Jedi Insurgency 316

Spending an entire night grinding his ‘reputation’ with Scilux, Corvus had earned the big tree's trust, and secured a high end manufacturing facility. 

It turned out that this ancient entity was just as cut throat as the Umbaran people, and had secretly integrated itself into their society some several hundred years ago. Leveraging its vast intelligence, and long lifespan, it had slowly, secretly climbed the ranks of the caste system before becoming one of the five hegemons that ruled this planet. 

As a product of Umbara, Scilux naturally was very cloak & dagger, and knew that revealing its true form would likely result in termination. Therefore, it very much wanted to test Corvus's strength, to see if he could serve as an adequate protector. Perhaps if he was actually in any harm, or if the tree was lying to him about its motives, then Corvus would have cut it down there & then, the factory be damned. However, it had studied his habits profusely, and answered in all the right ways. 

Currently, he was wrapping things up with the big tree, and finalizing their joint cooperation. Deep within the underground lab, Corvus was standing next to a HoloTable, observing several strands of data. One of Scilux’s branches lowered beside him, its glowing leaves curling toward the projections curiously. A map of Umbara appeared above it, displaying vast mineral deposits shining beneath the planet’s crust, clustered beneath the northern plateaus and the deep continental trenches.

“Besides my own small contribution, there is more that can be shared. Umbara possesses thirty-two major doonium reserves. Before I became Scilux, the former directors in charge of science intended to increase extraction by four hundred percent.”

“And poison three subterranean water systems in the process, no doubt.” Corvus clucked his tongue. Greed, it seemed, was a nearly universal trait. Curiously, this tree did follow through with this plan. 

“That outcome was deemed acceptable. Although, as I am terrestrial bound, I did not see a need to poison my own potential water supply for short term gains.” Scilux replied, stating his reasoning. 

“Not anymore.” Corvus firmly rebuffed. “I understand you have become accustomed to min-maxxing your products, but when cutting corners endangers others, that goes against the Jedi way.”

He then expanded the map, and pressed a few 3D buttons, altering a few features. Several mining zones turned red, while others became gold.

“The red deposits shall remain untouched. The surrounding ecosystems are too fragile. We will begin with areas distant from population centers, and aim to limit any contamination into the water table as much as possible. After that, we will negotiate with the Umbaran guilds and provincial authorities, making sure that they gain a slice of the pie.” Corvus slowly explained as he slowly & methodically adjusted the map. 

“You possess sufficient military power to seize the reserves.” Scilux stated in confusion, as if the strong exploiting the weak was only natural. Wasn't it-a highly intelligent organism-being extorted for its factories at the point of a super heated bar of plasma? 

“Humanoids are profit driven creatures. When things that they perceive as ‘theirs’ are taken, they will become restless. Many such people will resort to sabotage, slowed production, or even violence.” Corvus explained. 

“Such inefficiency is illogical. Simply remove the problem. Umbarans have a saying ‘it isn't a crime if you aren't caught.” Scilux said in return. 

“Perhaps I am naive for interacting with the Umbarans like this, perhaps they see it as a weakness that I do not use force. But this, my friend, is what is known as the ‘carrot & the stick.’ They know I am strong. My apprentice alone has demonstrated that his stealth capabilities-something Umbarans pride themselves on-are greater than theirs. That he can go anywhere on the planet unimpeded. If the student is so capable, they then begin to think to themselves ‘how capable is the master?’ They already have tasted the lash, now it is time I give them honey.” 

Scilux’s leaves dimmed slightly. “Yet you will purchase them? In terms of my cooperation, is the improved code, and operating procedures the so-called honey?” 

“Credits are a universal currency for a reason, no one will say no to them. If Umbara is to join our coalition, it must do so as a partner, not as another world stripped bare to feed some warlord's ambitions. To convince other worlds of our just cause, our actions must remain consistent. I can see you value technology, Scilux, and am happy to do more than keep your secret safe.” Corvus nodded along with a faint smile. 

The tree considered this, then slightly pulsed a bright turquoise. “Doonium remains strategically valuable…are you certain it is worth it to pay these savages for such an expensive material?” 

Corvus sensed the extreme contempt & disdain in the intelligent tree's words, and had a small chuckle. “It is because doonium is so valuable that I must make a spectacle of things.” 

He then manipulated the display, transforming Umbara’s mineral map into a series of rotating designs. The first showed the skeletal frame of a warship, and then other critical infrastructure. 

“Forty percent will go towards reinforcing capital-ship hulls and critical structural supports. We cannot match the Empire vessel for vessel, but that doesn't mean ours can't be made from better materials. The Mon Calamari will be quite pleased with this addition, no doubt.” Corvus said in a self satisfied tone, looking forward to courting the aquatic people away from Mon Mothma's banner. 

Then he altered the image again, revealing fortified hangars, shield-generator housings, and planetary defense emplacements.

“A further twenty percent will go towards defensive construction. Specifically, command bunkers, evacuation shelters, reactor casings, and protection for civilian power grids.”

A third projection revealed armored transports, medical evacuation ships, and heavy engineering vehicles.

“Yet another twenty percent will support ground operations and disaster relief. Doonium is too valuable to waste covering every troop carrier, but it can protect core components such as engines, cockpits, and medical compartments.”

