CLONE WARS BATTLES
Month 17 after the Battle of Geonosis

Escape from Rattatak | Assault on Organa and Valorum | Rescue at Riflor | Battle of Thustra | Assassination on Coruscant | Battle of Merson | Battle of Null | Battle of New Holstice | Mission to the Rig

Escape from Rattatak

Key Characters

Obi-Wan Kenobi, Alpha, Asajj Ventress, Aidus, Osika Kirske, Rattatakian army, several prisoners, <Ky Narec>, <Asajj Ventress' parents>

Setting the Stage

Obi-Wan Kenobi and the ARC trooper known as Alpha were caputured by the Separatists during the early part of the Battle of Jabiim.They were taken to Rattatak, Asajj Ventress' homeworld, and tortured.

The Mission

Asajj tortures as she tries to find out where the Republic's medical facilities and fountries are. She gets nothing from the resilient trooper. She meets with one of her mininons named Aidus. He suggests that they just Kill Obi-Wan and re-join Durge on the battlefield. However, Asajj instructs him to put Alpha with Kenobi thinking the clone might break after he's seen the Jedi's faded state. Her plan is to become Dooku's apprentice and then kill Obi-Wan afterwards.

Obi-Wan has on a Sith torture mask that prevents him from concentrating though he still has his wits about him. He and Alpha plan a break-out. Obi-Wan was feigning being drained and has been using the Force to press on the pipes in his holding area and to kill the muscle maggots Ventress fed him.

The two escape and release other prisoners as well. In a morgue, they meet Osika Kirske who reveals that he killed Asajj's birth parents and her Jedi Master (Ky Narec). He tells of how Narec (though Kirske doesn't actually konw his name) crashed on Rattatak and trained Asajj, and of how the two were thought of as heros for bringing the various factions together. Kirske also gives some history of Rattatak saying the planet's groups are always fighting for power. He then leads Obi-Wan and Alpha to Asajj's trophy room where Obi finds his and Narec's lightsabers.

They leave and arrive to a landing platform atop Ventress' castle. Obi-Wan orders Alpha to fire up Asajj's ship when she confronts them. Kirske gets his head chopped off by Asajj and she goes after Obi-Wan. They duel for a while and she realizes that the Jedi has her master's lightsaber. Obi-Wan then Force-jumps into Asajj's ship and gets away.

Aidus is in disbelief that Obi-Wan and Alpha stole Asajj's ship. But Asajj is saddened and cries when she thinks of how Obi-Wan also "stole" her master's lightsaber...

Outcome

Obi-Wan and Alpha escape Rattatak. Obi-Wan learns the truth about Asajj Ventress' background and manages to take back Master Ky Narec's lightsaber. Asajj Ventress beheads her arch nemisis, Osika Kirske, then cries like a baby when Obi-Wan takes her lightsaber...

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Assault on Organa and Valorum

Key Characters

Bail Organa, Isaru, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia, Finis Valorum

Setting the Stage

The war effort had shifted many vital forces away from previously safe regions, allowing Pirate activity to run rampant in some areas. Bail Organa was traveling through one such region and came under attack.

The Battle

Organa's ship came under attack by a heavy cruiser and it's starfighter contingent. During the battle, they were able to board the ship and tried to attack the senator, but the attempts were repulsed by Bail and his two Blue Guards, one of which was killed in the fight. During the fight, Bail's distress signal was heard by a squad of Jedi, who came in to save the senator. Led by Plo Koon and Adi Gallia, the Pirates were killed and Senator Organa was escorted to Coruscant.

The attack on the Senator's life brought around some discomfort in the Senate, and a bill, the Security and Enforcement Act was passed, despite Organa's protests, to prevent further incidents. Former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum warned Bail Organa about Palpatine being dangerous. Shortly thereafter Valorum was killed in a terrorist bombing of the shuttle he was traveling on.

Outcome

Former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum is killed. Bail Organa becomes wary of Palpatine and his ever increasing power.

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The Rescue at Riflor

Key Characters

Ki-Adi Mundi, Anakin Skywalker, Alpha, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Asajj Ventress, Plo Koon, Adi Gallia

Setting the Stage

Anakin Skywalker wakes up from a bad dream. He calms himself by working with his hands, modifying his ship. Ki-Adi Mundi finds him and talks to him. Anakin tells Ki, who is acting as his master for the time being, that he thinks Obi-Wan is still alive.

Obi-Wan and Alpha are flying the ship they stole from Asajj Ventress. Their ship is being hammered by enemy fire from droid starfighters. They decide that they need to find a planet on which to land, and fast.

The Rescue

Alpha tells Obi-wan the nearest (and only candidate) planet is Riflor- though it's not in republic controlled space and the local trinary stars have hot sunspot activity that will make getting a signal back the republic difficult.

Near Varonat, a group of Jedi starfighters takes on a pirate capital ship and it's starfighters. The pirates refuse to surrender, due to the repercussions of the new Security Act passed by the senate.

Anakin goes in for a shot on the capital ship- but is distracted as he senses Obi-wan's ship crashing. He snaps out of it in time to barely pull up and away from (while firing at) the pirate capital ship. The capital ship explodes from the damage inflicted. Anakin informs Ki-Adi of what he felt, and though he felt nothing, Plo Koon and Adi Gallia agree that they must trust Anakin's feelings if Anakin is to ever trust them. Adi and Plo stay behind to finish up the situation there while Ki and Anakin head in the direction Anakin sensed Obi-wan (combining it with his vision of a tri-star system).

On Riflor, Obi and Alpha defend and attack against an assault (I'm guessing those chasing them are working for Ventress). Obi-wan force-grabs Alpha's gun away from him to stop him from shooting at some incoming aliens who turn out to be the local Advozsec native noncombatants. He hands the gun back to Alpha as more hostiles close in - a band of bounty hunters.

