#Clone Conspiracy

[babyscilence]

If Kal Skirata knew about the inhibitor chips, he and Vau would have single handedly burned down Kamino and the Empire and adopt every clone after

[alphacomicsvol2]

Clone Conspiracy #2 Cover Art by Gabriele Dell'Otto

[samasmith23]

One element that I always loved about Dan Slott's run on Superior Spider-Man was just how accepting and open-minded Otto Octavius was towards his love-interest Anna Maria Marconi!

And this element of Otto & Anna Maria’s relationship even carried over to the pages of The Clone Conspiracy event limited series!

[big1ron]

The art isn’t arting so you get low effort doodles.

As much as we all love the long hair you gotta admit for a period there it was *dire*

[laughhardrunfastbekindsblog]

Cade: "I sent a message to Rampart, gave him the chance to tell the Senate the truth before I did it myself."

Me, instant reaction: WHHHYYYYYYYYYYY WOULD YOU DO THAT???!?!?!? You don't give the powerful bad guy a head start! (adding a note to my list of vital life lessons to teach to my future children)

[goalexstark]

Ok so one aspect of Ben’s heel turns that is interesting and I hope gets explored in the upcoming miniseries (Steven foxe actually likes Ben and is the one writing it) is that they both occur in reaction to his autonomy being severely violated.

Yes I will elaborate

His turn as the jackal comes from Warren physically torturing him to death multiple times and forcibly bringing him back against his will and his current status as Chasm comes from beyond violating his mind to the point where his own face in the mirror is something he can’t see. (don’t even get me started on how “he willingly trusted them” is a dubious claim at best. They would have had to calibrate that helmet specifically for his brainwaves and they’re a corporation. They would not do this if they didn’t think they could get away with it.)

This all leads into what I think keeps driving Ben into these heel turns is : an inability to admit when he isn’t in control. In order for him to actually heal (and not just have the symptoms fade), he’d have to actually process and face what’s been done to him for what it was. Which also means he would need to rely on someone else. that’s a tough ask to make of someone whose formative years were spent on the run alone without a consistent support system. who has had his trust taken advantage of on a pretty consistent basis. I’m mostly drawing from some of the lost years and the clone conspiracy tie ins (there’s literally a bit where ock calls him out on how the “cellular degeneration is to keep you in line” thing is bullshit to make him seem in control of things in issue #20. Also reading issue #24 and #22 with lost years issue 0 in mind makes it a great way to close out Ben and warrens relationship.)

His need to seem in control also drives his worst actions during both events too. At the end of clone conspiracy instead of admitting what actually happened, (ock’s vindictive bullshit causing Ben and everyone else to start decaying to dust) his need to seem in control causes him to double down and spread it in the vain belief that he can just revive them later.

Dark web has this too, though it’s harder to see since wells is a shitty writer who needs Madelyn to be the “hero” of the event (don’t get me started on how suspiciously similar Ben’s hallucination and the nightmare that caused her to make that deal are. Seriously don’t) after Ben’s tree rots, just when he’s been abandoned and (at least to him) soon to be discarded and locked up, Janine arrives with Madelyn’s scythe. Right there js the key to keeping them from being separated, from being locked away and forgotten. Peter might have his memories but they’ll have the city and a whole dimension. If they surrender, they’ll be arrested and separated at best so why not go all the way?

All of this leads to the upcoming two issues. ASM #47 and #48, followed by the miniseries (which will hopefully get a full series). Based on the covers and previews, Ben and Janine have reunited and have someone supposedly there to help Ben with his memories who Janine doesn’t trust. Based on the recap text, they likely have to use Peter for part of the restoration. Issue 48 only has the cover but unlike issue 47, Janine is nowhere to be seen. Based on the previews and the fact that the cover shows spidey and Ben fighting, I’m assuming the process fails and something happens to Janine, peter tries to talk but fucks it up (seriously though he sucks at talking to Ben and Janine) and Ben fights/lashes out at him but loses, leading into Chasm curse of Kaine.

