The Jedi Civil War (Book 3)

[Akirapryde]

Business as Usual
Republic City
Coruscant, Galactic Republic

The rain fell steadily throughout the Republic City as the gray clouds seemed to obscure the wide range of the skyline. Even the mighty spires of the Jedi Temple were topped by gray clouds. This was not a violent storm with thunder and lighting. It was the cold steady fall of soft rain across the city which echoes the sadness within. It was a sad day for Coruscant as well as her as she traveled through the wet walkways of the large crematory. Her tears were masked by the rain dripping down from her face as she made no attempt to hide from the rain. Each step forward brought her to a place that she both hated and found peace at the same time. It was if all of Coruscant was crying with her over her loss. In one hand she carried her purse in the other a small set of flowers.

She read the names on each of the small tombs mounted along the large wall she was walking in front of. The only thing each tomb had in common was their date of death. This entire area of the crematory was solely devoted to all those who had died on that fateful day. It was the worst day of her life, even over shadowing the night that she was drugged and brutally gang raped by Biggs and his horde of monsters. She remembered that morning like it was only yesterday. How her apartment building collapsed under her very feet and how she was trapped in the rubble for nearly four days. Her legs crushed and life ruined, all she was left with was the anger of her heart pointed right at the murder and terrorist Daz Murl!

However, Daz Murl gone as well as the promotion she had worked so hard for. This was not the reason why she cried today. She was not part of the Coruscant Security Force for fame or promotions. She joined the CSF to bring evil beings like Daz Murl to justice. She had left the Special Victims' Unit to join the Counter Terrorism Unit solely to bring Daz Murl to face justice. It was something that she wanted not only for herself, but for the millions of voices he had helped silence that day. She wanted so badly to see him stand before a judge and jury and be brought to answer for his involvement in that horrific crime against the people of Coruscant. Sadly, now it was her turn to face that same justice that she had hoped to bring Daz before. Even before the echoes of that fire fight were gone, the Jedi were pointing their fingers at her and her team for his escape. What she did wrong or failed to plan for was what she was being accused of now. Just like her life and legs on that fateful morning, her career was ruined.

The events on that landing platform just a few days ago, were already coming back to haunt her. She had shot and wounded a Jedi Hunter while defending a known terrorist who was escaping. Her prefect record has been drugged down in to the mud while rumors persist that she had actually aided in the escape. She glared down to the side as she thought of that fateful day. Questions plagued her mind during her 'questioning' by the Jedi were, where was the Jedi Hunter team that was suppose to have covered them from above? Why were they so late in responding to her calls for help? Why had Biggs checked his watch and was so surprised when it all started? These and other questions plagued her mind, however the current situation of her own trail before the Senate forced her mind to focus on other things. 'What was Biggs thinking to try to kill Daz like that. He knew better' she thought as she came up to the spot on the wall she was looking for.

The image that covered the small tomb in the wall forced memories flooding back in to her mind. Her heart cried out as she looked down at the pools of water around her feet. Pulling her head up she wiped the tears from her eyes as she placed her other hand on the image. She saw her mother, father and younger bother frozen in time. Frozen in that state of happiness before that day when they were ripped from her world. Slowly she bowed once more her head as the tears rushed outward once more. With the last vestige of willpower she could muster, she slowly placed her forehead against the image. She no longer tried to hold back the tears as she sobbed in that moment. “I miss you guys so much” she said sobbing as she didn't even bother to try to hide her feelings of loss and sadness. “Papa, I don't know where I went wrong” she cried while still hoping that they could hear her, “I know I was blind before by my anger. I forgot your lesson of letting go hate and anger.”

She no longer cared if her 'Jedi Protectors', who had been following her from the Jedi Order, saw her in such a weakened state. She didn't care who saw her cry anymore. So long ago she had promised that she would never cry again. But now she didn't care, now she let it flow freely. “Papa, I did my best to follow your path. Papa, I really did.” She felt a horrible sense of failure. She had failed the memory of her family and all those that she promised. What made it worse, she knew in her heart the truth and now she had to accept it. She slowly closed her eyes as the rain washed over her body while she rested her head against the little family tomb. “Papa, please help me”

She was not sure how long she was there before she heard the noise behind her. She didn't have to look, she knew what it was already. It was that same all black cat like creature that approached her two months ago. “I did what you asked. I listed to *him* with an open heart and mind.” She said as she opened her eyes but didn't lift her head.

