Fives, designated CT-5555, meets his tragic end in Season 6, Episode 4 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, titled “Orders.” This emotionally charged episode forms the poignant conclusion of a four-part arc that exposes a sinister conspiracy at the heart of the Republic.
Unveiling the Truth: The Death of Fives
The “Orders” arc, and specifically Fives’s death, is considered one of the most crucial and devastating storylines in the entire Clone Wars series. It lays bare the existence of Order 66, a secret contingency order implanted within the clone troopers’ minds, designed to turn them against their Jedi generals.
Fives, haunted by the bizarre death of his comrade Tup and struggling to understand the nature of the inhibitor chip malfunction, uncovers a plot far bigger than himself. He becomes obsessed with revealing the truth about the bio-chip implanted in every clone trooper’s brain, a discovery that leads him down a rabbit hole of political intrigue and ultimately seals his fate.
His desperation and frantic attempts to warn both the Jedi and the Republic military fall on deaf ears, hampered by Palpatine’s machinations and the deeply ingrained trust in the clone troopers. Ultimately, Fives is framed as mentally unstable and dangerous, forcing him to become a fugitive.
In a final, desperate attempt to reveal the truth to Anakin Skywalker and Captain Rex, Fives is tragically shot and killed by Commander Fox, who believes he is acting in the line of duty to protect Chancellor Palpatine. Fives’s death represents a profound loss, not only for his fellow clones but for the Republic as a whole, as his demise marks a significant step towards the downfall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire. His last words, barely audible, allude to the truth he was trying to expose: “I only wanted to do my duty. I only wanted to tell the truth.“
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions about Fives’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the circumstances surrounding Fives’s demise and its significance within the Star Wars universe:
1. What was the significance of Tup’s death in relation to Fives’s demise?
Tup’s death, which occurs in “The Unknown” (Season 6, Episode 1), is the catalyst for the entire “Orders” arc. Tup inexplicably executes Jedi Master Tiplar during a battle, an act that is completely out of character. This incident leads to an investigation into Tup’s behavior and ultimately uncovers the malfunctioning inhibitor chip within his brain. Fives, who was closest to Tup, becomes determined to understand what caused his friend’s sudden and violent actions.
2. What exactly was the inhibitor chip in the clones’ brains?
The inhibitor chip, also referred to as a bio-chip, was a control mechanism secretly implanted in all clone troopers from their creation. These chips were specifically designed to ensure the clones’ obedience to the Republic’s chain of command, particularly Order 66. The Kaminoans, under the influence of Darth Sidious, ensured that these chips were present in every clone, creating a silent and deadly weapon waiting to be activated.
3. Why didn’t the Jedi believe Fives’s warnings?
Several factors contributed to the Jedi’s disbelief. Firstly, the Jedi Order held a deep trust in the clone troopers, considering them loyal and dependable soldiers. Secondly, Palpatine, secretly Darth Sidious, manipulated events to discredit Fives and portray him as unstable. The Jedi were also distracted by the ongoing Clone Wars, which made it difficult for them to fully investigate Fives’s claims.
4. How did Palpatine manage to manipulate events to discredit Fives?
Palpatine used his influence as Chancellor to control the flow of information and manipulate the narrative surrounding Fives’s investigation. He ensured that Fives was viewed as a rogue element and that his claims were dismissed as the ramblings of a paranoid soldier. He utilized figures like Commander Fox and Nala Se to further his deception and ensure Fives’s silence.
5. Could Fives have prevented Order 66 if he had been believed?
While it’s impossible to say for sure, there’s a strong possibility that Fives could have significantly altered the course of events. Had the Jedi believed him, they could have investigated the inhibitor chips further and potentially removed them before Order 66 was enacted. This could have saved countless lives and prevented the rise of the Empire. Even a slight delay could have allowed the Jedi to prepare a defense, though Palpatine had multiple contingencies in place.
6. What role did AZI-345211896246498721347, or “AZI,” play in Fives’s investigation?
AZI-345211896246498721347, shortened to AZI, was a medical droid stationed on Kamino. AZI proved instrumental in assisting Fives’s initial investigation into Tup’s death and provided him with crucial information about the inhibitor chips. AZI’s loyalty to the clones, rather than the Kaminoans, allowed Fives to access restricted medical data.
7. Why did Commander Fox shoot Fives?
Commander Fox believed he was acting to protect Chancellor Palpatine, who he perceived to be under threat from Fives. Fox was unaware of the true nature of the conspiracy and trusted the information he received from his superiors, who were being manipulated by Palpatine. He saw Fives as a dangerous criminal attempting to assassinate the Chancellor.
8. What were Fives’s last words, and what did they mean?
Fives’s last words were, “I only wanted to do my duty. I only wanted to tell the truth.” These words encapsulate his tragic journey. He believed he was serving the Republic by uncovering the truth about the inhibitor chips, even though his actions were ultimately misinterpreted and led to his demise. He died trying to protect the Republic from a threat he couldn’t fully comprehend.
9. Did Anakin Skywalker suspect anything after Fives’s death?
Anakin seemed genuinely conflicted and saddened by Fives’s death. He expressed doubts and unease about the situation, but he ultimately dismissed them, trusting in the Republic and the clone troopers. While Fives’s death planted a seed of doubt in Anakin’s mind, it wasn’t enough to overcome his trust in Palpatine and his belief in the Republic’s stability.
10. How did Fives’s death impact Captain Rex?
Fives’s death deeply affected Captain Rex. They were close friends and comrades, and Rex witnessed firsthand Fives’s descent into paranoia and his desperate attempts to warn everyone. Although Rex didn’t fully understand the implications of Fives’s warnings at the time, his words stayed with him. Later, when Rex himself was ordered to execute Order 66, he was able to resist due to a combination of his own moral compass and the lingering memory of Fives’s warnings.
11. How does Fives’s story enhance the overall narrative of The Clone Wars?
Fives’s arc is a pivotal moment in The Clone Wars because it exposes the underlying corruption and manipulation within the Republic, orchestrated by Palpatine. It highlights the tragic fate of the clone troopers, who were unknowingly pawns in a larger game. His story adds a layer of complexity and moral ambiguity to the conflict, making it more than just a simple war between good and evil. It showcases the clones’ humanity and their struggle against their predetermined destiny.
12. What lasting impact does Fives have on the Star Wars galaxy?
Even though he died in obscurity, Fives’s actions and warnings reverberated through the galaxy. His sacrifice paved the way for Rex and other clone troopers to resist Order 66. His story serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of questioning authority. His bravery and unwavering commitment to the truth, even in the face of insurmountable odds, cemented him as a tragic hero of the Clone Wars. He is a testament to the idea that even a single individual can make a difference in the face of overwhelming darkness.