The Battle...

     Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi arrives on the planet Geonosis, tracking the bounty hunter Jango Fett, and finds, in addition to having a large concentration of Trade Federation starships and a massive droid army, Separatist leaders conspiring against the Republic: former Jedi, Count Dooku, Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray, Chairman San Hill of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, Foreman Wat Tambor of the Techno Union, Presidente Shu Mai of the Commerce Guild, and other high-ranking members of groups such as the Corporate Alliance.  In this darkened conference room, deep within one of the Geonosian droid foundries, Count Dooku declared his offer, and the Confederacy of Independent Systems was formally established.  As Obi-Wan is broadcasting his transmission to Coruscant, via Anakin & Padme, he is captured by the Separatists.  After retransmitting his Master's message to Coruscant, Anakin accompanies Padme to Geonosis in an attempt to rescue Obi-Wan; in a similar move, Jedi Master Mace Windu, with a large contingent of Jedi, departs Coruscant for Geonosis.

     As they arrive on Geonosis, Padme and Anakin find their way into one of the planet's many droid foundries, and find themselves battling against numerous Geonosian drone workers.  They are briefly separated, and Anakin's lightsaber is destroyed by one of the many machines in the foundry.  Within moments, Jango Fett, accompanied by a group of Droideka capture Padme and Anakin.  Padme and Anakin are then brought to the Arena, where they join Obi-Wan Kenobi; chained to pillars against their will, being readied for execution.  The Geonosians then send three beasts into the Arena: an acklay, a reek, and a nexu.  Anakin, with the aid of the Force, jumps onto the massive reek, and its subsequent charge breaks him free from his chains.  Relying on the Force to calm and control the beast, he immediately proceeds to help Padme; Anakin, controlling the reek with the help of the Force, sends it charging into the nexu which is hounding Padme, killing it instantly.  Anakin, with Padme safely by his side, then picks up Obi-Wan, who is being hunted by the acklay.  Soon after rescuing Obi-Wan, the group is surrounded by a group of Droidekas.

     In the mean time, Mace Windu covertly finds his way to the archducal box which houses Count Dooku, Nute Gunray, Lott Dodd, Poggle the Lesser, and Jango and Boba Fett, and draws his lightsaber on Jango Fett.  At this moment, Count Dooku gives his signal, and thousands of battle droids march their way into the Arena.  In response, hundreds of Jedi reveal their presence in the crowded stands, and a massive battle ensues.  Although the Jedi fight valiantly, they are impossibly outnumbered, and many fall in combat; soon, the few Jedi remaining are surrounded by the battle droids.  As Count Dooku asks the remaining Jedi to surrender, the Geonosian sky is littered with Republic Gunships, led by Jedi Master Yoda, carrying squadrons of clonetroopers to assist the beleaguered Jedi.  Within moments, the Arena is littered with destroyed battle droids, and the Jedi are transported via Republic Gunships out of the Arena, and into the full-scale war that has erupted on the surface of Geonosis.  As the Gunship carrying Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme soars towards the battle, Master Kenobi spots Count Dooku attempting to escape.

     As they are unable to destroy Dooku, for their Gunship has emptied its weapons hold, they follow him.  Dooku's escorts, a pair of Geonosion Starfighters, fall back and fire on the Gunship, causing Padme and some clonetroopers to tumble to the planet's surface.  Anakin, emotions running beyond control, insists that they land the Gunship and save Padme, while Obi-Wan implores upon Anakin that they must concentrate on the mission at hand, and stop Dooku.  Master and Padawan debate intensely, and Anakin soon concedes defeat - within moments, they have followed Dooku and landed in his private hangar.  Emotions still raging beyond control, Anakin, ignoring the will of his Master, rushes to meet Dooku, and is met with bolts of Force Lightning which hurl him across the hangar, taking him out of the fight.  Due to the brashness of his Padawan, Obi-Wan is left alone fighting a battle which he cannot win; Dooku gains the upper hand immediately.  As Dooku moves in for the killing blow, Anakin, still feeling the effects of the Force Lightning, looks towards his ill-fated Master.  Calling upon the Force, Anakin lunges across the hangar and deflects Dooku's killing blow.  Obi-Wan, with the help of the Force, sends his lightsaber into Anakin's hands.  Although he fights with two lightsabers, Anakin cannot keep pace with Dooku; soon after their duel begins, Dooku destroys one lightsaber, and not long after, severs Anakin's right arm, which is holding the second lightsaber.  Before Dooku is able to move in on the wounded Jedi, Yoda arrives in the hangar.  Yoda, casting aside the rocks which are thrown at him, and catching and blocking Force Lightning, is then forced to engage Dooku in a lightsaber duel.  Yoda easily overpowers his former student, but must divert his concentration to stop a pillar, induced by Dooku through the Force, from crushing Obi-Wan and Anakin.  Count Dooku uses this narrow window of opportunity to escape to his Solar Sailer, and departs for Coruscant.

...The Outcome

     Although Dooku escapes, Geonosis is taken by the Republic.  Supreme Chancellor Palapatine, recently given emergency powers from the Senate, creates an Army of the Republic, consisting of Republic Gunships, All-Terrain Tactical Enforcers (AT-TEs), Self-Propelled Heavy Atillery Turbolasers (SPHA-Ts), Acclamator-class Assault Ships, and hundreds of thousands of  clonetroopers.  The Clone Wars begin.

____________________

(Events occur 1 month after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     The snow covered planet of Rhen Var, a Republic system for centuries, which contains only a limited number of colonies, is an initial, unexpected target of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.  Learning about the attacking Separatist Army too late, the Republic is unable to prepare a full scale force to counter this threat.  Coincidentally, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are traveling through the Rhen Var system, when Kenobi finds many "blips" on the ship's sensors.  Investigating the matter in their Jedi Starfighters, they find a Trade Federation invasion army heading towards the surface of Rhen Var.  Before the Jedi can alert the Republic, and on an account of Anakin's recklessness, they are spotted by the invasion army.  Consequently, the two Jedi decide to attempt to evacuate the planet single-handedly.  

The Battle...

     Arriving on the planet's surface, Anakin and the few available clonetroopers use Republic Gunships and fly a series of missions to help evacuate the planet.  Although the skies are filled with Droid Starfighters, and the ground is covered with Separatist forces, the piloting skills of Anakin Skywalker are equal to no other in the galaxy; a majority of the evacuation missions are successful.

...The Outcome

     Rhen Var is taken by the Confederacy of Independent Systems; the Jedi become curious as to the motives of the Separatists in the taking of such an inconsequential planet.

____________________

(Events occur 1 month after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     To the surprise of the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic, a Separatist complex was discovered on the galaxy's garbage dump, Raxus Prime.  While waiting for the remainder of the Republic's task force to arrive, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker head down to the surface to investigate the situation.

The Battle...

     Riding on swoops and blasting mounted battle droids, Master and Padawan make their way to a large drilling site.  Although not sure of what exactly, they come to the conclusion that Dooku is looking for something of importance (they would find out later that it was the Force Harvester, an ancient Sith artifact).  To prepare for the Republic clonetroopers to land, Obi-Wan and Anakin advance their position, and destroy three convoys in the process.  As the clonetroopers land on the surface, the Jedi escort them to the massive digging site.

     After the clonetroopers destroyed the excavation site, Anakin catches sight of Dooku fleeing towards his ship.  Anakin sneaks his way onto the ship, and is confronted by Dooku.  As he draws his lightsaber, Cydon Prax, one of Dooku's mercenaries, stars shooting at Anakin.  Unable to fight on both fronts, Anakin is hit by a stun bolt from Prax's blaster.

     Aware of Dooku's strength and power, Obi-Wan attempts to follow and help Anakin, but he is attacked by a large Protodeka droid.  As he finally defeats the massive droid, Dooku's ship is already in the air.  Feeling he has failed his Padawan, Obi-Wan can do nothing but look on helplessly.

     Anakin awakens to find that he is sharing a prison cell of some type with Bera Kazan, a young female mercenary.  Anakin learns from Bera that she helped Prax search for the Force Harvester, and that it was already in Dooku's possession before the Republic forces had arrived.

...The Outcome

     Count Dooku retrieves the Force Harvester, and captures Anakin Skywalker.

____________________

(Events occur 1 month after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

    Captured by Count Dooku, Anakin Skywalker and Bera Kazan, a young female mercenary, were taken to a moon of Kashyyyk.  This moon, Alaris Prime, is where Dooku intends to test the recently acquired Force Harvester.

The Battle...

     Within moments after Dooku leaves his presence, Anakin calls upon the Force, and is able to break free from his holding cell and reacquire his lightsaber from a nearby battle droid.  Before fleeing to the forests, Anakin and Bera release the other prisoners from their cells.  On there way through the forests, they are just able to avoid the deadly effects of the Force Harvester that Dooku has just tested.  After clearing out of its immediate range, they proceed to a Wookiee settlement.

     Using a stolen Trade Federation Tank, Anakin is able to creep his way into a nearby Separatist base long enough to contact the Republic.  Heading back towards the settlement, he and Bera mount a double-blasting cannon on a local animal, where they are able to hold off the Separatist forces until the Republic forces arrive.  Upon their arrival, Obi-Wan rejoins his Padawan, and on Jedi speeders, with the help of the clonetroopers, they destroy the remaining Separatist forces.

