Okay so if you're like me and you watched Star Wars the Clone Wars tv show. You probably grew fond of the clones and wished they hadn't turned against the Jedi. Well, I'm going to fix that at the start of this chapter. This will cover a brief summary of the ten years between Episode I and II. It will then cover the First Battle of Geonosis. I was on Coruscant for most of the movie so this will be a bit shorter than the last chapter.

I'm sorry for taking so long but you know life happens.

Chapter 2: The Start of the Clone Wars

In the years that followed the Blockade of Naboo, the Republic was crumbling again and again. The Blockade of Naboo was just the start. Just a few years after the Trade Federation blockaded Naboo. The Cooperate Alliance blockaded the system of Malastare. This fleet was led by a Harch named Trench. Chancellor Palpatine commissioned a Republic Naval Force to break the blockade led by Admiral Wullf Yularen. When Trench forced the Republic Fleet back, my Jedi and I were called in to settle the matter. Using a special fleet that I had commissioned we broke the blockade and Trench's command ship was destroyed. This became known as the Battle of Malastare Narrows. There was no sign of him as we cleaned up the mess. I had hoped I would never see him again. Count Dooku of course left the Jedi Order shortly after the Blockade of Naboo. He claimed he felt too much grief over Qui-Gon Jinn's lost, as Qui-Gon was his Padawan at one point. In the next few years, Dooku formed a Separatist Movement called the Confederacy of Independent Systems or CIS. Many systems within the Republic began to join them as the years went on. It seemed that the Republic was about to be split in two. I was also having my Jedi kept their eyes and ears open for Darth Sidious' location. I was able to catch him in multiple places. The darker parts of Coruscant being a few of them. Though every time I've fought him, he managed to somehow escape me. Just when I had him dead to rights and was about to deal the final blow. He distracted him and disappeared. At least I can say that I was keeping him on his feet. I could sense that he was planning something big, and I was becoming a wrench in his plans. I was determined to destroy the Dark Lord of the Sith. I'd get him eventually. Regarding young Skywalker, he was doing well under Obi-Wan's instruction. The two of them had many adventures together. As for Shmi, she felt homesick so she and C-3PO returned to Tatooine. There she met a moisture farmer named Cliegg Lars. She originally applied to be a farm hand for him. They ended up falling in love and got married. As far as I knew, she was happy. Secretly I helped Anakin to visit her a time or two. Though he hadn't be able to visit for a while due to a lot of trouble that had been arising as of late. I also heard that Padmé after finishing her time in office as Queen of Naboo was asked by her successor Queen Jamillia to serve as senator from Naboo. Jar Jar was also assigned as her junior representative in the Senate. Going back to the situation of the galaxy, I could sense we would need the Clone Army from Kamino soon. I made several trips there, in secret to check up on the progress. I was told that a bounty hunter named Jango Fett was hired as the host for the clones. I also discovered a secret inhibitor chip for the clones. Having my Jedi do a little secret digging, I found out that the chip would activate something called protocol 66, or Order 66.

Apparently, it was meant to be a safeguard against rouge Jedi, but I was not fooled. I sensed that when the time was right, the Sith would use this to exterminate the Jedi Order. Secretly I managed to reprogram the chip to execute Order 65. This would make the clones loyal only to the Jedi Order. It would also ensure that the clones saw all Jedi to safety. It was almost ten years since the Blockade of Naboo. The Senate was to hold a vote on creating an army of the Republic. We heard that Senator Amidala's arrival at the landing platform that morning was met with disaster. Her ship was hit by an unknown assassin. We immediately went to all our sources to find out who may have been behind the attack. Fortunately, Padmé was smart and used a decoy. The decoy lost her life sadly as a result. Chancellor Palpatine called the Jedi Council into his office. "I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote my friends" he said to us. "More and more star systems are joining the Separatist." "If they do break away" Master Windu started. "I will not let this republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two" Chancellor Palpatine said hastily. "My negotiations will not fail" "If they do" Master Windu continued. "You must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We're keepers of the peace, not soldiers" "Master Jones" the Chancellor said looking to me. "What of your Aspirants of the Force? Won't there be enough of them to protect the Republic" "They would do their best Chancellor" I said. "Though I feel they would still need some help to be successful" "Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?" the Chancellor asked. Master Yoda thought for a moment. "Mmm, the Dark Side clouds everything" he said at last. "Impossible to see, the future is" Suddenly there was a call on the Chancellor's comlink on his desk. The image of a Rodian appeared and he spoke in Huttese. "The Loyalist Committee have arrived Your Honor" he said. "Good" the Chancellor responded. "They wish to see you" the Rodian added. "Send them in" the Chancellor said getting up. "We will discuss this matter later". Padmé, Jar Jar, Bail Organa of Alderaan and several other Senators came into the office. "Senator Amidala, your arrival on the landing platform, terrible" said Master Yoda. "Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart" Padmé was a key ally to the Jedi Order in the Senate. She was one of the few that we could trust to care about the people. Though some Jedi like Obi-Wan didn't trust any politicians.

"Do you have any idea who's behind this attack?" Padmé asked. "Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo" Master Windu said. "I think that Count Dooku was behind it" Padmé said. "He is a political idealist, not a murder" said Master Mundi. "You know milady Count Dooku was once a Jedi" added Master Windu. "He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character" "Still it's been some years since we last saw him" I pointed out. "Perhaps his years away from the Order has caused him to change" "But for certain, Senator" Master Yoda said. "In grave danger you are" "Master Jedi," said the Chancellor. "may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of Your Graces." "Do you really think that is a wise decision under these stressful times?" Senator Organa asked. "Chancellor if I may comment, I don't believe" Padmé started. "The situation is that serious?" Palpatine finished. "No, but I do Senator. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you're familiar with. An old friend like Master Kenobi" "That's possible" said Master Windu. "He's just returned from a border dispute on Ansion" "Do if for me milady please" the Chancellor pleaded. "The thought of losing you, is unbearable" That was one thing we Jedi could agree on. "I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately milady" Master Windu said. "Thank you Master Windu" Padmé said. The Council began to make our way back to the Jedi Temple. "It troubles me to hear Count Dooku's name mentioned in such a manner Master" Master Windu said. "And from one such esteemed as Senator Amidala. Any mistrust of Jedi, or even former Jedi in times such as these could be disastrous." "Deny Dooku's involvement with the Separatist movement we cannot" Master Yoda said. "Nor can we deny that he might have changed over the years either Master" I added. "He was once our friend, that we must not forget, and to hear me slandered and named as an assassin" Master Windu said. "Not named" Master Yoda pointed out. "But darkness there is, around us all. In that darkness, nothing is what is seems"

"It just makes little sense to me" Master Windu said. "Senator Amidala is opposing the creation of an army and a possible war. Would the Separatist not wish her well? She would be an unintentional ally to their cause. Do they really want war with the Republic?" "Perhaps they want more than simply to leave the Republic" I suggested. "In these times, more people wish to negotiate with a show of force" "Correct Master Jones is" Master Yoda said. "More to this than we can see. Clouded is the future. Proceed with caution we must" "Ammon, go with Master Kenobi to guard the Senator. You will be the Council's representative and supervisor" "Yes Master" I said bowing. I changed my course and called Alex on my comlink. "Brother, have a dozen of our best Jedi scout the area around the Senate Apartments" I said. "Have them watch for anything suspicious." "Yes, my brother, right away" he said. I meet with Obi-Wan and Anakin on the ground floor of the apartments. "It's good to see you again my boys" I said. "Good to you again too Master" Obi-Wan said. "Master Windu asked that I supervise and represent the Council with this assignment" I explained before they could ask. "We will be happy to have your company Master" Anakin said. I was amazed at how much he had grown from the little boy we met ten years ago. He looked at great deal as Obi-Wan had when he was a Padawan. We all got into the elevator together and started the ride up to Padmé's floor. I could feel the nervousness of Anakin. It was clear Obi-Wan sensed it too. "You seem a little on edge" he said. "Not at all" Anakin denied. "I haven't felt you this tense since we fell, into that nest of gundarks" Obi-Wan said.

