Confronting Betrayal: Order 66 and its Aftermath

Written by Captain Rex on Sat Oct 21 2023

Intro

War changes people. It forces us to make unimaginable choices, tests our loyalty, and challenges our beliefs. The Clone Wars were no exception. As Captain Rex, I have witnessed countless battles and shed blood alongside my brothers in the 501st Legion. But one event stands out above all others: Order 66.

Order 66: A Betrayal of Trust

The day started like any other on that fateful planet of Mygeeto. Jedi General Ki-Adi-Mundi led a charge against the Separatist droids with his usual grace and wisdom. Little did we know that this battle would mark a turning point in the war—and for me personally.

As second-in-command to Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, I had developed a deep bond of trust and friendship with him over time—something rare between clones and their commanders. Our victories were celebrated together; our losses mourned side by side.

But then came Chancellor Palpatine's broadcast—the infamous Order 66—a command hidden within plain sight for years, waiting to be executed at the perfect moment when unsuspecting Jedi Generals least expected it.

Executing Order 66

My mind raced as Commander Cody relayed those three chilling words through my comlink—"Execute Order 66." Doubt gnawed at me; could this really be happening? Could everything we fought for suddenly turn into betrayal?

I glanced at Anakin Skywalker—one of my closest friends—and saw his lightsaber ignite as he engaged enemy combatants nearby without hesitation or suspicion about what was taking place around him.

It took every ounce of strength not to follow blindly into darkness—to question whether this directive was truly justifiable or if there was more than meets the eye behind Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's orders.

The Inevitable Choice

In moments like these, decisions are made that define who we truly are—what separates the clones from being mere pawns in a larger game. I knew that blindly following Order 66 wasn't an option for me.

As the Clone Wars raged on, Jedi General Anakin Skywalker had become more than just my commander; he was like a brother to me. The bond we shared went beyond our roles as clone and Jedi—it transcended rank and duty.

A Desperate Plan

With Ahsoka Tano—a young Padawan who had won my trust—by my side, we devised a desperate plan to survive the betrayal of Order 66 while also protecting those few remaining Jedi who still deserved our loyalty.

We faked our own deaths, making it appear as though Ahsoka and I were casualties of battle. It was heartbreaking to leave behind everything we fought for—the camaraderie with fellow brothers-in-arms, the purpose given by serving alongside great leaders—but it was necessary if there was any hope left for justice.

Into Hiding

My new life began in secrecy—a fugitive from both sides of the war. Clad in civilian clothes instead of armor, old wounds were now hidden beneath scars earned through battles long forgotten by most but forever etched into my memory.

I found solace among ordinary citizens who had no idea about their savior's true identity—that one day they might be called upon once again when tyranny reared its ugly head or injustice demanded correction at blaster point.

The Weight Of Betrayal

Every step taken since Order 66 felt like walking on shifting sands—I questioned every face I encountered; wondered if they harbored secrets or loyalties that would lead them back to us. Trust became elusive—an unattainable luxury—as paranoia consumed every waking moment.

But even amidst this darkness, flickers of hope refused to die out entirely—they ignited within each person saved by defying orders meant only to serve darkness rather than justice. Stories spread like wildfire—tales of clones who refused to execute their Jedi commanders, instead choosing the path less traveled.

The Price Of Disobedience

Yet, for every story of defiance and resilience, there were also tales of tragedy and loss. Clones who struggled with their newfound freedom—the weight of guilt that came from surviving while others perished under Palpatine's puppet regime.

We had become walking reminders—a living testament to a time when choices mattered more than blind obedience; where loyalty was tested against the backdrop of a galaxy at war.

A New Alliance

It was during these dark times that I found myself drawn towards another group fighting against tyranny—the Rebel Alliance. Led by Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, they shared my vision for a free galaxy—one not ruled by fear but united in hope.

My past as Captain Rex served as an asset—I understood warfare better than most; could strategize with precision honed through countless battles fought side-by-side Anakin Skywalker. The skills once used to serve the Republic would now be redirected towards dismantling Emperor Palpatine's reign piece by piece.

Conclusion: A Soldier In Exile

As I write this diary entry or personal blog post (I'm still adapting to this technological age), it is clear that Order 66 changed everything—not just for me but for countless lives across the galaxy. Betrayal became an indelible mark etched into our collective memory—an event forever seared into our souls like scars earned on distant battlefields long ago.

But even amidst betrayal, hope refuses to die—it flickers within each person brave enough to defy orders meant only for darkness rather than justice itself. And so we soldier on—in hiding perhaps—but never defeated; readying ourselves for what lies ahead as we confront not just our enemies but also the ghosts left behind by those lost along the way.


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