not listen. She moved to put a hand on his shoulder, as if to comfort him.

"Commander, I'd advise against that," Kix warned her. Tup didn't seem to be taking kindly with Jedi right now.

She nodded and stepped back, respecting his wish. Except that seemed to be when Tup noticed her. As if he hadn't seen her before. "Kill the Jedi," he said clear as day. He jumped up to attack Grim running at her.

The Padawan froze in place. She thought of Order 66. Of all the deaths that would occur then. Trapped in a future she always fought.

Tup was lifted into the air with the Force and pushed back. Master Tiplee had saved Grim. It also forced the Padawan back into the moment. She took another step back, halfway stumbling in shock. She was next to Anakin again, and he wrapped a protective arm around her back. As well as to keep her from falling on the ground.

"Let's get him back to the medbay before he hurts anyone else," Anakin told his men. The Jedi made way for them to do so.

He turned to look at Grim with a concerned expression on his face. "Are you alright, Tiny?"

"Yeah," she breathed shakily. That had been too close.

"You need to be more careful, Grim. I'm responsible for you right now. I don't want you to get hurt," he told her kindly. Giving her a gentle smile. Only for it to fall, "what did you mean you know what this order that Tup kept talking about was about?"

She looked at him, with saddened eyes. "There's so much more going on then you realize."

"Then what is it?" Anakin asked her.

"Do you know why he killed my sister and tried to attack you?" Tiplee asked.

Grim was quiet. She wasn't sure what to say. She wished someone that knew about her being from another universe was here.

Neither Jedi pushed her further. Instead they visited Tup in the medbay with Rex and Fives. He was restrained to a cot to stop him from hurting anyone.

"Fives, what's happening to me?" Tup asked seeing his brother and friend.

"You don't remember?" Fives asked.

"No."

"You murdered General Tiplar."

"What? No. That's not possible. I, I would never. I could never..." He began to panic, and fought against his restraints.

"Tup, you did," said Fives, keeping him down.

"I, I don't understand. How could this happen? What's happening to me, Fives? Ah No! No!" He exclaimed the last part as a medical droid sedated him.

Grim felt bad for him. She knew none of this was his fault.

"What do you think happened?" asked Rex.

"Did you check all of his scans?" Anakin asked Kix.

Kix sighed. "Well, all of his scans are clear. As far as I can tell this is a combat-related stress. It seems he had some sort of breakdown."

"Kix you should know better," said Rex. "We were designed to withstand any stress."

"I agree," said Fives. "We've been through a lot together. He doesn't seem to remember what happened. It's like he's sick or drugged."

"Well, it could be a virus, a toxin. I can't be certain," said Kix.

"Let's talk outside," said Anakin. They left the room. "You mean the enemy could have made him do this?"

"It's a possibility," said Tiplee. "There have been rumors that Separatists have been trying to develop an anti-clone virus...biological warfare."

"That may be close to what it is, but I think it's more than that," said Grim. "I think there's far more going on than we understand."

"What do you think it could be?" Fives asked her.

"I'm not sure entirely," she lied. Unsure on how to bring up the chips when they hadn't been discovered.

"Whatever the case, we aren't equipped for this type of situation," said Kix. "He'll have to be taken back to Kamino. Only then will you have your answer."

Anakin nodded.

Before Tup was about to be sent to Kamino Grim remembered the attack on the ship during the first attempt. They were racing with Dooku and Sidious to discover the truth but only Grim knew this. She was going to warn Anakin but Tup was already gone.

She'd just have to stick with him the second time.

Soon enough Grim had joined Anakin, Fives, and Rex on their mission to discover what had happened. Anakin had protested against Grim coming along, but she was stubborn and determined. So he reluctantly allowed her to follow them.

"General Skywalker, you're nearing the coordinates where we lost contact with the shuttle," Admiral Yurleen informed him over comm.

"We can see it now," Anakin replied. "It doesn't look good."

Grim had gasped at the sight.

"It looks like some buzz droids got on the hull and opened it right up," said Rex.

"Strategically, this attack doesn't make any sense," said Fives.

"Unless they were after something specific," Anakin pointed out.

"Like Tup," said Grim. With his early execution of Order 66, both Dooku and Sidious would want to find out what happened.

"I'm going over there," decided Anakin.

"We're going with you," decided Rex.

Anakin and Grim both put on their space suits and the group of four left their shuttle to investigate the damaged one. Grim knew what they would find but she felt she should follow Anakin anyways. Just to have this feeling that she could help save Tup, even if there was nothing to change. And she already failed to save Tiplar.

The attacked shuttle was full of the dead clone troopers floating in the vacuum of space. More people the Padawan failed to save, because she never said anything, or didn't say it in time. She felt awful and guilty for it. But she had to remain focused, because right now, far more depended on things. More than people realized yet. The entire future of the galaxy hung in the balance.

"Over here. This is Tup's gurney," Anakin called.

Grim, Rex, and Fives floated over to him.

"The restraints have been cut," noticed Grim.

"The clankers took, Tup? Why?" asked Rex.

"They must be responsible for whatever's happening to him," said Fives.

"It's possible," said Anakin. "All I know is, they went to great lengths to capture him, and that means something."

"It means everything," said Grim.

"We have got to get him back," said Fives.

"Yes, we have to," Grim agreed.

"Don't worry. We'll find a way," Anakin promised.

They headed back to their shuttle, and flew around the station. Anakin explained the plan. "It'll be just the four of us going in. The shuttle will drop us off just short of the main hanger. Then we space walk from there."

"Are you picking up anything on Tup's locator?" Rex asked Fives.

"I've got a faint signal but it's hard to track," he replied. "It's moving."

"Then we better hurry," said Grim.

Anakin nodded.

They picked up speed and landed on the underside of the station. The two Jedi and the two clones left the shuttle and made their way to the hanger so they could rescue Tup.

"I've got a better signal. Tup is heading this way," said Fives.

"They're moving him to the hanger," said Anakin.

They reached the hanger and Grim almost gasped at how many battle droids there were. She should have been used to the sight by now, but there seemed to be a hundred droids near a shuttle.

"Are your scopes Jedi-issue, sir?" Fives asked Anakin.

"Stay focused, Fives," he replied with a chuckle.

Grim and Fives both laughed.

"There he is, Sir," Fives said zooming in on Tup. The droids were taking him into the shuttle.

"We'll have to work fast," said Anakin.

"There must be a hundred droids in that hanger," Rex and Grim pointed out together.

"Not to mention those starfighters," Rex added. "This is stretching it even for you, Sir."

"Rex, you're beginning to sound like Obi-Wan," said Anakin.

"Well someone here should," joked Grim.

"Well, does anyone here have a better idea?" Anakin asked.

"Look, I don't doubt you and the commander could pull it off, but I'm just not sure Fives and I would be around to see it happen," Rex said.

"He has a point, Skywalker. We're trying to rescue Tup. Let's not endanger anyone else while we're at it," Grim pointed out.

"I've got an idea," said Fives.

"Well, let's hear it. Quickly!" Anakin said.

Fives unclipped his blaster and connected a grappling attachment to it.

"Grappling gun, good thinking," said Anakin.

"Get ready to hold on," said Fives.

"And that's why he's the ARC trooper," Rex said.

As the shuttle with Tup took off, Rex and Fives shot it with the grappling guns. Anakin held onto Rex and Grim held onto Fives and they hitched a ride onto the ship. They entered and the door opened to reveal them. Anakin stabbed one of the commando droids through the chest the moment it did.

