Captain Rex and his squad soon returned to the forward command center where dozens of Clone Battalions were waiting in anticipation to commence the attack on the main spire.

Clone Trooper: "Is everything alright, sir?"

Captain Rex: "Ever since the landing, something has been off about the tactics of the clankers, we had no flak upon arrival, then, when we reach the main spire in front of us the only resistance we encounter is a few destroyers... something is terribly suspicious"

Clone Trooper: "Well sir when you put it that way, it does seem rather odd to not be heavily outnumbered and artillery fire bombarding our positions every five seconds, but whatever the Seppies have in store for us, we'll be ready"

Captain Rex: "I truly hope you're right trooper"

The squad soon approached Anakin Skywalker who was waiting alongside Windu, Kenobi, and Tano.

Anakin: "Anything to report Rex?"

Captain Rex: "Not much sir, we encountered a couple of droidekas near the main spire, but other than that it was a pretty quiet and routine reconnaissance mission".

Anakin: "Great work Rex, alright everyone listen up! The main spire is just a few clicks north of here and it protects the genetic sequences we've come here to retrieve. I want everyone alert and ready for anything. Although it seems quiet now, we know how quickly things can escalate in a warzone. Remember, you're not just fighting for the sake of the preservation of the Republic, but the very future of your brothers! I have full confidence in your skill and your devotion to duty in battle. The eyes of the galaxy are watching you today, gentleman. May the force be with you all".

Obi-Wan: "Wise words Anakin"

Anakin: "I learned from the best, master"

Obi-Wan gave a raised eyebrow and smirk

Obi-Wan: "Come on, let's complete this mission and head home"

Soon multiple battalions of clones were moving in column formation equipped with advanced armor and weaponry suited to the altitude and harshness of the environment that was accustomed to the planet of Mygeeto. TX-130's were ahead of the infantry to provide necessary cover over exposed areas, or should any unexpected events should transpire on the approach to the main spire.

Obi-Wan: "There's some mines up ahead, Cody send in the demolition team to disarm them so our tanks can advance!"

Commander Cody: "Right away sir! You three move up and clear those mines, move!"

Three clone troopers advanced to clear out the mines that lay before them. Slowly and carefully, the clones demonstrated proficiency and efficiency in disabling and disarming each individual mine, not long after the minefield had been cleared.

Unbeknownst to the clones, directly underneath their feet lay four canisters ready to disperse the deadly pathogen, in which they had just triggered. The mines were a decoy for an ambush...

Suddenly, a thick plume of green fog surrounded the three clones.

Clone Trooper 1: "WHA- WHAT'S GOING ON! I'M SUFFOCATING!

Clone Trooper 2: "IT BURNS!"

Clone Trooper 3: "HELP US!"

The four Jedi directly behind them were also soon engulfed by the residue of the mysterious substance, but were unaffected. Soon they came to the realization: Whatever fears they had of the separatists developing something to attack the Republic's grand army was just unleashed. A bio-weapon more specifically a virus, had just killed the three clones in mere seconds, collapsing to the ground completely motionless.

Meanwhile at the separatist command center, Count Dooku and Admiral Tonkin witness the atrocity of war take place.

Tonkin: "Those poor men..."

Dooku: "Clones Admiral, genetic predispositions of DNA of a man who no longer lives. They're mere fragments of something that was conjured up in a lab facility."

Tonkin: "Forgive me general, but those men on the screen bear similar emotions to that of any sentient lifeform in the galaxy! They're not some mindless drones who take orders without questioning them, they have morals and truly care for one another. I saw it with my own eyes when I was stationed on Ryloth a few months ago. They never left one of their brothers behind for dead. Unlike the mindless nincompoops we currently possess under our employ"

B-1 Battle droid 1: "Did the admiral just insult us?"

B-1 Battle droid 2: "My programming doesn't allow me to feel the emotions of being insulted or offended"

Count Dooku soon gave a stern look towards the toydarian, who was testing his patience each moment he stood in his presence

Dooku: "Whatever you say...Admiral"

The toydarian then looked back towards the screens and projectors displaying the battle

"What have I done? This is no way to fight a war, certainly not in this fashion"

Dooku: "Spring our troops into the battle admiral, while we still possess the element of surprise"

Having a moment of protest in his moral conscience, the toydarian wished to have protested the wishes of the Sith lord, but understood that he was no match for him in verbal debate nor physical confrontation

Tonkin: "Yes, my lord"

5 minutes earlier back on the main spire land bridge

The four Jedi realized they had to act quick in order to preserve the attack and save the lives of their men. Without hesitation the four Jedi mustered enough strength to propel a massive force push to get the clones to a safe distance away from the pathogen's outreach.

Windu: "CLONES! PUT ON YOUR AIR FILTRATION UNITS! THEY ARE THE ONLY THINGS KEEPING YOU ALIVE, SO DON'T RUPTURE THEM!"

Suddenly an envoy of droids were approaching with AAT's slowly approaching from behind.

