#nejaa halcyon

[jerryb2]

Corran Horn and the Nature of Dual-Phase Lightsabers

This is something of a follow-up/companion piece to my most recent post.

The core of the Jedi ritual for creating a lightsaber came down to charging the power cell that first time. My grandfather ridiculed the popular superstition that a Jedi channeled the Force through the lightsaber. He suggested that this was a misunderstanding of what it took to charge it initially and tie it to the rest of the weapon. The Jedi, carefully manipulating the Force, bound the components together - linking them on something more than a mechanical or material level, so they worked with unimagined efficiency. Without this careful seasoning and conditioning of the lightsaber, the blade would be flawed and would fail the Jedi.

- Star Wars: I, Jedi, by Michael A. Stackpole

That’s what we in the business call foreshadowing. 

In the interest of of providing some much-needed context for those who may not know: 

Corran Horn was a character created by Michael Stackpole for the X-Wing Series, premiering in 1996. Initially focusing on the reformed Rogue Squadron, Corran was ostensibly the main character for the first four novels in the series. Starting his life as a Corellian Security officer, Corran would go on to discover his burgeoning Force sensitivity and eventually become a venerated Jedi in his own right by the time of the Legacy Era.

A dual-phase lightsaber is essentially any lightsaber that contains more than one crystal, with the most common setup consisting of three. This permits the user more direct control over the properties of the blade, allowing adjustments to length and/or width and intensity, typically to catch an opponent off guard. They’re more complex than your bog standard lightsabers obviously, and though they are relatively obscure, several notable Jedi & Sith were known to use them, such as Corran Horn, but also Exar Kun, Darth Vader, Count Dooku & Gantoris, however briefly.

Whether intentional on the part of the various writers, the fact that those specific characters use dual-phase sabers, speaks volumes to their unique qualities. 

These characters were each of two minds, as it were; each with one foot on the path of the light - sometimes for decades - while the other walked a tightrope between light and dark. In many cases, the character fell from that razor’s edge, only to be consumed by their own internal darkness. Exar Kun was a powerful Jedi whose thirst for knowledge slowly morphed into a thirst for power, which inevitably led him to the dark side and the ultimate ruin of the galaxy. The same fate would, of course, ultimately befall the Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker so many generations later. Count Dooku was a respected Jedi, who even sat on the High Council in the twilight years of the Republic, before ultimately falling. Gantoris, though - Gantoris was different.

Much like Corran himself, Gantoris was a member of the inaugural class of students as Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Praxeum. On his native world of Eol Sha, Gantoris was a respected chieftain who used his precognitive abilities to help his people survive their harsh, geologically unstable home - but how? Gantoris followed Luke to Yavin IV under one condition - that the Jedi Master help him uncover the truth of the “Dark Man” who haunted his dreams. Gantoris’ position of leadership prior to arriving at the Academy often lead to him being headstrong and difficult, something which was only heightened once he began to properly hone his Force abilities. This would also lead him into a rivalry with Corran, who is deficient in some of the more common Force abilities, like telekinesis. 

As his training begins, Luke offers Gantoris the chance to find the answers he seeks, but it isn’t long before Gantoris hears someone else whispering to him - the dark spirit of Exar Kun himself, trapped within the very walls of the Massassi Temples of Yavin IV. With Kun’s help, Gantoris constructs a dual-phase lightsaber and challenges Luke to a duel, where the Master bests his misguided student. Realizing that he has become a pawn of the long-dead Sith, Gantoris refuses to accept Kun’s offer of power and knowledge - and pays the ultimate price. Kun kills Gantoris by immolating him from the inside out with the Force, reducing him to a blackened husk. 

This development initially led to further division within the group as Corran grew frustrated with Luke’s reluctance to properly investigate the death (remember, Corran was a CorSec officer & thus expected a certain degree of procedural adherence) and Luke himself questioning his ability to effectively teach his students. It was shortly after this that Kun sought out another pawn, this time an angry young man, named Kyp Durron. With Kyp’s help, Exar Kun was able to sideline Luke by suspending his spirit from his body. By removing the Jedi Master, Kun hoped to corrupt all of the Academy’s students. Though he did succeed in turning Kyp for a time, the remaining students banded together and defeated Exar Kun, banishing his spirit to the void.

By plying Gantoris with the advanced techniques required to build a dual-phase lightsaber, Kun was able to further stoke the embers of contention between Gantoris & Corran, which led directly to Corran building himself a dual-phase lightsaber right out of the gate as well. 

Here’s that handy little feature in action, in another excerpt from I, Jedi:

I rotated my right wrist, twisting the throttle up, and whipped the lightsaber around in a slash aimed to slice the deadHutt switch in two. With the twist I turned the lightsaber’s emerald out of the way and I brought the diamond into line with the Durindfire beam. This extended the blade from 133 centimeters to 300, narrowing it, but bringing the Hutt’s hand easily into striking range. Quick flick of the wrist, cleave the control in two, and the day would be saved. That would be the easy way.

(The blade looks blue here, but in person - and canonically speaking - it’s actually a shade of purple.)

Easy is not for a Jedi.

With a puff of smoke, the lightsaber’s blade sputtered and died.

See what I mean by foreshadowing? To be fair to Mr. Horn, the failure of the diamond wasn’t actually his fault - not entirely, anyway:

I screwed the high energy flux aperture back on the head of the lightsaber and pitched to Elegos the blackened, misshapen lump that had been the diamond I’d put into the weapon. “Gone. Completely gone.”

“It worked fine when you tested in initially.” He snatched the melted gemstone from the air, sniffed it, then rubbed a thumb across it. “Synthetic?”

I nodded. “Kubaz xurkonia. The crystalline lattice handled the energy while we tested it, but was probably ready to go down anytime. (...) Actually, serves me right for trying to make a complicated lightsaber my first time out.”

 Elegos frowned. “Why did you make one with variable lengths?”

I shrugged uneasily. “Well, I guess it was ego. Gantoris made one with two lengths and I wanted mine to be as good as his.”

“I thought you said he had a Sith Dark Lord instructing him at the time.”

“Sure, now you bring that point up.“

Okay, look, I really want to address one thing - even though it’s a completely pointless thing to talk about here - 133 cm for a standard blade is absolutely insane. Never mind the fact that you literally cannot buy blade material over 40 inches (101.6 cm) long, but swinging around a blade with that kind of reach would be so dangerous to yourself, let alone others, that no Jedi wouldn’t survive a single sparring session. 

In reality, lightsaber blades are typically 32 to 34 inches long. This makes them much more manageable to swing around without smacking them into the walls or ceiling of your house. The dual-phase feature is handy only for surprising people/causing a ton of collateral damage, if the situation calls for it. 300 cm is just under 10 feet, in case you were wondering. 

Moving swiftly along; I really love this little exchange between Corran & the eventual New Republic Senator, Elegos A’Kla. With the possible exception of his wife, Mirax Terrik, Corran’s relationship with Elegos is by far his most important. Elegos is a Caamasi, a race known for their compassionate & peace-loving nature, as well as their ability to share Memnii - essentially, extremely vivid memories - with other Caamasi & Force-sensitives. Elegos’ grandfather was also a Jedi & friend to Corran’s grandfather Nejaa Halcyon, even witnessing his death at the hands of Nikkos Tyris, founder of the Jedi Order splinter group, the Jensaarai. 

Throughout their relationship, Elegos would become a surrogate parental figure for Corran, and serve as a kind of spiritual guide, often sharing advice and insight through his memnii. 

The passage above illustrates that even though Corran has come into his own in accepting his Jedi destiny, he’s still the same character at heart - a smarmy, cocksure fighter pilot. And it further establishes the friendship & bond between the two characters - something that would go on to be very important just a few years later in the Dark Tide Duology, part of the New Jedi Order series. 

TL;DR - The Star Wars galaxy gets invaded by Warhammer 40K Rejects, AKA the Yuuzhan Vong and the Jedi are put on the back foot for the first half of the series.

Fortunately, Mike Stackpole wrote the Dark Tide novels, and they’re excellent. In the first novel, subtitled Onslaught, he gives us this scene, where we see Corran more effectively utilizing the dual-phase feature, this time with a true diamond in that third slot:

(...) Corran squared off with him, presenting his left flank for attack. He held the lightsaber’s hilt up near his right ear, with the blade pointing straight forward. He leveled it at the Vong’s eyes, then gave the alien a nod. “You want me, come get me.”

The Yuuzhan Vong took a step forward, and Corran cranked his right wrist around. The throttle assembly twisted, swapping an emerald for a diamond in the lightsaber’s interior assembly. The energy beam narrowed and went from silver to purple, then more than doubled in length. The blade’s tip stabbed deep through the younger Vong’s left eye socket.

The Yuuzhan Vong jerked and bounced as his limbs snapped straight. He fell back, slipping from the blade’s tip, with smoke rising from his skull. He clattered to the shell floor, his limp limbs rebounding from the hard surface, then he twitched once and lay still. 

And Ganner ridiculed me for having an old-style, dual-phase lightsaber.

(Quick aside: I will forever stan Ganner Rhysode aka “The Ganner” - Rest in Power, King - he damn well earned his redemption arc. ✊)

This action is relevant to Corran’s characterization and the ultimate fate of Elegos because the Vong that Corran kills in this very scene is a member of the Domain Shai, the same creche as the current leader of the Vong, Shedao Shai. When Shai learns of this, he would go on to murder the Caamasi out of vengeance, sending his body back to Corran in a sign of disrespect. Vowing vengeance himself, (not a very Jedi thing to do, if you haven’t been paying attention) Corran would go on to duel Shai in single combat, partially couching his motives as a fight for the fate of the planet Ithor. 

There are many, many layers of plot & intrigue beginning to interweave  themselves at this point in the story, but Ithor - being the source of a specific plant spore that the Yuuzhan Vong’s Vonduun Crab Armor is allergic to - serves a double meaning here. The Vong lay waste to everything they come into contact with, and by taking a stand on this vibrant, beautifully forested jewel of a world - essentially saying “Not One Step Back” - it serves as a narrative foil. 

Corran & Shai finally face-off at the tail-end of the second novel, subtitled Ruin:

He bore an amphistaff, which he stabbed tail-first into the ground. He raised a gauntletted hand, the dying sun glinting from his bracer, then pressed the hand back over his heart.

“I am Shedao Domain Shai. This is my subordinate, Deign Domain Lian. He will stand as witness to this combat.”

Corran remained seated. “I am Corran Horn, Late of the New Republic Armed Forces, a Jedi Knight. This is my Master, Luke Skywalker. He will stand as witness to this combat.”

(...) “You are the murderer of Neira Shai and Dranae Shai, my kinsmen.”

Corran stood, slowly and deliberately. Luke could feel the Force gathering in him, swirling around him. “And you murdered my friend, Elegos A’Kla. It is not over the past we fight, but to win the future.”

“You, perhaps.” The Yuuzhan Vong drew himself up tall and straight, then bowed his head toward Corran. “I fight for the honor of the Yuuzhan Vong and Domain Shai.”

The Corellian returned the nod. “So much risk for such a paltry gain.”

Amphistaff spun and lightsaber rose. A slash blocked high, a low cut burning grass but not leaping legs. Combatants slipping past each other, turning, striking, blocking. The amphistaff’s hiss rivaling that of the lightsaber. Weapons flashing forward, retreating, then reposting. 

(...) Corran closed and lunged at Shedao Shai’s upper chest. With two hands on the amphistaff, the Yuuzhan Vong parried the argent blade high, then ducked his head and whirled around in a circle. The amphistaff snapped straight against Shedao Shai’s right forearm, then he lunged.

Pain exploded from the Jedi as the amphistaff’s tail stabbed deep into his guts. (...) Corran curled around the holes in his right flank, drawing his knees up. His lightsaber lay smoking on the grass.

