Chapter 5

3964 BBY

FLASHPOINT STATION

Searing pain accompanied Alek's return to consciousness making him wish he'd stayed out. He took a moment to take inventory of his injuries; a concussion, broken collarbone, and some blaster burns that had been adequately treated. He tried to push into a sitting position and grimly added broken hand to his list. He sent a burst of Force healing and immediately went into convulsions. An alarm blared in the distance and the force field around him blinked out as several white clothed figures rushed at him.

"Get the collar off him and silence that fraking alarm!" The man's face was red, even for a Zeltron, as he pushed his way past the gawking scientists and pressed a hypospray loaded with an anticonvulsant into Alek's neck. The young man's body stilled as Dr. Demagol administered the drug and a sedative. He turned to an assistant. "Make a note that model FEC400 brought on a tonic-clonic seizure upon activation. I want the readouts from his monitors on my desk immediately."

"Yes sir," the assistant turned to leave but paused. "Do you want the collars removed from the other subjects?"

"No, leave them on but post a round the clock guard in case there are any other unfortunate incidents."

Dr. Demagol hummed to himself, a tuneless raspy sound as he analyzed the data from Alek's vitals and brain scans at the time of the incident. He grinned cruelly. The Force suppression collar performed as hoped in identifying the physiochemical reactions of the wearer as they attempt to actively channel the Force. The problem appeared to be in the electric shock administered to the nervous system to disrupt the connection. He set about tuning the prototype and wondered idly how his other prototypes were faring.

THE COURAGEOUS

JEBBLE-VANQUO-TARNITH LINE

"Nine, come in. Dammit, Vallore, respond!" Carth's frantic calls tugged Jaelyn back into consciousness. She struggled to open her heavy eyes.

"Nine here," she slurred.

"Thank the Force! What's your status?"

She moaned in response, allowing her eyes to drift closed again. Part of her knew she should be looking at her instruments, assessing her physical condition, worrying about her proximity to the burning wreckage of the tanker but the greater part just wanted to drift back into unconsciousness. She reached out, allowing the Force to flow through her, slowly dispelling the fog from her mind. Forcing her eyes open intensified the throbbing in her head but she ground her molars and pushed through the pain. Her eyes scanned the instrument panel, an alarming number of red symbols indicated her ship was probably in worse shape than she was.

"It doesn't look good, Two. I don't think I can pull off a hangar landing. My bird's tail is gone, both maneuvering thrusters are dead. Right wing sustained severe damage and the engine on that side is dead. Life support is offline. I have maybe two hours of air in my flight suit's emergency reserves." Something was tickling her forehead and she reached up to brush it away. Her fingers encountered a sticky liquid. Blood. She blew out breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and directed the Force inward, assessing her injuries.

"I appear to have a concussion and a lot of soft tissue damage. I'll live. What's the status of the rest of the squadron?"

Carth hesitated. "We lost Six, Eight, and Sendak. The angels were vaporized in the tanker explosion." His voice cracked.

So many lives gone in an instant. Grief lodged itself in her throat choking her,

quickly followed by fear knotting her stomach as his words sank in. No emergency crews and the nearest help six hours out meant she'd have to figure out a way to land this fighter, if not in the Courageous' hangar then on Tarnith below. Crashing more likely than landing. She took a deep breath, shunting away the fear and sorrow and focusing on the decision before her. "I can't make the hangar, Carth, and I'm nearing bingo fuel so if I'm going to land this thing it has to be soon. I'm going to try for Tarnith. If possible send someone down after me. I have a feeling I'm going to need some medical assistance."

Carth sucked in a shaky breath and forced calm into his voice. This was going to be near impossible to pull off. He eased his Starfighter in beside hers. "I'll be with you every step of the way, kid."

"Beginning descent." Her ship shuddered as it entered the atmosphere and she clenched her teeth to keep them from rattling. She felt metal shearing off and locked her arms to keep the yoke steady. She gasped as something bumped her ship.

