Battle of Malastare

The Battle of Malastare, one of the longest and fiercest engagements of the Clone Wars, took place in 22 BBY on the planet Malastare. Hostilities commenced when an invasion force of the Confederacy of Independent Systems assaulted the Mid Rim world, which had fuel reservoirs necessary for the Galactic Republic to maintain its offensive. After an extended period of fighting, the battle appeared to conclude with a Separatist victory, so Republic Supreme Chancellor Palpatine authorized the use of an untested superweapon, the electro-proton bomb, which was capable of deactivating technology by means of an electromagnetic pulse.

As the Republic forces and Malastare's native Dug units occupied a final position near Doge Nakha Urus' palace, a flight of bombers dropped the electro-proton bomb on the advancing Confederate droid columns. The weapon successfully deactivated the enemy army, but it also created a sinkhole, which swallowed Republic men and equipment. Rescuers led by Jedi Master Mace Windu discovered that a gargantuan creature—the Zillo Beast—had been awoken by the blast. Although the Dugs attempted to kill the beast, fearing that it would destroy their civilization, Palpatine desired to save the monster for possible experimenting, as its armor could not be penetrated by lightsabers or blasters. Eventually, a force of stun tanks subdued the beast, which was then taken to the Republic capital world of Coruscant for study, and a treaty was signed with the Dugs, providing the Grand Army of the Republic with fuel.

Text and facts from the “Battle of Malastare/Legends” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.