- Coronet, Corellia....Jedi Orphanage #76....

Robes flapped gently in the breeze and then violently wrapped around the matron as she folded her hands in her front to watch the approaching shuttle. The wind from the reversed repulsors as well as the magnetic landing system would have made a normal person shield their eyes. But for the Matron of Jedi Orphanage, Number seventy-six, this was merely another delivery of lost souls. Something she was quite used to. The Force was her protector, it always had been just as it would be for those souls being delivered. Closing her eyes softly as the shuttle began its landing cycle, she used her power to shield herself from the debris and wind. Those in the Main Temple back on Coruscant would have chastised her for such a blatant abuse of her powers. But Corellia was a long way from the Capital of the Republic. And this was not the Main Temple, just a simple orphanage.

She waited until the shuttle came to a complete stop, it bounced gently once the landing struts finally settled to Corellia’s gravity. Exhaust expelled from the engine ports. The pent-up fumes from such a long space journey expelled into the atmosphere. Her view of the shuttle was momentarily obscured by the release of steam and exhaust. But the prominent symbol of the Galactic Republic still shown brilliantly in bright blue on the tail fin. Slowly she raised the datapad in her hand and waved a finger across the screen. A registered military flight, from an outlying moon of the planet Felucia. She wondered how many could have possibly been on this flight for them to make an unscheduled request for landing. Deliveries, if she had any, always came on the fourth day of the week.

As the exhaust continued to expel, she heard the tell-tale whine of the landing ramp. It began to lower and the faint echo of Republic Military boots began to descend. Again, she folded her hands to her front. One holding the other as she watched and waited; for both the Soldiers to exit and for the exhaust to clear.

Removing his helmet, the detachment Commander flexed his face from the confines of the pressurized helmet. A sound of escaping gas and air greeting him as well as the moisture from the Corellian atmosphere. He looked around, standing at the bottom of the ramp to get his bearings finally smiling once he saw the Jedi Matron standing stoic and watching him. He bowed slightly, placing the helmet under one arm, approaching. She smiled slightly in return, but did not bow. Her chin slightly raised to the taller man.

“Master Jedi” he began, looking back to the ramp for a moment before allowing his eyes to focus to regular atmosphere.

The Matron pursed her lips. This was not routine and she hated not having a routine. Routine helped keep order and keeping order was paramount to a healthy life. The Commander knew how the Matron felt and how she operated. It was why his smile turned to a slight smirk. This was annoying to the Jedi and reveled in it even though she was giving him a cold reception.

“I trust you have good reason to request landing clearance off-schedule, Commander.” The words were clipped and short. The Matron said no more, giving the Commander a glare. The two of them turning to walk back toward the gated building the Matron came from.

“Our ‘deliveries’ are less and less these days….I would think that you would be happy for some new arrivals.” That statement stopped the Matron abruptly. The look she gave the Trooper was almost anger. Had she not been a Jedi he would have interpreted it so.

“New ‘arrivals’ as you so aptly put it, mean only one thing…another family lost. Chaos in the lives of innocents. Some poor soul’s world shattered…”

The Commander nodded, looking down shamefully. The Matron was right of course. Though the war was over, there was still lots of galactic strife in the galaxy. Insurrection, rebellion…war took breaks for no one. Just because the Sith had retreated to the far corners of the galaxy didn’t mean the Republic could not destroy itself. And it would. It would create more orphans, more families destroyed. If the Matron had it her way, there would be no war in the galaxy. She would actively fight to destroy anyone who thought to bring pain and destruction on another. Especially Children. This point of view was one of the reasons she was sent to the orphanage by the Council. It was, like many other Jedi run orphanages, bastions for the rebuilding of families. And in the Matron’s point of view, to fight, to destroy in order to effect positive change was not shared by the Council. She had a view of the galaxy that went contrary to the Jedi. And she believed that all of the change began with the children. Not necessarily the total 'Will of the Force' as most Jedi believed.

“You are right, of course….my apologies Master.” Looking back to the ramp again, he extended his arm and waited as a Soldier emerged from the dissipating steam of the ship. In his arms he cradled two small forms. The Matron almost smiled when she saw them, her eyes going down to the two bundles the Soldier carried. But she held her composure as the Commander continued to speak. “An attack on a settlement….an outlying moon of Felucia. Mirialan settlers, no one was spared.” He smiled and looked down at the two babies. “…except for these two angels.” Looking up he gave her an expectant look. The Matron was already peeling back the blanket to get a look at both children. Both babies were asleep in the arms of the Trooper who carried them.

