It was finally over. Cadence and Luna watched with satisfied smiles as Poggle the Lesser was dragged in cuffs onto the shuttle that would take him to his temporary prison aboard the Venator. The leader of the Geonosians was captured after he tried to escape into a large catacomb beneath the planet. The two alicorns had no idea what happened down in the catacombs, and, for once, the Generals weren’t keen on sharing the details. All they knew was that two whole squads were lost down there; killed in horrific ways by the Geonosian Guards.

“I just can’t wait to get off this rock.” Luna said, letting out a sigh of exhaustion. It had been a hard fight, costing them a lot of good men. But now, they could rest with the knowledge that they had shut down the factories on this planet for good.

“Same, I can’t wait to just nap on the Venator.” Luna turned to look at her sister, but spotted a certain padawan on approach.

“Something tells me we’re not going to nap much, Cadence.” The pink alicorn turned to see Ahsoka walking up to them. Her expression was one of annoyance and expected boredom. Which meant she had an assignment that had nothing to do with combat. Great.

“Cadence, we got an assignment. Master Windu needs medical supplies on Dantooine, and my Master volunteered Barris and I to do it.” Cadence raised an eyebrow.

Ahsoka caught the look and sighed. “Master Kenobi volunteered for you as well.” Cadence followed the padawan’s example and groaned in annoyance.

“Of course he did.” Luna chuckled.

“Chin up, sister. It’ll be a nice bonding experience for you and Ahsoka.” Cadence gave her sister a look.

“Guarding medical supplies is anything but a bonding experience, Luna. Besides, my company is already on board the Venator.”

Luna thought for a moment, then had an idea. “I’ll contact Trap and his platoon. They’ll help provide security.” Cadence nodded in thanks, and followed Ahsoka. Luna watched them go before activating her comms.

“Trap, this is Captain Luna. I’ve got a nice little assignment for you.”

Cadence watched as Ahsoka, Barriss, and Tango Company boarded the medical frigate. None of the troopers were wearing their helmets, which didn’t surprise the alicorn. The fighting was over, and the planet’s temperature reminded her too much of the kitchen during lunch. She scanned each man’s face. Something she learned to do with her company, should they ever need someone to talk to. Clones were bred to never talk about their feelings, but that couldn’t stop the natural process of facial expressions. It was her way of understanding what each trooper was thinking, how they were feeling, and if they were hurt in any way.

All she saw were three expressions from the troopers of Tango Company. Relaxed smiles, tired eyes, and bored out of their wits. Pretty standard. No troopers liked going on supply runs, especially after a big battle where their adrenaline was still coursing through their veins, but Cadence knew that the 501st tried to avoid it like the plague.

Trap and his men must’ve done something to Luna for her to be pissed off at them, if she had them assigned to the mission. She was about to turn in and board the ship when she caught the expression of a clone in the rear of the boarding party. A bald trooper with a vaded blue X on his chest plate. His eyes were scanning the horizon, occasionally looking at the straps of his backpack. His movement was careful, as if he were stepping on eggshells. He must have something in his pack, something he should not be carrying. Anyone who was paying attention like she was would see how suspicious it was.

Granted, it was probably something minor. Clones took trophies all the time, whenever they felt they could get away with it. If it was harmless stuff, like a souvenir from a civilian or a piece of food they paid for, then she didn’t care. But if it was military contraband, like droid pieces or equipment, she made sure they were caught, punished, and had their stuff confiscated.

Considering that Geonosis was not friendly in any interpretation of the word, the trooper had something on the contraband list, and was trying not to get caught.

Cadence was going to have to talk to him later about it. Right now, however, she wanted to lay down in a comfy bed in the officer’s quarters. Cadence followed the troopers aboard, the ramp closing behind her. As soon as it closed, the ship lurched and took off into the vast space around Geonosis. It wasn’t long before they entered Hyperspace.

None of them were aware of the danger everyone was now in.

It was later into the voyage when Cadence felt hungry, so she decided to head to the mess hall while the rest of the troopers slept. The ship was running on skeleton crew, since they were in secure space in a pretty fast ship. There was little cause for concern. The security was just a formality. She passed the trooper, Scythe as she found out, again as he was on his way to the sleeping quarters, but ignored him in favor of food.

She arrived at the mess hall and walked over to the kitchen window. The crew wasn’t operating at the moment, since almost everyone was asleep, but there were still some quick to grab options that didn’t require cooking.

It was mostly slop and some fruit. But hey, it would keep her tied over until she could get some proper food from the medical station. The lights were dimmed, which gave off an eerie vibe, and the alicorn suddenly felt uneasy, like something was gnawing at her mind.