"Sorry about that," Carth's voice was strained as he fought to keep her ship steady, his wing nestled under her shredded one. He tried to slow them but the ground was rushing at them far too quickly and he braced himself for impact.

His head smacked the canopy and he hastily swiped a gloved hand across his bloody nose as he fumbled with the safety restraints. Adrenaline was surging through him but he knew the pain of that crash landing would catch up to him later. He pushed the canopy open and caught sight of the wreckage that remained of Jaelyn's ship and his stomach twisted. Her slumped form was visible through the front of her cockpit, blood spilling down her flightsuit. He searched the skies for the medical frigate but it was nowhere in sight. Carth scrambled over a large boulder separating their ships, radioing again for emergency medical evacuation as he navigated the rocky terrain.

"Hang on kid, I'm going to get you out of there," Carth said as he pried her canopy open. Despite their best attempt at a landing, her fighter's nose had hit first, driving the wreckage into the cockpit. Her legs were hopelessly entangled and he knew he wouldn't be moving her without heavy equipment. He worried they had been crushed beyond repair.

Bleeding out was the biggest concern he quickly realized. A piece of the instrument panel had pinned her leg to the seat, piercing an artery. The color was already draining from her face and she'd be dead in minutes if he couldn't get it stopped. The emergency medkit he'd had the foresight to grab from his fighter contained a haemostatic agent which he quickly applied to her right thigh.

The high pitched whine of landing repulsors were music to his ears and he waved the medics over. "She's trapped by the instrument panel. I treated a punctured femoral artery with QuikStop but that's as far as I got."

The lead medic nodded his thanks for the concise assessment and began directing his staff. "We're dealing with massive blood loss. I want her stabilized first and then we can work on cutting her out. Helms, check and stabilize vitals. Banuln, get a transfusion started."

Carth stepped back to allow the medics to do their jobs. "It's just a bloody nose, I'm fine," he said, impatiently waving off a hovering medic.

It didn't take long for the team to stabilize Jaelyn. Carth climbed back atop the downed fighter to help extricate the unconscious Jedi and see her safely aboard the medical transport.

"Onasi here," he signaled the comms officer aboard the Courageous, "I'm catching a ride home with the medical transport. Send a pilot down to retrieve my fighter and a scavenger crew for Vallore's." Protocol dictated a complete medical evaluation before he'd be allowed to fly again. He wondered what had caused the tanker explosion, if it were an unfortunate accident or something more sinister.

They alighted from the transport and went directly to the medbay where Carth submitted to an evaluation as the Courageous' medical team prepped Jaelyn for a kolto treatment.

"Onasi," his comlink chirped, "after your med eval report to the bridge immediately."

"On my way."

FLASHPOINT STATION

Keeda fought back panic as she woke and realized she was completely cut off from the Force. Her head was pounding. She slowly pushed herself to her feet, swaying slightly. Her hands went to the metal collar around her neck and probed it with her fingers. It wouldn't be easily removed and without the Force was certainly beyond her ability to do so.

Taking deep, calming breaths she surveyed her surroundings. Sterile and almost blindingly white, the large room appeared to be equal parts brig and medical facility. Lining the walls were twelve force cages including the one she was in, each just large enough to lay down in provided it was in a fetal position. She saw Alek unconscious several cages over. Ferroh and the rest of the Jedi were in various states of consciousness in the other cages. There was no sign of the Republic soldiers that had made up the rest of their team. A large operating table and accompanying equipment was in the center flanked by two lab stations. A door at the far end of the room hissed open and a tall Zeltron male clad in Mandalorian armor, sans helmet, entered, followed closely by two humans dressed in white robes. She assumed the white clad humans were doctors but it was obvious that the Zeltron commanded them.

"You're awake! How delightful. Tell me, dear, how do you feel?" The Zeltron's voice was cheerful but even without the Force Keeda could see he was a dangerous man. She returned his stare, her face impassive.