The bounty hunters tell the clone he can walk away since there’s nothing on him. Alpha agrees and tosses his weapon to the hunters, places his hands behind his head and walks away from Obi-wan.

The hunters decide if they should take Obi-wan alive (paid more) or dead (safer)- they choose the latter as Alpha rolls to the ground and grabs two guns from the previously killed hostiles and uses them to take down a few of the hunters.

In orbit, Ki and Anakin arrive- Ki confirms Obi's presence, and says they'll signal for an extraction team and contact the planet's government for clearance. Anakin senses they have to go now and heads towards the planet.

Alpha and Obi return and deflect fire from the remaining hunters as they run

Alpha: "All due respects, General, but do you have any idea where we're going?"
Obi-wan: "Actually, I do-"

They run into a seemingly dead-end.


Obi-wan: "into a trap."
Alpha: "if this is a trap, why are you smiling?"
Obi-wan: "Because the trap is for them."

Anakin and Ki spring out and engage the hunters before they manage to attack Obi and Alpha.

Ki-Adi: "We will have a conversation later, Skywalker, on patience and the necessity of obeying a direct order."
Anakin: "Yes, master. Of course, master. Later, master."

Obi-wan: "Please tell me this isn't another of your patented rescues where we'll require the while Republic army to get away safely."
Anakin: "No, master."

The three Jedi and Alpha manage to take down the remaining hunters.

Anakin: "I knew you were alive, master! I knew it!"
Obiwan: "I am indeed, Anakin. Thank you for believing."
Anakin: "You look terrible."
Ki-Adi: "It is good to see you Obi-wan, and I gladly return your padawan to you. Perhaps he will obey you.”
Obi-wan: "What? Anakin not obeying? I can't believe it!"
Alpha: "Nice reunion. Can we go now?"

Later, aboard an acclamator, Obi-wan explains to Ki, Plot, Adi and Anakin that it was Alpha who kept him from being killed in the explosion on Jabiim. He also mentions he needs to inform the council on what he discovered about Ventress.

Alpha enters the room (decked out in his badass armor again) and says he's come to say goodbye. He informs them that he's been reassigned to Kamino and they want Alpha to train the new batch of Clone Commanders coming up. The new commanders will be closer to ARCs - more independent. Designed to fill the command gap between Jedi and the troopers.

Anakin makes the small suggestion that Alpha assign them names, which Alpha replies that he will consider it.

Alpha: "It's been...instructive...serving with you, General Kenobi.
Obi-wan: "As it has been fir me with you, Alpha. May the force go with you."

As Alpha leaves, Obi-wan points out that there goes a prime example of why they must remember that the clones are still sentient beings and that they must take care not to waste their lives, regardless of the way they were created or for whatever reasons.

Anakin comments that what Anakin learned in Obi-Wan's absence...

Anakin: "Never to let you out of my sight, Master. You simply get into too much trouble on your own."

And the Jedi laughter echoes deeply into the ship...

Outcome

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are re-united. Alpha is reassigned to Kamino to train a new batch of Clone Commanders.

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The Battle of Thustra

Key Characters

Clone Commander CR57, Tyffix, Tyr, Cal, Pix, Yoda, King Alaric, Senator Navi, Moje

Setting the Stage

The planet Thustra had left the Republic. Now a fierce battle rages as the Republic tries to get it back.

Clone Commander CR57 reports that the Southern Perimeter has been lost. The Republic forces had been given orders to establish a beachhead, make a show of force, but not engage the native Sephi. But the Sephi attacked as soon as the Republic forces arrived.

When Sephi forces sent an explosive at the command tent, two Jedi, Master Tyffix and Master Tyr were killed, leaving their padawans, Cal and Pix, to fen for themselves. The two padawans call for help.

Mace Windu, Oppo Rancissis, Yoda and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine receive the call for help and discuss what to do. Yoda says he has known King Alaric for 200 years and considers him a friend. Palpatine instructs Yoda to go to Thrustra to resolve the situation, despite Oppo and Mace not agreeing with the idea.

As his cruiser is readied, Obi-wan greets Yoda. Yoda expresses how glad he was to find out Obi-wan had survived Jabiim, and praises Obi-wan's abilities after Obi-wan expresses some doubts. Yoda relays the words of a great swordsman from long ago: 'The best blades are kept in their sheaths.'

Yoda: "So, a weapon need not be utilized for it's power to be excercised. Possessing the strength and will to wield a sword is often enough to preclude the necessity of doing so. Yes, but pay heed. One other meaning, it also has. A sword that remains in it's sheath never nicks, never dulls, does not rust. Never does it kill, or maim, or dishonor it's owner through misuse. Battered and worn by passing years, the sheath may become, but the blade remains sharp and untarnished. Though much use has your 'blade' seen, Obi-wan, you have not dulled. Hope you give me, for the future of the Jedi. But in this war, unsheathed must all of the Jedi's blades be- their power weilded. Survive constant use, even the best blades cannot. To say nothing of the damage done to those against whom they are drawn."

Yoda then boards his cruiser as he adds that they must strive to do what is right, what they have always done.

The Battle

Arriving at Thustra, Pix and Cal are surprised to have Yoda come to their aid instead of Master Windu or Rancisis. Yoda has Cal accompany him to parlay with King Alaric while Pix and Commander Clutch hold their position until they hear word from Yoda, as any hostile attacks on Sephi forces will derail his negotiations. The two are brought before the king...

Alari, after regretting not having time to speak less formally with Yoda, relays that there isn't anything that will convince them to stay in the Republic. Yoda is surprised that Alaric would be affected by Dooku's strong influence. Alaric reveals it was he who approached Dooku - and only after the Republic tried to force their allegiance. Thustra will no longer stand by and watch the Republic's corruption in the senate and allow it to touch their own politicians.