Chasm curse of kaine will likely involve his efforts to continue after this devastating defeat. He’s likely to double down and play up the “monster with no remorse or conscience” angle (think faith in 5 by 5) but Kaine knows him better than anyone, even Peter. If anyone can see through Ben’s bullshit, it’s him. Cue them doing an enemy mine (bc they’re bound to have at least one instance of it.)/Kaine helping him get Janine back.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is a route to take his character that can make it work. Maybe not perfectly, but there is a way to tie things together and make a path forward to something new.

[lizartgurl]

"What do you know about their needs, Admiral? Have you asked them? Or do they not get a say in their future?"

Senator Riyo Chuchi, The Bad Batch Season Two Episode Seven; "Clone Conspiracy"

[scarletspider2the2ndpower]

Variant cover for Clone Conspiracy (Vol. 1/2016), #5 by Mark Bagley.

[earth90214]

im tired of marvel writers adding new clones and then discarding the interesting, developed, and popular clones that already exist

[knightprincess]

Forgive Me (Echo x Medic Reader) Part 11

Words: 1.9K Warning: major character death, may course some readers to cry 

"General, If I may, I don't think it would be a good idea to pull Snap into this" spoke Rex, care flooding the legendary captain's voice. In recent months things had gone array with the 501st. Commander Tano had chosen to leave the Jedi Order following being falsely accused and put on trial for a crime she hadn't committed. She'd explained her reasoning when visiting (Y/N), and both women were determined to keep their friendship going. After that Umbara had been cruel, to say the least, Pong Krell had been just as reckless with (Y/N)'s life as he had been with the troopers he dismissed so easily. There had been other nasty battles in between and so many troopers had been lost.

Recently something happened with Tup. He'd seemingly shot another Jedi General at point-blank range, all while in a trance-like state and muttering the same four words over and over. Good Soldiers Follow Orders. He'd been easily tackled and dragged away to safety by Fives when all were ordered to retreat. At first, Tup aggressively refused to allow anyone near him, even his brothers, Snap had been the first he'd not tried to attack, instead, he mentioned nightmares to her. After that he'd allowed Rex, Kix, and Fives to enter the small cell he was kept in, he recognized them as brothers again rather than traitors to the emperor. Shortly after General Skywalker had entered the room, Tup seemed almost normal but confused about what was happening, displaying no memory of what happened or what he'd done. Although his aggressive side had returned the moment another Jedi General had come into view. Shortly after he began to mutter the four words on repeat again. Good Soldiers Follow Orders. 

Things had only taken a turn for the worst upon the decision being made to send Tup back to Kamino. The Seperatist suddenly seemed interested in getting their hands on Tup, they'd been successful at first, but so was the rescue mission Rex, Fives, and Anakin launched to retrieve the disorientated trooper. After which Fives had requested to escort Tup back to Kamino. If only Rex knew that was the last time he'd see Fives before everything went off the rails. 

"We've just got Snap back to how she was. Throwing her into the middle of this will push her back to square one" voiced Rex with concern lacing through his voice. At the same time, the great captain understood why his general had suggested bringing Snap along. She had a connection with all clones few others had. Not to mention she was likely the only one who knew for sure where Fives was and could tell if he'd suffered a mental break as the Kaminoans were claiming. 

"I understand that Rex. But we need (Y/N)'s help if this is going to be solved with the best outcome" simply responded Anakin, his own concern alight in his icy eyes. He was already unsure about everything, even more so with the Chancellor claiming Fives had attempted to assassinate him. There was no doubt there was a certain danger, but Snap was the only one all involved, including Fives, trusted to be neutral ground in the whole mess. The only one who could truly get to the bottom of everything with the needed swiftness and kindness. 

"I'll find her, let her know everything on the way to the rendezvous point" solemnly commented Rex before turning on his heels and leaving. The feeling of dread, gripped him as he thought about all the hardships faced during the war, all the brothers lost. All the battles were put before them all as the odds built up against them. Public opinion had only gotten worse the longer the war had stretched on, even members of the Jedi turned on them, as fellow clones began to defect and question orders. Slowly it appeared things were falling apart, but what scared Rex most was the republic wasn't falling apart on the battlefield but in the very constitute meant to help the people. The Senate.

