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Jedi Insurgency Chapter 4
🕑 Added 2024-12-20 08:16:02 +0000 UTCAfter Corvus's speech, everyone had slightly relaxed. While Kazdan Paradus was a bonafide Jedi Master, his recent paranoia, poor reputation as a battlefield commander, and reclusive nature saw that Corvus remain as the unspoken leader of the group.
Corvus was about to move forward with his escape plan, when the Twi'lek Padawan started to walk uncomfortably close towards him.
“Corvus, you're alive! What happened back there? And does anyone know what this gross worm thing is?” Linyin spat off a litany of words in a bubbly voice. Her lekku swayed as she energetically ran up to, and stopped just in front of him.
“Yes, I was knocked unconscious, thank you again for saving me, Master Corvus.” Zork deeply bowed. The bipedal dragon-alien spoke seriously in his deep voice.
“It was quite dangerous, as we were pinned between the advancing clone troopers, and the Taozin. Speaking of the Taozin, everyone come help strip the beast of those round black mounds that are stuck to it. We don't have much time, as the clones could be closing in on this position any second now.” Corvus ordered authoritatively.
“Eww, but they're all slimy and have charred jelly on them!” Linyin stepped back in disgust.
Internally, Corvus was silently agreeing with her. The black mounds clinging to the Taozin were its feces. It was gross, but also, something critical to their survival.
“Linyin, remember your training. Applying the same principle that you used when entering the sewers.” Kyra instructed her Padawan from the side.
The green alien then acted as an example, and was the first to step forward, and began collecting the Taozin waste, placing it in a pile.
Corvus subtly nodded his head, and followed Kyra's teachings. After following her lead, he no longer felt disgust at removing the waste. It felt like he was working with something as innocuous as clay.
“Why do you even want to collect shit anyway?” Yon crossed his arms and scowled.
“The Sith Lord has many agents who can track Jedi through the Force. This shit will mask one's presence so long as it is worn on the body, such as in an amulet. But if you'd rather be caught-” Corvus patiently explained.
“I never said anything like that! Gimme one of those!” Yon stepped forward, and began to collect the orange-sized balls of shit with extreme gusto.
The black haired teens 180 must've surprised the other two Padawans, as Linyin and Zork seemed to become competitive with how much they could collect.
“Master Paradus, could I get your help with the mech arms? This flesh is lightsaber, and blaster resistant, please tear it apart for us. It could be useful at a later date.” Corvus gestured towards the tiny Jedi Master to step forth.
Corvus then pointed at the charred remains of the Taoizin, specifically indicating for Paradus to tear at the parts of the beast that were already weakened thanks to the thermal detonators.
“I think we should escape. But if you think this is for the best interest in our survival, I will help.” Paradus fiddled with his thumbs, then reluctantly made his way forward.
Corvus didn't really understand how someone with such a weak mental fortitude ever achieved the rank of Master, but at least he was being helpful.
“Many thanks, Master Paradus.” Corvus bowed.
Corvus then turned to collect the waste, and placed it in his inventory. When he did, he noticed that the Neimodian and Munn had disappeared.
“They left during your defense of using the Darkside.” Jax said from the side.
“Ever the introspective one, eh? Keep those eyes and senses sharp, we'll need them.” Corvus moved to ruffle his hair, only for the teen to pull away with a small scowl.
“Whatever. I'll be introspective over there ” Jax calmly said, and moved into a dark corner of the room.
“I got it, I took the most dung balls!” Yon crowed in victory over Linyin and Zork.
‘Frickin teenagers.’ Corvus sighed to himself.
After about 10 more minutes of pilfering the Taozin's carcass, Corvus clapped his hands to get everyone's attention, and motioned for them to set off.
Continuing on their journey in the sewers, the group of Jedi went through several tight corridors, down several flights of stairs, slimy waters, dark caverns, and barely functioning elevators.