"I wonder, young lady, can you use your vaunted Jedi powers? Favor us with a demonstration, perhaps?" There was a hint of triumph in his tone as if he knew she could no longer feel the I'm Force. Unconsciously she reached up to touch the cool metal pressing against her throat. The Zeltron's eyes lit up.

"It seems the FCC200 is working wonderfully, how exciting!" He rubbed his hands together. "Let's continue monitoring brain scans of this subject as well as the control subjects without collars. I want to see if there are any negative long term effects associated with the chemical suppression." He eyed Keeda. "It does seem to be causing emotional discomfort. This could be beneficial or detrimental depending on the applications. Further observations and testing are needed," he mused.

Keeda felt a mixture of intense anxiety and relief. Her loss of connection to the Force was likely temporary, caused by this blasted collar, but the ramifications of the Mandalorians having developed this technology wasn't lost on her. The doctor, or maybe scientist-Keeda wasn't sure which-had mentioned it was a chemical suppressing her connection to the Force. If they somehow weaponized this chemical it would be devastating for the Republic.

ONDERON

Whether located in the sprawling metropolis of the upper city of Taris or in the putrid bowels of Nar Shadda, all cantinas shared some common elements. Greasy food, beverages or spice to achieve inebriation, scantily clothed entertainment - usually of the Twilek variety, a pazaak hustler, and employment opportunities for anyone desperate or immoral enough to accept them. The perfect place to meet spies, informants, or a high ranking officer of the Onderon military.

Revan spotted General Vaklu in a corner booth. How like a soldier to sit with his back to the wall. Fortunately for her she didn't need her eyes to see the cantina crowd behind her she mused as she slid into the bench opposite him. His holophoto in her intel report didn't do him justice. His dark hair, just shy of lignite black, was cut in a very short military style emphasizing his blue eyes. Not as deep blue as Alek's she thought, wondering not for the first time how he was faring on Suurja.

"General Vaklu, thank you for meeting me."

"Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi." He smiled but his gravelly voice betrayed his tension. "My men have swept the area, we can speak freely here." Revan had identified the plainclothes soldiers studiously maintaining an air of nonchalance when she entered. "I must admit I'm troubled that the Republic has not sent reinforcements. As I'm sure you are aware we are in a tenuous position. We don't have the forces to drive the Mandalorians from Dxun while maintaining our defenses here. Yet allowing their occupation of the nearby moon leaves Onderon vulnerable to invasion."

"I understand and sympathize, General. The Republic faces that same choice on a much grander scale. They have deemed maintaining the Jebble-Vanquo-Tarnith security cordon to be the most effective use of resources. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, that leaves other systems vulnerable to invasion."

"If I may be so bold, Jedi Revan, why are you here if not to offer assistance?"

Revan hesitated a moment. "To be honest, the Mandalorian invasion of Onderon is a forgone conclusion. You don't have the resources to defend against a full scale invasion and the Republic doesn't have the ships or troops to spare. I'm sorry. My mission here was to scout Onderon and Dxun so that when we do come to your aid we can be prepared."

"You'll forgive me if I don't seem appreciative of your sacrificing my people to the greater good," Vaklu said bitterly.

"Again I understand and you must know it was not my decision or the decision of the Republic military but the fact remains we cannot render aid at this time. The most I can offer you is advice and my word that we will free your people. When the invasion begins, give just enough resistance but surrender before you take heavy casualties. I'm planetside for nearly a standard week and my team will assist in laying the groundwork for a resistance movement. We can also give you the weapons and matériel we brought. Stash it and use them to arm your resistance when the time comes. I regret I'm unable to do more."

"Thank you, Jedi Revan. I am disgusted with the way the Republic has handled this blight thus far but I do understand the impossibility of your position. I too have had my dealings with politicians," his face twisted with disgust as he said the word as if it were bitter on his tongue. "I cannot hold you accountable for their faults. We will accept any assistance you're willing to render and look forward to joining you in combat against this scourge when the day comes."