As to be expected, Rex had found (Y/N) catching up on forgotten paperwork, she'd been in her office ignoring Octavius's existence as was the norm.  She'd been so engrossed in her work and ignoring the cryptographer, she hadn't noticed Rex enter until he'd cleared his throat to gain her attention. Her friendly smile faded the moment her eyes landed on him, almost as if she knew something was out of place or something bad was about to happen. 

"The general asks you to accompany us to find Fives. Your expertise will help with the current situation" sadly spoke Rex, not being able to push away the dread building up. All of this had happened so quickly. Tup had died, Fives had discovered something, Shaak Ti had requested for the council to see something, apparently, Fives had gone on the run after attempting to assassinate the Chancellor. Nothing seemed right, it was almost as if someone was hiding in the background, pulling the strings as if all of them were pieces on a chessboard. 

(Y/N) didn't say a word, instead, she silently moved to log out of her computer before following Rex from the medbay, her heart in her stomach. Somehow she already knew something wasn't how it first appeared, something was wrong and out of place. Yet she struggled to figure out exactly what was making her think and feel like that. The moment the pair reached the landing bay, Anakin had greeted them both, his attention fleetingly turned to Octavius who had once again followed. This time he tried to cover the obvious with a simple offer of his services, even when it was clear his skill set would be useless in resolving the situation at hand. 

No one spoke a word during the short journey to the coordinates Fives had given Kix. Snap couldn't bring herself to admit she recognized the seemingly abandoned warehouse, it had once belonged to her late uncle Seth. A warehouse for the business he'd successfully run way back when. Anakin and Rex had entered first, only when they were sure it was safe would either one could (Y/N) the all-clear the enter. The longer Snap had to wait, the stronger her fear of losing someone else love got. A fear that found its feet in reality when she heard voices from inside her uncle's warehouse, Rex trying to calm a situation, talking with sense. Anakin seemingly struggled to stay neutral when Fives made rambled accusations. And Fives, sounding lost and confused as if his compose has become scrabbled and he struggled to find his bearings again. His heart was in the right place but his mind struggled to make sense of it all. 

Without a second thought or regret (Y/N) ran into the warehouse, she had no regard for her own safety, only the wellbeing of her friends. When she discovered where the three were, she found Rex and Anakin trapped in the middle of a ray-shielded circle, Fives just in front of them waving one of Rex's blasters around as if trying to locate an unseen force creeping upon him. The Arc Trooper seemed almost frightened to see her there, as if he was scared whatever he was running from, would capture and hurt her. 

"Fives" called (Y/N) with calmness, her hands held up as if to surrender to her friend, thrust showing she was unarmed, weaponless. "I know you didn't have a mental break as the Kaminoans said. I know you didn't try and assassinate the Chancellor" softly spoke Snap, noticing he seemed to stop and listen, slowly lowering his weapon, as if relieved someone believed him. "Tell me what you discovered, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you're not ignored" voiced the civvi medic, ignoring Anakin calling her name with concern as if he was skeptical about her choice to give credit to Fives' brash accusations. 

"There's a plot" started Fives, holding his head seconds later as if struggling to find the words to explain what he had discovered. "Inhibitor chips, clones, Kaminoans, destroy the Jedi. The chancellor, he's behind it all" muttered the Arc Trooper, suddenly raising his gun again, this time turning around and pointing it at the members of the Coruscant Guard. He stood in front of where Snap was as if protecting her from the Coruscant Guard, protecting her from the unseen force his mind was telling him was there. "Get away from me" yelled Fives, pointing his gun directly at the members of the Coruscant Guard, his mind becoming more hazed and scrambled by the second. 

"Don't Shoot!" yelled Snap, not being clear about whom her words were directed toward. Before her words could defuse the situation, Fox fired a single bolt, shooting Fives in the chest. The warehouse had fallen deathly silent as if no one could comprehend what had happened. (Y/N) quickly rushed to Fives, ignoring all others there, as her instinct to save a life kicked in. Even when she knew the odds of survival, she couldn't stand by and do nothing when her friend needed her. Fox soon shot out the ray shield holding Anakin and Rex in place, allowing Rex to join Snap at Fives' side. 

