The Clone Wars Begin

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Wars

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This has several direct transliterations from the movie but it couldn't be helped. Fortunately Episode II is completed this chapter so I won't have to deal with that again for a while. Here is Chapter 6. Enjoy!

{ } Signifies an alien language

…

Last time:

Year 22 BBY

"…We will wait here for the news from you." said Naruto somberly as he and Padmé saw Anakin off. "May the Force be with you."

Anakin nodded. "And may the Force be with you as well. I will call you as soon as I find something out." The fighter soon took off out into space and made the jump to hyperspace…

"…There he goes." said Padmé in a worried tone. "I hope he'll be all right."

"As do I." replied the Jedi Knight gravely. "He's not ready for this sort of thing. I hope he is able to rescue his Mother safely. I fear the worst otherwise…"

Then Padmé's eyes narrowed and she growled, "…Incidentally; why was there a painting of a naked woman on the side of your fighter? …Not to mention the name Booby Trap?!"

Naruto was sweating and replied, "It's a tribute to my first Jedi Master Jiraiya; lover of beautiful women…"

"It's sexist and indecent you pig!" roared the brunette.

"Oh come on Senator; it's not that bad!" said the whiskered blonde. "The original name was Milk Wagon Express but I toned it down!"

Steam came jetting out of her ears. "WHHAATT?! Just die! Die in the name of every feminist ever born!"

Naruto thought, 'I guess that's my cue to run…'

…

Core Words, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Jedi Grand Temple

In the meantime; Siri Tachi's report came in to the Council as Obi-Wan relayed it…

"I have scouted out the Droid Foundries on Geonosis. The Trade Federation is to take delivery of a droid army here and it is clear that Viceroy Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala. The Commerce Guild and the Corporate Alliance have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku and are forming a- wait, I've been-" The Council saw she was cut off by blaster fire and the transmission cut out.

The Jedi Council was alarmed by Siri's report and the fact she was captured didn't help calm them down any.

"More happening on Geonosis I feel; than has been revealed." said Grandmaster Yoda gravely.

Mace Windu frowned and said; "I agree." He immediately transmitted to Obi-Wan, "Master Kenobi, stay there and relay any further information you can gather from orbit. This is your first priority. We will come there and deal with Count Dooku."

"I understand Master." replied Obi-Wan. "I'll do what I can from orbit without getting spotted." He quickly signed off.

"It seems that young Jedi Knight Naruto Uzumaki was right all along." said Plo Koon.

"Indeed it does." replied Yoda. "Clouded; our vision is. Most concerning."

Master Windu said; "We don't have much time. Contact Master Bultar Swan. Send her the orders to activate the Clone Army and bring them to Geonosis. We will meet her on the way…"

…

Chapter 6

Year 22 BBY

Core Worlds, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Galactic Senate Building

Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine was sitting in his quarters fuming. The Jedi had already started moving on Geonosis and were enlisting the aid of the Clone Army before he was prepared! He knew that he would have to simply go along with it to save face politically but the Sith Lord had hoped to wipe out as many of the Jedi as he could before the Clones even came into play. He had foreseen Geonosis as a one sided charnel house for the Jedi Order and now it appeared the odds were evened. Something elusive within the Force was interfering with Palpatine's carefully constructed plans.

'The Jedi Council should be muddled in seeing the future and young Skywalker is coming along splendidly as I foresaw. His pride and lack of discipline should lead to his fall. But what is this other factor I cannot detect…?' thought the master manipulator. Palpatine was very vexed about the entire situation…

…

Beyond Outer Rim, Planet Kamino, Tipoca City

Jedi Master Bultar Swan was listening carefully to a transmission from the Jedi Council. Much to her shock they wanted the Clone Army involved yesterday if not sooner.

Mace Windu said, "The situation has changed radically Bultar. We know for a fact that Count Dooku has fallen to the Dark side and that he is gathering up a massive droid army on Geonosis. Are the Clone Troopers ready for combat?"