(...) Shedao Shai drew back several steps, then tugged off his mask and tossed it aside. He raised the gore-streaked amphistaff to his lips and harvested incarnadine fluid with his tongue. His lips closed for a moment, his eyes following, then he nodded.

“I vowed I would taste your blood as you die, and now I have done that.”

Corran coughed once, pain flaring through the Force, then rolled up to his knees. “Good for you, pal, glad you’re happy.” He winced as he scooped up his lightsaber and staggered to his feet. “Had I been in your boots, I would have vowed something else.”

“Oh?” The Yuuzhan Vong’s eyes opened a slit. “And what would that have been?”

“I’d have vowed to taste my blood after I was dead.” All sense of pain vanished from the Jedi as the Force again enshrouded him. Corran waved the invader forward with his bloody left hand. “So, is this inability to make a clean kill a Yuuzhan Vong thing, or just a Domain Shai thing? You’re so sloppy those bones won’t want to come home with you.”

Shedao Shai’s eyes snapped open. Though Luke could not read him through the Force, the fury and hatred coursing through the Yuuzhan Vong was unmistakable. The warrior darted forward, bringing the amphistaff up and around in a two-handed overhead blow. He smashed it down on Corran’s upraised lightsaber, driving the Jedi back a step.

(...) Shedao Shai towered over him, rising up on his tiptoes to deliver that final blow. The amphistaff rose and crashed down, set to bash the lightsaber back into its wielder, slaying the infidel with the blasphemous weapon he embraced.

With a flick of his thumb, Corran killed the blade and sagged forward.

Overbalanced because his weapon met no resistance, Shedao Shai buried his amphistaff deep in the ground and stumbled a half-step forward. The surprise registering on his face widened his eyes, then his lips peeled back in a feral grin as Corran pressed his lightsaber against the Yuuzhan Vong’s stomach. The lightsaber hissed. Argent light poured from Shedao Shai’s mouth a second before he vomited black blood and collapsed to the ground, his spine severed, his belly smoking.

(...) “Wait, just a second.” Corran pointed at the mask Shedao Shai had discarded. “I want that mask.”

“Why?”

Corran’s eyes closed for a moment as pain washed over him. “Elegos’s bones. They’re watching something. That mask will show him that the Vong are not invincible, and for Ithor at least, there will be peace.”

The best part of this confrontation is the fact that it doesn’t work. The Vong still destroy Ithor - further demoralizing the New Republic - and one of the most influential Jedi in the Order bears the full weight of the public outcry and is basically forced into self-imposed exile on Corellia. And Elegos is not avenged. In seeking out the fight with Shedao Shai, Corran allowed his personal feelings to cloud his thinking and color his motives. In so doing, he brought shame on Elegos’ memory, and he says as much afterward:

The Jedi sank back on his heels and looked up into the jeweled eyes of what had once been his friend. From inside his robe he drew the mask Shedao Shai had worn. He rubbed a sleeve over its black surface, erasing a smudge, then reverently set it in Elegos’ lap.

“Your murderer is dead.”

Corran wanted to say more, but his throat closed and the glowing image before him blurred. He covered his eyes with a hand, smearing tears against his cheeks, then swallowed hard. He wiped away more tears, then took a deep breath and set his shoulders.

“His death was supposed to save Ithor. It didn’t. I know you’d be horrified to think I killed for you. I didn’t. I did it for Ithor.”

The gold skeleton stared down at him, cold mercilessness glinting from the gems in its eye-sockets.

Never any fooling you, was there, my friend? Corran screwed his eyes shut against more tears, then opened them again. He looked away, unable to stand Elegos’ dead gaze. 

“That’s what I told myself. It was for Ithor. That’s what I told everyone. Managed to fool some of them - most of them, I think. Not Master Skywalker. I think he knew the truth, but the chance to save Ithor had to be taken.”

He glanced down at his right hand and could again feel the weight of his lightsaber in it. “I had myself convinced, I really did, until...there was a point in the fight. I’d turned my lightsaber off; Shedao Shai had overbalanced himself. His staff was buried in the turf. I shoved my lightsaber’s hilt against his stomach.”

A shudder quaked through Corran. “There was a moment there. A nanosecond. I hesitated. Not because I thought of life as sacred and that taking any life was horrible - the way you would have, my friend. No...no, I hesitated because I wanted Shedao Shai to know he was dead. I wanted him to know I knew he was dead. If he was going to see his life flash before his eyes, I wanted him to take a good look at it. I wanted him to have a nice long look at it. I wanted him to know it was all for nothing.”

(...) “In that one moment, Elegos, I dishonored your sacrifice. I betrayed you. I betrayed the Jedi. I betrayed myself.” Corran sighed. “In that one moment, I crossed the line. I walked on the dark side.”

He raised his head and met Elegos’ bejeweled stare. “You Caamasi had a saying: If the wind no longer calls to you, it is time to see if you have forgotten your name. The problem I have, my friend, is that I heard the dark side calling to me. Without your help, without your guidance, I’m not sure how I can deal with that.”

This admission is made all the more shocking, because this is the first time we truly see Corran brush with the dark side. Yes, he’d faced many difficult choices in the past - being tempted to “take the quick and easy path” to free his wife from captivity comes to mind - but this was different. It’s important to know, Corran is a forty-three year old man at this point. He’s not an impatient kid, or an old fool - he’s a flawed human being. And in this particular instance, it cost him - and the New Republic - dearly.

This is undoubtedly the most interesting aspect in the nature of dual-phase lightsabers for me; they're an allegory for the choices we all make everyday. They represent the capacity for both great good and great evil with such crystal-clear prose that it’s genuinely baffling to me how some people can claim Star Wars isn’t all that deep. If you look past the pop sci-fi trash of the Disney Canon and dig around in the old Expanded Universe, you can find some real gems. 

And this, boys & girls, is why Michael Stackpole is one of the top three EU writers - come at me. 

#star wars #lightsabers #dual-phase lightsaber #michael a stackpole #goat #corran horn #nejaa halcyon #luke skywalker #gantoris #exar kun #kyp durron #jedi academy #jedi academy trilogy #jedi search #dark apprentice #champoins of the force #ijedi #jedi praxeum #darth vader #anakin skywalker #count dooku #elegos a'kla #shedao shai #yuuzhan vong #yuuzhan vong war #new jedi order #njo #dark tide duology #onslaught #ruin

[cienie-isengardu]

The young Jedi was proving to be a commander in his own right. Oh, everyone knew he was brave-what he'd done at the Battles of Geonosis and Jabiim and other desperate situations had proved that. On Jabiim he'd been personally ordered by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to leave the battlefield after more than a month of hard fighting, forced to leave his friends, to help with the evacuation. And Anakin had obeyed the order, however reluctantly. He was no stranger to pain, death, defeat. He knew he had a destiny. He was destined to command. The young Jedi possessed a great Force sensitivity; he was bright, bright to the point of genius. Halcyon was sure Anakin would be a Master someday and even sit on the Council. And now he had demonstrated his aptitude for command, the ability to lead, that ineffable quality of personality that convinces others that one knows what one is doing, and if they follow, they will succeed. Observing him daily, Halcyon was sure Anakin had put his emotions behind him.

Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon about Anakin Skywalker (Jedi Trial)

#star wars #anakin skywalker #nejaa halcyon #commander anakin skywalker

[dissociatingdumbass]

Each time Disney puts out another piece of media about Star Wars, the more they mess up the whole Jedi thing...

Here's something I noticed:

Corran Horn in the Obi Wan Kenobi series.

The name Valin Halcyon (later Hal Horn in the Rogue Squadron Comics) in a wall.

Now, Hal Horn was supposed to be Corran's father and absolutely not a Jedi. If much a padawan... Nejaa Halcyon was the Jedi...

Next: George Lucas fucked up and turned a more espiritual Force into a genetic Force with the fucking midi-chlorians!

Do you know what happens when a genetic marker doesn't get passed down to future generations? It disappears...

So, if the Jedi were supposed to be monks and didn't have offsprings... How the hell do you find Force Sensitive children for millennia?

Answer: You don't. The genetic marker disappears. The midi-chlorians would stop have a symbiotic relationship with Sentient species because said Sentient species didn't reproduce!

My last hope is the Corellian Jedi and The Antarian Rangers coming back to canon.

Create other factions of Jedi that didn't follow celibacy and believed in the value of familial ties...

#You can even steal my idea Disney... #just fix the stupid you did #star wars #Jedi #midi chlorians #celibacy #stupid shit all around #corran horn #valin Halcyon #Nejaa Halcyon #Hal Horn #Nyche Horn #obi wan kenobi #star wars expanded universe #star wars prequels #No sequels in this house

[raven-of-domain-kwaad]

Love my Kine family of OCs and the SWTOR era but the brain is stuck thinking about the Clone Wars and Rebellion eras right now.

Kinda want to try making a green jedi OC (partly blame @swtorpadawan and Kayeh / the Green Legacy for that idea) that is part of the two dozen that join Nejaa Halcyon in aiding the Republic after deciding that the CIS is a threat that will eventually harm Corellia and needs to be stopped.

Want to give them a CorSec mom that taught them nearly as much as the Green Jedi did about the galaxy which makes them a lot more understanding and able to work well with non-force users like the clones. Basically make them better suited to military work than the Jedi of the main Order were. Have that lead to being paired up with a commando team (because the clone commandos are just awesome) for a lot of behind enemy lines special forces work. A real tight knit group the five of them so that when 66 comes down they all just decide to nope out of there together (really don’t care for the whole control chip thing) and hide away on Corellia or something like that.

And when the rebellion finally comes a calling they join up and quite possibly cross paths with and get rather close to one of my Kine-Rist descendants that survived the destruction of Alderaan.

Honestly a lot of this is done with the thought of getting a jedi and surviving descendant of the true sith together. Would probably have a lot of common ground tbh. Being a Green Jedi comes with a lot of cultural pride in being Corellian. And my Kine-Rists are likewise incredibly proud of their true Sith heritage.

#raven caws

[metataxy]

Omg, this Jedi fic.

Signal boosting this Jedi fic about Old Republic Knight Nejaa Halcyon.  It’s basically a Jedi meet-cute meets buddy cop comedy.  If you know any Star Wars, you don’t need to know who Nejaa Halcyon is to appreciate it.  It’s just super cute, slightly adhd Jedi himbo falls for slightly prissy detective dude and his girl Friday, and it’s adorbs.  

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17259293

#star wars #star wars fanfiction #jedi #buddy cop #meet-cute #corran horn #fuck this is so adorable I can't even

[maeve-on-mustafar]

From Star Wars: Jedi Trial by David Sherman and Dan Cragg.

At last Halcyon thumbed his lightsaber off and stood erect. He glanced over at Anakin and grinned. "Anakin Skywalker! Looking for a sparring partner?"

Anakin started briefly. "You honor me," he said with a slight bow.

Halcyon laughed. "Honor you? That means either you're surprised I remember your name, or you're surprised that a Jedi Master is so readily willing to spar with a Padawan he barely knows."

. . .

"Perhaps both?" Anakin grinned back at the older man.

"Very good, Padawan." Halcyon nodded with approval. "That was so close I'm not sure whether or not it counts as a touch."

Anakin grinned. "You don't have time to invent in a fight - but sometimes you have to improvise."

Then they settled into serious sparring.

The two Jedis' lightsabers flashed and sizzled when the blades struck in thrust and parry. When first one, then the other found his way through the other's defense, the shimmering light stopped just short of striking.

The two Jedis' voices rang with pleasure at each skillful move.

After an hour of sparring, they stopped by unspoken mutual agreement. Both gleamed with sweat. Both were laughing.

