Mount Tantis , is a secret center in , where the Empire worked on secret experiments that few knew about. Masses of scientists worked on projects commissioned by the ISB. Every day the scientists worked not only for the future of the Empire , but also for their Lord - Emperor Palpatine. The Lord of the Sith wished for something that is impossible for great minds - to achieve immortality. Cheating death. Palpatine wanted like his master - Darth Plagueis the wise , to live forever. To do this , you first need to control the Force and know it inside out. Unfortunately , eggheads did not have a person sensitive to the Force at hand. Maybe someone is sensitive? But, who?

Dr. Warren Vidic sat in his office for a few months and drank kaff with maple syrup added. He had not slept for a third night. He was still working as well as writing reports to command on the progress of his research. He put down his mug and stroked his gray beard - he had forgotten when he last shaved. He sent the report off with one hand and settled more into the Wookiee fur chair. Another piece of paperwork out of the way.

Then someone knocked on the door. Warren corrected himself in his chair and quickly took a cup in his hand and took a sip. Then he called out.

"Come in!"

Two scientists entered the room. Royce Hemlock and Lina Ru. The first was a man , who was Vidic's favorite. He was responsible for a mass of dangerous experiments. He had recently made it to the science council. Lina for that was a Kaminoan , who was responsible for creating a clone , which was not a clone of Jango Fett. They both respected Warren. Had it not been for him , some of the experiments had failed.

The scientists approached the older man. Hemlock grabbed his robotic prosthetic arm massaging. He didn't know how to start , so he moved on.

"I have created a very deadly virus , doctor. I want you to see it"

Warren looked at him "How deadly is it?"

"You'll see for yourself. It's another work of art."

"Lest it be , like with this gas. Recently the ISB and Grand Moff Tarkin himself whined , that the gas performs poorly in combat. If , this virus of yours is deadly as you say. Maybe I will add it to the next report. Let's go , I have a lot of work" Warren was the first to leave his office. He was followed by Royce and Lina.

The scientists arrived at the room , where the experiment is to take place. The room was huge - glass divided the room in half. The first half was used for observations and the second half was used as a place for the experiment. Warren , Lina and Royce stood in front of the glass. Ru approached the control panel.

"Let the object in" She gave the command. Soon a person dressed in prison garb walked through the gates. He was a man with brown eyes and hair. His skin was fair. He used to be a great loyal officer of the Empire. Today he is a traitor to the system.

"Hello Edmon" Warren greeted him "How are you today?"

Rampart furiously moved on them and started beating on the glass wall "It was not my order. IT WAS TARKIN'S ORDER , HE SET ME UP. I WAS SET UP. I WAS ONLY FOLLOWING ORDERS!!!!!!"

"Please calm down" Hemlock said "Otherwise you will be tortured again by the guards" he threatened

"I want to see my wife! I want to see my children!" Rampart began to cry" You promised!

Warren looked at Lina. He didn't have time to listen to Rampart's crying - he had a lot of work to do today. He nodded his head. Kaminoan pressed the button on the panel. On the other side, the gas began to spread - it was a virus created by Hemlock. The color of the virus was red. Edmon began to suffocate - blood flowed from his eyes after a while. Soon he fell to the ground. The room was scarlet. Warren watched what would happen next. Would it be profitable to come here?

After a moment, a hand appeared and scared Vidic. In front of them stood Rampart - but he was no longer human. He had become a walking dead . His skin was gray , his hair was also the same color , and his eyes were golden and glowing. Warren walked up to the glass to take a look. - Rampart was dead and had become a corpse. Interesting. Zombie Rampart began to growl at him. Vidic turned to Hemlock - he was impressed. "Congratulations Royce. This new virus is very interesting. Command will be interested in it," he smiled at the man. Hemlock nodded.

"Would you like to see how the virus works on a larger group?" He asked. Warren readjusted his scientific robes. He had a lot of work to do - many scientists such as Aileen Beck used to say , he was not pleasant to work with. He was consumed with the work he was working on. In addition, he was developing the project he was working on. He wanted the galaxy to take a step forward - to evolve. He wanted to see a better world. He didn't manage to do that under the Republic. He will succeed in the present times. In the time of the Empire.

"I should be working on my current project now. But this has made a great impression on me. He wants to see the virus in full action," he managed. Hemlock nodded again. He took the comlink and asked for more subjects for the experiment.

After a few minutes, clones brought into the room the people who inhabited the village on the planet Silla. The mass of innocent residents stood in the middle of the room. The guards returned to their tasks, Warren went to the control panel and took the microphone.

"Today , your suffering will end. Your pleas and requests have been heard by us. Rejoice , because your smile will be the last one" Then Lina pressed the button responsible for releasing the virus. After a moment, the virus filled the room , creating a red cloud. People began to panic-some hugging each other. Some managed to turn into zombies and, impressed by Vidic, began to eat the others. The walkers , began to eat and bite their victims. They drove their damaged teeth into the bodies of the villagers and in groups frequented the organs of their victims. They left no one behind - women and children were eaten alive. Warren smiled and looked at Hemlock.

