- Jedi Temple - Coruscant....
Standing in front of his own Council, the Grandmaster removed his lightsaber handing it to one of the members in the room.
"I am....compromised. I can no longer lead this Council with a pure heart. Rage has taken my soul..." Murmurs began to erupt in the circular room as the Grandmaster smiled and raised a hand slowly to quiet them. "My friends...I will always be with you. Always, I shall answer the call of the Order and fulfill my duties as a Jedi Master. But, for now...I must take my leave. I depart the Temple tonight to go into seclusion. Self-study and to rid myself of the rage and fear that has infiltrated my heart." Turning to walk purposefully toward the door he continued to smile, losing it as he turned to face them. "This has been a test for all of us. A False Prophet of the Force was able to lure some of you away from your calling, your duty as Masters of the Jedi. That, I cannot abide. I may have realized my own darkness too late, but some of you have had doubts the entire time. Perhaps some soul searching is in order for all of us."
--
In the labyrinth beneath the Temple, two Sentinels stood silent guard in front of the cell which housed Master Harbeck. It didn't take long for the assembled Masters to leave the Council chambers and make their way down to the lower levels. In the wake of the Grandmaster's departure there was no clear leader, but the consensus was clear. This was a matter that had to be dealt with immediately. All ten members of the Council entered the cell with grave looks on their faces. All of the looks cast at Harbeck who smiled at them all from the bed he sat on.
"My Friends...I suppose you have come to exile me, send me away?"
The Council members all exchanged glances until one of the members decided to speak up.
"Exile would be a welcome penance, would it not? To be honest, we haven't decided what we are going to do..." One of the Council members spoke up angrily, his face red and turned in Harbeck's direction.
"This...’thing’ has already cost us two Grandmasters! I say we see it destroyed! We have rules against death to Jedi who have committed atrocities. But we have no rule against death to...abominations! Things!!" Eyebrows turned upwards as some considered the words. Finally, the Council member who Tarkin so easily twisted and who Tarkin had been so kind to tell Harbeck all about stepped to the forefront. He turned his back to Harbeck looking at those assembled in front of him, his hands outstretched in an all too familiar fashion.
"This creature...abomination or not, has reason. Reason enough to use the Force in a manner none of us have ever seen. The ability to utilize both the Light and the Dark is a power that someday, we may have to consider. To destroy it now would not only be inhumane, it may also be cutting our noses off to spite our own faces..." The speaker glanced over his shoulder at Harbeck, "...it is for that reason and that reason alone that we should consider placing it in ‘The Prism’....stasis, until we have gotten ourselves in order. Until we can truly know what it is we want to do." Heads nodded at the logic. All beginning to come to an agreement. Harbeck sat back feinting disappointment, but on the inside he smiled wickedly.
--
Stepping into the stasis chamber in the isolated Prism facility. Harbeck took one last look around, the Council members all gathered in a semi-circle to watch the procedure. Laying his back against the inside of the chamber, Harbeck watched as the technicians began the series of operations which would place him in a state of indefinite suspension. Coming off the back of the chamber Harbeck felt compelled to say something, pointing at them all.
"I will be back..." He placed his back against the chamber again continuing his gaze at the assembled, the cascade of suspension mists and gases entering the sealed chamber. In less than a minute it was over, Harbeck was safely tucked away in the Prism. The last of the Council members stopping to affix a tag to the outside of the chamber.
< Master Élan Harbeck - NOT TO BE OPENED WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE JEDI COUNCIL>
--
- Coruscant, Alpha labs….Five Years after the Harbeck incident…..
One by one the children of various ages were led into the white walled room. All were lined against the wall facing a large one-way mirror. Personnel on the other side watched them all file in looking at their datapads to check off that each one of the test subjects were accounted for. Nodding to the others, the lead scientist gestured at the children behind the mirrored window.
"This is Alpha Pod; the last of our test collectives. And as it turns out, the only one that was completely viable. Two Zabraks, one Rattataki, two Mirialans...the females are both Mirialan." One of the others in the darkened room looked up at the gesturing man, glancing at the children.
"We can’t return them to the orphanage. Or, release them into the ‘wild’, so to speak. Our choices are limited.”
“Liquidation?” Another scientist spoke up, raising an eyebrow.
“I haven’t received that order. But…prudence suggests that we should prepare for that possibility. In the meantime, they will remain isolated. All program training ceases, no more protocol infusions. For all intents and purposes, this project is cancelled—”
They all turned as the door to the observation lounge opened. A large thin man accompanied by two rather dark looking guards entered. Looking out at the assembled children through the two-way glass before looking back to the scientists.
“I’m sorry—” The lead scientist asked in annoying tone. “—this is a restricted area. Who are you?”
“That’s not important Doctor—” The thin man spoke without looking at him. Gesturing to his side, one of the guards handed the Doctor a datapad. Which the Doctor looked over quickly. “—what is important. You have new orders. The Republic looks at this project as vital to galactic security. All of these 'weapons' are viable.” Looking at the assembled scientist, the thin man removed his holo-glasses and smiled. “You are back in business, Gentlemen…start the training protocols. We move into phase three in four weeks.”
