8 Chapter VI: How To Deal With Attachments, Part 2
(Maridun, Maridun System, Relion Sector, Outer Rim Territories)
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(Kellian Ordo POV)
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Kellian sat silently in Meditation, he was probing the planet's veil, trying to commune more with the Living Force. Using Alter Environment pierced this veil, using Consitor Sato healed it, but not by much.
The saying every action had an equal and opposite reaction rang true. Trying to undo the damage you wrought was often harder than doing the damage itself. It could be said that destruction was easy, and creation was hard.
But Kellian did enjoy the challenge.
''Kellian, I've been meaning to ask. What was that technique you used to heal Anakin?'' Ahsoka asked him, breaking him from his meditation.
''It's called revitalize. It's an uncommon technique, but it's incredibly useful and, as such, is not easy to master. Revitalize has three stages of healing, with the first stage being used to cure minor inconveniences such as nausea, cuts, and bruises. The second stage is related to non-critical injuries, but nonetheless still serious wounds such as minor broken bones, damaged organs, and toxins and infections within the body. Stage three is fairly self-explanatory in thSeparatist'ses on life-threatening injuries and as such is the hardest to utilize to its fullest potential because of either how serious the injuries in question are, or because you are unfamiliar with the victim's physiology.'' Says Kellian as he motions Ahsoka to sit next to him.
''Do you…do you think you might be able to teach it to me?'' Ahsoka asks him.
''It's worth learning about, but teaching it is an altogether different and more challenging task. You need to be able to understand the effects of the injury on the person's physiology. For example, a Sonic Grenade would be your worst nightmare. To heal an injury related to that would be stage three at the bare minimum. But I would need to know how badly you're affected and what it's done to you to be of any use. If you are serious about learning revitalize then I strongly suggest reading Master Kilj'ayke's chronicles on the strengths and weaknesses of the Healing Arts after getting back to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, he can explain it immensely better than I could. You might also wish to seek out Master Rug Neema. Rug's the Orders preeminent master in the Healing Artsnot Kellian Says.
Knowing how much Rig Neema got flustered when he sent Apprentices to a master called Rug Neema never ceased to amuse him. It amused him because it had its roots in an all too innocent meeting from his youth.
He would have been between roughly about seven to ten years old. He'd just completed his Gathering and returned with a couple of injuries. Dooku sent him to Neema to ensure his injuries remained minor and wouldn't hinder his learning of the more advanced forms of Lightsaber Combat.
''Kellian, I'd like a word. Aayla says as Ahsoka goes to take her leave.
''What's the matter, Aayla?'' Kellian asks his fellow master.
''You were supposed to be in another sector entirely. So why were you able to get to my aid so quickly? Why are you here? This has been on my mind for quite a while now.'' Aayla tells him.
''Little while ago, I sensed someone exceptionally strong in the Force on Coruscant. As it turns out, her mother is an old friend, and the father….he used to be one of us. A Jedi. My friend said the father was guilt-ridden from breaking the rule against attachments and attributed that guilt to his death early in the war. She was too old to be trained by us, so I knew that Dooku would likely try to take her and turn her to the Dark Side. With Arli's aid, I contacted some friends, and we managed to extract her. The friends and I decided to make it into a regular thing and gathered the best minds in the Republic.'' Kellian tells her, giving a relatively unaltered context of the events regarding Mara's escape.
''Still doesn't answer my original question.'' Aayla says.
''I'm getting to that, Aayla. You see, the group that I now lead has a goal. End this war as fast as possible with as little bloodshed or loss of resources and as little damage as possible. In that regard, we seek to target the people, assets, and resources of the Separatist Council. We target their foundations and watch them fall. I got word that one of the people serving directly under Dooku was in one of the nine or so sectors surrounding Quell. I had hoped to enlist your aid in tracking and cornering him.'' Kellian tells her.
''Is the Council aware of this?'' Aayla asks.
''Not all of it. I refused to tell them who fathered the child. He died honorably, and I would not see his memory tarnished for an accidental violation of the Jedi Code he genuinely felt remorseful of. Just as I shan't tell you. It'll be taken to my pyre.'' Says Kellian before passing Aayla a Holo.