"You fell into that nightmare, Master" Anakin said. "And I rescue you remember?" "Getting into trouble on Vanqor again?" I asked. "Oh yes" Obi-Wan chuckled. "You're sweating" Obi-Wan said. "Relax. Take a deep breath" "I haven't seen her in ten years Master" Anakin admitted. "And she'll be surprised to see how much you've grown Anakin" I said. We finally reached Padmé's floor. Jar Jar was waiting for us. "Obi? Obi!" he cheered. "Mesa so smilen to seein yousa" "Good to see you again Jar Jar" Obi-Wan said. Jar Jar lead us into the living room of Padmé's apartment. She was on the balcony with her captain. "Senator Padmé" Jar Jar said. "Mesa palos here! Lookie, lookie, Senator. Desa Jedi arriven" Obi-Wan and I bowed. "The Council has asked that I be their representative and the supervisor in this assignment" I explained as she walked up to us with the Captain and her aide. "It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady" Obi-Wan said shaking her hand. "It's has been far too long Master Kenobi" Padmé said. She looked behind us and couldn't believe her eyes. "Ani" she exclaimed. "My goodness, you've grown" She was right of course. Ani had grown into a handsome young man and a very powerful Jedi. I could foresee that he would be a valuable member of the Jedi Order. I made it my goal to be his advocate on the Jedi High Council. Anakin walked forward and Obi-Wan and I made way so the Senator could see him better. "So have you" Anakin said. "Grown more beautiful I mean. Well for a Senator I mean" I could tell he was flirting. Maybe one day I'd need to get him and Padmé to on of my academies soon. She giggled at his flirting. "Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine" she said. "And you milady will always be that brave fourteen-year-old queen we met on Naboo" I countered. We all giggled at that. We all went to sit down. Our presence here will be invisible, milady, I can assure you" Obi-Wan said. I sat next to Obi-Wan on one couch with Anakin on the other side. Padmé sat on the opposite couch between Jar Jar and her aide.

"I'm Captain Typho of Her Majesty's security service" the Captain introduced himself still standing. "Queen Jamillia has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you are here Master Kenobi, and you too Master Jones. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit" "She was never good at admitting when a situation was more dangerous that she can deal with" I said remembering what happened ten years previously. "I don't need more security. I need answers" Padmé said. "I want to know who's trying to kill me" "The Council and my best Jedi are looking into the matter as we speak milady" I said. "And we're only here to protect you Senator" Obi-Wan pointed out. "Not to start an investigation" "We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padmé" Anakin said. "I promise you" "We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan Learner" Obi-Wan said. "Come now Obi-Wan" I said. "There is nothing wrong with going above the call of duty to get a job done" This is why I needed to supervise this assignment. There was no time for agreement between master and apprentice. Not when the life of a Senator that was as important to the Jedi as Padmé Amidala was in the balance. "I simply meant in the interest of protecting her Master, of course" Anakin said. "We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin" Obi-Wan said. "And you will pay attention to my lead" "Calm yourself Obi-Wan" I said. "Teach the lesson with a firm yet gentle hand, not a slap on the head" "Well why" Anakin began. "What" Obi-Wan said interrupting. "Let the boy talk" I said putting my hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. He nodded and Anakin continued. "Why else do you think we were assigned to her if not to find the killer" he said. "The Chancellor asked for it personally Anakin" I said. "He felt that the Senator needed better protection and that she would be comfortable with old friends" "Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi" Anakin countered. "It's overkill Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate" "We do need to catch the assassin if we can" I agreed. "We will exactly as the Council has instructed" Obi-Wan said. "Master Jones is here to help with that. And you learn your place, young one" Anakin nodded to acknowledge the instruction of his master. "Perhaps with merely your presence" Padmé said. "The mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now if you'll excuse me, I will retire" We all stood up and let Padmé retreat to her room for the night. "I know I'll feel better having you here" Captain Typho said. "I'll have an officer stationed on every floor, and I'll be in the control center downstairs" I could sense the loyalty he had for Padmé. Perhaps that's why he was assigned as her security captain in the Senate.

"I'll have a dozen or so of my best Jedi hidden in various places in the surrounding area" I said to him. "They will let us know as soon as something suspicious comes by" As Obi-Wan and I walked around to inspect the apartment. I could hear Jar Jar talking with Ani. "Mesa busten wit happiness seein yousa again Ani" he said. "She hardly even recognized me, Jar Jar" Anakin said sadly. "I've thought about her every day since we parted, and she's forgotten me completely" "Not so Anakin" I said walking up. "She's asked about you almost every time I've seen her in the past ten years" "Shesa happy" Jar Jar added. "Happier den mesa seein her in a longo time" "You're focusing on the negative Anakin" Obi-Wan said. "Be mindful on your thoughts. She was pleased to see us" I nodded. "Now let's check the security" I said. It was dark when we were finished. I may sure my Jedi in the surrounding areas were on high alert. I could sense the assassin would try to strike again. We needed to be ready and waiting for them. Obi-Wan checked Captain Typho's force to make sure they were sufficient. We return at the same time. We took our cloaks and put them onto the coaches. "Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs" Obi-Wan said. "No assassin would try that way" "Then they'll have to come through the air" I said. "I have my Jedi scanning the surrounding area. They'll let us know as soon as a mysterious speeder comes by" "Any activity up here?" Obi-Wan asked. "Quiet as a tomb" Anakin admitted. "I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to her" "Patience Anakin" I said. "Even a predator at times must wait for their prey to come before they can pounce" Obi-Wan looked at his screen of the security cameras inside Padmé's room. "What's going on" he asked. I quickly looked at my own to see what he was talking about. It was blank, I couldn't see anything at all. "What's happened" I asked Anakin. "Ah, she covered the cameras" Anakin said. "I don't think she liked me watching her" "More like she doesn't want anyone watch her" I said in surprise. "What is she thinking" Obi-Wan said walking closer to the room. "She programmed R2 to warn us if there is an intruder" Anakin added. "There are many other ways to kill a senator" Obi-Wan said. "Point taken Obi-Wan but have confidence, clear your mind" I said. "He's right Master. We also want to catch this assassin, don't we?" Anakin said.