The doors behind her shot open, frightening the young captain, who unconsciously reached for a blaster. She quickly realized she didn’t have one, but decided to play it off cool with a quick calming exhale. She turned to see Ahsoka and Barriss approaching.

“Ah, Ahsoka, Commander Offee. Good to see you.”

“Captain, please.” Unduli’s Padawan said shyly. “Just call me Barriss.”

Cadence smiled. “Only if you call me Cadence, ma’am.” Barriss nodded, and the alicorn stepped aside so that the two girls could grab some of the food left out. All three sat down and dug into their food.

“So, Cadence.” Ahsoka said suddenly before gulping down some paste. “How ya feeling?”

“A little tense, but that’s normal.”

Barriss raised an eyebrow. “Is it?” Her Master had always taught her that feelings only existed to cloud your judgement, make you make mistakes. It was why she was trained to ignore her feelings.

“It is, it’s what makes us human. Well, relatively speaking.” Cadence explained. “That’s why we’re more superior to droids. We have a conscience, we can feel. Soldiers with feelings, who follow them, will always be superior to machines.”

“I’m… not sure I follow.” Cadence looked at the Padawan for a moment before nodding.

“Right, so think about this. We’re fighting to liberate people oppressed by the Separatists. We’d be fighting in front of the people. Would you rather they see droids simply following orders, uncaring of who or what gets in their way, ignoring the pleas for help or the cries of the wounded. No, you want people who have the ability to respond to such a thing.”

“But, won’t emotions lead to making mistakes, making poor judgments?”

Cadence shrugged. “Possibly, but why ignore feelings? Why deny half of yourself?”

Barriss looked at the trooper in surprise. A few minutes ago, Ahsoka couldn’t even rest in a bed, all jittery and wasting energy. She was too excited about combat that she couldn’t comprehend peaceful times. It was moments like then that made her think her Master was right. But from what Cadence explained, it seemed like emotions made who you are.

Barriss’ eyes wandered over to her fellow padawan, who seemed lost in thought. “Ahsoka, are you alright?”

The Togrutan looked up at her in surprise, as if she was just shaken from a dream. She looked at Barriss, then Cadence, then back to her food.

“I was just thinking about what you said earlier, about enjoying the peace while it lasts.”

“Good words to live by.” Cadence said absentmindedly.

“As a Jedi,” Ahsoka continued, “I’m not sure how to do that.”

“Master Windu says we are Keepers of the Peace, not warriors.” Barriss stated. “However, once the War is over, it will be our job to Maintain the Peace.”

“Yes, but would we do as Keepers of the Peace, or Warriors?” Barriss thought about it for a few moments as Ahsoka continued. “And, what’s the difference?”

“I don’t have all the answers, Ahsoka.” Barriss concluded. “Like you, I am, but a Learner.” She grabbed her drink. “What does your Master tell you?”

“Anakin? Oh, uh…” Ahsoka wasn’t sure how to answer that question without making her Master out to be another Count Dooku. “You might find his ideas about the Future a little… radical.”

Cadence scoffed. “I think you mean realistic.” The alicorn had heard Luna talking about what her General had said to her in conversation, about how the Jedi could change their ways to be more about the people, how the clones could be of service. Maybe even change the way systems are handled should they decide to protest. It might stop more wars like this one from happening. She also remembered how Ahsoka seemed to agree with some of his ideals, but decided to avoid mentioning that in front og Barriss.

“Really, why?”

“Let’s just say my Master will do what needs to be done.” Ashoka said ominously. “I don’t think Peace will agree with him.”

“Well, I know a few people who might be in the same boat as him.” Cadence added before getting up. “I’m going to go check on the Bridge, see you later.” With that, the two padawans watched her exit out of the mess.

Not even a minute later, two more troopers entered the room, blasters in hand. Ahsoka smiled as they came in.

“Evening Ox, Edge. Care to join us?” The two said nothing, only staring blankly at them. Ahsoka had an uneasy feeling in her stomach. “Something wrong… troopers?” The clones aimed and fired. The padawans whipped out their lightsabers and blocked the first few bolts. Barriss was quick to jump above the bolts while Ahsoka flipped the table to form a barrier. Barriss landed next to her.

“Troopers, stand down!” The clones ignored her orders and instead charged at them. Barriss sliced one trooper’s blaster in two while Ahsoka forced them into the wall, knocking them both unconscious.

Within seconds, the doors opened again, and Trap and another trooper entered the room, blasters raised. Barriss and Ahsoka pointed the tips of their sabers at the troopers’ necks.

