Chereads / The Eternal Emperor / Chapter 5 - Kamino

Chapter 5 - Kamino

"We need to find that bounty hunter." Kenobi said as his fist tightened. 

 

"Just received a report from our escort that a customized personal fighter is making preparations to leave rather rapidly. They can see equipment being loaded by a man in armor familiar with your report... with a child by his side." 

 

"It's Fett." Kenobi said in a determined voice. 

 

"Sending you his coordinates. I'll have your personal fighter planetside within minutes. Try and stall him if you can. I'll have the men bring the cruiser around. Hold him long enough and he won't have anywhere to run." Lelouch said as Obi Wan gave a quick nod and broke into a run. 

 

Unexpectedly, at least to the Kaminoans, Lelouch simply leaned back on the observation deck. 

 

The Kaminoan overseeing the conversation with Lelouch hesitated, their large, serene eyes blinking slowly as they processed his unexpected response. The calm demeanor of Lelouch seemed to unnerve them, a stark contrast to the urgency of the situation with the bounty hunter Jango Fett and the Jedi Master racing to intercept him. 

 

"Your lack of concern is... puzzling," the Kaminoan finally responded, their voice tinged with a hint of unease. "The Jedi is in pursuit of a dangerous individual, and yet you choose to remain here, speaking with me?" 

 

Lelouch's violet eyes glimmered with calculated intent as he turned his gaze fully on the Kaminoan, his posture relaxed, almost casual. "Master Kenobi is more than capable of handling himself, even against Fett. But what truly concerns me is the larger picture, the... intricacies of what you and your people have been working on here in Kamino." 

 

The Kaminoan straightened, their expression still impassive, though there was a subtle tension in their elongated neck. "The cloning project is well within the parameters agreed upon by the Republic. Our work is purely in service of the contract provided by your government." 

 

Lelouch smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Oh, I have no doubt that you're fulfilling your contract to the letter. But we both know that this project has far-reaching implications—implications that go beyond the confines of Kamino and the scope of what the Jedi might be aware of. I'd like to discuss those." 

 

The Kaminoan hesitated again, clearly conflicted. They were not used to such direct questioning, especially from someone who was supposed to be a representative of the Republic. "What is it you wish to know, Lord Lelouch? Our operations here are transparent." 

 

"Transparency is a lovely word," Lelouch mused, "but we both know that not all aspects of this operation are meant to be transparent, especially to those who lack the... necessary perspective to understand their importance." 

 

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intensifying. "What I'm interested in, is the contingency planning you've implemented. You see, I have a particular interest in ensuring that this army you're creating will serve its true purpose when the time comes. I want to know about the fail-safes, the measures that have been put in place to ensure that this army will act according to certain... directives." 

 

The Kaminoan's calm demeanor faltered ever so slightly. "I am not certain I understand your meaning, Lord Lelouch." 

 

Lelouch's smile returned, sharper now. "Come now, let's not play coy. The inhibitor chips, the programming embedded within the clones—I'm fully aware of these, and I want to ensure that they will serve the desired ends when activated. The future of the galaxy may very well depend on it." 

 

The Kaminoan's eyes widened, the implication of Lelouch's knowledge sinking in. "These matters are classified at the highest level," heresponded, their voice barely above a whisper. 

 

"And yet, here we are discussing them," Lelouch replied smoothly. "You see, I have certain... expectations of this grand design, and I intend to ensure that everything is proceeding according to those expectations. To ensure you match my expectations, I'm willing to place my trust in you, in your dedication to your people." Lelouch asid as he started circling the prime minister. "Should the war go as intended, your people will have served their purpose... and what remains of Kamino, will be a smoldering wreck. My master, Darth Tyranus's master" he saw the Kaminoan's eyes widen at that name. "will make sure of that." 

 

"The republic will not... cannot be convinced of this. Not after we gave them the army needed to win... to survive the war." Lama Su said desperately. 

 

"You will find that if his plans are to come to fruition... then there will no republic. But words are just that. Instead, let me show you..." 

 

'His mind is strong, and your strength lies in dominating, let me handle this.' The Lord of Change uttered in all seriousness. Lelouch didn't even feel the usual drain of the force, such was the skill of one who was used to change the rules of living beings on mere whims. 

 

In the eyes of the Kaminoan the ground suddenly gave way, and all he could see was Kamino, surrounded by a fleet of ships never seen before, bearing a symbol he had not seen before. 

 

The beauty of the planet lasted only for a moment, as soon it was turned into a ball of fire. 

 

"We... we were loyal," Lama Su stammered, his voice trembling with shock and disbelief. "We never uttered a single word, not even to the Jedi... Why? WHY?" 

 

"Because he can," Lelouch answered, his tone chillingly calm. "Because change demands destruction. I won't deceive you, Prime Minister—I will do the same to countless other races. I will annihilate everything and everyone that stands in my way. This galaxy, that is so unwilling to change, I will tear it down, planet by planet if necessary, and a better one will be built from its ruins." 

 

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "But should you choose to join me, I can promise you a place beside those who remain. I truly value what your race is capable of. Stand with me, and Kamino will have a future in the new order I will create." 

 

... 

 

After a long, tense silence, Lama Su finally spoke, his voice subdued but steady. "I understand the necessity of change, Lord Lelouch. Kamino has always thrived by adapting to the needs of those who hold power. If this galaxy is to be reshaped, then it is in our best interest to align with the force that will shape it." 

 

Lelouch's lips curled into a slight smile, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his violet eyes. "A wise decision, Prime Minister. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded. Kamino will have a place in the new order—one where your people's skills and knowledge will be indispensable." 

 

Lama Su inclined his head in a gesture of submission. "We will ensure to not fall short of your expectations." 

 

As they departed, Lelouch looked at the small computer on his wrist, typing away for a moment before rejoining the waiting prime minister. 

 

----------------------- 

 

Somewhere, on route towards Kamino, out of nowhere a fleet dropped out of hyperspace. 

 

Within the leading ship, inside the control room, a droid approached another one, with clear yellow paint on its head indicating its rank. 

 

"Captain. Fleet has successfully dropped out of hyperspace. Awaiting further orders." 

 

"Mission on Kamino has been completed. Glassing has been canceled." 

 

"Oh well..." the droid next to him said with slumped shoulders. 

 

"Return to original course. Follow the indicated route and then return to dormant flying, awaiting reactivation sequence." 

 

"ROGER ROGER!" 

 

A.N: Actually meant for this to be the battle on Geonosis but got a little carried away on this part, decided to make a chapter out of it. Will most likely continue tonight. Hope you enjoyed, feel free to leave any ideas or suggestions, doesn't matter how strange, wild or anything of the sort that comes to your mind, might just give me some inspiration. Also what would you like to focus more and less on? 

F.Y.I : Plan to watch The Clone Wars and continue with that, as I'm not well versed in Star Wars events so do leave any upcoming event you think might be imprtant below in the comments so i can look it up.