Alaric's nephew, Senator Navi, enters the rooms, expressing his view that his uncle is the one leading them into this situation and that he should have been allowed to stay on Coruscant where he has the Chancellor's ear and perhaps have ended everything before it began. Alaric comments that if he thought Navi was helping matters in the senate instead of attempts to profit from them, he would not have recalled him.

Alaric expresses his regreat they could not find a compromise, a sentiment Yoda shares. Yoda begs Alaric to reconsider his stance so as not to force him to order his troops into battle. "If you would depart only to return with your army, I cannot allow you to leave. You must remain here, as my prisoners." Alaric says.

Cal expresses outrage at the suggestion of keeping them there, but Yoda instructs Cal to hold back and avoid violence.

In the chambers set aside for them, Cal expresses his disbelief at Yoda surrendering. He respects Yoda, but doesn't understand him at all. Yoda is not surprised to hear that, but is saddened.

Yoda: "Violence, aggression, war...never have these been the Jedi way. But now...need us to adapt to these things the Republic does. Fading are the Jedi's peaceful ideals."
Cal: "It has to be that way. My master taught me that to fight like a warrior- to think like a conqueror- was the only way I'd survive."
Yoda: "Survive physically, yes- but when over this war is, what then? If peace is to be had, where will your place be? Shortsighted this conflict is making the Jedi, ALL Jedi- including myself. Losing sight of the old ways, are we. But one of many chapters in the Republic's history, this Clone War will be. Yet so focused on this moment, have we become."
Cal: "Look at where the 'old ways' have landed us. Diplomacy hasn't resolved anything- it's only going to get us killed."
Yoda: "Padawan, too quick you are to draw your sword when called for a gentler approach is."

Yoda goes on to remind Cal of when he was a child and another learner, a girl, was slowing down the group and the others wanted to get rid of her, so they hid her lightsaber when it came time for her testing. She would have failed, had Cal not given her his own- he chose kindness over coldness. Looking at Cal now, Yoda only barely sees that boy.

Navi and his assistant, Moje, enter the room and suggest that his uncle's mind is slipping and his thoughts are not based on logic or rational thought- a deterioration Yoda does not see. He mentions that the room is not guarded and that they could easily slip out unnoticed. Yoda feels Alaric believes he is acting in Thustra's best interest- but Yoda is not so sure of Navi, as he is aware of the 'comfortable' lifestyle he had on Coruscant. Navi accuses the Jedi of only being interested in serving themselves while claiming to come here to help Navi's people.

Cal: "I hope Pix is faring better than we are."

We cut to Clutch and Pix-

Clutch: "I hope General Yoda and your friend are faring better than we are."

Clutch observes through macrobinoculars a large build of-up of Sephi forces just beyond the range of their big guns. Clutch comments that, strategically, their best chance is to hit them now before they can form up. Pix says that can't and must obey Master Yoda's orders.

Alaric and Yoda meet in the greenhouse gardens of the palace, and reflect on their friendship and how they cherish it. He expresses how precious these gardens are to him- as they are easy to take for granted and miss things that make it so special like some flowers taken from an uncharted world on the far side of the galaxy, which he has nurtured for over a hundred years. He's taken great care to isolate them and protect them from more aggressive species that would overrun them, though he doesn't bear any ill will towards the more predatory species- they do what nature dictates and he arranges the garden to accommodate that. He gives each species a place to grow and live, but a place where they can not harm their neighbors. "In many ways, my garden is like our own galaxy. Every system, every planet, offers something unique to the whole. In turn, each has it's own individuals needs and must be cared for in kind. Like my garden, the galaxy requires great patience and attention to maintain. Aggressive elements need to be kept in check, and to survive all need to live in harmony. Unlike my garden, however, there is no harmony in the galaxy right now. But, I have that patience. These conflicts will pass. The Republic will eventually put it's house back in order, and when it does, Thustra WILL be there. Until then, though...the corruption runs too deep and is spreading too quickly. It threatens to poison Thustra at its very roots. My nephew's already been infected."

Alaric goes on to say that he knows it must be difficult for the Jedi to maintain their integrity while the Republic exploits them, but he knows Yoda is beyond evil's grip, but he wishes he could show Yoda that he's fighting for the wrong side. An opinion, Yoda replies, he does not share. The Republic has become weaker, but the honorable principles upon which is was founded remain unblemished. "A duty, I have, to protect those principles"

Alaric: "Even if what you're fighting for may someday turn on you? Yoda, we've seen this pattern play out before, on a smaller scale, in other governments, and it always ends badly."

Cal paces in the room, lamenting why Yoda won't listen to him, since he's probably seen more action than he has. Moje approaches, observing that Cal seems to have his head on straight. Though Cal approaches him hostily, Moje explains he just wants to talk.

Moje: "You've gotten yourselves into a situation that you can't begin to sort out- and the odds are against you surviving it. It's not fair, you having to die for what is essentially a long-standing family dysfunction. But I can help you."
Cal: "Keep talking."

Back in the garden, Yoda observes that Alaric cannot keep Yoda here forever. Alaric replies that perhaps he can keep him long enough to change his mind. He goes on to say that his nephew may try to move against you and that Yoda may need to defend himself, knowing he won't act rashly, he hands Yoda back his and Cal's lightsabers.

A single craft transmitting a Republic code approaches Pix and Clutch- it is Navi. He informs Pix that the king is unstable and has stirred his people into an anti-Republic frenzy, and that both Cal and Yoda were executed that morning. Navi than goes on to assist them in stopping Alaric- showing them where a suicide force amassing over a hill can be caught unawares if they strike now, and from there they can take Alaric's palace. Navi then says he's returning to Coruscant.