''Lok Durd, Nemoidien Special and exotic Weapons technician. It says that he works as part of the Separatists Special R&D laboratories group.'' Aayla says.
''Intel says he's working on a weapon that can kill clones by the thousands and leave the clankers unharmed. If that's actually true, then it makes him a level one high-priority target.'' Kellian tells her.
''I see.'' Aayla says, processing Kellian's words.
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(POV Shift: Gilad Pellaeon)
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Gilad Pellaeon was reviewing the list of targets he and the others were given as part of the first stage in ending the war sooner.
Of all of them, two stood out as potentially serious threats. Lok Durd and Captain Mar Turk. Based on the intelligence gathered in regards to the two Nemoidein individuals, he was deeply concerned by their potential threat.
Durd was rumored to be working on a weapon that could, with one shot, wipe out thousands of clones without harming the droid armies in the slightest. Turk, meanwhile, was an up-and-coming Confederacy Fleet Officer who was distinguished amongst his peers for his ability to study an opponent so aptly as to be able to provide an effective defense or counter with little effort or losses. Turk reminded him a little of Admiral Trench in a way.
But most concerning was Sev'rance Tann. She was the Supreme Commander before Grievous and was trained in the Force. She was reportedly killed by the Jedi Echuu Shen-Jon, which might be why General Ordo considered Tann a personal matter he had to deal with. Shen-Jon and he were taught by the same Jedi Master. Thus, the phrase sibling students came to mind.
As he was a captain in the Republic Navy, he would need to be very careful from now on in preparation for the event that he ever came up against Turk. That was a fight Gil was hardly looking forward to.
Hmm, that reminds him.
'Meriones, it's Pellaeon, I want all available information on Jedi General Kellian Ordo, head of the Republic's Special Operations Brigade. Spare no detail.'' He ordered his aide.
''Yes, sir.'' Meriones replied.
If he was going to be part of this group, he'd like to know more about its founder. Of course, there was only so much Meriones would be able to gather. As not only a member, but the leader of the Special Operations Brigade, a lot of information around Ordo was going to be heavily classified. But hopefully, Meriones family connections would help him rather than hinder him.
''Sir, you have an incoming message from Intelligence Operative Majesty. It's coming through on the encrypted secure line. Shall we put it through?'' Meriones says.
''Do it.'' Says Gilad.
''Yes, sir. I'll continue to research General Ordo in the meantime, sir.'' Says Meriones.
Switching off the communication with Meriones after a short thank you, he connects the encrypted Secure Line to his office and is greeted by the face of Hallena Devis.
''Gil, I don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to call.'' Hallena says, her almond-brown eyes conveying more than her words.
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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)
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Kellian was cleaning the parts of his lightsaber when the telltale sound of the engines of the Separatist's C-99779 landing craft could be heard. With a sigh, he reforms his lightsaber and walks over to Bly.
''Rex, listen closely, we don't know why they're here, so when you return, maintain radio silence. We'll respond according to the military secret operations code.'' Kellian tells Rex.
''Roger.'' Rex Replies.
''Bly, inform the others, I'll inform the village leader.'' Says Kellian.
''Yes, General.''
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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)
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Ahsoka was helping Anakin eat and drink when Commander Bly came running in.
''General?'' He asked, talking to Anakin.
''Yes, Commander?'' Anakin asks with some effort.
''We've got a separatist ship incoming.'' Bly responds
''This is neutral space!'' Wag Too says, and Ahsoka has to resist the urge to snort.
''Well, it won't be neutral for long, not if the Separatists have their way. Ah! Help me up.'' Anakin asks.
''Don't struggle, I'm sorry but you're still too injured to move.'' Wag Too tells Anakin as the Lurmen's father swaggers into the hut with a clear look of displeasure on his face.
Kellian trailed behind Te Watt Kaa neither of them looking much happier than the other.
''What sort of menace have you brought to our village now Jedi?'' The elderly Lurmen asks angrily.
''Father, you can't blame them!'' Wag Too speaks up in their defense.
''He's right, the Separatists don't even know we're here.'' Ahsoka agrees.