“And what did you learn?” It asked in that same half deep, half hissing voice. There was always something about his voice that both scared the life out of her but also demanded her to pay attention. She knew back then that he was dangerous but he gave her a reason to trust him. She remembered that night when he first contacted her, 'Give me a bit of your time and trust, and I will show you why your family really died'

Jenna took a breath and lifted her head as she looked at the image once, “You were right.” She said in defeat, then continued, “I looked in to his eyes. He is not the monster of my nightmares” she said as she ran her hand softly and lovingly over the image. She had so much wanted to bring Jedi Master Murl to Justice but she simply couldn't now. Maybe that was the reason why she stopped Biggs from killing him on that landing platform. The monster she so wanted to bring to justice was Biggs, but he was untouchable. She hated the idea of having to work with him. Even being around him made her skin crawl. Yet then there was his new cute little pawn. The Jedi Knight Lysire, there was so much hate and rage in her eyes. Just like the rest of those who worked closely with Biggs. For the first time in her life, Jenna felt like she was on the wrong side when she was on that landing platform.

“So what will you do now?” It asked of her. She had already learned along time ago that this creature will come and go as its pleases so she didn't bother fear it. If it meant to kill her, it would have a long time ago. She no longer feared it.

She had tried to do a background check on the creature when she first met it. However he was unable to find out much on him, other then it had belong to a race of creatures that had been wiped out by a plague ten years ago. Most of the survivors lived out in the outer rim, and none have ever been reported in the core worlds. “I had a chance to do some digging while I was there with them. He may be innocent of the bombings, but he still holds responsibility for his own actions. He did help the real bomber escape the Marines and he did allowed her to escape to Coruscant. He needs to stand trail to face that in a Coruscant Courtroom.” She ran her hand over the image of a proud CSF Officer and father, “I know the courts will find him innocent of most of these crimes and be understanding of those he is guilty of.” She said softly as she looked at the smile of her father in the image. She remembered how he had always taught her to respect and trust the Laws. 'Remember Jenna, innocent Citizens need not ever fear the Law. Because we will also watch over them' he once told her. He was so proud of her when she graduated top of her class out of the CSF Academy. “Running like this only shows his complete guilt” she said softly as she continued to look at the picture almost as if to find a way to join them.

“In time, that will happen. You will have to trust in this. But first there are greater battles which must be fought” the creature said softly.

Jenna cut him off before he was finished with his thought, “you speak of these greater battles and all I see is nothing. I placed my career and freedom on the line for you and your greater battles. I did what you asked of me, its time that you show me what you are talking about!” she snapped. She knew better then to turn and face him, he would only vanish before she could get a good glimpse of him. It was a creature of the shadows and she learned early on to just accept that.

She looked down to see him placing something next to the flowers she brought and had sat down in front of the tomb, “There is a war like no other you have ever heard of. A war where billions of innocent lives have been snuffed out and billions of others are at risk only because of their connection with the Force. There are strings about this galaxy that have become connected to those of power and influence. These strings are being pulling by a vile being known only as the Puppet Master. He and those who are aligned with him are part of a crusade to kill all force users. This is the war, the greater battles I speak of. It is the very reason why your family died. It was a power struggle between the Puppet Master and one of his underlings which brought about the bombings above Coruscant. An underling named Rose. Daz was a mindless pawn in those events. There was nothing he could have done to stop them. Even before this event ripped your family from you, Daz and his followers were soldiers on the front line. Soldiers of the light against a darkness that you could never possible understand. You have a chance now to be apart of this war, or walk away from it. The choice is yours. Decide” it explained to her.

She looked at the small box next to the flowers and thought of what the creature just said. “You said that someone powerful was behind this Jedi Civil War. This Puppet Master, you speak of, he is the one behind the Jedi Civil War” she asked softly as she looked at the little box. It was the Jedi Civil War which brought this darkness to her beloved Coruscant.

“Yes.......”

She nodded while reaching for the box, “I don't know what I can do in this war, I am not even a detective anymore. They took my badge and gun while I stand trail for letting Jedi Master Murl escape.” She looked down at the box as she spoke. She opened it slowly as she further examined it.