Clutch: "Technically, you're in command. We can't move without your order. Perhaps we should contact Coruscant and request another General...?"
Pix: (considers) "No. Let's go."

Yoda returns to the room and gives Cal back his lightsaber as Cal explains he has negotiated their release and that a shuttle is standing by to take them back to camp.

Yoda: "Hold, Padawan. Too quickly, do you trust-"
Cal: "And you don't move quickly enough! All this time, I've listened to you go on..for what? So you can relieve some mythic golden age? You can stay and live in the past all you want. Me, I have a war to win- and I can't wait to get to it. I'm checking out of here, with or without you."
Yoda: (a moment, then to himself) "Without me, get far you will not."

Yoda follows Cal as Moje watches. Moje then reports to the guards that the Jedi are loose and roaming the grounds, planning to assassinate the king. "They're armed, and they won't go peacefully...so shoot to kill."

At the Sephi force gathering, Commander Deklunn is informed by his second that they can be ready to strike at dusk- and just then, the gunships attack from above. Pix and Clutch leading the assault on the enemy tanks and speeders- "Let's end this before it can start".

Cal and Yoda, meanwhile, have come to a dead end- "the shuttle's supposed to be here"

Yoda: "If not in such a hurry you had been, examined your plan you could have. Seen it's flaws, now..."

The guards arrive, proclaiming the two Jedi under arrest for an attempted assassination of the king.

Yoda: "...betrayed by the politicians, you have been."

Meanwhile, the Republic attack presses on through the city towards the coordinates given by Navi on the palace.

Cal deflects blaster bolts and fights against the guards, demanding Yoda draw is saber (Yoda is grabbing the enemy weapons from their hands with the Force).

The Republic guns fire on the coordinates given to them by Navi- striking the corridor Cal and Yoda are in. The debris and impact distracts Cal enough that a guard manages to shoot him in the back. Yoda then unleashes a massive force wave that clears the hallway of bodies.

Yoda: "Cal...ease your suffering with the Force, I can."
Cal: "No...this is all your fault. If you'd just taken the king when you had the chance..."

His words trail off as he dies.

Alaric watches from a balcony at the assault on his city.

Alaric: "I never allowed any cannons or weapons of war to be placed near my garden windows. It's a vulnerability that few know about...and that one close to me has exploited"
Yoda: "Come with me, you must, Alaric. Together, this madness we can end."
Alaric: "I won't surrender- you know that. We each do what we must to ensure the survival of our beliefs"
Yoda: "Please. Stand down, you must. Can you not see? Lost your cause is."
Alaric: “Perhaps. Or perhaps the death of Thustra's king will galvanize it's people- unite it's neighbors- and give them the strength and the pain they need to fight on."
Yoda: "Please don't..."

Alaric then draws a blaster and fires at Yoda- forcing him to draw his saber at close range to block the bolt- which shoots back at Alaric, who collapses.

Alaric: "When you...think of me...please...remember our friendship...as it was...not like this...not like this."

In the senate, Navi regretfully informs it's members of the death of Yoda. His announcement, however, is interrupted by Yoda, Mace Windu, Pix and Clutch, who place him under arrest for crimes against the Republic and conspiracy to commit murder. Palpatine expresses his relief at seeing Yoda. "If any good has come from this, it's that you're still alive."

On the way back to his quarters, Mace informs Yoda that Moje got away, but will have his name added to wanted lists, though they doubt they'll have the resources to track him down now that they've lost Thustra. Once word of the king's death spreadthe other systems sent their armies to aid the Sephi and now they have Dooku's army backing them up. Retaking the region will not be easy. Once in his quarters, Yoda drops his saber besides a sash and a jar holding one of Alaric's flowers.

Yoda: "Many more Jedi swords will be drawn before ended this conflict is...costing us much, this war is. More than just bodies and equipment. No longer sure am I, if it is worth the price."

Outcome

Tyffix, Tyr, and Cal are killed. Yoda is forced to kill his old friend King Alaric. Thustra’s neighboring planets came to it’s aid when King Alaric was killed and the Republic forces were driven away. Senator Navi is arrested crimes against the Republic and conspiracy to commit murder (on Yoda). Navi’s aid, Moje got away.

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The Assassination on Coruscant

Key Characters

Quinlan Vos, Skorr, Count Dooku, Khaleen, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Senator Viento, K'kruhk

Setting the Stage

Korriban. Quinlan Vos emerges from a Sith tomb carrying a holocron. He is thinking about how he has Dooku et al convinced that he's joined the Dark Side, but he is really just deep within the shadows, and is still in control. Suddenly, he is knocked down and the holocron flies to someone else's hand -- Skorr, a student of Dooku's. Quin leaps after him, noting that Skorr has been to Korriban before and asking if Skorr remembers...

The Sith-Hound! It leaps out, attacking Skorr; it has tasted his blood before. Quin retrieves the holocron, laughing at Skorr's fear. He notes that he feeds on it. The two leap up a giant hole or well, locked in combat. Quin muses that he is using the darkness to fight the darkness, just as before.

Skorr and Quin are now on a ledge, high up in the Valley of the Sith. Quin kicks Skorr from the ledge, and Skorr falls, crying for his master as he tumbles into the hole...

A room in Dooku's headquarters. Dooku is angry at Skorr, saying he could have saved himself. Skorr blames Vos for stealing the holocron, but Quin retaliates that all that matters is the current owner. Dooku agrees; it's only important that the holocron is now his. He tells Skorr he had better not regret his decision to save his life, and congratulates Quin as one of his most reliable lieutenants. He tells Quin he will soon have work for him.

