006. CARNAGE OF KRELL

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ACE REFRAINED FROM PACING AS HE PATIENTLY WAITED FOR REX TO FINISH PLEADING HIS CASE TO KRELL. He took a deep silent breath to remain calm. This wasn't the first time that Burst and Bits had stepped out of line within the past few weeks. Not to mention, their first impressions with the general hadn't been the most pleasant. He'd told them to keep their heads down and stay out of the hangar, but no they recklessly rushed into the action. Which may have just been the fastest way to get killed.

"General Krell, I respectfully request you reconsider court-martialing Fives and Jesse."

"The actions of arc trooper 5555 and CT-5597 were a clear act of treachery and disregard for my command." Krell refused to face Rex. "If punishment isn't swift, their defiance may inspire others to follow suit."

"Sir, the men are with you," Rex attempted to explain, "It's just that some of them feel you're putting their lives in danger needlessly."

"All the more reason to send a clear message that I am in charge and insubordination will not be tolerated. The truth is, these clones have had a difficult time respecting my command since the beginning. I've seen it before. Some clones are just defective. They aren't able to succumb to authority. You're right, Captain. I don't think I can court-martial them. It will only be a waste of time, and that's something we don't have." Krell finally turned around and briefly placed a hand on Rex's shoulder. "I'm afraid they'll need to be disposed of. Prepare a squad for execution."

"What? But—but, sir—" Rex tried to protest.

Krell interrupted with a threat. "You heard me, Captain! Have it done immediately, or I'll do it myself."

Rex silently left the room, but Ace remained behind. He hesitated, but after a beat he cleared his throat to alert the general to his presence. "General Krell, I know that my men—"

"That's right," Krell nodded his head and faced him, "Your men are no exception to this order, Captain. Insubordination will not be tolerated, especially from my own troops."

"If you only understood how much they mean to Commander Delaway—"

"Commander Delaway isn't here and thank the force that she isn't." Krell shook his head with disappointment. "I can't imagine the effect that your troops' actions would have had on the girl. Better to remove such poor influences from her life."

"Sir—"

"Captain, you have your orders."

They stared at one another in silence. Ace lost track of the time; however, as the general's jaw hardened, his eyes lowered to the ground in submission. He sighed and nodded his head before walking over to the elevator. The doors opened and he feared to lift his eyes from the ground as he knew he'd have to face his men.

"What's going on, Ace?" Burst desperately asked. "They've kept us separated this whole time, something about not wanting a revolution."

Bits's brow furrowed. "Captain?"

"Krell—" Ace's voice quivered, and he was forced to take another deep breath to regain his composure. "Krell has decided that he won't be court-martialing you after all—"

"Well, that's a good thing, ain't it?" Burst interrupted before Ace could finish.

Ace slowly shook his head and lifted his eyes to meet theirs. "He's demanded you be executed instead."

Burst was outraged. "What? He can't do that!"

Bits immediately paled. His voice was a whisper. "He... He can. He has the authority to render punishment during combat as the acting general..."

"Did you read all of the manuals and rulebooks?" Burst looked over at Bits incredulous.

Bits frowned and, although still pale, seemed to snap out of his daze a bit. "I ran out of stuff to read back on Kamino, alright?"

"Would the two of you focus?" Ace asked as if pleading with them. "I told you to stay away from the hangar. I told you to keep quiet so that we might—"

Burst's expression softened as Ace crumpled to his knees and let his helmet fall to the floor. He took a step closer to the energy field containing them and lowered himself to his knees. "We couldn't let any more brothers die without cause."

Ace looked up from the ground, eyes wide and sleep deprived. "Don't you get it? There is no cause! To both sides of the war, we're just bodies. A number that's expendable."

"Not to each other," Bits quietly contradicted him, "We never forget."

"And what happens when the only people to remember die too?" Ace asked. "I promised her that I'd keep you all alive, and you've put me in a position where I'm the one who has to pull the trigger."

"Ari will understand," Burst spoke in a soft tone. "You know she would've supported the plan—"

"Not her."

Burst immediately grew silent. Bits looked between the two in confusion. However, Ace knew that Burst recognized who he had referred to as they made eye contact. He knew what she meant to him and that his word to her was sacred.