Nodding, she swallowed hard. Another family lost, these two babies left to fend for themselves against a hostile universe. Silently the Matron thanked the Force for everything she had, placing a hand to each of the children’s foreheads. They were spared by the grace of the Force and now they would be cared for by her. Eyes jerked open as the Matron looked down at both children curiously. She could feel the Essence of the Force within them both. The children were special.

Scooping them up and cradling them under each arm, she took them from the trooper and smiled. It wasn’t lost on the Commander that she had some kind of revelation. It wasn’t often that the mostly stoic Matron made any kind of expression. The men under his command called her names, ‘Old Crow’ being one of them. And when he brought children to the orphanage, the Matron would always ‘pray’ over them at their arrival. It was the first time he witnessed the Matron surprised by something.

“Do they have names, identification….anything that would identify who their parents were or extended family?” She posed the question in hopes that the babies stay would not be a long one. The Jedi often tried to reunite families displaced. In that case, she was merely curious. The Matron's mind was already extending to the future. A bright one for both babies as they grew under the umbrella and protection of the Jedi Order. As Force Sensitives, they had a place and would always have a place within the Jedi. They would be the babies family now. The Commander shook his head.

“Nothing on the family. As I stated everyone was dead, the village burned to the ground. We are still going through the village to find some clues…” He leaned in and whispered, “…it looks like an attack by Sith…” As a veteran of the last conflict he knew a bit about the Sith and their ways. The Matron frowned rocking the babies in her arms as she swayed gently. “We did find two personalized toys in their cribs…it’s a wonder the Sith missed these children. Had they been found…”, he let his words trail off as he and the Matron exchanged a dreadful glance. They both knew what would have happened had the babies been found, if it was in fact the Sith who attacked the settlement. A fact which the Matron highly doubted.

Gently he placed the toys he had on the blankets of each girl, right where he found them originally. The stuffed nerf toy he placed on the lighter skinned baby. The stuffed Ack Hound he placed on the darker skinned of the two. The matron glanced down and smiled. Both toys were personalized. In asking for identification, this was as close as they got and it was assumed that the individual toys, with the personalized names were the names of both girls. They were not common names in the Mirialan culture which made her raise an eyebrow. Her mind racing as to the history of the two children and the parents. If the parents were Jedi, it would be possible to find out who the children were eventually. Some cultures within the Jedi allowed for the raising of families and children.

“Karolin…” she spoke softly, reading the embroidered name on the Nerf. Looking over at the darker skinned baby, she smiled again. “Mrysti…” Reading off the name stitched into the hide of the stuffed toy. Looking back up at the Commander she smiled, a tear rolling down her face as she turned to retreat back toward the orphanage.

The Commander stood his ground and watched them leave. His task done, his mission complete, he couldn’t help but think of what would become of them. They would be in good hands with the Jedi and now under the care of the Republic. The Republic always took care of its own.

--

- Ill'rah'gahan, Bothawhi....Jedi Orphanage #80....

A very non-descript speeder bearing the markings of the Republic Sciences Division came to a slow stop in the front of the Orphan House on Bothawhi. As the two SiS agents stepped out the second lifted the seat for the third individual. The Scientist carried a small bag of tools and looked around expectantly as the doors to the Orphan House opened. The Master in charge, a kind looking and older Chagrin Female was in her last years of duty to the Order as an administrator within the Orphanage Division of the Jedi Order. Not an incredibly powerful Jedi, what she lacked in Force ability she more than made up for in her ability to teach and rear children. This was a prime recruitment center for Force Sensitive children who would later go on to serve the Order.

Shocked that a Holo-comm message directly from the Grandmaster instructed her to allow Republic scientists in her facility, she stood on the top step. A look of concern creasing her brow. Once the three men began their ascent up the stairs, the old Master was unmoved like a statue guarding the entrance to something sacred. Standing her ground and barring their entrance with a warning look. The Matron had no idea what the arrival of scientists was all about, but she was determined to get a semblance of explanation before she allowed entrance. The two SiS men flanked her once the Scientist gave her a warm smile.

“Master Jedi, it is my honor to make your acquaintance. I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the Galactic Republic for allowing us to view and….select your children for this important endeavor.” The old Master held up a hand, the two SIS men shifting nervously.

“Don’t be too hasty to express gratitude just yet…I am not sure I want to allow this until I know exactly what ‘it’ is your supposed to be doing…” The Scientist feigned ignorance looking between the two agents and then back at her.