Quin sits cross-legged on a balcony, meditating now that he no longer needs sleep. In his mind, he is on Kiffu, where Tinté died. Suddenly, the spectre of Tinté rushes at him, calling him a murderer. Though Quin says she deserved to die, Tinté tells him he is no longer a Jedi, but filled with the Dark Side. She calls him a fool.... And so does Dooku, asking if Quin really expected to deceive him and showering Quin with lightning.

Quin awakes to the sound of his name. The emitter of his lightsabre is pressed against Khaleen's chest, and his finger is on the activation button.

Khaleen apologizes for disturbing him, saying she heard him yelling. Quin warns her it's dangerous to be around a Jedi who's having nightmares. Khaleen tells him he almost killed her, but he denies it. Khaleen is about to say something to him as his hologram receiver sounds. Dooku is summoning him.

Dooku is studying the holocron, from which the image of Darth Andeddu rises. He tells Quin that a Dark Jedi is nothing next to the power of the Sith, noting that there have been only two Sith since the Sith War. He asks Quin why. Quin replies that it's because they kill each other. Quin asks where the other Sith is. Dooku says on Geonosis he told Obi-Wan a Sith had great influence in the Senate. Dooku notes that no one, not even Yoda, would know who he is if they were standing next to him. Quin tells Dooku if he is the master, then Dooku will remain the apprentice so long as his master lives. Dooku asks, "When did I say I was Sith?" However, he tells Quin his theory is correct, that the apprentice will remain so as long as the master is alive.

Dooku informs Quin that he must go to Coruscant. There is someone there that Dooku needs killed, but he cannot be seen moving against them. Quin asks who the target is, but Dooku tells Quin he will be told at the proper time. He opens the Sith holocron and removes a red lightsabre crystal, which once powered Darth Andeddu's lightsabre. He gives it to Quin, and asks if he will have any difficulties going to Coruscant. Quin replies that when he wants to hide, no one can see him, even other Jedi. Sometimes, though, it may be best to be seen, "Just not as yourself. Maybe walk in a dead man's shoes..."

The Battle

Coruscant. General Zac'Ryah Vos, dressed in armor and robes, face skarred, white streaks in his hair and a crystal in his left eye, is walking arm-in-arm with a scantily-clad brunette. He whispers to her to stop staring at the jewelry. She bemoans the ease of stealing it all, but promises Quin she'll behave. Suddenly, Bail Organa of Alderaan and Mon Mothma approach the two. Organa had met General Vos earlier at a Sector Security Conference. He and Mon Mothma had heard General Vos was dead. Mon Mothma asks if it's true that the ruler of Kiffu, Sheyf Tinté, was murdered by a Dark Jedi. Vos angrily responds that Count Dooku was entirely responsible. Bail apologies for intruding. As Vos walks away, Bail comments to Mon Mothma that General Vos is not as he remembered.

Dooku is speaking to Quin from afar. He cautions Quin that his denial was too strong, that he doesn't want to attract attention. Dooku says he trusts Quin feels no remorse for Tinté's death, and warns that he would know it if hisi student did. Quin responds that he does not, but would like to know who his target is. Dooku tells him to keep walking through the reception, and then, Quin has found the target. He sees...

Chancellor Palpatine asks Senator Viento to excuse him for a moment. Palpatine tells General Vos how distressed he has been by the news of Kiffu, and says he is alarmed by the rumors of anarchy. Vos responds that they are a people in mourning. Palpatine assures Vos that the Republic will do whatever is necessary to help Kiffu restore order, and seeks Viento's assurances that he will support the issue in a vote in the Senate.

Khaleen warns Quin that there's someone in the balcony paying a lot of attention to him. Quin says it's unimportant, that he knows the target and they can leave. As soon as they're out, he tells Khaleen to lose the disguise. She jokes, "You don't like me as a brunette?" and asks if Quin knew the guy who was watching him. Quin answers that he's a Jedi named K'kruhk and that Khaleen should not worry about them. They take a speeder to the drop-off point.

K'kruhk is standing on a balcony in the rain. He thinks he hears something, but cannot find it. Quin creeps up behind him, masking his presence. He passes the Jedi, concentrating on the mission ahead, on destroying the Sith Lord and ending the bloody Clone War. A security grid of laser beams surrounds the Sith Lord's bed. Quin leaps and twists through them, igniting his red lightsabre.

K'kruhk smells the ozone scent of an igniting lightsabre. Quin raises his blade, ready to kill the Sith Lord. K'kruhk bursts into the room, crying "NO!" This awakes the grey-headed Sith Lord. It is almost too late! K'kruhk recognizes Quin. Quin uses the Force to push K'kruhk away from them, remembering the power Count Dooku has and imaging what a full-fledged Sith Lord could do. He brings the sabre slashing down through the body of his victim, ending the life of the Dark Lord of the Sith -- Senator Viento!

Blue-robed Senate guards charge into the room. Quin needs answers, knows he must escape. He bursts out the window, falling through Coruscant traffic. K'kruhk falls with him, ordering him to surrender and answer for his crimes. Quin wonders where Khaleen is, if she's betrayed him. K'kruhk knows he has failed his mission to protect Senator Viento, but tells Quin he will not fail to bring him to justice.

Landing atop a hovertrain, the two fight. K'kruhk compares Quin to the likes of Sora Bulq and Count Dooku. He says he had his own questions, once, but every fallen Jedi like Quin whom he fights answers his questions. They are traitors to everything they were taught. Quin, ordering K'kruhk not to preach to him and yelling that K'kruhk cannot understand him and that he will not explain himself, sends the Whipid Jedi hurtling into traffic. Bouncing off a taxi, the Jedi's body lands on a platform below.