Along the way, Corvus created several false trails, and damaged a few other corridors so as to throw any clones, or future bounty hunters off their trail.
After two more hours of tense, yet uneventful sewer crawling, they came to the back entrance of the tailor shop on level 1313 that had been Corvus's target all along.
Reaching out with the Force, Corvus felt that there were no life forms in the building in front of him. That it hadn't seen life in quite some time. In fact, the Force was nudging him forward, as if there was something inside that belonged with him.
Corvus raised an eyebrow in curiosity. He wondered what role the Force had in him choosing this tailor shop.
Level 1313 was a bit of a meme pick, because it was a somewhat popular location in Coruscant. 1313 was the place where George Lucas's canceled TV series was supposed to take place, and had been an Easter Egg in many different forms of media.
But now the Force was beckoning him forward, as if a long lost friend were around the corner.
Filled with curiosity, and the desire to act on this unique feeling, Corvus moved as if he were having an out of body experience. The Force directed him where to move, and before he knew it, the security hatch to the tailor shop was open.
A trail of dust whooshed into the sewers as the door opened.
Using the light cast from his azure blade, Corvus stepped forth and prepared himself for any unexpected encounters.
Upon his entry, the sound of electricity hummed in the air, and the lights turned on.
Corvus cautiously felt out with the Force, yet he felt no danger. Instead, he felt something in this store beckoning to him. It was a sensation akin to seeing a puppy dog eagerly trying to get his attention.
Shifting his weight slightly to the side, he glanced at the other Jedi to see if they had a reaction like he did, but they all seemed regular.
Or as regular as people could be after surviving a massacre.
Shrugging his shoulders, Corvus paused, and examined his surroundings as had become a habit each time he entered a new location.
What he saw was a somewhat small storefront about the size of a 7 Eleven. The area they had emerged from was a small, nondescript panel located next to a cashiers desk. If one did not know where it was, they wouldn't even know that there was a door there in the first place.
There were several holographic display pieces that showed off different sets of clothing, and a price tag was fixed next to them.
Most clothes were going for 1,000 Credits. That was rather pricey for clothes considering a meal at Jax's Diner (restaurant from Episode II) cost 9 Credits on average, and Han Solo was willing to smuggle Luke & Obi-Wan past the Imperials for 17,000 Credits in A New Hope.
Examining the holoprojections, Corvus noticed that they all depicted clothing in an ancient oriental style very reminiscent of the dress style noble Chinese or Japanese wore. Yet as reminiscent as they were, the articles of clothing also had a sleek futuristic, cyberpunk type of blended style.
That about did it for this room, but there was more to the building. To his side, and behind the cashiers desk, was another door.
Unpausing, Corvus was curious as to what lay within the backrooms.
“Woah, this is a lot of stuff-” Linyin said in an overly loud, cheerful voice, only for Kyra to place a hand over her mouth, and shush her.
Corvus barely even noticed them as the feeling in the Force began to pulse stronger and stronger.
Pressing a bright blue button on the side of the door, it slid open sideways.
What he saw was a spartan, well lit concrete hallway. It branched out in 3 separate directions, forming a T shaped intersection.
There were several security turrets mounted on the wall, but they were deactivated.
‘What kind of tailor shop needed such heavy weaponry?’ Corvus thought to himself.
Furthermore, why was there a secret panel leading to the sewers here in the first place?
Shaking his head, Corvus next thought about his next step.
When he considered going left, or right, he felt a small tug on his Jedi robe towards the central path.
Experiencing such an odd sensation was alien to Corvus, but he knew that the Force worked in mysterious ways. He only hoped this wasn't some trick from a Sith spirit or Dark Side user.
Gathering his courage, he set out down the central hallway.
“Kyra, Linyin, why don't explore the left tunnel, Master Paradus, how about you and Zork take the right tunnel? The Force has guided me to this tailor shop for a reason, but even if this place hasn't been occupied in some time, I don't want any surprises sneaking up on us.” Corvus turned back to his companions, and quietly intoned.