"This is the end" muttered Fives, as his fate began to dawn on him. He was going to see Droidbate, Cutup, and Hevy again. He would finally be reunited with Echo, his brother lost so long ago in the midst of the ongoing war. Finally, the Domino squad would be reunited, and peaceful. "Forget the mission, oh nightmare" whispered the Arc Trooper, as his attention briefly turned to (Y/N), knowing she would understand, Tup had told her. "I'm free" were his final words, before his body gave up on him. Before he left the living behind and broke the hearts of his brothers, friends, and Snap. 

Snap didn't bother to hide her tears or her heartache. Instead, she simply grabbed hold of Fives' shoulders and shook him. Willing him to wake up. Her mind told her he was already gone, she'd failed to save another she loved and cared for, but her breaking heart refused to accept it. Rex held on to Fives' body, closing his eyes to it appeared he was sleeping, he struggled to come to terms with what happened, yet somehow he found some truth in something Fives had said. 

Anakin had been the one to pull Snap away, as the Coruscant Guard circled around Rex and Fives, Fox dropping his blaster as if disgusted with himself. The Jedi Knight only held on tighter when (Y/N) tried to get away from him, holding her closer as she cried. Regret shone in his eyes, he should have listened to Rex, he shouldn't have involved the fragile medic. 

"Let her go" called Rex, when Snap finally got free from Anakin's secure grip. He knew she wouldn't wander too far, she never did. The call of duty was always stronger with Snap, as was her loyalty to the troopers who needed her, and to her friends and family. He doubted whether she'd go anywhere outside her normal hiding places, if the captain had to guess he'd say she would go to the memorial to the fallen, if only so she could remember friends lost and speak to Echo. Either that or she'd hide away from the galaxy in her apartment until she was needed again. Rex knew others would keep tabs on her, especially Wolffe and Cody, both of which often acted protective older brothers. 

Masterlist

[doesithavetobeaspider]

Jean Grey: I’ve been killed and resurrected like 5 times! Do you have any idea what that’s like?

*Ben Reilly gives Jim-from-The-Office look to the reader*

Ben Reilly(voiceover): Amateur.

[babyscilence]

I'm on the clone conspiracy arc and I'm not ready 🥲

[lit-works]

The lost journal of Peter Parker

January 4th, 2016

Gwen explained

Finally, the truth about Gwen Stacy and the second Spider-Man came out into the open. Professor Miles Warren was The Jakal, and he had genetically engineered Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy clones. I stopped him, but a bomb exploded, killing both my clone and Prof. Warren.

Gwen left, leaving behind the city and it's people that believed her dead, to start anew somewhere else.

As for my clone, I don't know why I just tossed the body down that chimney. I was in a state of shock. I couldn't think of anything else to do with it and I couldn't just let the police find it.

[ominouspuff]

when ur inconsiderate genetic duplicates fake a few deaths and kill a Sith w/out you

(you are a million other genetic duplicates)

Sketch Week! More concept art for Repurposing GAR armor towards the end of pulverizing wrinkly Sith — A guide by CC-1010, ecstatically-ex-marshal commander of Coruscant (AU)

[samasmith23]

To this day I will NEVER understand what possibly possessed Marvel following Ben Reilly's resurrection to turn him evil not just once... but TWICE?!

I was honestly rather forgiving of The Clone Conspiracy stuff, but as soon as I heard about the conclusion of Spider- Man: Beyond and Dark Web I was like, "No... just no!"

updated an old meme! as far as predictions go, i am awesome at this.

[goalexstark]

Ok so I understand why people hated clone conspiracy and tbh I would probably hate it too if I was reading it as it came out, but I think having access to all the tie ins (especially ASM (2015) #22 and #24) made me like Ben as the jackal more than I would if I was just reading the main event series itself.

The series still definitely has its flaws, (for example, Gwen and her dad having to die again) like how Peter is so quick to be buddy buddy with Otto despite him only turning on Ben for a woman who wants nothing to do with him and him being the first to set off the signal on purpose while being of relatively sound mind compared to when Ben spread the signal further. And Peter, despite him knowing that Ben was experimented on and killed multiple painful ways and that Ben was a hero for years prior to his death, rejects both his offer and his status as real, even calling him “just another bad guy to punch” when he asks Peter for help.

Here’s some of my favorite jackal!ben moments (part one)