...The Outcome

     Anakin Skywalker and Bera Kazan escape from the clutches of Count Dooku.  Alaris Prime is rid of Separatist forces.  Count Dooku, after successfully testing the Force Harvester, once again escapes the grasp of the Jedi, but this time with his new weapon.

____________________

(Events occur 1 month after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Mace Windu informs Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker that the Force Harvester is not a weapon; it is only the power source for a deadly weapon known as the Dark Reaper.  A long time ago, during the Great Sith Wars, the Jedi Ulic Qel-Droma learned how to avoid it's effects; Qel-Droma's tomb is located on Rhen Var.

The Battle...

     Upon landing on Rhen Var, battalions of the Republic Army, led by Obi-Wan and Anakin, succeed in taking Rhen Var back from the Confederacy of Independent Systems.  As the battle is closing, Obi-Wan sends Anakin to Ulic Qel-Droma's tomb, hoping to learn of a way to stop the deadly Dark Reaper.  As Anakin approaches the tomb, he is met by ancient, powerful ghosts who are protecting the spirit of the long-dead Jedi Master.  By destroying the tombs individually, Anakin gets past the spirits, and is finally able to talk with Ulic.  

...The Outcome

     Rhen Var is liberated from the Confederacy of Independent Systems.  Anakin Skywalker learns how to, temporarily, withstand the deadly effects of the Dark Reaper.

____________________

(Events occur 1 month after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Mace Windu and Yoda discover that the Force Harvester and Dark Reaper are currently on the planet Thule, the home to an ancient Sith city.  However, before they are able to strike the city, Republic forces, with the help of Anakin Skywalker, must destroy the planet's protective energy shield, whose shield generators are located on Thule's moon.  

The Battle...

     After the disabling of the planetary shields, Mace and Obi-Wan arrive on the planet's surface with a regiment of clonetroopers.  In order for an assault to take place in the city, the Jedi have to sever the communications link between the Separatist forces and the city.  After heavy fighting, the communications link was destroyed, making the city accessible.

     The most crucial part of the mission belonged to Anakin; he alone knew how to withstand the Dark Reaper.  Riding a Jedi speeder, accompanied by only a small escort, Anakin battled his was through the city to the Dark Reaper.  On his way, he runs into Cydon Prax, one of Dooku's mercenaries, on his speeder, who tries to stop the Jedi.  Prax was no match for Anakin, and his speeder is destroyed; Cydon Prax is presumed dead.

     Anakin finally reaches the Dark Reaper, to find it loaded with many types of weapons systems, including the dreaded beam of Force energy.  With the guidance from the spirit of Ulic Qel-Droma, Anakin is able to destroy the Dark Reaper, weapon by weapon, piece by piece.  After its destruction, Anakin then proceeded to destroy its power source, the Force Harvester as well.

...The Outcome

     The Galactic Republic gains control of Thule.  The Force Harvester and Dark Reaper are destroyed by Anakin Skywalker.  Cydon Prax, an agent of Count Dooku's, is presumed dead.

____________________

(Events occur 2 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with a small contingent of Jedi, are preparing to defend Kamino; Jedi Masters Quinlan Vos and Aayla Secura have provided information that the cloning facilities are going to be the focal point of the next attack planned by the Separatists. 

The Battle...

     Prior to the battle, Anakin has a vision of Obi-Wan being shot down into the waters during the imminent battle.  Obi-Wan tells him not to trust visions of the future, and to stay focused on the present.  Master and Padawan enter the chamber where the assembled Jedi are waiting.  Obi-Wan informs the group that he has been asked to command the mission, due to his relative familiarity with the cloning facilities of Kamino.  Since the Separatists will be expecting some defense force, the assembled Jedi will be the main line of defense.  Although Seinar Fleet Systems is developing fighters for the clonetroopers, they are not yet complete, so Jedi Starfighters will be used.  Jedi Masters Tsui Choi and Aayla Secura will lead the flight (Blue Squadron) to intercept the Droid Starfighters,, and Obi-Wan will lead a second flight (Red Squadron) to defend the cloning facilities.  Those not assigned to the squadrons will remain on the platform to supervise ground defenses.

     After dismissing the group, Obi-Wan informs Anakin to stay behind, because he has been too distracted and withdrawn in recent times.  Sensing the turmoil in his Padawan, he asks if there is anything that Anakin would like to share with him.  Anakin's thoughts dwell on many things:  Qui-Gon Jinn, his mother's death, his slaughter of the Tusken Raiders, Count Dooku, and his marriage to Padme.  Anakin responds that there is nothing to talk about, and walks away.

     Obi-Wan seems defeated at this response, and the hologram of Quinlan Vos, still listening in after the discussion of the upcoming battle, calls to Obi-Wan, "Padawan problems?"

     "He doesn't always listen.  He rarely ever talks.  He's impatient.  He's restless.  He's moody.  He's arrogant.  He's... difficult, Quinlan," Obi-Wan responds.  "Since Geonosis, it's as if a chasm has opened between us.  There has been no time to stop... sort things through..."

     "You feel as if you're failing him?"

     "In a way, yes," Obi-Wan replies.  "Before he died, my Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, entrusted me with Anakin.  To make sure that he became a Knight.  I have my oath.  I... never really chose Anakin as my Padawan."

     "Maybe it's time you did," Quinlan states, and ends his transmission.

     Meanwhile, Anakin is becoming frustrated because he cannot fix a small droid.  Master Aayla Secura joins him, and asks "having a problem, Anakin?"

     "No, Master Secura.  It's not important.  I was just trying to fix this droid while waiting.  Sometimes, I just think better when my hands are busy."

     "A form of moving meditation," Aayla replies.  "I do it, too."

     "It's not working this time.  I can't fix it.  I don't know why."

     "Perhaps you try to hard?"

     "Maybe.  I don't know.  Things just get so... complicated sometimes!  It's not like when I'm flying or fighting... or like when I was podracing.  Everything seems so clear then," Anakin says.

     "Maybe things aren't always that simple.  Let me try something," Aayal says, and she whacks the droid into activation.  "Old mechanic's trick.  The secret, Anakin, is to know when a thing is fixed.  And to leave it alone."  

     With sirens blazing, Obi-Wan enters amidst their conversation.  "They have everyone to their fighters.  Let's go, Anakin."

     Startled, Anakin asks, "Me?!  But...  you said..."

     "I've reconsidered.  You were correct.  You're our best pilot, and we need you.  I need you, Anakin."

     As the Jedi Starfighters are being deployed, Droid Starfighters and Troop Landers emerge from a Trade Federation Battleship, and the two forces engage one another.  Master Kossex destroys a fighter on Anakin's tail, but is killed by fighters from a newly-arrived droid squadron.  Obi-Wan informs his squadrons to maintain their formations and their mission, but he is heading towards the troop convoy.

     "Not alone, Master," Anakin pleads.

     "Maintain your position, Anakin."

     Reluctantly, Anakin responds, "be careful, Master!  It's my vision... exactly like my vision!"  Within moments, Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter takes incoming fire, and he is forced to crash-land in the oceans of Kamino.  His out-of-commission ship afloat the ocean, Obi-Wan emerges from the cockpit of his downed fighter and deflects incoming fire with his lightsaber.  Anakin immediately clears the area of Droid Starfighters, but is attacked by a huge sea monster.  The monster grabs the Jedi Starfighter in it's mouth, and Anakin is forced to eject from his ship, and swims to Obi-Wan's downed ship.

     "Why is it, my Padawan, that every time you rescue me, you wind up needing rescuing yourself?"

     "I don't know, Master.  I'll try to do better."

     "I know you will, Anakin," Obi-Wan replies, as the duo are surrounded by flying sea creatures with many teeth.  After defending themselves from the killer fish, Obi-Wan notes that they are safe for the moment, although the downed Jedi Starfighter is slowly beginning to sink.

     "I wonder how the battle is going?" Anakin asks.

     "Win or lose, it goes without us, Anakin.  We have a moment, and I don't know if we'll have many while this war is on.  We haven't talked much lately.  You've been distant and I've been preoccupied.  You have my trust, Anakin, and if you need to talk..."

     Before Anakin can respond, a Kaminoan emerges from the water atop an aiwha, offering his assistance.  He mentions that the Republic's fleet has arrived, but Tipoca City is still in danger.  Boarding the aiwha, Master and Padawan return to the city to rejoin the fight.

     By the time they arrive back in the city, the cloning facility is being over-run with battalions of droids.  Along their way, they run into Jedi Master Shaak Ti, who is accompanied by an Advanced Recon (ARC) Trooper.  She informs them that they must make their way to the Third Generation labs, located in a long, open-view tunnel underwater.  Upon reaching the lab, the ARC trooper begins to set the self-desctruct per Jango's orders.  "We can't allow the clones to fall into the wrong hands.  They grow up loyal to the Republic, or they don't grow up at all."

      The Jedi insist that there must be another way; the ARC trooper suggests that they destroy the tunnel containing the invading army, and flood it.  Shaak Ti, Obi-Wan, and Anakin combine their strength, and call upon the Force to both flood the tunnel, and hold back the ocean from flooding the lab itself.  Miraculously, the Jedi succeed, and hold their position until the battle is over.

