The Bad Batch: Book 2

Part 23: Running Out Of Time

Luna's POV 

Senator Organa: "An assassin? It appears Rampart is resourceful in covering his misdeeds." 

He said as he looked at Riyo, who was walking next to him. I was walking behind them with Riyo's guards behind me. 

Riyo: "Which is why I intend to be equally resourceful. Some assistance of mine is helping produce evidence of his attack on Kamino to present on the Senate." 

She said as she looked back at me. Senator Organa followed her eyes so he could look back at me. At the same time, both of them looked back forwards. 

Senator Organa: "And you're certain they can accomplish this?" 

Riyo: "Very. I won't leave such an important task to chance. Other senators may have intel useful to my efforts." 

Senator Organa: "If you're intent on seeing this through, then there is someone you should speak with. But her cooperation may not be forthcoming. Halle Burtoni." 

Me: "May I ask who is that?" 

Both of them stopped walking so they could look back at me. 

Riyo: "Formal senator for Kamino." 

Senator Organa: "She was part of the Defense Finance Committee before being removed from the office. Follow the money. It always leaves a trail." 

He said before walking away. Riyo wanted to speak to Helle Burtoni so she ordered her guards to bring her to her apartment. As they came walking threw the doors Riyo stood up and turned her body towards Riyo. 

Riyo: "Senator Burtoni. Thank you for coming." 

Burtoni: "Are armed guards really necessary?" 

Riyo nodded to her guards and both of them walked out the doors. 

Riyo: "There is a matter I must discuss with you." 

Burtoni looked at me for a moment before she began to walk towards the seat. 

Burtoni: "Then speak." 

As she took a seat on the chair that was next to the doors Riyo and I took a seat back on the sofa. 

Riyo: "Tell me about the mission Senate appropriation funds that were earmarked for operations on Kamino. Funding for the closing facilities has been siphoned off over the past year. You had to know." 

Burtoni: "Of course I did." 

Riyo: "Where did the money go?" 

Burtoni: "You're a fool to bring me here. Do you know what happens when you dig around where you shouldn't?" 

Riyo: "Your people deserve to"

Burtoni: "My people are gone. The few remaining Kaminoans scattered through the galaxy are of no importance to me, and then for not my concern." 

Me: "How can you not care about what happened to Kamino?" 

Burtoni: "Why do you care girl?" 

Me: "Because I am a clone from Kamino. It was my home. I was there. I saw everything that happened. I know that they do not care about anyone else but themself. But it's not right to just let him get away with this." 

Burtoni: "I suspected an attack was imminent. Lama Su was arrogant. Too confident his clones were a necessity to the Empire. But none of us are." 

Riyo: "Did Amiral Rampart divert the funds?"

Burtoni: "You already know the answers. But yes." 

Riyo: "You must testify in front of the Senate tomorrow. He cannot continue to get away with what he's done." 

Burtoni: "Rampart is a mere cog in the machine. And my word won't do you any good. You need another proof." 

Riyo: "I need both. And I'm running out of time." 

After a few moments of complete silence, Burtoni agreed to testify tomorrow. Saying her goodbyes she left threw the doors and as the doors closed behind her I looked at Riyo. 

Me: "You okay?" 

Riyo: "Yeah. Just worried."

Me: "Rampart must not get away with this." 

Riyo: "I agree. Do you want something to drink?" 

Me: "Sure but nothing strong please." 

Riyo: "Don't worry." 

She brought me a glass that was filled with a blue liquid. As I tasted it my eyes winded in shock. 

Me: "What is this?" 

Riyo: "Juice from blue coconut. You like it?" 

Me: "I lot. Thanks." 

Riyo: "I don't think I will be able to sleep. Do you want to talk?" 

Me: "Sure." 

Riyo: "So what's your story?" 

Me: "My story? There isn't much to tell." 

Riyo: "Everyone has a story. Even if there isn't much to tell." 

Me: "I was created on Kamino. I was kept a secret that only two people knew about. Lama Su and Nala Se. My creates. As one was carrying for me and tried to protect me the other one wasn't that pleasant." 

Riyo: "I didn't know that they made female clones." 

Me: "I am the only one. But I do not share the same DNA with other clones. I am a clone with Jedi doner." 

Riyo: "Really? So that means that..." 

Me: "I am Force-sensitive." 

Riyo: "That is unusual. Don't get me wrong it's cool and all. But I never meet a clone that would be a Force-sensitive or that the donor was a Jedi." 

Me: "Tell me about it." 

I took another sip of my drink and so did she. 

Riyo: "So how did you get involved with the Clones you are with now?" 

Me: "They saved me from Kamino and took me with them. They offered me protection and a home. A home where I could be happy. And I am. They saved my life." 

Riyo: "They care about you. Even if it was for a short moment I could see that they were worried when you said that you wanted to come with me." 

Me: "They always are. They are not just my friends they are my family. I can't imagine a world without them. Losing one would break me. Losing all...." 

Riyo: "They mean everything to you." 

I nodded. Just then I remembered. 

Me: "What did Senator Organa mean earlier?" 

Riyo: "What do you mean?" 

Me: "He called me Arwin. Who is Awrin?" 

Riyo: "Arwin Skywalker." 

My eyes widened a little.

Me: "Skywalker? As the General Sky? Sister of Anaking Skywalker?" 

Riyo: "Yes. You do look like her a little. You have different eye colors and hair colors. The face is almost the same and the body...as well." 

Me: "I never saw her before." 

Riyo: "I can help you with this." 

She stood up and went to get something. Soon she came back with a monitor picture and as I looked down I saw a woman that looked like me. She had long brown hair and light blue eyes.  She had my nose, chin, and cheeks. Also, her body was the same as mine. Even high. 

Me: "This is strange. Do you know what happened to her?" 

Riyo: "I do not know. Maybe you should ask Rex. They were friends." 

Me: "Rex?" 

She nodded.