COURAGEOUS

CARGO BAY

JEBBLE-VANQUO-TARNITH LINE

The cargo bay was empty save for the curling blackened hull fragments that remained of the starfighters lost in the incident. Her eyes fell on the crushed remains of her former Aurek Strikefighter. Unease settled into the pit of her stomach as she pondered, for perhaps the first time in her nearly seventeen years, the reality of her own mortality.

"What are you doing in here, Jae? Shouldn't you be in the medbay?" Carth frowned. It had been less than twenty four hours since her brush with death.

"Force heal," she said, shrugging.

"Still. You shouldn't be here. There's nothing but death in this room."

Jaelyn was silent a moment before extending her hand, unfolding her fingers to reveal three small twisted pieces of metal, hull fragments, Carth realized with another pang of grief. "I wanted to remember them, to honor them. The Captain gave me permission, of course," she quickly added, closing her fist and turning back toward the wreckage. "As Jedi, we are taught death is no more than a realization of our true selves as we become one with the Force. There is no grief, no hollow aching. It doesn't feel wrong."

Though he often called her kid he forgot just how young she was. Seeing her standing in this cargo bay looking so lost he was struck by her innocence and idealism. "Everything about war is wrong. I wish I could tell you these are the only deaths you'll grieve but there'll be more. Much more. Remember them, kid, honor them by getting back in that cockpit and giving the Mandos hell." Carth glanced at her fighter, damaged beyond repair. "Maybe not that cockpit," he amended, his lips quirking upward slightly in an attempt at levity.

A matching hint of a smile flitted across Jaelyn's face for an instant before disappearing. "Unfortunately I pretty much ensured no one will ever fly in that cockpit again. Thank you, by the way, for saving my life." She hesitated then awkwardly bestowed a hug on the startled pilot.

"Uh. You're welcome," he gave her a couple clumsy pats on the back.

She quickly released him. "Well, I feel like I could sleep for a month. Guess I should take advantage of the downtime." She began wrapping a pliable piece of metal around a thin section of plaited hair as she backed toward the door.

"Sounds like a plan. The Captain placed me in charge of the squadron so let me know if you need anything. I put in a req for a new fighter for you but it'll be at least a week."

"Congratulations on the promotion. I'm sorry it wa under these circumstances but you deserve it. To be honest I didn't know if they'd want me flying again after my failed landing. Those fighters aren't cheap."

"Are you kidding me? No one could've landed that thing, not even the second best pilot in the fleet," he winked. "Get some sleep, kid. I'm going to need my second in top form."

Jaelyn's jaw dropped. Carth chuckled, surprised it didn't hit the floor. "Go. Sleep. That's an order."

"Yes sir," she saluted him and exited the cargo bay looking a little dazed. Carth allowed himself a genuine smile as he watched her depart.

FLASHPOINT STATION

Another current of electricity arced through his body causing his muscles to spasm painfully. Alek carefully unclenched his teeth, schooling his face into a mask of boredom.

"No more games, Jedi. We need a demonstration of your Force powers to make sure this isn't going to try killing you again," the scientist explained, brandishing the collar controller. Receiving no response he gestured to a pair of guards standing at attention. "We seem to be going about this the wrong way. Bring out the Rodian."

"Don't you touch her!" Alek screamed, his carefully constructed mask falling away, eyes blazing.

"Secure her to the table."

Fear churned in Keeda's stomach and she was briefly concerned she was going to be sick but feigning nonchalance she winked at Alek. "You're just jealous they chose me. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get your turn."