The doors to the elevator opened again. Ace quickly stood and slipped his helmet back over his head as Dogma and Skid stepped out of the elevator. Bits and Burst were led from their cells onto the platform. Moments later they had joined the others outside. The two were guided to stand beside Jesse and Fives.

"This is wrong," Skid murmured just audible enough for Ace to hear.

Ace lowered his voice and leaned in closer to Skid. "What would you have me do? We're outnumbered and out of time."

Dogma stepped forward. "Will the prisoners request to be blindfolded?"

He received no response as the four glared at him.

"I'll take that as a no." Dogma stepped back to join the line of armed troopers.

"I hope you can live with yourself, Dogma." Fives practically spat.

"Ready weapons," Dogma instructed.

"Never thought we'd go out this way," Jesse muttered.

"Survived Devaron for this," Bits scoffed under his breath. "What was the point?"

"Remember the lives we saved," Burst replied as he sidestepped closer to the younger clone. "We go out with honor."

"Aim."

Fives's eyes danced back and forth frantically until he could no longer remain quiet. "Wait! This is wrong. And we all know it. The General is making a mistake, and he needs to be called on it. No clone should have to go out this way! We are loyal soldiers. We follow orders, but we are not a bunch of unthinking droids! We are men. We must be trusted to make the right decisions, especially when the orders we are given are wrong."

"Fire!" Dogma commanded. Each clone pulled the trigger on their weapon. However, as the four opened their eyes, they realized that they were in fact still alive and breathing. Dogma looked around in shock. "What—what happened?"

The line of soldiers threw their guns to the ground. Rex stepped forward and explained. "They're doing the right thing, Dogma, because if this is how soldiers are rewarded for heroic actions, then one day, every man in this battalion may face a similar fate. Take off their binders."

"No, we have orders." Dogma stepped out in front of the four as if he could block them off just by himself. "We have to go through with this."

Rex shook his head. "Good luck finding anyone to do it."

Skid nudged Ace's arm and gestured up to where Krell watched them from above. "I can't imagine he's very happy right now."

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." Ace's suspicion was correct as a small squad of troopers led them up to where Krell waited for them within the tower.

"You wanted us, sir?" Rex asked as he stood at attention.

"I ordered those clones to be destroyed." Krell turned and leaned inches away from Rex's face. "You are making a mistake by crossing me, clone."

Rex lifted his eyes from the ground and stared up at Krell. "It's Captain, sir."

Krell growled under his breath but was interrupted. "General, there's an incoming transmission."

"Put it through." Krell crossed his arms and faced the transmission.

"General, the Umbarans have stepped up their offensive. We're holding them off, but their squadrons have ambushed one of our platoons, seizing weapons and uniforms. We believe they may be planning to launch a massive attack."

Krell walked toward the elevator. Rex and Dogma followed close behind. The general folded his hands behind his back and cast a glance over his shoulder toward Rex before giving instruction. "Looks like you have your stay of execution for now. Lock the traitors in the brig, and prepare your platoons to move out immediately. We need to preempt the enemy by hitting them now with everything we've got. We're finally going to take the capital. And, Captain, make sure the troops are aware that the enemy may disguise themselves as clones to try to trick us."

"I will, sir."

The elevator doors closed, but Ace remained behind in the transmission room. Skid stepped forward and tilted his head as if confused. "You're not going with them?"

"If I go," Ace shook his head, "I'm only going to say something that I regret and possibly make things worse for Bits and Burst."

Skid sighed. "Sir, I may be stepping out of line when I say this... but in the few months that I've known you, you've never once stepped down from a challenge."

Ace lifted his eyes from the ground. "This is an entirely different situation—"

"Is it?" Skid interrupted. "Because the way I see it, General Krell is a threat to the survival of these men—"

"Skid!" Ace harshly whispered his name and pulled him aside so that their conversation wouldn't be overheard by the others. "You're bordering talk of treason."

"No," Skid shook his head, "I'm speaking as a medical professional who's seeing the common variable of each fight that we've almost lost. Our forces diminish exponentially every day, Captain."

Ace sighed and shook his head. "That's war, Skid."

He slowly turned to walk away but froze in his tracks as Skid contradicted him. "It wasn't this way with General T'arcona."