"Ah, yes," Halcyon said happily, "a sparring partner makes the workouts much, much better." He eyed Anakin. "You're very skillful for someone so young."

Anakin's eyes sparkled. "Master Halcyon, I must compliment you on your skill, which is remarkable for such an old man who has been sitting idle for so long."

"Ungrateful pup!" Halcyon snarled, and immediately laughed. "Shall we do it again tomorrow?"

"Sounds great."

"Same time, same place."

"With pleasure."

Jedi Master and Padawan saluted each other before heading their separate ways to bathe the sweat and salts from their tired bodies.

Yes, hi, I need some official canon content of older men praising Anakin and calling him "pup", please and thank you.

#anakin skywalker #anakin skywalker appreciation #nejaa halcyon #star wars legends

[captaingondolin]

i’m just imagining nejaa halcyon walking around in the clone wars with baby hal in a baby holder thingy on his chest. “that, what is?” yoda asks. “uhhhh a PADAWAN!” “a baby, that is” “well what do you know? you’re like 5 million years old” (i don’t actually know how old hal would’ve been, probably older, but this is funny)

“you don’t know how humans age, he’s 13 actually” (which reminds me of all the mandalorian-inspired memes about yoda not knowing how old anakin was in tpm)

#starwarstheriseofskywalker #ask #yoda #nejaa halcyon #hal horn #valin halcyon #funnies #gondolin talks

[inqorporeal]

Chapters: 40/?

Fandom: Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types, Star Wars - All Media Types

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Relationships: Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi, Obi-Wan Kenobi & Anakin Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker & Qui-Gon Jinn, Jango Fett/Obi-Wan Kenobi

Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Quinlan Vos, Shmi Skywalker, Siri Tachi. Dooku | Darth Tyranus, Ulic Qel-Droma, Hondo Ohnaka, Jango Fett, Anakin Skywalker | Darth Vader, Like a million OCs

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Qui-Gon Lives, Bounty Hunter Obi-Wan, Dark Obi-Wan Kenobi, Found Family, Eventual Romance, Slow Burn, Not A Fix-It, Space Politics, Sith Shenanigans, Breaking the law creatively, Citrus scale: lime

Previously:

Jedi Master Renni Kerr presented to the Green Council his concerns regarding the Coruscant Temple's treatment of aged-out Initiates. A resolution was made between the Corellian and Chandrilan temples to quietly investigate.

Whilst on Corellia, Phel and Kate accepted a job to deliver Renni and Jedi Master Sarih to Coruscant without attracting attention.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan discovered that he has a great deal more to learn. Unfortunately, the best place to learn it may not be the most ideal...

#star wars #fanfic #for the right price #obi-wan kenobi #nejaa halcyon #inq writes

[burningflamesparadise]

the older i get and the more times i watch the prequels i realize that theres no explanation for obi wan to be so upset about anakin dating padme. unless he was jealous

although its against the jedi code, its not at all uncommon for jedi to have romantic attachments (see:  Kento Marek, Ranik Solusar, Nejaa Halcyon, Revan, AND OBI WAN KENOBI HIMSELF w/satine) He could have easily turned a blind eye to anakin and padme, but instead becomes irate. 

#i said obi kin RIGHTS #obi at least had a tiny crush on him cmon #obikin #padme x anakin #anakin x padme #prequels #star wars #star wars prequels

[even-stars-burn-out]

A (Probably Complete?) List of Jedi that Survive Order 66 in WTPD

and either join the rebellion, or run into Caedus or Offee first

Jedi that survive the Temple:

Anakin Skywalker (gives up Sith title, escapes before Sidious realizes his change of heart)

Jocasta Nu (escapes with a set of Younglings, original rebellion member)

Maris Brood (escaped the Temple, hid on Felucia, killed by Darth Caedus)

Kazdan Paratus (escaped Temple, hid on Raxus Prime, killed by either Caedus or Offee)

Arligan Zey (escaped with help of an ARC that’s chip failed, joined Clan Skirata temporarily before being booted off Mandalore during the uprising and eventually killed by either Caedus or Offee)

Younglings that fully join the rebellion:

Shuya (leads Bail’s group)

Shia Letap (part of Mon Mothma’s group)

Jeswi Ele (part of Garm bel Iblis’s group)

Aris Irana (leader of Chuchi’s group)

Tsorr Kreg (part of Tills’ group)

Jedi that survive other planets

Obi-Wan Kenobi (escapes 212th on Utapau, original rebellion member)

Yoda (escapes GAR on Kashyyyk, original rebellion member)

Roan Shryne (escapes GAR on Murkahna, ends up dying on Kashyyyk to Offee)

Olee Starstone (escapes GAR on Murkahna, meets with Fulcrum Prime and joins the rebellion)

Kento Marek (escapes GAR on [somewhere populated], ends up dying on Kashyyk to Offee)

Ahsoka Tano (escapes 501st on Mandalore with help from the few clones that knew what was happening, original rebellion member)

Caleb Dume/Kanan Jarrus (escape GAR on Kaller, eventually meets Specter One and joins the rebellion)

Nejaa Halcyon (escapes GAR due to being on Praesitlyn, original rebellion member)

Rahm Kota (escapes GAR due to not working with them. Blinded by Caedus early in her career, eventually meets up with Fulcrum Prime or Negotiator)

Bardan Jusik (resigned, hid on Mandalore with Clan Skirata)

Jedi born after Order 66

Luke Skywalker (born on Empire Day, joins the rebellion with parents)

Leia Skywalker (born on Empire Day, joins the rebellion with parents)

Ezra Bridger (born on Empire Day, meets Specter One and joins the rebellion)

Galen Organa [Marek] (born just before Order 66, lived on Kashyyyk until taken with Starstone to Fulcrum Prime, adopted by Organas)

Venku Skirata (informally trained by Jusik)

Mara Jade (raised as a Sith, eventually dueled Fearless/Vader but was spared, ends up joining him and giving up Sith title)

Corran Horn (eventually joins the rebellion after Valin “Hal” Horn’s death and is trained by his grandfather)

#again tumblr's gonna fuck up the bullet points #wtpd #this is actually a surprising number of jedi in the rebellion #even though the Mando Jedi pretty much stay on manddalore after the uprising #can't decide if Hal Horn counts or not bc he doesn't get much trainig before bel Iblis and Halcyon have to go on the run #but he manges to pass on enough to Corran he can hide from the inqusiitors up until shit goes down and he joins just after Hoth

[jerryb2]

The Importance of the Lightsaber

What follows is a series of excerpts from the novel I, Jedi by Michael A. Stackpole:

The lightsaber, while an elegant and deadly weapon, was not that complex. Getting the parts to put one together was not difficult at all. To serve as the hilt, for example, I salvaged the throttle assembly and handlebar tube from a junked speeder bike. 

(...) I got the dimetris circuitry for the activation loop from an old capital-ship-grade ion cannon fire initiation controller (...) The recharger port and wiring came from a comlink. A milled down Tri-fighter laser flashback suppressor became the parabolic, high-energy flux aperture to stabilize the blade and I pulled the dynoric laser feed line from the same broken laser cannon to act as the superconductor for energy transference from the power cell to the blade. 

Buttons and switches were easy to find, and dear old Admiral Tavira, with her gift of the brandy decanter and snifters, provided me all the jewels I needed to make half a dozen lightsabers.

(...) Before I could figure out how to put Tavira off for another month, Elegos decoded an annotation to the instructions for constructing lightsabers. It turned out that during the Clone Wars, Jedi Masters developed a way to create a lightsaber in two days. Nejaa included this method, noting it was to be used only in times of pressing need, but not in haste. I read it over and felt a certain peace settle upon me. I knew the words had not been written for me, but they sank deep into my core. Urgency without panic, action without thoughtlessness.

(...) I sat in the middle of the floor, with the parts for the blade laid out in a semicircle around me. I studied each one and used the Force to enfold it and take a sense of it into myself. My hands would fit the pieces together, but I wanted the parts to mesh as if they had been grown together. The lightsaber would be more than just a jumble of hardware, and to make it I had to see the parts as belonging together.

I fitted the activation button into its place on the handlebar shaft and snapped the connectors into the right spots on the dimetris circuit board. 

I worked that into the shaft itself, then inserted a strip of shielding to protect it from even the slightest leakage from the superconductor. Next I snapped into place the gemstones I was using to focus and define the blade. At the center, to work as my continuous energy lens, I used the Durindfire. That same stone gave my grandfather’s blade its distinctive silver sheen. 

I used a diamond and an emerald in the other two slots. I wasn’t certain what I would get in the way of color tints from the emerald, and with the diamond I hoped for a coruscation effect.

Onto the end of the hilt where the blade would appear I screwed the high-energy flux aperture. It would carry a negative charge which would stabilize the positively charged blade and provide it a solid base without allowing it to eat its way back through to my hands. 

(...)  I clipped the discharged energy cell in place, then connected the leads to the recharging socket. 

I screwed the recharging socket into the bottom of the hilt, but didn’t fasten on the handlebar’s original butt cap that would protect it because I needed to charge the power cell for the very first time. 

In what amounts to just a handful of pages in a singular book, Stackpole so vividly describes not only the physical process of constructing a lightsaber, but the spiritual essence of what it means to be a Jedi, in its purest form: 

(...) With my finger poised on the transformer button that would start the energy flowing, I drew in a deep breath and lowered myself into a trance. I knew that manipulating matter sufficiently to meld the part and forge the weapon would have been all but impossible for anyone but a Jedi Master like Yoda, but doing just that as part of the construction of a lightsaber had been studied and ritualized so even a student could manage it. It was very much a lost art, a link to a past that had been all but wiped out, and by performing it I completed my inheritance of my Jedi legacy. 

I hit the button, allowing the slow trickle of energy to fill the battery. I opened myself to the Force and with the hand I had touching the lightsaber’s hilt, I bathed the lightsaber with the Force. As I did so subtle transformations took place in the weapon. Elemental bonds shifted allowing more and more energy to flow into the cell and throughout the weapon. I was not certain how the changes were being made, but I knew that at the same time as they were being made in the lightsaber, they were being made in me as well. 

In becoming a conduit for the Force for this purpose, the final integration of the people I’d been occurred. The fusion became the person I would be forever after. I was still a pilot: a little bit arrogant, with a healthy ego and a willingness to tackle difficult missions. I was still CorSec: an investigator and a buffer between the innocents in the galaxy and the slime that would consume them.

And I was Jedi. I was heir to a tradition that extended back tens of thousands of years. Jedi had been the foundation of stability in the galaxy. They had always opposed those who reveled in evil and sought power for the sake of power. People like Exar Kun and Palpatine, Darth Vader and Thrawn, Isard and Tavira; these were the plagues on society that the Jedi cured. In the absence of Jedi, evil thrived. 

In the presence of just one Jedi, evil evaporated. 

Just as with the lightsaber, the changes being made in me were not without cost. What the Force allowed me to do also conferred upon me great burdens. To act without forethought and due deliberation was no longer possible. I had to be very certain of what I was doing, for a single misstep could be a disaster. While I knew I would make mistakes, I had to do everything I could to minimize their impact. It was not enough to do the greatest good for the greatest number, I had to do the best for everyone. 

There was no walking away from the new responsibility I accepted. Like my grandfather I might well choose when and where to reveal who and what I was, but there was no forgetting, no leaving that responsibility and the office. My commitment to others had to be total and complete. I was an agent of life every day, every hour, every second; for as long as I lived, and then some.

(...) I nodded and brandished the lightsaber. I punched the button under my thumb, giving birth to the silver blade 133 centimeters in length. 

“A lightsaber and robes. Looks like a little justice has arrived on Courkrus, and it’s about time.”