...The Outcome

     Jedi Master Kossex is killed.  Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Shaak Ti ensure the survival of the Third Generation of the Republic's clonetroopers.  The Republic successfully defends the cloning facilities of Kamino from the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

____________________

(Events occur 3 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are leading a small Republic delegation on its way to Naboo.  Anakin's thoughts dwell on Padme, and how they are so close, but yet so far away from each other due to the Clone Wars, instead of the mission at hand.  Obi-Wan, sensing his Padawan's distress, informs Anakin that she will be safe, for the disturbance they sense if still confined to Ohma-D'un, Naboo's moon.  As they reach the debriefing room, the group is met by Queen Jamilla's appointed liason to the Jedi - C-3PO.  Also present are Jedi Master Glaive, his Padawan Zule, and an Advanced Recon (ARC) Trooper.  C-3PO explains to the delegation that a few days ago, Boss Nass lost contact with the Gungan colony on the moon, and that Queen Jamilla fears that they fell victim to disgruntled spice miners.  The ARC Trooper says that he has studied the Gungans' military capabilities and tactics, and that spice miners would be a minimal threat, unless they had assistance.  Obi-Wan informs the group that the Jedi Council fears that Count Dooku and his Separatists are involved, most likely preparing for an attack on Naboo itself.  The ARC Trooper informs the group that the best approach for this mission will be a single Republic Gunship with a small strike team.

The Battle...

     Anakin, piloting the Republic Gunship, lands the craft on the outskirts of the Gungan marsh.  As they group disembarks, Obi-Wan doubles over from a hemorrhaging in the living Force he feels.  The group proceeds to the Gungan colony, and find the site littered with Gungan, Kaadu, and Fambaa corpses.  Anakin charges ahead, attacking a small group of analysis droids, while Obi-Wan and the others follow as to avoid the droids from sending a distress signal.

     "This isn't the work of spice miners," Glaive mentions.

     "A madman did this," Obi-Wan adds.

     "And I think we're about to meet him," the ARC Trooper shouts, as a shadowy figure flies by and kills a pair of clonetroopers.  The figure lands, and cracks Obi-Wan on the side of his head with a swinging bola, causing him to fall face-down into the marsh.

     With his boot pressed on Obi-Wan's head, the assailant, Durge, claims, "it's been over a century since I killed a Jedi... and today I get to kill four of you.  Add to that the Gungans I already murdered, the hostages I'm going to kill later, and all the Naboo who will die tomorrow, and it's a damn good week."

     Anakin, seeing his Master's plight, Force-shoves Durge off of Obi-Wan.  In response, Durge releases the bola, which wraps around Anakin's neck and jolts him with electricity.  "Sithspawn, he's fast!" Zule says, as Durge rushes Glaive and smashed him in the face with his palm.  Zule stabs him with her lightsaber, but Durge backhands her and sends her flying.

     "Like that's never happened to me before," Durge exclaims.  "Now, where are your pet clones?" he asks.

     "Getting the drop on you," the ARC Trooper replies, as he fires a shot through Durge's eye.

     Master Glaive goes after Durge while he's stunned.  "You're tough and nasty, I'll give you that... but so am I!"

     Obi-Wan, helped to his feet by the ARC Trooper, mentions that he thinks the bola cracked his skull.  The ARC Trooper, tapping his helmet, mutters to Obi-Wan, "you should be dead.  Wear a helmet next time."  Obi-Wan orders the ARC Trooper to help him find Anakin, who is missing from the ongoing battle.

     As Glaive engages his lightsaber, Durge uses his jetpack to leave the fray.  Speaking into a comlink, he says "the Jedi are here, as expected.  I'm through toying with them.  Send me some droids... and bring the swamp gas."  Within moments, Super battle droids converge on the group, surrounded by a toxic, green gas.

     "We should fall back, General.  We've lost the element of surprise, and we have no intel on this new weapon," the ARC Trooper says.

     "I agree, Master.  We should warn the Naboo, maybe evacuate Theed," Anakin replies in agreement.

     "Don't let your emotions rule your mind," responds Obi-Wan.  "This 'Durge' mentioned hostages.  Take the clone and find them."

     "Dividing our forces is a tactical error.  The hostages are acceptable losses," informs the ARC Trooper.

     "Not to me.  You will rescue them.  That's an order."

     Meanwhile, as Glaive is fighting against the Super battle droids, his skin begins to bubble from the exposure to the gas.  He warns Zule to cover up, before she is burned alive, but looks up to find Durge holding her a gunpoint.  Trying to save her, Glaive attempts to use a Jedi mind trick on Durge, but it fails.  Obi-Wan, sneaking up on Durge, jabs with his lightsaber, but he dodges the move.  "Nice try.  But I'm a walking nerve cluster... I can feel your heartbeat from two hundred meters away.  You can't sneak up on me," Durge boasts.  

     "Obi-Wan, I don't know how much I have left...  It's taking all my strength just to keep my lungs from melting," Glaive mumbles.

     "I know, but we need to take this mudslug down before the gas can kill us.  The droids should lose focus without their leader," Obi-Wan responds.

     Laughing, Durge replies, "you think I'm in charge here?  Not quite..."  A red lightsaber blade decapitates Glaive; Asajj Ventress has arrived.  "May the Force be with you, meatbag," Durge adds.

     In the meantime, Anakin and the ARC Trooper are fighting their way past Super battle droids, attempting to rescue the spice miners that are being held as hostages.  The ARC Trooper covers Anakin as he closes in between a pair of droids, and uses the Force to turn their guns on each other.  After liberating the spice miners, they explain that they were forced to load a chemical weapon onto their transports; Anakin realizes that the Confederacy plans on crashing the transports into Theed, an action that will wipe out half the Naboo.  Anakin and the ARC Trooper head for the fueling site of the transports.

     Meanwhile, Asajj Ventress approaches Obi-Wan.  "I emerged from misery and suffering... only to find the Jedi I had once worshipped... are nothing but weak, misguided fools.  Count Dooku speaks true," she utters, readying a pair of lightsabers, "the galaxy needs a Jedi purge!"

     After the pair clash lightsabers, she uses the Force to lift Obi-Wan into the air, holding him in place, so Durge can have an easy shot.  As he raises his blaster, Zule slashes her lightsaber thru his back, causing him to miss.  Durge quickly grabs the upper-hand in the situation, and shoves her into the muddy ground.  Astonished, Zule can only mutter, "how?  I severed your spine."

     "No central nervous system, sweetheart.  I don't have a spinal cord for you to cut."

     "This probably won't kill you," she responds, as she grabs a pair of Durge's blasters from their holsters, opening fire into his chest, "but it should leave a mark."

     Ventress, while using the Force to take control of several Gungan corpses, orders Durge to "oversee the attack on Naboo.  I will finish these false Jedi... now go, before the boy can interfere!"

     By this time, Anakin and the ARC Trooper (now dubbed "Alpha" by Anakin) arrive at the fueling site of the transports.  Anakin draws fire away from Alpha, as the clonetrooper plants an explosive device on the fueling station.  Setting the timer, he bolts for cover, and the fueling station is destroyed within moments.  As Alpha is recovering from the blast-wave, Durge arrives and punches him with a blow that sends him flying.  "You ruined my mission, soldier boy!  Count Dooku told me about your progenitor.  How he was supposed to be the best warrior in the galaxy... won some bounty hunter competition.  Jango Fett was lucky I was taking a nap," he declares, hoisting Alpha above his head.  "Now, I'll just have to kill all his spawn... starting with you," and he tosses Alpha into the flames engulfing the destroyed fueling station.

     "Get up, Alpha," Anakin proclaims, "you'll want to see this rematch," swinging the electro-bolas (which Durge used against him moments before) over his head.  Injured from his own weapon, Durge activates his jetpack and retreats.

     Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Zule, still using Durge's twin blasters, are fending off Ventress and the Gungan zombies.  Obi-Wan tells Zule to find her lightsaber; he knows he cannot fend her off for much longer.  As she grabs her lightsaber, Ventress slashes off her left left arm.  Sensing victory, she forces Obi-Wan back.  "So much emotion... so much fear... and... hope?  Who?" she mutters, detecting a new presence.

     "The cavalry," Anakin declares, arriving just in time.  

     "Interesting," she mutters, "maybe you're not as cowardly as I'd thought.  I will remember that, for when we meet again," she replies, as she Force jumps into the air, and is caught by a flying Durge.  

     "I thought you said you could handle them," he comments.  "Dooku will consider this mission a failure."

     "I disagree.  Now I know my enemy's face... and his heart."

     Back on the ground, the Gunship has arrived, and Alpha urges Obi-Wan to get to a bacta tank before the chemical agent kills him.  Looking at the death and destruction surrounding them, Anakin mutters "I still can't believe the Confederacy would do this."

     "Believe it, Anakin," his Master responds, "this is the new face of war."

...The Outcome

     The Gungan population on Ohma-D'un has been slaughtered.  Jedi Master Glaive is killed, and Zule, his apprentice, joins the ranks of orphaned Padawans.  The Confederacy of Independent Systems' planned attack on Naboo is foiled.

____________________

(Events occur 4 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     After a recent mission, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, in their Jedi Starfighters, are heading back towards Coruscant by way of the Llon Nebulae.  Stopping at a spaceport in Kronex, they noticed a suspicious looking fleet.  After further investigation, they discovered that it was the Confederacy of Independent Systems' new Storm Fleet; a fleet that is disguised as freighters, but which carries enough firepower to take control over smaller planets.

