Clone 99


Clone 99, often referred to as 99, was a male human clone of Jango Fett. He was created to serve as a clone trooper within the Galactic Republic's Grand Army. Due to a genetic defect acquired during the cloning process, he was deemed unfit for combat. Consequently, instead of joining the army, he was relegated to maintenance duty on his planet of origin, Kamino. During his time there, he developed a strong affection for the clone cadets training to become troopers, regarding them as his brothers and recognizing their individuality beyond their assigned numbers. Despite their struggles, he formed a bond with Domino Squad during their training period. When CT-782, a member of Domino Squad whom he nicknamed "Hevy," considered deserting the group due to their near failure in their final tests, 99 intervened. He inspired Hevy to recognize his value as a team member, which ultimately led to the squad overcoming their training obstacles and successfully graduating. After their official integration into the army, Hevy presented 99 with his medal as a token of gratitude and an invitation to visit him on Kamino.

As the war progressed, Domino Squad alumni Fives and Echo, along with numerous other clones, were summoned back to Kamino in response to the growing threat of a Separatist invasion. 99 was delighted to see them again but was saddened by the news of Hevy's death. Nevertheless, he was committed to providing assistance in any way possible. 99 and the clones engaged in combat against the invading battle droids, during which he tragically lost his life while attempting to replenish supplies for his comrades. Following their victory, the clones mourned 99, who viewed his contributions during the battle as proof that he was one of them—a true soldier. Clone Force 99, a specialized Republic clone commando unit consisting of genetically altered clones, was named in his memory.

Biography

Maintenance clone

Clone 99 was created from the genetic material of bounty hunter Jango Fett on the planet Kamino with the intention of him becoming a soldier in the Grand Army of the Republic. However, due to genetic errors that occurred during the cloning process, 99 experienced physical impairments. These defects caused him to age more rapidly than his fellow clones. While other clones underwent training on Kamino before departing to serve the Galactic Republic in the Clone Wars, 99 remained on his homeworld and worked as a maintenance duty clone within the Military Complex of Tipoca City.

Mentoring Domino Squad

99 remained on Kamino instead of going to serve in the war

During his time in service, 99 observed numerous clone cadets successfully graduate and transition into clone troopers. In 22 BBY, he witnessed Bric, a Siniteen bounty hunter who had been enlisted to aid in clone cadet training, disparaging Domino Squad, a group of clone cadets who were encountering difficulties in the final stages of their training as their graduation approached. 99 took it upon himself to support Domino Squad, providing them with guidance and encouragement, particularly to the impetuous trooper identified as CT-782. Following their failure in a battle simulation within the Tipoca City Training Facility, 99 was summoned by Shaak Ti, a Togruta Jedi Master responsible for overseeing the clones' training, to clean up the droids. As they departed, the cadets apologized to 99 for the mess, and 99 reassured them that it was acceptable and commended them for their efforts, despite their shortcomings.

Inside the barracks, CT-782 expressed his frustration by throwing his [helmet](/article/helmet], which subsequently struck 99's leg. The older clone advised him not to be concerned, noting that the majority of clones successfully passed their final assessments. CT-782 acknowledged that while most clones did pass, not all of them did. As Domino Squad engaged in an argument, 99 observed CT-782 and CT-1409, whom the former derisively referred to as "Echo" due to his inclination to repeat orders, becoming embroiled in a physical altercation. Bric promptly arrived and intervened, instructing the clones to stand at attention and pointing out that even 99 possessed more sense than them, despite being merely a maintenance clone. This caused 99 to lower his head and assert that the squad was not receiving sufficient credit. Bric further stated that they were wasting his time before departing abruptly.

Despite 99's efforts, the squad failed the Citadel Challenge, which was their final test prior to graduation, leaving their training incomplete. Later that night, 99 overheard Bric and his fellow bounty hunter El-Les discussing Domino Squad's failure in the barracks. Following them with a limp, 99 listened as El-Les mentioned that he would advocate for Domino Squad to have another opportunity to complete their final test. However, Bric responded with laughter and revealed that he had submitted his own request, seeking to have them assigned to maintenance duties.