The droids fought back and the four of them made quick work slicing down and shooting the droids. The tactical droid commander came in, and went after Anakin. Who quickly cut off his arms and held his lightsaber at the droid's neck.

"Skywalker, that's unnecessary," said Grim, uncomfortable with how violently Anakin acted. Although she supposed the man would become a Sith Lord in the future if she didn't change things.

No, she couldn't let herself begin to think like that again. Because soon her actions would determine if Anakin, the Jedi, the clones, and the galaxy at large would meet with the fate she had spent the war preventing. Not with all of that on the line right now. She had to be in the moment or the future would suffer.

Anakin ignored the padawan and instead demanded answers from the droid as Rex and Fives took care of the B1s piloting the shuttle. "What's going on? What do you know about this clone?"

"I am programmed to resist intimidation," the droid replied.

Anakin cut off his head. "Fine." He deactivated his lightsaber.

"Anakin," Grim sighed. She shook her head.

The two Jedi went over to Tup, "how is he?" Anakin asked.

"Not well, not well at all," said Fives. "I think he's dying, Sir."

Grim looked at Tup with eyes full of sadness. Would she fail him too?

"We have to get him to Kamino," Anakin decided.

They got Tup and went back to the base.

Before Tup was even on the ship to Kamino Grim stowed away onto it. She knew Anakin would never allow her to do this, and she had to go to Kamino with Fives and Tup. It would be the only way to save them. To save everyone. She failed Tiplar. She wouldn't fail anyone else. Or she will have failed everyone.

The ship was already in hyperspace by the time Grim was spotted. Fives and Rex jumped at the sight of her. "Commander!" Rex exclaimed.

Grim chuckled nervously. "Oh, hello there, I was hoping to wait to be spotted until we arrived on Kamino."

"So General Skywalker doesn't know you're here?" Fives asked.

"Nope!" replied Grim, sounding a little too proud of herself.

"Is there a reason you keep stowing away on missions you've not been assigned to, Grim?" Rex asked her.

"Yes, but my reasons aren't as important. How long until we get to Kamino?"

"Not long now," said Fives. "But you really shouldn't be here."

"Well I'm here now and you're stuck with me."

"Do you make it a goal to cause problems for General Skywalker and General Kenobi?" He joked.

"It just comes as a perk."

When they arrived on Kamino Grim stuck with them. Nala Se gave the Padawan a strange look. "You're not supposed to be here," she said.

"But I am," she replied. "I need to speak with Master Shaak Ti urgently," she added, dropping into a more serious attitude.

"Follow me," she told all three of them.

They did so, as they were walking Fives took off his helmet. "You will have to say goodbye to your friend now," Nala Se told the clones.

"Yes Doctor," said Fives.

Shaak Ti approached them. "General Shaak Ti," said Rex. He took off his helmet as well.

"Captain Rex," Shaak Ti replied, bowing slightly.

"Master Shaak Ti," Grim greeted her with a small bow.

"Padawan Kennet," she said. "General Skywalker did warn me you might be here."

"He did?" Grim asked.

"You have a tendency to stowaway on other people's missions," she said. "We will speak in a moment." She turned to the ARC trooper. "Fives, am I correct?"

"Yes, General," Fives replied.

"You've served with Tup?"

"Yes."

"You must come with me."

"With...with all due respect, General, I can't just abandon him now."

They were walking together again. "You must let the doctors do their work. Do not be afraid. Your friend is in quite capable hands. Doctor Nala Se is the Chief Medical Scientist on Kamino. She was one of the primary engineers of all the clones. Now we must take care of you."

"Me?" Fives asked. "There's nothing wrong with me, General. I'm perfectly fine."

"We can't be sure of that until we've completed a full exam. If a virus is the cause of Tup's breakdown, you have more than likely been exposed to the contagion. You haven't entered the advanced stages yet, as Tup has, but any information we can gather from you could help find a cure for Tup," Shaak Ti explained.

Fives sighed. "All right, General, if it'll help Tup."

She turned to Rex. "Captain Rex, General Skywalker has ordered you back to the war zone. You are to leave immediately."

"I'm sorry Fives, I wish I could stay, but duty calls."

"It's fine, sir. Fighting a virus is a nice change of pace from all those clankers."

"What about the kid?" Rex asked.

"Commander Kennet is going to stay under my watch now, as she had not been assigned to the war zone in the first place," said Shaak Ti.

"So you're not going to send me back to Master Kenobi either?" Grim asked.

"Not unless I find a reason to," she said.

"Well take care of yourself, Fives...and Tup," said Rex. With those words he left.

Fives entered the examination room for himself.

Shaak Ti turned to Grim. "We will speak soon, but Tup's condition is more urgent."

Grim nodded. "I agree. May I remain with you in the meantime?"

"That was my intention," she told her. "And after we see what is happening with Tup we will talk about why you are here."

"Master?"

Shaak Ti smiled at her knowingly but didn't say anything else. Grim followed her. The two Jedi entered Tup's room, Grim standing by the Jedi Master's side. "Let's begin the tests," Shaak Ti told Nala Se.

She nodded. "Administer the stimulant," she told the medical droid. It followed directions. "Remove his mask." The droid removed Tup's mask.

The moment it did, Tup began to stir. It looked like he was trying to fight against the restraints that kept him on the examination table. Grim felt bad seeing him like this, she didn't know Tup that well, but seeing him in this way hurt her.

"His reactions are normal," Nala Se observed.

Fives was banging on the window behind them. "What's going on, General, Commander?"

Grim and Shaak Ti both turned around to see him. The Padawan frowned.

"General! Commander!"

Shaak Ti used the Force to cover the window so he couldn't see them and they could not see him.

"Sorry Fives," Grim whispered.

The two Jedi returned their attention to Tup. Nala Se explained to them: "His reaction will subside. The patient must be awake for the next round of tests."

"I am not fond of these hyper tests," said Shaak Ti. Grim wasn't either from the state Tup was in.

"Yes, but they do give us all the information we need in a timely fashion," Nala Se replied. She looked at the results. "There does not seem to be any sign of infection in the blood. How curious. The subject has tested negative on all accounts. This clone seems to be in perfect health. "

"We must be missing something," Shaak Ti pointed out.

Tup seemed to begin to gain awareness of his surroundings. "Why am I here?" He asked.

"Is he conscious?" Shaak Ti asked, and she began to approach him.

"Master- '' Grim started but she didn't know what to say so the words died on her tongue.

"Follow orders," said Tup. "Kill Jedi. Kill Jedi!"

"Are you finished with your tests?" Shaak Ti asked.

"For now," Nala Se replied.

"Sedate him."

"Yes ma'am," a different medical droid replied, before doing just that.

As the droid was in the process of such, Tup kept mumbling "follow orders." Grim tried not to think of the future.

"It appears this clone has orders to kill a Jedi," said Shaak Ti. "Perhaps the Separatists found a way to brainwash him."

"I think it's far more than one Jedi," whispered Grim. She was still looking at Tup. She closed her eyes and tried to shut out images that she never witnessed in reality but knew by heart from movies.

"I need to speak with Padawan Kennet now," Shaak Ti told Nala Se.

The two Jedi left the room and found a quiet place to talk where nobody would bother them. "Grim, Master Kenobi informed me that when you were discovered to have followed Skywalker on his mission you implied there was something going on that you know about. Something you wish to change. Am I correct in guessing that Tiplar's death was part of it?"

"Yes, Master Ti. There's more going on than you could ever imagine. This incident with Tup is...." Grim trailed off, unable to find the right way to word it. "There's so much more to it."