The Battle...

     Obi-Wan and Anakin enter a nearby cantina in an attempt to gather information, and they come across Fizz, an old friend of Qui-Gon Jinn, who agrees to help the Jedi.  The group proceeds to the hangar where the Storm Fleet is currently docked, where, thru a small diversion, Fizz is able to board one of the ships.  Upon returning, Fizz informs the Jedi that the Storm Fleet is bound for the Mid-Rim System of Cyphar; Obi-Wan deduces that the fleet is headed there to force the planet into joining the Separatist movement.

     The Storm Fleet is in the process of taking off, and the Jedi return to their starfighters.  Obi-Wan contacts the Jedi Temple and informs them about the Storm Fleet's location.  Against his Master's wishes, Anakin follows the departing fleet to gather further information.  As he closes in on the departing fleet, three ships break formation and opened fire on the Jedi duo.  As Obi-Wan and Anakin are taking evasive action, Anakin's stabilizers were damaged.  As his astromech droid repairs the damaged system, Anakin decides to fly into the middle of an asteroid storm; all of the enemy ships follow Anakin into the asteroid storm.  After two ships are led into asteroids, the third freighter retreats, and makes its way back to the rest of the fleet.

...The Outcome

     By eliminating two of its freighters, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker delay the Storm Fleet's trip to Cyphar.  Yet again, Anakin Skywalker displays the galaxy's best piloting skills.

____________________

(Events occur 6 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Many years before the Battle of Geonosis, Lorian Nod and Dooku were young Jedi students, with Dooku being accepted as a Padawan by Jedi Master Thame Cerulian.  Desperately wanting to become a Padawan himself, and thinking its power might help him in his quest, Lorian stole a Sith Holocron.  When Jedi Master Oppo Rancisis discovered Lorian with the holocron, he blamed Dooku, his close friend.  Angered by such an act of betrayal, Dooku injured his friend in a 'training exercise,' and told the Jedi Council the truth behind the matter.  Lorian Nod was expelled from the Jedi Order.  Throughout the years, Lorian Nod was a constant thorn in the side of the Jedi:  he was leader of a band of pirates that captured Republic Senators, he established a group of 'guardians,' who misled the people of Junction 5, and seized power over the planet.

     After serving a long prison term, Lorian Nod once again became the leader of Junction 5.  However, this time he was elected legitimately, and ruled to the satisfaction of his people.  His greatest accomplishment was a formation of an alliance with Samish Kash, the leader of Delaluna, Junction 5's orbiting moon, and the leaders of Bezim and Vicondor, two nearby planets, in which all four planets agreed to help and support each other.  Count Dooku invited the four leaders of this alliance to attend a meeting at his villa on Null, in which he would request the alliance to join the Confederacy of Independent Systems.  Lorian Nod, knowing the support of the alliance would greatly benefit the Separatists, for their Station 88 Spaceport - which was constructed by the people of Junction 5, Delaluna, Bezim, and Vicondor - was a gateway to the Mid Rim, sought the help of the Jedi Order.

     The Jedi Order, knowing the strategic value of Station 88 to the Republic, agrees to help Lorian Nod.  They dispatch an initially-hesitant Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, to ensure that the alliance stays loyal to the Republic.

The Mission...

     Disguised as hunters, Obi-Wan and Anakin travel to Null.  While preparing themselves in a local inn, they notice a suspicious man with a large amount of weaponry, and a mysterious woman in a green cloak.  As they disembark from the inn, and are walking the streets of the village, they learn that Samish Kash, the leader of the Delaluna, has been assassinated.  When they reach the scene of the crime, they see Kash's body being loaded into a speeder being piloted by a mournful-looking Lorian Nod.  The Jedi duo sees both of the strange characters they previously had seen at the inn, and recognize them to be Floria and Dane, the brother-sister pair of bounty hunters they previously met on Ragoon-6, some time ago.

     The siblings inform the Jedi that they are no longer bounty hunters, and were the bodyguards of Samish Kash.  Their conversation ends quickly, as Dane catches sight of something mysterious, and flies off on his swoop; the remaining three follow his path on foot.  Catching up to Dane, they learn that he had chased after a bounty hunter he recognized.  Borrowing Dane's swoop, Obi-Wan and Anakin continue the pursuit.  Moments before catching the elusive bounty hunter, their swoop is trapped in the web of group of Reclumi Spiders.  With the aid of their lightsabers, they are able to escape the web, but not soon enough - the bounty hunter has fled back to the village.

     Upon reaching the village, Obi-Wan and Anakin catch sight of the assassin; before they can pursue him, they are engulfed by a mob of local villagers accusing Floria and Dane, who are being held prisoner, of killing Samish.  Upon speaking with the prisoners, Obi-Wan and Anakin learn that the assassin is Robior Web, a former Junction 5 Guardian.  The Jedi decide to question Lorian, because he led the guardians many years ago, but run into a dead end, as Lorian protests his innocence and recalls nothing of Robior Web.  The two Jedi, realizing they must find Robior Web, head back into the wilderness.

     As they approach Robior, they notice he is making his way towards a landing platform, and decide to follow him from a distance.  As he reaches the landing platform, he is met by Count Dooku.  Anakin, wanting to rush after Dooku, is held back by Obi-Wan, as he notices numerous Super battle droids being unloaded onto the platform from Dooku's ship.  While thinking over their next move, something strikes Anakin - Floria is in love with Samish.  Puzzled by his Padawan's actions, Obi-Wan wants to know how that is relevant to their current situation.  "Love is always relevant," Anakin replies, and they head back to the village.

     Upon revisiting Floria and Dane, they learn that Samish has not been killed, but only injured, and that Lorian had decided to keep it a secret.  Knowing that the meeting with Dooku is a trap, the foursome heads to Dooku's villa.  As they enter the meeting, the members of the alliance are declaring their intention to remain as part of the Republic.  At that moment, a group of Super battle droids enters the room from a hidden entrance, led by Robior Web.  Obi-Wan and Anakin, working together to fight the droids and protect the others in the room, notice Dooku flee the room, only to be trailed by Lorian.  Obi-Wan kills Robior Web, as Anakin fends off the droids.  Remembering something the innkeeper previously said - the buildings of the planet are made from stone with no adjoining mortar, and that one pull of the keystone could result in the collapsing of entire walls - Anakin reaches out with the Force and dislodges the keystone.  The wall collapses, destroying the Super battle droids, while the rubble blocks their route to help Lorian and chase after Dooku.

     Knowing this is a suicide mission, Lorian, nevertheless, confronts Dooku.  Although there isn't much of a fight, emotions run wild as the enemies who had once been close friends taunt each other.  Lorian, knowing he will lose, only tries to disable Dooku's transport, in hopes that the pair of Jedi will then be able to stop him.  As he raises his blaster to disable the transport, the blade of Dooku's lightsaber slices through him, causing his shot to go astray.

...The Outcome

     Junction 5, Delaluna, Bezim, and Vicondor, their alliance still intact, decide to remain loyal to the Republic.  Count Dooku kills Lorian Nod, and escapes from the clutches of the Jedi.  Obi-Wan Kenobi rids the galaxy of the bounty hunter Robior Web.

____________________

(Events occur 9 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Communication and transmission networks have been disrupted for four standard days in the Balamak system, an important food producing world in the Mid-Rim.  Contact was lost with the system with the arrival of a small fleet of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.  According to sources, this fleet contained a Trade Federation Droid Control Ship with a modified transmission array; this experimental platform is capable of broadcasting jamming signals capable of disrupting key Galactic Holonet nodes, thus severing Balamak's communications with the rest of the galaxy.  In response to this threat, the Republic dispatched a task force, led by Obi-Wan Kenobi, to re-establish communications.

The Battle...

     Upon arriving in the Balamak system, the Republic task force led by Obi-Wan and Nanda-Ree Janoo, immediately engaged the Confederate fleet with Jedi Starfighters.  The small Confederate fleet was no match for the Republic task force, and within minutes, Anakin Skywalker delivered a missile volley that destroyed the Confederacy's experimental jamming craft.  Victory was also credited to Adar Tallon, a renowned starfighter tactician who designed the attack.  

...The Outcome

     Anakin Skywalker destroys the Confederacy of Independent Systems' prototype communications jammer, in effect restoring transmission and communication networks in the Balamak system, and displays his legendary piloting skills yet again.

____________________

(Events occur 10 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     A Republic informant on Tatooine, Raala Ponchar, has dispatched the Jedi Council with a desperate message; she has information vital to the Galactic Republic.  During this transmission, Ponchar loses contact with the Jedi.  Masters Mace Windu and Yoda call on Anakin Skywalker to investigate the matter.

The Mission...

     Arriving on his home planet of Tatooine, Anakin, while fighting through womprats, discovers a wrecked speeder and Trade Federation battle droids.  Anakin reasons that the Confederacy of Independent Systems is also looking for Ponchar, and makes his way to Mos Espa.  In the small town, Anakin again encounters and engages womprats.  After ridding the townspeople of these beasts, Anakin talks to a hooded citizen, who turns out to be bounty hunter Aurra Sing, and is told to seek out the cave west of Mos Espa, known and Xelric's Draw.  Locating the womprat's nest, Anakin finds that a group of anoobas were scaring away the womprats  and driving them into the town, and he is forced to destroy the anoobas, as well as many more womprats.