This is what almost everybody gets wrong about the Jedi - never mind the Prequels, the Sequels, or the vast majority of EU novels - the Jedi are an absolute good. They are life. They bring order to chaos. Every moment of their lives is spent, their spirits grappling against the disorder of a universe torn between Dark and Light.

If you haven’t read I, Jedi, you might consider picking it up.

As I’m sure many of you have already deduced, the accompanying images are of my own personal Corran Horn lightsaber. I’ve just recently finished a complete overhaul and rebuild of it, and I just had to show it off. I’ll be posting more info & pics about it soon, but I want to address one key aspect of saber building here, as it pertains directly to my own personal journey and growth.

This portion of the book holds incredible significance for me; it allows me to imagine, however briefly, that I’m undertaking a similar spiritual ritual, imbuing my own sabers with the same energy that Stackpole so flawlessly describes here. It’s so rare to feel so seen and be so moved by a piece of fiction. For the discerning Sabersmith, it’s very much like Corran says: 

I knew the words had not been written for me, but they sank deep into my core.

Thank you for this book, Michael. 🥂

#star wars #lightsaber #lightsabers #sabersmith #ijedi #new jedi order #michael a stackpole #goat #expanded universe #eu #legends #corran horn #dual-phase lightsaber #mirax terrik horn #elegos a'kla #leonia tavira #admiral tavira #nejaa halcyon #nikkos tyris #jensaarai #saarai-kaar #halcyon days of star wars

[cienie-isengardu]

Anakin and Clone Troopers in Legends sources [2002-2005], part II

previous part: Anakin and Clone Troopers in Legends sources [2002 - 2005], part I

I talked before how Anakin’s POV presented in Legends books wasn’t often focused at situation of clone troopers, nor gave specific details about his personal relationship with them while narrative itself provided examples how Skywalker is usually the first (sometimes the only one) person to act to protect troopers during fight. In contrast to him, in Labyrinth of Evil or ROTS novel Obi-Wan’s POV is full of thoughts about clone troopers yet he rarely do anything to help them in need. What of course does not mean that one cares more than other and it’s more about limited space to show the readers the full extent of the relationship between Jedi and clones, especially in the face of more urgent events.

Jedi Trial is one of few sources that allows us to see Anakin without Kenobi for a longer period of time during war. This is very important story, mainly because Skywalker is still a padawan who wants to prove himself as a real Jedi and commander, even though Council is still against knighting him. Jedi Trial was written by David Sherman and Dan Cragg and was published in 2004. Both authors served in military, and I think they did good job with presenting Anakin’s first real steps as commander of GAR.

Before I focus at the details, I want to clarify one thing. The biggest problem with the novel is that, it was supposed to be set somewhere in second year of Clone Wars, what A) leaves little time for Anakin to became a respected commander on his own, not to mention gaining the title of Hero With No Fear and B) makes little sense overall, because Anakin fought the war since day one and by that alone he should have at least basic of military experiences by now. Also, after two years fighting alongside clone troopers, I think any person would made some connection with them. Frankly, I always thought that Jedi Trial was (should be) set in earlier period of time, because there is little informations that give the feeling of such gap in timeline. It’s why I see this story as study of Anakin’s military career and the beginning of his relationship with clones that should happened sooner than in second year of war.

Keeping that in mind, here is short summary: Kenobi was sent on special mission - Anakin, as padawan, stayed in Jedi Temple to train and study military strategies, where he very quickly befriended Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon. Soon after that Jedi Council have chosen Halcyon to lead attack on Praesitlyn. When he was asked whom he wants as his second-in-command, he decided to take Anakin. Council wasn’t happy to hear that but Halcyon’s practical arguments changed their mind. To make sure the younger padawan will manage as a commander, Nejaa hired befriended Rodian mercenery, Grudo. From onward, the Rodian soldier (in the rank of sergeant major) accompanied and advised commander Skywalker through the course of story.

Due to length, I splitted the text into two parts. First is focused mainly at Jedi & GAR preparations for upcoming campaign (Anakin as freshly promoted commander) while second will focus on Skywalker during battles. Clone troopers unfortunately aren’t main heroes (the way captain Rex is in TCW, for example) but their presence is visible and has impact on Anakin. But to show it in fully, I’m gonna bring some other paragraphs too. Which is why the text grew in length so much.

So, let’s see how the story played:

 Anakin, Halcyon and Grudo were busy with preparation for upcoming battle:

The next days passed in a whirlwind of activity. The two Jedi and their Rodian comrade soon began to work as a well-oiled team. Grudo followed Anakin everywhere, interjecting advice whenever appropriate, but otherwise not saying much. The clone infantry had been divided among several transports, in order to minimize their losses if a ship was hit, so the trio were kept busy moving among the ships. At night they met in Halcyon's stateroom to go over the details of the day.

One evening, Halcyon asked Anakin, "Are you familiar with the capabilities of the specialized troopers?" He was referring to the fifty clone commandos aboard the battle cruiser Teyr.

Anakin nodded, clone commandos were trained to be used for only the most dangerous missions, and as such were bred to possess a larger degree of independent thought and action than ordinary troopers. Equipped with highly advanced armor and weapons, they were capable of fighting successfully on their own, but with a Jedi commander their potential as an attack force was virtually unlimited.

"They're yours, then," Halcyon told him. "Take Grudo, go over to the Teyr, and get to know them."

Surprised and pleased, Anakin wasted no time getting a shuttle to the cruiser.

Earlier, he had taken charge of his division, met with his brigade, battalion, and company commanders, introduced himself to the troopers, inspected them in ranks, and asked probing questions about their armor, equipment, and weapons. Grudo had had him bone up on these things and read the readiness reports the division's commanders had submitted.

"You're their leader," he had said. "Soldiers don't respect a commander who doesn't know their weapons, equipment, and tactics better than they do. But remember this: all the clones are like brothers-twin brothers-and all clones think they're the best. They work best under their own officers; they wouldn't fight under me. Under you, yes, of course-you're a Jedi. But although they respect you as a Jedi, now you must show them they can respect you as a soldier like them. You have to show them before we go into battle that you know what you're doing."

Anakin had done his best, and Grudo had been impressed with his handling of the troops. Now, as he headed for the Teyr, he was feeling more confident, eager to meet the clone commandos who were to be his to command.

First, I really like how the book, in contrast to some others, doesn’t point time after time that troopers in question are clones. Nejaa, Anakin and Grudo refer to them the same way they would address “normal born” people. Which is pretty nice details that also works nicely with TCW books (”My men”)

Anakin is freshly appointed commander but he already has some knowledge about structures of GAR. He knows basic differences between common trooper and clone commando, including more independent characters of specialized troopers.

Skywalker spent a lot time before the battle on meeting with troopers (”he had taken charge of his division, met with his brigade, battalion, and company commanders, introduced himself to the troopers, inspected them in ranks”) and getting to know as much as possible about their equipment and weaponary (”asked probing questions about their armor, equipment, and weapons.”) but also study paperwork (”Grudo had had him bone up on these things and read the readiness reports the division's commanders had submitted.”). The last part is interesting because how often we hear about Jedi reading readiness reports or other stuff? I mean, Council usually is listening to someone giving report from the battle or after, but reading itself? There is so little information about paperwork in GAR, that clone troopers are doing apparently.

The older Jedi decided to give command over Republic Commandos to Anakin. Since Council is all the time against knighting Skywalker, it’s no surprise that Nejaa’s trust is so pleasing to him. This and Grudo’s praise for handling the troopers made Anakin much more confident in his own skills.

Also, Grudo doesn’t just praise him, he also gives important advices to Anakin. Clones will do what he will order because he is Jedi, but that does not give him automatically their respect. He must prove them he is worth soldier respect, that he is commander who knows what he is doing. Which is something that Anakin took to heart.

The captain in charge of the commandos called them to attention when Anakin entered their bay.

Anakin traded salutes with the captain. "At ease!" he commanded. He spread his legs slightly and clasped his hands behind his back as he scanned the soldiers before him. There were two sergeants in the group, judging by the green markings on their armor.

"I am Commander Anakin Skywalker," he began. "You have been assigned to the Second Division, which I command. You will serve as part of my headquarters battalion, under my personal direction. Captain, you will not report to or receive orders from any other officer during this campaign. I will assign you missions as required by the tactical situation on Praesitlyn. I will not ask you to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. Is that clear?"

"Arrrrruuuhh!" the troopers shouted in unison, coming to attention with a loud slamming of boots on the deck. The compartment echoed with their shouts.

The captain permitted himself a slight smile. "My troopers are ready, sir!" he reported.

Anakin glanced at Grudo, whose face was pulled down in the Rodian smile. "Captain, have the troopers fall out and fall in by their assigned bunks. I wish to inspect their armor, weapons, and equipment."

Anakin spent the rest of the night inspecting the troopers. He found no dust, grease, or dirty weapons. Throughout the inspection, the captain followed Anakin with a datapad at the ready, but he was never told to enter anything.

On the way back to the Ranger, Grudo leaned over and told Anakin, "You did a good job with that inspection. You looked at everything you should, and weren't petty, like some might have been. The troopers appreciate that. They'll fight well for you, I can tell."

Feeling his chest swell with pride and excitement, Anakin swiftly ran through the Jedi Code in his mind: There is no emotion; there is peace... A Jedi does not act for personal power... He was here to do a job-and what was more, a job that would cost soldiers their lives. He would do well to remember his training, he told himself. He was a Jedi, and he would do the Order proud. Taking a deep breath, he reached out to the Force, seeking serenity...

The first meeting between Anakin and the clone commandos who are gonna serve under his command went well. Grudo praised Skywalker for that he “looked at everything you should, and weren't petty, like some might have been” during inspection.

Looking how “The captain permitted himself a slight smile”, I think the leader of commandos shared Grudo’s opinion as well.

What is also interesting, we see Anakin (Jedi commander) trading salutes with the captain. Frankly, I’m not sure if any movie or animated series showed something like that - beside one scene with Kanan and old captain Rex. Comics sources aren’t better in that matter. Usually clone troopers, if ever, are meet with Jedi-like bow of head. It’s nice detail, because Anakin (the Jedi) adapted into military regulation (custom) that clone troopers use on daily basis. Even the pose “at easy” he took after salute is very military-like (albeit he keep similar pose during AotC). I guess, those little details add authenticity to Rex’s words how Anakin,  despite being Jedi, feel like true soldier.

Grudo’s praise is a source of pride and excitement; what kind of 20 years old human wouldn’t feel so good in Anakin’s place? At the same time, Skywalker is keeping himself as calm as possible, because war is not a game, and soon many troopers may die because of his orders. Even though Council distrust him for years, he still wants make Jedi Order proud.

After that we have a scene in which old Quartermaster is telling commander Skywalker in great details about logistic.

I talked more about it here, but I feel it’s worth to mention that A) Anakin is trying to get hold of all aspects of how army is working and takes seriously duties of commander - not just the planning battles and leading people into fight. Which I think is much more than Jedi commanders / generals usually did. Or at least, we rarely see them worrying about logistics or anything beside the battle itself. Most likely the clone commanders are the one who take care of such matters. Anakin (as Jedi officer) may be one of few exceptions to rule, and most likely he continues doing so since preparation for Praesitlyn. What may brings him closer to clone troopers, as a Jedi who fullfill all commander duties, not only those battle-related. The final advice of Grudo is that:

"Don't be the kind of commander who leaves the details to others," Grudo had warned him. He wouldn't.

So, Skywalker’s preparation before battle is summed by this:

In fact, Anakin had been a phenomenally quick study in the art of command, throwing himself into the task every waking hour of each day the fleet was in transit. He had immersed himself enthusiastically in all aspects of military management, as well.