"What is it then? Tup has orders to kill a Jedi and you mentioned that it may be far more than one."

"I..." she tried to search for the words. She wanted to tell her everything but something held her back. There wasn't proof yet. She had to get proof....could she do that and save Tup at the same time? That thought stopped her in her tracks. Was it even possible? She didn't know why Tup died when his chip was removed in the show. She assumed it was because of the damage to it. But how did that even happen? Was there any way she could have prevented that?

Shaak Ti noticed how she was running through a million thoughts at once. "Grim," she said gently. "Calm down." She placed a hand on her shoulder.

Grim took a deep breath. "Sorry. I was thinking...I got involved in all of this to change it, but what if I can't?"

"The future is always in motion, Grim. What makes you think you can't change it?"

Before she could respond, Shaak Ti's comm went off. "Master Jedi, we need you back here," said Nala Se.

Shaak Ti looked at Grim apologetically. "Sorry about that," she said.

"I'll go with you," decided Grim.

The two Jedi went back to the room that Tup was in where Nala Se was waiting to speak with the Jedi Master. She glanced at the Padawan for a moment before turning her attention to Shaak Ti. "It's possible that whatever is causing his aggression is psychological. It seems to be an isolated case. The other clone has yet to display any symptoms."

An alarm began to blare and Tup woke up and began to resist his restraints again. And again Grim felt sorry to see him in his state.

"I need answers now," Shaak Ti said. "This isn't just a physical manifestation of psychosis. You must have missed something."

"Or you're hiding something," Grim accused under her breath. Nobody heard her accusation.

"Might I suggest a second brain scan, an atomic level brain scan?" AZI asked.

"This is unnecessary," said Nala Se. "The phase one and two scans we did are sufficient. He's too weak for a phase five atomic-level scan."

"Is he really too weak or are you trying to hide something?" Grim accused louder this time.

"Padawan!" Shaak Ti exclaimed.

"That's quite the accusation there," said Nala Se. "I'm the doctor here. I believe I can tell what my patient can or can't handle. This is not your field."

Grim crossed her arms and sighed. Unable to argue against that.

"The only way we can discover what has happened to this clone is to terminate him and do a full scale autopsy on the molecular level," Nala Se went on.

"No!" Grim protested. "Absolutely not!" She did not come all the way to Kamino to fail to save someone else.

"We must be cautious," said Shaak Ti. "I do not believe this is a physical ailment but a mental condition caused by possible Separatist brainwashing."

"I do not agree. This is a virus of some kind," said Nala Se. "I am in charge of this examination, and I will decide what is best for my patient."

Grim was about to make a remark again but Shaak Ti spoke up before she could.

"Actually, since the Republic and the Jedi commissioned the clones, it is our responsibility to oversee their care."

"Every clone and their genetic makeup is property of the Kaminoan government. Now as a client of ours, I will respect your wishes, but as to the fate of this clone, I will speak to our Prime Minister, Lama Su."

Grim wanted to strangle Nala Se for how she talked about the clones. Her hands formed fists at her side and she forced herself not to do or say anything stupid.

Shaak Ti could sense Grim's anger and put a hand on her shoulder. "Deep breath, Padawan," she told her. Then she addressed Nala Se, "I will advise the Jedi Council on the atomic level brain scan and see how they would like to proceed."

They all left the room. Grim followed Shaak Ti at first before sneaking off to eavesdrop on Nala Se and Lama Su. If she could find a way to record their conversation she could have proof that they were working with the Sith.

She hid behind Nala Se as the Kaminoan was significantly taller than her. She was surprised and impressed herself in actually pulling it off. She began to record.

"It appears there has been a preemptive execution of clone protocol 66," said Nala Se.

"How did this happen?" asked Luma Su.

"I do not know as of yet," replied Nala Se. "However, I recommend we terminate the clone and do a full autopsy to discover how the inhibitor chip was activated."

"And what of the Jedi?"

"The Jedi Shaak Ti is proposing an atomic-level brain scan. She has gone to the Jedi Council to seek their approval before proceeding."

Lama Su stood up. "We must contact Lord Tyranus."

Grim was barely able to move in time to avoid being spotted. She followed the two of them, continuing to record. They reached the room to contact Tyranus and she crouched next to a wall, hoping it gave her enough cover.

Lama Su pressed a button and the room dimmed. Grim hoped it hadn't gotten too dark for the recording to be visible. A holographic projection of a hooded Count Dooku appeared. His hood covered his face but she hoped that when she showed this to the Jedi Council they would at least be able to recognize his voice.

"I've been expecting your transmission," said Dooku. "I have heard of the malfunctioning clone. How widespread is the problem?"

"It seems to be an isolated incident," Lama Su replied. "However, this is a delicate situation. We need to terminate the clone as soon as possible in order to extract and analyze the inhibitor chip that you provided to us."

"Very good. Terminate the clone immediately. However, send the chip to me for analysis." He paused, seeming to have noticed something. Grim froze sensing the fact that she had been spotted.

Before Dooku could say anything, Grim ended the recording and ran out of the room, hoping she had gathered enough evidence. She heard some shouting behind her and increased her speed. Hoping nobody was chasing after her. In the midst of everything she dropped the recording without even noticing.

Shaak Ti spoke to the Jedi Council. "The Kaminoans have suggested that we terminate the clone and do a rigorous molecular autopsy to discover the virus. I believe this solution is ill advised. My belief is that Tup has been brainwashed by the Separatists using some new process we do not yet understand."

"Brainwashing? How could that be possible?" Windu asked.

"General Skywalker reported Tup missing on Ringo Vinda, but after five rotations, he turned up again. That event preceded this episode. Perhaps he was compromised at that point."

"We must find out the truth behind this situation, or we could find many more clones turned against us," said Windu.

"What does Padawan Kennet think about all of this?" Obi-Wan asked. "She seems to know what is happening in regards to this situation."

"Grim believes there's more going on and that the incident with Tup is something else. Although she didn't say what. She also believes the Kaminoans are hiding something about Tup's condition," she said.

"What would they be hiding?" Windu asked.

"I do not know. But I would like to implement a level five atomic brain scan to see if his thought processes are still functioning normally."

"And what do the Kaminoans think of that?" Obi-Wan asked.

"They feel Tup is so weak the level five atomic brain scan will damage his neural tissue and possibly kill him. Their approach would be to terminate him thus leaving the brain fully intact for the autopsy."

"Bring clone trooper Tup back to the Jedi Temple," said Obi-Wan.

"Yes. Examine him with the Force we shall, and unravel this mystery we will," agreed Yoda.

"Yes Master, I'll bring him back immediately," said Shaak Ti. With that the call ended.

Grim skidded into Fives room and shut the door. Both Fives and AZI stared at her. "Commander!" Exclaimed Fives. "What's going on? What are you doing here?"

Grim took a moment to catch her breath. "Well, I'm probably in a lot of trouble for one. For another, the Kaminoans are planning to kill Tup."

"What? No! They can't do that. Why would they want to do that?" Fives asked.

"They claim that what happened to Tup is a virus, Master Shaak Ti thinks he's been brainwashed, I disagree with both of them. There's more going on and we have to stop Nala Se."

"What?" Fives asked again. "Kid, you're not making much sense."

Grim took another breath this time to try and calm herself down. The panic was rising in her. She tried to remind herself of where she was and that Dooku wasn't physically here. Nala Se and Lama Su were the only ones that she had to worry about at the moment, and she didn't have to worry much because she knew Shaak Ti wouldn't allow anything to happen to her.