Dooku's hangar. Khaleen tells Quin she wanted to come for him, but Skorr stopped her. Skorr tells Quin he had his orders. Quin turns to Count Dooku, saying that he thought his orders were to slay a Sith, but that Viento was no Sith, or Quin would be dead. Dooku replies, "You thought he was a Sith? Then that was your mistake. I neer said that he was." He explains that Viento thought he could deceive Dooku and needed to die. Also, he needed to know if Quin would obey without question. "Just another test," Quin spits, wondering when he will earn Dooku's trust. Dooku asks how he is to trust Quin when Quin deceives himself. Quin, the Count says, has crossed over to the Dark Side, but will not fully embrace it. He is disappointed in Quin. He orders Skorr to accompany him, and they fly off in the Solar Sailor, leaving Quin and Khaleen. Quin won't believe what Dooku has said. He has not crossed over to the Dark Side; he just continues deeper into the shadows.

The Jedi Temple. Tholme, Mace Windu, and Yoda surround the bacta tank where K'kruhk floats. Tholme is arguing with the other two masters. He says the mission they gave to Quin was impossible -- he had to inflitrate Dooku's compound and send back information -- and he has done both. Only a few people know Quin's defection is a ruse; Quin does what he must to maintain his cover. Yoda retaliates that needless killing is not the Jedi way, and that Quin has become what he pretends to be. He does note, though, that Viento was a traitor; among his effects were found plans to sabatoge the ships of loyalist Senators. Tholme notes that Quin did not kill K'kruhk, though he had ample opportunity. They must trust him. Mace notes his fear that Tholme's judgment is clouded because Quin was Tholme's padawan, and Tholme created the plan for the inflitration. Mace recalls his own Padawan Depa Billaba, who lost her mind on her own impossible mission, and asks Tholme if he'd like to go down the hall and visit her. Yoda tells Tholme that Tholme must see Quin face-to-face, and look into his eyes and into his heart, and see what is truly there. He muses about the price that a victory in the Clone Wars may carry.

Outcome

Acting on orders from Count Dooku, Quinlan Vos kills Senator Viento.

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The Battle of Merson

Key Characters

Ronhar Kim, Tap-Nar-Pal, Clone Commander Dox, Captain Pellaeon, Darth Sideous, Count Dooku, Senator Palpatine

Setting the Stage

A young Jedi Knight named Ronhar Kim is summoned before his father, Senator Vidar Kim of Naboo. Vidar recently lost all of his children and his wife in a crash, and has now prevailed on the Council to arrange this meeting. He wants Ronhar to give up the Jedi path and return to Naboo to continue his family's bloodline. Ronhar is unsympathetic -- he sees his father as his progenitor, not as a father. His life is as a Jedi -- his family is the Order. "You and I have no claim on each other save the circumstances of my birth." And if that means the Kim name dies out, so be it.

The Senate goes into recess, and Vidar has his son join him in an air taxi to the landing platform back to Naboo. He urges his son to at least visit Naboo, to re-establish his roots. "I need you to understand, son, that I'm not without influence. There are things that I know to which even the Jedi aren't privy. I can be useful to you, Ronhar, if you're willing to be useful to me."

A moment later, a shot rings out from behind -- a masked man on a speeder bike. Vidar is killed instantly. Ronhar leaps out at the assassin and sends him crashing onto a balcony. Before he can get any answers out of him, the assassin injects himself with a lethal dose of poison -- even as Ronhar is using a Jedi mind trick on him.

At Vidar's funeral, Ronhar finds himself wondering if the assassin was meant for the Senator -- or for him. And what would he have been had he remained on Naboo? He is approached by Vidar's replacement, a 31-year-old man named Palpatine. The Jedi relates his fears to the quiet and unassuming new senator, who counsels him and offers his hand in friendship. "Through me, you might have a voice in the shaping of the Republic. Through you, I would better understand the Jedi and their ways. What do you think?"

Ronhar shakes Palpatine's hand. "I think that this is the start of a long friendship."

20 years later...

Ronhar Kim returns to Coruscant after a six-month-long mission. He finds in his absence that his old friend, Senator Palpatine, has been elected Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. After a warm welcome at Palpatine's office, the two friends chat on their way to another meeting. Palpatine notes he's been trying to initiate some reforms, but...

Senator Viento rushes up, in near panic. His contacts in the underlevels of the city indicate that enemies to Palpatine's proposed reforms are plotting an assassination attempt on the new Chancellor. He urges Palpatine to reconsider his proposal, that the Supreme Chancellor should have a private guard above and beyond the Senate Guard. "The Senate guards surely afford more than adequate protection -- "

And from behind, one of the Senate Guards raises his rifle at the back of Palpatine's head. This time, though, Ronhar's senses are more acute and he disarms the guard. Again -- as 20 years ago -- the Senate Guard takes poison rather than talk. Ronhar is shaken by the similarity; Palpatine decides that having a personal guard for himself is a good idea after all.

Ronhar now has an apprentice, a teen Cerean named Tap-Nar-Pal. The master and apprentice quietly meet with Palpatine in a park to propose an idea raised by the younger Jedi. Count Dooku had told Obi-Wan that a Sith Lord was secretly in the Senate. SO, why not have every Senator -- starting with Palpatine himself -- take a midichlorian blood test?

"NO!! What you suggest is simply not politically possible!!"

Palpatine goes on that the Republic is growing more fragile by the day. The war is at a standstill, neither side has an advantage. "The Sith, for those who have even heard of them, are considered a myth from the past! Count Dooku, however, they DO know. Mentioning him will only remind the Senators that the Separatist leader was once a Jedi! Do you know that there are those who think the entire war is a Jedi plot?!?"

