Blaudu Sextus revolt

In the year 44 ABY, the organization Freedom Flight, dedicated to ending enslavement, incited the Octusi to rebel against their masters. The Octusi, a docile, semi-sentient species serving as servants on Blaudu Sextus, were swayed to challenge their servitude. Upon hearing of this burgeoning revolt, Galactic Federation of Free Alliances Chief of State Natasi Daala feared widespread unrest, threatening galactic stability in the galaxy. Consequently, she channeled funds through the Sextuna Mining Corporation on Blaudu Sextus to engage Mandalorian Protectors under the leadership of Belok Rhal to suppress the rebellion.

Meanwhile, reporter Madhi Vaandt received a tip from Freedom Flight member Blink, a Bothan, prompting her journey to Blaudu Sextus. Accompanied by her cam operator, Tyl Krain, and her production assistant Shohta Laar – a recently freed enslaved individual won in a drinking game on Vinsoth – she arrived to cover the uprising for The Perre Needmo Newshour. The Octusi initiated their protest peacefully, careful to avoid damage to their masters' property, but were quickly dispersed by the arriving Mandalorians.

Word of the revolt reached the Jedi Order on Coruscant, sparking debate among the Jedi. Jedi Master Saba Sebatyne revealed that the Octusi willingly entered into servitude, choosing between life on Blaudu Sextus and their homeworld of Blaudu Octus, where life expectancy was significantly shorter. She further reported that the inhabitants of Blaudu Sextus treated the Octusi well, even having laws against mistreatment. The Jedi were perplexed by the revolt, especially considering the Octusi had never been shackled, yet their protest signs displayed broken shackles and manacles.

The Jedi Council deduced that Freedom Flight likely orchestrated the revolt, anticipating a massacre to incite public outrage and further rebellions. The Jedi also believed that, given time, the Octusi and the Blauduns would reach a peaceful resolution independently; they thus decided to dispatch two Jedi Knights—Sothais Saar and Avinoam Arelis—to stop the Mandalorians.

As the Octusi continued their peaceful march through the streets of the capital city Arari, the Mandalorians again dispersed protesters, attacking those who remained. Despite this, the Octusi remained committed to their revolt and pacifism, refusing to retaliate. Vaandt began to speculate on who had hired the Mandalorians, noting that Sextuna's nearest mining operation was over eighty kilometers from the protest in Arari.

Shortly thereafter, Mandalorian mercenaries opened fire on the Octusi, killing fifteen and injuring over fifty, triggering a stampede that resulted in property damage. The following day, as hundreds of Octusi – including the injured – gathered in the Big Circle of Fun in Arari to prepare for their next march, Vaandt established her reporting position in a nearby building, aiming to broadcast the events live. Laar initially resisted, wanting to prevent the unfolding events when Vaandt revealed that she expected either a riot or a slaughter to take place, but Vaandt insisted on their role as reporters, not influencers. Vaandt and Krain eventually convinced Laar by arguing that reporting the cold-blooded murders would incite a larger anti-slavery movement, saving more lives in the long run.

Rhal arrived with his Mandalorian forces, surrounding the Octusi in QuickStryke assault sleds as Vaandt began her report. Rhal addressed an Octusi Elder, Races-the-Water-Bringing-Wind, who requested the removal of the vehicles. Rhal instead demanded that all Elders step forward. When Races-the-Water-Bringing-Wind questioned his authority and refused, Rhal shot him in the head at point-blank range, killing him. The Octusi began singing the Song of Sorrow, but Rhal interrupted by threatening another Elder. When that Elder also refused to comply, Rhal shot him as well.

As Vaandt, shocked by the murders, continued her live HoloNet broadcast, the Octusi scattered, attempting to flee. However, the Mandalorian assault sleds blocked all escape routes, and Rhal ordered his forces to open fire. Suddenly, a Mandalorian reported that their actions were being broadcast live. Rhal located Vaandt's reporting location and opened fire with his QuickStryke. Vaandt, along with Krain and Laar, fled the room, seeking a new location. They rushed into a hallway, but were confronted by Rhal and more Mandalorians at a stairwell.

Krain continued broadcasting live images as Vaandt confronted Rhal about his actions. He demanded she turn off the cam, but she refused, stepping forward to question his motives and whether he was truly hired by the Sextuna Mining Corporation. Meanwhile, lightsabers began cutting through the wall behind Rhal. Rhal shot Madhi Vaandt twice in the chest. The two Jedi, Saar and Arelis, breached the wall and engaged the Mandalorians, incapacitating them with the Force as Laar and Krain rushed to Vaandt's side. Vaandt, however, only cared that they had captured the footage, knowing she was dying.

As the Jedi watched the news feed from Pinnacle Platform at the Jedi Temple, Saar and Arelis fought through the Mandalorians while Rhal shouted orders at Krain, holding him at blasterpoint. Laar stepped into Vaandt's role and began reporting live. Rhal turned and fired on the approaching Saar, while Arelis held off a dozen Mandalorians. Laar kicked Rhal in the back, sending him tumbling down the stairs. Saar used the Force to slam Rhal into the wall repeatedly, forcing his surrender.