''And they can't know, we have to hide.'' Master Secura speaks up in concern.
''Your presence here endangers us, you must go before your enemies find you.'' Says Te watt.
Ahsoka goes to argue, but Kellian beats her to it.
''I have my suspicions as to who could be leading the seppies. If I'm right, even if we leave without them knowing, then your all fucked regardless.'' Says Kellian.
''Meaning what exactly?'' Wag Too asks.
Kellian hesitates before glancing at Aayla.
''So be it. I wasn't at Quell by accident, I was there to enlist Aayla's help in tracking down a Separatists Weapons Design. More Than that I'm not at liberty to say to Civilians, except that the expert specializes in weapons geared towards mass murder of organic life. So if he's here, I can give you all a means of escaping his weapon.'' Says Kellian.
''Does not matter, we are pacifists who'd rather die than take a life. If we surrender peacefully then we will not be harmed.'' Says Te watt.
''If your so intent on suicide, then at least be honest enough to admit that you are content to die as a victim in a war crime. I will have no part in this, a blade is a lot faster than being burned to death.'' Kellian Says departing swiftly.
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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)
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There were a lot of things that Kellian hated, bigotry, zealotry, entitled people, slavers, abusers, and incompetent officers squarely at the top. But something else that was near the top was pacifists who were so set in their ways their ways deluded them into thinking that surrendering meant they wouldn't become victims anyway. Mothra might be his biggest annoyance, but that one idiotic Lurmen's attitude was certainly a very close second.
Kellian knew he had to calm down, however. It would not do to be anything less than calm when he inevitably joined the battle.
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Kellian was in the grasslands stalking the stalker. When Ahsoka reacted, Kellian seized his opportunity and disabled it.
''Rule number one of surviving long enough to be rescued? Be aware of your surroundings. That probe escaping could have brought the deaths of the pacifists idiots on your heads.'' Says Kellian. ''Now, follow me, There is a tree that provides us a good vantage spot to observe the Separatist base.'' Kellian instructs them.
''Kellian, why do you have such…dislike for pacifists?'' Ahsoka asks him, as they walk.
''It's in my nature Ahsoka, I was born and raised on Concord Dawn, a planet deep within the heart of Mandalorian-controlled space. More than twenty-five hundred years past my people waged war against the Republic and Jedi. When we were defeated we became some of the Galaxy's most reliable mercenaries and bounty hunters. Conflict is in my blood.'' Says Kellian, deciding not to tell Ahsoka the real reason…at least not yet at any rate.
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They had all climbed to the top of the tree and were looking at the mobile separatist base around the Separatists C-9979 landing craft.
''I hope you're feeling better, master. Cause look what we found?'' Ahsoka says without an ounce of her usual sarcastic humor.
''Hah! I'm Feeling Stronger everyday snips!'' Anakin says confidently. ''But…I'm not sure I'm ready for that.'' Anakin days far less confidently than his previous statement.
Kellian moves his helmet rangefinder Down and pulls out a Blaster Carbine with a long-range scope. Synching it to his Helmet's rangefinder, Kellian observes the droids and their leader's, when Ahsoka notices his weapon.
''Since when do you have one of those?'' She asks him.
''If you're referring to the carbine, I always carry one when I can. The scope is synched to my helmet's rangefinder allowing me to see targets up to nearly three-quarters of a kilometer. Now let's see what we have here.'' Kellian tells her without looking up from his scope as he makes some adjustments to his scope.
''I see a shuttle with a minimal guard on it, lot of explosive canisters around, and…son of a Hutt.'' Kellian says.
''What's the matter?'' Ahsoka asks.
''That's the weapons designer I'm after, which means that we now have a new mission. Capture that fat fuck and destroy his weapon. But it's his escort that worries me, those seem to be the new models Intel was concerned about.'' Says Kellian.
''That shuttle's our ticket out of here! How much tougher could those droids be?'' Anakin says dismissively.
''Don't rightly know, the intelligence on them is vague. All I was told was that they were made in small numbers, and both external and internal armor protect their internal components. The outside stuff is allegedly a rare alloy that has effects similar to Cortosis and what we know for sure is their internal armor is made from a Doonium alloy.'' Says Kellian.