The other Jedi nodded, and separated from him. Zork bowed, and Linyin pouted, but followed after her teacher.
“Let's go, Yon, Jax.” Corvus gestured, then took the lead.
As they stepped down the surprisingly long corridor, they passed by several spartan sleeping chambers. Each one was fit to accommodate 4 occupants, and had little else to offer.
Moving closer to the tug in the Force and near the end of the hall, there were six larger rooms, three on the left, three on the right, that had more space, and were clearly designed for solo occupancy. Two of the rooms even contained children's toys, it would seem whoever lived here at one time had been raising a family.
During their exploration, Corvus was constantly looking all over the place for any hidden messages, writings, or indications as to who had lived here, but he found nothing.
There were several computer terminals, but when they turned them on, Corvus found that they were set to factory fresh, and had nothing saved to them.
It was as if someone had set this place up, and forgotten all about it.
“This place is giving me an odd sensation. As if it were welcoming me home?” Jax spoke up during their search.
“You feel a connection too? Interesting.” Corvus raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, but what's there to connect to when all there is, is old dust?! Instead, you should be teaching us that lightning attack, Master Corvus! It was kriffing awesome!” Yon grinned at Corvus, and held his hands out, miming Corvus's attack.
Corvus wanted to tell the kid to stop calling him master, as he had neither achieved that realm of power, nor was Yon his student. But at this point, trying to get the Padawans to stop was about as useful as pissing in the wind.
“...I must agree, that ability would have been most useful against the droids. Why haven't the Masters taught us this?” Jax slowly nodded along, and spoke in a slow, well measured tone.
“This Force power is attuned to the Darkside. I do not intend to teach it. For now.” Corvus heavily stressed his words, and stopped his rummaging through a closet to stop, and stare the teens in the eyes.
Jax looked down, and nodded, a contemplative look appeared in his eyes.
“If not now, when? We need everything we can use if we are to get revenge against the Sith!” Yon scowled.
“Yon. You go too far. We would be dead if not for Corvus!” Jax said in a somewhat heated tone.
“What are you going to do about it, stumpy?” Yon crossed his arms, and smirked.
The short black haired teen swiftly lost his expression of superiority as Jax shoved forth his stump, and slammed Yon into a nearby wall with the Force.
Corvus had been about to diffuse the arguing boys, but didn't expect Jax to have it in him.
If he were a traditional Jedi Master from the Order, he would be harshly rebuking Jax. He'd probably be fearful of him falling to the Darkside.
But as a man who had some pride, and one who had seen Jedi such as Luke, Obi-Wan and even Anakin channel the Darkside for a just cause, he wasn't worried about Jax's actions, and even was a little impressed. Not just anyone could get over the mental block of using the Force without a hand.
‘This kid has some potential.’ Corvus thought to himself as he eyed the white-haired teen.
Yon stood up, and looked ready for a fight, like a rooster battling for his hen when in heat.
“Halt.” Corvus commanded to the short teen, and cast [Mind Trick].
The boy growled as he was held in place, but Corvus gave him a look.
“I want to teach you, Yon, but first you must learn restraint. Are the Padawans of the Jedi Order so weak? Is it worth my time to train someone who refuses to be taught?” Corvus taunted in his best impression of an old sensei.
Whilst Corvus was spouting bs, since he had only been a Jedi for a few hours, and was still figuring out how to use the Force himself, he had to put this potential flight risk in his place.
Yon looked down in shame at the criticism.
Corvus imperceptibly nodded his head. He had seen that the boy attributed everything to strength, and had made him step in line using language he would understand.
It was a weakness of Yon's, and a rather simplistic world view, but not entirely incorrect. Hopefully Corvus would be able to teach this traumatized youth that strength wasn't limited to violence in the days to come.
