Jedi Insurgency 252

As the center of attention, the crowd parted away from Corvus, giving him some space. Only Jax remained nearby, and Yon was quick to run to his side, like a puppy eager for attention. 

“Revan? Is he strong enough? When we sealed the Darkside Nexus on Coruscant, he was nowhere to be seen. How is he worthy to lead the Jedi?” Kirak Infil'a, the shirtless, muscular white haired, long bearded man said in a brusque, abrasive tone. 

Yon bristled from nearby, and Jax awakened from his sorrow over the Zillo Beast. Both boys stood for his defense, but it was Windu who spoke in his defense. 

“The man defeated Anakin Skywalker.” Windu said succinctly. 

Obi-Wan's aura pulsed unsteadily in the Force, and his face paled at the revelation, but he also stepped forward. “Besides, the mission was to rescue Master Windu.” 

“At what cost? Master Koon has perished, and over half of our strike team perished in the crossfire.” Infil’a crossed his arms, and scowled. 

Corvus looked upon the large group of wounded survivors, as well as the Jedi corpses that Yoda had transported out. Although he didn't catch sight of Plo Koon's body, the rest of the strike team's bodies were present. Ever since he had reached Jedi Master (high) and upgraded all of his primary skills to Tier VI, [Revitalize] was now good up to 10 hours from the time of death. Although it was still limited to a total of 3 ‘respawns’ there was much more wiggle-room than the previous iteration of 30 minutes. 

Additionally, the Force on Tython was so pure, so powerful, he felt that any ability cast here would be at least twice as potent. Perhaps if he found those sacred grounds, or delved within the nearby Temple, that two-times efficacy could grow to an unfathomable level. All this to say that with a wave of his hand, a cool balming green spread across the dead & the wounded. Limbs regrew, diseases shed away, and the blackened wounds of blasterfire, or lightsaber stabs melted away like summer snow. 

Coughing up large lungfuls of air, the recently deceased-now living-members of the strike team opened their eyes in surprise. 

“The Jedi Order has forgotten much since the height of history. I can teach you how to create barriers that can block the elements. How to conjure hope from the darkest depths of despair. And quench disease with the wave of a hand. Today is an opportunity. A day to learn from the mistakes of our past, and once again act like proper Jedi Knights.” Corvus said in a calm, yet passionate voice. At the same time, he cast [Energy Resistance], [Valor], and [Heal] in short order, demonstrating that his words were not lies. 

“You paint a wonderful future, Revan, but I have caught glimpses of your past. Can we trust that you won't become the Sith you once were?” Quinlan Voss said in concern. 

The Kiffar man skilled in [Psychometry]-an ability that allowed him to view real life, past events by touching an object-questioned. 

“Indeed, many of us have studied the records in the Archives. Trust is in woefully short supply these days. When even our brightest champion can burn the Temple to the ground, how can we believe in a man who fell once before? How can we believe in a man who so obviously relies upon his emotions? Or whose students exhibit such a potent lack of self control?” Jocasta Nu, the elderly pale-skinned librarian of the Order stepped forward, and snapped in an accusatory manner. 

Where Quinlan was respectful in his delivery, speaking like someone intent on learning the truth, Jocasta Nu sounded like someone who had already made up their mind, and would hate on anything Corvus said, no matter how logical. 

Corvus was about to say something, when Hunter stepped forward and ripped off his helmet, making the older woman recoil in disgust. She-and many other Jedi-instinctively reached for their lightsabers. 

Low mocking laughter came from Wrecker's barrel-like chest, and Crosshair-also taking off his helmet-looked coldly at everyone present. 

“You buggers want to talk about loyalty, eh?” Hunter breathed, inches away from her. 

“The Clone Wars was a betrayal of the Jedi, we never should have trusted you peop-” Jocasta Nu got out, only to be slapped across the face by Hunter. 

“Revan. What is the meaning of this?! Surrounding yourself with violent brute, is this how you intend to poison the Order?” 