Now completely immobilized, the fear in her stomach was turning into full blown panic. She was dimly aware of Alek screaming threats and obscenities as he threw himself against the energy walls of his force cage, Ferroh's purring voice comforting her, with Foust and William looking on in mute horror but her senses were focused on the scientist. Specifically the scalpel in his hand. His eyes glinted with malice. Keeda watched, unable to look away as he almost reverently parted the thin gown they'd been dressed in and stroked her abdomen. Green blood welled up along the incision from the bottom of her sternum to the top of her pubic bone. She stared for a moment at the dark green pool spreading across her brighter green flesh before the pain hit her. She squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her skull back against the headrest. A whimper escaped her lips before she clamped down on them.

"Forceps, please," the doctor said.

Abandoning his earlier resolution not to give Demagol what he wanted, Alek reached out with the Force to squeeze the life from the Zeltron and promptly collapsed to his knees as electricity coursed through his nervous system, disrupting his connection with the Force.

"It works!" Demagol howled triumphantly. "Do that again please, Jedi, I want to make sure we have enough data." Alek growled dangerously, struggling to his feet. The scientist lifted the scalpel again in response.

"Stop! I'll do it." He reached out with the Force again and again his legs collapsed, his limbs jerking. His face darkened with humilation and anger but he forced himself to remain silent for Keeda's sake.

Thank you, my good man, for obliging us though I do wish you weren't quite so cooperative. Rodian physiology is so very fascinating and there is nothing like a good old fashioned autopsy." He looked regretfully at Keeda before turning to one of his assistants, "get the Rodian sewn back up and return her to her cell. You," he gestured toward another lab coat, "send the specs from this model to production. I want a collar for every Jedi here plus some. Imagine the possibilities!" He was nearly bouncing with glee.

"Do you want me to swap the Rodian's chemical collar for an electric one, sir?"

"Yes. I'm concerned about her recent brain scans. It seems there is some atrophy occurring. A strill pup not able to perform her tricks is no use to me, but the formula may have intriguing possibilities if we can get it aerosolized. Imagine being able to incapacitate Jedi from afar!"

COURAGEOUS

BRIEFING ROOM

JEBBLE-VANQUO-TARNITH LINE

Captain Saul Karath halted his troubled pacing when the briefing room doors hissed open admitting the young Jedi. "Vallore, please sit." He settled his lean frame into a chair opposite hers. Jaelyn pressed her hands together under the table to keep from tapping her fingers nervously as she waited for him to address the reason he'd called her in.

"We've received some troubling reports from Suurja. It seems the Jedi and Republic personnel stationed there are missing."

"What? Missing? How do a unit of Jedi and Republic soldiers just go missing?" she demanded.

"We've been out of communication for 5 weeks. What was assumed to have been a simple equipment failure has now been determined to be Mandalorian sabotage. According to my informants, Jedi Alek was last seen at their camp four days ago. I have no information on the rest but we are confident they were taken captive as no bodies have been found. We do know the Zeltron scientist Demagol has a fascination with Force users and is collaborating with the Mandalorians. I've tasked a team with finding Demagol's base of operations."

"Has Revan been notified?"

"Due to the sensitive nature of her mission she is operating under a comms blackout. She won't be able to send or receive transmissions until she returns."

"And the Jedi Council? What do they know of the situation?"

"Since you are the ranking Jedi - the only Jedi - in the Navy, I wanted to inform you first. I was hoping you could advise me on how best to communicate this incident to the Council."

Jaelyn considered for a moment before replying. "Our work here is not sanctioned by the Council. We should inform them of the disappearances but be prepared to implement search and rescue on our own. I'm sure they will task Revan with it since it's her responsibility as our leader. That she can't be reached at this time will make little difference."

Jaelyn tried to keep the bitterness from seeping into her tone but Karath, ever perceptive, noted it. "Sometimes we see more faults in our mentors than we'd like. It's an unfortunate part of growth. The Council will come to fully support the Revanchists in time, I am sure of it."

"Revanchists?" Jaelyn frowned.

"That's what members of the Republic military have taken to calling the Jedi who left the order to follow Revan. Don't look so upset, my dear, you all are held in very high esteem."