     Upon exiting the cave, Anakin is confronted by Aurra Sing.  "You Jedi are so predictable.  Always showing up to help others.  The Jedi Council did not help me when I was young."

     Anakin quickly snaps back, informing Sing that "the Jedi stand for justice and peace, not the hatred and violence you profess.  I'm sure you had nothing to do with the womprat problem in town."

     Aurra Sing replies, "I expected you not to survive in the cave.  My employers warned me of your powers, but I've hunted Jedi before.  Let's see how you do against my associates... and this thermal detonator!"  Sing throws the hurl detonator, but Anakin evades its path of destruction.  He is then forced to dispatch Sing's associates, who turn out to be Separatist battle droids and thugs of Jabba the Hutt.

     Anakin then heads back to Mos Espa, where citizens greet and thank him for solving their womprat problem.  He informs them that he is looking for Ponchar, and although they have no idea where to look, they tell him to check with Watto.  Before leaving, they also warn him that assassins of Jabba the Hutt are currently in the town, looking for someone or something - exactly what, they aren't sure.  Anakin fights off the assassins, and then makes his way to Watto's.

     Under the wrong impression, Watto states "I thought it would be another ten years, but you miss old Watto, eh?"

     Anakin replies, "I'm looking for Raala Ponchar; maybe you've seen her?"

     Watto, with a look of disappointment, responds "all business now, eh, Ani?  Fine, fine - yes, I see this woman.  She sometimes comes to the shop and buys vaporator equipment.  If you want to find her, go the the moisture farms.  Head out through the North Gate.  But why?  A Jedi can do better than some dusty farm girl, eh?  What happened to the pretty girl I saw you with last time?  She was some looker, heh, heh, heh."

     "She's in trouble, Watto.  I've come to help her," Anakin answers.

     Watto says, "sure, yes.  But what can the Jedi help with these days?  Trouble everywhere.  Bad for business.  You'd be better off coming back to work for me, I think, eh?"

     "No thanks," Anakin states.

     Watto, disappointed again, replies "Ah, big Jedi!  Too important now to care about old friends."  Anakin and Watto exchange farewells, and Watto advises Anakin to not be such a stranger.

     Anakin departs Mos Espa, and soon encounters a moisture farmer.  The moisture farmer informs Anakin that Tusken Raiders destroyed many homesteads, and that many farmers were captured.  Anakin, having no love for Tusken Raiders, slays them, and frees the captured moisture farmers.  Anakin is then led to a moisture farm, and finds a farmer looking at his destroyed homestead.  He tells Anakin that this was done by a droid he has never seen before; the droids leveled everything, and then the Tusken Raiders came to salvage parts.  After informing the moisture farmer of his mission, he tells Anakin that Ponchar works for Bellek, and is north of the homestead.  On his way there, Anakin finds a new type of battle droid, the Cortosis Droid.

     Though bulky, these droids are formidable opponents; they are covered in cortosis ore, a substance capable of deflecting and dissolving the blade of a lightsaber.  While engaging the droid, Anakin finds its weakness, and performs an overhead slash at the droids mid-section, the only part of the droid that isn't protected by cortosis.  Anakin then finds Bellek, who informs him that Ponchar has been captured, and is being held in Jabba's palace.  Furthermore, he tells Anakin that the quickest way there is through Tusken Raider territory.  After skirmishing with some Tusken Raiders, Anakin arrives at Jabba's palace, and again, finds Aurra Sing.

     Sing tells Anakin that he shouldn't have come here, and that she will enjoy watching him die.  Before having a chance to draw his lightsaber, Anakin is Force choked by a new foe - the Dark Jedi Saato.  Saato commands Aurra to contact her master and inform him that the Jedi won't be a threat to their operation. Saato, accompanied by Sing, take Anakin inside Jabba's palace.

     When Anakin awakens, he finds himself in a dungeon with another prisoner.  After casual introductions, Anakin learns that this prisoner is Raala Ponchar, the informant he's been searching for.  With the aid of the Force, Anakin is able to open their cell door, and finds his lightsaber  conveniently just outside the cell, on the ground.  Ponchar informs Anakin that Jabba the Hutt was hired by Wat Tambor, Foreman of the Techo Union, to facilitate smuggling operations on Tatooine.  Jabba has been smuggling huge shipments of construction materials, and something known only as cortosis.  Using their combined logic, they deduce that these materials are being used to produce the strange, new battle droid that Anakin encountered on the moisture farm.  After being momentarily sidetracked, she informs Anakin that these shipments are headed for Metalorn.

     Before they escape, Anakin and Ponchar free the other prisoners in the dungeon.  Parting ways with Anakin, Ponchar escapes on her own.  Anakin sets off towards the rear of the dungeon, where he escapes, and pilots a skiff.  Soon after, he is shot down by the Dark Jedi Saato, who compliments Anakin on his abilities.  Anakin and Saato draw their lightsabers, and he soon defeats her.

     Anakin then opens a communications link with Obi-Wan, and tells his Master all of what he has learned on Tatooine.  Obi-Wan congratulates his Padawan on a job well done, and informs him that his help is urgently needed on Coruscant.  Anakin then returns to his Jedi Starfighter, and departs for Coruscant.

...The Outcome

     Anakin Skywalker frees the imprisoned Republic informant Raala Ponchar, discovers a smuggling operation linking Jabba the Hutt to the Confederacy of Independent Systems, and rids the galaxy of the Dark Jedi Saato.

____________________

(Events occur 10 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Anakin Skywalker returns to Coruscant and meets with Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Obi-Wan welcomes Anakin back, but informs his that the under-levels of Coruscant are being attacked by the Separatist's droid armies.  Furthermore, he tells Anakin that the battle droids are extremely well organized, and that the Jedi are out in force.  Obi-Wan tells his Padawan that he will return to the Jedi Temple and bring reinforcements; Anakin starts to accompany his Master, but Kenobi tells him since he's faced these new Cortosis Droids, he will be best suited on the front lines.  Seeing hesitancy in his Padawan, Kenobi tells him it will take all of their strength to defeat the Cortosis Droids; their situation is most desperate.

The Battle...

     Anakin fights through numerous battle droids and sentry droids, and is approaching a corridor when he senses a disturbance in the Force.  Cautiously proceeding to the next room, Anakin encounters a Dark Jedi known as Trenox.  Trenox comments to Anakin that "your efforts are futile.  It might be time to rethink your path, my boy.  The Age of the Jedi is at an end!"  Before Anakin can garner a response, he is Force-pushed by Trenox, and briefly knocked unconscious.

     Waking up moments later, Anakin realizes that he must chase after Trenox, and make his way to the under-levels of Coruscant.  He scraps a few super battle droids further along the way, and looks for a speeder.  Finding one quickly, he races off towards the under-city.

     Upon arriving at the under-city, he meets fellow Padawan Barriss Offee, who is relieved to see another Jedi.  Informing her that Obi-Wan had sent him here, Anakin asks news of the current situation.  Barriss responds, telling him that her squadron of clonetroopers were overtaken by the Separatist's Droid Army.  There were too many droids, and some of them seem invincible against a lightsaber.  Urging Barriss to get some rest, Anakin tells her that he will take care of them - he's dealt with Cortosis Droids before.  He fights his way past the numerous battle droids, and also encounters a handful of Droidekas, Cortosis Droids, and Rodian thugs.  Anakin provides much needed assistance to the clonetroopers, and then advances onward.

     Anakin then encounters Dexster Jettster.  After exchanging formalities, Dex tells Anakin that he was trying to get supplies for his diner, but got caught up in the heat of battle.  He informs Anakin that he was taken aback when a Jedi threatened him with his lightsaber near Bentho's Nightclub.  Startled, Anakin asks about the Jedi; based on Dex's answers, Anakin realizes that it was Trenox.  After telling this to Dex, the two exchange farewells, and Anakin races towards the nightclub.

     Anakin enters the nightclub, and immediately heads for Trenox.  Anakin tells him to back down, but Trenox boasts "don't give commands to me, boy!" and attacks Anakin.  Trenox then flees from the nightclub, and Anakin, running into a band of Rodian mercenaries, chases after him.  As Anakin is fighting through the Rodians, and super battle droids, Trenox manages to escape via speeder.  Anakin then encounters a bounty hunter who tells him that he is too late - Trenox has already destroyed parts of the Jedi Temple.  Having no time to argue, Anakin finds the nearest speeder, and dashes to the Jedi Temple.

     Upon entering the Jedi Temple, much to his surprise, Anakin finds a Cortosis Droid accompanying none other than Count Dooku.  Dooku greets him, "Master Skywalker, what a pleasant surprise... you are quite tenacious."

     Slightly enraged, Anakin manages only to mutter "Dooku..."

     "Ah, and I see your arm has been replaced.  Very good... it suits you," Dooku goads.

     Anakin, now infuriated, responds "step forward, and I'll show you what it can do."

     "Such passion... I do wish we had more time together, young Master, but for now, I must attend to destroying the Jedi Archives."

     Stunned, Anakin's responds "The Archives... you wouldn't... that's a millennia of knowledge, Dooku!"