(If Separatist Droid Army March is compatible with your device, please press play now)

Obi-Wan: "It's an ambush, everyone maintain your positions and return fire on those droids. Have the TX-130's concentrate their fire on those AAT units!"

Ahsoka: "Master, we need to find a flanking route to help our troops here, a head on attack is suicide!"

Anakin: "Right you are Snips!"

Suddenly Anakin's mind went foggy again

"Oh no, not now"

Suddenly he was transported to a platform on the planet of Coruscant. The columns and masses of transport, and looming structures of the skyscrapers around him touched the sky. He then noticed once again the same blonde haired boy standing on the platform along with...Qui-Gon Jinn.

ANAKIN : "Master Qui-Gon, sir, I do not wish to be a problem."

QUI-GON : "You won't be, Annie...I'm not allowed to train you, so I want

you to watch me and be mindful...always remember, your focus determines

your reality. Stay close to me and you will be safe."

ANAKIN : "Master, sir...I've been wondering...what are midi-chlorians?"

QUI-GON : "Midi-chlorians are a microcopic lifeform that reside within all

living cells and communicates with the Force."

ANAKIN : "They live inside of me?"

QUI-GON : "In your cells. We are symbionts with the midi-chlorians."

ANAKIN : "Symbionts?"

QUI-GON : "Life forms living together for mutual advantage. Without the

midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the

Force. They continually speak to you, telling you the will of the Force."

ANAKIN : "They do?"

QUI-GON : "When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking to

you."

ANAKIN : "I don't understand."

QUI-GON : "With time and training, Annie...you will."

Suddenly Anakin soon saw a familiar face accompany him by his side. It was the force ghost of Qui-Gon Jinn. Anakin quickly attempted to embrace the Jedi master in a hug but was met with nothing but air. The young Jedi soon regained his footing and stared back at the Jedi master in bewilderment.

Qui-Gon: "I am a manifestation of the living force Anakin, I'm communicating through your memories to provide you with a warning and advice"

Anakin: "How is this possible?"

Qui-Gon: "The force is a mysterious and beautiful thing Anakin, and you have learned much about it since I provided that discussion on the living force all those years ago, and you will still continue to learn as you go on your journey through life"

Anakin: "Why does this happen to me though master? Especially now in such a dire and drastic situation as this? My friends need me!"

Qui-Gon: "It is you who allows this to happen Anakin, you hold on to your past inhibitions, like you carry your heart on your sleeve. You must learn to bury them deep and trust in yourself and the force, only then will you be able to help those around you who care for you deeply"

Anakin: "Master, you mentioned that you had a warning that I should heed?"

Qui-Gon: "There are things that will occur today that you cannot change, and I am here to tell you not to blame yourself should they transpire. You are becoming a great Jedi Anakin, but something more than that, a better man. You have changed a great deal in 10 years and I am glad to have witnessed it every step of the way."

Anakin: "You've been with me all those years?"

Qui-Gon: "I've always been here Anakin, and will continue to do just that. Remember Anakin your focus determines your reality, may the force be with you Anakin Skywalker"

Suddenly Anakin's vision blurred and he almost make out an orange complexion staring back at him, with fluorescent blue eyes staring at him with deep concern.

Ahsoka: "MASTER! MASTER, WAKE UP!"

Anakin: "Did I black out again?"

Ahsoka: "Yes, but there's no time to catch up, I've spotted an adjacent platform from our position, it should take us to the main spire to retrieve the DNA sequences"

Anakin: "Good work Snips! REX!"

The clone captain was taking cover behind an overturned boulder that had collapsed from one of the buildings shot by a AAT unit.

Captain Rex: "Good to see you back in the fight sir! What are your orders?"

Anakin: "I want you to commission a group of men to follow Snips and I over to that platform just across from our position"

Captain Rex: "You men, follow general Skywalker and commander Tano over to that platform, you're going to be providing a flanking maneuver on the enemy and help the Jedi retrieve those DNA sequences. Is that understood?"

Clones: "Sir, yes sir!"

Without hesitation, the recovery team was moving to the adjacent platform in quick succession, dodging incoming fire and taking cover when necessary. The main influx of fighting continued on the main platform as they stealthily moved passed enemy lines and infiltrated the main spire.

The further they moved into the spire complex, the more eerie it became. There were no droids guarding the plans and the structure creaked and moaned as the muffled sounds of the battle outside could be heard.

Suddenly a torrent of lightning shot out from the darkness, incapacitating the clones that had accompanied the two Jedi.

Dooku: "We have to stop meeting like this Skywalker"

The Sith lord proceeded to unsheathe his tilted lightsaber, revealing the vibrant crimson blade that glowed brightly in the dark room the three were standing in.

Anakin turned to Ahsoka, who had a face of courage on the exterior, but he sensed that her inner feelings were that of fear and concern.

Anakin: "Whatever happens, stay right behind me"

Ahsoka: "I will master"

Dooku: "I've been looking forward to this"

The three force wielders now stood facing each other on opposite sides of the room, waiting for the moment for who would strike first...

*END OF CHAPTER*