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Continuity & Analysis

Star Wars: Clone Wars - Chapter 11 (2004) [S2]
Anakin continues his pursuit of Dark Jedi Asajj Ventress, disobeying Obi-Wan's strenuous orders
not to do so. During an intense dogfight, he tracks her through hyperspace to Yavin 4.
Star Wars: Clone Wars - Chapters 12-13 (2004) [S2]
Jedi Mace Windu leads his troops in an intense battle on the plains of Dantooine. The Separatist forces
counter the offensive with an enormous seismic tank, devastating the clone troops. Mace Windu finds
himself alone and surrounded by the massive Droid Army -- without his lightsaber.
Star Wars: Clone Wars - Chapters 14-16 (2004) [S2]
On the icy planet of Ilum, chameleon droids are planting explosives in the sacred Jedi caverns,
the source of the crystals that power every Jedi's lightsaber. Jedi Luminara Unduli
and Barriss Offee engage in a ferocious battle to protect this most important site.
Star Wars: Clone Wars - Chapters 17-19 (2004) [S2]
On Yavin 4, Anakin has tracked down his would-be assassin, Asajj Ventress. Now he must find her in the wild
jungles of the green moon before the battle between these two highly skilled warriors can truly begin.
Star Wars: Clone Wars - Chapter 20 (2004) [S2]
A successful campaign on Muunilinst draws to a close, and Master and Padawan are reunited.




CONTINUITY
Chapters 11 through 20 form Season 2 of Clone Wars, containing the Battle of Dantooine, the raid on the Jedi Temple of Ilum,
Anakin's first confrontation with Ventress, and the conclusion of the Battle of Muunilinst. The planets Dantooine and Ilum
are seen for the first time. Four worlds are seen in these chapters:

Season 1 and Season 2 of Clone Wars were also released as 'Volume 1'. Those two seasons and the first two episodes of Season 3 are part of
the same unified narrative that ends with Anakin having been promoted to Jedi Knight and General, and returning from battle with his scar,
which leads into The Clone Wars series. The transmission Obi-Wan receives from the planet Hypori in 'Chapter 20' bridges the storyline of
the first two seasons with the storyline at the beginning of Season 3. Material from the second part of that chapter has been joined with
the next chapters in this chronology for the purposes of analysis.

- Ventress flies an advanced Geonosian Ginivex-class starfighter, which are not utilized by droid pilots because they are expensive, precision fighters
which are meant to be flown by elite pilots, similar to how the Aethersprite fighters are only flown by the Jedi and at times elite clone pilots.
As a Sith acolyte, Ventress takes on much the same role within the Separatist military as the Jedi Knights occupy in the Republic military.


Anakin in his fighter intercepts Ventress' hyperspace coordinates, seemingly from her navicomputer. Is it the case that
hyperspace coordinates can be determined by a ship that is scanning the ship going into hyperspace? This is a matter
of some importance to past and future continuity. Elsewhere, we see occasional references to making second or even
third hyperspace jumps to cover one's tracks, so this does seem to be the case, however in many other instances this
would have to be assumed to have been done but not shown. In other instances, this may cause a continuity issue. It is
clear that ships cannot be tracked to their ultimate destinations unless their enemy has planted some sort of tracking
device. Anakin asked R4 if he got the coordinates, suggesting that Anakin expected to be able to get them. It is also true
that Ventress wants him to get them, because she is baiting him into a trap, but she wouldn't have been able to lead
him if he couldn't follow her, and Anakin wouldn't have said what he said if this weren't usually possible.
Main Article: Hyperspace Travel


- Dantooine is a pleasant world located in the Raioballo Sector, in the New Territories region of the Outer Rim. It has an agreeable climate and a vital
ecosystem, and features hill and plains, and some areas of forest. Although somewhat dry, it supports seas, rivers, lakes, and times of rainfall.
The only local we see is a Human boy, and supplementary material suggests that Humans are the primary species to have colonized the planet.
Dantooine was first mentioned in Episode IV as a former site of a Rebel base two decades after this storyline.


- The Separatist's seismic tank and is repurposed mining ship, designed to create massive craters which expose valuable minerals within, and completely
devastate the landscape. Innovative applications of non-military technology turned into weapons are necessary and wise for the Separatists, who despite
their resourceful backers are far outclassed by the Republic in production capacity, labor power, and resources. As such, they must use what they can get.


