The Approaching Storm

The Approaching Storm was a novel tie-in to the release of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones published on January 29, 2002. It was written by Alan Dean Foster; it was his first Star Wars novel since Splinter of the Mind's Eye, the original EU product. An excerpt of the book was included in Dark Journey. Narration for the audio version was performed by Alexander Adams.

Editions

 * ISBN 0345443004, January 29, 2002, Del Rey, Hardcover
 * ISBN 0553528955, January 29, 2002, Random House Audio, Abridged cassette
 * ISBN 0553755242, January 29, 2002, Random House Audio, Abrdiged CD
 * ISBN 0345442997, January 2003, Del Rey, Paperback

Back cover
While the entire galaxy watches and waits, two Jedi and their apprentices battle impossible odds to protect the Republic&hellip;.

Inside flap
In the years since the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace'', the Republic has continued to crumble, and more and more, the Jedi are needed to help the galactic government maintain order. As Star Wars: Attack of the Clones opens, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have just returned from a mission on a world called Ansion. Written by beloved Star Wars veteran Alan Dean Foster, and starring a new character from the upcoming movie, The Approaching Storm tells the story of that daring mission.''

''The Republic is decaying, even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was elected to save the galaxy from collapsing under the forces of discontent. On the tiny but strategic planet of Ansion, a powerful faction is on the verge of joining the growing secessionist movement. The urban dwellers wish to expand into the prairies outside their cities—the ancestral territory of the fierce, independent Ansion nomads. If their demands are not met, they will secede—an act that could jump-start a chain reaction of withdrawal and rebellion by other worlds of the Republic.''

''At the Chancellor's request, the Jedi Council sends two Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli, to resolve the conflict and negotiate with the elusive nomads. Undaunted, Obi-Wan and Luminara, along with their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, set out across the wilderness. Many perils lie waiting to trap them. The Jedi will have to fulfill near-impossible tasks, befriend wary strangers, and influence two great armies to complete their quest, stalked all the while by an enemy sworn to see the negotiations collapse and the mission fail&hellip;.

Paperback
''The Republic is decaying, even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was elected to save the galaxy from collapsing under the forces of discontent. On the tiny but strategic planet of Ansion, a powerful faction is on the verge of joining the growing secessionst movement. At the Chancellor's request, the Jedi Council sends two Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli, along with their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, to stabilize the planet's population. To succeed, the Jedi will have to fulfill near impossible tasks, befriend wary strangers, and influence two great armies, stalked all the while by an enemy sworn to see the negotiations collapse and the mission fail&hellip;.''

Plot Summary
Just before the events of Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Barriss Offee go to the planet Ansion to make sure the world joins the Republic rather than the growing powers of the Separatists. After an attack on the two female Jedi by a group of mercenaries, they are instantly saved by Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker and the four Jedi begin a journey to meet with Ansion's government for them to settle with the Republic. However, the foursome's attempts become a bit more complicated with the machinations of Ansion's residing Hutt, Soergg, who instead wants Ansion to join the Separatists. Nevertheless, the four Jedi make it through all impossible odds with the help of two clanless Ansionians that originally worked for Soergg and had their minds restored to a more fixed way thanks to Barriss's healing talents from the Force. After getting through much of Ansion's wildlife, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Luminara and Barriss make two Ansion clans make a peace treaty that ended their war, thus gaining more support for the Republic. Getting through more of Soergg the Hutt's machinations, the four Jedi eventually coerce Ansion to join the Republic on its voting day, and they successfully have Ansion side with the Republic. The prologue features Shu Mai, and the epilogue features a cameo by Shu Mai and Count Dooku.

Appearances
{{App
 * characters=
 * Baiuntu, merchant (male Ansionian)
 * Bayaar, scout (male Ansionian)
 * Bulgan, criminal (male Ansionian)
 * Tun Dameerd, representative of the Unity Council (male Human)
 * Count Dooku, leader of the Separatists movement (male Human) {{Holo}}
 * Fargane, representative of the Unity Council (male Ansionian)
 * Nute Gunray, Trade Federation Viceroy (male Neimoidian) {{Mo}}
 * Ib-Dunn, criminal (male Smotl)
 * Induran, representative of the Unity Council (female Ansionian)
 * Nemrileo irm-Drocubac, senator {male Tanjayan)
 * Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master (male Human) {{Mo}}
 * Kandah, representative of the Unity Council (female Ansionian)
 * Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight (male Human)
 * Ki-Adi-Mundi, Jedi Master (male Cerean) {{Mo}}
 * Kyakhta, criminal (male Ansionian)
 * Shu Mai, president of the Commerce Guild (female Gossam)
 * Mazong, Highborn of Yiwa clan (male Ansionian)
 * Mousul, senator (male Ansionian)
 * Barriss Offee, Jedi Padawan Jedi Healer (female Mirialan)
 * Ogomoor, majordomo (male Ansionian)
 * Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Grand Chancellor of the Galactic Republic (male Human) {{Mo}}
 * Ranjiyn, representative of the Unity Council (male Ansionian)
 * Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Padawan (male Human)
 * Soergg the Hutt, bossban (male Hutt)
 * Tolut, representative of the Unity Council (male Armalat)
 * Tooqui, thief, pet (male Gwurran)
 * Tam Uliss, business associate from Ansion (male Corellian)
 * Luminara Unduli, Jedi Master (female Mirialan)
 * Garil Volune, representative of the Unity Council (male Human)
 * Watto, merchant (male Toydarian) {{Mo}}
 * Mace Windu, Jedi Master (male Human) {{Mo}}
 * Yoda, Jedi Master (male Yoda's species {{Mo}}