     "Yes, quite sad, but it has been helping your Jedi friends too long.  This is a war, and without the Archive's information, my forces will soon put to end this destructive conflict.  You would choose the same path, I'm sure, given the opportunity."

     "I will never be like you, Dooku!"

     "You will never have the chance, Skywalker.  Goodbye."  Dooku leaves as the Cortosis Droid snares Anakin into battle.  

     As he overpowers the Cortosis Droid, Anakin sees a hologram of his Master, Obi-Wan.  "Anakin!  Where are you?"

     "Master, the battle is a ruse!  Count Dooku is here at the Temple.  He's going to destroy the Jedi Archives!"

     In absolute shock, Obi-Wan responds "Do anything you can to slow him down, Anakin.  I will bring reinforcemen... Argh!!!!"

     "Master Kenobi!!  Are you hurt?  Master?"  Obi-Wan failed to respond, causing Anakin to momentarily lose himself.  Speaking to himself, Anakin mutters "I have to do this myself."  Within moments, Anakin fights through numerous battle droids, and arrives at the Jedi Temple's Library.

     Once inside, Anakin demolishes all of the battle droids in the Jedi Library, and approaches Trenox, demanding to know where Dooku is.  Trenox simply responds that he is too busy to deal with Anakin.  "It's a shame you cannot understand the vision and power of Dooku's plan.  Your devotion to that silly Order has blinded you."

     Enraged, Anakin barks "don't make me destroy you, Trenox"

     As he responds, "Hah... you won't live to see what the Count has promised," Trenox initiates a duel with Anakin.  Anakin, giving into his hatred for both Trenox and Dooku, easily succeeds in killing him.  Moments later, Yoda appears on a hologram, and informs Anakin that he has arrived with reinforcements.

     "What about Dooku?" Anakin inquires.

     "Escaped he has.  Return to the Council at once.  Speak with you, we must."

     As Anakin enters the Jedi Council Chamber, he asks "Where is Master Kenobi?"

     Mace Windu replies, "wounded in the fight against Dooku.  The Force will mend his wounds in time."

     Yoda adds, "brave is Obi-Wan."

     Anakin, apologetically mutters, "I'm sorry, Masters.  It never would have happened if I hadn't let Dooku escape..."

     Mace disagrees, "no, you did well, Padawan - it is the Council's fault.  We should have sensed the decption earlier.  And, the information you've gleaned from Tatooine has been very helpful."

     Yoda adds, "Hmm... yes.  Much we have learned from you.  Wat Tambor, leader of the Techo Union is he.  He holds the plans to the Cortosis Droids.  On Metalorn he is, and there you must go.  Stop him at all costs, you must, before construct more droids he does."

     Mace says, "we need you to retrieve the schematics, and return Wat Tambor to Coruscant unharmed."

     Accepting the mission, Anakin responds, "yes, Masters.  I won't fail you."  He leaves the Jedi Council Chamber, heading back to his Jedi Starfighter, and departs for Metalorn.

...The Outcome

     Anakin Skywalker destroys the Dark Jedi Trenox.  Count Dooku, once again, escapes from the Jedi, but not before again wounding Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

____________________

(Events occur 10 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     On direct orders from Masters Yoda and Mace Windu, Anakin Skywalker is sent to Metalorn.  His mission is to stop the production of a new army of Cortosis Droids, and to bring both the schematics of these droids, and Wat Tambor, leader of the Techo Union, to Coruscant.  Upon his arrival on Metalorn, Anakin lands his Jedi Starfighter on the outskirts of the Techno Union base.

The Mission...

     After carefully avoiding floor alarms, and combating a contingent of battle droids, Droidekas, and Cortosis Droids, Anakin arrives at the base of the production facility.  In addition to a steady stream or various battle droids, Anakin is now forced to deal with an occasional turret.  Anakin works his way into the core of the factory, and after clashing with more droids finds some explosive charges.  Using his mechanical prowess, Anakin reasons that the most efficient method to destroy the production facility would be to plant the charges near the factory's reactors.  After placing the charges on all of the visible reactors, Anakin heads towards the inner-most core of the facility, where he encounters Wat Tambor, the leader of the Techno Union.

     "So, Jedi, we finally meet.  What do you think of my factory?"

     Anakin responds, "It's a marvel of the Techno Union.  I'm going to feel terrible when I destroy it."

     "What?"

     "Then, you're coming with me to Coruscant.  The Jedi Council has some questions for you about your experiments with cortosis."

     "Ah, yes, cortosis.  Let me introduce you to Vandalor."  Vandalor shows up, and Anakin immediately recognizes him as the bounty hunter he briefly encountered on Coruscant.  Tambor goes on, "I don't think he approves of your plans for our factory."

     Anakin responds, "we've met before."  Vandalor's only response was silence.

     Tambor continues, "and I have heard so much of your skill.  I think I'm going to feel terrible when Vandalor destroys you.  Claim your bounty, Vandalor!"  Tambor exits the chamber, leaving Anakin and Vandalor alone.

     Vandalor, armed with a jet-pack, a laser-shooting staff, and a stunner that drains Force powers, engages with Anakin.  After a brief sparring match, Anakin found a successful system to counter Vandalor's impressive arsenal.  Each time he was hit with the stunner, Anakin ran through the massive complex, and upon finding a moment of serenity, quickly meditated to regain his strength in the Force.  Regaining his strength, Anakin uses a Force-push on Vandalor, striking him to the ground before using his jet-pack to go airborne once again.  After repeating this cycle, Vandalor eventually succumbs to death, and Anakin exits the room.

     Anakin sees Tambor again, who is startled.  "Impossible!"

     "Next time you decide to hire protection, I suggest you consult with the Jedi first.  Now, come with me."

     Tambor was irate.  "Grrrr!  I don't seem to have a choice in the matter."

     Grudgingly, Tambor goes with Anakin, who has just planted the final explosive charge.  With only minutes before the detonation of the charges, Anakin comes across some battle droids, a pair of turrets, and a pair of Cortosis Droids; all of which are quickly disposed.  They both move along, back towards the outer core of the factory, out of the blast radius.  On their way out of the production facility, Anakin is forced to fight through more battle droid resistance.

     Tambor, in a state of distress, cries, "my factory... my beautiful droids!  The Jedi are a curse!  One day, I tell you, I will build a machine to..."

     "Quiet!" Anakin interrupts.  "I sense something..."

     As Anakin cautiously enters a different room, he hears Dooku's voice utter "that would be your doom approaching, Padawan.  Once, I thought you could be useful, but you are far too stubborn."

     Anakin snaps "you are twisted, Dooku.  The Jedi will put an end to your plans."

     Dooku responds mockingly, "through you, I suppose, Master Skywalker?  I think not.  If you are the Republic's greatest hope, then they have much to fear.  Remember what you lost when we last fought?  That, sadly, is a mercy you will not be favored with again.  Prepare to die, Skywalker."

     Anakin fights him, and surprises Dooku with his skill; skill that is much more honed and skilled than his skills on Geonosis.

     "You fight well boy.  But you could be so much more."

     "I am more powerful than you know, Dooku," Anakin replies.

     "You're wrong, young one.  If you were to release your anger, you would discover real power."

     "Your mind games won't work on me."

     "What's this I sense?  Confusion... sorrow... and something more... pain.  Pain over your... mother..."

     "Stop it now, Dooku, or I will finish you!"

     "If only you had released your anger then... you might have been able to save her."

     At this point, Anakin can no longer control his emotions, and gives in to the swelling anger inside him.  By using this power, Anakin takes control of the duel; Dooku knows he is both overpowered and beaten.

     "So, I am beaten.  Now you have tasted the power of the Dark side."

     "No.  You're wrong, Dooku."

     "Am I?  My Master forsaw my defeat.  You have yet to realize your importance, young Skywalker.  Today, you have ensured the fall of the Republic."  Dooku then passes out.  Anakin then returns to Tambor's location, and escorts him to his Jedi Starfighter.  Upon returning to Coruscant, Anakin heads directly to the Jedi Council.

     "I have defeated Count Dooku, and destroyed the Cortosis Droid factory on Metalorn, my Masters."

     Mace Windu replies, "You have struck a critical blow to the Separatists and their war effort."

     "What of Wat Tambor?"

     "Supreme Chancellor Palpatine requested that he be held under the watch of his personal guards."

     Bemused, Anakin comments, "that is an interesting request."

     "The Council will speak with him about this matter later.  As for you, Padawan... to have faced Count Dooku and survived is impressive.  Your skills are advancing rapidly."

     Yoda adds, "yes, powerful you have become! Mmm, powerful."

     "Thank you, Masters.  I was able to help the Order."

     "Vigilant we must be now," Yoda says.  "A growing shadow of Darkness I sense.  Weary from the war, the Republic grows."

     "I will always be here to serve the Jedi, Master Yoda.  I give you my word..."

...The Outcome

     Wat Tambor is placed under watch by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's personal guards.  Anakin Skywalker kills the bounty hunter Vandalor, destroys the droid factories on Metalorn, and is, inadvertently, surrendering to the Dark side very slowly.  Members of the Jedi Council are starting to become suspicious and wary of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

____________________

(Events occur 15 - 16 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Alto Stratus, the leader of the Separatists on the planet of Jabiim, has come to power during the past year, taking control of the planet by a military coup.  Although most of the Jabiimi loyalists have been murdered, Captain Gillmunn and his troops refuse to surrender, continue to fight against Stratus and the Separatists.  The Republic has responded to Gillmunn's calls for aid, and has sent a contingent of clonetroopers commanded by the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Sirrus, Kass, & Aubrie to ensure the system remains within the Republic.