“Nothing heinous I can assure you…and I was told that we would receive the full support of the Jedi Council in this…unless I am mistaken? I assume you were told already…” The old Master backed up slightly, she had been told and the Scientist's use of that knowledge indicated he was not a patient man. Stepping to the side, she flourished her arm opening the door using the other arm to grab the Scientist.

“I will not allow you to hurt them. Orders or not, this is a refuge for abandoned and lost children. Not a playground for the Republic’s political scheming…” She released the man as the two agents flanking her moved past to begin their own assessment. They waited for the old Master to join up with them getting lost almost immediately and needing an explanation as to the make-up of the various groups of children. They were situated in pods, all alphanumerically encoded. Groups played together, other brown robed figures playing along with them or in some cases directing them to various other regimented activities. Taking out datapads, the agents began taking copious notes allowing the Scientist to speak. He cast his eye on the different groups of children curiously holding his bag in front of him. Looking at the Master impatiently she slowly began to explain.

“Right now, the children are divided in to three groups. The group over there represents the smallest number and they are the children we have found to have a semblance of Force ability. They are segregated three times a day and are instructed by our Jedi here in the Orphanage within the ways of the Force. Eventually they will make their way into the Order and further training.” She pointed at the center group. “The larger group here are normal children, they are playing alone and with each other while the Force sensitive ones receive instruction.” Pointing at the last group which was highly segregated from the rest she cleared her throat before speaking. “This last group is what we call our ‘troublemakers’. Either due to racial differences or innate issues with self-control, they are not allowed to play with the others. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to know what the child rearing expectations are of the various species of the Galaxy. So, we do our best to try and provide a learning environment for them and help them come to terms with their issues.”

It was the last group that the agents were most interested in as they typed rapidly on their Pads. The assessment started; the scientist walked among the children paying special attention to the Force sensitive ones. Pointing down at several of the children, the Jedi had them removed from the groups and placed in a special play room as the Scientist and the agents continued their selection. It wasn’t lost on the old Master that they were very choosy in who they picked and it seemed to be a mixed bag. Various races and mixed genders among them all. The numbers seemed to be four from each group; all of them different in some way. Turning away from the old Master he looked to the two agents who gave him a knowing nod. Speaking over his shoulder moving down the hall to the segregation room.

“I require complete silence and isolation to conduct my assessments….I am sure you understand Master.” The old Master gave him a cautious eye and returned his words with a curt nod. He didn’t see, the Scientist's mind already running multiple scenarios of the assessment he would have to conduct to weed out those unsuitable for the program. The two agents withdrew along with the Scientist to the room, the kids already inside playing. One of the agents showed the scientist his results, the other agent, clearly in charge spoke to the air softly. His gaze cast toward the ceiling behind dark network linked glasses.

“We will encode this pod as 'Beta'. Unlike the pod on Corellia, we had to select these. Unfortunate that this one was not ready made like the one on Corellia. I like smaller groups. Perhaps we should be a bit more 'selective' of this group and shrink the size to that of 'Alpha' pod on Corellia. For control and contrast purposes." The lead Agent looked at the Scientist for a reaction, when he didn't receive one he continued. Clear the Scientist was uninterested in any of the Agent's uneducated scientific observations. "The serum is coded by type…are you sure we picked the right ones? We won’t have another chance at this facility if we get this wrong.” The Scientist smiled still reviewing the other agent's notes.

“Meticulously planned, Agent. There is nothing to fear. Once we get the protocol started…as long as the Jedi here continue to give the children their ‘vitamins’ we will be on track.”

“How do we know they will cooperate? The Jedi seemed extremely…..unhelpful.” A young Mirialan girl was curiously approaching. Both continued their conversation. Lowering their voices once she got uncomfortably close.

“They will have no choice…I added a ‘special’ ingredient to the serum. No cooperation and these children will get violently ill. They will have no choice but to continue the protocol. Trust me on this Agent, I have been doing this a very long time.” The skeptical Agent looked on, the Scientist beckoned for the young green skinned girl to come over. As she approached the Agent holding the pad flashed the screen at the scientist reminding him of the girl's attributes.

The Scientist knelt down in front of the girl simultaneously reaching in the bag and taking out a blue tinted Hypo. He held the Hypo slightly behind his back, smiling.

“And what’s your name, little one?” The young girl smiled brightly, bobbing up and down excitedly.

“Kira”, the young girl cheered excitedly. The scientist grasped her arm gently and began to slowly roll up her sleeve.