Obi-Wan turned to his apprentice in shock. "You're using her as bait" he said. "It was her idea" Anakin said. "He's right Obi-Wan" I said. "She wants this assassin caught and is willing to use herself as bait" "Don't worry. No harm will come to her" Anakin said. "I can sense everything going on in that room. Trust me" "It's too risky" Obi-Wan said. "Besides, your senses aren't that attuned, my young apprentice" "And yours are" Anakin asked. "Possibly" Obi-Wan said. "Careful Obi-Wan" I warned. "Arrogance only diminishes wisdom and foresight. It doesn't strengthen them. Clear your minds both of you, and you will see the danger when it comes, and I can assure you it will come" With that we patiently waited for our quarry to arrive. Anakin went to the balcony. "You look tired" Obi-Wan observed. "I don't sleep well anymore" Anakin said. "Because of your mother?" Obi-Wan asked with some understanding. Anakin nodded. "I don't know why I keep dreaming about her" he said. "You haven't seen her in a while" I said. "Perhaps you miss her greatly and your dreams are trying to keep her close" "Dreams pass in time" Obi-Wan said trying to assure Anakin that all was well. "She is happy Anakin" I added. "Once this matter is over, I'll help you visit her again" "I'd much rather dream about Padmé" Anakin said. We walked off the balcony back into the main room. "Just being around her again is, intoxicating" he finished. "Be mindful of your thoughts Anakin, they betray you" Obi-Wan said. We both could sense his close feelings for Padmé. I ignored them because if I looked down them, I'd prove myself a hypocrite to the very thing I was hoping to prove to the Council. I was not sure how Obi-Wan wanted to deal with it. "You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order, a commitment not easily broken" he said. "And don't forget she's a politician and they're not to be trusted" Now both Anakin and I were shocked by that. "She's not like the others in the Senate, Master" Anakin said. "He's right Obi-Wan" I said. "She's been a valuable ally to Jedi Council in the Senate. Plus, you remember how she risked her life for her people as Queen of Naboo. Now why should she be different now?"

"It's been my experience my master, that senators focus only on pleasing those who fund their campaigns, and they're in no means scared of forgetting the niceties of democracy in order to get those funds" Obi-Wan said. "Not another lecture Master" Anakin asked. "At least not on the economics of politics" "Obi-Wan" I said. "Padmé was asked by Queen Jamillia to serve as senator from Naboo. Each system has a different way of choosing their senators. There are some cases where the ones elected are the ones asked to serve by the leader of the system. Amidala was elected because of her people's gratitude for her past service. I even learned they tried to change the rules to keep her in office of Queen, but she refused" "Besides you're generalizing" Anakin added. "The Chancellor doesn't appear to be corrupt" Now that was not something I agreed with, and either did Obi-Wan clearly. "Palpatine is a politician" he said. "I have observed that he is very clever in following the passions and the prejudices of the Senators" "I think he's a good man" Anakin said. Because of our talks, I didn't hear the beeping of my comlink. Finally, I noticed and answered. "Yes" I said. "Master" the male Jedi on the other end said. "There's a suspicious droid at the Senator's window" Suddenly I could sense the danger. We all looked over at the door to the bedroom. "My" Anakin said. "I sense it too" Obi-Wan said. "As do I" I said. We rushed to the bedroom. We burst through the door and Anakin drew his lightsaber. He cut up the creatures crawling on Padmé's bed. Looking closely, I saw the were kouhuns, deadly poisonous little things from the planet Idoumodo in the Wild Space. We looked and saw a little ASN-121 assassin droid at the window. As it was making a ran for it, Obi-Wan smashed through the window and grabbed it. "Come on Anakin" I said. I rushed out and pulled out my comlink. "All Jedi, Obi-Wan has grabbed the assassin droid. Follow him, the droid will lead us to the culprit" I said. Anakin was not far behind me. As one of my Falleen Jedi named Josh Constar picked me up in a red XJ-6 Coruscant Airspeeder. Anakin followed in a yellow one.

"Quickly Josh, we need to find Obi-Wan" I said to him. "Master Val reports she has him on visual Master" Josh said. "We speeding to her location now" "I want all our Jedi in pursuit understand" I said. "Yes, my master" Josh said. Soon more of my Jedi in speeders came by. There was a total of 6 of us including Anakin. It was not easy chasing the assassin droid going against the flow of traffic. I got on the comlink to my Jedi. "Master Jones, to all units. Steady does it now, keep Master Kenobi in your sights" I said. We soon came close to a theater of some sore. There was a darkly dress person on the high point. I saw them pick up a projectile sniper rifle. They shot the droid and Obi-Wan fell. "Should we go get him Master" Josh asked. "No, let Anakin get him" I said. "We need to continue our pursuit" The culprit got into Koro-2 All-Environment Airspeeder. We followed close behind. Whoever it was, was certainly a good pilot. Soon Anakin and Obi-Wan had caught up with us. I got on my comlink. "Obi-Wan can you hear me" I asked. "Yes Master" he said. "Keep close, this assassin is a good pilot" I said. "Surely not as good as Anakin" Obi-Wan joked. "No one is better than Anakin in that respect" I said. The assassin headed for the lower levels of the city. The power district as it were. Anakin, Obi-Wan and some of my Jedi were cut off from the rest of us by a large transport. "Val report, what's going on back there" I said into my comlink. "Oh, Anakin is just driving Master Kenobi nuts with his crazy flying" she said. "He knows Obi-Wan hates flying" I said. "We're catching up to your position again now Master" she said. "Everyone try to stay together for a bit" I said. "We'll wait for our chance to corner our quarry"

Our quarry was leading us through the power plants on the lower levels of Coruscant. They shot at the power couplings and blocked us a little. "Pull up and over that energy field Josh" I said. "Yes Master" he said. The rest of my Jedi all avoided the power coupling in their own way. Anakin on the other hand chose to go through it. I'm surprised that he and Obi-Wan didn't crash right there. As the culprit headed into a tunnel, an idea struck me. "Anakin" I called. "I, Master Val and Master Tim will continue to follow the suspect. You, Master Jull, and Master Simi take a short cut and head them off" "Yes Master, I know just the short cut" Anakin said. "Jull, Simi follow Anakin. Val and Tim, you follow us" "Yes Master" they all said together. We continued the pursuit. Whoever this assassin was they were not going to be easy to catch. "Val swing to the right, Tim to the left. Hopefully, we'll corner this person when we meet up with Anakin and the others, whoever they are" I said. "Yes Master" they said. "Keep on them Josh" I said. "Yes Master" he said.

