Risk vs Reward

# Description

Despite their better judgement, Shadow agrees to meet Obi-Wan on Bracca along with Domino Squad, Rex, Cody, Kix, Hardcase, Jesse, Boil, and Waxer. Once they're planetside, Shadow gives the Jedi Master one last chance to turn back before they reveal to him just how serious the looming Sith plot is.

# Summary

Division plague Clone Force 99, its members split on whether or not they should move forward with removing the chips in other clones due to the possible risks it poses. Their division only grows stronger when Commander Cody requests that Obi-Wan Kenobi accompanies the selected troopers to Bracca. It is Tech who ultimately sways Shadow, stating the value of having a member of the Council that Shadow already semi-trusts as an confidant and ally. Tensions are still high when the two groups meet on Bracca, with Shadow giving Obi-Wan a warning and chance to turn back. The Jedi remains firm in his desire to learn what keeps Shadow so spooked, however, and the group heads into the wreckage of the Republic Cruiser. Reaching the medical ward, Shadow gives one last warning to the Jedi before playing the recording of Palpatine giving Order 66.

After stunning the chipped clones when they tried to attack Obi-Wan, Shadow heads into the cruiser hallways for a one-on-one conversation with him. There they tell him about Anakin's Fall and the Rise of the Empire in canon, which horrifies Obi-Wan. The Jedi Master apologizes for his earlier insistence, saying he now understands Shadow's hesitance in trusting the Council. Shadow admits its not just the threat of Order 66 that keeps them away from the Council, citing Ahsoka's Trial in canon. Further distressed by this new knowledge, Obi-Wan asks if Shadow can trust him only for the Realm Walker to say they aren't sure yet.

Meanwhile, the clones fret amongst themselves about the chips and how their brothers are all at risk of losing what little autonomy they have. The Bad Batch also admit that the war does not end with the victory of the Republic but instead the rise of the Empire. Crosshair, ironically, is the most sympathetic to the regs given his fate in the canon timeline. They are conflicted as to how they should proceed with dechipping the other clones, as they cannot risk word getting out to the wrong people. Trevor shows up, healing the wounds completely before flirting with Hardcase, who flirts back.

When Shadow and Obi-Wan return, Cody and the Jedi Master leave for a private discussion. Upon rejoining the group, Obi-Wan negotiates with Shadow about sharing information with him and him alone. In exchange, Clone Force 99 will be transferred to be solely under Cody's command instead of the Special Operation Brigade. Shadow will also no longer be pushed to engage with the Jedi Council, and will be granted unofficial command over the Bad Batch so they can take on missions important to changing canon since Shadow knows the events to change. At the Bad Batch's insistence, Shadow accepts the deal. After telling the Council of his breakthrough with Shadow, but denying them knowledge of Order 66, Obi-Wan sends Shadow and the Batch with Rex to Felucia to help with the Second Battle of Felucia.

# Characters

In order of appearance, the main characters of *Risk vs Reward* are:

* Shadow Hyder
* Obi-Wan Kenobi

The minor characters, in order of appearance, are:

* The Bad Batch
* Commander Cody
* Boil
* Waxer
* Captain Rex
* Anakin Skywalker
* Domino Squad
* Jesse
* Hardcase
* Kix

# Settings

* *Havoc Marauder*
* Bracca