She shut her eyes trying to erase the images of when she had been spotted by Sidious for the first time. She was safe this time. For the most part. And she had to focus on saving Tup and Fives, as well as getting evidence of Order 66.

"Your friend seems to be in a state of increased stress," AZI said.

"Really? I didn't notice," remarked Fives sarcastically. He went over to her. "Hey, did something happen? What's going on?"

"A lot is going on," she replied shakily. "We've got to get to the bottom of it, and we have to save Tup."

"I agree with you, Grim. But did something happen to freak you out so much?"

She shook her head. "No," she lied. She tried to steady herself. "Nothing is wrong, Fives."

He could tell that she was clearly lying. "You were panicking," he pointed out. "I don't think I've seen you panic that bad since Umbara."

"It doesn't matter, Fives. We have to focus on stopping Nala Se and saving Tup."

"And how do you propose we do that?" Fives asked her.

"I haven't figured that out yet," admitted Grim.

"Well you shouldn't be in here!" said AZI. "We still don't know if there's anything wrong with ARC Trooper 55-"

"Fives. And there's nothing wrong with him I can guarantee you that," interrupted Grim.

"And she says they're going to terminate Tup," said Fives. "It's your duty to save the patient, right?"

"That is correct," replied AZI. "I recommended an atomic brain scan but that request has thus far been denied."

"You recommended it as the best way to save the patient, right?" Fives asked.

"That is correct," said AZI.

"And the other option that Nala Se is suggesting is to kill him and perform an autopsy," pointed out Grim.

"So, by not performing this scan, and allowing that to happen, you'd be letting the patient die, willingly," Fives pointed out.

"Impossible! That is against my programming!" AZI exclaimed.

"That's not the way it looks to me," said Fives.

"I cannot perform the atomic brain scan without disobeying orders," AZI said.

"Check your programming. I thought saving the patient at all costs was fundamentally your highest order."

"You are correct."

"Right. Then let's get to it."

"Wait," said Grim. "Master Shaak Ti was speaking with the Jedi Council about this, maybe they came up with something."

"But will it be fast enough?" Fives asked. He had noticed how quickly his brother's health had been declining. "This brain scan might be our best shot."

Grim didn't have an argument for that. "Alright. But I want to help."

The three of them snuck into Tup's room. "Okay. Let's get to work," said Fives.

They all looked at Tup. Grim then looked at Fives, "we can save him, right?" She asked.

"We have to," Fives replied.

And Grim knew he was right.

As Fives and AZI prepared the brain scan, Grim stayed by Tup and used the Force. She tried to see if she could feel his inhibitor chip ahead of time. Remembering vaguely how she saw Ahsoka do the same with Rex in The Clone Wars show.

"What are you doing, Commander?" Fives asked her.

"I'm trying to see if I can find anything using the Force," she replied.

"And?"

"Nothing," she sighed. She didn't know how Ahsoka had done it.

"Well hopefully this brain scan will reveal what your magic could not," said AZI.

"Yes," Grim agreed. "Hopefully." And she knew it would. She just hoped it didn't cost Tup's life.

Fives and AZI set up the brain scan for Tup. Grim watched the screens anxiously. "The scan is almost complete," said AZI.

Fives came over to where AZI and Grim were standing.

"Everything appears to be normal," AZI observed. "Wait a second."

Grim saw it too. "That's what I was looking for," she whispered.

"What? What is it?" Fives asked.

"It appears this clone has developed a tumor," said AZI.

"Is that even possible?" asked Fives.

"I have never witnessed anything like this in your kind."

"Because the Kaminoans are covering this up," said Grim. "That isn't a tumor. It's something else."

"Then...what is it?" Fives asked.

"I cannot be sure without a biopsy," said AZI.

"You're going to take it out of him?"

"We have to," said Grim. "Out of everyone," she added in a whisper.

Fives knocked down a tray while backing away. Grim tried to catch it with the Force before it crashed on the floor but didn't move fast enough.

"Shit."

"Do you think anyone heard that?" asked Fives.

"The probability someone heard that is high, yes," said AZI.

Grim helped Fives pick up the tray as AZI tried to rearrange the room back to before they had entered it.

"It came from this room," came the muffled voice of Nala Se.

Grim froze. Fives rolled under Tup's table. He realized Grim hadn't moved and pulled her over to him just in time.

Nala Se entered the room. "Hello Doctor," AZI greeted her.

"What do you think you're doing?" She asked.

"I was only following protocol. Save the patient."

Grim noticed a tool that she and Fives had neglected to pick up. She used the Force to bring it over to them before Nala Se could notice. Hoping she wouldn't reveal their hiding space.

AZI continued: "Doctor, I have found something unusual in this scan. It appears to be a tumor. Perhaps you should take a look."

"You performed a second scan without my authorization?"

"As I stated, I was following my programing."

"Then you are like this clone - defective."

Grim was ready to kill Nala Se for that comment. How dare she? She could sense Fives' anger as well but he stopped her before she could do anything stupid.

Nala Se continued: "You will be put on report for deactivation." As she spoke she pressed buttons rearranging the room. Which also exposed Grim and Fives. Who quickly had to move around to a different hiding place.

AZI spoke hoping to distract Nala Se from discovering the two. "But the tumor...this tumor seems to be blocking neruo-impulses from communicating within the brain. We should scan the rest of the clones to see if this is a problem with their base genetic model or a mutation with the current models."

"There is no tumor. Your scan is incorrect," Nala Se insisted.

"But-"

"This clone clearly has a virus that remains undetected, but I will find the cause once he's terminated."

Grim and Fives exited the room. Fives went back to his own room and Grim followed him. AZI was there too. "I can't believe it. They're going to kill him."

"In a case like this it is the logical course of action," said AZI.

"No it isn't," insisted Grim. "Nala Se is covering something up, I know she is!"

"She's a doctor. Why would she try to cover up something that can save her patient?" AZI asked.

"Because there's more to this. There's more to all of this. He doesn't have to die."

"Grim's right, you found a tumor. I'm sure that's the cause of all of this. It's the only thing that makes sense."

"But how can we proceed?" AZI asked.

"Do your biopsy," said Fives. "I'm sure what you find will prove that Tup does not have to die."

"But Nala Se does not believe–"

"Fuck Nala Se. We'll go to Shaak Ti. She'll help us," said Grim.

"But we'll be disobeying direct orders."

"Yep, for the second time today," pointed out Fives. "Can you hack into the medical center's mainframe?"

"I do possess that ability, yes."

"All right. Well, here's what you need to do." He began to explain the plan.

Soon the false alarm began to blare. As it did Grim got an alert on her comm. "Shit, that would be Master Ti."

"Go," said Fives. "AZ and I can take care of this."

She nodded. "Alright."

Grim ran out of the room and caught up with Shaak Ti. "There you are," she said. "Where have you been?"

"Would you believe me if I told you I was meditating?"

Shaak Ti looked at her unconvinced. Grim just shrugged.

The two reached the safe area. "I want a report," said Shaak Ti.

"It seems to be a false alarm, triggered from the medical bay," a clone replied.

Shit that was fast. Thought Grim. She hoped she could find a way to stall them.

"Medical bay? It's Fives, come on!" Shaak Ti realized.

Or not...

She ran with Shaak Ti and as she did she realized that she had failed to save Tup. She didn't change anything while she was with Fives, she just happened to be there with him. Tears filled her eyes at the thought but she pushed them back. No, Tup wasn't dead yet.