‘What are you doing?!” Trap asked in alarm as he raised his hands.

“Two troopers just attacked us, what is going on?!”

“Trap, could you tell us what happened to these men?”

“Couldn’t tell you, Commander. We’re just as confused as you-”

“You’re in charge of those men, did you order them to kill us?!” Barriss demanded, pressing the lightsaber a little closer to the trooper’s jugular.

“No sir, I did not.”

“What’s happening?!” Ahsoka asked, pleading for answers. The doors suddenly opened and Cadence burst.

“What happened, I heard shots!”

“Ox and Edge attacked me and Barris!” Ashoka quickly explained, “And I don’t trust these two!” Cadence’s gaze snapped to the two troopers, then the still intact blaster by Edge’s foot. She quickly used her green magic to grab the blaster and aim at the troopers.

“Weapons on the ground, now!”

“Okay, okay!” Trap said quickly. “Look, no guns.” He and the other trooper placed their blasters on the floor, just out of effective reach. The padawans deactivated their lightsabers and the alicorn lowered the blaster.

“These men wouldn’t just attack us without reason.” Barriss said to get the thoughts going.

“My Master had a clone betray them once, a traitor who was paid off by Ventress.”

“Slick.” Cadence growled. “I remember him, but that’s impossible now. Every conversation clones have outside of their units is monitored, and there is little room for anyone to slip through without other loyal troopers spotting them.”

“It didn’t feel like a betrayal either.” Barriss concluded.

“Excuse me, sir.” Trap said, gaining everyone’s attention. “We should make sure we’re still in control of the Bridge.”

“Bridge, this is Barriss, respond.” All the padawan got on the commlink was static, which meant the crew were either dead or refusing to respond.

“We need to get up there, we need to know what’s going on.”

Barriss shook her head. “But these two could be coming around any minute.”

“Havoc can stay and watch them while we check on the Bridge.” Trap suggested.

“Good idea.” Cadence said. “Let’s go, we’re low on time.” The padawans ran out while Trap grabbed his weapon and followed them. Havoc grabbed his blaster as Cadence approached.

“Let me know when they wake up.” Havoc nodded and turned to the two unconscious troopers while Cadence ran to join the others.

Luna walked onto the bridge of the Venator, passing the other Jedi Generals. She stopped to observe General Skywalker as he passed. She could see his face was full of fear and anger. Something was wrong, and she knew just the clone to ask.

“Rex, what’s going on?” Her fellow captain turned to face her.

“Commander Tano failed to check in on schedule. There hasn’t been any reply from the medical frigate.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed. “Something is wrong.”

“General Skywalker had the same conclusion, but the others persuaded him to help with interrogating Poggel.”

“I see, I’ll help monitor the situation, and help the General where I can.”

Cadence was running down the hall, trying to catch up with the others. Her quick order to Havoc gave the padawans and Trap a running start. Just around the corner, she heard blaster fire and screaming. She quickly picked up the pace and turned the corner just as Trap dropped dead with a lightsaber cut through his stomach.

Ashoka slashed something that was on the floor before deactivating her lightsaber. Cadence ran up to them, stopping when she saw what was on the floor. It was a sickly green worm, cut in half, twitching on the ground.

Ahsoka recoiled in disgust. “Ugh, what is that?”

“It’s some kind of parasite. It must be controlling their actions.” Barriss realized. Cadence looked at them in shock.

“Mind control.” Ahsoka muttered. “Well, that explains a lot. Trap was my friend, he would never have tried to kill us.” The padawans carefully picked up each half of the worm while Cadence checked around. Her eyes darted in every direction as sweat poured down her forehead. When did it get so hot on this ship?

“It must’ve infected the clones while they were on Geonosis.”

“No, they were fine. It must’ve happened afterward.” The two looked at Cadence as she spoke. “I spotted a clone acting suspicious as we were boarding, Scythe. He must’ve been infected on the planet and brought the rest on board.”

Barriss raised a questioning eyebrow. “Are you certain?”

“Trust me, nothing happens on this ship without me knowing about it.” The alicorn said. The padawans dropped the worm on the floor, allowing Cadence to crush in under her shoe.

“We have to contact Master Fisto, and let him know about the situation.” Barriss said, turning to Ahsoka.

“We can cut through the cargo hold to save time.” Cadence suggested.

Ahsoka nodded. “Let’s go.” The three ran off, with Cadence glancing back at Traps’ dead body.

As they made their way to the cargo hold, Cadence had an idea. “We might be able to stop the ship if we cut the Reactor.” Ahsoka and Barriss turned to her as they ran.