“Heh.” Jax chuckled, but was quick to shut his mouth when Corvus directed his attention to him.
“Impressive work, but don't grow arrogant. Your friend has a fragile ego, and could genuinely fall down a dark path. For one so aware of his surroundings, you lack in other areas. We shall learn this together in time.” Corvus whispered, and pat Jax on the shoulder.
The white haired teen tilted his head for a moment of reflection, then nodded his head.
“I will heed your counsel, Master Corvus.”
Pulling away, Corvus snapped his finger, and released his hold on Yon.
The youth staggered forward, and had a sullen look on his face, then he turned away with a huff.
Yon's emotions sang in the Force. Anger, doubt, and other negative feelings colored the boy as if he had a bucket of red paint tossed over him.
Corvus sighed. He was sympathetic to the young Padawans. They had just experienced the worst night of their lives.
After this exchange, a new quest prompt appeared.
[Quest: Instruct Yon in the Force 0/5 times. Reward: 500 exp, ???]
The exp wasn't worth much, but like with Jax, there was the mysterious ‘???’ Corvus wondered what he would get?
Shaking his head, Corvus decided to finish things up here, and move on to what had led him to this complex in the first place.
Casting [Valor] on the group to help calm things down, Corvus then cleared his throat to gather their attention.
“We will begin practice once we have found a safe harbor. I have a few methods to train the two of you in, I will not abandon either of you. The Jedi have faced much worse in the past, and we will overcome this trial.” Corvus said with conviction, and looked the two teens in the eye.
“Tch. Whatever, I'll be in the hallway.” Yon shoved his hands into his pockets, and walked away.
“Jax?” Corvus questioned when he saw the armless 16~ year old wasn't moving.
Jax looked hesitant, and opened his mouth to say something, but ultimately closed it before turning to walk away.
“I'll ask later.”
‘Ah, kids.’ Corvus rolled his eyes, and followed after him.
Emerging into the hallway, he came to the final room.
When the door slid open, and the lights whirled on, he paused to find himself in an office.
Within, there were 3 manikins, each with their own unique armor sets, yet they were all cyber samurai themed. Additionally, there was an entire wall festooned with all sorts of odd looking masks. Some were basic and unassuming, others fantastical like an oni mask. Honestly, many of them had creepy, or sinister designs, and reminded him of the creepy mask salesman from the old Legend of Zelda games.
At the center of the room was a large desk, and table, hanging above which was a large, dust covered banner depicting the symbol of the Jedi Order.
Upon seeing this, it clicked into place.
Picking this location as the point of retreat had been no accident.
Scanning his surroundings one last time, Corvus noticed three more side rooms. On the left was a meeting room with a large holotable projector in the middle, the room on the right was a locked vault, and the room behind the desk was a bedroom.
Unpausing, Corvus felt a strong tug in the Force, and he walked towards the central manikin.
At the same time, Jax seemed to unconsciously move towards one of the sets of armor too.
Corvus raised an eyebrow, yet remained silent. He wondered what it was that had the Force act so persistent in him coming here.
Inspecting the armor, he found a whimsical notion, a pressing curiosity that demanded to be answered.
Igniting his lightsaber, he horizontally slashed into the armor, only for it to short out before making contact.
“What the kriff was that about!” Yon yelled, and ignited his own lightsaber as he looked around for enemies.
“Cortosis weave armor. It shortens lightsabers, and is blaster resistant.” Corvus half explained, yet mostly spoke in awe.
Whoever had set this place up was fabulously wealthy, or had connections that no ordinary person could obtain.
Feeling the tug once more-this time more insistent-Corvus deactivated his lightsaber, and stepped closer to the manikin.
Reaching his hands out, he took the mask off its stand, and a blue cube-no bigger than a fist-fell into his palm.
He had a split second to recognize it as a holocron, then his vision turned black for a split second.
As soon as the glowing blue cube made contact with him, he felt his consciousness get sucked inside, as if he were jacked into a virtual reality console.