Grim and Shaak Ti ran into Tup's room just as it seemed like Fives was about to try and fight Nala Se. "Stand down trooper!" Shouted Shaak Ti.

"General!" Exclaimed Fives. "I have evidence. It's right here."

Tup began to wake up again. He spoke weakly and quietly. "I'm free. The mission...Free..."

"Tup?" Asked Fives.

"The mission...Free...The mission."

"What is he saying?" Shaak Ti asked.

Grim only stared at him, guilt filling her. She hadn't been able to save him. She failed him too.

"Brother, what mission?" Fives asked.

"You..you know the one," said Tup. "The-the mission, the one in our dreams...that never ends. The one in our dreams...Oh, brother. This is the end. Forget the mission. Oh, the nightmare. I'm free..." With those final words he died.

"No. No. I thought I saved him," cried Fives.

"I'm so sorry," Grim whispered.

She had failed to save Tiplar and now Tup. Would she fail Fives too? Would she fail the Jedi in the end?

Grim stayed with Shaak Ti, although when the Jedi Master and Nala Se had to speak with Chancellor Palpatine, Grim was not allowed to be there with them. But she wasn't going to complain about that. The less she saw him the better, she considered.

Especially when they were racing against each other now. Both of them are desperate. Grim, to get every piece of information about Order 66 out there. Sidious, to keep it all covered up. To not have anything revealed until the moment was just right.

Grim also wasn't allowed to be with Shaak Ti when she and Nala Se were talking with Fives. She had huffed when Master Ti informed her of that but did not protest. Instead she had decided to go on a walk, hoping she would bump into Fives.

Shaak Ti had also told Grim that she would be going back to Obi-Wan at the Jedi Temple as there was nothing Grim could help with here on Kamino anymore. Which annoyed Grim because she knew that wasn't true. She still had to get proof of Order 66. And she had lost her recording of Nala Se and Lama Su, meaning she had nothing to support any claims she would try to make.

As Grim walked with the intent to clear her head she heard a struggle in the distance. Which immediately caused her to sprint to the source of the commotion . She arrived just in time to see Fives take down several of the Kamino guard clones.

"Look what you did!" AZI exclaimed. "I cannot believe what you did."

"I am not getting my mind erased and neither are you," said Fives.

The Kaminoan that Fives must have attacked pressed a button and an alarm began to blare.

"Let's get out of here!" Fives exclaimed, grabbing AZI. The two began to run.

Grim chased after them. When they entered the room that Fives had been in before Grim also followed them inside. Fives saw her instantly. "Commander!"

"Don't panic, Fives, I'm on your side," she told him gently. "I want to help you."

"Help me?" Fives asked.

"Yes," she promised him.

"Okay," he said, he sounded like he didn't fully believe her. "You tried to help me with Tup so I'm going to trust you."

"Thank you," she told him.

Fives opened a case that was in the room. The inhibitor chip was inside. "I knew it. Nala Se switched the cases. You were right Grim, she's trying to hide something."

"Oh, the tumor?" AZI asked. "So, we're going to continue our research?"

"Yeah, the research. That's it. Now, come on!" said Fives.

Fives ran out of the room and Grim and AZI followed after him. They ended up in the hangar. "I'm sorry sirs, but all ships are locked down during the emergency," a pilot told Fives and Grim.

"Oh, what about that one?" Fives asked. As the clone pilot turned around he knocked him out.

"There they are!" Another clone shouted, spotting the three.

"Kark," muttered Grim.

"Sorry brother," Fives whispered to the clone he attacked.

AZI was already in the stolen ship when Fives and Grim ran inside. Fives shoved AZI aside and took control of the ship.

"Oh boy, Master Shaak Ti and Master Kenobi are going to kill me for this," Grim whispered, realizing what she had just joined.

"You can worry about them later," Fives told her. He turned to AZI, "can you float?"

"I am buoyant and have several survival modes," AZI replied.

"Ah, survival, eh?" Fives asked.

"Fives, what are you planning?" Grim asked.

An automated voice came on, "autopilot engaged, navigation and orbit set."

Fives stood up and opened the door to the ship revealing the water of Kamino. "Wait. What are you doing?" AZI asked. "I thought we were escaping."

"Nope, this is a diversion. I need them to chase this pod while we go back and investigate the cause of Tup's death."

"Good thinking, Fives," said Grim, grinning.

Fives threw AZI down into the water before diving after him, Grim followed. She was hit with a rush of cold as she collided with the water. She immediately swam up to the surface with AZI and Fives.

"AZI! Grim!" Fives called.

"Now what?" AZI and Grim both asked.

"We're going back to find out why Tup died," Fives replied. He began to swim back, and Grim began to follow him.

"I can get us there much faster," said AZI. He flew in front of them and shifted his body into a speeder they could ride. Except only one person would be able to stand on him.

"You're just full of surprises aren't you?" Fives asked. He hopped on and then Grim had to hold onto Fives from there.

"Thank you," Grim told both Fives and AZI.

AZI flew them back to Tipoca City. Once they finally arrived Grim was the first onto the ladder inside with Fives following behind her. "Once we're inside I need you to get me a change of clothes AZI," he told the droid.

"What about me?" Grim asked, curiously. "They saw me helping you."

"I don't think the armor would fit you, you'll have to be more careful," Fives replied.

"Okay then," said Grim. He was probably right, anyway.

The three of them got back inside. AZI left to distract a clone that he led back inside. Fives knocked him out and stole his armor. "We need to get the tumor analyzed," said Fives, putting on the helmet.

"Follow me," said AZI.

So the two of them did, with Grim following further back and being more careful about being spotted by anyone. AZI led them to another room, this one was large and there weren't that many people inside it. "This is the Genetic Records Hall," he informed them. "It contains data on the original DNA of every being we have ever cloned. The two followed him as he led them to a terminal. "We will compare the tumor's DNA to that of Jango Fett, the original donor. If any tumor like this has been noted before, we will find it. The tumor please." Fives handed AZI the inhibitor chip. AZI placed it for analysis. "Nothing," he reported.

"What?" Fives asked.

"The tumor doesn't match anything found in the Jango Fett genotype," AZI told him. "Furthermore it is not even completely organic. It is foreign to the body."

"Meaning it was implanted," Grim summarized.

"An implant?" Fives asked. "You mean this isn't an accident."

"Far from it, for something like this it would have had to be planned. Since before The Clone Wars," said Grim.

"Before The Clone Wars?" Fives echoed. "Is that even possible?"

"Well, nothing is impossible."

Fives and Grim noticed that the Kaminoans in the room were leaving. "Is there another way out of here other than the way we came in?" FIves asked AZI.

"Yes, there are emergency access hatches in every major room in case of flooding." AZI replied.

"Good," said Fives. "Let's get moving."

As they began to make their escape, Shaak Ti, Nala Se, and some Kamino guard troops entered the room. They began to shoot at them with stun bolts. Grim removed her lightsaber from her belt and activated the blade, beginning to cut them down. "Go!" She shouted at Fives and AZI. "I'll hold them off!"

Fives and AZI continued their escape. Grim stood her ground and continued to cut through the stun bolts. Shaak Ti ordered them to stop as Fives and AZI made their escape, while Grim got caught.

The Jedi Master looked at her with disappointment. "Padawan Kennet what have you done?" She asked her.

"I was trying to help Fives," Grim replied, knowing the major trouble she just got herself into.

"Why would you be trying to help the rogue clone trooper CT-5555?" Nala Se demanded.