“The General is the only one of you sanctimonious lot to figure it out. Did none of you stop and ever consider why or how an army of billions came seemingly out of nowhere? How literal children are fighting your wars?” Hunter spat a thick wad of saliva to the side. “I've seen many Jedi treat my brothers with respect, even kindness that none of those pencil pushers, or backline cowards could bother to spare.” Hunter said, glancing at the permanently Coruscant-bound librarian in disgust. 

“However, not once did any of you ask what our role would be once the war ended. Tens of billions of men who saw the worst combat in a thousand years, and we were tossed into the meat grinder under inexperienced commanders, and weak wills that didn't know how to finish the mission. On Eriadu, those veterans now work in the private sector, they're paid, some have even started families. Our betrayal was engineered into our brains…what's your excuse?” 

Jocasta Nu was fuming, and as she was about to hotly retort, Quinlan stepped forward, and patted Hunter on the shoulder. From that one touch, he witnessed everything the Bad Batch had done under Revan's name. From the very beginning on Kamino, to the frightening scene of confronting Plagueis on Naboo, or the many, many acts of healing, resurrection, and bravery…even the murder of Jar Jar, as well as the subsequent Gungan response, joining the war effort in the name of the Republic. 

Quinlan had a complex look on his face as he eyed Corvus. As if he too was recalling the dark deeds he had committed in order to infiltrate Dooku's Dark Acolytes. Then his eyes widened as he saw someone he thought long dead. 

“Ventress is alive?!” Quinlan exclaimed. 

Corvus was glad he was wearing a mask, because his quirk of the lips was impossible to hide otherwise. It's not like he could tell this guy-especially now of all times when trust was on the table-that his chalk-skinned ball of hatred was plopping on Maul's meatstick. 

“Yes. She is the younger sister to my ally, Sev'rance Tann.” Corvus said, making sure to mention the CIS now, so that his critics couldn't accuse him of something else down the line. 

Quinlan struggled for a moment, then after locking eyes with Kenobi, nodded at both Corvus and Hunter. “I've seen much of what Revan has done. He has been party to much violence, and much liberation. Without a shadow of a doubt, he has done more for the people of the galaxy than I ever have, as painful as that is to admit.” Quinlan said, hanging his head in shame, and spoke in a longing tone, as if he hoped to fulfill some long lost goal. 

“But the clones-” 

“I say, if my Master can trust him, why can't you, Jocasta?” Rahm Kota-speaking in his thick Outer Rim accent-stepped forward, and harshly admonished. 

“Rahm, you've never seen eye to eye with me since you were a troublemaking Padawan.” Jocasta crossed her arms, and hotly declared. 

“...perhaps Master Kota is correct, Master Nu. Afterall, we all knew Master Yoda, he was not one to err.” Shaak Ti approached, trying to smooth things over, speaking in a peaceful tone. 

“The General is loyal as can be. He didn't even want to come to Coruscant. But to rescue this little one, he risked everything.” Hunter was tough at first, but as he pulled Omega into his embrace, a soft smile spread across his face. 

“Huntah, no, you're embawassing me.” Omega said, burying her head into his chest to hide from everyone else. 

Unguarded in the Force, Hunter's every word was sensed by every Force Adept, his sincerity was obvious for all to see. As for Omega, she-tragically-was the only youngling present, and drew both love and sympathy from all the others. Even Jocasta Nu, upon looking down at Omega couldn't help but pause her tongue. 

“Master Revan destroyed an evil Rakatan ghost upon Tatooine, restoring water to my home planet, and bringing plant-life to the once barren rock. I am forever in his debt, and will follow him to my end days.” Krayt said, and was the first person to step behind Corvus. 

“He is a cunning warrior, capable of attacking on many fronts. His droids aided our assault, and I learned from them that Kuat Drive Yards is under siege as we speak. The rescue on Coruscant not only succeeded, but Revan is not so narrow minded as to place all his eggs in one basket. He has my support.” The somewhat-oily bearded man in clone armor, Master Malicos said, then moved to stand behind Corvus. 