"Well thank you for that but we haven't left the order, the Council gave us permission to fight with the Republic, and I don't think Revan would approve of the name. It was the right thing to do not a quest for personal glory."

"Oh I agree! But you know how these things get embellished and take on a life of their own. Besides, I have a feeling the reputations of the Jedi are going to need a little embellishing. There are plans to integrate you officially into the Navy and Army, ranks and all, and it may not sit well with those who have worked their way up from the academy." He raised a hand. "And before you protest, this is non-negotiable. The time for scouting missions and back channel operations is coming to an end. Integrating the Jedi into the chain of command will be essential for what is to come."

Jaelyn pursed her lips. "I'll let Revan deal with this when she returns. Right now my friends are missing and I need to find them. I am officially requesting permission to join the search and rescue team, sir."

"I already reassigned you. In fact all of Lance squadron has been assigned to this operation. Lieutenant Onasi has already been notified. You'll meet up with the special task force on Suurja and join their investigation."

"Thank you, sir, and the Jedi Council?"

"I will contact them personally."

"Please send word of their reply. On the off chance they're willing to send a team I want to be prepared."

TARIS

Despite having all the trappings of the Jedi - robe, lightsaber, Padawan braid - Zayne Carrick never really felt like he belonged in the Jedi order. A mediocre student at best, he grew up in the shadow of Revan and Alek but never resented them for it. He never aspired to be a great Jedi Knight, content instead to develop his investigative skills. He had developed a reputation on Taris for his collaborations with the local authorities. Thus he was wary though unsurprised when a disreputable looking man approached him claiming to have information on Jedi prisoners.

"Why should I trust you, Mandalorian?"

"Because my intel is good," he handed Zayne a datachip. "Go ahead, have it validated, but know that every moment you delay is one more moment your people are in the hands of that madman."

He sensed no deception in the wizened warrior but wasn't ready to trust him implicitly. "Why are you betraying your people to help Jedi? What's in this for you?"

"Nothing save the satisfaction of seeing that butcher brought to justice. There is no honor in his so called experiments. I am ashamed he has garnered the support of Mandalore. I tried to bring his atrocities to the attention of the clans but to no avail. I am no hut'uun I do not run from the fight. I stand with my people but this Demagol, this carver of flesh,is dar'manda, no longer my people."

"Good enough for me," Zayne said. "But we're going to need help. I know a Jedi in the Navy, she apprenticed under Revan. I bet she can pull some strings and-"

"No!" the warrior said sharply. "If the Republic got their hands on me I'd never see the light of day."

"I'm sure we can work out a deal."

"You think they're not going to hold me accountable for Cathar? For the thousands of deaths on planets all along the Rim? No. No Republic. It's you and me or not at all."

"Look, I don't know what you've heard about me but I'm not the most capable Jedi."

"Jetii you may or may not be but a Jedi is not what I need. I need someone who depends on their wits more than their Jetii'kad," he spat, gesturing toward Zayne's lightsaber. "If the time comes you can leave the fighting to me. Besides, there'll be Jedi aplenty where we're going."

"Okay, we go alone. I assume you have a plan?"

"You'll be my prisoner of course."

"Of course," Zayne said dryly. "Can I at least get your name or am I to continue calling you Mandalorian?"

"Rohlan Dyre of clan Skirata. You may call me Dyre."

A/N: It feels awkward to end the chapter here but originally 5 was a painfully long (like twice the size of everything else) chapter and it really needed to be divided so here we are! Also when I first set out to write this story Carth was just going to be a cameo but I just can't seem to get him out of the story! I'm also moving slower through the war than I originally intended. I had planned on combining the Mandalorian and Jedi civil war into this one story but now I'm not sure. Thoughts are welcome. Maybe a short story featuring the events of the Jedi Civil War would be better than one monstrous story? Drop me a review or PM with your thoughts! Thanks for joining me on this journey!