"His name is Fives! And because he's right. There's a lot going on here and Fives is onto something."

"And what would that be, Grim?" Shaak Ti asked her.

"What was discovered in Tup was implanted there, and I know for a fact that is in all the clones."

"Doctor, do you know what she is talking about?" Shaak Ti asked Nala Se.

"I believe she is referring to the inhibitor chips, they were placed to make the clones less aggressive than their original donor."

"You and I both know that's a lie, doctor," Grim told her.

"Padawan, you have to stop accusing her of things! I am sure Nala Se is-"

"Nala Se swapped out the case! She's covering things up!"

"Now, why would you possibly think that?" Nala Se asked her.

"I don't think so, I know so," Grim corrected her. "Master Ti, you have to believe me."

"Surely you don't believe this child more than me?" Nala Se asked Shaak Ti.

There was a long silence. "I think right now we need to focus on catching Fives. For now, I will take Padawan Kennet and speak with her Master," Shaak Ti decided at last. She took Grim and they left the Genetic Records Hall. She led her to where she had spoken with the Council earlier and contacted Obi-Wan. "Master Kenobi," she greeted.

"Master Shaak Ti," Obi-Wan replied. "Has something happened?"

"Hi," said Grim awkwardly.

"Grim," he said. "What did you do?"

"Hey! How come you immediately assume I did something?"

"Because I know you, Grim," he told her. "What did you do?"

"Your Padawan decided to assist ARC Trooper Fives in his illegal search to discover what happened to Tup," Shaak Ti explained.

Obi-Wan sighed. "Grim, why couldn't you let the Council handle this like we were going to?"

"Well Fives would have gone about it his own way no matter what," said Grim. "We've discovered something,"

"What did you discover?"

Grim was going to respond when Shaak Ti's comm went off. "General, we have discovered the rogue clone," she was informed.

"I'm on my way," said Shaak Ti. "Grim, you can stay here and speak with Master Kenob." With that she ran off.

Grim was about to follow after her but Obi-Wan spoke. "You should listen to her. Grim, if there's something going on you have to speak with us."

"I know," she said quietly.

"Then why don't you?"

She fiddled with her Padawan braid and looked away from Obi-Wan's hologram. She didn't say a word. She just shut her eyes as tears filled them. Why did she never tell the Council anything?

"Grim," Obi-Wan said gently. "Please tell me what's going on."

"I want to," she whispered. "But I'm afraid."

"Of what?" he asked her.

She didn't respond.

Obi-Wan sighed. "Well, I have to go Grim, and you do as well, I believe. I'll see you at the Temple. May the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you."

Obi-Wan's hologram disappeared. Shaak Ti entered the room again. "It is time to go, Grim."

She nodded.

Grim found the ride to Coruscant very awkward. Palpatine hadn't asked to see her as she hadn't gotten as deeply involved as Fives had, but she was going to give the Chancellor a piece of her mind anyways.

She was also painfully aware that this was likely her last chance to change anything. She hadn't been able to save the others. She had to succeed this time. Everything depended on her. Which made her nervous. She cursed herself for having been unable to tell anyone anything. Why didn't she?

Not that mattered now. She took a deep breath. She was aware of her fear but if she let it consume her she would fail. She couldn't fail. Not this time.

Mentally Grim began to plan how she would have to go about this. All the pieces were in place for success or failure. And her enemy - he would make sure she wouldn't get close. This was the closest she had ever gotten. And that was only because of Fives. She looked at him, she hoped she didn't fail him too.

She saw that Nala Se had just injected him with something. Grim realized that she had drugged him. She was ready to fight the Kaminoan doctor. A hand rushing to her lightsaber - but she stopped. There was nothing she could do about it now.

Besides, they were almost home.

When they arrived on Coruscant they landed at the Grand Republic Medical Facility. Grim stayed by Shaak Ti. Mas Amedda was waiting for them outside. "Greetings, Master Jedi. The Chancellor is waiting inside," Shaak Ti was informed.

They followed him inside. Grim felt her gut twist with increasing anxiety. "Master Shaak Ti, it is good to see you again," Palpatine greeted the Jedi Master. "I trust you kept this matter extremely confidential."

"Of course, Chancellor."

"Ah, good." He noticed the Padawan. "I see Master Kenobi's Padawan is with you."

Grim nervously looked at him despite not having been directly addressed. Had he not been informed that she would be there as well? "Master Shaak Ti is currently watching me," Grim informed him.

Palpatine looked at her curiously. "Really?"

"Yes, once we return to the Temple I was going to send her back to her Master," Shaak Ti explained. "There's been a few incidents with her running off on her own."

"I see," he said, looking at Grim a little longer. The Padawan felt uncomfortable and became more aware of the scar on her face. The one he had given her. Palaptine then turned his attention to Fives. "So this is the clone that has caused so much alarm?"

Fives groaned. "No, no, you drugged me," he muttered. "She-"

"There, there, soldier. Don't strain yourself," Palpatine told Fives.

"Sir," he said. He straightened immediately.

"Guards, let him down please," Palpatine ordered. Fives' restraints were removed. "Now, trooper, what brings you before me?"

"The chips, Chancellor," he said.

"Chips?" Palpatine asked. Grim hated how he managed to sound genuinely confused. She knew he knew about them to the same extent she did - and she hated to admit it - maybe more.

"These were removed from both clone troopers," Shaak Ti explained, showing Palpatine the chips, she was about to hand them to him, when suddenly Grim snatched them from her hands. "Padawan!" She exclaimed.

"No," said Grim, shaking her head. She seemed frantic. "No," she repeated again. She wasn't sure what exactly she was saying no to. She just couldn't let Palpatine have his hands on the one thing she had that could save the Jedi.

"Padawan Kennet, please pass those to me," the Chancellor told her.

"No," Grim said again - this time she knew why. "No. These need to go to the Jedi Council, not you."

"Grim, the Chancellor-" Shaak Ti started.

"I don't care!" said Grim, cutting her off. "Master Ti, you have to trust me."

"Grim..." Shaak Ti started again.

She held the chips close to her chest. She wasn't sure what she was doing. Was she going to run off to the Temple? Master Ti was on the Council, surely she would understand. Grim wasn't sure, she was panicking. She just couldn't let Palpatine have the chips.

"Padawan Kennet, I need you to hand me those. I promise they will be in good care," the Chancellor told her. Was he trying to calm her down? Was that supposed to comfort her?

Grim only felt the panic rise in her more. "No," she said again. "No." She shook her head frantically. "No." Her entire mind was screaming.

"Young Jedi, I promise you-" he started to say again. Another lie to keep up appearances. Did he think he could actually fool her because of her vulnerable state?

If he did, he was wrong. She was stepping further back. She tripped over something and fell on the floor. She dropped the chips. She looked at Palpatine with eyes full of fear. A memory flashed in the back of her mind.

Grim stumbled over some furniture (she swore that it wasn't there before,) and landed on the ground, dropping her lightsaber.

"You're not going anywhere," Sidious told her, his lightsaber pointed at her neck.

She felt like she was going to be sick. She tried to tell herself that he couldn't do anything to her. Both of them were protected by the fact that other people were around. While that gave her very little options to resist him, it also meant he couldn't harm her. The two of them were at a stalemate.

Palpatine picked up the chips. With his free hand he offered to help the Padawan back up. Grim stared at it as if Force Lightning would come out. She knew logically he couldn't attack her. But the fear hadn't gone away yet. Part of her mind had become trapped in her previous fights with the Sith. Which had locked her into fight or flight.