Mace uses Force punch against the battle droids to great effect, and yet we don't see Jedi use it elsewhere. It's true
that the Jedi usually have their lightsabers, and thus have a better weapon, but when Obi-Wan punches Grievous in
Episode III it hurts him, yet Mace seems to be able to punch droids all day with no ill effects. This instance of this
ability isn't as much of a continuity issue as Mace disassembling a droid into components, appearing to pull apart
each individual bolt with the Force. Unless the implication is that Mace is just that powerful and knowledgeable in
the Force this is a continuity issue, as we never see any other powerful Jedi use this even when it would be a major
advantage in many situations. The possibilities this power unlocks would probably create many continuity errors,
as it could be used in so many ways to cause enemy technology to fail disastrously, and negate entire stories.


- Mace's insane combat abilities are once again on display, and this time showing how competent and powerful he is even without his lightsaber. He uses
Force punch, Force crush, and throws shrapnel with the Force, to escape from a situation where he is unarmed and surrounded by legions of battle
droids. He the goes on to overcome the seismic tank's obstacles, and single-handedly take down the hovering behemoth.

- Ilum is an uninhabited and frozen planet located in the 7G Sector of the Unknown Regions, relatively near to known space. The planet has an unmatched wealth
of kyber crystals, ranging from the small variety utilized in lightsabers, to massive crystal formations within the crust of the planet. This planet is known only to
the Jedi, and perhaps a few others. The only civilization on the planet is the Jedi Temple of Ilum, which the Jedi have maintained for many millennia.


- The construction of a lightsaber requires using the Force to assemble the components. It is all but certain in supplements that the Force wielder's connection to
the crystal through the Force is required to successfully complete the weapon. The ability to build one demonstrates a mastery of the fundamental abilities of
using the Force, and a knowledge of the Force which transcends the individual. The difficulty or impossibility of building a lightsaber or other kyber-powered
devices shows why this technology isn't more widespread, and why non-Force users rarely have access to it.


- After the completion of her saber, Padawan Barriss Offee's training is complete, according to Master Luminara Unduli. Barriss and Luminara were both seen
in Episode II, first in the Chancellor's office, and again on Geonosis. Since Barriss will remain a Padawan for years to come, completing training does not make
one ready to face the trials and become a knight. Like Obi-Wan in Episode I, a Jedi usually requires years of experience as a fully trained Padawan before going
through the trials, as they are as much about wisdom and understanding as they are about skills and Force abilities.

- Luminara senses the droids, even though they are in a different part of the temple, and cloaked at the time. When they get near the droids, Barriss senses them
as well, and is able to strike down some droids before they could uncloak. Why Jedi are able to sense things sometimes and not others is unclear, and perhaps
often mysterious even to the Jedi. In this case, it could be the danger, but also could be the presence of unnatural mechanical beings in a place where there is
nothing but nature, two Jedi, and Force conducting crystals. Yoda, a most powerful Jedi, is able to sense the droids' locations accurately while they are cloaked.



The issue of the chameleon droids with cloaking devices is a continuity problem so severe it is probably an error. Even if
cloaking devices that can make objects in an atmosphere invisible to the eye are exorbitantly expensive, they would still
be used far more often in the SW universe. This is one of two examples of Star Trek-style 'invisible to the eye' cloaking
devices that have yet been seen, and both are major continuity issues. As discussed in the main article about cloaking
devices, their mention in Episode V suggests that cloaking devices hide ships from tracking systems, not make
them invisible to someone looking out a window. Even if the ship-based systems are able to blind visible light sensors,
including the eye, for this technology to have been perfected to the point it could be used within the atmosphere of
a planet would make most of the forces and tactics seen in SW pointless. Cloaked droids, drones with explosives, and
troops and ships using cloaking screens would be seen everywhere. This should be ignored and not ever shown again.
Main Article: Scanners, Sensors, and Cloaking Devices


- The ability to use the Force to hold or slow an object isn't directly related to the mass or energy of the physical force being worked against. This is what Yoda is trying
to teach Luke in Episode V, that moving big objects with the Force is no different from moving small objects. The power of the Force is immense, and potentially
as powerful as all the energy generated by all living beings in the galaxy, even the microscopic. In theory, the entirety of this non-localized energy could be available
to a Force wielder. This is shown often, but perhaps most clearly with Luminara and Barriss using the Force to shield themselves from a collapsing cavern. The more
rocks fall, the more the Force energy would seem to need to be applied to deal with the increasing weight. While this is the case, that does not require the Force user
to work harder, since what is generating the counter force is their connection to the Force. Once they have established the appropriate connection to the Force for
the task, only continued concentration is required maintain hold over the object, or in this case, to hold back the objects, even as they pile up.


