Alpha Red

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the fictional Star Wars universe, Alpha Red was the New Republic's response to the invasion of the Yuuzhan Vong. It was developed late in the war in a joint effort between New Republic and Chiss scientists under Intelligence Director Dif Scaur. Alpha Red itself was a virus capable of targeting a particular genetic sequence common to all Vonglife. If deployed, Alpha Red would mean the eradication of the entire Yuuzhan Vong species. Along with all Yuuzhan Vong, the virus would spread and attack other species, not just the Vong. This was discovered on Caluula when the virus killed a species called the winged star shells. This was the first instance of the virus spreading to other species.

As such, when its existence came to the knowledge of the Jedi Order, they were firmly against its deployment. Jedi Master Luke Skywalker argued that releasing Alpha Red was tantamount to mass murder, and that for the Republic to commit genocide would be its first step towards the dark side. Any plans to release Alpha Red were set back by months when the Jedi Vergere infiltrated the facility it was being stored in and sabotaged the only sample in existence. This action caused the New Republic leadership to turn to the backup plan proposed by retired Admiral Ackbar of seasoning New Republic troops through hit-and-fade engagements much how the Rebel Alliance had operated against the Empire. In the meantime, work on recreating Alpha Red commenced with the explicit understanding that if Admiral Ackbar's plan (endorsed by the Jedi) failed, the New Republic would have no choice but to deploy the virus. However, Admiral Ackbar's strategy proved to be an overwhelming success when it culminated in the Battle of Ebaq 9, a stunning victory where the New Republic led a massive Yuuzhan Vong fleet into a trap and decimated it. With the battle a success and the Yuuzhan Vong weakened to a strength relatively equal to that of the Republic, Chief-of-State Cal Omas agreed to hold off on using the weapon unless it was absolutely necessary.

Two years later, Omas reluctantly ordered the weapon to be deployed during the final stages of the war when it appeared as if it was the only way to stop the Yuuzhan Vong. However, with the events that took place during the Battle of Yuuzhan'tar and the surrender of the Yuuzhan Vong, the Galactic Alliance contained the weapon from spreading before having it finally destroyed.