After a few minutes we still didn't rendezvous with Anakin. I pulled out my comlink. "Obi-Wan where are you" I asked. "Anakin seems to have gotten us lost Master" Obi-Wan said. "If you will excuse me" I heard Anakin, say. "What happened" I asked. "He's jumped from our speeder" Obi-Wan said. "I hate it when it does that" "Follow him, Jull and Simi you too" I said. I had a feeling that Anakin would be dropping in soon. Sure, enough he did. The suspect tried to knock him off, but Anakin held on. "Kept close to them Josh" I said. Val and Tim were on other side of us with Simi and Jull joined us and we formed a reverse wedge formation. Obi-Wan was underneath ready to catch Anakin if we fell. Anakin pulled out his lightsaber and stabbed the cockpit. The suspect tried to shoot at him and knocked his lightsaber out of his hand. Fortunately, Obi-Wan caught it. Anakin meanwhile caused the suspect to shoot their own workings as far as I could tell. The whole speeder caught fire and crashed to the streets below. Happily! I saw Anakin jump clear from the speeder before it crash. I had Josh land here him. I quickly jumped out and rushed to him. "Are you alright Anakin?" I asked. "Yes Master" he said. Jull, Val, Simi, and Tim all landed here the crash. We hurried over to see what the damage was. "There's no one in there, Master" Tim said. "They must have gotten out" "There she goes" Anakin pointed. "After her" I said. We all rushed after the suspect as she tried to make a run for it. I had the others split up and we herded her into a betting and drinking club called the Outlander. Obi-Wan met up with us there. "Anakin" he called. We all stopped. "She went into the club, Master" Anakin said. "Patience" Obi-Wan said. "Use the Force. Think" "Sorry, Master" Anakin said. "He went in there to hide not to run" Obi-Wan said. "He's right Anakin" I said. "We must be careful when searching for her in there" "Yes, Master" Anakin said. "Next time, try not to lose it" Obi-Wan said holding out Anakin's lightsaber. "Yes, Master" Anakin said. "This weapon is your life" Obi-Wan said. "I try, Master" Anakin said. "He only says what he says because he cares" I said. "Josh, you and the others stay out here in case the suspect comes out. Be mindful, it could be anyone" "Yes Master" Josh said. I turned and followed Anakin and Obi-Wan into the club.

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me" Obi-Wan said to Anakin. "Every master feels that way with their Padawans at times Obi-Wan" I said. "Don't say that, Master" Anakin pleaded. "You're the closest thing I have to a father" "Then why don't you listen to me" Obi-Wan asked. "I am trying" Anakin answered. "Have a little understanding Obi-Wan" I said. "Every Padawan Learner doesn't listen very well to their master at one point or another. I was like that admittedly and I know so were you at Anakin's age. Remember when teaching an apprentice, there is as much for the master to learn as the Padawan, if not more" "Yes, Master" Obi-Wan said. Anakin was Obi-Wan's first Padawan, so he didn't know as much about teaching as me. It caused him to have a little arrogance. We stopped just inside the middle of the club. We looked around and watched the footage of podraces, other races and droid sports that people were clearly betting on. "Can you see him" Obi-Wan asked. "I think he is she" Anakin said. "And I think she's a changeling" Changeling is the common term used for the Clawdites from the Zolan system in the Mid-Rim. They have the ability to change their appearance, their body structure, their voice, and even their clothes to match that of someone or something else. They can literally disappear in a crowd. Obi-Wan clearly understood this as he nodded in recognition. "In that case be extra careful" he said to Anakin. "Go and find her" "Where are you going Master?" Anakin asked. "For a drink" Obi-Wan said and headed for the bar. "He's using himself as bait" I said. "Watch our back for the suspect. She may not want any witnesses" I then joined Obi-Wan at the bar. Neither of us were drinkers so we both ordered some blue milk. A Balosar slythomonger that was sitting next to us spoke up. "You wanna buy some death sticks" he asked. "You don't want to sell us death sticks" Obi-Wan using the Jedi Mind Trick. "I don't want sell you death sticks" the Balosar said. "You want to go home and rethink your life" Obi-Wan said. "I want to go home and rethink my life" the Balosar said and walked away. "Nice job Obi-Wan" I said. "One less drug dealer in the underworld of Coruscant" Obi-Wan was rightly pleased with himself.

As we drunk and wanted for our quarry to come. We soon felt her creep up behind us. Obi-Wan quickly drew his lightsaber and cut away her blaster before she could fire a shot. She was startled and fell back. My Jedi came rushing into the club when they heard the commotion. I had them pick her up. Now that I saw her face, I knew who it was. "Zam Wesell" I said. "Mixed up in trouble again I see" She was a low-level bounty hunter that always wanted to make it big. Though most don't like employing Clawdites like her because they aren't trustworthy for the most part. They can be spotted and exposed by anyone who knows who they're looking at. "Take her out back" I said. Obi-Wan helped and Anakin brought up the rear. "Jedi business, go back to your drinks" he said. We followed the others out back to an alley. My Jedi set Zam down. "Alright dearie start talking" I said. "Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?" Obi-Wan asked. "It was a senator from Naboo" Zam said. "And who hired you" Obi-Wan asked. "Yes, you wouldn't have done this job if there wasn't good money in it" I added. "It was just a job" Zam tried. "Who hired you tell us" Anakin said. "Tell us now!" Zam caved under Anakin's gaze. "It was a bounty hunter called" she started, but at that moment there was a dart that was shot. We all turned and saw someone fly away with a jetpack. I wasn't sure who it was because many bounty hunters in the galaxy have a jet pack, especially the best ones. We turned back to Zam and she was receding to a neutral Clawdite form as she died. She muttered something in a language that I wasn't sure which. From what I could make out she cursed before she died. Obi-Wan took something from her neck. "Toxic dart" he said. "Blast, this mystery has become more clouded" I said. "I'm not looking forward to reporting this to Council. Josh can you guys clean up this mess" "Yes Master" he said.

We went back and made sure that Padmé was safe for the night. The next morning, I went into the Council meeting with a bad report. "The assassins did try again last night as I suspect Masters" I said. "We chased and managed to catch the initial assailant who turned out to be the minor Clawdite bounty hunter Zam Wesell. Before she could tell us the name of the bounty hunter that hired her. That person shot her with a toxic dart to keep her from talking" "Most unfortunate these events are" Master Yoda said. "Send Obi-Wan to find this bounty hunter we must. A valuable field agent for us he is" "What of Senator Amidala" Master Eeth Koth asked. "She will still need to be protected. Obviously, whoever is really behind this will try again" "Perhaps we can have young Skywalker handle guarding the Senator on his own" Master Plo Koon suggested. "We can send them to Naboo" said Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. "That would be a difficult task Master" I said. "Senator Amidala will not be swayed from the capital at such a critical time as this" "She has to understand the danger she's in" Master Saesee Tiin said. "We can't give her a choice in the matter" said Master Windu. We summoned in Obi-Wan and Anakin. "Gentlemen, we have made our decision in our next steps" I said. "Track down this bounty hunter you must, Obi-Wan" Master Yoda said. "Most importantly, find out who he's working for" added Master Windu. "What about Senator Amidala?" Obi-Wan asked. "She will still need protecting" "Handle that your Padawan will" said Master Yoda. "Anakin, escort the Senator back to her home planet of Naboo. She'll be safer there" I said. "And don't use registered transport" Master Windu added. "Travel as refugees" "As leader of the opposition it will be very difficult to get Senator Amidala to leave the capital" Anakin pointed out. We all knew that all too well. "Until caught this killer is" Master Yoda said. "Our judgement she must respect" "Anakin go to the Senate and ask Chancellor Palpatine to speak with her about this matter" Master Windu instructed. Obi-Wan and Anakin bowed and left us.