Fortunately, he could still pause within this space.
Corvus found himself standing at the door of a Japanese styled tea room. Directly in front of him was a mat, and a table with a teapot. The room had a view out into a hallway, and stone garden. A small stream ran through the yard, and there were many other items associated with a feudal Japanese nobleman.
Sitting in front of him was a blonde man with his eyes closed, and holding a meditative posture. He had sharp facial features, as if he were a Roman statue, and carried himself with poise. Clad around his body was a white robe that reminded Corvus of a yukata.
By his estimation, this must be the owner of the tailor shop, and expanded complex.
Hanging behind him on the wall was a plaque, by focusing on it, he could just barely make out what it said.
It read:
I am at Peace; for I know Emotion.
I have Power; for I also have Knowledge.
I have Passion; for I am Serene.
I can embrace Mortality; for I know Death.
I am balanced through the Force.
This was a code, that much was obvious. It was one much different from those that the current Jedi held themselves to, or even those prior the Ruusan Reformation 1,000 years ago used.
The mixture of emotion and passion both intrigued, and concerned Corvus.
Was this perhaps some precursor Jed'aii before the split into Jedi/Sith? Or maybe it was a rogue Dark Jedi, or other offshoot?
Perhaps this man was a true Jedi Shadow?
Whatever the case was, he had been drawn here by the Force, and there was nothing else to be learned through his observations.
Resuming time, Corvus inclined his head to the man, and cupped his hands within the sleeves of his robes.
“Master.” Corvus politely intoned.
The man made no move in response to Corvus's greeting.
‘So we're doing the wise old Master bit, eh? I wonder if he is pretending like me, or if he truly holds such ideals? I think I'll test him.’ Corvus stroked his chin, and smirked to himself.
Stepping forward to a side table, Corvus treated the room like his own kitchen, and rummaged around until he found some herbs.
Lifting them up to smell them, he found that none of them emitted a scent. Which was interesting, because the room had a faint hint of fragrance.
‘Must be some test or challenge.’ Corvus shrugged to himself, and placed the four different herbs in front of him on the table.
He then closed his eyes, and put a finger in front of him.
‘Enie, minie, mo, my mother said to pick the very best one, and you. Are. It!’ Stopping his finger, Corvus settled on something that looked like it could be cinnamon sticks.
Without speaking any words, Corvus got to work on boiling the tea pot. After about 15 minutes, he let it simmer, and then soaked the sticks in the water.
After it had changed color to a deep orange, Corvus removed the herbs with a spoon.
Wafting the steam into his nostrils, he smiled as it had a sweet, yet slightly spicy hint to it. Those weren't exactly his preferred flavor combos, but it was serviceable.
He then rummaged around some more, and found some cups.
Feeling slightly mischievous, he poured two cups, and floated them onto the wooden tea table, but when they were about to gently clink into place, one of them tipped over, and spilt onto the Master's trousers.
Wintery cerulean snapped open, and the furrowed brows of a would-be ancient Roman senator graced Corvus at that moment.
Not a word was spoken between the two.
The brief silence, and staring contest was interrupted as a loud sipping sound resounded in the quiet tea room.
Taking a seat, Corvus held the cup with both hands, and allowed himself a sigh of contentment to escape his lips.
He hadn't had a moment to sit for the last six hours, and his back was killing him. In fact, he hadn't ate, or drank anything either.
This brief respite was a godsend.
Closing his eyes, Corvus felt safe for the first time in hours, and drowsiness overtook him. Before he knew it, Corvus had drifted off to sleep.
Sometime later, when Corvus came to, he found himself sitting in the same spot, except his conversation partner had his back turned to him, and was halfway finished with a painting.
When Corvus tried to see what the man was drawing, he couldn't quite make out what it was.
