Jedi Insurgency 297

“I am sorry, my friend. Although close to Alderaan, Kuat is out of reach. As much as I would will it so, expanding beyond my sovereign borders is but a luminous dream. The new Supreme Commander acts as if he had already predicted this outcome. Each hyperlane heading towards the Core has been mined, and trapped with Interdictors. It is impossible.” Bail Organa, Chad King of the Alliance…apologized profusely to his friend. 

Corvus, looking at the hologram from within his quarters aboard the Falcon sucked in a sharp breath. Not even his closest ally amongst the Republic loyalists could muster up the forces to help the Starcrusher Corp out. 

“His name is Mitth'raw'nuruodo, but most simply call him Thrawn. Every day that passes makes me wish I killed him when I had the chance.” Corvus said in a complex tone. 

“My own intelligence officers have briefed me. From what I understand the few times we discussed this matter, you had something of a gentleman's agreement with the Chiss?” Bail asked. 

“You can never know with men of that high an intelligence. I had hoped to poach him away from the Empire. Never would I have imagined that such a young talent would become the Supreme Commander of the Imperial armed forces.” Corvus bitterly shook his head. 

“Although I hate to say this, desperate times call for desperate measures. Send Yon to take care of business, or perhaps the HK's, whilst you try to work some magic on Kuat?” Bail suggested, stroking his goatee. 

“Not underneath Vader’s thumb. Doubtlessly Thrawn has created several contingencies for teleporting, invisible foes. Perhaps even I might become detected. At this stage, being alone on Coruscant without the help of my allies is the last thing I would want.” Corvus said in a heavy tone, staring at the hologram. 

“I have already apologized, Revan. I wish to fight alongside you, my friend, I truly do. Once Jax and your Jedi arrive at my theater of war, perhaps I can punch a hole in Thrawn’s net. He would expect me to advance to Brentaal-perhaps the strongest fortress world in the galaxy-but I could spare a fleet to double back. To try and make a break in one of the mined systems, and destroy the Interdictor no matter the cost. 

Such a price would cost tens of millions of souls, but if it means reinforcing you at Kuat, I am willing to bear this sin in the name of our friendship and alliance." Bail declared, very clearly experiencing deep pain at the future loss of his subjects, yet the determination of a King persevered. 

“That will not be necessary, Bail. You will ask much of your people in this conflict, to have them sacrifice so much so soon would be damaging to morale. I will think of another way.” Corvus said, trying to sound brave and save face. Although he wasn't anxious, it would be a lie to say he didn't feel trepidation. The Force had been sending him bad vibes, if he didn't arrive at Kuat soon, Pots & the entire ground troop of the Star Crusher Corp were at risk of complete obliteration. 

“Then good fortune to you, Revan. My commlink will always be open to you, and my wife would like her son's godfather to see him in the flesh.” Bail said with a smile meant to cheer Corvus up. 

“...perhaps one day, when I learn to teleport across the galaxy. This war, I fear, will drag on for some time. Jax will let me know once you have achieved victory at Caamas. I will try to weaken Brentaal before your arrival. With any luck, it won't be the slog I predict it to be.” Corvus weakly replied. 

“May the Force be with you.” Bail inclined his head. 

“May the Force be with you, Your Majesty.” Corvus nodded along, saying the King's title as a joke as he knew Bail liked to keep it informal between the two of them. 

Once the call cut short, Corvus slumped into his chair, none too pleased. He felt like slamming a hand on the desk in outrage, but calmed himself. Blind rage was not the solution here. There was a way out, there always was. 

Damnit, being a leader during an intergalactic war was hard. With Eriadu likely falling to Arcann in the near future, and the possibility of the Starcrusher Corp's annihilation being very real, it felt like his power base was slipping from his hands like grains of sand. If not even Bail Organa-his best friend amongst the Alliance-than who could he rely upon? 

Reluctantly, Corvus called up the Senator from Corellia, Garm Bel Iblis. Once the call connected, the bushy haired, severe looking tan-skinned man looked at him with a scowl. 

“What is it? I am very busy right now.” Garm all but demanded. 

Okay, direct and to the point it is. Fuck you too, Garm. 

“Ahem. Senator Iblis, my-” 

“Princeps. It is Princeps Iblis since I have assumed the role of Lord Protector of Corellia, and all her colonies.” Garm haughtily rebuked, proud as a peacock…which was particularly funny given the man's crass attitude, and give no fucks, rough around the edges personality. 

“Princeps Iblis, my forces have been besieging Kuat for the past two months, and-” 

“Have nothing to show for it, I am aware. Look, is this a social call, Jedi? I am in the midst of waging war, and have no time for lightsaber measuring contests.” Garm dismissed, waving his hand in a shooing gesture. 

“Listen here. And listen good, Garm Bel Iblis. Your continued existence is solely predicated on mine. The Emperor would have your head on a spike if I didn't take the fight to his Empire. While you sat on your hands spitting impotently at Mothma and Organa, it was me and mine that spilt blood and treasure! If you value at all your oaths of friendship & alliance with the Jedi…You. Will. Listen. Or so help me, by the Force I will choke the cowardice out of you from across the galaxy!” Corvus fumed, nearly holding out a hand then and there to make good on his promise. 

“Well why didn't ya criffing say so, Order Master! Speak away, never let ‘coward’ and ‘Corellia’ be mentioned in the same sentence!” Garm spit out, slamming a fist on his arm chair. 