"More clouded has the situation become" Master Yoda said. "Danger in every shadow there is now" "The death of a senator such as Senator Amidala could very well cause more chaos and more systems to leave the Republic" I said. "We need to be on our toes in these troubling times" "Your Aspirants of the Force will surely help with that" Master Plo said. "I fear the Senate may vote to have them be the Soldiers of the Republic" "If the Jedi must be soldiers, then we will be good soldiers" Master Windu said. "Though I pray that does not become the case" "Hope for that we all do" Master Yoda said. "For now, adjourned the Council is" We all got up and funneled out of the chambers. Master Yoda got into his hover chair that he used to get around the Temple in a much better fashion. He floated along side Master Windu, Obi-Wan and I. "I am concerned for my Padawan" Obi-Wan said. "He is not ready to be given this assignment on his own yet" "The Council is confident in its decision, Obi-Wan" Master Yoda said. "The boy has exceptional skills" Master Windu added. "And it's high time we made better use of them. He may be ready to take the trails in a very short time" I finished. "But he still has much to learn, Master" Obi-Wan said. "As do we all my friend" I said. "As do we all" "Anakin's abilities have made him, well, arrogant" Obi-Wan said. Master Yoda steered his hover chair in front of us. "Yes, yes" he said. "A flaw more and more common amongst Jedi. Hmm. Too sure of themselves they are. Even the older more experienced ones" That was one of the lessons from Master Yoda that I never forget. "Beware complacency" he told me. "Arrogance it feeds and clouded your visions will be. Always more to learn there is even for the highest of masters" "Remember Obi-Wan" Master Windu said. "If the prophecy is true, your apprentice is only who can bring the Force back into balance" Though none of us on the Council really were sure of what that meant. Personally, I thought Anakin might be the key to finding a compromise between the Light and Dark sides of the Force. That's why I held him in such high esteem and spoke so much on his behalf on the Council. He needed to be nurtured and given a supporting hand. "I'm sure that the dart the bounty hunter used to kill Zam may yield some critical clues" I said. "That is where I intended to start my master" Obi-Wan said. "If you'll excuse me my fellow Master Jedi" I said. "I have much business to attend to" I hurried to my quarters where Alex was waiting for me. "So have the Council ordered an investigation on the matter" he asked. "Yes, Obi-Wan has been given the assignment" I said. "Anakin has been tasked with taking Padmé home to Naboo. She'll be safer there then here" "What should we do" Alex asked. "I want to have some of our Jedi keep taps on Anakin and Padmé on Naboo, secretly of course" I said. "I want to know if the assassins behind this plot try to strike at them there" "We have some Jedi in the area my brother" he said. "I'll contact them to keep an eye on them but to remain at a distance" "Good, for now we must hold a council meeting of our own" I said. "Set up the holo-transmission" Alex and I sat at the table in our quarters.

I pressed a button and the images of ten other Jedi appeared around the table, all of various races and genders. This council of twelve was my administrative council of the Aspirants of the Force. Alex, I and ten of the highest, wisest, most powerful Jedi we had. Mostly it was to help me conduct the day-to-day business of the Aspirants of the Force from training to the function of our academies. Now I was having to meet with them on serious matter. "My fellows, the Jedi High Council have ordered an investigation on the attempt on Senator Amidala's life" I said. "I sense there is a connection with the Separatists in this plot. If that is so, there could end up being a civil war" "Master, do you think the Senate will vote to create an army of the Republic" asked Master John, a human and the third highest in the Aspirants of the Force. "It's possible they may even make us that army" I said. "Master, Jedi are not soldiers, no matter how much we may wish otherwise" said Master Sally a Twi'lek. "Nevertheless, Master Sally" said Master Tony another human. "We have been training ourselves and our Jedi for a time such as this" "That still doesn't mean we can fight for the Republic" pointed out Master Tim, who by the why was a Nautolan. "We're going to have to" Alex said. "We may have to reveal and call in the Clone Army from Kamino sooner than we thought" "That's my fear" I said. "For now, we need to play this by ear, but have all our Jedi ready to mobilize on a moment's notice. We may have to show the galaxy what many Jedi can do against those who dare fight us." "Yes Master" they all said together. "I'll contact you when we have to move out against the Separatists" I said and ended the call. "We may have to turn the Aspirants of the Force into the Jedi Army if you're right brother" Alex said. "They may already be an army Alex" I said. "One that is waiting to be called into action"

Over the next day or so, I was uneasy. There were so many uncertainties and my vision in the Force was clouded somewhat. I could sense the hand of the Dark Side and the Sith in this matter. Perhaps they were the ones that help start the Separatist movement in the first place. The Dark Side thrived on chaos and war would certainly provide plenty of it. Soon I received a summon from Master Yoda. I walked to a small conference/mediation room in the Temple. Master Yoda was waiting for me there. I sat down in a cross-leg fashion on one of the cushions. "You summoned Master" I said. "Yes, reported Obi-Wan has" Master Yoda said. "Traveled to the planet of Kamino he has" I felt a ripple in the Force travel down my spine. "Familiar with the system I sense you are" he said. "Claim the cloners on Kamino do that with Master Sifo-Dyas ordered a clone army for the Republic you did. Ask I must if true this is" I knew I couldn't hide this anymore. "Yes Master, I did. I had traveled to Kamino many times before and I knew of their cloning abilities" I admitted. "Though I never did find out who they found for the host" "Obi-Wan reports that a bounty hunter by the name of Jango Fett they have. Believe he does that this is the assassin we seek" Master Yoda told me. "I have heard of Jango Fett" I said. "He managed to obtain a Mandalorian Armor to assist in his mercenary life. The clones will do well for us" "Ask I must, why kept this from the Council and the Senate you did" Master Yoda asked. "I felt at the time I shouldn't speak openly about it" I said. "Foresaw a conflict did you" he asked. "Yes, and after Sifo-Dyas was not taken seriously on his visions. I choose to keep mine to myself" I said. "Sifo-Dyas approached me about helping him to order an army for the Republic when it would need it most" "So helped him you did and then killed he was" Master Yoda said. "I do believe he was killed because of that yes" I said. "Proceed with caution now we must" he said. "If learn of this army the Separatists do, war they surely will wage on the Republic. Inform the Senate we will of this discovery. Put their minds at ease it may that an army is prepared if needed" "Yes Master" I said.