“Come back when you can see this image.” The man spoke without turning his back to him. His voice was neither stern, nor overbearing. It came with a quiet intensity, like that of a low-key, charismatic politician.
He reminded Corvus of a man who was secure in his station in life, and had nothing to prove.
‘Maybe he is legit?’ Corvus thought to himself.
However, he felt a wet spot on his clothing. Looking down, he saw his own tea cup had been spilt on his lap despite remembering finishing it earlier.
‘At least he has a funny bone!’ Corvus grinned at the man's back.
“Until next time, Master, I enjoyed our talk.” Corvus cupped his hands once more, then felt himself fade away.
Corvus blinked, then he was back in the office, the holocron in his palm. Curiously, the blurry image that was on the canvas was imprinted on that same hand.
“Master, he's awake!” Linyin excitedly shouted right next to him.
The bluish Twi'lek girl had her fists clenched, and looked at Corvus with curiosity.
“What'd you see, what'd you see?” Linyin grabbed on the hem of Corvus's robe.
“Enough, Linyin. Viewing a holocron can take much out of the observer.” Kyra gently pried the gushing teen off Corvus's sleeve.
Corvus nodded at the Merulian Jedi Knight in thanks, and saw that the entire group of survivors were surrounding him.
“How long was I occupied?” Corvus questioned.
“Little more than half an hour. When the two Padawans came running to us in a hurry, we found you like this.” Kyra gestured to Corvus, who was sitting in a lotus position, and was raising his hand up, as if he were holding onto a cup of tea.
Corvus nodded his head. Hours had passed within the virtual space, yet it had only been about 30 in the ‘real world.’
Shifting in his seat, he saw the eager expressions on everyone's faces, and decided not to keep them waiting in suspense.
“I see. I think I encountered the owner of this place. We didn't speak more than a sentence or two, but I got the sense that he meant well. I was offered a challenge before he would speak to me again.” Corvus explained.
“Master Corvus, if you wouldn't mind explaining his image, perhaps I could identify him? I studied all the famous figures in Jedi history, and have a photographic memory. If it was a Jedi wise enough to construct a holocron, he must be famous! Perhaps I could help out?” Zork's deep baritone contrasted with his excitement to appear useful.
“Hm. Sure.” Corvus nodded his head in amusement, and detailed the man's appearance.
“....I think it could be Master Lucien Draay. From what I can remember, he was a veteran of the Mandalorian Wars, but disappeared sometime before the Jedi Civil War.” Zork closed his eyes, and scrunched his reptilian face deep in thought.
“Is there any more?” Corvus leaned forward, interested in this mystery man's past.
“Ah, sorry, Master Corvus, I think the rest of his file was restricted.” Zork scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.
“No harm, no foul, Padawan. Your gifts for history, and mental recollection are valuable talents. I am sure they will serve you well on your journey to learn the ways of the Force.” Corvus praised with a genuine smile.
“Hey, hey! I have talents too! Just now, Master Kyra and I discovered a training room the size of a grav-ball field! I got a good sweat in, and everything!” Linyin flexed her noodle thin arms, and beamed at Corvus.
“A gym? This facility has much to offer. How about you, Master Paradus?” Corvus ignored Linyin's deflated shoulders, and turned to the tiny Jedi engineer.
“There was much to find, Knight Corvus. I noted a medical room, several laboratories, a comms centre, and a communal dining room.” Paradus answered in a nasally, high pitched voice. During his entire delivery, he glanced around the room several times and seemed to have a slight edge of paranoia hovering over him.
Corvus ignored the disrespect, and paused to take careful note of everything that was said.
Between the medical bay, and laboratories, there was sure to be a workbench, and a lab station where he could craft a mine to farm exp. Furthermore, he had seen that there was a connection between Jax, and that suit of armor. It just so happened that it had mech arms too. Corvus would have to find some time to speak with Paradus and see about getting Jax fixed up. The kid was reliable, and would be of great help in the future. Plus, Corvus was really curious as to what the ‘???’ reward would be.