- Yoda is traveling with Padme on her personal starship, which is an H-type Nubian yacht first seen in Episode II. Based on the apparent timing of events in this series,
the opening montage seems to have covered the first week or so of the conflict, and the rest of the material covers only a few days. As such, Mace's campaign
on Dantoonie has lasted longer than Yoda, Luminara and Barriss', or Obi-Wan and Anakin's, since all were seen having moved on to a new objective. There
was at least one day in between for Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Anakin to return to Coruscant and speak with the Chancellor, before Obi-Wan and Anakin departed
for Muunilinst. Yoda apparently embarked with Padme on a diplomatic mission of some kind, and they are returning when detoured by Yoda's vision.

- Despite the clouding caused by the dark side growing in power, Yoda's Force vision is not entirely clouded, particularly in regard to those he knows well, like Luminara.
Yoda very clearly sees she and Barriss are in trouble, and where. Mace says their ability to use the Force for vision has "diminished" in Episode II, but this and
many other examples are seen of Jedi still able to use this ability, although we must assume their vision in the past was far more reliable and powerful.

- Yoda uses an obvious mind trick on Captain Typho when appealing for Padme's help. Yoda was clearly not trying to be deceptive in this instance, and was probably
trying to emphasize the priority of a detour. Nevertheless, this shows the flexibility of the Jedi's ethics about not using the mind trick to convince others to do things
against their free will, as Qui-Gon mentions in Episode I. If the need to protect or save people is enough of a justification, the Jedi could rationalize its use in many
situations. As usual, the Jedi don't have a problem being manipulative if they decide it is necessary and right, from a certain point of view.

- Yoda makes quick work of the squad of probe droids. A Jedi out in the open against a limited number of opponents is usually unstoppable, particularly a Jedi Master
as powerful as Yoda. His use of an avalanche to finish them off shows how quickly a Jedi can achieve victory when they are unconcerned about the survival of their
opponents. When facing living beings, the Jedi usually take care not to try to kill them, only to defeat, disarm, or otherwise neutralize them.



The chameleon droids' cloaking devices were already troublesome, but much worse is when they are shown firing while
still cloaked in 'Chapter 16'. If they can do this, why did they sneak up on Luminara, Barriss, and later Yoda without
firing, getting close enough to be destroyed by their lightsabers? Why did they uncloak before firing in the caverns if
they didn't have to? If this technology exists, why isn't it used all the time everywhere? It must be assumed that
nothing can fire when cloaked, and this continuity error is another conceptual oversight by the creators.
Main Article: Scanners, Sensors, and Cloaking Devices


- Yoda remarks that the temple is nearly destroyed, although we will see in later events that it is still usable for the Jedi trial known as the Gathering. It is possible
they made some repairs to render it functional, but the system of internal caves and tunnels have been changed, and some are new as a result of the damage.
Once again Dooku's position as a former high ranking Jedi has proven valuable to Sidious. It's unclear if anyone outside the Jedi Order knows of Ilum, or that it is
important to the Jedi. Sidious may have been unaware of it before Dooku revealed it, but regardless, it was a vital target to those seeking to destroy the Jedi.
The disorder of the caverns is evident when Ilum is next seen in The Clone Wars 'The Gathering' (S5E6), about two years from this storyline.

- The ruins on Yavin 4, like the Great Temple occupied by the Rebel Alliance in Episode IV, are the remains of the Massassi civilization, the aboriginal inhabitants
of the moon. Their speices were removed from the planet to be used as slaves by the Sith Empire 5000 years prior to this storyline.

- Ventress tells Anakin that her victory over him will be her ascension to the Sith. While Sith Acolytes like Ventress are practicing the Sith religion, and are part
of the Sith Order, only the Dark Lords are considered to be the true Sith, and in this era there can only be two within the Order. Nevertheless, despite not
defeating Skywalker, her survival of the battle did lead to her ascension to the Sith, becoming Dooku's apprentice.

- The rage, and even hatred, required to defeat the Sith is why confronting them is a trap. Sith Lords replace each other by defeating a more powerful one in
combat. While it is possible to defeat a Sith without taking their place, it requires mastery of one's own emotions, and usually is done in defence against
a Sith attack. Anakin's rage and even hate for the Sith, as well as his complex emotions regarding many things, are the catalysts for his victory over Ventress,
thus revealing the true trap of the Sith is that confronting them empowers the dark side. The only way to truly defeat the Sith is not to fight them, nor to
surrender, but to deny them the conflict which they are seeking to fuel. Practically, that usually still requires some kind of combat with them.


