A container holding stabilized Isotope-5.
Isotope-5 stood out as an exceptionally scarce material within the galaxy, its discovery kept secret. It was unearthed by deep-core mining operations on the planet Makeb following its conquered state under the Hutt Cartel in the year 3638 BBY. Identified as a radioactive variant of illerium, it gained its name from being the fifth isotopic form of an element typically located in neutron stars. Even in minute quantities, isotope-5 exhibited significant warping effects on both gravitational and electromagnetic fields. Investigations into its potential revealed a relative stability, suggesting it could be transformed to channel immense energy through particle acceleration. Scientists theorized about isotope-5's capabilities, proposing that a mere microgram could sustain a datapad for a century. The unusual mesa formations and atmospheric disturbances on Makeb were attributed to the gravity-altering characteristics of isotope-5.
Isotope-5 played a pivotal role in Toborro the Hutt's ambition to elevate the Hutt Cartel to galactic dominance, rivaling the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. During the conflict on Makeb, Hutt scientists devised several applications for combat, including war droids powered by isotope-5 fuel rods that enhanced energy shields and increased the power of blaster weaponry, for use against Makeb's civilians and resistance.
Weakened by setbacks during the Galactic War, the Sith Empire dispatched a small team led by Darth Marr to Makeb. Their mission was to either secure the substance for the Empire or ensure the Hutt Cartel could not. Regrettably, nearly all the isotope-5 had been consumed in the development of the droids, making extraction impossible. Adding to the problem, the Hutts' mining had destabilized Makeb's core, causing groundquakes and threatening the planet's destruction, thus thwarting the Empire's objectives. However, Imperial strategists conceived a plan to use mining lasers to trigger controlled seismic events, guiding the core toward a stable state.