Swan bowed and said, "I have 192,000 Clone Troopers fit for combat and fully equipped. They can be deployed at your order Master Windu."

"Impressive." said Master Yoda. "Done well you have; Master Swan."

"Thank you Master Yoda." replied Bultar. "I have twelve Acclamator Class assault ships*① ready to deploy the Clone Troopers on standby. Tell me when and where you need them."

Master Windu explained, "They are needed at grid coordinates R-16 at the edge of the Geonosis System as soon as possible. We have just over 200 Jedi Knights ready to join you there. After that Master Yoda and I will take command directly and we will begin the invasion of planet Geonosis proper. If we can stop Count Dooku and his fellow Separatist leaders now then we can prevent a full scale war from breaking out."

"I understand Master." said Bultar. "The Jedi Council's will shall be done."

Within hours the twelve massive assault ships were formed up in space with their many escorts and Master Swan was in the Acclamator command ship Implacable.*② Seconds later the fleet jumped out into hyperspace.

Destination: the Geonosis System…

…

Outer Rim Territories, Arkanis Sector, Planet Tattooine, Mos Espa*③

Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker arrived in Mos Espa and soon located his old owner Watto from when he was a slave. Watto was sitting outside his shop and the two exchanged stilted greetings in Huttese. The Toydarian*④ was actually happy to see Anakin but the Padawan was only interested in finding the whereabouts of his Mother Shmi Skywalker. "Oh yeah; Shmi. She's not mine no more. I sold her." said Watto.

"You sold her?" asked Anakin.

"Years ago! Sorry Ani but you know business is business." The Toydarian chucked weakly. "I sold her to a moisture farmer named Lars… At least I think it was Lars. Believe it or not I heard he freed her… and married her! Can you beat that eh?"

The Padawan frowned. "Do you know where they are now?"

"Mmmm… A long ways from here." replied Watto. "Someplace on the other side of Mos Eisley I think."

"I'd like to know." growled Anakin

The Toydarian quailed a bit and said, "Sure! Absolutely! Let's go look in my records…"

…

Mid Rim, Chommell Sector, Planet Naboo, Lake Country, Varykino Villa*⑤

After an exhilarating chase; Naruto negotiated with Senator Amidala (read: received a brutal tongue lashing about sexism) and shaved his beard off for good measure. The pair was soon having a nice dinner at the Varykino Villa they'd been staying at when they got in a discussion about his home world of Renatasia. "…So Renatasia was settled by one of the expeditions from planet Grizmallt around 3900 years ago from the same group of people that settled on Naboo." explained Naruto. "Our home worlds are similar in many ways. The countryside here reminds me of the pastoral area I lived in on Renatasia."

"Do all Renatasians have those facial tattoo marks or is that something religious?" asked Padmé curiously.

Naruto smiled weakly and said, "Actually those are scars I received when I was tortured with a light saber. I was twelve at the time and it made me Force blind. It took me years to recover."

The Senator covered her mouth with her hands and gasped in horror. "Who… who would do that to a child?"

The blonde leaned back a bit and said, "The Sith would. They murdered my Master and tried to turn me to the Dark Side with a Sith ritual but somehow it failed and I managed to escape by the skin of my teeth."

"That's horrible!" exclaimed Padmé. "Did the Jedi Order catch who was responsible?"

"No." said Naruto as he took a bite of food. "As a matter of fact I've never found out if an investigation was even done. I looked in the archives and the incident is classified by the Jedi Council. I've wanted to do my own research on the matter but there simply hasn't been time with the Sith on the move and all. One of these days I'll return to the Japrael System and discover the truth. I just have to be patient."

"You don't resent the Jedi Council then?" she asked. "If I'd been tortured and my Master Murdered-"

The blonde smiled. "Oh believe me; I am angry as much for Master Jiraiya's sake as I am for mine. I know of a couple of former Jedi that fell to the Dark Side that know some of what happened. When I catch them; I'll get the information I want one way or another. There's the little matter of the Separatist Crises to deal with right now."