Tap urges him to reconsider. If Palpatine himself volunteers to be the first to be tested, the other Senators would follow suit -- if only to prove they have nothing to hide. Palpatine considers this, asks what Yoda thinks of the idea. Vondar and Tap haven't mentioned their idea to anyone yet -- they wanted his input first. Palpatine asks for some time to consider this idea, and also asks that they not speak of this to anyone else. "If there IS a Sith in the Senate, the last thing we want is for him or her to get a hint of our plan." In the meantime, Vondar and Tap are en route to Merson to set up a staging ground for anti-pirate patrols.

The Battle

Merson was designated a staging area for patrols against pirates, with Jedi Master Ronhar Kim and his Padawan learner Tap-Nar-Pal leading the mission. A fleet of Acclamator-class cruisers and ground forces arrived on planet, which had been checked out by intelligence agents earlier.

The intelligence agents underestimated the number of enemy forces on the planet by nearly five times. Well into the battle, the Republic lost nearly 64% of their forces, which were under attack by super battle droids and fighters. In space, the battle was not faring well either, and Kim ordered the commander of the fleet, Captain Pellaeon, to pull his forces out. Tap-Nar-Pal disobeyed orders and flew down to the planet, where he was killed when enemy Starfighters disabled his fighter, but not before he crashed it into several formations of enemy battle droids. After Tap was killed, Kim ordered his Clone Commander to take out as many enemy soldiers as he could, and to die well. While fighting, Kim was struck down by enemy fire.

Outcome

The Republic lost the Battle of Merson. The Republic assault was anticipated by Darth Sideous, who warned Count Dooku of the incoming attack.

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The Battle of Null

Key Characters

Mace Windu, Barriss Offee, Tra Saa, Nazzer

Setting the Stage

Six months after the Battle of Geonosis, Null and three other planets in an alliance with it decided to stay within the Republic. However, at some point that changed, and by eleven months later Count Dooku almost wholly owned it. The planet had become a bloody battleground.

The Battle

Tra S’aa, Barriss Offee are at a healing center well behind enemy lines. Suddenly hostile fire erupts all around them. Bounty Hunters come riding through on Swoop bikes and steal Tra Saa’s lightsaber. The trees around them quickly catch fire and the whole forest goes up in flames as the bounty hunters zoom away.

As the rain falls on Null, extinguishing the flames, Mace Windu and some Clone Troopers search the ashes for survivors. A Clone Trooper informs Master Windu that the site is about to be overrun by enemy forces and that they must leave.

Windu senses a weak appeal through the Force. Beneath some fallen trees they find Barriss and some other survivors, as well as a wounded Master Saa, who needs to get to a bacta tank soon.

As a gunship comes in to extract them, and the enemy reaches the perimeter, Barriss informs Mace that the attackers were bounty hunters and that she recognized one man named Nazzer whom she and Master Unduli had dealt with before.

As they take off, Mace uses the Force to assist Saa's healing. He mentions that they've had reports of bounties on Jedi before - the Crimson Nova chapter of the bounty hunters guild has sanctioned the contract.

Outcome

Mace Windu decides that the Crimson Nova guild, who sanctioned bounties on Jedi, must be taught a lesson. The Battle of Null rages on.

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The Battle of New Holstice

Key Characters

Commander Bly, Mandalorians

Setting the Stage

The Republic Army engaged a group of Mandalorians on New Holstice.

The Battle

The details of this battle are unknown. What we do know is that Clone Commander Bly reported to Aayla Secura that the Mandalorians were in full retreat, but that unit strength was down to sixty percent.

Outcome

The Mandalorians on New Holstice retreated after badly damaging the Republic Army.

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The Mission to the Rig

Key Characters

Nazzer, Stroth, Harrll, Mika, Mace Windu, Kh'aris Fenn, Saesee Tiin, Agen Kolar, Kit Fisto

Setting the Stage

In an asteroid field in the Steness Node, lies The Rig - the HQ for the Crimson Nova Bounty Hunter Guild...

Nazzer delivers some captured lightsabers to Mika (a female feline alien whose race name escapes me)- head of the guild chapter.

Stroth, her apparent second- a human, comments that the whole Jedi bounty thing is bad buisness. The Jedi won't permit for long and that word is, someone is already on his way. Mika is not scared, nor is Harrll (a Defel or Wolfman). Stroth continues that there are reasons why no previous guild chapter has ever approved contracts on Jedi.

Mika counters that she is in charge now and runs things her way. The creds are good so they are honoring the contract. Stroth counters that they both know it isn't about the creds- it's about Mika's deathstick-dealing parents getting themselves killed trying to make alast stand when the Jedi came to shut them down, with her watching the whole thing.

Mika, angered, claims Stroth used to be a great bounty hunter when he first found her, but has lost his nerve when he lost his arm. She patches into the comm system and announces to the Rig that a Jedi coming aboard and that she is personally doubling the bounty on him- but doesn;t want just his saber- she wants his head as well. She sends Stroth to welcome him.

The Mission Part 1

Mace Windu exits his ship and is met by the hunters and Stroth. He explains that rge bounty hunters guild serves a purpose in the Republic, but that offering bounties on Jedi crosses the line and that it stops now. He demands he be informed who set the bounties and that the head of the chapter as well as those who have killed Jedi, must return to Coruscant to answer for this.

A trandoshan claims that that'd be them and that he doesn't acre why the Jedi is here- he's just creds on two feet to him. "Dibs on the head."

Mace uses his saber to cut them all down as they attack, except for Stroth who does not attack.

Stroth: Lets talk, Jedi.
Mace: I'll talk, you listen.

Mace says Madame Mika is to come out and surrender, if she does so, the guild will survive relatively intact, otherwise he'll cripple their operation and this facility.

Mika freaks out at being told that on her own turf when Stroth reports back. Harrll offers to go twist off Mace's head, but Mika says not to- it might be a trick to get at her.
"Jedi are tricky", a voice from a hologram says.

