Jedi Master Eeth Koth sat crouched in silence as he watched the alien landscape of Tarah9 sweep beneath the speeding Republic gunship. His clone troopers stood ready, cleaning their blaster rifles, as the vehicle flew over the hilly countryside. Over a low mountain ridge the gunship soared and ahead of them, across the lonely plains they could see the enemy fortress of Enok-Huin.

"Our mission is to occupy the village of Than-Nublar and lead the locals in the attack and seizure of Enok-Huin. Enok is the Tarah9 capital and is the cultural centre of this system. No places of worship or cultural buildings can be damaged."

"Yes, general," the clones nodded. The gunship screamed to a stop over the small Tarahan village and the troopers leapt out onto the street.

"Set up a parameter," Koth ordered. "I will find the leader here."

"Yes, sir," the troopers shouted and ran to secure the village.

Koth scanned the surrounding frightened Tarahans. Their scaly faces wrinkled in fear of the loud gunship and busy clone troopers.

"Do not be afraid," Koth said, "I am Jedi Mast Eeth Koth, the Republic sent us to help you take back your capital."

The hairy reptiles laughed. "Then you are most welcome here!" said one Tarahan with long grey hair clad in a long tunic. "I am Sanye, it was I who sent for help."

"Then you are the leader of this world?" Koth asked.

"Oh no," Sanye laughed, "this world is under the control of Lellohim. No one Tarahan is the leader." Sanye took Koth with him towards a short brick building as he spoke

"Can you take me to Lellohim?" asked Koth.

"He does not live here anymore," said the Tarahan, as he opened the triangular door and welcomed the Jedi inside, "He has returned to his home."

"Is his home far from here?"

"Yes, reaching the realm of Lellohim would take longer than it would be to wait for the next galactic year to pass," Sanye laughed. "For now, you shall have to do with me, I am the master of this village."

The Tarahan sat down on a woven mat on the floor and the Jedi did likewise.

"Have you any warriors, Sanye?"

"Yes we have a few," said the alien. "Fifty perhaps. It will take thousands to lay siege to the city."

"Yes, I brought a dozen troopers with me, more are on their way," the Jedi said.

"How many more?"

"A legion," the Jedi said, "in five Star Destroyers, and a thousand gunships."

"I'm sorry," Sanye said, "what are Star Destroyers?"

"A new addition to the Republic navy," Koth said, "the Acclamator class Star Destroyers are the new heavy trans-galactic transports from Rothana drive yards."

The Tarahan looked at the Jedi with a look of confusion.

"I'm sorry," the Jedi laughed, "I'm really into the technical stuff."

"I can tell," the old alien said, "Tarah9 has only been a part of the Republic for a few decades. I am really still in awe of some of the technologies that exist out there."

"Out where?"

"You know," Sanye said, waving his hand skyward, "Out there, in deep heaven."

The Jedi smiled and looked about him, realizing for the first time just how primitive his surroundings appeared. The tall brick walls were covered in thick tapestries and servants lined the walls.

"These are not slaves, are they Sanye?" the Jedi said, puzzled at their presence.

"Oh no, Sanye said, "My people do not believe in slavery."

"Then why do you keep servants? Do you not have droids here?"

"There are no droids on Tarah9," said Sanye, "At least, not until the Sepratists arrived. They have armies of those mechanical men! The old capital is just crawling with them!"

"Yes, I know. We shall soon end that," Koth said. "When the Star Destroyers arrive with the soldiers we will retake Enok-Huin."

"My soldiery and I will be with you," said the Tarahan.

"Very well," said Koth, getting up, "I must contact Coruscant. May the Force be with you."

"And may Lellohim bless you, Jedi"