The Senator replied, "I hope it can be settled peacefully through negotiation. The Galactic Republic is a democracy you know."

"There's too much tension and too much blood in the air for negotiations now Senator Amidala." said Naruto gravely. "I had a vision of war and bloodshed across the galaxy. There are people just craving it. I pray that vision never comes true but I fear it will."

"But who in their right mind would want a war Naruto?" asked the brunette incredulously.

The Jedi looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "Anyone who could profit from it monetarily, territorially or a number of other ways. Politically speaking it could empower lots of individuals within the Senate."

Her eyes narrowed; "Did you have any particular people you wanted to point the finger at Master Jedi?"

Naruto grinned wickedly and replied, "The Military Creation Act*⑥ that you so vehemently oppose would grant vast amounts of power to the military industrial complex for one. The Core Worlds economic slump could be swept away in one fell sweep if a major war broke out. I know you are a very intelligent and shrewd woman Senator. Surely this has crossed your mind at one point or other."

She sighed. "It has. That's why I've been trying to rally others to the cause of stopping that act."

"And you've painted a huge target on your back as a result." he replied. "Since you are the core of the opposition it's an ideal situation for your political opponents to push the Military Creation Act through."

She smirked. "You've really thought this through haven't you?"

"I've had a lot of time to contemplate these matters since I was in that little war with the Trade Federation on Renatasia." Naruto said. "Naboo had their little war too. If people could understand each other then we would have peace. Unfortunately a lot of people don't want that. At least that's what I think."

"Naruto?" she asked.

He raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

The Senator smiled. "Please call me Padmé."

Naruto grinned back. "Alght Padmé…"

…

Outer Rim Territories, Arkanis Sector, Planet Tattooine, Great Chott Salt Flat

Anakin Skywalker tracked his Mother's location to the Lars homestead, a moisture farm where he was reunited with C-3PO and met his step brother Owen Lars and Owen's girlfriend Beru Whitesun. The Padawan was then introduced to Cliegg Lars, Shmi's husband. Sadly the meeting was less than encouraging for young Skywalker. Cliegg explained, "It was just before dawn that a hunting party of Tusken Raiders came out of nowhere. Your Mother went out early to pick mushrooms like she always did… From the tracks she was about halfway home when they took her."

"Those Tuskens walk like men but they're vicious, mindless monsters." said the elder Lars. "Thirty of us went out after her. Four of us came back. I'd be with them, but… after I lost my leg I just couldn't ride anymore, until I heal. I don't want to give up on her, but she's been gone three weeks. There's little hope she's lasted this long." Cliegg lost his right leg from the mid thigh down; due to a trap laid by the Tusken Raiders. It forced him to use a power chair in order to move around.

Anakin took a deep breath and stood up before leaving the table. He was torn and distraught as to what to do now. He remembered Naruto saying, "Trust your feelings." Anakin looked down and thought, 'My feelings are just a mess but I have to find Mom and bring her back somehow!'

As the Padawan stood, Owen asked, "Where are you going?"

Skywalker replied, "To find my Mother."

Cliegg looked heartbroken and said, "Your Mother's dead son; accept it."

Anakin shook his head and said; "I can't accept it until I have proof. I won't be long." Then he jumped on a borrowed speeder bike and took off into the Jundland Wastes*⑦ where the Force told him his Mother Shmi was. Anakin knew the nomadic Tusken Raiders inhabited the vicinity and was determined to hunt them down. It was shortly after dusk that he came across a Jawa sand crawler and got directions to the camp of the Sand People…

…

Core Words, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Galactic Senate Building

Sheev Palpatine was giving a grand speech after Junior Representative Jar Jar Binks made a motion to grant the Chancellor emergency powers to deal with the Separatist Crisis…

"It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling." said the Supreme Chancellor. "I love democracy. I love the Republic. The power you give me I will lay down when this crisis has abated …and as my first act with this new authority; I will create a Grand Army of the Republic to counter the increasing threats of the Separatists."