 * creatures=
 * Awiquod
 * Bantha {{Mo}}
 * Backswimmers
 * Birru
 * Chawix
 * Cicien {{Mo}}
 * Coleac
 * Crowlyn
 * Dance pixie
 * Dorgum
 * Gairk
 * Geril
 * Gogomar {{Mo}}
 * Hootle {{Mo}}
 * Jijite
 * Kholot
 * Kilk
 * Kyren
 * Looma
 * Lorqual
 * Membibi
 * Notonian mudworm {{Mo}}
 * Omoht
 * Ongun-nur
 * Pekz
 * Porgrak {{Mo}}
 * Sadain
 * Scratcher
 * Searous
 * Seedcracker
 * Shanh
 * Surepp
 * Suubatar
 * Tweare {{Mo}}
 * Vaoloi {{Mo}}
 * Yiran


 * droids=
 * Commdroid
 * Protocol droid {{Mo}}
 * Security droid {{Mo}}
 * Seeker droid {{Mo}}


 * events=
 * Mission to Ansion
 * Naboo incident {{Mo}}
 * Podracing {{Mo}}


 * locations=
 * Ansion
 * Delgerhan {{Mo}}
 * Doigon {{Mo}}
 * Dzavak Lakes {{Mo}}
 * Flerauw {{Mo}}
 * Hurkaset {{Mo}}
 * Kander Region {{Mo}}
 * Korumdah {{Mo}}
 * Niruu Plateau {{Mo}}
 * Piyanzi {{Mo}}
 * Sorr-ul-Paan Plateau
 * Cuipernam {{1st}}
 * Govialty Gate
 * Jaaruls Street
 * Songoquin Street
 * Torosogt River
 * Aviprine {{Mo}}
 * Coruscant
 * Bindai suburb {{Mo}}
 * S-93 Area {{Mo}}
 * Bror Towers
 * Bror Tower Three
 * Bror Tower Four
 * Jedi Temple {{Mo}}
 * Quadrant H-46
 * Savvam Lake
 * Naboo {{Mo}}
 * Tanjay IV {{Mo}}
 * Tatooine {{Mo}}
 * Vorian Four {{Mo}}


 * organizations=
 * Alwari
 * Overclan
 * Borokii
 * Situng Borokii
 * Borokii Council of Elders
 * Januul
 * Hovsgol Januul
 * Januul Council of Elders
 * Eihin {{Mo}}
 * Eijin
 * Gaxun {{Mo}}
 * Nazay {{Mo}}
 * Niruu {{Mo}}
 * Pangay Ous {{Mo}}
 * Qiemo Adrangar {{Mo}}
 * Yiwa
 * Southern Hatagai {{Mo}}
 * Tasbir
 * Bounty hunter {{Mo}}
 * Commerce Guild {{1st}}
 * Coruscant News Network
 * Empire {{Mo}}
 * Galactic Republic
 * Jedi Healer
 * Jedi Council {{Mo}}
 * Republic Senate {{Mo}}
 * Sniper
 * Trade Federation {{Mo}}
 * Unity of Community
 * Qulun


 * species=
 * Ansionian {{1st}}
 * Armalat {{1st}}
 * Brogune {{1st}}
 * Corellian
 * Dbarian {{1st}}
 * Dorun {{1st}}
 * Gossam
 * Gwurran {{1st}}
 * Hoguss {{1st}}
 * Human
 * Keitumite {{1stm}}
 * Malarian {{1stm}}
 * Mielp {{1st}}
 * Mirialan
 * Seuvhat
 * Smotl {{Mo}}
 * Tanjayan {{1st}}
 * Throbe {{1st}}
 * Twi'lek
 * Varvvan {{1st}}
 * Vrot {{1st}}
 * Wetakk {{1st}}
 * Yuzzem


 * vehicles=
 * Aircar {{Mo}}
 * Airtruck {{Mo}}
 * Podracer {{Mo}}
 * Speeder
 * Judicial speeder
 * Landspeeder {{Mo}}
 * Starliner {{Mo}}


 * technology=
 * Blaster
 * Blaster rifle
 * Chronometer
 * Knife
 * Comlink
 * Comm station
 * Computer {{Imo}}
 * De-sealer
 * Electrobinoculars
 * Glowpole
 * Glowrod
 * Holo
 * Laser
 * Malarian laser pistol
 * Lightsaber
 * Polus net
 * Scanner
 * Sword
 * Transparisteel
 * Turbolift

}}
 * miscellanea=
 * Ansionian tea
 * Atomizer
 * Bako
 * Blo-bi
 * Dramassian silk {{Mo}}
 * Dustcape
 * Dyzat
 * Energy pudding
 * Fungus
 * Huu
 * Irgkul bush {{Mo}}
 * Jiaguin
 * Kapchenaga
 * Hyperspace {{Mo}}
 * Keitumite Mutual Military Treaty {{1stm}}
 * Malarian Alliance {{1stm}}
 * Marthan fruit
 * Mathos
 * Miywondl
 * Momus bush {{Mo}}
 * Nomgon's Arm
 * Nyngwah nooglik
 * Paluruvu
 * Pikach
 * Plasticine
 * Quartz
 * Quintolium {{Mo}}
 * Republic credit {{Mo}}
 * Sanwiwood
 * Stuicer
 * Testosterone
 * Uldas
 * Viann
 * Xellwood
 * Whorh
 * Zeka grass

Behind the scenes
The events of The Approaching Storm are referenced in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones when Mace Windu mentions that Obi-Wan Kenobi had just returned from a border dispute on Ansion.

Both Mirialans are referred to as Humans throughout The Approaching Storm. Barriss even refers to herself as human more than once.

Luminara Unduli, already a Jedi Master in Cloak of Deception, is referenced as a Jedi Knight.

Cover gallery
This is a gallery of the different cover variations of The Approaching Storm.