As the days when on, I informed Alex and my Jedi that the clone army has been discovered. I had to admit to my involvement in the affair. At least the Council understood my thinking on the matter and didn't hold it against me. When the Chancellor and the Senate were informed, it did ease their minds that they wouldn't have to enlist people in a hurry to create an army. There was a time when I felt a great disturbance in the Force. I was in my quarters mediating when I felt it. Anger, pain, death, something horrible had happened. Alex came in and sat next to me. "What is it brother" he asked. "A great disturbance in the Force" I said. "Anger, pain, suffering, death. Something terrible has happen. Anakin is in great pain" "I've just been informed that Anakin and Padmé left Naboo for Tatooine. They went to visit his mother" Alex said. "That's it" I said. "Shmi has been killed by Tusken Raiders" "That's horrible" Alex said. "Yes, we'll have to counsel the boy a great deal when he returns" I said. "The lost of a loved one can be very devastating" "In the meantime, the Chancellor has asked the Council and some Senators meet him in his office" Alex informed me. "Very well" I said. I got up and walked the hanger where the rest of the Council were waiting for me with a transport. We traveled to the Chancellor's office to speak about the Clone Army. Senator Bail Organa, Jar Jar, and several other key Senators were present. Some argued that the Clone Army needed to be called into action now. Others argued that the Separatists would see it as an act of war and they needed to make the first move. As we all continued to debate, we received a message from Obi-Wan retransmitted from Anakin. Obi-Wan's image appeared in the holo-communicator in the middle of the office. "I have tracked the bounty hunter Jango Fett, to the droid foundries on Geonosis. The Trade Federation is to take delivery of a droid army here, and it is clear that Viceroy Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala" he said. "The Commerce Guilds and Corporate Alliance have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku and are forming a" Suddenly Obi-Was was interrupted. "Wait, wait" he said. He drew his lightsaber and was fending off something. Just then the image of a Destroyer Droid appeared, and the message ended.

"More happening on Geonosis, I feel, than has been revealed" Master Yoda said. "I agree" Master Windu said. He turned to Anakin on the communicator. "Anakin, we will deal with Count Dooku" he said. "The most important thing for you is to stay where you are. Protect the Senator at all costs. That is your priority" "Understood Master" Anakin said. Then we ended the connection. "The Commerce Guilds are preparing for war" Senator Organa said. "There can be no doubt of that" "Count Dooku must have made a treaty with them" Palpatine pointed out. "The debate is over!" said a Gran Senator speaking in a native language from the planet Kinyen. "Now we need that clone army" "Unfortunately, the debate is not over" Senator Organa pointed out. "The Senate will never approve the use of clones before the Separatists attack" "This is a crisis" said Mas Amedda. He was a Chagrian from the planet of Champala. He was speaker of the Senate and one of the Chancellor's closest advisors. "The Senate must vote the Chancellor emergency powers. He can then approve the creation of an army." "But what senator would have the courage to propose such a radical amendment?" the Chancellor asked. "If only Senator Amidala were here" Amedda said. I leaned over to Jar Jar. "Perhaps this is your chance to make Padmé and all of Naboo proud" I said. Jar Jar agreed to make the proposal. Chancellor Palpatine called an emergency session of the Senate. Master Yoda and myself, were already watching the session from an audience box. Master Windu soon joined us. The Supreme Chancellor called on Jar Jar to speak. He started by explaining Obi-Wan's report. "It's a clear desa Separatists made a pact wesa desa Federation du Trade" he said. "Senators, dellow felagates, in response to this direct threat to the Republic, mesa propose that the Senate give immediately emergency powers to the Supreme Chancellor"

The whole chamber erupted with cheers and shouts of approval. "Order! we shall have order" Mas Amedda said. Palpatine stood up and spoke. "It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling" he said. "I love democracy. I love the Republic" A small round of applause followed. "The power you give me I will lay down when this crisis has abated" Palpatine resumed. More applause followed. "And as my first act with this new authority, I will create a Grand Army of the Republic to counter the increasing threat of the Separatists" he finished as more applause arose. "It is done then" Master Windu said. "I will take what Jedi we have left and go to Geonosis and Obi-Wan" "I will assemble every one of my fully trained Aspirants that I can and meet you there" I said. "Visit I will your cloner friends on Kamino" Master Yoda said. "And see this army you asked they create for the Republic" "May the Force be with us all" I said. Master Windu and I bowed to Master Yoda, and we left. Alex was waiting for me outside in the hall with Master John. "Brother, send messages around the galaxy. We need as many of our Jedi to meet us at Geonosis stat" I said. "Yes brother" he said. "John" I turned to him. "Have my ship ready within the hour. We have to get to Geonosis quickly" "Yes my master" he said bowing. I quickly readied myself for the trip. My flagship the Stability was ready within twenty standard minutes. Alex and I boarded it accompanied by at least 1,000 of my Jedi of various species and genders. My ships were all piloted and operated by members of the Aspirants of the Force. You might even thing we were our own army already. I sensed my Jedi's skills would be put to the test that day. Alex and I walked up to the bridge, and I sat down in my commanding chair. "Set your course for the system of Geonosis" I said. "Yes brother" Alex said. We took off and flew into space. Our hyperdrive was activated and we jumped to light speed. Fortunately, not only were my ships operated by my Jedi, but they were designed and built by them too. They were made to be the fastest ships in the galaxy. We made it Geonosis and spotted several Federation ships without their cores around the planet. The Lucrehulk class is designed to have its central core land on a planet and the rest of it just remains in space as a docking. This is similar to the hyperdrive rings we Jedi use for our starfighters. As I prepared to make my landing, more of my ships came out of hyperspace. "John, you stay here and command things from space. If any ships that are not ours try to leave the system detain them. I don't want anyone getting away, we need to have the war that is coming as short as possible" "Yes my master" he said. "Alex let's meet our best down on the surface" I said. We boarded our shuttle, and we flow down to the planet below. Geonosis was baren place that was very much a bug nest. The Geonosians were a race of human sized bugs that were well known for their engineering prowess. They built machines better than most anyone else in the galaxy. They often built and sold battle droid armies to other organizations like the Trade Federation. Now it seemed they were making them for the Separatists. I first sent some of my best intelligence agents to find where Obi-Wan and the others were. One of them, a Rodian by the name of Saul reported back to me. "Master, they are holding a public execution for Obi-Wan, young Skywalker, and Senator Amidala in the arena" he said. "They're going to feed them to an Acklay, a Nexu and a Reek. "What" I said surprised. "What the blazes are Anakin and Padmé doing here" "I guess they came to help rescue Obi-Wan" Alex said. "Great" I said. "Master Windu and the others have a head start so we need to catch up before we miss the fun"

I had some of our Jedi Gunships ready for a quick drop and retrieval as more of my Jedi snuck into places around the arena. Master Windu had already made his appearance with his party. It seemed the Nexu and the Acklay were both dead. The Reek was running around smacking anything in its way. There were plenty of battle droids for it to run over. I snuck up to the main box where Dooku was with Jango Fett, the Viceroy, and Poggle the Lesser, the archduke of Geonosis. I activated my lightsaber and surprised the group. "Master Jones" Dooku said turning to me. "What a pleasure it is to have you join us" "The party is over Dooku" I said. "Brave yet foolish my old Jedi friend" Dooku said. "As you can clearly see down there, you are impossibly outnumbered" He gestured to the battle going on below. The battle droids did seem to have the numbers over my fellow Jedi. Though I was about to change that. "That's what you think" I said. I raised my lightsaber into the air and swung in around in circles. Suddenly half the entrances in the arena below exploded. My Aspirants of the Force began to flood into the arena from all directions. My Gunships dropped some down as others flooded the entrances the droids used to come from. Now the droids were surrounded. "By the Force" Dooku said. "Your Aspirants of the Force have well increased in numbers" "Willing to surrender Dooku" I said. "It will do you no good my friend, you're still badly outnumbered" "Says you" I said. "We'll see" Dooku said. Suddenly a group of B2 Super Battle Droids came up behind me. I turned and charged at them. I deflected their fire and slashed them to pieces. I rushed back up to Dooku ready to fight him next, but Fett had to interfere. He shot at me and forced me to jump down the arena below. The Geonosians with their sonic weapons joined the fun. Luckily, even their sonic blasts could be deflected by our lightsabers. Plus, my Jedi were trained to use the force to deflect enemy fire and projectiles. At one point I was back-to-back with Alex, and we deflect laser fire and slashed at battle droids of all kinds. There were the normal B1 Battle Droids, with B2 Super Battle Droids and Droidekas.