“Could that work?” Cadence nodded, and the three made a plan. Contact Master Fisto, then cut the Reactor in order to stop the ship from reaching the station.

The three ran down the hall, turning the corner toward the entrance to the cargo hold, when they heard noises coming from within. Ahsoka signaled for them to stop and listen. The sounds were buzzing, clicking, and groaning. The same sound made by native Geonosians.

The padawans creeped up to the door while Cadence covered their rear. Through the doorway, they could see infected clones making the noises and surrounding an uninfected trooper. He was held down by two troopers against a crate, but he struggled nonetheless. A third approached him with a fresh worm egg, the worm wiggling its way free of the shell.

“We have to help him.” Ahsoka whispered.

Barriss thought for a moment before seeing a sickly sight. The worm jumped from the egg onto the trooper’s face and climbed up through his nose. The trooper grunted and twitched violently as the worm weaved into his mind.

“It’s too late.” The Jedi said sadly as the trooper became fully infected. Shots rang out behind them as Cadence fired on a trooper charging toward them. The trooper fired back, sending energy bolts toward the padawans. They were forced to use their lightsabers to block the rounds, alerting the other infected to their presence.

The three backed into the cargo hold and jammed the door closed. They turned around to see the troops approaching them. One of them held two eggs in his hands. The padawans used the Force to yank the eggs free and sliced them in half with their sabers. The trooper cried out in Geonosian as the other troopers aimed at them. Cadence aimed at the troopers and fired several stun rounds at them. Each one missed. The door opened behind them, and the trooper behind it opened fire. The two Jedi blocked as many bolts as they could while Cadence fired back at her infected brothers.

Barriss knocked over some crates to block the clones from getting too close. Cadence fired at the clone in the door, hitting him and knocking him out. She turned to the two padawans. “Get out through the vent, I’ll draw them away.”

“We’re not leaving without you!” Ahsoka cried out.

“I’ll be fine, now go! I’ll meet you back at the Reactor!” The alicorn fired more stun rounds before taking cover behind the door. The padawans jumped high into the air and dove through a vent into the shaft above the hall. Once the Jeid were clear, Cadence fired a few more stun bolts, then closed the door and ran down the hall toward the Reactor. She could only hope the plan worked.

The alicorn stopped once she realized she wasn’t being followed, and she couldn’t see the padawans in the vent. She activated her comms and spoke in Native Geonosian.

Barriss jumped down from the vent as soon as the coast was clear. She landed quietly on the floor and tiptoed her way over to the entrance to the Reactor Room. It was quiet, and there was no sign of Cadence. She must have been captured, or worse. There was no time to waste. The padawan tiptoed into the dark hall, listening for anything that would give her warning.

Her only warning was quick hum before thousands of volts of electricity swam through her body. The pain was unbearable, her body spasmed to compensate, forcing her to drop her lightsaber. The hilt rolled clear of the hall and was picked up by a toxic green aura.

The electric tap shut down and Barriss fell to the floor. She slowly looked up to see Cadence grinning with satisfaction as she inspected the lightsaber. Ox and Edge stood next to her with their blasters raised.

“If there’s one thing we clones know,” Cadence purred, “it’s how to stop a Jedi.” The other infected troopers surrounded the dazed and disoriented padawan. She watched in despair as Scythe approached with a fresh worm egg.

“No!” She cried out as Cadence activated the security shields. She turned to her infected troops. “Prepare for a fight. No doubt, Ahsoka warned Fisto we’re coming.”

“Should we still dock the ship as planned?” Edge asked.

Cadence shook her head. “No we wouldn’t stand a chance, even with Jedi. No, we ram the ship and infect those caught unaware.”

Back on the Venator, Anakin Skywalker and Captain Luna approached Poggle’s cell. He looked at the two troopers guarding the Geonosian. “Leave us.” The troopers followed their orders, and left the prison area. They knew what was about to happen, and they knew the drill.

The Jedi and the alicorn walked into the cell as Poggel sat across from them. A protocol droid stood next to him to serve as a translator.

“You will answer my questions.” The Jedi said, pointing at Poggel. The Geonosian Leader spoke, with the droid providing translation.

“Your feeble Jedi mind tricks do not work on Geonosians, the other Jedi had already learned this.” Anakin faced away from the prisoner and chuckled.

“Mind tricks?” He looked to Luna, who nodded, and back hoofed Poggel across the face. The Geonosian was knocked to the ground. Anakin stepped over to him and growled. “I don’t need mind tricks to get you to talk.”