Ace turned back around to face Skid. He took a deep breath to refrain from losing his temper. "Look, Skid. You were assigned to the 107th about five months ago, right?" Skid nodded his head to confirm what Ace already knew. "There's still alot you haven't learned and even more that you haven't experienced when it comes to war. I've been fighting this war since Geonosis—"

"Then you should know what General Krell is doing isn't right!" Skid finally shouted out in frustration. "You're blind, Ace. You don't accept the facts because you're too emotionally invested in keeping the 107th battalion together. I hate to break it to you, but the 107th died on Devaron. There's no guarantee that any of us make it out of here alive. Deep down, you know what Bits and Burst did, was the right course of action. I may have been assigned just five months ago, but five months ago I know for certain that you would've made the call to send some men up there if it was our best chance of winning this war and ending the needless yet constant death!"

Ace remained silent. The medic had never spoken to him like that before... or anyone for that matter. For the most part, he'd been quiet and perhaps a bit too stiff with his formalities. However, this side of him was refreshing. Ace slowly nodded his head in agreement and straightened his posture. He had a job to do and a battle to win. He gestured to Skid to follow him toward the elevator; however, one of the 501st troops made an effort to stop them.

"Sir?"

Ace turned his head.

"There's something you should see."

Ace raised an eyebrow and looked over at Skid who shrugged his shoulders in response. Ace walked over to the control panel where he'd been called and frowned at what he was shown.

"We noticed that one of the side panels had been tampered with—"

"How long until we get communications operational?" Ace interrupted as he bent down to look at the severed wires and melted machinery."

"Hours."

"Get working on it," Ace commanded and threw his helmet over his head, "I'll be back in a few minutes. I want to know if there's anything else out of place when I return."

Skid followed Ace over to the elevator. Only after the doors closed and they began to descend to the lower levels did he speak. "You know something?"

"That console was damaged by a lightsaber."

"You're sure?"

Ace nodded his head. "The burn marks left behind were unmistakable."

Skid hesitated. "Krell?"

Ace didn't verbally confirm, but he nodded his head as the elevator doors opened. He stepped out and briskly walked up to the detention cell containing the pair of his troops. He input the proper commands and the electrical shield fell.

"Now what?" Burst asked with a frown. "They decide that shooting us wasn't good enough?"

"You boys ready for some action?" Ace ignored his comment.

Bits's brow furrowed. "Was I mistaken when I thought we were being court-martialed?"

"I'll explain on the way back up to the communications tower," Ace replied and looked over to where Fives and Jesse stood. "I hope you understand that I can't bring you into this as you aren't my men."

Fives nodded his head, but the look on his face remained skeptical. Ace looked over at Skid. "While I debrief these two, go get their gear."

Skid nodded his head as the doors closed behind Ace, Bits, and Burst. The ride up to the top of the tower didn't feel nearly long enough for Ace to explain what the two had missed. Furthermore, he wasn't given any additional time to explain as his attention was immediately called over to the transmitter.

"Sir!"

"Yes?" He was thankful for the helmet that blocked the annoyed expression that flashed across his face as he was interrupted.

"We managed to recover a recorded transmission."

"Play it back."

The hologram sputtered to life. Although the recording's signal was weak and slightly distorted, the message was understandable enough. General Krell's figure came into view as he discussed battle strategies with whom Ace assumed was a member of the 212th.

Krell's voice warbled. "Commander, the Umbarans' defense was greater than anticipated. It appears they've overcome an entire platoon and taken both weapons and armor of our men—"

Burst looked over at Ace in confusion. "I didn't think we missed that much while in the brig."

"You didn't," Ace shook his head, "This never happened..."

"—I thought it best to warn you of this threat and the belief that the Umbarans may be launching a massive attack that could leave a devastating blow to the Republic if unprepared."

"Thank you, General." The commander saluted. "I'll alert my troops immediately."

The transmission ended in static. Ace's jaw tightened as even more questions formed in his mind. Only it was Bits to ask them out loud. "Why would General Krell lie about losing a platoon?"

"No good reason," Skid practically spat as he stepped out of the elevator and tossed a helmet to the ground.

Ace bent down and lifted the helmet to face his own and refrained from gasping at the sight of orange paint coated on the piece of armor. "Skid, what is this?"

"Found it in Krell's room," Skid explained as he offered Bits and Burst their armor. "Along with several others like it. I've got a feeling that it might not have been droids that took out that platoon."