''What about their weapons?'' Commander Bly asks.
''Nothing concrete, but there's mentions of them being equipped with heavy blasters, and explosive ordinance. So we will need to either be cautious or wait for the Commander to leave. And to be perfectly honest we're not waiting for the fat fuck to leave. He's a priority target that has to be taken alive.'' Says Kellian.
''Sounds like you have a history with the guy.'' Ahsoka says.
''You could say that, I've lost three commando teams searching for him. And it looks like they're about to test their new toy.'' Says Kellian.
''See if you can get a closer look.'' Anakin orders Bly.
''I'll go as well, Rex will go with Bly, while I'll see if I can get a scan of the weapon. You two will get a more long-range look.'' Kellian orders, leaping from the tree, and activating his Jetpack exactly three seconds before he hits the ground.
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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)
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''Master, why does Kellian hate pacifists so much? I know he said it was because of his culture but it feels like something more.'' Ahsoka asks her master.
''More than a thousand years past - when the Sith were last defeated -The Republic formalized a treaty that demilitarized the Republic and required our Order to eschew the armor we wore against the enemy. For Kellian's people, there is no greater insult than being forced to abandon their armor. The armor he wears is several thousand years old, passed down from generation to generation, from father to son.'' Master Aayla Answers instead.
''Senator Amidala has told me that Kellian has been involved in shouting matches with Senators Mothma and Organa on more than one occasion due to them perceiving he was violating that treaty by wearing that armor. It's somewhat hypocritical to chastise Kellian when they don't chastise Obi-wan or others admittedly.'' Says Anakin.
''I imagine it's as much to do with the fact he's in full Beskar as their pacifist cultures.'' Master Secura supplies.
''Beskar, what's that?'' Ahsoka asks having never heard of that word before.
''It's an extremely rare -'' Anakin was cut off by the sound of the Separatist's weapon firing and Ahsoka was shocked by the sudden and cataclysmic devastation wrought by the weapon. She was grateful Master Secura and Kellian were able to save Rex and Bly when they tripped and subsequently missed their shots with their grapnels.
''Looks like the SpecInt boys were right on the credits, that weapon is a significant threat that must be dealt with.'' Kellian Says gravely.
''That's some toy, it destroyed every living thing.
''Where are they off to now?'' Aayla wonders and Kellian doesn't bother to hold back the scoff.
''They must be going back to the Lurmen village there's nothing else in that direction.'' Anakin says, with a nod of unspoken agreement to Kellian.
''Strategically it's a brilliant move, those Pacifists have no means to call for help, they're stuck here. If Lok Durd wants to have a perfect place to test this weapon on living beings without a chance of it getting back to us except in covert monitoring of Separatist communications, then this planet is perfect.'' Kellian admits with an edge to his voice that Ahsoka thinks is in grudging and reluctant respect.
''Those villagers won't stand a chance.'' Master Aayla says solemnly.
''First we'll take out the droid's communications station. Then after we've gotten the shuttle we'll go back and help the Lurmen.'' Anakin decides.
''But Te Wat Kaa said He doesn't need our help?'' Ahsoka asks.
''There's a markedly large difference between pulling innocents into a war and leaving them to die in a War Crime.'' Kellian Says.
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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)
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Getting into the separatist's mobile base, killing their comms, and getting their hands on the shuttle and the two shield generators had been exceedingly easy.
Making Tee Watt Kaa receptive to their return and effort to defend them was exceptionally harder and proved to be a task that Kellian had neither the patience for nor the desire to even attempt to do.
Thus Kellian had resolved to form a ditch the length of the village to block the Defoliator if the Shields failed or were destroyed. It would be a difficult last ditch attempt if it came to that, but this was a desperate situation. Nevertheless, Kellian would do his best to ensure that the Lurmen survived. He may be anti-pacifist, but he was damn sure anti-war crime, so while - in his opinion - Tee Watt Kaa could take his pacifism and hang himself with it, he would still fight to defend the Lurmen.
