Jedi Insurgency 165

Whilst looking for an entrance, a perfectly square door-the size of four men standing shoulder to shoulder-shimmered into existence, like a gradually appearing mirage. Red mist roiled forth from the octahedron's depths, and at the same time, the twin columns of water that had parted began to slowly teeter, as if they would crash at any moment. 

Sharing a glance with Hett, Corvus chose to directly plunge into the Tho Yor. Meeting a stunning, almost blinding flash of light upon his entrance, he raised a hand to cover his eyes. The portal behind them swiftly sealed shut a moment later, leaving them with seemingly no way out. Once he had adjusted to the lightning, Corvus found himself in a long, narrow hallway, with 2-story tall ceilings. The floor space was no wider than what could be found on a typical Venator's deck. That is to say, if a fight broke out, there was not very much room to maneuver. 

Considering the Tho Yor acted as starships, and typically ferried around 10,000+ Force Sensitives at a time, it was reasonable that the interior space was limited. All along the walls, there also appeared to be scattered remnants of architecture that was made from different materials. As if some other society or culture had built a second layer over the original structure's design. Most likely, it had been constructed by the ancestor species that Hett had mentioned. 

Besides this confined setting, the next most noticeable thing was the fog. A thick, ever pervasive red fog-one so thick you could barely see five feet in front of you-carressed his cloak, and licked at his heels. Every step he made was loud, and squelched, as if he had stepped in something wet. Faint whispers in an alien language thrummed in his ear, and Corvus felt like he was being watched from every possible angle. Except being ‘watched’ was much too charitable a term, it was like being stalked. The feeling that crept along his skin, and caused goosebumps to rise on his arm was because he felt like a child uncomfortably changing clothes at a public beach house knowing others might steal a peek. 

Even turning invisible for a second-just to see if he could shake the feeling-bore no fruit. His steps remained wet, and the wet fog stuck to his clothing like a marathon runner's sweat stained shirt. 

The harmony, good vibes, and laughter that had been tickling Corvus on the wind just minutes ago had given way for an ominous, spooky vibe. 

Turning to Hett, he was somewhat surprised that the youthful Jedi Knight hadn't been snatched away during their brief transition into the Tho Yor. The son of Tatooine, had, however, already drawn his lightsaber. Emerald light struck at the fog, and interestingly enough, pushed it back ever so slightly. Corvus nodded his head approvingly, noticing a faint connection between Hett & his kyber crystal. 

Azure blue soon joined the medley of colors, as Corvus ignited his primary lightsaber. Meanwhile, the red kyber crystal saber was held in reserve. He only had a minor bond with it compared to his blue blade, yet it might prove itself worthy in the conflict to come. Afterall, no one was better at killing a Darksider than another Darksider, and red lightsabers were the international color for Dark Lords! 

Shaking his head with a smirk at the silly thought, Corvus felt his morale slightly improve, and he began to slowly advance down the narrow corridor. The sound of squelching bootsteps, and green glow followed in his wake, signaling that Hett was with him. Glancing over his shoulder-to make sure it really was Hett, and not some creep-he chose to offer some sincere advice. 

“I think we're going to face something ancient down here, something strong in the Force. Whatever it is, it might try to possess one of us, to weaken our wills, or tempt us with our wishes coming true. Keep your guard up not simply for enemies within the material realm, but for those that seek a safe harbor within your mind.” Corvus cautioned. 

“You speak as if you have experience. This is a common occurrence?” Hett asked wearily, and yet he did not waver, or grow nervous. 

Corvus secretly praised Hett's steadfastness in his heart, and almost wished he hadn't turned him down as a student. But the dude was less than 5 years younger than him in reality, and just wouldn't feel right. 

“You could say that.” Corvus nodded. “With Sith, or any funky ancient-looking temple, odds are, some ghost or horror from the past is lurking about. I once worked with a device called a ‘mind prison,’ nasty piece of work that could make one immortal, at the cost of infinite hell.” Corvus shook his head in disgust as he recalled one of the KOTOR quests. 

“So you think this is a trap then.” Hett stated, gripping his lightsaber tightly. 

“You do not sound surprised?” Corvus questioned, scrutinizing the tattooed man's face. 

“In recent memory, the ‘prophecy of the Chosen One’ has nearly been responsible for destroying everything I have ever fought for. When one is so flawed, why act surprised when another is just as suspect?” 

Corvus whistled in appreciation, and tilted his head to the side to see if he could glean anything from the way it echoed off the walls. 

“You are a rather pragmatic man, Master Hett. I imagine this has served you well in your career.” Corvus nodded approvingly. 

“All too well.” Hett spat. “Pragmatism has its limits. One must work within their means, with what they are given. I wish to be in a position to dictate my own place in the galaxy. As much as I respect the council, it is their over reliance on so-called pragmatism that led to this conflict in the first place. A fear of rocking the boat, a fear of change, if this is the ultimate goal of pragmatism, I want none of it!” Hett sternly declared into the red, roiling fog. 