“I will never talk, Jedi.” Anakin raised his hand and cupped his fingers. Poggel felt his windpipe close rapidly and he struggled to breath. He was suddenly lifted into the air.

“We’ll see about that, Poggel.” Luna watched with hatred as her General began his own personal negotiations with the Geonosian, and she awaited her turn should it still refuse to talk. Protocol and the Rules of War be damned, her sister was in danger, and nothing was going to stand in her way of saving her.

The Geonosian struggled until he looked ready to pass out. Skywalker realized this and dropped the prisoner. “Luna, see what you can do.” The alicorn nodded and she pulled out her vibroblade. Poggel spoke through a coughing fit.

“This is against the rules of war, this is cruelty!” Luna kicked the Geonosian in the gut and sliced off the tip of one of his wings. The Geonosian cried out and tried to get up, but a strong hoof held him down.

“Do I need to educate you on the rules of war, because last time I checked, parasites were not listed as legal weapons!” Poggel’s eyes widened in realization. Some of the brain worms must have infected troopers. “So, care to tell me all about them?” The alicorn was centimeters away from the Geonosian, and for the first time since meeting Count Dooku, Poggel felt true fear.

Cadence stood in the cargo hold with most of her brothers. Soon, they could start a new hive, and spread as the worms should have centuries ago. No longer would they have to follow the commands of a weak minded, feeble queen. Now, they were free to grow like never before. A trooper walked up.

“We are on final approach.”

“Excellent, prepare the eggs. Make sure they are protected.” The trooper nodded and went to perform his task. These clones were impressive, very intelligent. Especially this alicorn, and apparently, there were two more. This was perfect, with three alicorns within their thrall, the worms would be unstoppable.

Suddenly, the lights flickered, and mist appeared from the vents. What was happening? Was it Ahsoka doing something to the ship? Wait a minute, why was it so cold? No, without the heat-

“AH!” Cadence joined the symphony of Geonosian cries as the parasites froze to death. They attempted to escape out of the troopers’ mouths, but it was all in vain as it proved to be much more fatal.

Cadence felt the worm’s influence fade, and the last thought she had was a prayer for forgiveness before she was consumed in darkness.

That darkness seemed to only last a second as Cadence shot up. She looked around to find herself in an isolation room, most likely on the Medical Station. Everything was white, except for the midnight blue alicorn asleep next to the bed.

“Luna?” The alicorn’s head snapped up and her eyes immediately fell on the patient.

“Cadence!” The pink pony was crushed in a death hug by her sister. Not that Cadence minded, she still felt really cold. Everything she had done under the control of the worm came back to her. The lies, the deception, the plan, and what she said to Barriss. How would the padawan trust her again. How could she trust herself? The worm may have been in control, but it still used her memories to do it!

She was so lost in herself that she didn’t realize she was crying. Luna, however, noticed, and wiped away the tears.

“It’s okay. You’re safe, the others are fine, and the parasites are contained.” That did little to reassure Cadence, as she had other horrors on her mind.

“Luna, would you ever betray the General?” Luna recoiled in shock at the question.

“What? Never, why would you ask such a thing?” Cadence said nothing, she simply looked away. Luna pressed on with a hardened face.

“Cadence, what happened on that ship.” The pink alicorn didn’t know what to say. How could she answer her sister and not expect fear and hatred in return.

“When… the parasite got a hold of me, it… learned.” Luna raised an eyebrow, but stayed silent. “It learned my training, protocols, memories, and my desires. It learned about how we’re trained to… take down Jedi.” She went on to explain how she captured Barriss, and what she said to the padawan shortly before infecting her.

Luna said nothing and stroked her chin in thought. Cadence shrunk back in the bed. What would her sister say? After an endless silence, the older alicorn spoke.

“I would never. You’d have to do something pretty drastic to make me betray General Skywalker.” Cadence looked down, feeling ashamed. “Like a parasite.” Luna continued, placing a comforting hoof on Cadence’s shoulder. “It wasn’t you, it was a worm that got inside and warped your thoughts.”

“You’re a good soldier and a good person, Cadence. Never forget that.” Cadence smiled and hugged her sister, who returned it in kind. Once it broke, Luna spoke again.

“Feeling better?”

Cadence nodded. “Still got a headache, but yeah.” Luna chuckled.

“Then rest, I’ll inform General Skywalker and Ahsoka of your condition.” With that, Luna stood up and left the room, leaving Cadence alone to sleep peacefully, for the first time in a long while.

Author's Note

And boom! Two for one! This was actually really fun to write.

Let me know when you realized Cadence was Infected