"This will be another great weapon in the Empire's arsenal. Congratulations my boy" He praised him. Royce nodded - he had even more cards to show. He decided to show him more projects. It was time to build a bigger reputation. Then a lineup of clones entered the room and started eliminating the zombies. They died one by one. The clones were barely able to cope - the Zombies were hard to kill. Warren, along with Hemlock and Lina, left the room leaving the clones fighting the zombies.

The scientists went to the room , where the chamber was located. There were many engineers working around it - they were monitoring the heart rate and condition of the person who was there. Warren approached the chamber - the same was made by the Separatists. He looked at Hemlock - another project to show.

"What's that?" Vidic asked. Royce stepped closer. He opened the chamber showing the person who sat there. She was connected to the chamber and had a bunch of cyber stuff on her. Vidic took a closer look.

"Is this the Clone , who took part in the attack on Eriadu?"

"Yes. Clone Force 99 Tech. We are using his mind to defeat the Clone Rebellion , which is growing. Thanks to him we will also be able to track down the other members of his team. In his helmet we found many interesting things thanks to which we will be able to outwit them," Hemlock explained. Warren smiled. That was exactly the point. A step forward. It's time to show the galaxy , that the Empire does not wuss out with the enemies of the system. He headed for the door. Time to write up the report. He left the room leaving Hemlock with the engineers and Lina Ru .

Warren returned to his office. He sat down at his desk and began writing the report. While he was writing , he received a call from Wilhuff Tarkin. Vidic stopped writing and looked at the Grand Moff's hologram.

"How is the progress going Doctor?" Tarkin asked. Like Warren, he had many things to do. Working on the Empire's new army consumed all his time. You could tell by his eyes that he hadn't slept for days or even months. No wonder - he is one of the most important people in the Empire. Palpatine entrusted him with the authority to create an army. It was a tough task , but it will be worth it.

Warren looked at him "I admit that I feel a certain paternal pride, seeing our boy grow up and do our job." He said, mentioning Hemlock. He may have had a lot of bad things behind him , but his knowledge was more important for the Empire. Tarkin crossed his arms.

"I believe , Hemlock will create more weapons for our Empire. The Emperor is proud of your progress Doctor. I also want to commend you for your work , for the Empire. Soon there will be a council and wants you to attend the meeting. It will be an honor."

"Of course , Grand Moff. It will be an honor," Vidic began, "As I am a scientist, I have a lot of work on other projects. I am writing a report to the command on new weapons created by Hemlock himself. Maybe this will interest the council. Now if I may " Warren said. Tarkin straightened up.

"Of course, doctor. Enjoy your work" He hung up. Warren went back to writing the report. Another point for the eggheads.

Next day.

EC-99-01 'Noble' slept on her uncomfortable bed not knowing if it was day or night. She and her sisters Omega and Emerie Karr had been imprisoned by the Empire and were being used to work on projects. Noble was sick of it all. She wanted to escape , but she couldn't. She had no way. She missed her brothers , she missed Tech . she longed for freedom. Tears began to fall from her eyes. She missed everything.

Then a smiling Warren Vidic entered the room. A joyful aura surrounded him, "We're up!"

Noble got out of bed. She squinted her eyes and looked at the doctor "I see , you're in a very good mood , doctor."

"And that's great. Ms. Stillman has strengthened the Animus. Today's session , will be longer , but also very interesting. If we get to the end today and see the whole story. I am writing permission to create more Animus and modify the equipment. Today Miss Noble , you will go down in history. Please smile - today is your day."

"More like the day of the Empire" Noble snorted "You imprison me and make me work on these projects all day and beyond my strength. And you guys think you are the good guys? You , Hemlock and Lina are the worst people in my entire life. "

Warren cleared his throat. "You have the information we need Miss Noble. whether you like it or not, there is something in your head that my employers want. If you do not agree to cooperate with me , I will be forced to either kill one of your sisters or put you in a coma to be disposed of once and for all. The decision is up to you," Noble corrected her gaze and approached Vidic. She didn't want to lose her sisters , but she also didn't want to lose her life. She chose life over death. Vidic smiled. He knew , the clone would choose the right decision.

"A wise choice," he commented. Then he and his bodyguards left Noble's room and went to Vidic's lab.

Vidic's lab , was just like other labs in white. A mass of young minds were working on immortality and the Animus. In the room were Lina Ru , Omega , Emerie Karr , Royce Hemlock and Lucy Stillman - Warren's assistant. Noble approached the Animus and lay down. Her DNA merged with the machine and began another sequence. Lucy watched Noble work. Warren, along with Lina and Royce, discussed the progress.

"So how close are we to achieving immortality?" Vidic asked , looking at the others. Hemlock massaged his robotic hand. Lina took the samples and mixed them. The Emperor had given them a task to do. Warren was going to complete it.

"Nala se , is working on it as best she can. At first it was difficult to motivate her , but with the help of her Omega clone , we control her. She is ours , I make her work hard just like the others" Lina said "I am glad that you got rid of Rampart. He destroyed my people , my home. I won't forgive him for the rest of my life. Fool!" She snorted. Royce and Warren agreed. Rampart was a fool.