“And the remainder?” Scilux asked in a curious tone. 

“We shall maintain the remaining amount as a strategic reserve. Anything from repair work, emergency production, and future projects such as super weapon construction are on the table.” Corvus said, thinking to himself that the Death Star of all things was made from the stuff, and that perhaps a Republic super weapon should be constructed too at some point. 

“You anticipate an escalation in the war?” Scilux asked in concern. 

“Indeed. The war thus far has largely been fought between ‘faceless’ clone troopers, and disposable droids. The situation is, sadly, spiralling out of control. We need every advantage we can get, whilst also maintaining our moral bottomline.” Corvus succinctly replied. 

Scilux paused, deep in thought, before it extended several thin branches into the projection to add its own genius towards Corvus's design. New calculations appeared beside Corvus’s allocations, adjusting shipping routes and refining energy requirements.

“I can reduce material loss during smelting by eleven percent. Fourteen, if the foolish Umbaran engineers permit me to redesign the eastern refinery.” Scilux stated with pride. 

“Consider it done.” Corvus sighed. 

“I will also require workers.” Scilux demanded. 

“Paid volunteers, and droids, Scilux. I will not see any forced laborers, or slaves working these factories & mines.” Corvus returned with a demand of his own. 

Another thoughtful vibration traveled through the floor.

“You alter more than code, Jedi. I know how these pale-skins operate. I have managed to survive in this backstabbing environment for several hundred years. You let me worry about how to manage them.” Scilux practically hissed. 

Corvus stared the tree down, and unleashed a steady, sinister, hopeful aura into the air. The men of the Bad Batch-who all except Tech-had been boredly hanging out nearby, stood to attention, ready to go to war. 

Scilux’s crown glowed brighter. Across the chamber, the first empty molds moved into position, ready to receive Umbara’s doonium.

“Then we should begin with the difficult work. You have made your point clear, Revan.”

Corvus briskly strode out of the factory floor, cape swishing from side to side. 

“Yes. We should.” He said, departing into the distance. 

Despite the heavy atmosphere during the meeting, Corvus exited the hidden bunker with a spring in his step. The gloomy atmosphere of Umbara could hardly hide the positivity pulsing in his veins. After barely escaping Kuat with most of his fleet-and a few additional stolen ships-and losing Clip, he had been somewhat sour this past week. Now, however, he had wrested a planet out from the CIS's sphere of influence, and done so in only three days. 

Meanwhile, Yon had cleaned up two of the major castes, and the most military focused group was soon to be bound via marital alliance. Although that merchant fellow was suspicious, Corvus had a plan to test his loyalties, and draw out other potential traitors. 

This, of course, involved the wedding. 

All too often weddings in worlds of sci-fi or fantasy were places of high drama. Locations of mass murder, or the start of conflicts between hated rivals, they were disaster stars through & through. Therefore, instead of waiting for some terrorist plot, or other bad actor to make their move, Corvus decided that he would be the one to pull off some shenanigans. 

The plan wasn't 100% completed yet, but he was sorely tempted to use Scilux's new means of production to create an entire wedding procession using HK-51's clad in synthflesh. The resulting chaos-whatever his final plan may be-would be glorious. 

So long as he had news media & pro-Republic/Jedi influencers briefed ahead of time, he could create a stir that would shake the HoloNet. Popularity & fame may not be something most people thought about when conducting a war, but as a man fighting on the Galactic stage, every boot on the ground, every volunteer that donated time, money, or expertise was valuable. He did not want the Republic reborn or the image of the Jedi to be one of distant law enforcers seen as sole protectors of the ultra elite. Their new government would protect all people-the rich, middle class & poor-equally. 

Thus, winning the hearts and minds of the people was an ongoing battle. Especially after he was seen fleeing from Kuat. The HoloNet trolls, and pro-Imperial propagandists were having a field day mocking the name: Revan. Clips were going viral of him being ‘chased’ into his gunship, and of the Black Monolith soloing the Starcrusher Corp (whilst ignoring the Imperial fleet at their flank & the vast minefield). 

Information, logistics, manpower, morale, planets. These were the five keys to success. If any one of them were lacking, then their movement would come to a screeching halt. 

Currently he had Xizor helping with information & logistics. Soon, the Pirate King Hondo would step in as a King of Logistics as well. There were no new clones to be had, but a combined 100 million Wookies, Trandoshans, and Eriaduans had signed up, with tens of millions of Gungans & Mon Cala in the wings. Millions more were trickling in from all over the universe. Those residents from the Mid Rim were gathering at the Kashyyyk system, whilst Coreward pro-Republic sympathizers moved to Alderaan.

In terms of sheer numbers, and elite units, they were still lacking compared to the Empire, but the sacking of Coruscant & rescue of Mace Windu had significantly dampened the sails of the Imperial movement. No one wanted to die in war, much less over something ‘stupid’ like the seemingly small differences between the Republic & Empire. 

Shaking his head as all these thoughts ran through his mind, Corvus eventually departed the area around the bunker along with CF-99, returning to one of the major cities. 

Scheduling a meeting with Padmé, Jaro Tapal, and Hondo, he met them for lunch to discuss the wedding plans, and ask for their advice.