"What's Krell playing at?" Bits asked, looking between the other three.

Ace's eyes widened beneath his helmet. Panicked, he ran into the elevator and the other three didn't hesitate to follow despite their confusion. As the elevator descended to ground level, Ace checked his weapons and then explained what he'd just put together for himself. "Krell sent Rex into a trap."

"What?!" Burst asked in shock.

"The 501st and the 212th have been sent to the same place to take each other out." Ace marched out of the elevator directly toward the hangar.

"It'll be a massacre," Bits caught on with horror.

Ace nodded his head. "Burst, how do you fly these things?"

He could tell that Burst was grinning beneath his helmet as he took a seat in one of the cockpits. "It's all in the wrists."

Bits rubbed his hands together and climbed into the weapon's seat aboard Burst's ship. However, Skid looked skeptically toward the ship that Ace had seated himself in. "I think I'd be suited better here."

"If we don't get there in time to stop them, the medics are going to need all the help they can get," Ace protested. "Get in."

They located the 212th first. The bright orange paint stood out in the dark better than the cool tones of the 501st uniforms. They lowered the Umbaran ships far enough away that they wouldn't get blasted out of the sky before they could warn the troops of the incoming attack.

"Take your helmets off," Ace instructed, "We don't want them to get the wrong idea."

The other three didn't hesitate to follow his command. Although in a hurry, they moved quietly toward where they'd seen the 212th gathered. They still had to remain cautious of any Umbaran troops hidden as well. Weapons were drawn and immediately pointed toward them as they approached. But with their faces visible, they were lowered just as quickly.

The Lieutenant in charge of the platoon stepped forward, removed his helmet, and approached the four with confusion evident on his face. "I wasn't aware that the 107th was tasked with a mission to Umbara."

"Typical." Bits scoffed under his breath; however, he quieted as he was nudged by Skid.

"Just another thing that General Krell must have left out," Ace replied.

"Waxer." The Lieutenant introduced himself. "What can I do for you boys?"

"You're walking into a trap." Ace was blunt. It was the only way he could think of telling them. There wasn't any easy way to explain what was to follow.

"I don't understand, General Krell—"

"Lied to you," Ace interrupted. "Krell has ordered the 501st and the 212th to fire on one another without the other realizing it since both believe the other to be droids in disguise."

Waxer opened his mouth to reply, but the sharp sound of blaster fire quickly cut him off. The troops left in the camp rushed in several different directions to their assigned stations. Waxer looked back toward the four. "We had a few squads go ahead to try and catch them by surprise."

"We need to stop this before it's too late."

Skid placed a hand on Ace's shoulder. "It could already be too late."

Ace's eyes darted back and forth trying to come up with some kind of plan. "Burst. You're with me. Skid, you and Bits stay here with the 212th. Keep each other alive."

Skid nodded his head in affirmation. Ace didn't wait. He threw his helmet over his head and sprinted toward the sound of gunfire with Burst at his side. The shouts grew louder as they got closer to the fight. As they broke into the clearing, they stared in horror at the bodies that littered the floor.

"Everyone, stop firing. Cease fire. They're not Umbarans. They're clones."

Ace's head turned toward the 501st captain as he shouted, sprinted across the battlefield, and threw his helmet to the ground before yanking one from the head of a 212th trooper. Although they were too late, the soldiers had come to the conclusion on their own.

Ace and Burst approached Rex, removing their helmets in the process, solemn looks on their faces. Rex looked over at them in confusion. "Ace? I thought you stayed behind?"

Ace gestured to the face of their brother. "We found out about this back at the tower and tried to warn you..."

"Captain," Kix jogged up to them out of breath, "I've found the platoon leader. It's Waxer. He's still alive."

Rex and Ace glanced toward one another before following after Kix. As they arrived, Waxer's arm was being treated by one of the 212th medics.

"Are you alright?" Ace asked.

Waxer nodded his head and tried to stop the medic from fussing over him. "The bolt barely grazed me. Would have been a lot worse too if the rookie hadn't shoved me aside."

Ace paled. "What rookie?"

"Ace!"

