The Invasion of Rhen Varr

Background

“The Republic did not lose Rhen Varr in a single battle…
It was taken from them, piece by piece.”

The Rhen Varr Campaign was the first major blow to the Republic’s naval capabilities. After the Galactic Republic launched a daring campaign on Christophsis, the Separatists took their opportunity to apply pressure to two Republic planets, Rhen Varr and Corfai.

As the Separatists set their sights on Rhen Varr, a fleet is deployed commanded by the mysterious Separatist High Admiral Pax, the first time the Galactic Republic has seen him in action. Beginning this campaign with diplomacy over action, High Admiral Pax meets with Marshal Commander Sand which ultimately leads to his capture alongside RCO Rai. 

However, the ever-so-resourceful Clones escape their containment and eventually reconvene with Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi and recover vital intelligence for the warfront. From here, back-and-forth battles take place resulting in a loss of momentum for both parties, eventually leading to the capture of Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi, Jedi Master Ima Gun-Di, Commander Keller, and the 21st Nova Corps.

With a failed escape attempt, Commander Bacara leads the remaining forces of the 21st Nova Corps through the harsh planet climate with haste to reach their stranded men. From there, they meet face-to-face with High Admiral Pax who drops the helmet of one of their fallen comrades. Angering the Clones, they push forward harder, fighting through waves of droids to reach Bravo Base.

As the 21st Nova Corps finally make it, High Admiral Pax retreats from the Rhen Varr system and leaves the notorious Admiral Silk in command of the campaign. The Clones, led by Commander Bacara make a two front push on Bravo Base to combat the various Pyke and Droid forces left behind. 

In an attempt to divide the enemy, Admiral Silk utilises a sniper and shoots Commander Bacara in the head, killing him on the spot. The Clones, confused and enraged, refuse to stand down and reconvene under Jedi Master Euga Eugah who assumes command of the assault. 

With the Clones' relentless assault and the little forces remaining, the Clones successfully defeat the remaining droids and kill Admiral Silk, winning the campaign after nearly a month of bleeding and fighting.

This campaign is remembered for being one of the deadliest campaigns to date, costing the lives of hundreds of Clones and the loss of Commander Bacara and Padawan Raves Konan. To this day, High Admiral Pax remains in the galaxy, tormenting planets all in the name of the Separatists.

Day 1: Deception

High Admiral Pax opened the campaign not with an attack, but with a conversation. Establishing contact with Marshal Commander Sand, High Admiral Pax held the Republic’s attention just long enough for a Providence-class destroyer to move into position.

Moments later, a series of EMP payloads detonated across the Galactic Republic fleet, disabling all four Venators almost instantly. The battle for space was decided before it could even begin.

Despite the sudden loss, Clone pilots and Jedi managed to hold off incoming Separatist forces long enough to evacuate most crews. The Conqueror and Requiem were destroyed, the Hardcase was abandoned, and the Fortitude was captured. High Admiral Pax personally boarded the vessel, executing select personnel and leaving the remaining crew stranded above Rhen Varr, ensuring the Galactic Republic would remember how the war truly began.

Day 2: The First Parlay

Jedi Master Ima Gun-Di and Commander Keller were invited to parlay with High Admiral Pax. During this meeting, Senator Valerian Draxus of Rhen Varr was transmitted in via a hologram from Coruscant. 

During this parlay, the High Admiral offered his men the option to surrender peacefully and concede the planet to Separatist control. The Senator considered, but ultimately denied the Separatist's terms. As a demonstration, High Admiral Pax called for the destruction of an ore refinery on the planet, crippling the economy of Rhen Varr.

Day 4: The Capture of Sand

Once again wishing for a peaceful surrender, High Admiral Pax and his Shadows made their way to the VSD Fortitude, where Marshal Commander Sand and his men were stranded above the planet. Having failed in his previous negotiations, High Admiral Pax summoned Senator Valerian Draxus once again to meet with the crew of the Fortitude. 