Amidst the cheers of thousands of senators Darth Sidious hammered another nail into the gilded coffin of the Galactic Republic…

…

Outer Rim Territories, Arkanis Sector, Planet Geonosis

Obi-Wan Kenobi watched as the Republic fleet jumped in and had to admit he was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and firepower of the ships troops and fellow Jedi that were there to fight nearly a million battle droids. It wasn't long before he was involved above in the biggest dogfight he'd even imagined possible but sadly the writing was on the wall; this was just the beginning.

The twelve Acclamator class transports landed on the surface a disgorged 16,000 troops each plus hundreds of transports carrying every kind of equipment and weaponry that the Jedi Master had even heard of. Deep in the thick of it all were two hundred and fifteen Jedi knights which were leading the clones and cutting a swath through literally thousands of battle droids.

Once the landings on Geonosis had begun there was no stopping the war machine until one side or the other was completely decimated. Savagery not seen for a thousand years broke loose and somewhere Darth Sidious was cackling with delight…

Though it took weeks the Geonosians were forced to retreat and an occupation force took over. The Planet of Geonosis was out of the War for now but at a tremendous cost. Nearly sixty Jedi and thousands of clone troopers were lost. Worse still; Count Dooku and the Core of the Separatist Leaders escaped. It was a pyrrhic victory at best…

…

Mid Rim, Chommell Sector, Planet Naboo, Lake Country, Varykino Villa

Naruto Uzumaki was sitting up meditating while Padmé was already fast asleep. Something had him on edge. He reached out through the Force and sensed the conflict at Geonosis. "So it's begun…" he whispered.

It was then that Padmé peered into his room with a glass of water in her hand and asked, "Can't you sleep Naruto?"

The Jedi looked up at her beautiful countenance silhouetted in the moonlight and said, "The war has started at Geonosis Padmé. I'm afraid things are going to get a lot rougher from here on out."

She looked alarmed at Naruto's crestfallen look and grabbed a hand held holographic communicator. Turning it on, the headlines*⑧ popped up one after the other:

"…Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine has condemned Count Dooku of Serenno and the Confederacy of Independent Systems…"

"…A Grand Army of the Republic has been raised to counter the threat of the Droid Army serving the Separatist cause…"

"…An enormous battle has broken out in the Geonosis System between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Thousands of troopers of the Grand Army of the Republic have been lost already and the Geonosians have likewise lost thousands of battle droids from their army. The Jedi are aiding the Republic forces but it is very unclear who is winning this titanic battle at this point…"

"… The recent turmoil which occurred on planet Ando has left the galaxy staggered and the Ando System seceded from the Galactic Republic, joining the Confederacy of Independent Systems…"

"…The moon of Antar 4 is embroiled in a schism between the pro-Galactic Republic loyalists and those who wish to align with the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The Gotal Assembly for Separation and its radical splinter group, the Roshu Sune have mounted a protracted terrorist bombing campaign…"

"…The recent border dispute which occurred on Mid Rim planet Ansion during the Separatist Crisis…"

"…Reporters across the Galaxy are already starting to call this conflict the Clone War because of the use of clone troopers by the Galactic Republic…"

"…The Great Peace of the Republic over the last thousand years has come crashing to a violent end. Not since the Battle of Ruusan between the…"

Naruto sat stock still in the lotus position and watched as the headlines zipped by at near light speed. He looked down and his blonde bangs shaded his eyes in the moonlight.

Padmé knelt down beside the Jedi and held onto his right bicep for warmth. Eventually they wrapped their arms around each other for comfort in the dark of the cold night on Naboo…

…

Outer Rim Territories, Arkanis Sector, Planet Tattooine, Jundland Wastes

The Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker located the Tusken Raiders camp after dark that night. He observed them from a cliff above before quietly descending into the Sand People's camp. Sneaking around from tent to tent; Skywalker sensed he'd found the right one using the Force and used his light saber to cut an entrance on the backside of the tent. Sensing the guards were not alerted; Anakin quietly entered the tent where Shmi Skywalker was being held.

