Echo and I have scoured through Imperial and Republic files,
but intel about the Advanced Science Division is limited.
Do we know where they're detaining Crosshair and the other clones?
Negative. Their base of operations is unknown.
Well, what about their chief scientist?
There is even less on Dr. Hemlock, and I was very thorough.
He is a ghost.
Not quite.
According to a contact of mine,
Hemlock's set to attend a high-level Imperial summit in two rotations.
Where?
Tarkin's compound on Eriadu.
If we do a covert infiltration,
we can plant a homing beacon on Hemlock's ship and track him to his base.
And to Crosshair.
Hmm, it won't be that simple.
We'd be at a tactical disadvantage, and I'm not sure it's worth the risk.
I understand your hesitation.
We have not always agreed with Crosshair, but he is still our brother.
We do not leave our own behind.
If there's a chance to get him back, we have to take it.
- Definitely. - What about reinforcements?
Well, Rex is on a separate mission, so it's just us.
A small enough team to get in and out without alerting them.
But we'll need to move quickly.
Well, then let's get started.
So, where you all headed?
It's a covert mission.
Oh, I see.
Well, I expect details when you get back.
Bye, Phee.
So, you were just going to leave without saying goodbye.
That is correct.
Did you require a briefing?
You know, when two friends are talking, it's called a conversation.
Well, don't go running off
with any pirates or smugglers while you're gone.
Yes.
This mission should not involve either.
That's not exactly what I was getting at.
See you around, brown eyes.
Governor Tarkin's been expecting you.
This way.
You're late, Hemlock.
There were matters that required my attention.
Now that we're all finally here, we can begin.
I have identified a suitable location to land outside their sensor range.
How are we bypassing those cruisers?
Using a clearance code Rex and I acquired from one of our contacts.
Good to have you back, Echo.
Just like old times.
Wrecker, man the tail gun. Just in case.
You got it.
Transmitting clearance codes.
If this doesn't work, be ready to fly out of here.
Vessel 1143, you are clear for approach.
Let's make this quick,
before they realize we didn't land at the base.
What kind of approach are we making?
A side-wind breach?
It worked on Raxus.
It won't work here.
The Empire's protocols have changed since then.
Thanks to us.
No tanks and no explosions this time, Wrecker.
Fine.
Hmm. The compound is heavily fortified.
But there's a weak point in the rail line that we can exploit.
We'll sneak past the sensor and hitch a ride under one of the cars.
You mean hang? Over that?
Well, it's the only way to access the compound unnoticed.
Tech, disable the sensor.
That would trigger an alert.
I can temporarily disrupt the feed,
but I estimate only 30 seconds for us to clear the zone before it reactivates.
We must be precise.
What? I can handle it!
Stand by.
Another railcar is approaching.
Are we set?
Not yet.
Detecting a malfunction in sensor 38-11.
Recycle the feed.
The sensor is down. Move in!
Anything from the sensor reading?
Negative.
- Run a full system diagnostic. - Yes, sir.
Halfway there.
This isn't so bad.
Never mind.
Phased, widespread deployment will ensure a secure military presence
across all sectors.
The galaxy is at a critical juncture.
Where allegiances were once divided,
we must establish a comprehensive strategy for galactic unification
to deter dissent and rampant self-interest.
Toward that end,
Dr. Hemlock, what do you have to report on your Advanced Science Division?
The progress we are making in the field of cloning is
of great importance to the Emperor.
Once we fully unlock the secrets previously known only to the Kaminoans,
we will ensure an enlightened society
through their advanced technology and molecular alteration.
And how long will that take?
The funding you have requested, Hemlock, is quite substantial.
Science is not something you rush.
And with more clone troopers being decommissioned,
I have found a new purpose for them.
Test subjects to aid in my research.
That's a solution that solves a number of problems.
And these clones have agreed to your experimentation?
They are Imperial property.
Their cooperation is not required.
There are many in the Senate who are fighting for clone rights.
If word of this gets out, it could prove detrimental to our goals.
The location and operations under my purview
are far from the eyes and ears of the Senate.
And everyone else.
If I may, I served with the clones for many years.
They are cunning warriors. Loyal to the end.
Are we all willing to just dismiss them out of hand?
I also served with the clones
and found them, at times, to be very unpredictable.
Under Jedi leadership, they adopted a concerning level of individuality.
And what happens if they become aware of what's happening
and take up arms against us?
Well, some already have.
And we will deal with them,
swiftly and unilaterally to quell any threat of a clone uprising.
Now, Commander Krennic,
enlighten us to the status of Project Star Dust.
Yes, Governor Tarkin.
Which ship is Hemlock's?
We need to access the hangar manifest from the control room.
Tech, Echo, with me.
You two, plant the homing beacon.
I'll monitor their security channels.
Found it.
Hemlock's shuttle is at docking lane four.
Copy that.
Hmm. Something's not right.
Many of the surveillance systems have had cycled deactivations in various corridors.
That is highly irregular,
considering the number of top-ranking Imperial officers present.
Tech, let's check it out.
Echo, keep an eye on things.
That's Hemlock's ship.
It's too exposed. How are we supposed to get to it?
There's not enough cover for me, but there is for you.
You think you can handle it?
Not a problem.
Hmm, good. Here, take the beacon.
I'll keep an eye out.
Okay, the homing beacon is secure.
Wait. There's more heading your way.
I'm pinned down.
Stay in position. I'll divert them.
Huh?
- Hey, wait! - Look out!
Oh.
Oops.
Sir, we have a crane malfunction in the hangar.
And several surveillance systems appear to be offline in sector 4.
What? Send a squad and secure the rail line.
Another offline camera.
This quadrant of the surveillance system has been fully deactivated.
I do not like this. We should leave.
Tech.
A thermal explosive.
Someone is targeting this base.
One charge will not cause much damage.
Good thing we have more.
Didn't expect to find you two here.
Saw Gerrera.
I told you on Onderon you had a choice to make.
Looks like you've chosen.
Keep an eye out.
What exactly is your plan here?
I'm leveling this compound, along with all the Imperials inside it.
Can't let you do that.
We're tracking one of the officers.
We need to find his base where clones are being imprisoned,
including one of our own.
You expect me to call this off to save a few prisoners?
We are trying to fight an Empire.
Have you considered that by destroying this facility
you are wiping out any chance to gather intel that could help your cause?
Taking out several of their top commanders is a good start.
Well, that victory will be short-lived
as their ranks will quickly be replenished.
Maybe so.
But sacrifices have to be made for the greater good.
We have to go now.
A security team's been alerted.
We've been compromised.
Get back to the rail line.
Fall back. Get to the hangar.
- We have to hit the command center. - Too late.
Get to a shuttle before they find and disarm the explosives.
Sir, insurgents disguised as troopers have infiltrated the compound.
Switch all communications to encoded channels and find them.
We will resume momentarily.
Take your seats, gentlemen.
As you can see, we are perfectly safe.
- We need an access code. - I'll override it.
Get us out of here!
We're losing power!
This is going to be a problem.