“Courageous words, my friend. Not everyone is prepared to listen, even if they disagree. I am emboldened that there are men like you out there. Men willing to question the status quo. Many Jedi will wish to restore the Republic to how it was. I wish to reform the Republic into what it could be. Although we will disagree on some finer details, I am sure, having someone like you-a familiar face amongst the Order-will go a long way in convincing them of our cause. I know you wish to stay in the wider galaxy, and do battle, but the battle we shall wage on Tython shall be one of words, of ideas, not of lightsabers, and blasterbolts. Although our attack will have stalled, it is in preparation for a wider offensive. In war, one must never outrun their supply line, and while the men train, and the ships are being built, the elite combat power is less than 5 at the moment.” Corvus said meaningfully. 

“Patience.” Hett sighed. “Pragmatism has won again.” 

Corvus was going to keep up their dialogue, however, he sensed an attack before he saw it. A great gust of flame jetted through the fog, occupying half the width of the hallway. Pausing to make a snap decision, Corvus could easily dodge with [Shadow Hop], but that could leave his companion exposed. Instead, he would opt for [Energy Resistance], [Speed], & the rest of his buffs. 

Enacting his plan, a glimmering shield coated both of them, their morale improved, and a defense against physical weapons/Force attacks also sprang into place. Seconds later, Corvus slid underneath a gap in the jet of flame, whilst Hett barely jumped to the side. Noting that a corner of the weapon had struck the [Energy Resistance] field that coated Hett, Corvus pursed his lips, as a quarter of its lustre faded away. The power contained in that flame attack was no joke, and another one was coming! 

As the next bout of fire spread down the hallway, it was joined by a heavy lance of red plasma. The bolt shrieked past the hissing flame, and was aimed at a space just underneath, and before the flame…whoever was attacking them, they were anticipating his next move! 

Corvus tried reaching out in the Force, to influence his attacker, but the thick red fog acted as a natural barrier, blocking the range of his second sight. Even when his eyes glowed white with the [Force Sight] ability he had barely touched upon on Naboo, barely helped him see the outline of a figure…it was a machine! 

Upon making this discovery, he had to once more react to the oncoming attack. 

“With me!” Corvus demanded, and raised a hand, unleashing [Force Push]. 

Hett was a step behind him, and the air rippled under the unseen magnitude of their combined might. For a moment, the red fog parted, and the flames dissipated, revealing the droid that had attacked them. It was a tall cylindrical unit supported by 4 mechanical limbs, moving around sort of like an arachnid. Various gun ports and sensors stuck out of it in 360 degrees, making it capable of firing in any direction. Corvus recognized this machine for what it was, a Rakatan Guardian Droid. Produced to oversee slaves, and prevent slave soldiers from retreating, they were mass produced on the Star Forge. In KOTOR I, Revan's apprentice turned traitor, Malak, had sent thousands of these droids to slay his former Master. Against full power Revan, they had been a nuisance, and would likely finish Corvus off in that number. However, there was only one here & now! 

As he didn't dodge the same way as he had before, the high powered bolt that had been fired slammed harmlessly into the floor. Corvus noted that beyond some scorch marks, the Tho Yor's structure had remained almost entirely unharmed. It would appear nothing short of a Force imbued weapon, or massive amounts of high energy turbolasers could damage this ancient wonder. 

During this thought, several more bolts, and flames were sent their way. At the same time, Hett had not remained motionless, and actively charged down the hall. Aura surging, the son of Tatooine batted away one bolt, pushed away a gush of flame, and rammed his lightsaber forward, only to have it clash with an energy field. The battle droid then unleashed its third, and final weapon, a carbonite spray gun! Liquid carbonite slopped forth, everything it touched nearly instantly solidified, and took on an incredibly brittle quality. 

Hett grinned, and with a shout, channeled himself into his blade. The Force answered his call, and the emerald kyber crystal glowed with untold brilliance. That static blue shield that coated the machine was indeed effective against energy weapons, like the beam of a lightsaber…but when a Jedi bonds with their kyber crystal, it is not merely a beam of super hot plasma!...but an extension of the Force itself! 

“Haaah!” Hett roared, and instead of retreating to avoid the liquid carbonite, advanced underneath the droid's guard, drilled a hole in its shields, and with one dramatic, overpowered high slash, bisected the mechanical murderer in two. 

Molten slag oozed from the droid's components as it clattered harmlessly to the floor, and Hett glanced over his shoulder, equal parts pride and contempt coloring his expression. 

“Have I passed your test?” Hett muttered, seemingly none too pleased by Corvus’s inaction. 

Corvus internally laughed. Indeed, he was testing Hett! For his skills, his mental stability, all of it, and everything! But what was wrong with that?! This was a potential Sith Lord, after all! One of the greatest! 

“You are wise beyond your years, young Hett.” Corvus complimented with a bow, and then gestured with his hand towards the sound of many more clanking bodies barely outlined in the red fog. “...but you are mistaken, the test has only just begun!”