Turning, the thin man and his guards began to leave. The Doctor lowered the datapad after reading it, calling out to the one who gave it to him. “And you are?”
“Stone.” The thin man turned back and gave a cheeky smile. “General Stone. We are all…’General Stone’. Your Republic benefactors and that's all you need to know…get to work gentlemen. We have a galaxy to defend…”
--
Jedi Matrons were not strong in the Force. That was not their calling. Nurturing and child rearing was. And the Jedi Matrons assigned to the Jedi Orphanage on Corellia were particularly adept at what they did. So much, that they blamed themselves for their facility being selected by the Republic as the test bed for one of its projects. Had they done a less adequate job, perhaps their children would have been spared.
Having spent most of their childhoods under the watchful gaze of both the Matrons and the various scientists that choose to grace the halls of the orphanage, it was not surprising to see new faces. Even with the disdainful gazes of the Jedi behind every scientist. Many complaints were lodged. Especially when the protocols started taking effect. None of the complaints were answered. The Jedi Temple was part of the project and accepting as to what was going on. In their view, it was a chance to give a group of children something extraordinary, in an otherwise hopeless situation.
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Numbered one thru five, the children were all endowed with special gifts. Each one having a particular portion of their DNA enhanced beyond the scope of the others. All were possessed of extra ordinary strength, agility, intelligence and a near holo-graphic memory. But one set of specific attributes were enhanced in the each one to fill a role within their pod. The numbers corresponding to their ages, Zero-Zero-One; Zabrak Boy number one also known as ‘Trea’vor’ was naturally the leader and not just because of his age.
Trea’vor, or Alpha Zero-Zero-One, was not just a natural leader; he was programmed to be the perfect one. Fear and emotion were erased in him when the protocol was active. And only during those times of extreme duress. Combat situations and drill proved the validity of the protocol’s effects on him. He was brave, loyal and fearless. Possessed of an enhanced strength that provided him the ability to overcome obstacles any normal humanoid would have found difficult if not impossible. Trea’vor could run further, push himself harder and last longer than any normal Soldier. Designed to be the first of a new breed, he was the only one of his type. All other test subjects around the galaxy having failed to produce any results.
Karolin, Zero-Zero-Two and Mrysti, Zero-Zero-Three; were the special case for the test group. Originally Force Sensitive twins, Karolin was designated as the control; while Mrysti the test. Special enhancements were given to Mrysti to see what effect they would have on a twin set. What occurred baffled the scientists in charge of the project. Mrysti grew to an enormous size. Her strength almost equivalent to that of Trea’vor; the nerve centers of her brain were dampened so she would feel no pain and reprogrammed to interpret any sensation of pain to almost enjoy it. She was given the same intelligence and wisdom enhancements as Karolin; but for some reason the other attributes seemed to swallow all of them up. No one knew of the twin’s background. Only that they were found on in a deserted settlement after a tragic ‘accident’. Something else bound them together other than being sisters. Something dark and unscientific. And would cause greater problems for the project later on.
Alpha Zero-Zero-Four; Hamner. A second Zabrak boy was unrelated to Trea’vor. But because Trea’vor was given genetic programming to make him unfailingly loyal to the Republic, the scientist explored the possibility of free-will within Hamner. Enhancing the attributes of cunning and guile in the young man. Also, unlike Trea’vor and more like Karolin and Mrysti; Hamner was Force Sensitive.
The last special case, Alpha-Zero-Zero-Five was a Ratataki Male named Marstel. Mentally retarded from birth due to a defect, he was given all of the enhancements the others were given with one special addition. The ability to control the protocol’s infusion on his own. The scientists wanted to measure the boy’s ability to learn on his own. After the first few infusions, Marstel; already a huge child, grew to enormous proportions. Enhancing his own strength and agility. Still a quiet and shy child, he bonded only with those within his pod and became the anchor for them all. Enforcer, protector and guardian for all things Alpha Pod related. The scientists expected Marstel to leave the protocol active all the time due to its ability to rid the boy of his retardation. They found that Marstel self-deactivated in the presence of the others in order to better fit in. Only activating when necessary to understand or learn something. At some point, Marstel could possibly no longer need the protocol at all, due to its complete infusion into his DNA.
--
With the revamping of the project came new scientists. New Ideas. All of the children being given a specific scientist to lead the charge on their individual programs. Dr. Ze’llamane; a Sith Pureblood was a leading authority on biological pathogens and also a defector from his own people. Dabbling in genetic manipulation, things the Republic once frowned upon, found a home with Project Alpha. And men like Dr. Ze’llamane found work in an otherwise hostile environment. Smiling as he toured the pod, looking the children over with his entourage of lower ranking scientist.
Looking down at his datastream, he reviewed the information on his assignment. One of the Mirialan girls. Her designation: Alpha Zero-Zero-Two; or better known as ‘Karolin’.