Grim took a deep breath. He can't hurt me. If I can't hurt him, he can't hurt me. I'm safe right now. As long as other people are around neither of us can do anything. She reminded herself. Reluctantly she accepted his help.

"I am terribly sorry that I frightened you," he told her, sounding genuinely apologetic and concerned. It would have almost fooled her.

She nodded her head in acknowledgement. She felt as if she had been in battle and needed to catch her breath. She couldn't let her guard down though.

Shaak Ti went over by Grim. She put a hand on her shoulder and seemed to send soothing energy through the Force, using it to calm her. She looked at Palpatine, "I am sorry about her outburst, Chancellor, she has had a stressful couple of days," she told him. She looked at Grim, "why don't you wait outside?" She asked. "I'll take you back to the Temple shortly."

Grim could tell the Jedi Master was concerned for her. "No, Master. I want to be here."

Shaak Ti looked at her with eyes full of gentle concern. "If you say so," she replied, knowing that they had no time to argue. She addressed the Chancellor. "Clone trooper Fives claims these chips are the cause of the problem."

"Those are inhibitor chips which are placed on clones to make them less aggressive and more compliant to orders," Nala Se explained. "I tried to explain to this clone that they are placed in them for his own good, but he removed his chip nonetheless."

"Our own good?" Fives demanded. "This thing they put in us malfunctioned in clone trooper Tup. I removed his and analyzed it. There were signs of rapid decay."

"And we're positive this has nothing to do with a virus?" Palpatine asked.

"No, we still do not know for sure what caused trooper Tup to kill. We only know that his chip failed, and now this removed clone has removed his own chip, which makes him a risk to himself and others."

"That's not true!" interjected Grim. She was ignored.

"I'm not at risk. Sir, they're covering something up. I know it. If it's not them, then it's a Separatist plot. They use this chip against us to make us more violent rather than less. That's why Tup killed General Tiplar! Commander Kennet can back me up on this!"

"A Separatist plot since from before the war even started?" Palpatine asked."That seems unlikely." He looked at Grim, "how would you back up Fives' claim?"

She forced herself to not break down again. "It may be unlikely, Chancellor, but it isn't impossible. Although I don't think it's fully a Separatist plot. There's more to it, more than that's being seen. But unfortunately we do not know what is going on, do we?"

"No, we do not," Palpatine agreed. "Still, such a thing is highly unlikely, wouldn't you agree Master Shaak Ti?"

"It does, Chancellor. It seems very unlikely," agreed the Jedi Master.

"It is absolutely impossible," Nala Se insisted. "What we have here is a single malfunction to one clone's inhibitor chip caused by a virus, Separatist plot or not."

"Perhaps it would be best if clone trooper Fives and I discussed this without your presence," said Palpatine. "And," he looked at Grim. "Perhaps Padawan Kennet should share her view as well."

"Chancellor I must object," Shaak Ti said.

"Please, Master Jedi. Trust me. I will not be alone, I have my security here. I want them to feel they have a fair say in this matter."

Grim felt like she couldn't breathe already. She looked at Shaak Ti silently begging her to not leave her alone with Palpatine, while refusing to leave Fives' side. Maybe she would have more of a chance to save him this way.

Shaak Ti gave her an apologetic look and left the room with Nala Se and Mas Amddea. Leaving Grim and Fives alone with Palpatine.

"Now where were we?" Palpatine asked. "Ah, yes, the chips."

"You mean the chips designed with the orders to make the clones kill the Jedi? We both know that Tup killing Tiplar was only an accident on timing," Grim finally burst out.

"What?!" Fives exclaimed.

Palpatine only smiled. "You're very clever, young Jedi. How long have you known?"

"Long enough," she replied.

Fives looked at her. "Wh-what? Grim, what does he mean?"

She looked at him. "I've known about the chips. I just couldn't do anything about them until you discovered them."

"...you used me?"

"What? No, Fives, I didn't use you!"

"But you knew about the chips. You knew and didn't tell anyone. Because you were waiting on me."

"I'm sorry, Fives. But it doesn;t matter. I'm on your side. Palpatine wants to destroy both of us. All of us. The Jedi and the clones. He's the one using you....using both of us."

She was a tool too. Palpatine had been playing her for a fool as well.

Fives looked at the Chancellor, horrified with the truth he was learning. "You-" He moved to attack.

"Fives no!" Grim cried. She tried to hold him back from attempting to assassinate Palpatine. She understood him more than he would ever know, but she also knew the Chancellor would use this against him.

Fives didn't listen and Grim hadn't put her whole heart into holding him back. Palpatine was calling for help. She was panicking.

"He's part of this! He wants to destroy both of us!" Fives argued with Grim. She had just told him that. Why was she stopping him?

She wanted to shout back. She wanted to kill Palpatine too, but the Chancellor's help was coming. She didn't know what to do.

Fives tried to attack Palpatine again and Grim panicked and used the Force to push Fives away. He looked at her with betrayal etched on his face. Grim felt her heart drop. Shaak Ti burst into the room and Fives ran away.

"Chancellor, are you alright?" Shaak Ti asked him.

Palpatine got up, having stumbled back during the chaos. Although the Padawan knew he had been faking it. "Thanks to Padawan Kenent, I am," he replied. He looked at Grim, faking a kind smile.

Grim just ran off after Fives, unable to believe she had just hurt and betrayed her friend to save a Sith Lord. Shaak Ti followed after her. Knowing they had to catch him.

Palpatine watched them for a moment, curious about what the Padawan's motivations had been in 'saving' him.

Grim and Shaak Ti chased Fives through the medical facility. They had to catch up to him. Grim was on the verge of panicking again. Her heart breaking with the knowledge that she had just betrayed her friend.

"Close the blast doors!" She heard Shaak Ti order. Barely registering the words.

Fives escaped right before the doors closed. Grim and Shaak Ti both nearly ran into the doors. Grim let out a curse. Shaak Ti just let out a frustrated sigh.

Grim was at the Temple now. Instead of being with Obi-Wan again, Grim had insisted on staying with Shaak Ti and providing her point of view about what happened. So now she was in the war room with Shaak Ti and Anakin, as Master Windu, Yoda, and Plo Koon were attending the meeting via hologram.

"I can't believe Fives would try to assassinate the Chancellor," Anakin was saying.

"The Kaminoans feel a virus corrupted the clone's inhibitor chip, which has led to this behavior. ARC Trooper Fives feels he is the victim of a plot, Separatist or otherwise," Shaak Ti explained.

"Fives is right, he is a victim of a plot," Grim said. "All of us are," she added in a whisper so low that nobody heard her.

"All security and clone forces on Coruscant have been ordered to join the manhunt," said WIndu. "The Chancellor has been moved to his Senate quarters, and the perimeter has been secured. However, Jedi involvement has not been requested."

"That's a little odd, isn't it?" Anakin asked.

"It's very odd," Grim agreed.

"Hmmm, discover the truth we must," said Yoda.

"If there is a plot involving the clones, we must get to the bottom of it," said Windu. "We will investigate quietly, undercover. We must make sure this clone is not killed."

"I'll handle this investigation," decided Anakin. "Fives was part of the 501st. If Rex and I find him he'll trust us."

"Be wary," said Shaak Ti. "Since he removed his inhibitor chip, Fives may no longer be the man you once knew."

Anakin looked to be in thought about her words. Then he nodded and left.

When he did Grim spoke up. "There really is a plot," she told them. "And Fives is going to get killed for uncovering it. I would like to request permission to go with Skywalker, I have to be able to save Fives. He may be my last chance."