Now, let’s see how he (and clone troopers) were doing during getting to and settling on Praesitlyn.

Anakin paced the bridge of the Neelian, clenching and unclenching his fists as he observed the battle cruisers deploy into attack formation. "I should be out there with them," he muttered.

"No, you belong here," Grudo answered. "That's the plan; everyone agreed to it-you agreed. Commanders, too, must follow orders. Once the battle plan is approved, everyone must follow his or her orders. That way, everything works according to the plan. Please, sit. You're making the crew nervous."

At that moment Captain Luhar, the Neelian’s captain, glanced up at Anakin. He patted the gravity couch beside him. "Commander, have a seat."

Reluctantly, Anakin lowered himself onto the couch. "I hate just sitting here," he grumbled.

“You'll have action soon enough," Luhar replied. He was sure about Anakin, whom he felt might be too young and inexperienced--Jedi or not-to be second in command of a fleet. He hoped that nothing would happen to General Halcyon. "Increase magnification," he ordered his navigator. Immediately the Ranger came into sharp focus on the viewscreens. "She's a beautiful little ship," Luhar said.

One of the biggest difficulties for commander Skywalker was sitting and waiting, while others were fighting. Which most likely was mix of his natural impulsiveness & loyalty AND the fact that from the start of war he fought on first line of fire. The feeling he should be fighting alongside soldiers instead of sitting in relative safety may never have left him for good. But at the same time, Anakin was trying hard to adjust to new position, to prove his young age and inexperience will not handicapped him.

Anakin needed to prove himself to troopers and experienced military commander alike. Like we can see with Luhar, the captain did have valid reason to be worry about serving under such young second-in-command of fleet. It wasn’t anything personally, really, but the military (non cloned) officers had their objection to serve with Jedi commanders and generals. Frankly, the same can be said about admiral Yularen from The Clone Wars animated series. I’m really glad for such details.

Luhar nodded. "It's a strong defensive formation, sir. But we'll break it by lining up in a column three ships abreast and attacking at speed. Our ships will concentrate on one side of the square at the same time, in echelon, like a set of moving stairs, to bring the concentrated firepower of our entire battle fleet to bear against that one sector. That's when we go in. Once we're through, we'll disperse the remaining enemy vessels and destroy them individually. Have you ever been in a battle fleet engaged against an enemy, sir?" They'd been over this plan innumerable times, but he knew Anakin would be comforted discussing it again, only minutes before it was to be put into action.

Anakin nodded. "Yes," he said, "but not from the bridge, not watching everything unfold. I got this-" He tapped his prosthesis. "-in individual combat. Have you ever gone one-on-one against someone who was out to kill you, Captain? Have you ever killed anyone up close?"

"Can't say as I have. It's the commander's job to get others to do the killing, not to go in and do it himself."

Anakin shot him a look, suddenly annoyed with the captain - from his tone, it seemed to the young Jedi that he didn't consider individual combat much above the level of starship pilots brawling in a tavern.

The officer was trying his best to comfort / be nice for (too young in his opinion) commander Skywalker, yet Luhar’s comment (attitude) about individual combat (scars/injures) annoyed Anakin.

I think we may all agree that comment “It's the commander's job to get others to do the killing, not to go in and do it himself.” is an opposite of Skywalker’s style of leadership.

Anakin concentrated on controlling himself. Drawing on his Jedi training, he slowed his heartbeat and made himself relax. He knew he shouldn't have taken Captain Luhar's remark so personally. It was only natural for these older military professionals to question his ability to command them: they had minds of their own and a long list of campaigns to prove their coolness in combat. He would just have to prove he could do it. He deepened his breathing, forced the tension out of his muscles, and put all troubling thoughts out of his mind. Now he could more clearly observe the activity on the bridge. The crew were going about their duties quietly, with the confidence born of long experience. He switched his viewing console to cover the deployment formation of his transports. They stretched out in columns far behind the Neelian. Escort ships, alert for any approaching danger, cruised about the periphery of the transport columns in apparently aimless courses, but Anakin knew that the commanders of those ships were actually very carefully patrolling their assigned sectors, alert for any approaching danger. Even if they totally destroyed the enemy fleet-and that seemed inevitable now-if anything happened to the troop transports, the expedition would be a total failure.

Instead of arguing with captain Luhar, Anakin did his best to control himself. He accepted that older, more experiences commanders will question his ability to command them. This is a sign of maturity that some sources like to omit.

During space battle, general Halcyon was unable to oversee  Republic forces, so the responsibility for landing and securing area fell on Skywalker:

"The Ranger's been hit!" Anakin shouted. Everyone on the bridge started.

"I believe you're right." Captain Luhar leaned forward. Then he looked at Anakin. "Commander, that means-"

"Sir! Message from the Ranger. She reports her propulsion unit is damaged and they have been boarded. General Halcyon directs Commander Skywalker to assume command of the fleet and to commence deploying the landing force."

"Look there!" another crew member shouted. "She is being boarded." On the screens they could just make out a dim shape attached to the Ranger's stern. "There's another one."

"They're skirmisher ships," the captain announced. "The enemy commander's put them out in advance of his position to ambush us. Blasted things remained cloaked until they attacked. Comm, warn the rest of the fleet. Commander, shall I give the order to land the landing force?"

Anakin struggled to control his emotions. He was in charge now, and he would be every bit the commanding officer.

“Thank you, Captain. Please give the order to land the transports. Inform General Halcyon's deputy division commander that he is now in command of his division and, until further notice, I shall be field commander in place of General Halcyon." He turned to the Rodian. "Grudo, our troopers are ready for battle. Let us join them."

Anakin stood before the screen for a moment. Smoke, debris, pain, and fear-he could see it all. But Halcyon was alive and fighting. Anakin smiled. Too bad for you, boarders, he thought. He tried to send a thought to Halcyon: Good luck. As he and Grudo made their way back to the flight deck he realized how little he had used the Force since they'd set out from Coruscant.

Anakin works pretty good under pressure, or at least under pressure during battle. He believed in general Halcyon and wished him good luck via Force. Interestingly, since he set out from Coruscant he did use the Force little. So I guess, adjusting into his new role (military) was more absorbing than Jedi training.

He was planning - and did - join troopers as soon as it was possible.

Our troopers are ready for battle, commander Skywalker said to sergeant major Grudo.Once again, our troopers, the lack of “clone” is Anakin’s constant way to adress / think about clones.

Using ground-skimming navigation, Anakin expertly guided the troop landing craft, letting it roar along at a scant ten meters above the ground. Grudo sat strapped into the copilot's seat, gripping the armrests as Anakin delicately shifted the steering yoke just enough to clear the top of a hill that flashed beneath them. "Just missed that one, Grudo! Check our troopers, would you?" He was delighted to be flying the transport, and perversely amused that at last he'd found something that made the Rodian soldier nervous.

Glad to have an excuse to take his eyes off the terrain that was whipping past too close beneath them, Grudo slid the cabin door open and glanced back at the fifty clone troopers strapped into the troop compartment. They sat there calmly, silently, as if they were riding a bus to a picnic. The platoon commander glanced at Grudo and gave him the thumbs-up sign. Grudo turned back to Anakin.

"The troopers are doing well. Can you slow down a bit, or do you enjoy giving me heart failure?"

Anakin personally piloted the troop landing craft, to Grudo’s horror. To make it easy for Rodian soldier, Skywalker asked to check “our troopers”. The narration made it clear, all troopers were in fact clones. Like I said earlier, Anakin’s lack of emphasis on the world “clone” is interesting detail, especially compared to other characters like Obi-Wan.

Anakin’s task was done so it was time to meet Slayke:

The flag of the Republic wrapped around his neck, Zozridor Slayke leapt gracefully over the ramparts the labor droids were erecting and looked around. His heart raced. For almost as far as he could see the sky was full of landing craft; others, already landed in vast clouds of dust and sand, were disgorging squads of armored troopers. An older human male with brown mustaches and brilliant blue eyes looked up as Slayke approached and nodded to his companions, who appeared to be studying maps or plans. They turned as one and stared at the battle-scarred figure rapidly approaching, a huge grin on his face.

Slayke stopped before the older man, came to attention, and saluted him smartly. As his hand came up to his right brow at a rorry-five-degree angle a tiny cloud of dust puffed off his arm. “Captain Zozridor Slayke, commanding the force opposing the separatist invaders of Praesitlyn, sir. I hereby offer my full assistance in your campaign to liberate this world."

The older man, an embarrassed expression on his face, slowly returned Slayke's salute and said, "Well, I'm here to tell you!" He gestured at a Jedi standing next to a-a Rodian?

"Who is that?" Slayke asked, startled.

Anakin stepped into full view. "Jedi Anakin Skywalker, Captain Slayke. I'm in command of the landing force. This," he said, nodding at Grudo, "is my sergeant major. I am very pleased and honored to make your acquaintance. "

Slayke looked over at the older man he'd mistaken for the commander, but that gentleman shrugged.

"The Republic's so low on soldiers they're robbing the cradle now, eh? " Slayke slammed a fist into his thigh. A cloud of dust puffed up. "What was your name again, Jedi General?"

I kinda find it interesting that Anakin was accompanied just by quartermaster and sergeant major, not the higher ranked officers. Sadly, no clone commander either, but in time when the first clone wars books were written, clones rarely get much attention.

Of course, Skywalker’s young age become misleading and Slayke looked down on Republic, claiming it’s so low on soldiers to “robbing the cradle”. Side note, Ahsoka was much much younger than Anakin when she became commander. In a sense, Slayke was right, Republic sent much younger people in battles. Ahsoka most likely meet with a lot hostility for her (too) young age too. So this experience could give Anakin a better understanding of his future padawan.

"Anakin Skywalker, sir." Anakin bowed slightly at the waist. "And it's Commander, not General. Sir, I have heard a lot about you and am honored-"

"Look, Jedi Commander Anakin Skywalker, I have only about two thousand soldiers left of all those who landed here with me. We fought them hard and upset their plans. But you're honored? Don't talk to me of'honor,'Jedi. We're nothing but blood, guts, and sweat here and-" He shook his head as he looked over the landing force. "If there's anything more useless in this galaxy than a Jedi's brain, it's a clone trooper. They're one step above a droid-in fact, I'd prefer droids over these ugly clones anytime. You can't tell clones apart, and they all have the same personality."

Anakin tried to stay calm and polite, Slayke is not impressed. He insulted Jedi and had even lower opinion on clones. Called clone troopers useless, ugly, too-alike and a bit later in the same meeting, an army of test-tube soldiers.

Sadly, anti-clone sentiment is nothing new.

"Now, see here!" the older officer protested. "We've heard quite enough from you, Slayke. I'm here to tell you!"

"Who is this, since he's not the general?" Slayke asked Anakin.

"My quartermaster, Major Mess Boulanger."

Slayke roared with laughter and pointed a finger at Boulanger. "You mean I was dumb enough to try to report to a blasted box kicker? Oh, that's rich! Well, Major, rather you commanding this force than this beardless wonder here."

Anakin held up a hand. "Captain Slayke, right now I'm busy landing my troops. We're going to establish a defensive position. I suggest you remove your forces to this spot and consolidate with us. As soon as General Halcyon joins us--”

Slayke groaned and slapped his forehead. "Halcyon, did you say? Nejaa Halcyon? He's commanding this fleet?"

"Yessir. As soon as he joins us-"

Slayke laughed. He turned his eyes skyward and raised both arms over his head. "Why is this happening to me!"

"Captain, I know you and General Halcyon, er, had some, uh, differences once-"

"Oh, you do, do you, young beardless Jedi?" Slayke laughed louder. "I never met the man." He scowled. "I was too busy stealing his ship. So the best the vaunted Republic can do is send me a boy and a certifiable idiot with an army of-of - test-tube soldiers," he sneered.