Later that night, 99 noticed CT-782 in the barracks packing his belongings. When 99 inquired about his actions, CT-782 explained that he was leaving because he and his squad were failures. 99 encouraged him not to abandon himself or his brothers, but CT-782 firmly replied that he had no other choice. 99 delivered a passionate speech, urging him not to squander his opportunity, an opportunity that he himself had never been granted due to his genetic defects. He implored CT-782 not to give up as long as his brothers stood by his side, referring to him as "Hevy." CT-782 reacted angrily towards the older clone, asserting that he did not have a name and was merely a number, but 99 countered that, to him, he had always had a name. After reconsidering his actions, "Hevy" embraced his nickname and, with renewed determination, prepared for his squad's retake of their final test the following day. Hevy emerged as the leader that his squad needed, enabling them to unite and successfully pass the challenge.

99 helped Domino Squad, and specifically Hevy, find their way

99 witnessed the squad receiving their graduation medals in the barracks. Following the ceremony, Hevy approached 99 and acknowledged that he had been correct about everything. 99 smiled and remarked that he had heard that Hevy had demonstrated exceptional leadership. Hevy reaffirmed that he was not the squad's leader and that they functioned as a team, which caused 99 to smile. The older clone informed Hevy that the army was fortunate to have him, and Hevy responded that he was fortunate to have a brother like him, presenting 99 with his graduation medal as a gift. 99 protested that he could not accept the gift, but Hevy simply smiled and bid farewell to his friend, assuring him that he would retrieve it from him at a later time.

Defending Kamino

99 is reunited with Echo and Fives

When numerous clones were summoned back to their homeworld to defend Kamino from an impending Separatist invasion, 99's responsibilities shifted from maintenance to assisting in defense preparations. He aided in distributing weapons to the other clones and was carrying several DC-15A blaster rifles when he encountered Domino Squad members Echo and Fives in the hallways. He greeted them by name, which surprised the two clones, but 99 insisted that he remembered all of his brothers. He inquired about Hevy's whereabouts, and the two clones somberly revealed that Hevy had been killed during an incident on the Rishi Moon, adding that he had saved their lives. 99 was saddened by the news and disclosed that he had been hoping to return Hevy's graduation medal, showing the two clones that Hevy had given it to him, which Echo and Fives were shocked to learn. 99 then offered to assist them in any way possible.

99 dies in Echo's arms

As the Separatist forces, led by General Grievous, arrived, 99 witnessed the death of ARC Trooper Havoc. Later, he encountered Echo and Fives again, who were assisting a group of young cadets who had become lost. 99 guided the group to the armory and established an ambush for the droids in the barracks. Together, with Clone Captain Rex and Clone Marshal Commander Cody now among their ranks, they lured the droids into the barracks, allowing the cadets, who had concealed themselves in the bunks, to launch a surprise attack on their enemy from above. As Fives and Echo exhausted their supply of EMP grenades, 99 rushed to acquire more but was struck down by enemy fire. 99 passed away in Echo's arms, reassuring them that he was content to die as a soldier, as that was his intended purpose.

Legacy

Clone Force 99, also known as "the Bad Batch," a clone commando unit composed of clones with genetic mutations, was named in his honor. The squad also employed a tactical code phrase known as Plan 99, which involved a member sacrificing their life to ensure the safety of their squad in situations where their well-being was at risk. Bad Batch member Tech executed this plan on the planet Eriadu, sacrificing himself in a manner similar to his deformed brother years prior. Years later, the special forces Imperial stormtrooper unit known as Task Force 99 was modeled after Clone Force 99.

Personality and traits

99 was kind to all of his brothers

99 possessed a kind and knowledgeable demeanor, which enabled him to mentor the cadets of Domino Squad. He took pride in his clone heritage and consistently provided assistance and support to his brothers, particularly the cadets. Despite not becoming a soldier himself, he possessed a strong understanding of military tactics. 99 never had the opportunity to train as a soldier and regretted missing out on the chance to work as part of a squad. This perspective motivated him to especially support his brothers who did not appreciate such opportunities, notably Hevy. Although Hevy initially resisted his advice, he still respected his brother and affectionately referred to him as "Shorty" on at least one occasion. Eventually, Hevy grew to be even more grateful for 99's support. 99 regarded all of the clones as his brothers and remembered them by name.

As a clone of Jango Fett, 99 had brown eyes and light skin. However, his significant physical defects resulted in him being only 1.68 meters (5 ft, 6 in) tall, with a hunched back, wrinkled skin, and a limp.

Behind the scenes

99 made his debut in the episode "Clone Cadets," which served as the season three premiere of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series. It was broadcast on September 17, 2010. He was later identified as Clone 99 in the 2021 reference book Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Character Encyclopedia - Join the Battle!, authored by Jason Fry.

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