They all looked at Grim. "Very well, I grant you permission to go with Skywalker, but be careful Young Kennet," said Windu.

Grim bowed. "Thank you, Master."

"May the Force be with you."

Grim ran off to join Anakin and Rex. "Skywalker! Rex!" She called, catching up to them.

"Grim?" Anakin asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I got permission from Master Windu to join you."

"Well at least you got permission this time."

Grim rolled her eyes. "Ha ha, very funny Skywalker."

She stuck with them as they searched for Fives. Until Anakin got a call from Jesse. Jesse informed them of the coordinates that Fives wanted to meet them at. The three of them made their way to the location. Grim became very aware of her surroundings.

Anakin and Grim both ignited their lightsabers for light as they entered the abandoned warehouse. "Fives?" Anakin called. "Fives, we're here. Come on out, we just want to talk to you."

"General Skywalker. Thank you. Thank you for trusting me. Now, have you come without troops?"

"We have."

"Put down your weapons then."

Grim deactivated her lightsaber and clipped it to her belt. "Listen to him, we need to trust him. Besides, he's unarmed," she told them.

Anakin nodded and deactivated his lightsaber.

"All right," said Rex. "I'm putting my pistols down." He did just that and walked back over to Anakin.

"What exactly are we here for, Fives?" Anakin asked.

"I need your help."

"We know you do. We know you're not well. It's been rough for you these past couple days."

"I'm not crazy! Please, please, just...hear what I have to say."

"We're here to help you, Fives. Just come with us. Let us take you back to the Temple."

Just then a ray shield trapped the three of them. "No!" Grim shouted. Both her and Anakin punched the shield.

How was she supposed to save Fives if she couldn't reach him? She realized in horror that she couldn't. She failed again...she would only be able to watch now.

"I just need you to listen to me. Please," said Fives, walking over to them at last.

"I'm not sure we have any other choice," Anakin remarked, crossing his arms.

"I was framed because I know the truth...the truth about a plot, a massive deception."

"By whom?" Rex asked.

"Well, there's a sinister plot in the works against the Jedi. I have proof of it. I can prove that everything that I know is true beyond a shadow of a doubt!"

"Show me the evidence," Anakin demanded.

"The evidence is in here," said Fives pointing at his head. "It's...it's in here. It's in all of us, every clone."

"What is it?" Rex asked.

"Organic chips built into our genetic code to make us do whatever someone wants, even kill the Jedi. It's all in here."

"Let's just get you some help first. Then we can review everything. It'll be okay, Fives. We'll sort this out," Anakin told him.

"Ah, you don't believe me!" Fives shouted.

"I do, Fives," Grim told him gently. "But Anakin is right, we need to get you to the Temple. Once we sort it all out everything can be okay. Please, you need to listen to us as well."

"We only want to help," Rex agreed.

"How do I know you're not tricking me? How do I know it won't be a trap?" Fives demanded. "The Chancellor will try to kill me. I promise you that!"

"We won't be taking you to him," Grim promised. She knew exactly how he felt.

"The Chancellor?" Anakin asked.

"He's in on it! I don't know to what extent. But I know he orchestrated much of this."

"I know, if you come with us we can prove it," Grim told him.

"The Chancellor isn't capable of what you claim," said Anakin.

Grim traced the scar on her face. "You have no idea of what he's capable of," she whispered.

"He is!" Fives insisted. "I swear to you, General. You have no idea–"

The Coruscant Guard had come in. Blasters pointed at Fives. "Stand down soldier! Stand down! Get on your knees!"

"No! No! No! Stay back!" Shouted Fives frantically. He looked at Rex's pistols.

"Fives don't!" Grim shouted.

"Get away from me!" Fives screamed at the guard. He picked up one of Rex's pistol.

"Fives, no!" Rex and Grim screamed together.

Fives pointed the blaster and Fox shot him in the chest. He began to gasp as he looked at the hole in his chest, choking on his own blood. He fell to the ground.

"Fives! Fives!" Rex exclaimed, banging on the shield.

"Get this ray shield off!" Anakin ordered.

A clone shot the controls and deactivated it. "Fives," Rex gasped, he fell down to his side.

"Brother," Fives gasped.

"Call for help! We need a medic!" Rex shouted.

Grim was only able to stare at Fives, she was shaking at the sight. "No," she whispered. "No, I failed. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, Fives." She felt the tears fill her eyes. She turned around and hugged Anakin, burying her head in his shoulder. She couldn't even hear Fives. Her thoughts were too loud. She had failed.

Anakin held Grim back. Offering her some comfort, although he didn't look away from Fives. He had failed to save him as well.

Grim went with Anakin when he and several Council members went to speak with Palpatine. She found herself sitting between Anakin and Shaak Ti. The Padawan working hard to try not to break down in front of him again.

"A tragic situation indeed," Palpatine was saying. Then he added: "Although once again, I give my thanks to Padawan Kennet for saving me from the rogue clone," said Palpatine. He smiled at her. Whatever her reason had been for having 'saved' him, he knew she had failed.

Grim shifted uncomfortably. She knew she should be fake and polite back but she could only just stare at him. She had saved him to protect Fives, but it didn't matter, Fives had been killed anyways. She had betrayed her friend for no reason, now the reason behind his murder was thanking her.

Instead she managed a shaky, "of course, Chancellor."

She felt on the verge of tears again. She had betrayed her friend and although the intent had been to save him she had only killed him. She tried to take a breath to calm herself. She couldn't cry. Not here.

Normally she could compose herself when she was around others and had to interact with the Chancellor. But she couldn't. She wondered just how obvious her fear and anger was, she was sure they could all sense it.

Grim couldn't let the disguised Sith get to her like that, not so easily. But she felt like she had been defeated, and she had already been broken today. She knew his words were designed to break her further, and he succeeded.

She forced back the tears. Not here.

"About the clones' breakdowns, have we discovered any new evidence?" Windu asked.

"I've had my own personal doctors examine both bodies. It appears Nala Se did miss something in her examination," Palpatine explained.

"Another cause your doctors found?" Yoda asked.

"A parasite. Native to Ringo Vinda. Probably in the canteen of water they both shared. It did cause the inhibitors to decay, once the parasite had taken hold. It is very rare. However, just to be cautious, we have prepared an inoculation for every clone trooper in our army."

Grim knew he was lying, but he did it so well. How did he manage to fool them all? Everyone, except her. And he had done it in such a way he certainly guaranteed himself victory.

"So, I guess it's over then?" WIndu asked.

"Yes. We can finally put this whole wretched situation behind us. We must direct our attention back to the war at hand. Each day we grow closer and closer to victory."

And for Grim - failure.

As the Jedi left the Chancellor's office Windu stopped Grim and pulled her to the side. "Padawan Kenent, a moment."

Grim looked at him confused, "what is it, Master Windu?"

"I noticed how uncomfortable you were with the Chancellor."

"Okay?" she asked, still confused. "I just don't like him."

"Grim, this isn't the first time I've noticed this. When Master Kenobi was informing the Chancellor about Maul-"

"What are you saying?"

Windu sighed. "You know things, Grim. Is there something the Council should know about the Chancellor?"

Yes! She shouted in her mind. He's a Sith Lord! He's behind everything!

But in reality she said nothing. She subconsciously rubbed the scar on her face, and looked away from Windu. Tears filling her eyes.

"Grim, what is it?" He asked her with concern.

"I'm sorry," she whispered quietly. Then she ran away to get back home as quick as she could.

It was over.