“You have a voice like no others on this world. Your father's as well as your own reputation gives you credibility that not even the Senate can tarnish. What happened on that landing pad will only further your voice, not take away from it. I need your help to take down the puppets one by one, while we slowly exposing the Puppet Master himself. If you agree, we will start with the Puppet Master's most prized puppet, Jedi Grand Master Quaad. Take down his loyal lieutenants first and leave him open for his own fall from grace once his strings have been cut. All you need do, is use your voice.”

She pulled the small Jedi Master Daz Murl action figure out of the box. It was old and battered from months of being played with. Her eyes filled with tears as she saw her brother's initials on its feet. She spun around to question the creature about where he had found it, but just as she had figured it was gone. She looked down at the little action figure and smiled. It was her brother's favorite toy, being nearly a foot tall and covered in its little ragged Jedi robes. There was a little blue straw, that had replaced the long lost lightsaber that came with the figure, was taped to the hand. Its little arms and legs had been badly damaged but they were still able to support the figure. The last time she had seen it was that fateful morning.

Still the sights and smells of that morning ran through her mind. She was just getting home from a rather long shift with SVU. They were working on busting a ring of rapists and it was rather growling on her. Because of her age, and appearance, she was the decoy for those monsters that would prowl the city's shadows. She never feared her work nor her duty to the citizens of Coruscant. She was well trained and devoted to bringing the monsters to justice. As she came home, she walked through her family's apartment stopping at the doorway to her brother's room. She leaned on the door jam and smiled as she watched him sleeping. She remembered seeing the invitation to meet Jedi Master Murl on the nightstand next to her brother's bed. He was curled up in his bed with a smile on his face and holding his beloved action figure. Jedi Master Murl was his hero, and he made sure everyone knew it. Today was the day he was going to actually get another chance to meet his hero. She wouldn't miss it for the world.

She had worked so hard to get that invitation from the Jedi Order in time for his birthday. It was such a peaceful morning in the apartment. The sounds of her parents down the hall getting ready to start their day was the only thing she heard. Till, it started! She remembered hearing something else. It was a loud crashing sound and their building started to shake violently. So much happened so fast for her, she couldn't even understand what was going on. Dust and smoke filled the air as she started to move towards her brother's bed so she could get to him. Her attempt was cut short half way in to the room as the floor fell out from under her. She heard his scream echo in her mind, 'Jenna!' She closed her eyes once more as the tears ran uncontrollably down her face. She held the little toy tightly as she spun back around and placed a hand on the image once more.

“Zak, I am sorry. I am so sorry I wasn't fast enough. Zak please forgive me!” she said so softly as she leaned her head back against the tomb. Zak was a secret that no one ever knew about. While others saw him as her brother. Something that only her parents and she knew. Not even Zak knew this dark secret. He wasn't her brother. Zak was her son. His father was one of those monsters that had gang rapped her so long ago. She never held it against Zak though. She loved him with all her heart. She was so young when he was born but still she refused to give him up. So her parents stepped forward and adopted him as their own child while Jenna was allowed to finish school and get start a career on the force. She had plans for them to be a family and to let him know the truth. She just needed time to get her life together so she could care for him properly. Even in death she could not give herself the comfort of accepting him as her own son. She felt so ashamed of that night and her own mistakes which put her there in the first place. “I'm sorry Zak”

She didn't look back, she didn't know if it was still around or not. “Thank you for giving me back my faith in him” she said softy speaking about her faith in the hero her brother loved so dearly. For so long she had believed in what was reported about Jedi Master Murl. She hated him and wanted nothing more than to see him locked up for the rest of his life. But something had always tugged at her heart. She knew how much her brother loved him. She remembered the time when Jedi Master Murl came back to Coruscant after one of his amazing adventures. She had to sneak her brother in past the security detail so that he could see his Jedi hero. She never in a million years had dreamed that such a mighty hero would have walked their way, but he did. Jedi Master Murl walked passed her brother, and without even a thought he leaped out of the crowd and took the mighty Jedi's hand. Jedi Master Murl only seemed to smile at the youngster and replied with, “You are almost as big as me!” The smile and sense of awe in Zak's eyes remained there for the rest of the day. She got yelled at by her Captain, but for her it was worth every word. She would have done anything for Zak.

She heard from some where behind her, “It wasn't me. It was his faith in his hero that showed you what you knew all along.”