“Well ‘Kira’…these men and I we are worried about you….and the other kids. We want to make sure you never get sick. You don’t want to get sick, do you?” The little girl swayed back and forth as she shook her head, ‘No’. Moving the hypo to the little girl's arm he injected the Intelligence enhancer and watched her eyes. The reaction to the protocol should have been instantaneous. The Scientist's mind calculating and counting down silently, waiting for the 'flash'. Proteins would attach to the virulent substances within her mind and begin reacting with her almost immediately. Then the 'flash'. The little Mirialan girl's knees buckled slightly, the Scientist grabbing her to hold her up. Eyes flashing a brief light behind the retina. The little girl shook her head, rubbing her eyes. She almost looked sleepy. The blue light behind her eyes faded and she smiled. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back. Most of the DNA sequencers would take more time and many more doses, but the intelligence enhancement was taking effect almost immediately. The little girl gave him a knowing smile and smirk.

“Thank you, Doctor...." The voice almost sounded adult, if not for the tiny and high-pitched tone of a little girl. "...I look forward to seeing you again…” Adult sounding speech coming from the girl caught the Scientist and the two agents off guard. They all looked at each other. The Scientist pointed at himself, smiling back at the girl.

“How do you know I am a ‘Doctor’ little one?” The little girl continued her knowing smile glancing down at the black bag at his feet. She pointed gently.

“The bag has your title stamped on it....there and…logically…only Doctors and medical personnel are allowed to administer that grade of Hypo you're carrying…” Giving a slight wave to all of them the little girl walked slowly and with a rather poised air about herself back toward the other children. The scientist slowly stood, watching the little Mirialan girl walk back toward her companions. Grinning from ear to ear, he looked up and over his shoulder at the Agents.

“Let’s get on with this…if the others react the same as her, I am quite excited to see the outcomes.”

In the next hour, the Agent flashed the screen at the scientist seven more times. The other children were given their own does of different serums. All within the parameters of the Alpha protocol. Data the Agents were reading and assisting the scientist with was 'dumbed' down for their benefit. And at every flash of the datapad, the Scientist reading the data knew what the actual chemical enhancements were. Even if all the Agents saw were common and layman attributes being enhanced. The two SIS Agents had to have something to report once they returned to Coruscant.

After going through several combinations and injecting all of the children, the three of them watched the children and withdrew from the room to an observation area. The immediate changes in them were remarkable. In some ways, it made the Scientist nervous. He knew the Jedi would see the change and ask questions. Leaving the observation room, the old Master was waiting for them in the hall. A grimace and annoyed expression her only greeting. Gently taking the Master by the arm he led her back into the observation lounge and shut the door behind them.

“Before you say anything, Master Jedi let me assure you that what I am doing here is in the best interest of the Jedi and the Republic. I would prefer you don't ask questions, but in my years of service to the Republic I've not known a single Jedi who simply took things at face value. Your expression tells me you have reservation and as administrator of this facility, you, of all people, need to be on board with this."

"You're very perceptive, Doctor." Speaking bluntly, the Jedi crossed her arms over her chest and leaned in. "I'm not sure what you've done here. But I'm not the only one whose seen an instant change in these children you've segregated. What did you do to them? They are so…tame, different…I am sensing--these 'children' aren’t children at all anymore…” Smiling the scientist handed the Datapad to the Master.

“Synthesize these ‘vitamins’. Ensure they get them once a day and to the proper individuals…failure to do so and the children will get ill and most likely fall into a coma…” Turning to leave the Master followed the Scientist from the room close at his heels, holding the datapad up.

“Ill? You must be--" The old Master interrupted herself and looked down at the pad in her hand. "--you're not joking." She narrowed her eyes. "Whatever you've done--you won’t get away with this. I will lodge my complaint immediately to the Council and once they find out--" One of the Agents stepped around the Scientist. Threats and protection of the Project was his area. Answering threats was his job. Taking off the dark cyber-linked glasses he looked the Master straight in her eyes.

“No…they won’t. The Jedi fully authorized this experiment. And these ‘kids’…no one is going to come looking for them…” They walked toward the door, the Agent turning back to place his glasses back on, “Ensure the children get their ‘vitamins’ failure to do so….and you will answer to your Masters…”

Getting back in the speeder the three of them settled in for the long ride back to the spaceport. One of the agents leaned forward to begin typing into a Holo-unit located in the console to report ‘Mission Complete’. Turning around he looked at the scientist.

“She seemed rather resistant Doctor…we may have to have her 'removed'.” There was pure venom in the agent's voice as he said it. The Doctor smiling slightly, he leaned forward to pat the agent on his shoulder.

“That’s your job my boy…I don’t dabble in executions…”