He found his battered Mother tied up and quickly released Shmi from her bonds. It was obvious that she'd been tortured and she was delirious. Lowering her down as gently as he could; the Padawan whispered, "Mom…Mom. Don't worry, you are safe."

She smiled at Anakin and said; "Ani; my handsome boy…I'm so proud of you…Now I am complete…I love-" Shmi was physically and mentally exhausted and quickly passed out.

Anakin held his Mother close for a moment and whispered, "Stay with me Mom…" He was ferociously angry at the Tusken Raiders for what they'd done but getting Shmi to safety took precedence over everything else.

Moving as stealthily as he could; The Jedi Padawan exited the way he entered with his precious cargo in his arms.

After making his way back to the speeder bike; Anakin loaded the still unconscious Shmi onto it and took off as quickly as he could to the Lars homestead where she could have her many wounds treated…

…

Core Worlds, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Galactic Senate Building

Darth Sidious stood awaiting his apprentice Darth Tyranus arrived and disembarked his vessel. "The Force is with us Master Sidious." said Count Dooku.

"Welcome home Lord Tyranus; you have done well." replied Sidious.

"I have good news for you My Lord; the war has begun." reported Tyranus.

"Excellent." said Sidious. "Everything is going as planned…"

…

Core Worlds, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Grand Jedi Temple

Grandmaster Yoda, Master Mace Windu and Master Obi-Wan Kenobi were discussing the recent events at the Jedi Temple.

"Do you believe what Count Dooku said about Sidious controlling the senate?" asked Obi-Wan. "It doesn't feel right."

Yoda replied, "Joined the Dark Side; Dooku has. Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now."

"Nevertheless; I feel we should keep a closer eye on the Senate." said Mace Windu.

"I agree." assented the Grandmaster.

Kenobi said, "I have to admit that without the clones it would not have been a victory."

"Victory?" asked Yoda incredulously. "Victory you say. Master Obi-Wan; not victory. The shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. Begun; the Clone War has…"

…

Outer Rim Territories, Arkanis Sector, Planet Tattooine, Great Chott Salt Flat

Anakin Skywalker arrived back at the Lars homestead by the next morning and rushed his Mother inside where the family could take care of her. It would be months before she fully revered but Shmi was alive and to her family that was the greatest gift of all.

Cliegg was holding Shmi's hand as they talked and Anakin transmitted the news to Naruto and Padmé. "You have no idea how happy I am." said the Padawan. "If I'd been even a few days later then she wouldn't have survived."

"That's wonderful news!" exclaimed Padmé. "You don't know how happy we are for you."

Naruto nodded in the holographic projection and said, "It's an immense relief knowing that everything turned out well Anakin."

Skywalker smiled happily but then frowned. "Obi-Wan would never have let me go."

"You don't know that." said Naruto. "Don't worry about what could have been. Focus on what is. I know that Master Kenobi would be very happy for you."

Anakin nodded but seemed disgruntled still. He asked, "Did anything happen I need to know about while I was here on Tattooine?"

Padmé lost her smile and said, "A war has broken out between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Thousands have perished on Geonosis already."

The Padawan's eyes opened wide. "What?! That can't be!"

Naruto replied, "But it is Anakin. I hate to cut your reunion with your Mother short but we are expected back on Coruscant posthaste. I know you probably want to stay with her foe a while but every Jedi in the Galaxy has been alerted and you and I have been recalled."

"What about Padmé?" asked Skywalker. "Her safety is important."

"I'll be returning to Coruscant with Naruto." replied the Senator. "We'll meet you there…"

Naruto ended to transmission with, "May the Force be with you…"

…

Core Worlds, Corusca Sector, Planet Coruscant, Grand Jedi Temple

Mace Windu said, "You have been assigned to be a Jedi General Naruto Uzumaki. You will be in command of the 325th Legion of Clone Troopers with Clone Commander CC-9076 "Checker" acting as your second in command."