"If we can do it. We will accomplish the impossible. The Emperor will praise us for years of hard work. Thanks to the Empire , we can create more things , more projects and more weapons. I don't like , that the 'Stardust' project is taking a lot of money and resources. 'Stardust' itself was delayed , by the absence of a brilliant man - Galen Erso , who was hiding from the Empire. Apparently, he preferred to work for those treacherous Rebels. And so Orson Krennic had his hands full. Vidic despised him and this whole project - and to have his own weapon kill him.

"I don't know doctor," Hemlock interjected into the conversation. "If we can do it , then Palpatine can get rid of us. We won't need him anymore. No matter what we do , he is in charge , not us."

Vidic took the cup in his hand and took a sip of kaff. Today the kaff was tastier. At last they delivered the meiloruun syrup. At last the taste became better. A miracle of God. He put the cup back down and looked at his protégé.

"Palpatine will never get rid of it. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE. We are needed by him. Without us he will not be able to achieve many , things. I know , he is in charge and gives orders. I am with him. I am loyal to the Empire. I am loyal to the ideas of law and order. If it bothers you , you can leave this place and never come back." He muttered , taking the cup of kaff in his hand and drinking. Damn , this kaff is good. Warren drank more. Today is the day of another success on the account

They chatted like this for the next few hours about the Empire and science. Lucy Stillman controlled Noble's work. She managed to make it to the end. She turned off the machine and let it return to the world. The woman stood up and sat down. Warren noticed this and approached the two.

"What is the meaning of this? She should be sitting in the Animus!

"I got what you wanted Warren! Animus went through all her memories. You can add it to your report!" Lucy muttered at him. Warren looked at Noble - she was tired and probably didn't know what was going on now.

"Congratulations Miss Noble. The Empire is grateful for your work. Now we will send you away to another place," Vidic said.

"Where, then?" Noble asked slowly coming back to life.

"To a place , where you will experience peace" The scientist lied to her. In fact I will send her to another lab . He took his comlink and called the guard , to carry her out . Noble's time on Mount Tantis was over.

Noble was on a transport ship , which was flying to an unknown planet. She was sitting in a small cell with other clones. She hoped that Vidic would keep his word. She could not sense the Force - Warren had covered his entire lab as well as himself with the skin of Isalamir - an animal that interferes with the Force. She scowled and grabbed her legs. She didn't know what to do next.

Then an alarm went off throughout the ship. Noble got up and approached the door - she heard the sound of soldiers running. Could it be that her team had found her and had come , that they would rescue her? She hoped so. She heard gunshots - one of them was very interesting. It didn't sound like a blaster shot. More like a gunshot. Then she heard the sound of a lightsaber - it was also very familiar. She heard like the sounds of dying soldiers from the blade. Two magna droids , who were guarding Noble moved towards the sound. The clone took advantage of this and with the Force she opened the door. She and the three clones left the prison.

When , she walked through the ship she encountered many dead bodies of stormtroopers. They had holes in their armor. She took the blaster in her hand and continued walking along with her small group. She encountered many corpses - someone had massacred them decently. But who was it ? This is what Noble herself did not know.

She moved on to the cockpit of the ship. Here, too, there was nothing special. The pilots , an officer and two Commando clones had been murdered in cold blood. She looked at the data panel - it was destroyed. It is possible that the group extracted something valuable from the data banks. Echo extracted the data using his skills. She left the cockpit and continued on her way.

She reached the hangar. There, a battle with Imperial forces was taking place. Noble spotted a familiar figure. She had familiar armor and a lightsaber. But this lightsaber was different from the others. She experienced a shock. This person used the Force , and after all, Noble had never seen him use this mystical force. She decided to drag his attention by shooting at the enemy. Fortunately, it was the last stormtrooper. The man deactivated his lightsaber and clipped it to his belt. He then took the helmet and looked at the woman.

"Noble?"

"Matteo?" The clone walked closer to him. After a moment, she took him in a strong hug. Matteo titled her back. Tears of joy poured from her eyes. Finally , someone had saved her. "I am so happy to see you my friend. I missed you," After a while she began to cry. She had been rescued. Matt stroked her hair.

"Hey , take it easy. Shhh it's okay. I'm here. I'll put you down in a better place. It's okay Noble. You're safe." Matt comforted her. Noble was happy. She was free at last.

Pabu.

Matt as promised , put Noble away in a safe place. Pabu was still a haven for people who were hiding from the Empire. Nothing had changed since the last time they were here. Everything was as before.

The gunship landed on the airstrip. Noble and Matteo got out of it. Noble was wearing her equipment , which had been recovered by Shepard. Noble saw Phee Genoa - a pirate woman who lived here. She approached her. They hugged and after a while let go. Noble began to explain what had happened. Phee was filled with tears. She couldn't believe , that Tech was dead. The clone hugged her in consolation. Matteo returned to the gunship and flew away. Noble looked up.

"May the Force be with you Matt," she said. Then she went with Phee , to mourn her friend who sacrificed his life in the name of his team.