The infamous Order 66 stands as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the expansive lore of Star Wars. A particular theory surrounding this event continues to occupy my thoughts. In Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, we witness the clone troopers swiftly turning against their Jedi commanders, an act that initially seems like a shocking betrayal after years of camaraderie throughout the Clone Wars.
However, the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars transformed our understanding of this event. The introduction of inhibitor chips in season 6—devices covertly implanted in the brains of each clone—revealed that they could compel the clones to execute orders without hesitation. Since then, we have seen these chips activated multiple times, notably in season 7 of The Clone Wars and throughout Star Wars: The Bad Batch. While this revelation clarifies the clones’ rapid transition during Order 66, it still leaves us curious about the full extent of the chips’ capabilities.
Clearly, the Kaminoans must have designed these chips for purposes beyond mere obedience during Order 66: what other directives might these inhibitor chips contain?
Implications of Other Orders Beyond 66
Possibly 65 Additional Orders Exist
The title “Order 66″suggests the potential existence of at least 65 additional commands embedded within the inhibitor chips; each could theoretically mirror the terrifying nature of the Order to eliminate the Jedi. While some of these contingency directives have been explored in Star Wars Legends, they are not part of current canon, providing a unique opportunity for future storytelling. This blank slate allows for creative speculation about the additional possible orders attached to these chips.
In episode 2 of season 1 of The Bad Batch, Omega mentions the purpose of these inhibitor chips: to “modify behavior.”This function extends far beyond merely executing Order 66; the chips were likely designed to ensure absolute compliance, enabling the clones to accept orders unconditionally, as Lama Su explained to Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. The chips’ multifunctional design hints that they encompass commands beyond just the ominous Order 66.
Palpatine’s Possible Manipulations of Clone Orders
Utilizing Brutal Forces at His Command
Though activating these inhibitor chips on clone battalions spread throughout the galaxy would be challenging for the Kaminoans, it is plausible that Palpatine exercised significant control over their use, particularly within the ranks of the Coruscant Guard. Known for their brutal tactics, these shock troopers are highlighted numerous times in The Clone Wars.
Commander Fox, a prime example of the shock troopers’ ruthlessness, was tasked with hunting down Ahsoka Tano and subsequently eliminating the ARC trooper Fives, who had uncovered the truth about the inhibitor chips. The distinct brutality of Fox and his fellow Coruscant Guard members raises intriguing questions about the possible activation of additional orders within their chips.
In the fan-developed story “Dominoes”by meridianpony, the narrative suggests that Coruscant Guard members like Fox might have had their inhibitor chips activated more frequently, resulting in missions carried out under orders they couldn’t consciously recall. This theory supports the notion that darker commands could have been embedded within the chips, compelling them to commit horrific acts.
The implications of this story resonate with Fox’s actions against both Fives and Ahsoka, hinting that the infamous reputation of the Coruscant Guard may stem from the undue influence of these hidden orders. It would make sense for Palpatine to leverage the inhibitor chips for his own gain when such elite soldiers were at his disposal.
Will We Finally Receive Canonical Orders for the Inhibitor Chips?
Validating This Theory Once and For All
Establishing a canonical list of other commands embedded within the inhibitor chips would lend substantial credibility to this theory, although there is no indication that such revelations are forthcoming. The popularity of clone-centric narratives—as evidenced by the success of The Bad Batch—suggests that audiences are eager to explore this aspect of Star Wars, which might pave the way for uncovering additional orders linked to the chips.
Understanding the full range of directives contained within these chips could significantly deepen the tragedy and complexity surrounding Order 66, especially if we were to witness their enactment among clones like the Coruscant Guard. While it remains uncertain whether Star Wars will provide this extensive information in the canon, I, for one, would be thrilled to discover the truth behind this compelling theory, even if, for now, I personally consider it a feasible possibility.