She nodded at the statement as she looked in the box. Inside was a datachip. She pulled it out and nodded, “Well, it looks like your big sister has turned from cop to soldier, Zak” she said placing the action figure back in the box carefully. Once the figure was safely back where it belonged, she placed the box in her purse. As she pulled out her hand from her purse she pulled out her come link as well. “Time to use my voice.” she commented while dialing a number. After a few moments she noticed the person on the other end, “Kith, do I have a scoop for you sweetie!” she said softly as she turned and walked away from the tomb. “When can we meet?”

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Captain's Log
Somewhere in the Core Worlds
ISA Ka-riss-ah

“Captain's Log, it has been one week since our meeting with the Azgard Warlord Council. And what a rough week it was to say the least. I really don't even know where to begin. Noting how much more repairs Carissa needed, Warlord Raynar sent for a pair of mobile yards to further the needed repairs. She was too large to fit inside them, but they were able to complete all the repairs needed by the end of the week. Azgard tech crews have been coming and going from all parts of the ship as the repairs continued. I know that Daz has problems with this but Carissa needs the repairs and we need allies that we can trust. It is really remarkable to see the Azgards at work. Its like nothing I have ever seen before. They are focused and determined on completing their tasks. Even Carissa noted their efficiency as being surprisingly high. I guess when the leader of your entire race are breathing down your neck, what else can you do? With the repairs completed we are finally able to slip back in to hyperspace and start on heading to this world that Daz spoke about.

Despite all that Natalie knows and her specialized skills in computers, there was nothing that could be done to undo the damage that had been done to Carissa. We have been able to locate three of her nodes which had been damaged beyond repairs and two that are only partially functional. Natalie and Carissa have been working around the clock to understand the technology that makes Carissa possible. But there are key components that are simply missing from their collective understanding. I know it is driving Natalie crazy not being able to figure this puzzle out. They were able to identify the nodes that were damaged and locate them all.

According to Carissa's Index Files, these key nodes held a wealth of information regarding her own systems and the technology that was used to create and maintain her. I find it sad that someone had attempted to not only kill Carissa, but ensure that she could never be brought back. It leaves me asking myself why would someone hate her so much to do this. Under neither her Avatar I can feel the fear and sense of lost that Carissa is suffering from the attack at the hand of her own crew members. Those memories of when we first discovered the damaged node still haunts me. The look of terror and pain in her eyes within that moment still fills my heart with regret to this day. There is just so much more a person can see in her eyes if they would just take the time to look passed their own ignorance of what she is.

I think that having a crew aboard once more does have mixed feeling for her though. I have noticed that all of her nodes have become sealed to all crew expect me. However she has expressed a deeper sense of purpose now that she has a crew to watch over and serve. She has decided to remain in her traditional ISA uniform. While she claims that it makes her feel more back home, I think she is doing it more to mess with Daz's head than anything else. I have noticed that some of the Azgards have taken a liking to the uniform. I would be willing to bet, she has something to do with this action among the Azgards! Who knew my sweet little warship had a sense of humor. Last night, over diner, Carissa informed me that she finds a sense of pleasure in watching the little Kel Dor's blood pressure raise. She promised she means him no real harm and the smile on her face tells me she is being truthful. She said that besides sensing a bit of paranoia and xenophobia from him, she finds him very likable. Actually I have to admit, its kind of funny too. Daz is a bundle of stress waiting to burst. He needs to learn to relax more or else he will blow out through his goggles.

She did something the other night that completely surprised me and left me completely speechless. I don't know why, but at the end of our nightly dinner as we were walking to my door, she kissed my cheek just as we reached the door. It was out of the blue and completely a surprise. There was that awkward moment right after the kiss when I reached up and touched the place where her lips touched me. I should have said something. I don't know what I was thinking at the time. She claimed that there was something that had to be attended to and deactivated her Avatar. I could tell in her eyes she was lying. There was this look of desperate horror on her face just before she vanished. Did I cause her to second guess her action? Did I offend her? I have to take time to speak to her about this.

Now that we have a fully functioning communication system we can filly get caught up with the latest events. Though to maintain our secret location during repairs, I have taken advice and kept our communication gear off the Galactic Net. We are getting some reports back from Coruscant about some up roar regarding Daz's escape. What we are hearing is sounding like a witch hunt. They are placing Jenna Eaton on trail for the escape. Also, word about the war is sounding more and more horrible. The Hutts have backed completely out and their CSA allies have suffered their greatest loss to date. The Rebel Jedi are sounding like they are pretty much on their own from now on. It doesn't sound like this war will last for much longer. At least I hope not.