Looking around the room, he noted that everyone was pretty much dead tired on their feet.
Unpausing, he addressed the crowd.
“Okay everyone.” Corvus clapped his hands together, drawing their attention to him.
“This location shall serve as our temporary refuge. Let's all eat and drink the rations I took from the CIS base, then get some shut eye. No one is to leave these premises until I have scouted the surroundings, got it?” Corvus looked the Padawans in the eye, and even spared Paradus a look as he deposited some MRE-looking boxes of food.
“Yes, Master Corvus.” Linyin, Jax, and Zork replied.
“You want to learn a trick to resist the mind trick, don't you Yon?” Corvus offered some knowledge with a smirk, and crossed arms.
The black haired short teen was rolling his eyes, looking disinterested off at nothing in particular. But when Corvus offered to teach, the kid jumped to his feet.
“Of course I'm not leaving, where would I go?” Yon sarcastically hit back as if it were the dumbest idea.
“Yes, let us eat and rest.” Kyra conveyed an almost motherly strength through the Force, and gently cajoled the Padawans out of the chamber.
“Yaaay, showers! There are working sonic showers here!” Linyin cheered as she ran out.
“Master Corvus, I want to learn how to resist a mind trick too!” Zork raised his hand, but his voice was drowned out in all the noise, and Corvus barely heard a word he said as Linyin happily dragged him away.
“I'll be in the labs if you need me. Saw some scrap that could use some work.” Paradus gruffly supplied. The sound of his mecha-spider legs flanked loudly as he left.
Yon had already gone, and Jax was staring fixedly at the suit of gear in the room.
“Ahem, run along now Jax, I'll help you get a meal in a minute. It seems as though Knight Kyra would like to have a word with me.” Corvus spoke with his words, but also gently nudged the white haired morose teen with the Force.
Jax barely peeled his eyes away from the armor, then nodded to both Corvus and Kyra before departing.
Corvus turned to see what Kyra had to say to him in private, when suddenly, she pulled her lightsaber on Corvus, and held it to his throat.
The act was so sudden, and she was so close, that by the time the Force warned him the blade was already humming at his neck.
However, Corvus sensed no malice from Kyra, or even the kind of strong conviction a Jedi would yield when executing someone.
In fact, he couldn't get a read on her at all.
Quirking an eyebrow, an amused smirk came across his face. Perhaps she was the real Jedi Shadow all along?
“Is a smirk the only expression your face knows how to hold?” Kyra spoke in a neutral tone.
“Nice burn, now are you going to explain to me what’s going on, or keep me in suspense?” Corvus smirked in response.
At the same time, he deliberately kept his hands lowered and to his side, instead of raising them up in the universal ‘don't shoot me’ posture, so that he would appear more relaxed and innocent.
Yet despite his seeming cheerful demeanor, he eyed the azure blade thrumming at his neck, and was prepared to pause and immediately act if things-as unlikely as it seemed-went sideways.
“Hmm. Your story checks out so far, but I have my doubts that you are truly a Knight, much less a Shadow. The skills you display, the emotions you leak, they are sometimes worse than the most ignorant initiate. Yet other times surpass the brightest of Padawans. I almost suspect you to be a talented Force practitioner that stumbled upon some Jedi ruins and studied from broken texts.” Kyra slowly and methodically listed out her suspicions.
‘Well, most Jedi were taught detective work. Not really surprising a genuine Jedi Knight can't smell bullshit from a mile away.’ Corvus thought to himself.
“Why are you telling me this? If you are so certain I am not a Jedi, but some random Darksider, why not end me now?” Corvus decided to take a calculated risk, and see what her reaction would be.
‘Persuade, Charisma, don't let me down now!’ Corvus thought to himself as he combined the logic of her actions along with the invisible threads of his stat points.
