The Clone Wars, a conflict that engulfed the galaxy, came to a climactic end with the issuance of Order 66. This fateful order marked a turning point in the fate of the clone troopers, the loyal soldiers who had been bred and trained for battle. While the clones had faithfully served the Galactic Republic throughout the war, their purpose was abruptly discarded once they were no longer of use to the newly formed Galactic Empire.
It is worth noting that the response of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s clone troopers to Order 66 is never explicitly revealed. This deliberate omission underscores the enigmatic nature of the character and leaves room for speculation. However, it is clear that the fate of the clones as a whole was sealed. They were abandoned by the Empire, left to find their own way in a galaxy undergoing a momentous shift in power.
The clone troopers who managed to survive the Clone Wars were subsequently assimilated into the newly formed Imperial Army. They became the first generation of stormtroopers, forming the backbone of the Imperial military during the early years of the Imperial Era. However, their numbers dwindled significantly, with only a handful of clones remaining.
One notable survivor of the clone trooper ranks was Captain Rex. Despite his advanced age of approximately 72 years, Rex fought alongside the Rebel Alliance at the Battle of Endor. His presence highlights the resilience and tenacity of the clones, even in the face of their eventual abandonment by the Empire.
It is important to note that there is limited information regarding the fate of other clones. It is plausible to assume that those who survived were left to fend for themselves, much like Rex, Wolfe, and Gregor, who were seen scrounging for a living in the animated series Rebels. The clones, once revered and valued for their unwavering loyalty, now found themselves marginalized and forgotten.
In the aftermath of the Clone Wars, clone trooper Cody, who had previously served under Obi-Wan Kenobi, sent probe droids in search of his former general. However, Kenobi’s body was never recovered, leading a clone paratrooper to believe that the Jedi had perished. With this belief, the 212th, the clone trooper unit Cody commanded, took control of the planet and was later disbanded.
The fate of the clones after Order 66 was one of abandonment and marginalization. Cast aside by the Empire, the clone troopers who survived the Clone Wars became the first generation of stormtroopers, but their numbers dwindled significantly. The likes of Captain Rex serve as a testament to the resilience of the clones, even as they were left to scrounge for a living. The fate of individual clones remains largely unknown, but it can be inferred that many were left to forge their own paths in a galaxy that had moved on from their purpose.
Did Any Clones Survive Order 66?
Some clones did survive Order 66, although their numbers were relatively small compared to the total clone trooper population. It is important to note that Order 66 was a directive issued by Emperor Palpatine to eliminate the Jedi, who were seen as a threat to the newly formed Galactic Empire. The order was specifically programmed into the clones’ inhibitor chips, which were designed to ensure their obedience to the Empire.
While the majority of clone troopers carried out Order 66 without question, there were a few exceptions. Some clones were able to resist the order due to various factors, such as their individuality, personal relationships with Jedi, or malfunctioning inhibitor chips. These clones either chose not to turn on their Jedi commanders or actively assisted them in evading capture.
Here are a few notable examples of surviving clones:
1. Captain Rex: Captain Rex, a clone trooper who served under Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars, managed to remove his inhibitor chip before Order 66 was executed. As a result, he did not turn on his Jedi compatriots and even fought alongside them. Rex later joined the Rebel Alliance and continued to play a role in opposing the Empire.
2. Commander Wolffe and Gregor: These two clone troopers, also known for their service during the Clone Wars, initially followed Order 66. However, they later discovered the truth about the Empire’s deception and decided to aid the rebellion against their former masters.
3. Clone Force 99 (Bad Batch): Clone Force 99, also known as the Bad Batch, consisted of a group of clone troopers with genetic mutations that gave them unique abilities. Due to their genetic abnormalities, their inhibitor chips did not function as intended, rendering them resistant to Order 66. The Bad Batch played a significant role in various post-Order 66 missions.
4. Clone commandos: Although not explicitly shown or discussed in depth, it is plausible that some clone commandos, known for their exceptional skills and independence, could have survived Order 66 by resisting or removing their inhibitor chips.
It is important to remember that these surviving clones were the exception rather than the rule. The majority of the clone army, which numbered in the millions, carried out Order 66 and became loyal soldiers of the Galactic Empire. The surviving clones either managed to resist their programming or found alternative paths, such as joining the Rebel Alliance, to oppose the Empire’s oppressive regime.
What Happened To The Clones After The Fall Of The Republic?
After the fall of the Republic, the fate of the clones from the Clone Wars was closely tied to the rise of the Empire. Instead of being disbanded or decommissioned, the surviving clone troopers continued to serve, transitioning into a new role as Imperial stormtroopers.
Here is a breakdown of what happened to the clones after the fall of the Republic:
1. Transition to stormtroopers: The clone troopers became the first generation of Imperial stormtroopers. They formed the backbone of the Imperial Army during the early years of the Imperial Era. These stormtroopers were responsible for maintaining order and enforcing the will of the Empire.
2. Phasing out of clones: As time went on, the Empire started to rely less on clone troopers and began recruiting regular humans into the ranks of the stormtroopers. The clones were gradually phased out and replaced by non-clone recruits. This was done to create a more diverse and controllable military force.