The Battle...

     As the Republic forces arrive on the planet, they quickly defeat a small resistance group of Jabiimi Separatists and over-run their main emplacement.  Acting on the advice of Alpha, Obi-Wan contacts Kass and orders him and a small group of Padawans to form a "flanking force," which will prevent an enemy retreat.  Moments later, Kass contacts Obi-Wan and informs him that no one has escaped; Obi-Wan, surprised at seeing no sign of the Confederacy, orders the groups to regroup at their camp.

     At their camp, Obi-Wan discusses the situation with Jedi Master Sirrus and Captain Gillmunn, and through Gillmunn, the Jedi learn that Stratus  always evades capture because of the Nimbus, an elite group of commandos who follow his every move.  Although they have destroyed numerous of Stratus' outposts, they have yet to encounter him personally - as well as any of the Confederate forces rumored to be in the system.  Alpha points out that Stratus has maneuvered them into a trap: every time they discover another target, they are carried further away from the Shelter Base, which holds supplies and reinforcements.  According to Alpha, Stratus and the Confederacy will strike soon at this weak spot, and in full force.  The group decides to finally return to Shelter Base.

     Before they can arrive, Stratus, again accompanied by the Nimbus, launches a full-scale attack on Shelter Base, complete with legions of Super battle droids and Hailfire droids. Soon after, Obi-Wan and Anakin arrive on the scene with reinforcements; Anakin heads directly for Stratus and proclaims,  "One chance to surrender."

     Scoffing at Anakin's demand, Stratus replies, "I'd rather die than become your political prisoner... boy."  He then engages his repulsor boots, and flies away from Anakin.

     Obi-Wan, with the group of clonetroopers at his side, finds himself in the thick of the battle, fighting Super battle droids from all angles.  Alpha communicates to Obi-Wan that one Republic walker is still operational, and Obi-Wan orders him to protect it.  Before Alpha can get near the walker, a group of Nimbus commandos are able to plant charges on its legs, causing it to fall to the ground.  Obi-Wan, Sirrus, and Alpha head to the fallen walker to help evacuate the troops aboard.

     Anakin reports to Obi-Wan, informing him that he, Aubrie, and the clonetroopers have secured their section of Shelter Base.  Obi-Wan replies to his Padawan, "Good.  We need you and Aubrie at the AT-AT!" 

     As Anakin responds, "We're on our way," the AT-AT explodes violently, knocking he and Aubrie to the ground.  To the shock and horror of the Padawans, it appears that their Masters, as well as the clonetroopers aboard the AT-AT, are killed before their very eyes.

____________________

     The relentless fighting between the Republic and the Jabiimi Separatists has reached a second month, and both sides are faced with heavy losses.  Continuing his brutal offensive, Alto Stratus overtakes the Republic forces near the city of Choal, and decapitates Jedi Master Norcuna, the highest-ranking Jedi still remaining on Jabiim.  Jedi Master Leska, now the highest-ranking Jedi on the planet, confers with Captain Gillmunn and learns that intelligence has pinpointed Stratus to the Razor Coast, and she authorizes the remaining forces to mobilize immediately; however, she orders the small group of Padawans whose Masters were slain to join the re-supply convoy, thus avoiding the upcoming battle.

     Together with his fellow Padawans Kass, Aubrie, Zule, Mak, Elora, Tae Diath, Vaabesh, and Warble, Anakin, using a tactic he and Obi-Wan developed, has engaged and defeated a group of battle droids, which has forced the group away from the convoy.  The Padawans break up into small groups to complete numerous tasks; Anakin joins Aubrie in bringing supplies to Cobalt Station, which is in danger of being lost to the Separatists.

     While on a routing scouting mission, a Separatist patrol spots the convoy approaching Cobalt Station, which is traveling through an abandoned minefield.  After learning that Jedi accompanying the convoy, Stratus orders his Nimbus commandos to join him in his attack.  By the time Stratus and his commandos reach it, many of the convoy's walkers have been destroyed by the minefield.

     Taking charge of the erupting battle, Anakin tells his fellow Padawans that their best chance for survival lies in spreading out from on another, and then taking the offensive.  Using the Force, Anakin clears a large path of mines, destroying many of the Nimbus commandos in the process, which offers the Padawans more mobility.  In the midst of chaos, Anakin confronts Stratus, but a mine erupts nearby, hurling them in separate directions.  As the group of Padawans continue the attack against Stratus' forces, Vaabesh comes to Anakin's aid, and gets him back on his feet.  An AT-AT approaches from the distance, the lone survivor from the minefield, forcing Stratus' commandos to regroup, and the Padawans head into Cobalt Station for a brief period of rest and recuperation.

     Meanwhile, near the Razor Coast, Leska and her clonetroopers have seemingly defeated the Jabiimin Separatists, but are surprised to find that their intelligence was wrong; Stratus was not to be found on the Razor Coast.  Leska forwards this information to Shelter Base, and, with her troops, continues a mop-up of the remaining Separatist forces.  As the sun penetrates the month-long rain on Jabiim, a stray blaster bolt strikes Leska, and as she lay dying, she tries to establish contact with the Padawans, urging them to flee.

     The rising sun spells trouble for the Republic forces on Jabiim; for now, the Confederate forces stationed in orbit around the planet are free to land with reinforcements.  An armada flies by Cobalt Station, and lands in the surrounding area, where Stratus and his Nimbus commandos have regrouped from their recent defeat.  As the reinforcements begin to deploy, a contingent of assassin droids, personally sent by Count Dooku, disembark from a landing ship and join Stratus' forces.  Together, they march on towards Cobalt Station, preparing for a final showdown with the Republic forces.

     Back in Cobalt Station, the Padawans receive a dire message from Captain Gillmunn: "All of the surviving clonetroopers and Jabiimi loyalists are falling back to a mesa south of your position.  The Republic has planned a full-scale evacuation, but the transports can't arrive until the rain breaks again.  Unfortunately, Stratus is on the move, with an army at least ten-thousand strong.  You're the only soldiers between him and the evacuation zone.  Your General Leska has disappeared.  There's no one left to plan any strategy, and my officers are in full retreat.  Good Lu-"  The tranmission suddenly stops, as his signal was lost.

     As a group, the Padawans decide to remain and help with the evacuation mission, even though it is a suicide mission.  As they are preparing for their final stand, they receive another hologram signal, encoded specifically for Anakin from Palpatine himself.

     "Supreme Chancellor!"

     "Anakin!  Thank the Force.  We feared you were dead."

     "Not yet... How did you get through to us?"

     "Persistence.  We know the dire situation on Jabiim.  Anakin, we need you to lead the evacuation efforts."

     "I can't abandon my friends, sir... they'll die."

     "They will die with or without you, I'm afraid.  But we can't afford to let the evacuation turn to chaos.  Anakin, I've put my faith in you time and again.  You have never failed the Republic.  Do not fail me now."

     "Yes... yes, sir.  I'll leave for the mesa immediately."

     "Good.  I hope to see you soon."

     As Anakin ponders over the situation Palpatine has placed before him, Aubrie, who has overheard the communication, states her opinion on the matter.  "Anakin... he's right.  You need to go."

     "This isn't fair... my place is here..."

     "There's nothing fair about this entire war.  Just go, before it's too late... Will you take this with you?  It's my Master's holocron... I promised him I would return it to the Temple.  Will you keep that promise for me?"

     "Aubrie... I... I don't know what to say..."

     "Go... Live a good life - for those of us who are soon to die - Anakin Skywalker."

     Anakin, once again torn between his emotions, accepts the holocron from Aubrie, and agrees to lead the evacuation efforts.  Reluctantly, he abandons Cobalt Station, leaving his fellow Padawas behind, forcing himself to believe that, despite his shame and frustration, Palpatine's desires are indeed best for the Republic.

     Moments after Anakin's departure, Cobalt Station is over-run with Stratus' army.  The Padawans fight valiantly over the course of a few days, but they cannot overcome the sheer size of Stratus' army, and many of them are killed.  Aubrie has seen all of her fellow Padawans fall in combat, and she vows to destroy Stratus before succumbing to death herself.  She approaches Stratus, alone on the battle field, and as she strikes him with a pair of lightsabers, he shoots her in the chest; Aubrie and Stratus are the final casualties of the battle at Cobalt Station.

     As Anakin heads toward the evacuation zone, he is ambushed by a group of assassin droids; although he easily defeats them, they manage to destroy his swoop bike, forcing him to walk the remainder of the way.  As Anakin arrives at the evacuation zone and meets up with Captain Gillmunn, a lone Repulic transport lands beside them.  A Republic officer departs from the ship, and approaches Anakin and Gillmunn.

     "Commander Skywalker!"

     "Nice piloting, captain.  I can't believe you made it through the storm.  But where are the rest of the transports?"

     "This is it!  The Republic couldn't spare more - and we lost two of our ships in the upper atmosphere!"

     "These few ships will never carry all of us!  Call in additional transports!  Open a comm-channel to Coruscant!"

