Imperial Commando 2, a novel that was ultimately shelved, was intended as a direct sequel to Imperial Commando: 501st, further developing the narrative of the Republic Commando storyline.
As a direct continuation from "Imperial Commando: 501st," this story sees the Clone Wars concluded, with the Republic commandos now clad in the iconic white armor of stormtroopers, serving the Galactic Empire. However, dissent brews within their ranks, as some commandos remain disloyal to the Emperor, transforming the fight against the rebels into a fratricidal conflict among clone brothers! The burgeoning Empire is consolidating its power on Mandalore, but Kal Skirata's group of clone deserters and fugitive Jedi face a new, more deeply rooted menace that has been secretly developing for decades. The Death Watch has resurfaced. These hated Mandalorian extremists—a ruthless nationalist faction responsible for the murder of Jango Fett's parents—are now in the employ of the Empire, threatening to ignite a civil war within the Mandalore sector. As Clan Skirata prepares to settle old scores, fully aware of the potential for defeat, Imperial commandos Darman and Niner embark on a clandestine mission that will inevitably bring them into conflict with their former comrades. Their objective: to locate and eliminate the eccentric Jedi Master Djinn Altis, an unlikely ally of Clan Skirata. However, Darman harbors his own hidden agenda, even from Niner. He seeks to find his son, Kad. The galaxy presents a perilous environment for a child who is both half-Force sensitive and half clone, and Darman is determined to shield Kad from both the Emperor and the remaining Jedi, by any means necessary—even if it means confronting the man he has always regarded as his father.
Karen Traviss, the author of the preceding novels, was initially slated to write the novel. Nevertheless, Traviss withdrew from the project due to disagreements over contractual terms, as well as modifications to continuity introduced by The Clone Wars animated series.
Despite Del Rey and Lucasfilm Licensing later assigning the novel a preliminary release date in February 2012, with the author being unconfirmed, Sue Rostoni verified on July 19, 2010, that the novel's production had been ceased.
According to Traviss' FAQs on her official website, she would have concluded the cancelled book with the following plot points:
- Bardan Jusik would have altered Arla Fett 's memories, allowing her to cope with the trauma she endured. Following this, she would no longer remember being Arla Fett or the events that befell her family, effectively erasing the pain associated with those memories. Subsequently, she and Jusik would have entered into marriage. [7]
- Kal Skirata and Djinn Altis would have formed an alliance, and the Nulls would have assisted Altis in orchestrating his death to evade capture by the Empire. Scout would have been adopted by Mij Gilamar and Dr. Uthan , but she would have become a member of the Altisian Jedi . [7]
- Skirata and Nyreen Vollen would get married, as would Gilamar and Uthan. [7]
- Maze and Arligan Zey would have embarked on a journey with Altis and Kina Ha . [7]
- Skirata would have achieved a degree of understanding with some of the Kaminoans , and Dr. Uthan would have refined the treatment to halt the accelerated aging process of the clones. [7]
- Darman would have gone back to Mandalore , abducted his son Kad , and fled as a fugitive. Niner would have abandoned the 501st Legion and joined the clan at Kyrimorut . [7]
- The Death Watch would have discovered Dred Priest 's demise at the hands of Gilamar, and would have initiated a hunt for Clan Skirata . [7]
- Rede would have revealed his unwavering loyalty and not naivety, and Skirata would have been compelled to eliminate him to safeguard the others—an action that would have haunted him for the rest of his life. [7]
- Clan Skirata would have been compelled to abandon Mandalore in a ba'slan shev'la (strategic disappearance) to avoid the reach of the Empire . Darman would have accompanied the clan in their disappearance, bringing Kad with him. [7]