3. Aging and accelerated growth: Due to the accelerated growth process used to create the clones, they aged at an accelerated rate compared to normal humans. As a result, many of the surviving clones began to suffer from aging-related health issues and had a shorter lifespan.
4. The rise of conscription: The Empire started implementing conscription to bolster its military forces. This meant that regular humans were forcibly recruited into the stormtrooper ranks. As a result, the number of clones decreased over time, and their role in the Imperial Army diminished.
5. Specialized roles: While the majority of clones became stormtroopers, some were selected for specialized roles within the Empire. These included positions such as trainers, instructors, and high-ranking officers. These clones provided their expertise and knowledge to train and lead the newly recruited stormtroopers.
It is important to note that this information is based on the Star Wars Expanded Universe, which includes various books, comics, and other media sources. The canon status of some of these sources may have changed over time, so it is advisable to consult the most up-to-date official Star Wars materials for the most accurate information.
Are There Any Clones Left In Star Wars?
According to the Star Wars canon, the number of clones remaining by the time of the Battle of Endor and beyond is quite limited. While there is no explicit mention of any other clones besides Captain Rex, it is safe to assume that the majority of the clone troopers had reached the end of their lifespan or were no longer actively serving in the military.
Given that the clone troopers were genetically engineered to age at an accelerated rate, most of them would have succumbed to old age or died in combat by the time of the original trilogy. Captain Rex, who fought alongside the Rebel Alliance at the Battle of Endor, was one of the few clones still alive at that time. However, it’s important to note that Rex was biologically around 72 years old during this period, as clones aged twice as fast as regular humans.
It can be inferred that the remaining clones who managed to survive the Clone Wars and the subsequent years were likely scattered across the galaxy, trying to make a living in various ways. This assumption is supported by the appearance of Rex, as well as fellow clones Wolfe and Gregor, who were living as reclusive scavengers when they were reintroduced in the animated series Star Wars Rebels.
To summarize, while the exact number of surviving clones is not specified in the Star Wars canon, it can be presumed that very few clones were left by the time of the original trilogy. Rex, Wolfe, and Gregor serve as examples of surviving clones who were living on the fringes of society, indicating that most clones had either perished or were no longer active participants in the galactic conflict.
What Happened To The 212th After Order 66?
After Order 66 was executed, the 212th Attack Battalion, under the command of Commander Cody, underwent significant changes. The battalion, which had previously served under Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars, was now under the control of the newly formed Galactic Empire.
1. Transition to Imperial Control:
– Following the issuance of Order 66, the 212th Attack Battalion, like other clone trooper units, transitioned from serving the Galactic Republic to becoming a part of the newly established Galactic Empire.
– The clones, who were previously loyal to the Jedi, now pledged their allegiance to Emperor Palpatine and the Empire.
2. Dissolution of the 212th:
– Over time, the 212th Attack Battalion was gradually dissolved as part of the Empire’s military reorganization.
– The exact timeline and process of dissolution may vary and depend on factors such as the availability of new recruits or the need for reassignment to different units.
3. Reassignment and Retraining:
– Many former members of the 212th Attack Battalion were reassigned to different units or given new roles within the Imperial Army.
– Some clones may have been selected for specialized training programs or transferred to elite stormtrooper units.
– The Empire focused on phasing out the clones in favor of recruiting non-clone soldiers, gradually reducing the presence of clone troopers in active service.
4. Fate of Commander Cody:
– Commander Cody, the leader of the 212th Attack Battalion, continued to serve the Empire as a high-ranking officer.
– He remained loyal to Emperor Palpatine and carried out various Imperial missions.
– However, it is worth noting that during the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Commander Cody was deceived into believing that Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi was dead. This misinformation led to his involvement in the attempt on Kenobi’s life on the planet of Utapau.
The 212th Attack Battalion underwent significant changes after Order 66, transitioning from Republic service to Imperial control. The unit was eventually dissolved, and its members were reassigned or retrained to serve the Empire’s interests.
Conclusion
The fate of the clones after Order 66 was one of abandonment by the Empire. While the specific response of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s clone trooper is never revealed, it is evident that all clones were ultimately discarded once they were no longer useful to the Empire. The surviving clone troopers from the Clone Wars became the first generation of Imperial stormtroopers, forming the backbone of the Imperial Army in the early years of the Imperial Era.
However, there were only a few clone troopers left, with Rex being one of the notable survivors. Despite his advanced age of approximately 72 years, Rex fought alongside the Rebel Alliance at the Battle of Endor. It is unclear how many other clones remained alive, but it can be assumed that those who did survive were likely struggling to make a living, much like Rex, Wolfe, and Gregor when they were first encountered in Rebels.
During the Clone Wars, as the clones were achieving victories against the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS), Commander Cody sent probe droids in search of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Despite not finding his body, a clone paratrooper convinced Cody that their former general was deceased. Subsequently, the 212th took control of the planet and was eventually disbanded.
The fate of the clones highlights the disposable nature of their existence in the eyes of the Empire. Once their purpose as soldiers was fulfilled, they were cast aside, left to fend for themselves or find their own means of survival. The story of the clones serves as a reminder of the cold and calculating nature of the Empire, willing to discard loyal soldiers in pursuit of its own agenda.