"We'll do," Anakin said shortly, controlling his annoyance with effort.

"All right! All right!" Slayke held out both palms. "I'm going back to my troops. You see that slight rise over there? That's my command post. When General Halcyon gets here, you and him come on over and we'll talk I'm the one who's been fighting the droid army. You want to know what it's been like, you come on over and see me." With that, he spun on his heel and stomped off. Whew," one of the officers standing nearby sighed. "He's what we call a hard case where I come from."

"Well," Anakin answered slowly, "he has been through a lot. Did you hear what he said? He only has two thousand soldiers left of the army that landed here with him? That's a fantastically heavy casualty rate! No wonder he's bitter." He turned to his officers. "Let's land the rest of our force, and when General Halcyon gets here, we'll go on over and pay Zozridor Slayke a formal visit."

I must say I really like the maturity seen in Anakin through the story. He was annoyed by Slayke’s behaviour but did his best to not argue and kept focused at task, while at the same had empathy for the other man who lost so many men and most likely just lashed out at Jedi in anger/pain.

The meeting between Anakin, Neeja and Slayke was even more intense, since older Jedi and Slayke had their unfinished bussiness. I’m not going talk about the whole scene, but here are few compelling  moments:

"I see you've dragged him along, too," Slayke sneered, nodding at Grudo, who was trying to remain inconspicuous at the rear of the crowd.

"Grudo goes where I go-that's the way it's going to be," Anakin answered at once.

"My, my, this sprout certainly has a mind of his own." Slayke chuckled. "I like soldiers who have minds of their own-they're much harder to steal than, say, someone's starship." He laughed enormously.

“Grudo goes where I go - that’s the way it's going to be” - let’s remember Anakin is second-in-command of the whole GAR forces on the planet and Grudo is A) alien and B) much lower in rank. Yet Anakin really respected Rodian soldier’s teaching and advices and dragged him literally everywhere he went. Republic was not so racist like Empire, but GAR (especially those now under Neeja’s command) were mainly human beings so he stood out pretty much. This is something that always makes me think about captain Rex from TCW. I have the feeling Anakin dragged him too into meetings in which some people did not want a clone between them but Rex stayed because Anakin wouldn’t allow it other way. Skywalker already proved he does not care much for “etiquette” or if other officers will joke. If he respects (befriends) someone, be it a soldier with lower rank, then said person will be accompanying him and end of discussion.

"You can call me what you like, as long as you mean sir. I was sent here by the Senate to take command of this operation, and take command I will. You will place your remaining troops under me. While I value your opinion and look forward to hearing your advice, I'll make the final decisions on any plans for the employment of this army, is that clear?"

Anakin realized instantly that Halcyon had taken the wrong approach with Slayke, but held his tongue. There was more going on here than the mere execution of orders.

Slayke leaned back in his chair and puffed out his cheeks. Well, that's a mighty big speech from a guy"-he leaned forward across the table-"who can't even keep his pocket from being picked." He grinned evilly.

Halcyon still refused to be drawn in. "Captain, I have the authority of the Senate-"

Tell them to kiss my sweet toes," Slayke retorted. “- I have a fleet in orbit and I have an army of fresh troops-" 

"Blasted faceless clones," Slayke spat, "Look around you! This is an army-these are soldiers, battle-hardened veterans who've withstood the worst the enemy has thrown at them and still have fight in them! You think your clones can match spirit like that? Ha!" He placed his hands behind his head. A susurration of agreement swept through Slayke's assembled staff officers. "And, I might add, you took your sweet time getting here!"

Anakin may not like Halcyon approach, but he keep silent as good padawan should.

Slayke is still and asshole when it comes to clones. His staff officers to some degree agree with his opinion about that.

"My flagship was scuttled and most of her crew killed when we broke the cordon and restored communications, Captain," Halcyon answered, his voice flat and hard.

"Yes? And while you were taking your time getting here, we were fighting and I lost thousands of good troops! Do you think any of us care in the least about your flagship's crew?" Slayke's face had flushed with anger. "We didn't have the 'Force' to help us, either. I suppose you called on it to extricate yourself?" He sneered.

"Yes, and this." With one smooth motion made so fast nobody-not even Anakin-saw it coming, Halcyon drew his lightsaber and activated it. The onlookers gasped at the sight of the brilliant blade of pure energy.

Slayke's eyes narrowed and his body tensed, but he didnt move or even show any degree of surprise. "Any more tricks?" he asked in a normal voice.

Halcyon deactivated the lightsaber and hooked it back onto his belt. "I rather like these things," he said pleasantly, patting the weapon affectionately. "They come in handy when you're outnumbered a hundred to one. You were saying?" He smiled engagingly. Slayke laughed. "I have to admit, I'm coming to admire your style!"

At that point Anakin lost his patience with the verbal sparring. "We don't have much time to get organized," he interrupted. "Let's get on with our strategy session. What happened on Bpfassh was then; this is now. Let's put that behind us and concentrate on the job at hand." He paused, letting them see the dark fury in his eyes. Both Halcyon and Slayke stared at him.

"Well..." Slayke leaned back and regarded Anakin for a moment. "Yessir!" He gave a casual salute.

Halcyon cleared his throat. "He's right, Slayke," he said. "We've got to cooperate-" Halcyon's personal comlink interrupted him. "This must be something important. Excuse me, please."

There is something really ironic and hilarious at the same time, that when two older, more experienced battle-wise men argued and fight for, well, a dominance, +/-21 year old Anakin is a voice of reason in room full of veterans. And the only one brash to actually call both men on wasting time over something that happened in past instead of focusing at job at hand. The older Jedi and Slayke actually came to term with each other and the unexpected holo-transmittion related to captured personel of Intergalactic Communications Center on Praesitlyn only solided their alliance.

Soon later, the three men worked together on battle plan to take control over Praesitlyn:

Drawing up a battle plan is no easy task. It has to be both detailed and concise, but at the same time flexible enough to accommodate the instant changes required by a fluid battlefield situation. Halycon's operations officer was given the task, under Anakin's supervision, of writing the plan. Each staff specialist in Halcyon's army was given a portion of the plan, an "annex" to execute: the personnel chief, operations chief, chief surgeon, intelligence chief, ordnance chief, the artillery, infantry, armor, and air commanders, and last but hardly least, quartermaster and transportation-none other than old Mess Boulanger. Each portion of the plan would be integrated into the whole. Time was short, however, and nobody could quite agree on the best course of action.

After several hours it finally got down to two basic approaches.

"Frontal assaults are out of the question," Slayke roared. "You ought to know that an attacking force incurs casualties at a rate of at least three to one against a fortified position. That's what he's hoping for, so he can cut us down to size!"

"I know, I know," Halcyon replied. "I'm just advising a feint at his center while a strong force swings around one of his flanks. Grab him in the center of his line, hold him fast, make him think that's our main axis of attack, and hit him around the flank and come down on his rear."

"How about a vertical envelopment?" Anakin suggested. "We have the transports. We could land a force in his rear and attack from there, while our main force advances on the center of his line."

Slayke cocked an eyebrow "What do you think?" he asked Halcyon.

"I don't know," the Jedi Master replied cautiously. "What's his anti-aircraft capability?"

"We've made an assessment," his intelligence officer responded. "We sent remotely piloted vehicles over his lines an hour ago in anticipation of this question, sir. We sent several-none came back - But they transmitted enough information for us to determine that his anti-air defenses are particularly dense. We spotted quad laser cannons, as well as ion cannons that they must have off-loaded from their ships and installed as air defense weapons. We estimate at least thirty-five percent casualties just going in, Sy--and even higher casualties coming back out."

"Prohibitive," Slayke said softly. "I'm sorry, Anakin, vertical envelopment won't work. I think the only viable tactic is to swing around one of his flanks." Which had been Halcyon's opinion from the beginning.

"Don't forget, he can reinforce every part of his line on a very short axis, while we'll have a much longer way to go to move troops and supplies, especially if we're successful in getting around one of his flanks," Anakin pointed out.

Slayke nodded approvingly. "The young Jedi is becoming a strategist."

Halcyon smiled. "Anakin is a man of many surprising talents."

Slayke laughed. "Anakin, you just may have a future in this trade."

Anakin was trusted with difficult and very important tasks, both by older Jedi and Slayke. What is pretty nice, because I don’t think we see that often when he was around his master and other “important” Jedi.

At the same time, the lack of clone commanders is disturbing. Of course, narrative may simply not put emphasis on the world “clone” and those mentioned chiefs are in fact clones but I have feeling it may be not the case.

Of course, before any battle plan will be used, there is need for reconnaissance:

Then we'll follow the plan to attack the center simultaneously with a strong force swinging around his flank," Halcyon said. "But first we've got to know how strong his positions are."

“I have just the man," Slayke said. "Omin, front and center! Sergeant L'Loxx is one of the best recon men in the business. He'll probe their lines and find any weaknesses there might be."

The sergeant approached the officers and came to attention. Halcyon stood and shook his hand. "It's nearly midnight, Sergeant L'Loxx. Can you complete a reconnaissance of the enemy line by dawn?"

"I can't do the whole line in the same night, sir," the sergeant answered, "but yessir, I'll reconnoiter wherever you want and be back here well before dawn. I can be ready in fifteen minutes."

"Let's send three probes, then-center, left, and right. But I think we should send clone commandos," Anakin said.

"Begging your pardon, sir, but I'm the best there is for this job, only I can't do the whole line myself. Give me whatever sector you want and I'll get the information you need."

"Very well. Sergeant, you take the right flank." Aside, Halcyon told Anakin, "You select commandos to do the center and left flank," Then back to L'Loxx: "The former strongpoint Izable will be your jumping-off place, and that'll be where you'll come back through our lines. How many troopers will you need?"

"Just me, sir."

"Only yourself?" Halcyon looked at Slayke, who shrugged. "What if something happens, Sergeant? How will we get your report?"

"Nothing will happen to me."

"I'd like to go with him," Grudo said, stepping up beside where Anakin was sitting.

"Ridiculous!" Slayke snorted.

"A Rodian should be good on patrol, sir," Sergeant L'Loxx said. "They're experts at getting into places where they arent wanted-and getting back out again."

Anakin nodded. "Grudo's in, then."

"We want to go, too," someone said. It was one of the guards from the Neelian, Corporal Ram Raders.

Halcyon stood up quickly. "What is this? I send out one man on a recon, and half my army wants to go along. We may as well mount the assault right now without any idea what's out there. No, and that's final." He sat down.

"Please, sir," Raders pleaded. "That's the sort of thing we're good at. Besides, all we're doing here is standing around. We can be a great help to the sergeant."

"I'll take them," Sergeant L'Loxx said. "If I'm not satisfied with how they move, I'll leave them at Izable. But that's it. Four's maybe too many as it is."

"Very well," Halcyon said. "Anakin, coordinate all this with the clone commandos. All of you meet back here in fifteen minutes for a briefing."

Up until now there was little about Anakin and clone troopers. A disappointment, I know. But here comes the interesting details:

Understable, Slayke has L'Loxx’s skill in high regard. Anakin is the only one officer that actually thought about sending clone commandos. L'Loxx disagrees, saying he is the best person to do the job. Halcyon agrees to Anakin’s idea to sent more troopers to check three enemy positions. He also allowed Skywalker to chose clone commandos for the mission, since commandos are under his command. Anakin’s thought why clones should go is not explained. Maybe it is his faith in his men, maybe pragmatic thinking since those men are commandos and such missions should be their speciality. Whatever reason, Skywalker is like the only one officer between the main heroes who take into account clone commandos and we know for sure is interacting with them off-panel.