High Admiral Pax offered Marshal Commander Sand and his fleet to the Galactic Republic in exchange for Nute Gunray and Watt Tambor, who had been previously captured. The Senator from Rhen Varr rejected this trade, not having the desire or authority to hand over the two CIS diplomats. 

Left with no other options, High Admiral Pax took Marshal Commander Sand away, firing one lone shot and leaving the Commander's helmet behind for his men to find. The status of the beloved Marshal Commander was left in question.

Day 6: Interrogation & Escape

After establishing his surface point of operations at the Rhen Varr Excavation Site, High Admiral Pax moved two prisoners to the CIS base; Marshal Commander Sand and RCO Rai, who was captured in a previous operation.

After not complying over the course of multiple sessions, High Admiral Pax leaves the interrogation into the hands of his most trusted Shadow, Admiral Silk. After a long and painful session with the Admiral, Marshal Commander Sand reveals more information about the Clones training process and the man responsible for turning young Cadets into fully trained Clone Troopers.

Later that night, Marshal Commander Sand sees his chance to escape along with RCO Rai. The Shadow's underestimated the injured Clones, and leave a blaster vulnerable for Marshal Commander Sand to seize. Together, Marshal Commander Sand and RCO Rai take out 3 Shadows and fight their way out of the CIS base. They reach a CIS shuttle and are about to make it back to orbit when they are shot down. Wounded but alive, the two Clones are now stranded somewhere in the mountains of Rhen Varr.

Day 8: Ruins

The 21st Nova Corps took on the challenge and decided to push away from the safety of Bravo Base to defeat the CIS forces that have gathered at the Excavation Site. However, to do so, they needed to push through the harsh Ruins of Rhen Varr. In the cover of night, the cold Marines pushed forward.

After being spotted by Admiral Silk and his Providence's in lower atmosphere, CIS forces are mobilized to halt the Clones progress. Facing countless B2 Super Battle Droids, AATs, Spider Droids, and Orbital Bombardments, the 21st Nova Corps and their attached Special Operations Units pushed through a deadly assault.

After a long battle, the 21st Nova Corps successfully pushed through Ruins after facing heavy causalities. In all the chaos, Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi was able to capture a CIS Tactical Droid, which will aid the 21st Nova Corps in future operations on the planet.

Day 11: Victory & Deception

After a long march through Ruins, the 21st Nova Corps finally arrived at the CIS stronghold at Excavation Site. Due to a tracker in RCO Rai's armor, the Clones are aware that nearby is the lost Clones captured by High Admiral Pax. 

The Clones split their forces, with the Marines taking on the CIS fortress and the Republic Commandos searching for the survivors of High Admiral Pax. 

The Marines faced a heavy defense at the fortress, but not nearly as large as the forces they have fought previously. Most importantly, High Admiral Pax seemed to be completely missing from his own stronghold. Unbothered by the limited defenses, the 21st Nova Corps successfully push forward through the Droids and capture the CIS point of operations on Rhen Varr. After losing the base, Admiral Silk pulls his Providences away from Excavation, mysteriously leaving the Clones unharmed.

In the middle of this chaos, the Republic Commandos led by Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi are able to find and rescue Marshal Commander Sand and RCO Rai. However, they were not finished and ordered the Republic Commando squad to take him back to nearby prison. The Republic Commandos do what they do best and take the prison easily, surprised by the limited forces holding the high value prison.

While searching for information on the prison's computers, Marshal Commander Sand notices a pre-recorded message left the day he escaped. The computer automatically plays a recording left by High Admiral Pax.

"Commander Sand. I suspected you would return eventually. Your escape was… admirable. Truly. Watching you and your Commando scramble for that shuttle was quite entertaining. Stealing a CIS craft and fleeing into the void… bold. Though I was surprised you never stopped to ask yourself a simple question. Why was it there? Why was the hangar lightly guarded… why did the launch path remain clear… why did no one pursue you?
Your escape, Commander… was permitted. 
You see, battle droids fight well enough. But they cannot build. Not quickly. Not efficiently. Clones, however… are exceptional at it. Your 21st Legion in particular has mastered the art of constructing a forward base anywhere it lands. I studied your tactics carefully. Long before we ever met. An offensive campaign against your legion would have been… costly. So instead, I allowed you to do what you do best. You built the base for me.
I must apologize, however. I did lie to you. I told you I was leaving the system. But as you watch this message… my fleet is already descending on your Republic base south of your position. All that work. All that time. All that effort your men spent securing this world… Was simply preparation for my arrival. Now you must do it all again. Except this time… the balance has shifted.
I hold the space. I hold the atmosphere. And very soon… I will hold your base. Good luck, Commander Sand. I am very interested to see what you attempt next."