Funnily enough that got him in trouble quite as Mace's apprentice. The sarcasm and his militant attitudes of course. Most of it he could chalk up to his Mandalorian heritage and his old master being both a bit of a tight arse and a hardass. But there was also an implication he'd long struggled to accept. While it was true he placed a premium on discipline, Master Windu was not the one who made his dislike of pacifists so, rather it had been Mistress Aurelia.
When he'd completed his training as a Padawan he had spent a small period of time training under Aurelia in the techniques of the Bakuuni Hand. His discipline manifested most strongly there. He never got to finish his training with her though, as he'd quickly been assigned a new padawan shortly after he started learning the style of martial arts.
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''Incoming!'' Rex shouted as the Defoliator fired its round.
''Power the shields!'' Anakin orders as the shield generators go up just in time to prevent devastation. ''Now they'll have to get their hands dirty, and meet us face-to-face.'' Anakin says triumphantly.
Ahsoka however clearly doesn't share his enthusiasm.
''That's a lot of clankers.'' She says nervously.
''We gotta stop them before they get through that shield.'' Anakin says resolutely.
''I can potentially create a large ditch around the village, but I don't know if that will stop it, so I suggest we work fast.'' Says Kellian, as he withdraws one of his lightsabers, and clips it to his gauntlet before holstering his carbine and drawing his pistol.
Using his lightsaber and his blaster, Kellian makes quick and short work of the first squad of droids together with Rex, Bly, Aayla, Anakin and Ahsoka.
''That wasn't so tough.'' Ahsoka says lightly.
''That was just the first wave.'' Anakin says as two more squads of B1's charge into the fray and Kellian, Anakin, Aayla, and Ahsoka charge into the new battle and begin cutting down droids. ''Snips, get back to the Village, I'll take care of the new weapon.'' Anakin orders her.
''I'll go too, if that weapon fires another shell I need to be able to try and stop it.'' Kellian adds in as he rushes after Ahsoka.
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Unlike in the episode, the Defoliator managed to fire another round before Anakin was able to stop it.
''We failed.'' Ahsoka says.
''Not if I have anything to say about it!'' Kellian says and he reaches deep within himself drawing on his connection to the force before thrusting his hands at to either side and sending a large shockwave that ruptures the earth in front of the village, forming a ditch. Kellian as an added precaution, uses his remaining strength to raise a Force Barrier the length of that ditch and the Defoliator's damage is halted successfully.
''Are you alright?'' Ahsoka asks him.
''I'm fine, just…tired. That's not the sort of thing I can do often, the Shockwave on that level is hard enough, but using a Barrier of that size so quickly after using a Force shockwave that powerful is really draining on my body.'' Kellian explains as he unclips his lightsaber from his gauntlet and holsters his pistol and blade.
''You sure?'' Asks Ahsoka.
''Yeah, I'm sure.'' Says Kellian as he falls to his knee. ''I just need to sit down for a bit.'' Says Kellian as the last of the droids have been dispatched and Durd and the Aqualish captured.
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Kellian was resting in the Medbay of the Resolute, when he reached a decision. He missed the challenges of trying to train a Padawan, and luckily…he knew just the Padawan to take. Time to return to Coruscant and take a Padawan, Katooni…would have to wait a bit it would seem.
Because she was not yet ready to become his apprentice, but Kellian knew just the person to take as his next apprentice, and like Ahsoka she was an old friend of his from his time as a Youngling in the Coruscant Temple.…
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(Author's Note:)
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So, this took a lot longer to write for a number of reasons, I won't get into all of them, but regardless it shouldn't have taken as long as it did to finish this. Nevertheless, I apologize to my patrons on P-atreon. I'll be taking about two days off yo get back into writing. As promised on P-atreon I'll get to work on the first Dragon Age Chapter soon, but first I want to make an announcement in this story.
The following chapter was supposed to be the first Landmark Chapter, but I'll be doing a small Interlude Chapter first. This will be followed by the Landmark Chapter and in turn followed by the next Interlude Chapter. In any case see you next chapter.
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And also a big thank you to Cody, Luci Alarra, TJ Cruz, Beastmode2003, Kunta, Availon90, Gavin Barclay, Dragonslayer29, and Jacarya Robinson for their past support on Patreon.
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