"They interfered with me and my plans for Ryloth", Kh'aris says, "My father died because of the Jedi. Granted, I HATED my father, but still...”
He continues on that his ties with Count Dooku provide him with access to considerable funds. "If you'll keep killing them, I'll continue to pay bounties."

Stroth comments that " I have gone up against Jedi before. I found them a very DISARMING folk. Kh'aris' bounties - however large - are trouble, Mika.”

MIka does not listen, saying the Jedi should surrender to her, not the other way around. She orders Mace to be watched ever nanosecond- warm bodies, cold bodies, droids, anything.

Mace relaxes in the cantina.

Meanwhile, another ship arrives on The Rig - and the pilot gives the docking manager a list of what he's carrying- bacta and blasters. The docking manager comments that they are pretty well stocked but they'll take a look- he'll give him a price later since they have a lockdown situation here with a Jedi visiting.

"You ever deal with 'em?" the docking manager asks.
"Jedi? Yeah, I've run into a few." An undercover Saesee Tiin replies.

Meanwhile at the "redemption center" on the rig where bounties are processed....

"Argent Kole"? the processor asks, "nope, don’t see ya down here - no record of you, fella. Not a registered bounty hunter."

Agen Kolar yells in outrage over how he's been paying guild dues for 15 years until, 2 years ago, the computers kark up and list him as dead. He demands they put the con artist prisoner of his (Kit Fisto) in a holding cell and that they will pay him what’s due.

Fisto is escorted down a corridor towards a holding cell.

Escort: "This way, Greenie. Okay when I take off the cuffs-"
Fisto: "They're already off", he says with a grin.

Kit disables the guards, then deactivates the cuffs for the other prisoners and incites them to riot.

Kit smiles again as the prisoners storm off: "Well, I think MY work here is done."

The processor attempts to call off Agen's fee since his prisoner just turned the others loose- Agen counters that he was in their custody. After the processor insults the hunters present, Agen inspires the hunters present to take the creds due them by force.

Meanwhile, back in the cantina, Saesee watches a vidfeed of his ship on a datapad- where he can see the guild is offloading his cargo. "I guess they decided they wanted it and forgot to tell me." He comments as he presses a button that sets off a large explosion on the station.

"Hmm. That sounded serious. Came from the hangar bay. Best go check, we may have ALL lost our ships." Saesee comments.

Stroth reports to Mika that they seem to have a situation here: main hangar's blown, explosions took out most of their supplies and there are riots in the prison cells and redemption center. They now have no supplies and no way of bringing more in till they fix the hangar. They also need to hire their own to recapture the escapees. Their accounbts are going to go dry, unless Kh'aris cares to cover these losses, which Stroth does not expect he will.

"He hasn't moved! How is he doing all this to me?!" Mika questions.
"Maybe you could ask." Stroth comments.

Mace: (through the observation vidcam) "You were warned. Are you ready to come out and surrnder, Mika?"
Mika: "Oh, I'm coming out Jedi! I'm coming out to kill you!"
Mace: "Then we have nothing more to discuss"

Through a damaged corridor, the Jedi start to join up along the path.

Mace: "Storerooms?"
Saesee: "Blown."
Mace: "Bounty hunters?"
Agen: "Warring."
Mace: "Prisoners?"
Kit: "Revolting."

The Jedi ignite their lightsabers.

Mace: "I believe we have their attention, Masters. Now let's complete the lesson."

The Mission Part 2

The station has fallen into chaos -- bounties escaping, comm lines destroyed, and the Jedi standing off against Mika and her guild of bounty hunters. Mace calls for her surrender, but she is unafraid and calls for battle. Agen and Saesee fight their way to the control room while Kit and Mace chase their way after Mika. Mika's toughest fighter, Harll, armed with a cortosis-based saber, (cortosis ore can fizzle out a lightsaber blade) squares off against Master Windu. Stroth, Mika's mentor, confronts her and tells her to flee, but she would rather fight. Saesee and Agen take the control room and prevent reinforcements from taking it back and then lock down the escape pods. Harrl rages at Mace, describing his power and lack of fear of the Jedi. Mace disarms the hairy beast, who then attempts to use wrist-lasers but is cut down by a swiftly tilting Jedi. Before Mika can get herself killed against the Jedi, one-armed Stroth stuns her and surrenders the information the Jedi seek -- the name of the one putting open bounties on Jedi: a Twi'lek named Kh'aris Fenn. Stroth also returns the lightsaber that bounty hunters during an ambush on Jedi forces led by T'ra Saa in the first issue. The Jedi leave, headed to Ryloth and Fenn's base. Fenn, after learning from Stroth that the guild will no longer be honoring the contract, must make contact with his master... Count Dooku. Dooku has been funding Fenn's efforts to take over Ryloth and is displeased with Fenn's contracts against the Jedi in Republic space. For his disobedience, Fenn is cut down by Dooku's servant, the Jedi-undercover-in-the-Confederacy, Quinlan Vos. The Jedi arrive on Ryloth to find a recording of Quinlan warning those who would betray Dooku. The Jedi feel that Vos has turned to the dark side, and regret sending him on his undercover mission. Back on Coruscant, Mace returns T'ra Saa's saber to her as she tries to heal the comatose Depa Billaba (events from Shatterpoint). Mace feels that both Depa's loss and Quinlan's turn to the dark side are both his fault, and T'ra, his former teacher, tries to soothe his spirit...

Outcome

The Bounty Hunters in the Crimson Nova Guild who had accepted bounties on Jedi were brought to justice. The man who placed the bounties, Kh'aris Fenn, was killed by Quinlan Vos for disobeying Count Dooku.

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