Once the recording finishes, the clones are alerted that Bravo Base is under attack. High Admiral Pax and his Shadows have circled around the planet and launched a full invasion on the heavily fortified, but lightly defended, forward operating base. 

Left with no other options, Marshal Commander Sand and the 21st Nova Corps dig in and set up a temporary base at Excavation, having no way to support their men who have just lost Bravo Base to the CIS.

Day 12: The Escape of Sand

Being stranded for too long, Marshal Commander Sand decides it is in the best interest of the Galactic Republic if he attempts to flee the planet and reunite with his forces on Coruscant. Marshal Commander Sand intended to send a much larger fleet back to Rhen Varr in his place to support the 21st Nova Corps and free them from the clutches of High Admiral Pax.

Using a CIS shuttle and stolen codes from the Tactical Droid the 21st Nova Corps secured at Ruins, Marshal Commander Sand and his Commando's are able to break through the Reaper's blockade and leave the system. The 21st Nova Corps are weakened, but hopeful that their salvation will return soon with a fleet that can break High Admiral Pax.

Day 16: Recapture of Bravo

After pushing through Ruins once again, the 21st Nova Corps and Republic Commandos face a large CIS force occupying Bravo Base. With High Admiral Pax and Silk occupied above the planet, the Clones use this opportunity for a surprise attack to recapture their lost base.

After a short battle, the Clones are successful in their recapture without summoning the Shadows. The Bravo Base is restored to Republic control, however, it is heavily damaged from multiple battles without repair.

Day 17: The Trap

While attempting to repair the broken Bravo Base, the 21st Nova Corps and their Jedi receive an incoming transmission from a CIS Providence-Class Destroyer. Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi answers the call, and is met with High Admiral Pax on the other end. Through the conversation, it is revealed that this has been Pax's plan all along, and that he now has the Clones trapped with no possible retreat. On his command, High Admiral Pax disables the Clones's shield generators and begins landing the largest droid army of the invasion right on top of Bravo Base.

The 21st Nova Corps, Jedi, and Republic Commandos hold their own for some time, until High Admiral Pax himself and 10 of his best Shadows make their way to the icy surface. The High Admiral flanks the Clones position and begins splitting up their front line from the top of the mountain. With the Jedi focused on High Admiral Pax, the Clones begin to be pushed back and are soon forced to retreat inside the Bravo Base. High Admiral Paxnow has the advantage and the Galactic Republic is trapped inside the mountain.

Wishing to avoid anymore bloodshed, High Admiral Pax calls for a cease fire so that he may meet with the Jedi face to face. He offers them terms for surrender, which is considered for some time. During the discussion, Pax's Shadows take Padawan Raves Konan away as a good faith payment of mutual terms. After not coming to an agreement, High Admiral Pax makes his way back to his forces to continue the assault. While his back is turned, Jedi Master Ima Gun-Di rushes High Admiral Pax and attempts to end the battle with one swing of his saber. The Jedi is too slow, and Pax's Shadows and Droids begin to open fire. The battle continues, and High Admiral Pax makes his way over to Padawan Konan. He and his droids execute the Padawan and continue on with the battle.

Despite Republic forces being heavily diminished, the 21st Nova Corps still shows no sign of surrender. Wanting to force their hand, High Admiral Pax places explosives in the hallway. After pulling his Shadow's back, he collapses the hallway, trapping the remaining Republic forces inside their own base.