Thanks to the combined forces of the Azgards, Republic and a hand full of other races, the Rebel Jedi have been beaten soundly across the hundred or so worlds they once laid claim to. Currently they only hold a few key worlds. These were have been left for a final push to end the war once and for all. However, the latest news about the battle for the Rebel Homeworld, Oulaven is being recorded as one of the most horrific battles in Republic history. Even after being orbital bombarded for nearly five days, the Rebel Jedi and their allies still put up a strong defense against the invading Azgard forces. The CSA sent in a relief force to try and break the blockade but it was too little in the face of Warlord Raynar's forces. An image that will be forever burned in to my mind is of the Temple on Oulaven blasted to ruins from space. Some of the craters must run as deep as five to six kilometers. I know that Daz wanted us to go save Jedi, but I can't help but ponder if that would have only placed us on a losing side. Carissa would have been lost and we would be dead. Or worse yet, what if we did rescue them. They could have fled to fight another day. I need to talk to Visst and gain his council on this.

I learned more about our new crew we have. I found out how each and every one of them are part of 'The Order of the Rose.' This Azgard order is given to any Warrior that has survived a battle in which they were defeated while their brothers and sisters died. Because they are part of this Order, they can never serve on an active Azgard ship or front line unit. The unit which now crews Carissa are called the Alun' sheck, or Children of Demons. Each one survived the bombings above Coruscant. I some how can't help but wonder if this is what the Force had intended from the beginning. So for them to regain their honor, they have to either die in battle or win a great victory. Great, I am surrounded by a bunch of suicidal fanatics.

Colonel Ward, who is not like the rest of the crew, he has requested to remain on board as a lesion. I am not completely sure of him. After all he is a Republic spook. I am not completely sure if I can trust him. I know that he is spying on us and Carissa. I just don't know if he is currently working for the Azgards or the Republic. I guess it really doesn't matter anymore. Either way, the entire Galaxy will know about Carissa soon enough. It was a foolish thing for us to think we can keep her a secret forever. The events at that bar are still very fresh in my mind. I asked Spoony to check each crew member including myself to make sure that we are who we say we are. I asked him to personally run all the tests. I am not letting another spy aboard Carissa! I guess I will keep Colonel Ward. After all, I already know he is a spy.

Shalla took the time to learn Carissa's culture and perform the funeral ceremony for Carissa's former crew. It was really remarkable how much care Shalla and the other Azgards took in making sure that the funeral was done correctly and respectfully. I really never gave the Azgards much thought about their respect of other cultures. Shalla even spoke the words from one of the holy books. I am sure that Carissa helped her learn the lines. But the fact that she did take the time really impressed me. With my permission, Shalla and a few other members of her cast has taken to holding services in the Knight's Temple for their own religion. I was surprised when I noticed tap placed over the door that led to the inner sanctum of the temple. Shalla pointed out that she and the others didn't feel right in using that room. She felt it was better left to the Jedi only. She did make a request of me. Azgard law prohibits any non-priest cast to carry weapons in the Temple. She asked if I would uphold this law out of respect for their culture. I told her I would think about it. There is so much I still need to learn about my crew. This is going to be painful.

I took Warlord Raynar on a guided tour of our ship just before departing for Oulaven. He was not the man I expected. We talked about a great many things and not much was about war. It was the last bits of this long conversation that really caused me to think and focus inward. He said he was completely against this war from the beginning and had it not been for the bombings he would have never supported it. He admitted to letting his emotions get the best of him when the vote came. He confided in me that even some of the most die hard supporters of the war on Azgard have grown tired of it. The Rebel Jedi and their allies can't stop the Azgard onslaught yet they refused to surrender. He claimed it was like beating up on cushion. This left the Azgards trapped in a war they never wanted and was forced in to by duty to the Republic. Warlord Raynar made a comment that really caused me to think. After walking the ship with me for hours, and telling me what a fine ship I had. He turned to me at the very loading ramp of his own shuttle and said, 'I hope that History will be as kind to me in memory as it will be for you. I am merely a warrior caught between the Duty I must do and what I know to be wrong.' I never really thought of History remembering me at all.

Well we are getting ready to depart now for the unknown. I will finish this log and check back in when I have a chance.

Captain Ogon out.”