The Soft War

"After a rebel endeavor to liberate Ramsis Dendup, the true monarch of Onderon, an unforeseen partner emerges to prevent Dendup's execution and support the rebel objectives."

The Onderon insurgents persist in their assaults against the Separatist droid forces that are occupying the capital. Despite their ongoing achievements, they face a persistent challenge in gaining the trust and backing of the populace. Sanjay Rash, the Separatists' appointed ruler, once more accuses his predecessor and captive, Ramsis Dendup, of instigating this terrorist activity, despite Dendup's denials. He then decrees Dendup's execution for the following day, aiming to demoralize the rebels. Simultaneously, Ahsoka experiences increasing internal conflict between her obligations as a Jedi under the directives of the Council and her empathy for the rebels. Ultimately, she resolves to adhere to her orders, allowing the rebel movement to develop independently.

When Dono, a rebel, informs them of the impending execution, Steela resolves to free King Dendup during his procession to the execution site, intending to leverage the event's publicity to garner public support. However, her brother Saw, still resentful for not being chosen as the rebel leader, decides to liberate Dendup immediately, venturing to the palace alone. He successfully locates the king, pledging his movement's allegiance, but his rescue attempt is thwarted by a one-way shield, leading to his capture. Subsequently, Kalani tortures him, seeking information about the rebels. Saw remains steadfast, and General Akenathen Tandin, the commander of the Onderon military, intervenes to prevent Saw's death by halting the torture. Later, in a private discussion, Tandin's desire to maintain the status quo to safeguard his people's lives contrasts with Saw's commitment to his cause and loyalty to his king.

Upon Dono's return, dispatched by Steela to monitor Saw, he reports Saw's capture. Lux and the other rebels prepare a rescue mission, but Steela and Ahsoka restrain them, emphasizing the paramount importance of rescuing Dendup. The following morning, Steela, Lux, Ahsoka, and a small contingent of rebels proceed to the palace square, where Dendup's and Saw's executions are imminent. They manage to stop the executions, but their escape is impeded by the arrival of a squad of super battle droids and destroyers, resulting in Dono's death. Under Dendup's command, the rebels surrender, forced to witness Rash's attempt to proceed with the execution. However, an unexpected ally intervenes: Tandin, disgusted by the Separatists' and Rash's takeover of his planet and inspired by Saw's arguments, leads his soldiers to free Dendup and the rebels, using Rash as a temporary hostage to facilitate their escape. Before the droids can kill him, Ahsoka, disregarding her orders to remain uninvolved, uses telekinesis to incapacitate them. When Rash orders the droids to pursue the escaping group, the outraged spectators in the palace square revolt against the droids, obstructing their path and enabling Ahsoka and Tandin to escape.

Subsequently, at the rebels' hideout, both the rebels and the Onderon army, represented by Tandin, pledge their allegiance to their rightful king. With renewed confidence, a grateful Dendup decides that winning the trust of their people is the optimal strategy to counter a retaliatory strike by Count Dooku for his liberation, eliciting cheers from his loyalists, including a reconciled Saw. Later, as Ahsoka briefs Obi-Wan and her master, she reveals that the Jedi's involvement in the rebellion has become public knowledge, compelling the Jedi to decide whether to openly align themselves in the approaching conflict.