CC-9076 saluted Naruto and said, "I'm pleased to be under your Command General Uzumaki. The men are eager and ready to serve. We are assigned the assault ship Implacable with Captain Rom Franz. Would you like to inspect the troops sir?"

Naruto sweat dropped and looked at Mace Windu who raised an eyebrow. 'This is the absolute last thing I want to do. Kill me now.' thought Naruto. He looked at the Implacable as the troopers of the 325th-his-Legion marched aboard in perfect formation. The blonde turned to Checker and asked, "Is my personal fighter and R4 unit aboard the Implacable?"

"Yes sir!" answered Checker enthusiastically. "The men and I admire your sense of aesthetics sir!"

'They do?' Naruto thought in wonder. Then the blonde Jedi envisioned Senator Padmé Amidala knocking down his entire Legion like dominos as they all admired his fighter's nose art. Letting out a perverted giggle; Naruto said, "I think we're going to get along nicely Commander Checker. Let's go and inspect the men."

…

Hours later the Implacable was on its way to Kamino to pick up extra clone combat medics and extra equipment a Legion normally didn't have at its disposal such as advanced training gear. Checker was talking to the officers in the 325th Legion about it all. General Uzumaki had left the oddest impression on his troops. He treated them all as people instead of clones. Checker said, "He mentioned extra training in covert ops and guerilla warfare for each and every one of us to minimize our casualties and maximize damage inflicted to the enemy."

"I thought all of us clone troopers were considered expendable." said a Clone Captain. "I mean, we're clones."

"It's all very strange." agreed Checker. "I get the impression our General doesn't think so."

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Acclamator Class assault ships: The Acclamator-class trans-galactic military assault ship was a type of cruiser class proto-Star Destroyer utilized by the Galactic Republic for ferrying clone troopers across the galaxy. Unlike many ships of its size, the Acclamator class can land on the surface of planets to deploy its forces

*②: Implacable: This was simply a name your author chose for the lead ship.

*③: Mos Espa: Mos Espa is a spaceport settlement located on the desert world of Tatooine. The settlement; which is controlled by the Hutt Clan, includes a number of commercial and workspace settings, as well as entertainment establishments such as the Mos Espa Grand Arena.

*④: Toydarian: Toydarians are a race of winged mammalian beings from the planet Toydaria. Strong-willed, and resistant to manipulation of the mind through the Force; this species produced a body odor similar to sweet spice.

*⑤: Varykino Villa: Varykino Villa is located in Naboo's Lake Country on an island of the same name. The isolated estate is owned by the royal government and is used as a private refuge from the planet's capital Theed by several renowned members of the Naboo people.

*⑥: The Military Creation Act: The Military Creation Act is a bill proposed in the Galactic Senate during the Separatist Crisis that would allow the Galactic Republic to form an army to combat the Confederacy of Independent Systems; a group of star systems that has broken away from the Republic.

*⑦: Jundland Wastes: The Jundland Wastes, also simply known as the Jundland, are a dry, hot and rocky region that was located on the desert world of Tatooine between the Northern Dune Sea and the Western Dune Sea. In the native parlance, "Jundland" meant "No Man's Land."

*⑧: Headlines: These were all taken from Wookiepedia.

*⑨: Legion: A Legion is made up if Four regiments (9,216 troopers) led by a Jedi General or a Clone Commander.

So the Clone Wars have finally begun! …Which means I need to re watch the Clone Wars series one season at a time. Whew! This may take a while. One little note: I originally intended to have the epic light saber duel between Dooku and Yoda in this chapter but after several tries I simply had to give it up because Yoda's fighting style just defies description in mere words. I also figure Count Dooku wouldn't have escaped if he didn't have Obi-Wan and Anakin to use as a distraction. I'm really sorry to disappoint but I just couldn't pull it off. See you next time. Blue out. 12/09/23