“I should lock you in a cell, and question you at the very least. But I gave my word that I would trust you, at least that you were not CIS or Dooku's apprentice. I am telling you this as a warning. If you endanger the Padawans, or set them on the path to darkness, I will not forgive you.” Kyra spoke in a heavy, yet serene tone, like an angel of judgement passing its verdict.
From an outsiders perspective, it might seem like she was an emotionless monk serving justice, and living by a code.
But from Corvus's perspective, she very clearly cared about the children, and protecting them seemed to be her number one priority.
He saw how Linyin looked up to her, Kyra was basically the teen Twi'lek's mother.
Kyra may not outwardly emote it, but she had a soft spot for those kids.
“That's really cute. The dedication, and compassion you have for those Padwans is truly admirable, Kyra. You're what every Jedi should aspire to.” Corvus smirked, and clapped Kyra on the shoulder as he passed her by.
The sound of their skin slapping together was louder than Corvus anticipated, so he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, and kept on going without looking back.
“Aaaa-nyyywaaaay, ima go now. Gotta eat, and scout out the neighborhood.” Corvus awkwardly paused in his step at the door, and turned back only to catch an object being thrown at him.
Looking down in confusion, he discovered it was a white tank top.
‘Where the hell was she keeping this hidden?!’
Kyra must have noticed his confusion, because she spoke up a second later.
“Your form is sloppy, lazy, and inefficient. It is setting a bad precedent for the Padawans. We will correct that. I'll see you in the gym when you are well rested.” Kyra said in a formal tone, then marched past Corvus.
As she glided past him in the hallway, he caught sight of her well toned thighs, and plump yet firm ass.
Shaking his head, Corvus focused on what was important.
This was his first day in Star Wars, and he had just survived Order 66. Pretty green alien women could wait. For now, he had to grind some exp, get some training in, and fix a teen boy's arms.
Then, he had to scout around, and start planning his next actions carefully.
The Empire was new, and many things were still uncertain. During the chaos of a new government forming, now was the most optimal time for Corvus to strike.
Particularly, once Palpatine left Coruscant to go check up on the Chosen One, Corvus would need to use that window to kill the Sith politicians closest supporters.
Time was a precious resource, and Corvus didn't have the luxury to be thirsting after an attractive woman when he had work to accomplish.
Taking a deep breath, Corvus left for the mess for a short break, then it was time to lock in, and grind exp like no tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AN: As explained in chapter 1, mines can be disabled for exp. It’s just really, really, really slow, but most importantly, it’s safe! Anyway, leave a like if you liked this. Idk how popular this star wars story is, but if you guys like it, I’ll be sure to write more of it for you! Totally. 👍
Comments
kieren jay
am i the only 1 who cant see the photos :(
Deathknight134
Hot damn...he really needs to breed Knight Kyra, man! Green alien girl is way too hot~! 🥵🥵
Deathknight134
Corrections: "Manikin" --> "mannequin" (same mistake several times) "Merulian" --> "Mirialan" "Padwans" --> "Padawans"
Michael DiVelbiss
Wasn't always gonna be smooth sailing for Corvi's story. Not against a Master and Knight. Still it seems that good ole Star Wars "just go with it" nature continues even in a fanfiction. Afterall, why call out the man that saved your life and the lives of young padawans multiple times? He's bought himself time and good will.
Conor McGroarty
I see MC had a “hate to see you go but love to watch you leave” moment. Now he needs to get good so he isn’t just a clever lore monkey with a plan but also able to hold his own against knights, masters and more.
Conor McGroarty
Seems Lucien Draay’s philosophy aligns more with actual balance (his checkered past must have given an interesting perspective). I’m sure Bendu would approve. ‘I am at Peace; for I know Emotion. I have Power; for I also have Knowledge. I have Passion; for I am Serene. I can embrace Mortality; for I know Death. I am balanced through the Force.’
Erostan
Thanks for the chapter!
Ethan John Wuckert
TYFTC