He turned and blindly ran after Skid's voice. He could hear Burst's heavy footsteps following from behind, but he didn't turn his head. The panicked thoughts grew stronger with each passing second and started to overwhelm his mind. He slid to a stop as Skid stretched out his arms to prevent them from running into him. His eyes drifted toward the ground and Bits offered the two of them a weak smile. He tried to lift a hand to wave, but Skid quickly reprimanded him.

"Don't move, di'kut!" The medic quickly moved back to the injured's side to once again apply pressure to the wound. "You've lost too much blood as it is."

Ace kneeled and looked helplessly between the two. "What happened?"

"This dinii knocked the lieutenant out of the crossfire and got himself shot," Skid gruffly explained. "That's what happened."

"Words c-can hurt." Bits stuttered and winced at the pressure.

"Good, something should get through that thick skull of yours," Skid chastised, "Because apparently getting shot the first time in the arm wasn't enough."

"You're worse than my mother," Bits slurred.

"Who's gonna tell him that he doesn't have a mother," Burst whispered loudly.

"He'll grow more delusional if he continues to lose blood like he is." Ace could see Skid growing more frustrated with each passing second. "If we don't get him back to base, he's going to die."

Ace nodded his head. "Get him to the ship. Burst will carry him."

"Carefully!" Skid fussed as Burst lifted the wounded soldier.

"I am careful," He protested.

"No," Bits chuckled deliriously and booped him on the nose, "You're Burst, burc'ya."

Burst's eyes widened. "Guys, he's losing it!

Burst increased his pace. Skid followed at his side, rummaging through his medpack for anything that might help. As they passed by, Rex pulled Ace aside.

"I see you're in the middle of something, but I thought you ought to know what we're planning to do."

"I really don't have ti—"

"Your men can handle this right now," Rex interrupted. "I've read your files, Ace. You're a strong leader and have led your men through some impressive battles. I'd prefer to have you on our side when we arrest the general."

Rex now had his whole attention. "That's treason, Rex."

"What Krell did here, today, that is treason." Rex's expression softened. "If things go south, it'd be better to have a plan from someone who knows any of the general's potential weaknesses than someone who doesn't."

Ace shook his head. "I've read your file too, Rex. You're more than qualified to lead this front... We've both made some mistakes while here, but for me to fix mine I need to stand by my men right now."

Rex nodded his head. "Keep me updated."

Ace didn't reply. He ran to catch up with the others who had already boarded the ship. Ace frowned and tilted his head. "Is it safe to travel with three?"

"He won't survive without someone holding pressure against his wound," Skid explained.

Ace nodded his head. "Go."

The patch job that Skid performed was rushed, but with the limited supplies and time it was the best that could be done. Bits's condition was temporarily stable. That wouldn't last long if they didn't get the young clone into a bacta tank soon. Skid had demanded space the moment that they arrived in the shabby infirmary. Ace and Burst had been left to wait outside.

"You think the little guy is alright?"

Ace remained silent as he bit down on the knuckles of his hand while staring at the ground. It wasn't until after Rex cleared his throat that Ace looked up. "We've contained him in the brig... He's asked for you specifically."

Ace nodded his head and stood. "Take me to him."

The platform lowered and Ace stopped inches away from Krell. Rex gestured to Ace. "You said you'd only talk if he was present."

Krell nodded his head. "I'd rather not answer the same questions twice."

"Why, General?" Rex demanded answers. "Why kill your own men?"

Krell chuckled and his expression twisted into a sick grin. "Because I can, because you fell for it, because you're inferior."

"But you're a Jedi. How could you?"

"A Jedi?" Krell's chuckle changed into a hearty laugh. "I am no longer naive enough to be a Jedi. A new power is rising. I've foreseen it. The Jedi are going to lose this war, and the Republic will be ripped apart from the inside. In its place is going to rise a new order, and I will rule as part of it."

"You're a separatist."

"I serve no one's side, only my own and soon my new master."

"You're an agent of Dooku." Ace finally spoke up. "A Sith."

"Not yet. But when I get out of here, I will be. After I've succeeded in driving the Republic from Umbara, the count will reward my actions and make me his new apprentice."

"How could you do this?" Dogma desperately pleaded from his own prison cell. "You had my trust, my loyalty. I followed all of your orders, and you made me kill my brothers."

"That's because you were the biggest fool of them all, Dogma! I counted on blind loyalty like yours to make my plan succeed."

"That will never happen." Krell turned back to face Rex as he spoke. "You're a traitor, General, and you will be dealt with as one."