The next paragraphes of book are focused at L'Loxx’s team. Grudo’s presence actually was useful but during mission the troopers met two survives of the last battle and Odie (another protagonist) shot Grudo thinking he was the enemy.

"Grudo's shot real bad," Corporal Raders said. "She hit him in the side of his head. Blast you people! What the-" He stopped abruptly as he took in the pair.

"I-I-we-we were trapped in a bunker, sir. II thought you were the enemy. My buddy is badly hurt, too. I-I'm sorry about your soldier. I-"

L'Loxx turned and knelt beside Grudo. The side of the Rodian's head gave to his probing fingers, but he was still conscious. His one good eye blinked in the gunlight. He tried to say something, but it came out as only noise.

"Let's wait for the ARC troopers," Raders suggested. "They can help us carry him back to the aid station. There's nothing we can do for him here."

"If we don't get him back right now he won't make it, and after what he's done this night, we're not waiting. You two," L'Loxx said, indicating Odie and Erk, "give us a hand."

"Sir, my buddy is badly burned-he can't help carry anyone."

"Okay, you help him along; we'll handle Grudo ourselves. And stop calling me sir, I work for a living-hey! I know you two! You're from General Khamar's army. We came in together. I don't remember your names, but I found you two out in the desert-"

"Sergeant L'Loxx," Odie gasped.

"How're you doing?' Erk asked from where he lay.

"I remember now," L'Loxx said, "they sent you up to Izable after we came in together. Well, I'll be-"

"Sergeant, let's get moving? We can talk when we get back to our lines," Raders suggested.

In moments they had rigged a stretcher from a net Odie found in her equipment belt and two long durasteel rods they wrenched from the ruins of a bunker. Carrying Grudo over the rough ground was easier than they'd expected.

I feel like the book confuses ARC and Clone Commandos.

So, one of troopers actually suggested to wait for clones so they could help to carry an injured Grudo but L'Loxx disagreed, saying Rodian needs help ASAP; especially after how useful he was to mission, the man did not want to wait any longer.

We may only wonder would L'Loxx be so in hurry to left behind other troopers to save injured teammate if said troopers weren’t clones. On one hand, earlier paragraphs provided that Slayke and his men were biased against clones. On another, this is hard situation and soldiers sometimes must make diffucult decisions who save, for who wait and who leave.

Sergeant L'Loxx came to attention and saluted Halcyon.

"Make your report, Sergeant."

"We didn't wait for the other teams to come in, sir, because I had two wounded and had to get them to the aid station. Their right flank is vulnerable, sir." He moved to a three-dimensional display. "First, this hill on the far end of the line is only lightly defended. I think they're counting on the rocks at the foot of the hill to break up any assault. Second, I didn't see any crew-served weapons up there.They haven't brought in artillery. And finally, I have reason to believe lack of maintenance might be reducing the droid fighting force. We put them through some exercises, and they'll lose combat strength through breakdowns."

L'Loxx did report they did not wait for other teams to come in because they had two heavily wounded that needed help ASAP.

The commanders had thus only one raport to base on their plan attack.

"Who was wounded?" Anakin asked.

"I'm afraid the Rodian, sir."

"How badly?"

"Very badly, sir. But let me add this: we wouldn't have made it back with this information if it hadn't been for him. He stayed behind long enough to give the rest of us a chance to get some distance between us and the droid lines. I want to add also, sir," he said, turning to Halcyon, "that your two guards are solid soldiers. They held up their end."

"Well, who's the other wounded trooper, then?" Slayke asked. Briefly L'Loxx explained about Odie and Erk. "I remember them. She went to Izable with the lieutenant," Slayke said.

"She's the one who shot Grudo," L'Loxx told Anakin. "In the dark and the confusion she thought we were the enemy. It was just one of those situations nobody could have anticipated. It happens, sir. Friendly fire."

"Very well, then." Halcyon had made his decision, "It's zero four hundred hours now. Commander Skywalker, at zero six hundred I want you in position to attack that right flank. Use Sergeant L'Loxx as your guide. Take two brigades of your division. Leave the third in reserve under the command of Captain Slayke."

"Shouldn't we wait for the commandos to report, sir?" Halcyon's operations officer asked.

“I’ll be interested to hear what they've found out, but no. This-" He pointed to the display. "-is the pivotal point in our assault, and we'll attack there. I'll take my division and attack the center. I'll wait until you're in place before I commence my attack, Commander Skywalker. You wait ten minutes after I move forward before moving in. I believe during that time the enemy will bring in troops from his wings to reinforce his center. We've given him two artillery barrages so far tonight to soften him up, or I hope he thinks so, and when we hit him again while my division moves into position, he'll see that as the main attack, I'm sure of it. I think we might just carry this off." He turned to his operations officer. "Issue the order to all commanders."

Of course, Anakin is the one asking who was wounded. Though in this case, he could be simply worried about his close friend, Grudo. The narrative does not tell how the news affected Skywalker nor how he reacted to fact Grudo was shot by “friendly fire”. We aren’t told of any sign of anger or Dark Side-like emotions but his vocal participation in the BIG TALK about strategy & what to do now is limited. He does not talk much after hearing about Grudo and the silence contrast with previously mentioned offiicer meetings. He got his orders, did not question them or argue or, well, talk at all.

Surprising, Halcyon’s operations officer is the only one person to ask if they shouldn’t wait for commandos to report, to gain more knowledge about enemy. Yet general Halcyon decided to focus on what they gained already and attact as soon as possible.

No one argued with final order.

In a moment there will be more text about clone commandos and Skywalker, but I wish to mention that before the battle started, Anakin went to visit his dying friend. There he had short talk with doctor:

Anakin cut the doctor off. "There's nothing you can do, Doctor?"

The surgeon shook his head. "No, he's just too far gone."

"Can he hear us?"

"I don't think so, but his status is the same if he can hear us or not. With a head injury like that he won't last much longer. We can't even give him a sedative, unless, of course, you want me to end his misery-"

Anakin turned on him. "If I ever again hear you say something like that about one of my troopers, I swear..." He shook his head. "Now have the courtesy to leave me alone with my friend."

On doctor’s suggestion /ask that they could Grudo sedative to “end his misery” (aka kill him in faster way), Anakin reaction is sharp and angry. Interesting, the "If I ever again hear you say something like that about one of my troopers, I swear...” is not just about Grudo (as in: talking about his friend & mentor) but about all troopers under his command. This is very notable statement, because we know from other (later?) sources that clones were killed off, if they couldn’t fight anymore yet keeping them alive was too bothersome / expensive. I doubt Anakin had that kind of knowledge or meet with such practice and it may be just his instict to save (keep safe) people around him. But since Anakin’s men were mainly clones, I think it’s right to assume, he would react the same if doctor talked about clone trooper instead of Grudo.

Now is time to have some clone troopers’ insight on the matters:

Clone Commando CT-19/39, not Sergeant Omin L'Loxx, good as he might have been, was really the best reconnaissance man currently on Praesitlyn. His own nickname for himself was Green Wizard, because of his rank as a sergeant and his skill at patrol craft. As soon as he was given command of team one to cover the left flank of the enemy positions, he decided to split it up so each commando could conduct his own probe into the enemy lines and penetrate as far into them as he could, to bring back as much intelligence as possible.

Green Wizard made it all the way to the Intergalactic Communications Center buildings without being detected. Carefully, he committed the position of every gun he could find to memory, counted the droids staffing the positions, noted their armaments, noted where the enemy had dug in artillery. Of special interest to him was the fact that several guns were evidently being moved to the far left of the enemy line to strengthen the positions on the two small hills at that end of the defenses. In his opinion, however, the weak spot in Toniths line was on his right, not his left, because Green Wizard had come through there so easily-and especially now, since he could tell the general where every gun was on that flank. It was clear to Green Wizard that the attack should fall entirely on the left, the whole army thrown against that flank in echelon to slam into it with tremendous force and fold it back upon itself, breaking Tonith's hold and rolling up his entire defenses in one swift, irresistible blow.

The only trouble was that now Green Wizard had to get back to his own lines to report this information. He could call on his comlink, but General Halcyon had been very specific that no one was to break comm silence during the reconnaissance. Apparently his other two comrades had not had as much success as he at remaining undetected: there had been shooting all along the line, especially where they would have crossed - a lot of shooting-so Green Wizard was pretty sure they had been discovered and possibly had not made it back to their rally point just below the mesa. He wondered about the troopers who were supposed to probe the center. Would they have seen what he had? Had some of the shooting been directed at them? They were clone commandos so they were good, very good, but not as good as he, and everyone's luck ran out sometime. Green Wizard knew one day his would, too, and perhaps this night it had for his comrades. He had to assume he was the only one left now and it was up to him to get the intelligence he'd gathered back to headquarters.

The book give short but overall solid focus on clone commando, known as Green Wizard (a name he chose for himself!). The man not only made it all the way to the Intergalactic Communications Center buildings without being detected, but also memorized a lot important informations.

In contrast to  Sergeant Omin L'Loxx - who reported “Their right flank is vulnerable, sir.” - Green Wizard assumed different. To that I will come back soon.

Whatever commando thought, he couldn’t call on his comlink to pass his knowledge because general Halcyon gave a strict order that no one was to break comm silence during the reconnaissance. And well, clones were bred for obedience.

To pass the informations he needed first get back to his own lines and here comes the worst part:

The barrage came unexpectedly, catching Green Wizard still behind enemy lines. That didn't surprise him: such things happened often in battle. Someone had made a mistake, starting the barrage before all the teams had been accounted for, but that wasn't his worry-getting back was. Yet even as Green Wizard hugged the ground, he noted how accurate Halcyon's artillerists were. He respected accuracy and professionalism, and admired the artillery even as it came crashing and smashing down all around him, bouncing him up in the air, crushing the breath out of him, shaking his teeth loose.

When the three teams were sent on mission, they were told “When you've all reported you're ready to return, we'll lay down some more artillery to cover you, and that'll be your signal to come back in." When Clone Commando get catch by barrage he was still behing enemy lines and thought someone had made a mistake - Republic forces shouldn’t start the barrage before all the teams had been accounted for, and team of L'Loxx  decided to not wait for clone commanos and soon after that General Halcyon decided to base his plan only on L'Loxx’s raport (opinion). Thus clone commandos were left on their own.

That of course ended badly for abandoned commando:

At first Green Wizard felt no pain at all. He knew his leg had been severed, but he just tied off the artery with a length of cord and considered his options. He knew that soon there would be pain, followed by shock. He had to do something and quickly, because the intelligence he had was too important to die with him. If he stayed where he was, he would be found and executed. He could call in his findings now and his mission would be over, successfully completed; but his orders were not to use the comlink except to signal that he was ready to come back in. He gave the signal and for a moment, but only for an instant, he felt a flash of something like anger that someone back at the command post had not followed the plan for the night. The barrage continued unabated.

So his only option now was to try to get back to his own lines. With one leg gone, that would be difficult, but not impossible. Clone commandos were at their best when faced with obstacles that would be insuperable to any ordinary being.

Slowly, carefully, he began to crawl. At some point the tourniquet on his leg came loose and he started losing blood. He succeeded in making it as far as the dry riverbed, but that was where he finally realized he could go no farther. He had to make his report before he was too weak to do it, orders or no orders. He reached for his comlink, but somewhere along the way he had lost it. He chided himself for that. He had let pain and physical exhaustion distract him. It would be good if he did die here. He didn't want anyone to know how incompetent he'd become. But Green Wizard also felt a terrible sense of frustration, not because he was dying, but because he would die with information that was vital to the army he served. His last conscious thought was that he had done his best.

Despite pain, Green Wizard was angry mainly about two things: dying before he could pass the important for upcoming battle informations and that “someone back at the command post had not followed the plan for the night.” This is a problem of making decisions - some choices will be good, some not. Jedi aren’t omniscient, the same can be said about any commander, even the best of best.