- Jedi Master Voolvif Monn is seen to have been part of the Muunilinst campaign, and assists Obi-Wan and the clones with the capture of Harnaidan. He is
a Shistavanen, a race originally seen in the cantina in Episode IV, but was replaced by a different patron in the Special Edition. Voolvif Monn's name
is a meta-tuckerization of that original Shistavanen's informal name of 'Wolfman', paying tribute to the loss of that enjoyable background character.

- The connection in the Force which wielders have with those who are close to them allows them to sense and see them far more clearly. When Anakin
is searching for Ventress on a mostly uninhabited world with only a squad of clones, he only senses something strange, and only after she has been
nearby for a while. It was likely only the strength of the dark side with her that gave her away at all. When Anakin returns to Muunilinst in Ventress'
fighter, Obi-Wan senses it is him and tells the troops to stand down when Anakin is first flying into view.

- Obi-Wan has begun to notice the Sith seem very interested in Anakin, and is worried. It doesn't seem he has figured out they are trying to test
him and provoke him toward turning to the dark side, but correctly assumes they may want to destroy him in case he really is the Chosen One.

ANALYSIS
Dantooine is a hotly contested planet in the Clone Wars, and the Battle of Dantooine may have been continuous from this point to the next time this battle
is referenced, about eleven to fourteen months later. Whether this initial fighting on Dantooine was one ongoing battle, or subsequent invasions, it is
Dantooine's location in the northern region of the Rim in the New Territories which make it strategically important, particularly its proximity to important
Separatist regions and position along regional hyperspace routes. Mace is clearly the General in charge of forces fighting in the campaign, as he will again be
referenced as fighting on the planet later in the war. Dantooine is not known for a large population or major trade centers, although it may be economically
important due to its agriculture. It is a fertile planet with rich soil and sufficient periods of rainfall, making it ideal for production of grains or similar foods.

Ilum is an uninhabited and frozen planet located in the unknown regions that is a wealth of kyber crystals. The Jedi have likely been visiting this world longer
than they have been part of the Republic, making their presence there ancient. As the planet is a significant conduit for the Force, it was the ideal location for
a temple, particularly for the site of the Jedi trial in which young Jedi will gain a kyber crystal for use in a new lightsaber. It is certainly not the only source of kyber
crystals in the galaxy, but it is certainly among the most significant. It has been so important to the Jedi religion for so long that its loss would be irreplaceable.
Just as the Republic began the war by attacking the droid factories on Geonosis and Muunilinst, the Separatists begin with an attack on this Jedi training temple,
followed not long after by attempts to assault the clone factories on Kamino. Even if one ignores the goals of the Sith, taking out or otherwise harming the Jedi
is still a strategic goal of the Separatists. The Jedi are the most significant Republic military asset even in the face of massive droid armies.

Luminara teaches Barriss that "the crystal is the heart of the blade. The heart is the crystal of the Jedi. The Jedi is the crystal of the Force. The Force is the blade
of the heart. All are intertwined: the crystal, the blade, the Jedi. You are one." An active lightsaber is more than a simple device, it is an active connection and
conduit in the Force which unites the user and the crystal within the saber. Just as the crystal acts as a conduit for the Force, the heart is the conduit for the Force
within the Jedi, or any being. Just as the crystal responds to and influences the Force, so to does the heart, which is why one's feelings and sensing the Force and
its will are intertwined. A Jedi or other force wielder is also like a crystal, a temporarily solid and defined product of the Force which represents an unusual
concentration of Force connectivity. The Force is not only the source of life, it is also a product of life, which makes it grow. In this way, the heart of any organism
is like the crystal in the lightsaber, and the Force likewise is the blade, a projection of energy which emanates outward. All are one and ultimately the same, and
in the case of a Force wielder, this makes the lightsaber more than an advanced weapon, it is the conduit through which the will of the Force is externalized.

The IG Banking Clan on Muunilinst surrender, and San Hill and many of their leaders are taken back to Coruscant for trial. With Scipio and now also
Muunilinst under Republic control, the Banking Clan becomes the only one of the trade guilds to be reunified before the end of the war. The Separatists
likely still have some Banking Clan forces and resources under their control, but the Banking Clan officially repudiates San Hill, as the other guilds do
of their 'treasonous' leaders. Their ability to do business with both sides is not effected, since the Republic is constrained to observe the Commerce
Treaty of 1647, which ensures the neutrality of the guilds to prevent their being used as strategic and political weapons in wars. Sidious and the guilds
use the power of this neutrality as a political weapon against the Republic, undermining the very intent of that treaty, yet another example of how
Sidious' careful study of history and knowledge of politics is used to destroy the Republic and the Jedi by forcing them to follow their own rules.


FURTHER ANALYSIS
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