"You never learn, Captain. The Umbarans are going to retake this space, and when they do, I will be free." Krell sat and meditated as if he were unfazed.

Rex frowned and seethed, but walked back toward the platform and ascended back to ground level with Fives, Jesse, and Tup. Ace was left alone. Krell opened his eyes and grinned. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist."

"You were against us from the start," Ace said, but didn't face the general. "We know you sabotaged the transmitter. It's only a matter of time before they realize that you're too much of a threat alive."

"Ah," Krell chuckled, "But you're not going to let them kill me, Captain."

Ace shook his head and faced Krell. "And why not?"

"You made a promise to the girl."

Ace's jaw tightened to reveal that Krell was correct in his assumption. Unfortunate to remember when he'd almost forgotten. However, the image of the girl pleading with him was now fresh in him mind.

"A shame though," Krell snapped him out of his thoughts, "When she'll only betray you later."

"What are you talking about?"

"There's a darkness in her." Krell smugly grinned. "And once I'm free, I'll continue her training just not the way that anyone expected."

Ace shook his head. "She's not weak like you."

"She's strong like R'avida?" Krell asked. "How do you know that her former master wasn't sculpting the girl as I am?"

Ace shook his head. "No—"

"She was just using you, Captain, as I have." Krell stood and drew closer. "As all Jedi use the clones. They were designed to be used. And once a thing fulfills its purpose, it is to be discarded with the trash to which it belongs."

"You're wrong!" Ace seethed between his teeth.

"How could you know for certain?"

Ace opened his mouth to speak, but the platform lowered and the 501st troops rejoined them. Rex pulled one of his blasters from its holster and the energy shield was deactivated. "Turn around. Step toward the wall. On your knees."

Krell chuckled as he faced the wall. "You're in a position of power now. How does it feel?"

"I said on your knees."

"It feels good, doesn't it? But I can sense your fear. You're shaking. Aren't you? What are you waiting for? The Umbarans are getting closer."

"Rex..." Ace stepped up beside the other captain. "He should have a trial. This isn't for us to deci—"

"I have to do this," Rex insisted.

"You can't do it, can you? Eventually, you'll have to do the right thing and—" Krell gasped his last breath and gravity pulled his lifeless corpse to the ground.

Ace's eyes widened in horror and the entire room turned to face Dogma. The soldier had taken one of Fives's blasters and shot the general. "I—I had to. He betrayed us."

The airships arrived soon after. Skid had ensured that Bits was one of the first boarded and enroute back to the cruiser so that he could receive the proper medical attention. Ace and Burst stood side by side as they watched the surrounding soldiers make final preparations around the base.

"We did it," Burst smiled softly, "We took Umbara."

"What do I tell her?" Ace asked, looking down at his hands as if he'd killed Krell himself.

"The truth."

Ace sighed and nodded his head. "This is going to crush her."

"Hey," Burst shook his head. "She's still got us. Not to mention Skid is doing everything to make sure that Bits makes it out of this alive... I've gotten attached to the little guy."

Ace chuckled quietly under his breath and looked up toward Burst unconvinced. "A week ago, you wanted to kill him yourself. Said he talked too much."

"We've bonded."

"You mean you blew stuff up together."

"Yes!"

Ace rolled his eyes, but still chuckled. It lifted a small amount of the weight that he carried to laugh. However, the ache in his chest was still present. He looked up toward the sky and for the first time since they'd been on that dark planet, the clouds parted ever so slightly, and the stars could be seen in the night sky. Perhaps there was a silver lining and better things were to come, but the fear of the worst still prodded at the back of his mind. He'd failed to protect two of his generals alongside his squad mates. How could he trust himself to step up and lead when every decision that he'd made had gotten someone hurt?

Burst gently nudged him and he snapped out of his daze. The two boarded one of the last airships and settled in for the flight back to the cruiser. From there it was just a quick hyperspace journey back to Coruscant where Arimiya would no-doubt impatiently be waiting for them within their barracks. He dreaded the moment when he'd have to tell her what happened. But for the time being, he'd appreciate the victory and the fact that the fighting had stopped. That only led to more concerns though. What happened when all of the fighting stopped? His conversation with Krell surfaced in his mind. What happened when the soldiers were no longer needed?