From the POV of enemy:

Admiral Pors Tonith kicked the body gingerly with one foot and cast a wary eye at the armor that had been stripped from the corpse and piled off to the side. He was very nervous, being exposed like this in the open, but he'd been called out of his bunker to witness this grisly discovery and he realized it was important. It was still full dark and dawn was an hour away, but he was anxious to get back under cover again. "It's a clone commando," he said.

We've found one more complete body and parts of others, possibly as many as five altogether," the officer said. "Evidently they were killed by their own artillery last night."

Clone commandos - if didn’t die before - were killed by their own artillery.

We may only wonder if decision to not wait for clone commandos was somehow based on prejudice toward them. We may only wonder if general Halcyon’s desicion to rely solely on one raport while not waiting for two other teams would be the same if, for example, Anakin went on such mission and still not returned. Or if instead of clone commandos, the other teams were made of Slayke’s own people, would captain so easily agreed then to abandoned his missing/still on mission men? We can’t know for sure, but the lack of clone commanders during such critical moments is kinda disturbing because Jedi and non-cloned people are the one making decisions that directly affect clone troopers’ life.

Then again, the book itself gave small paragraph how success of military operation depends on small details, how it’s easy to make a mistake during stressful moment such as battlefield when decisions must be make quickly:

Often the success of a military operation depends on a mere chance event, such as someone coming to a place-a crossroads, a river, a bridge, a village-only a few minutes before or after someone else. That matter of moments can spell the difference between victory or defeat on a battlefield. Or sometimes disaster hangs on a decision by a commander who makes it without full knowledge of his enemy's intentions or dispositions; a good commander has to be able to make snap decisions, because delay can be fatal to a campaign. But so can the wrong decision, and even the very best commanders, pressed by the rapidly unfolding events of the modern battlefield to decide quickly on tactical matters, can make a mistake. Even with all the technology available to the warrior, the battlefield is still a confused and disorganized place where events move with ugntning speed under a cloak of impenetrable darkness called the fog of battle. And no one who is not right there can penetrate it.

Thus the importance of the reconnaissance Nejaa Halcyon ordered, and thus the importance of the decision he made based on the information garnered by only one of the teams sent on that reconnaissance.

For the final of this part, let’s look at meeting between commander Skywalker and ARC that happened just after battle briefing.

"Sir, may I speak with you for a moment?" It was the ARC captain.

"Make it quick, Captain."

"Yessir. We lost six troopers on the reconnaissance, so we know nothing about what the enemy intends to do in his main positions."

"Well, Captain, I'm sure you lost your troopers because that part of the enemy line was impenetrable. That must mean that General Halcyon's decision to take the hills is the correct one. You heard Sergeant L'Loxx's report."

"Yessir. Why did the second barrage open before we knew if the men had made it back?"

Anakin hadn't expected that question. Was this clone questioning his commander's orders? He knew ARC troopers were several cuts above the ordinary clone trooper, but this line of questioning was getting very close to insubordination. "General Halcyon had to make a decision, Captain: leave L'Loxx out there until your troopers reported in, take a chance on losing all the recon men, or bring at least some of them in to make a report. In the event, he made the correct decision."

"But one did give the signal. Too late."

"Yes, yes," Anakin answered quickly, "I'm sorry about that. Captain, you do realize that this entire attack depends on you and your troopers, don't you? What do you say we get moving now?"

The captain saluted, made an about-face, and left the command post. Anakin stood there thinking for a moment. He had not expected a clone trooper-even an ARC-to question orders. When Anakin had craved a command of his own, he had not really thought about the responsibility that entailed: responsibility for the lives of individual sentient beings who would die on his orders, regardless of whether their loyalty had been bought by the Republic, as was the case with the clone army, or whether, like Khamar's and Slayke's soldiers, they fought because they thought it was their duty to oppose tyranny.

Here. One of the most important scene between Anakin and clone troopers that happened in this book. Up until now, it was Anakin-Halcyon-Slayke team to argue and point out flaws during planning and to make final decisions. Clone commanders presence was minimal, to not say not existing during officer meetings. Anakin did not question Halcyon final decisions, the same as troopers did not question his. And then ARC captain comes to him not only to point out they have little informations about enemy, but also to ask “Why did the second barrage open before we knew if the men had made it back?” WHY NO ONE GIVE HIS MEN A CHANCE TO COME BACK. WHY THEY DIDN’T WAIT WITH ATTACK A BIT LONGER? Who knows, maybe if ARC captain was involved in officer meetings, he could convince GAR commander to wait with second barrage (that one that killed Green Wizard and most likely other commandos). Unfortunately, the commandship was mainly made of non-cloned officers.

And Anakin is surprised by being questioned by his trooper - more, by clone trooper! - because such thing falls close to insubordination. Oh, aren’t padawan-master relationship similar? Do not question your superior?

But also this short talk must be very uncomfortable, because what else Anakin could say? He is believing in Halcyon’s judgment, he is advocating the hard choice older Jedi had to make. Take what he could (one team) or wait longer and risk to lost all informations. And like the book already pointed out, sometimes even the best commander will make fatal mistakes that will cost people’s life. And Anakin can see it now clearly, being commander means not only giving orders but also taking responsibility for human beings. Being responsible for someone’s death.

I think it’s pretty clear to see how uneasy he is during that talk. There is pressure of upcoming fight and also awkwardness of the situation, of subtle accusation coming from ARC. This is not the best moment, as in: easy to get over. But the hard lesson will serve him right in future, I think. Anakin as general of GAR and even Dark Lord of the Sith was pretty open-minded and allowing subordinates (Ahsoka, Rex & 501st troopers) to question his plans and point out potential flaws. So maybe this unexpected talk actually affected him deeper that it seems on first look?

Skywalker in the book was around 21 years old. He had his moments of maturity but he was still really young man that tried hard to meet high expectations. Of Jedi. Of older officers & veterans. Of himself. But the book does not focus only on his achievements but also forces him to face his flaws & thoughtless. From all main heroes, Anakin is the one seen to interact with clones the most and learning to see them in new light. What will be even more visible during battle.

I must say I really enjoyed - and still enjoy - this story. The lack of clone commanders presence during officer meetings was always disturbing, but at the same time it shows how clone troopers were looked down by wide circle. Even if other (non-cloned) commanders and troopers did not treat them with open animosity, I can’t shake off the feeling that there may be something not right within GAR. Some bias toward clones is most likely there and such bias may affect commanders choices too. Commander Skywalker, for most of parts, treat them as any other troopers, yes, but his opinion of them is challenged on some occassion.

The one thing I’m upset is that to teach Anakin how to be good leader - and to present how war is traumatizing, cruel and stressful time - the story is killing mainly clone troopers (and Grudo, the main alien character). Also, for now Anakin does not show that much sorrow over killed, though it may be just that there is no time to grief and he is under heavy pressure to feel the lost. Grudo was his close friend/ally, clone commandos were his men and he was sincenery happy to be their commander. But the battle is closer with passing minutes - about what I’m gonna talk hopeful soon.

#star wars #anakin skywalker #clone troopers #anakin and clones #jedi trial #my meta #my analyze #my rants #long text #tw: war #tw: violence #clone wars era #i like how the book presented anakin #as brilliant yet young person #with flaws and who is challenged by other people & events to grow up #and it was nice to read about clone troopers #even if book does not give us names for most of them it's clear they aren't mindless creatures but complicated human beings as #any other people #i'm gonna write / finish second part as soon as possible #but it may take some time

[andveryginger]

Pardon my fangirling...

But glimpsing at spoilers for the Corellia flashpoint, I came across the following spoiler and have been absolutely flailing since:

Playing through on Imp side, one of the bosses you encounter is Master Jakir Halcyon. Those of you familiar with the EU might recognize the surname. It’s the given name of Valin Halcyon, whom we know better as Hal Horn, the father of Corran Horn.

This from a holo Hal recorded for Corran, in Stackpole’s I, Jedi (courtesy Wookiepedia ‘cause I’m lazy and don’t wanna dig out the book):

"The Halcyon family is well known among the Corellian Jedi. We were well respected and many were the tributes to Nejaa Halcyon upon his death. You can find no record of them now, of course. What the Empire did not destroy, Rostek did destroy or hid away—he won't even tell me where the records are, but I cannot believe he would have allowed all traces of his friend to perish. The Halcyons were strong in the Force but not flashy or given to public displays of power. A word here, an act there, allowing people to choose between good or evil at their own speed and peril was more our way."

I love it when we get a little snippet of the EU breathed back to life... if, of course, he’s any relation. And let’s hope he’s already had his kids, or survives the encounter with the Imps. Or maybe his brother survives...

I just wanna go hug the BWA crew right now.

#swtor spoilers #swtor #corellia flashpoint spoilers #bwahahaha #pardon my flail #time to send more love to the devs methinks

[radicalposture]

ill be honest I don’t like any of that altisian jedi or nejaa halcyon stuff being canon like the entire POINT is that anakin thinks he’s literally the only jedi whose ever felt like this and he’s completely isolated, and besides those characters were only invented to create retcon reasons for a bunch of stuff that happened in the new jedi order eu

#star wars

[igotswag77]

In 2012, SWAG77 investigated the idea of the Corellian Jedi as a story Disney Lucasfilm could pursue. We created a Facebook Page, but no other social media nodes: https://www.facebook.com/CorellianJedi/ The above picture is Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon, son of Keiran Halcyon. Nejaa has a son, who was not Force sensitive, but his grandson, was named “Corran Horn” who is a famous Star Wars Legends character in several books.

Darth Vader did kill the Corellian Jedi, but he did not identify all their children of the Force. What is key here is roughly 1000 years earlier, the Corellian Jedi came to the main Jedi Council Coruscant to tell them the turn to the Dark Side. That is when the Corellian Jedi Thame Cerulian rejoined the Jedi Order on Coruscant and studied the ways of the Force to understand why there was this turn to the Dark Side. Master Cerulian trained Count Dooku as a child. In scant paperwork, we wrote metas and headcanons to make this idea work for RP, it did not in our hands. Since there is a new Darth Vader comic out, where he’s “Force Holding” the baby of Jedi Master Eeth Koth, it seems like one of the lost metas we had written 3-4 years ago proves to be true. It took a generation of Jedi to come to the realization that the Dark Side would overtake the galaxy, so in and of themselves, they secretively pursued an outreach to their futures and families.

Not everyone can separate their strong tie for self-sovereignty and autonomy. Most individuals feel strong about having a family of their own. It may be written in their DNA. But the Jedi are to refrain of those desires through meditation and supplication. Always flowing with the Force... It is different for Jedi -- breeding, such as HAVING SEXUAL REPRODUCTION AND bearing the children (for mothers) and siring children (for fathers) detracts from what it means to be a Jedi in the Jedi Order. You can’t be selfless to your own child, you must protect them as their parent. You cannot just WATCH while your family you love are harmed, you must fight for them, even in your own death.

There is also a problem of who you are having sex with, that boss-employee, or mentor-mentee is always rife with unethical problematic power positions. Yes, it happens, but it is still inappropriate in a democratic ethical society because there is always the question of consent, i.e. was it made without any clouded behavior from the Dark Side of the Force.

Relationships divide emotions always. So of course the Dark Side of the Force will use that to put a wedge between lovers, especially in a power dynamic.

The question really becomes: Are there any pair-bonds that are allowable for Light Sided Force users?

#corellian jedi #eeth koth #darth vader #jedi #balance #epistemology #star wars #lost meta #metas #headcanon #nejaa halcyon

[girlbossk]

nejaa halcyon and rostek horn were in LOVE