     "It's impossible!  With all the atmospheric activity, we can't even send a message to our droidships!  And our scanners are picking up another storm system moving in.  We have to take off within the hour, or we'll be grounded for days!  I was told you're the last Jedi here.  You are the only authority I can recognize.  What are your orders?"

     Once again, Anakin is forced to battle his emotions.  He looks across the evacuation zone, focusing back and forth between the clonetroopers and Captain Gillmunn's men, knowing that death awaits those he will leave behind.  Despite the conflict he feels about the situation, he attempts to rationalize his decision.

     "Captain Gillmunn... The Republic is fighting on fronts in hundreds of systems across the galaxy.  Our forces are stretched thin and we need every trained soldier on the front lines... You and your followers have been very loyal to the Republic.  But I can't leave my troops here to die.  The clones must be evac-"

     Before he can finish, Gillmunn punches Anakin.  "Blast you!  Blast you for proving Stratus right!  We risked everything for the Republic!  And now you abandon us?"

     "This is your home.  This is your fight now."

     "I don't have a home.  Your way destroyed it.  We're commandeering your vessels to find sanctuary elsewhere."

     "Stand down, Captain!  And tell your men to do the same!"

     Captain Gillmunn and his men refuse the order, and move towards the transport.  Anakin continues, "I order you to stand down!" and suddenly Gillmunn finds it difficult to breath, and is forced down to his knees.  As Anakin realizes what he has just done he utters an apology, but is cut short by a gasping Gillmunn.

     "Save... your... apologies...  Run back to the Republic!  But we won't forget this betrayal!  We will not forget..."

     Gillmunn's men start throwing rocks and mud at Anakin and the clonetroopers.  As the clonetroopers prepare to attack the defenseless men, Anakin orders them to hold their fire.  Still battling emotions over his decision, Anakin boards the last Republic Gunship, and the evacuation of Jabiim is underway.  Shuddering in a corner, filled with shame and frustration, Anakin is approached by a clonetrooper.

     "Sir?  Now that we're clear of the planet, I'm receiving a comm-signal from Coruscant.  The Supreme Chancellor would like a status report."

     "Tell him it's over... The Battle of Jabiim is over.  And we lost.  We all lost."

...The Outcome

     Jedi Masters Norcuna and Leska, and Padawans Aubrie Wyn, Elora Sund, Tae Diath, Mak Lotor, Kass Tod, Vaabesh, Warble Nend, and Zule Xiss are killed.  Jabiimi Separatist Commander Alto Stratus is killed.  The Republic evacuates its post on Jabiim, abandoning Captain Gillmunn and his remaining men, leaving the planet in the hands of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.  Numerous Republic clonetroopers and Jabiimi loyalists are killed.  Anakin Skywalker is torn; torn over the fact that he used the Force to choke Gillmunn into submission, and torn over the fact that his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, is seemingly dead.

____________________

(Events occur 16 months after the Battle of Geonosis)

The Setting...

     Returning from the Republic's defeat at Jabiim, Anakin Skywalker joins Jedi Master A'Sharad Hett and his Padawan, Bhat Jul, on the planet of New Holstice.  As Anakin learns of the Republic's success at Metalorn, A'Sharad sends Bhat to retrieve something for Anakin, while he accompanies Anakin to the Jedi sickbay.  Haunted by more images of death and destruction, Anakin tries a new and unorthodox method to save Sora Morabi, a Jedi Master in critical condition.  A'Sharad disapproves of Anakin's method, and reiterates to him that even Jedi cannot stop death.  At this time, Bhat returns and tells Anakin about the memorial that the people of New Holstice created to honor the fallen members of the Jedi Order, something they have done since the birth of the Republic:  memory moths.  Anakin learns that each moth represents one Jedi, and that the moths whisper continuously.  A'Sharad tells Anakin that the actual whisper is the group of words uttered before the memory moth is released.  Although the Jedi cannot stop their own from dying, they can always remember them.  Anakin then releases moths for each of his fellow Padawans who fell on Jabiim, and, as tears well up in his eyes, a final moth for Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Suddenly, Ki-Adi-Mundi arrives and gives the group of Jedi new orders: they are to accompany him to Aargonar, where a new front has erupted in the Clone Wars.

The Battle...

     Ki-Adi-Mundi and A'Sharad Hett command the movement of their troops from their separate Republic Gunships.  However, as they cross enemy lines, A'Sharad's gunship is destroyed by enemy fire, and they are forced to crash-land into enemy territory.  As they disembark, their small contingent of clonetroopers is destroyed, and the three Jedi are left on their own.  Bhat, seriously wounded, collapses in Anakin's arms, and acknowledges Anakin's worst fears: "I fear... I... am dead... friend, Anakin..."

     "Don't say that!  I can help you!  I was working in the med-center before we came here, remember?  Do this with me, Bhat.  Focus together.  We're in the Force together.  Find the energy to heal... Bhat?"

     A'Sharad replies that "He is gone, Anakin Skywalker.  Come.  We must seek shelter.  The enemy is beaten back for the moment - bust a sandstorm is fast approaching.  Without a com-link, we have no way to rejoin our comrades until after the storm passes."

     "He shouldn't be dead," Anakin responds vehemently.  "You should have been there!  Together we might have been able to save him!"

     To clear Anakin's anger, A'Sharad simply responds that, "Bhat Jul and I were connected through the Force.  I felt him become one with it - and he knew that I was there with him.  My physical presence would not have made a difference.  We cannot remain here.  The enemy will send more troops to look for survivors.  We need to move out - find shelter."

     As A'Sharad begins to proceed with the mission, Anakin questions him.  "Wait!  What about Bhat Jul?"

     "We must leave him where he lies.  We are behind enemy lines, Anakin Skywalker.  Carrying his body with us is neither practical nor realistic."

     Anakin cannot believe what he is hearing from his fellow Jedi, and his emotions begin to interfere with his judgment.  "Bhat Jul was a Jedi!  And your Padawan!  He deserves better!  Maybe I shouldn't expect anything more from a Tusken!"

     "Bhat Jul was a Nikto and, like a Tusken, he understood the desert.  To become one with the desert was, for him, a way to honor the life that he drew from it.  As it is for a Tusken.  What I expect, Anakin Skywalker, is that you - whatever your personal feelings or prejudices about Tuskens may be - give me the same courtesy and obedience any Padawan gives any Knight."  Reluctantly, Anakin obeys, and the duo continues on their way, leaving Bhat's body behind.

     Meanwhile, Ki-Adi-Mundi and Bultar Swan learn that A'Sharad's gunship was shot down and the clonetroopers under his command have perished.  Ki-Adi-Mundi, realizes that their base is about to be over-run, although enemy troops will be delayed by an approaching sandstorm.  Realizing the Republic cannot afford another crucial blow after the recent loss at Jabiim, he orders his troops to hold the base; they will not evacuate.

     A'Sharad and Anakin finally find a cave in the desert, and proceed with caution into the unknown.  Sensing Anakin's brooding and general dislike for Tuskens, A'Sharad attempts to break the ice between them:  "Not unlike our home planet, is it Skywalker?  We share much, you and I.  We are much alike really."

     Anakin protests, "We are nothing alike!  Master."

     "We have many of the same instincts, Skywalker.  And our experiences are similar.  We both came late to Coruscant and, unlike other Jedi, we know at least one parent."

     "Your father was Sharad Hett - a famous Jedi.  But you are half-Tusken.  And I ha.. have no use for Tuskens.  Master."

     "I am a Jedi and so we are brothers.  You must respect that.  A true Jedi has no use for prejudice."

     "My apologies, Master."

     As they continue on their way, the duo walk into the den of a Sarlacc, but are saved when a large Gouka dragon attacks the Sarlacc.  As A'Sharad prepares to strike the large beast, Anakin urges him not to, as he has formed a mental connection with the large beast; the Gouka dragon has no real interest in the Jedi, only idle curiosity.  As they escape the cave and enter a series of tunnels, A'Sharad offers Anakin gratification for his actions.

     "You did well back there, Padawan.  You made the sort of connection with the creature that Tuskens make with banthas.  You would have made a good Tusken."

     Although meant as a compliment, Anakin's vision of the Tuskens is only that of brutal murderers, and it further increases the tension building between he and A'Sharad.  Nevertheless, A'Sharad reinforces to Anakin that they must reach the Republic's base, for their duty as Jedi is to find a way to rejoin their comrades.  Escaping the tunnels, they find an empty enemy post, and quickly reach an abandoned ship.  Anakin believes he can repair the ship, so they can rejoin their comrades, but realizes that the ship's power cells are wrecked.  A'Sharad, offering Anakin the power cells from both his and his father's lightsaber, leaves to fashion a weapon, while Anakin works on the damaged ship.

     Hours pass by, and as the ship repairs proceed slower than hoped, Anakin's frustration begins to rise.  As he asks himself, "Why can't I make this work?" he is haunted by the images of both Bhat and his mother dying in his arms.  As the emotion and anger build inside him, he is attacked by enemy troops who have now entered the base.  Although these troops are Separatist soldiers, the recent chain of events has caused Anakin to belive that they are Tusken Raiders; he attacks and kills them with a vengeance.  Overtaken by emotion, and fueled by rage, he begins to goad his targets.

     "I know who you are -