Kolto

"Manaan's an unusual place. Not for its water, mind you… it's the kolto. Healing juice. Only place where it occurs in the galaxy."

― Jolee Bindo

Kolto was a liquid known for its healing abilities. It was found in the water of the oceanic planet Manaan, with a significant concentration near the Hrakert Rift along with other underwater chasms. It was considered a valuable commodity during the Jedi Civil War, but its significance was lost over time, being replaced in favor of bacta. During the Galactic Civil War, the effectiveness of kolto was considered to be less than bacta, but some historians have suggested that it may have been more powerful in the past.

History

The Progenitor, which was believed to have been a possible source of kolto.

Kolto was a liquid that could only be found naturally on depths of the oceanic planet Manaan, and it was known for its healing capabilities. Both the Sith and the Jedi had an equally limited supply of kolto during the Jedi Civil War, and so they sought a way to get more of it to gain an advantage, but all attempts to synthesize kolto failed. In turn, it became a vital export for the economy of Manaan and for the Selkath species that controlled the planet.

The Hrakert Rift was considered a prime location for kolto harvesting during the Jedi Civil War, being home to a giant firaxan shark known as the Progenitor, which may have been guarding the kolto. According to Selkath legend, kolto was also produced by the Progenitor. However, the scientists Kono Nolan and Sami believed that the shark had reached its large size and thus old age because it was feeding on the kolto.

During the Jedi Civil War, the Selkath remained neutral; neither favoring the Jedi and the Galactic Republic nor the Sith Empire. As a result, both governments set up "equal" operations on Manaan. In desperation for the healing power of kolto and to get an advantage over the Sith, Republic emissaries crafted a deal with several key members of the Selkath government. Fearing that the Sith would destroy the Selkath society, these leaders allowed the Republic to construct a secret underwater facility in the Rift to harvest kolto.

During the time between the Jedi Civil War and the Galactic Civil War, the production of kolto suffered substantially and the value escalated. With the cost of kolto so high, the market for it collapsed in favor of a less expensive alternative: bacta. The reason for the sharp decline of kolto production is unknown and was hotly contested in academic circles. Nevertheless, the economy of Manaan collapsed and kolto became almost completely forgotten.

With the onset of the Galactic Civil War, bacta had become the primary healing agent used in medicine. Aware of kolto's presence on Manaan and historical significance, Emperor Palpatine invaded Manaan and enslaved the native Selkath. The Galactic Empire exploited the Selkath and possibly their kolto resources. While kolto was still being used during the Galactic Civil War, it did not possess great value. It appeared to be less effective than bacta, but was used as a cheaper alternative. In their research, however, some historians noted that kolto may have been more effective in the past. By 1 ABY, kolto was in use aboard the Imperial prison barge Purge, where it was administered to some medical patients.

Usage

A Kolto tank

"Kolto for your cuts."

― A military phrase referring to in-field medical care

Era: Old Republik The most common application of kolto was through complete submersion in a Kolto tank. A patient would remain inside the tank, completely submerged in a solution of kolto, until their wounds were healed. During its peak, kolto tanks could be found aboard Republic starships, inside government buildings and in medical facilities. The concentration of kolto could be tailored to the patient, allowing for different solutions to be input.

Kolto was also one of the primary components of a medpac during the Jedi Civil War. Small amounts of the liquid could be placed in the medpac and easily carried or transported. Therefore, the amount of kolto was usually not substantial, so it functioned primarily as a first aid supplement.

During the Cold War, both the frequency of Kolto usage and the diversity of delivery methods expanded, particularly among the elite ranks of the Republic and Sith Empire. While regular troops and civilians on both sides relied regularly on standard Kolto tanks and medpacs, Imperial Agent Operatives could deliver Kolto injections via wrist-mounted dart launchers or hovering medical probes in support of their comrades. Even the likes of Bounty Hunters modified their missiles to saturate small areas with revitalizing Kolto mist.

Both factions also explored alternatives and supplements to Kolto, including using narcotics such as Spice (see → Drugs) in place of painkillers.

Source: [Wookieepedia]