Heh. When negotiating with the bull, you don't ask it to kindly step aside. No! You give its balls a good twist, and when it rages mad at you, you give it a good punch to the noggin, remind it who's boss! 

After being able to resolve all his issues with civil dialogue between Jedi these last two months, Corvus had been living an idealized, magical life. One where every day was dedicated to philosophical discussion, teaching those who wanted to learn, meditating, or sparring with a baddie battle maniac. He momentarily forgot that there were pissants out in the galaxy too big for their britches! This Yosemite Sam-MF'er-was microseconds away from catching these hands if he didn't play ball! 

“Kuat is surrounded by two Imperial fleets, enough mines to cow the bravest of men, and I sense a trap even darker lying in wait.” Corvus quickly explained. “If our alliance still holds, I was seeking reinforcements.” 

“Hah! Is that all?! All of Corellia spits in the shared soup the Empire calls a ‘navy.’ I have 53 separate fronts open, nipping at their heels as we speak! Give me three weeks, I'll have a pair of fleets on their way, ready to crush the Imperial dogs. Hells, I'll come personally, and lead the vanguard just to prove to you Jedi that Corellia never leaves an ally left in the drydocks without a repulsor lift.” Garm said in an excited, bloodthirsty tone. 

Apparently, the Princeps was holding this holocall on the bridge, because the guys he surrounded himself with began to cheer like a bunch of cultist chimpanzees. 

Once the roar subsided, Garm gave him a look as if to say ‘I'm so great, you'll love our reinforcements, they'll be the best reinforcements.’ 

Corvus entered Pause, slowly calculating. After much deliberation, it seemed that the Star Crusher Corp would face destruction somewhere between ten to fifteen days from now. Predicting the future with the Force wasn't an exact science, but to guys he was close to, he had a feeling for these kinds of things. But that also meant…he'd have to tell this lunatic to sod off! Damn, that would be embarrassing to come begging for this assholes help, and then tell him to F off. 

But what if I don't tell him. 

Un-Pausing, Corvus wore a diabolical smile behind his mask as he inclined his head. 

“You have my thanks, Princeps! The Jedi Archive has long detailed the many heroics of various Corellians throughout the ages. Once the Republic is restored, I shall compose a HoloMovie, showcasing their stories for all to enjoy. Of course, the best, shall be saved for the last.” Corvus said, the insidious nature of his near max level Persuade finally coming into play. 

“Hmm, yes, a sensible Jedi. The Alliance was established thanks in no small part due to your actions, General Revan. Corellia appreciates what you did to Palpatine, the carnage you wrought on Coruscant. Moreover, you'd have to kill any red blooded Corellian male to keep him from invading those dastards at Kuat! Phah, what they've been saying about our ships for generations is like insulting our mothers! Ave Corellia! I shall see you upon the field of battle. Princeps Iblis, out!” 

Corvus could only wryly shake his head after such a peculiar interaction. Garm Bel Iblish was the most hawkish, radical revolutionary amongst the upper Rebel leadership. An ornery asshole, Corvus really had to send Rahm Kota here so the two could either merc one another, or become drinking buddies. Whilst he'd love to give the bastard a punch to the face, he had to admit, when the guy said he'd throw down, he meant every word of it! Corellians truly were some of the wildest, bravest men in the galaxy! 

All that being said. He still had no solution to save his men!!!

Wracking his brain for solutions, he did have a few daring plans that might work with his newfound Prestige class. However, those were very very special, and the element of surprise would only work once, twice if he were lucky. Once the cat was out of the bag, it'd be impossible to keep it a secret. 

Besides, for all his power, he could not create damage on a planetary scale. Space fights took place over such a vast area, unless you could unleash a Galactic scale [Force Push/Crush/Lightning/Drain], it was much more practical to win through superior tactics, numbers, and technology. In many ways, space combat was what limited a lot of the bullshittery of Space Wizards. 

That said, he could wreak havoc with [Mind Tricks], his own intelligence networks had learnt that the Empire was beginning to harvest and breed Taozin worms at an industrial scale. Those amulets wouldn't be able to fully protect against Corvus's mental domination, but they would increase the time it took for him to bind someone else. Furthermore, they acted as ‘shields’ hiding their presence in the Force, making Corvus's job much more difficult. Intelligence reports suggested that some of these amulets had already made their way to the Kuat theater. 

Therefore, there were two other conventional parties he could turn to for reinforcements. They were Xizor, with his private, secret army, and maybe Mon Mothma? 

For Xizor, he would really rather not, as the man had most of his assets tied into Imperial space, and to the surface world was a valuable neutral piece to be courted. By ‘playing both sides’ this asset of his was a goldmine of information, credits, and resources. His cover could not be blown at such a critical junction in the war. 

The other option was Mon Mothma. Although Corvus had barely paid attention to the reports detailing her actions, he knew she had convinced some worlds to join the Rebel Alliance. Perhaps through these connections, there was hope? 

As for Hondo? He was a small-time pirate, no matter how much Corvus gassed the guy up. 

Boba? The dude was lowkey embroiled in a full blown Hutt civil war trying to reap the benefits on the sidelines, he had no army. 

Maul & Ventress? They had gone afk, and had stopped sharing info, refusing all calls or messages a month ago. 

The CIS or Tann? They were too far away, all fighting in the Mid Rim & Outer Rim. With the hyperlanes blocked, it was impossible. 

Therefore, Mon Mothma was the only viable choice. With great reluctance, he started a call, and dared to hope. Although they didn't see eye to eye a lot, perhaps they could come to some common ground in the name of fighting the Empire. 

~~~~~