“I fought alongside Master Revan upon Naboo, and witnessed firsthand his abilities…I have my misgivings. He is not a Jedi, at least, not a Jedi like us. But, but after the fall of Anakin, who am I to say what a Jedi like us is any good. It is time for change.” Obi-Wan said in a somewhat defeated, yet resolute tone. As he moved to stand behind Corvus, his best friend Quinlan, followed alongside him. 

“He may be a clone loving, Wampa humping bastard, but he's got my vote! Revan, we need a rematch, you hear?! Just because my master put his faith in you, doesn't mean I'm satisfied!” Rahm Kota laughed as he dragged his two students to stand beside him. 

“Aye. His warning saved my life, his reinforcements pushed the Empire back on Kashyyyk. Although I haven't spoken to him face to face, I believe in his strategic vision, and I owe him a debt of gratitude.” The tall purple-cat alien, Jaro Tapal declared. 

Interestingly, once this deep baritoned man put it that way, over half of the contingent followed him, standing behind Corvus. Who knew the Lasat was so popular? 

Before long, the five most prominent Jedi who had yet to join his side were: Mace Windu, Jocasta Nu, Shaak Ti, Kirak Infil’a, and Ahsoka. Around 300+ Jedi-half of all those present-remained on the other side of the divide, unmoving. 

“Revan has taught me much, but I am not ready to re-join the Jedi Order. He is a good man, a tough man. In many ways, he reminds me of…but he is good. I'll see you around.” Ahsoka said in a complicated tone, clearly struggling with her decision. 

The feisty orange tangerine then turned her back, and decisively departed into the distance. 

“I can see that you have strength, but I exiled myself to avoid these messy politics. Come find me when you want a fight. Only the strength of one's fist can convince me.” Kirak snorted, giving Revan a deep look before he too turned around to leave. 

“Many of you do not know me, but I am Kina Ha, a Jedi present for the events over 3,000 years ago.” The long-necked Kaminoan said in her sing-song voice. “I am accustomed to being alone, but I can tell you, Revan is real. Believe in him, as I once did, as I do now, and you shall flourish. Please, everyone, feel free to come to me for advice.” 

Upon finishing her speech, Kina Ha merged with the grass, and disappeared into the soil, as if she had never been there in the first place. Her departure was especially stunning, as powers such as that seemed like a fantasy to many present-day Jedi. 

Shaak Ti glanced at Windu, then stepped forward. “Will you teach me to heal?” 

“Yes.” Corvus solemnly vowed. Although he spoke only one word, the Force seemed to resonate with him, as this was his wholehearted desire. 

Ever since his first day in this galaxy on Coruscant, he had dreamed of a scenario like this. Where he could elevate the Jedi to their past glory. 

Without another word, Shaak Ti stepped forward, and stood behind Corvus. 

By now, about a hundred of those Jedi who had been on the fence had departed for parts unknown. Either feeling similarly to Ahsoka, Kirak, or Kina Ha, or just flat out distrusting the name Revan, they had left of their own initiative. Now that Shaak Ti-one of the kindest Jedi alive-had joined Corvus, less than a handful stood at Windu's side. 

The man with long white dreads glanced at his scant few followers, and chuckled. Jutting out his chin, he sent out a pulse to them. 

Go. 

Reluctantly parting from this side, this core of about 35 warriors, and staunch Order loyalists reluctantly moved to stand behind Corvus. 

Unsheathing his purple lightsaber, Windu was the last to step forward. 

“Kneel.” He commanded in a pitiless, almost commanding voice. 

Jax & Yon bristled, but Corvus stepped forward, and once more got several grassstains on his knees. 

Corvus nodded at Windu in thanks. Knowing what was about to come next, it made the rescue on Coruscant worth it.