The following preview has been approved for all Star Wars gamers. [The scene slowly fades into view, with calm, soothing music in the background.] It was a time of prosperity Coruscant Plaza in daytime. Air-Taxis and Republic shuttles pass overhead, as people go about their daily business. A civilized age, watched over by guardians of peace and justice A sweeping view of the Jedi Council Chamber, with all the Jedi masters in attendance. A time when those of principle worked for the good of all . . . In a room decorated with the symbols of the Old Republic, Chancellor Valorium begins typing into a datapad. [Suddenly, the scenes become jarring, one after the other in rapid succession. The music becomes fast-paced, quickening the heartbeat and giving a sense of urgency.] Pirate ships, armed versions of the Rebel Blockade Runner from Star Wars, fire on a merchant vessel. There is an explosion, and the ship is crippled. A Jedi padawan staggers to her feet, cuts along her face as if she had been hit with shards of glass. With a snarl, she activates her lightsaber . . . But decay has come to the Old Republic [The speed of the scenes slows slightly, and the music sets a darker tone.] A Trade Federation representive declares in a loud voice, "We will increase our military presence to defend our sovereign rights!" There is an uproar in the Senate chamber, and Chancellor Valorium makes a futile effort to quiet the outraged senators. A group of swoop pilots rush toward the finish line in a race. Unnoticed by the pilot, one swoop's engine contains a bomb, with a timer slowly counting down . . . A Republic cruiser, painted red to signal its diplomatic immunity, travels through space. Nearby is a gas cloud, majestically colored with fiery red and ice blue tendrils of intergalactic vapor. Barely visible, behind an icy asteroid, the engines of a pirate vessel come to life. . . . and desperate measures are necessary to preserve the peace A young noble looks up from the datapad he's holding, a surprised expression on his face. He stares at the messenger in front of him, and says, "I've been appointed as a Senate ambassador?" In the Jedi Council Chamber, Yoda addresses a Jedi Knight and his padawan apprentice. "Unfortunate, this deception is. Your training denied, had we known." As war threatens the galaxy . . . [War music plays.] A Neimoidian officer surveys a battle droid assembly line, and turns to an assistant. "No longer shall we rely on Republic forces to protect us. Our new partner has provided all we need to safeguard our interests." A noble from House Melantha addresses members of the Great Council of Tapani sector, and states, "The Republic no longer functions as it did in the days of old. Perhaps it is time we chose a new path . . ." In the shipyards above the world of Oubliette, a ship is being built. Though only a rough framework is assembled, the outline is reminiscient of a Victory-class star destroyer . . . . . . who will stand against the dying of the Light? Two Jedi block blaster bolts, protecting a young noble and his entourage. A door opens in the shadows of a nearby building, and a shady figure beckons them towards a path of escape. [The music pauses, then turns slow and sinister.] Darth Sidious, his face partially concealed by the hood of his cloak, turns to someone off-screen. "Fear is our weapon, and a powerful weapon it is." Star Wars: Twilight Coming this March to a computer screen near you © 2001 Casey McGirt