Introduction to Taun We
Taun We, a Kaminoan administrator, played a pivotal role in the creation of the Galactic Clone Army. Serving as an aide to Prime Minister Lama Su, Taun We became a key figure when Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi arrived on Kamino, setting in motion the events that would shape the Clone Wars. Voiced by Rena Owen in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Taun We is remembered for being instrumental in bringing about the Republic’s most powerful military force.
Kamino and the Art of Cloning
Kamino, a water-covered planet inhabited by the slender and mysterious Kaminoans, was renowned for its cloning technology. For years, Kamino had been hidden from the Jedi Order’s archives, ensuring the Republic remained unaware of the secret clone army being developed. The secret was only uncovered when Obi-Wan Kenobi, pursuing the bounty hunter Jango Fett, stumbled upon the planet.
Upon Obi-Wan’s arrival, Taun We welcomed the Jedi Knight and revealed the existence of a clone army commissioned by Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas over a decade earlier. Taun We’s role as an administrator was crucial in overseeing the production of the clone army, ensuring that the project progressed as planned.
The Clone Template: Jango Fett
The Clone Army was developed using the genetic material of Jango Fett, one of the galaxy’s most skilled and feared bounty hunters. Taun We, alongside Lama Su, carefully monitored the cloning process, which involved altering Fett’s DNA to create soldiers who were more obedient and capable than the average being. The Kaminoans ensured that the clones developed quickly, reaching fighting age in just a few short years due to the accelerated growth.
Taun We explained this process to Obi-Wan during a tour of Kamino’s cloning facilities. The Kaminoans, with their characteristic calmness, viewed the creation of the clone army as a business transaction, showing little concern for the implications this army would have on the galaxy.
Kaminoan Detachment from Galactic Politics
Kaminoans, including Taun We, were known for their detached demeanor and disinterest in galactic politics. Taun We displayed this trait when interacting with Obi-Wan, focusing solely on the completion of the clone army and not the potential consequences. For the Kaminoans, this was a contract they were determined to fulfill to the highest standard, without much thought given to the political turmoil brewing across the galaxy.
Taun We and the Kaminoans were unaware of the darker elements behind the creation of the Clone Army. The involvement of Darth Sidious and the Sith remained a mystery to them, and Taun We’s role was purely professional, concentrating on the technical aspects of the project.
The Role of Taun We in the Clone Wars
Though Taun We were not seen on the battlefield, the Clone Army’s performance in the Clone Wars is a testament to the Kaminoans’ careful design. The clones fought on many fronts, demonstrating their effectiveness against the Separatist droid army. However, the clones were also bred to follow orders without question, a trait that would later be exploited with the infamous Order 66—leading to the near-total destruction of the Jedi Order.
Taun We’s work contributed to the success of this army, not just in terms of their combat efficiency but in their loyalty, which would be critical to the Sith’s plan to reshape the galaxy. This was exemplified in the activation of Order 66, which saw the clones turn on their Jedi generals without hesitation.
Taun We in The Clone Wars Series
Taun We’s role continued to be explored in The Clone Wars animated series. Appearing again as an aide to Lama Su, Taun We continued to oversee the production and maintenance of the clones during the Clone Wars. Kamino became a central location for both the Republic and the Separatists, as the facilities remained essential to the ongoing war effort.
However, the rise of the Galactic Empire following the Clone Wars began to diminish the role of Kamino and its cloning operations. As the Republic transformed into the Empire, the need for new clones was reduced, signaling the end of Kamino’s dominance in cloning technology.
Taun We’s Impact on Galactic History
Despite limited screen time, Taun We’s contributions to galactic history are undeniable. The creation of the Clone Army, a force that played a decisive role in the Clone Wars, was a direct result of Kaminoan expertise and Taun We’s administrative oversight. The army would later become a critical tool in Emperor Palpatine’s rise to power, used to destroy the Jedi Order and secure control over the galaxy.
Taun We’s calm and methodical nature made the Kaminoans ideal partners in the Sith’s grand plan, even if they were unaware of the manipulation behind it. The clones, designed for loyalty and precision, were perfect instruments for the downfall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire.
The Kaminoan Legacy
Taun We’s legacy extends beyond the Clone Wars, as Kamino and its cloning technology continued to influence the galaxy long after the fall of the Republic. The Kaminoans, including Taun We, had left an indelible mark on galactic history by creating the Clone Army, which would be instrumental in shaping the future of the galaxy.
Even after the rise of the Empire, Kamino’s cloning techniques remained valuable, though the demand for new clone soldiers dwindled. Cloning technology would continue to be used in various forms, preserving the legacy of Taun We and the Kaminoans as masters of their craft.