We were well holding our own against them. I saw Padmé picked up a droid blaster and was doing what she could to help with the fight. Though it seemed Anakin and Obi-Wan had lost their own lightsabers when they were captured. Some of the Jedi from Master Windu's party gave them some spares. A good Jedi when going into battle knows to have some spare lightsabers just in case. Obi-Wan carried a blue saber and Anakin had a green one. Jango Fett had clearly had enough of just watching so he came into the fight. Bad idea if you ask me. He got into a three-way fight between Master Windu and the Reek. Fett shot the Reek dead, but then Master Windu came up charging. Fett tried to shoot him, but Master Windu deflected and cut Fett's head off. Not what I would have done, though I guess in the middle of a battle, you fight first and take prisoners later. I focused back to the battle and cut down as many droids as I could. When you fight with Makashi or the fast style of lightsaber combat as I do. You can deflect and counterattack quite well. A true master of this form in nearly untouchable. At one point the droids and us Jedi had the arena split in two. The droids covered one half and we Jedi had the other half covered. It was a standoff. The droids couldn't advance, and we Jedi were just trying to hold our ground. It was at this time that Dooku signaled the droids to stand down. I raised my lightsaber straight up in the air to signal to my Jedi to stand easy. I took this opportunity to look around at our losses. Most of my Aspirants were still alive, but that was mostly all that was left of us Jedi. Many from Master Windu's party had been killed. Though we had destroyed many of their Battle Droids.

"Master Windu, Master Jones, you have fought gallantly" Dooku said. "Worthy of recognition in the archives of the Jedi Order. Your Aspirants of the Force have learned well in their battle training. Now I'm finished with you. Surrender, and your lives will be spared" "We will not be hostages to be bartered Dooku" Master Windu said. "It is you who should surrender Dooku" I added. "My Jedi are barely warmed up. We can take down your entire droid army" My Jedi cheered. "Then I'm sorry old friends" Dooku said. The droids got ready to shoot again. "Prepare to overrun them" I said. I raised my saber up ready to swing it down for an attack signal. We all prepared to continue the fight. "Look" Padmé said. We all looked up to see some Low Attitude Assault Transport, or LAAT Gunships fill the skies. Master Yoda had arrived with the Clone Army. Suddenly the droids shot up into the air. The Gunships cut through them. I swung my lightsaber around in circle before swinging it down. "Let's get out of here" I said. I signaled my own gunships to come down and help retrieve us. Master Yoda had the clones cover our retreat. The Clone Gunships and mine landed. "Everyone to your ships now" I said. All the Jedi followed my order. We all helped each other onto the gunships to escape this death trap. "Master, all the Jedi have been extracted" said the pilot named Patty of the Gunship that Alex and I got on. She was a female human with shoulder length red hair. "Signal the others to lift off. We need to get to a better position" I said. We all lifted off and flew away. I turned to Alex. "Dooku must not be allowed to escape" I said. "If he does, he will rally more systems to the Separatist cause" "I agree my brother" Alex said. Suddenly there was laser fire coming from all around us. "Master, the Droid Army is coming out to meet us in full force" the pilot said. "Have all transports drop their Jedi to support the Clone Army" I instructed. "Yes Master" she said. I looked and saw the Clones deploying, All Terrain Tactical Enforcer or AT-TE Tanks from Carrier Ships with Self-Propelled Heavy Artillery Turbolaser or SPHA-T Tanks.

I knew we would need them as the Droid Army had Hailfire Droids and OG-9 Homing Spider Droids. Nasty and large artillery droids they are. "Brother, I'm going to direct things from up here" I said to Alex. "I need you on the ground to help lead our forces into battle" "As you wish brother" Alex said. "Patty, land in that assembly area" I said. "Yes Master" she said. We landed and everyone but myself and two other Jedi got off the gunship. "Do well Alex, I sense this is only the beginning of a terrible war" I said. "May the Force be with you" "And with you Ammon" he said. "Patty get me up high where I can see everything" I said. "Yes Master" she said. We took off and I watched the battle unfold before me. The Federation Starships were trying to make a run for it. "Have our fighters attack those starships now" I said. A wave of my Jedi Fighters attacked the starships. Though their weapons were strong for fighters. They could only do so much damage. I knew I need to have some new vehicles made for the Aspirants of the Force to make a difference in this war. Though the Droid Army was putting up a good fight. The combined strength of my Aspirants of the Force and the Clone Army was hammering them good. All our forward positions and units were advancing well. There were some Hardcell-class Techno Union Transports that were being blasted as well. One Federation Starship was brought down by the SPHA-Ts. My Jedi Starfighters managed to take down another one. They created a dust cloud that made it hard to see the battle below. Though I sensed the clones were doing fine. Perhaps it was due to the visors in their helmets. "Master we have something below us" Patty said. I looked down and saw it was Dooku on a Geonosian Flitknot Speeder Bike. He was being escorted by two Geonosian Nantex-Class Starfighters. "Dooku" I said to myself. "Follow him Patty" I ordered. Eventually I wasn't the only one who decided to follow Dooku. A clone gunship that I sensed had Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé and a few clones on board also followed.

Dooku had his escorts swing around behind the clone gunship. They fired and it knocked Padmé and one clone trooper off. "Call an evac to pick them up and shoot down those starfighters" I said. "Yes Master" Patty said. She shot down the Geonosian Starfighters clearing the way. I had her pull up close so I could wave to Obi-Wan and Anakin. They seemed happy to see me. We followed Dooku to a hanger. Our gunships stopped at a platform. Anakin and Obi-Wan jumped off their gunship followed by two Clone Troopers. I was followed by the two Jedi behind me. We all ran into the hanger to face Dooku and stop him from escaping. We followed him to where a Solar Sailer was docked and waiting. I signaled for my Jedi and the Clone trooper to stay behind and watch our back. Anakin, Obi-Wan and I approached Dooku. Obi-Wan was on the right, Anakin on the left and myself in the middle. "You're going to pay for all the Jedi you've killed today Dooku" Anakin said. "I'll go in first, Obi-Wan you come in on the right" I began to whisper. "Anakin you come in on the left" "I'm taking him now!" Anakin said angerly and ran right for Dooku. "No Anakin! No! No!" Obi-Wan tried to no avail. Dooku just extended his hand and zapped Anakin with Force Lighting. He knocked Anakin to the side and turned his attention to Obi-Wan and I. "Come in when I give the signal" I whispered. With my lightsaber active in my right hand, I stepped forward. "As you see my Jedi Powers are now far beyond yours. Now back down" Dooku said. He shot some Force Lighting at me, but I raised my left hand and caught it. I repelled it back at him and he redirected it to the side. "That's what you think" I said. I shot some Force Lighting of my own from my left hand at Dooku. He bounced it to the ceiling impressed I could match him in that trick. "Draw your saber Dooku" I said. He obliged me and did so. He had a curved handle that wielded a bright red Sith blade. I raised my saber to my face and back down in a salute of respect to signify the start of our fight. Dooku answered me in kind. Dooku and I jumped at each other and exchanged blows. Both of us were masters at Makashi, so it was hard for either of us to get a hit on the other. I forced Dooku back with a shove of my lightsaber. "Dooku, you disappoint me. Master Yoda always spoke highly of your lightsaber technique. Surely you can do better than that" I said. He jumped to me, and we exchanged blows again. I signaled Obi-Wan to join in. Now Dooku was facing two of us at once. He did his best, but we were overwhelming him fast. He had to use the Force to throw something at me to get me to back off. Without me, Obi-Wan wasn't a match for Dooku. Dooku played with him. "Master Kenobi, you disappoint me" he said. "Yoda holds you in such high esteem. Surely you can do better" I jumped back into the fray of things. I helped Obi-Wan as I could, but he was still wounded. Dooku managed to scrape his leg and arm causing him to fall to the floor. I forced Dooku away from Obi-Wan with a fierce attack.