Day 19: Failed Escape

After days stuck in the base, the 21st Nova Corps is left with no option but to attempt an escape. The three remaining Jedi begin to cut away at the collapsed hallway in an attempt to make their way back to their old hangar. Upon clearing the rubble, they are met with an overwhelming CIS force. B1s, B2s, AATs, Pyke Sentinels, Shadows, and High Admiral Pax himself all await the Clones in the hangar. Seeing no other option, the three Jedi along with Commander Keller make their way to speak to High Admiral Pax face to face.

After a few threats and executions, High Admiral Pax finally convinces the 21st Nova Corps to surrender. The four leaders hand over their weapons and are taken prisoner by Pax's Shadows. In return for their surrender, High Admiral Pax guarantees the safety of the Clones who will remain in the base. 

Following the surrender, the four 21st Nova Corps leaders are taken from Bravo Base and transported to the fleet of High Admiral Pax.

Day 19: Desperate Rescue

Having lost all communication with their forces at Bravo Base, Commander Bacara leads the rest of the 21st Nova Corps through Ruins fearing the worst. They push through the harsh Rhen Varr climate with haste to reach their stranded men. 

As they make their way through Ruins, High Admiral Pax uses his Providence to meet them in the field. Countless droid pods are sent down as he hopes to halt the Clone advance. Despite a heavy disadvantage, the Clones persist, and continue on towards Bravo Base.

Seeing no way of stopping them without his army, High Admiral Pax decides to visit them from his shuttle. His goal is not to negotiate, but to break their will. While above them, he drops the helmets of their fallen brothers in the 21st Nova Corps . This angers the Clones, and they push through Ruins even faster despite the incoming orbitals being launched from Pax's ship. 

After finding cover in the mountains, the Clones persist through Ruins and High Admiral Pax pulled his forces back to make one final stand at Bravo Base.

Day 21: The Ballad of Silk

After securing his prisoners, High Admiral Pax left the Rhen Varr system with broader plans within the Clone Wars. In his place, the notorious Shadow Admiral Silk was left in command of the ruined Bravo Base. Knowing that their fellow soldiers were still inside, the 21st Nova Corps made a daring plan to rid Rhen Varr of CIS occupation once and for all.

The Clones, led by Commander Bacara, made a two frontal push on Bravo Base. Admiral Silk did not hold back, using orbital bombardments, turrets, pyke soldiers, and 3 Shadows to repel the onslaught of marines. Despite facing heavy losses, the 21st Nova Corps continued to push forward. 

In the chaos, Admiral Silk and his Shadows locate Commander Bacara. In an attempt to divide the enemy and cause chaos, Admiral Silk takes out Commander Bacara and finishes him with a sniper. With the Commander dead, the 21st Nova Corps are left angered and confused. However, the Clones did not stand down. Jedi Master Eugah assumed command and continued the assault. Before long, the Clones had the CIS Admiral surrounded and trapped inside his hangar.

Silk pulled back all his forces, but there were too few. The Clones continued to push relentlessly, destroying every droid in their path. Jedi Master Eugah led his forces through the hangar and into the long hallway where many of his men lost their lives. After a tough and long push, the Clones successfully defeated the droids and killed Admiral Silk.

The CIS, now leaderless on Rhen Varr, fled the planet to reunite with High Admiral Pax. After nearly a month of bleeding and fighting, the Clones have successfully won one of the deadliest campaigns to date.

Day 22: The Final Send-Off

As the campaign draws to a conclusion, the Clones all gather on a Venator to mourn the loss of their brothers throughout this fierceless conflict.

They are met with a sketchy old man and his attendants, who begins to read off the name of every Clone that had lost their life. As the old man reaches the final name, he instructs the clones to fire upon a ship he had paid for out of his own pockets as a final homage. 

As the ship is launched into the air, the Clones oblige to his request and fire upon it. Unbeknownst to them, the ship contains the casket of Commander Bacara, and as a final send-off his body is engulfed in flames as the remaining parts of the ship scatter off into space.

Shortly after this incident, the Clones learn of what they had just done and form an angry mob. The sketchy old man and his attendants hastily flee from the Venator as the Clones frantically chase them.