“Have the supplements I’ve requested been given to them? They have been in the protocol for how long?” Turning around and speaking lowly, Dr. Ze questioned the others. They all exchanged glances before one of them answered.
"This is the tenth protocol, Doctor Ze’llamane. Results at the other facilities have been random and sporadic. But, these children had a bond before the protocols began. And our results for this group have been outstanding and we believe it’s due to that bond. It has surpassed anything physical and drifted into the realm of chemical.” Dr. Ze gave the scientist speaking a remarkable look. Surprised to hear something so astounding. “This is the reason we are moving to phase three." They all looked out at the children behind the glass. From the back of the small observation room a man none were familiar with, but carried an air of command arched his hands on the chairs of two of the scientists to peer over them.
"…’General Stone’ wishes us to segregate them from their Jedi Matrons. The influence of the ‘babysitters’ will no longer be required. This is a military project now. And ensure the children understand what's going on. Increase the dosage of the DNA enhancers and the stimulants as appropriate to their individual designations." The man nodded to Dr. Ze, who gave the military designee a harsh look. He didn’t like being controlled by those who had no idea of the science behind what it was they were doing.
"General Stone..." Dr. Ze knew that was not the man's real name, but it didn't matter. Turning around as the rest exited, the military liaison looked the Doctor up and down. "...just a clarification. I realize you give us only the orders you've been instructed to give, but...inform whomever is pulling your strings that this is a delicate procedure. It is not as simple as 'increase the dosage' or 'execute training program--whatever'. This is going to take time. All of us assigned individually to our prospective charges have a particular program in mind to enhance what they've been given."
Releasing a sigh, the advisor smiled. Laying a hand that was just as quickly knocked off by the Sith Doctor, the advisor spoke. "Doctor...you're right. I don't understand the complexities of what it is you do. BUT, what I do understand is this. These 'weapons' are needed elsewhere. You do your job. I will do mine of keeping us all on schedule."
Gesturing to the others, Dr. Ze left the observation room with all of the rest in tow. A sour look after the exchange. Entering the main quad with the children.
"Hello children. Do you know why your here?" Most of them shuffled nervously, both Zabrak boys folding their arms over their chests to glare at the aide. The Rattataki boy merely put his head down remaining silent as the two little Mirialan girls smiled brightly shaking their heads. Dr. Ze continued to smile. "Well, you are all very special. You all have a special bond that we think deserves special treatment." One of the Mirialan girls, the one Dr. Ze knew as Mrysti, bounced as she wrung her hands together.
"You mean like toys!?!? We love toys!!!" The other little girl pushed the speaker slightly.
"Speak for yourself...I like Boys..." That caused the others to all look at Karolin as she put her head down slightly, smiling to herself. Kneeling down, Dr. Ze brushed a lock of the raven black hair out of Karolin’s eyes to look at her. The Sith Pureblood spent an uncomfortable moment staring at Karolin before turning back to the others. Mrysti brushed her own red hair out of her face as she looked up at the Doctor expectantly.
"No, not toys...or in your case, boys. But you are going to be given a home. Your very own Home. There you will stay together, like you always have..." The Zabrak with the paler face, clearly the oldest of them leaned forward slightly.
"So, we never have a chance to be adopted?" They all looked at their eldest with sadness at his revelation. Dr. Ze stood up looking down at them, his smile even broader as he raised his voice opening his arms to them.
"There's no need, you HAVE been adopted. From now on, you are your own family. You are all each other's brothers and sisters. I'm here to take care of you, from now until forever..." The children all grasped his leg clutching tightly, except for the Rattataki boy who merely looked up and smiled at them all.
"Now, children you never have to be apart. But there will be some training...now, run along to the other room and play. I will be along shortly..." As the children started to file out, Dr. Ze grabbed the paler of the Zabrak boys pulling him gently aside.
"Stay a second. What's your name?" The boy inherently suspicious looked at the man cautiously.
"Trea’vor." Dr. Ze already knew the name, he was testing responsiveness. Smiling, Dr. Ze reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of something sweet, offering it to Trea’vor.
"And your how old?" Treavor answered shaking his head ‘no’ at the candy.
"I'm Ten." Dr. Ze glanced again at the others behind the glass as Trea’vor answered.
"Treavor, this is going to be hard to understand, but as the oldest it's your responsibility to look after the others." For moment, Treavor studied the man. The genetically enhanced intellect selecting the keenest response.
"No Sir, I understand quite well actually. In fact, between my Brother Marstel and I we have been pretty much looking after everyone the entire time." Inside the room the scientists and advisors all turned to one another. Smiles and nodding to each other all around. In the dark, at the back of the room the man no one really knew spoke up again gesturing to his aide to make a notation.
"Give the boy a designation. Administer the tests and begin sequence one of Advanced Combat Training." His aide nodding tapped a few keys on his datapad...the designation highlighted at the top of a new entry.