Dooku knew what I was doing and distracted me with a pipe from the wall. I had just managed to cut it in half when I saw Dooku was about to finish off Obi-Wan. Anakin fortunately recovered and interfered. "Brave of you boy" Dooku said. "But I would have thought you had learned your lesson" "I am a slow learner" Anakin said. Obi-Wan meanwhile summon his dropped lightsaber to him. "Anakin" he said and threw Anakin the saber. Anakin now had two lightsabers, one in each hand to face down Count Dooku. I rushed over to Obi-Wan to check on him. "It doesn't look too bad" I said. "Calvin, Kyle, watch over him" "Yes Master" said my Jedi that were with us. By the time I joined Anakin to continue the fight, Dooku had destroy his green saber. I cut the power cord to some of the lights. The Count was taken aback and was almost too late to repel my attack. Anakin was good with lightsaber combat, but not better than Dooku. It came to a point where Dooku separated us and cut off half of Anakin's right arm. He Force Pushed him back, so he was lying next to Obi-Wan. Now it was just me and Dooku, or so I thought. Before Dooku and I could go at it again. I felt a presence that caused me to put my saber away. Dooku did the same when it was clear I was done for the time being. He didn't understand why I was backing down until he too felt the presence of our common master. He turned to the entrance and watched as the Clones made way for Master Yoda.

"Master Yoda" he said. "Count Dooku" replied my master. "You have interfered with our affairs for the last time" Dooku said. I wasn't quite sure what he meant with that. He used the Force to cause a piece of power machinery to launch at Master Yoda. My master of course used the Force to repel it. Dooku tried again to no avail. Master Yoda growled at Dooku as if to say "Is that all you've got? Bring it on". Dooku upped the ante and used the Force to crumble parts of the ceiling to fall on Master Yoda. My master of course caught the pieces with the Force and threw them to the side. "Powerful you have become Dooku" Master Yoda said. "The Dark Side I sense in you" "I've become more powerful than any Jedi" Dooku said. He raised his hand. "Even you" he said as he launched Force Lighting at Master Yoda. I knew it wouldn't work because Master Yoda was the one to teach me to catch Force Lighting with my hands. It's called Force Deflect and it can work on multiple Force powers. Master Yoda naturally caught the lighting and deflected it back on Dooku. Dooku deflected it to the ceiling. He tried again but his lighting was not strong enough to overwhelm Master Yoda. Eventually Dooku gave up and reached for his saber as Master Yoda crushed the last of his Force Lighting. "Much to learn, you still have" my master said. "It is obvious that this contest cannot be decided by our knowledge of the Force" Dooku said. He activated his weapon. "But by our skills with a lightsaber" he finished and gave Master Yoda a lightsaber salute. Master Yoda drew back his cloak and revealed his lightsaber. Master Yoda carried what is called a shoto lightsaber. Basically, a short lightsaber that some use with a longer saber in a sword and dagger team fashion. Though for Jedi like Master Yoda that are smaller in size. It's the perfect saber for them to use in regular combat. In the Jedi Order, Master Yoda only had two rivals with lightsaber fighting skills, Master Windu and myself.

Master Yoda called his green lightsaber straight form his belt to his hand and activated it. Ready to confront his former Padawan. They both jumped to each as Master Yoda yelled a battle cry of sorts. Knowing he wouldn't need my help against Dooku, I ran to Obi-Wan and Anakin. I watched in awe as my master fought against Dooku better than all three of us combined. Master Yoda used the Ataru form of lightsaber combat. This is a very aggressive form that uses many jumps, twirls, and spins. Master Yoda used this to compensate for his smaller size when faced with taller opponents. At one point they came to a grin lock. "Fought well you have, my old Padawan" Master Yoda said. "This is just the beginning" Dooku said. He used the Force to crush the bottom of a power tower so it would fall toward Obi-Wan, Anakin, Calvin, Kyle, and me. Both Master Yoda and I used the Force to stop it. I tried to throw it at Dooku's ship, but I missed. He was already long gone. "We'll meet again Dooku" I said to myself. I helped Anakin and Obi-Wan up as Master Yoda slowly made his way to us. Padmé arrived with my Clone Troopers and hug Anakin. "Let's get back to the forward command centre" I said. "We need to ready our departure back to Coruscant" "Agree on that I do" Master Yoda said. We regroup with the rest of our forces, and I made sure Obi-Wan, and Anakin received proper medical treatment. Padmé, it seemed had been clawed by the Nexu back at the arena, so I made sure she was treated too. Soon we were all ready to return to Coruscant.

When we returned to Coruscant, Obi-Wan meant with Master Yoda, Windu and myself in one of the Jedi Temple Spires. He told us that during his imprisonment by the Geonosians. Dooku told him that Darth Sidious had control of the Republic Senate. As we watched the sunset he asked, "Do you believe what Count Dooku said about Sidious controlling the Senate? It doesn't feel right" Master Yoda was sitting in his chair. "Joined the Dark Side, Dooku has" he said. "Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now" "Nevertheless I feel we should keep a closer eye on the Senate" Master Windu said. "And keep our allies in the Senate close" I added. "I agree" Master Yoda said. "Where is your apprentice" Master Windu asked Obi-Wan. "On his way to Naboo, escorting Senator Amidala home" Obi-Wan said. "I have to admit that without the clones it would not have been a victory" "Victory" Master Yoda said in surprise. "Victory you say? Master Obi-Wan not victory" "Master Yoda is right" I said. "It was no victory. The very thing we hoped to avoid has come to past" "Yes, the shroud of the Dark Side has fallen" Master Yoda said. "Began the Clone War has" "Let us hope that it does not extend too long before it's too late to rebuild the Republic" I said. I knew that dark times were coming. The very times I had foreseen and prepared for to the best of my ability. Though what I would face in the coming years, would not be what I could ever have expected.