Jedi Insurgency 317

Sitting on top of a giant mushroom tower overlooking the vast foggy wilderness of Umbara, Corvus had gathered Padmé, Hondo, and Master Tapal to discuss his idea regarding the ‘sabotaged’ wedding. 

“I am pleased that we are finally sitting down together to share a meal, Revan.” Hondo said, lifting the lid from a steaming platter, and taking a satisfied whiff. “Ever since that game of Pazaak, it has been go here, do this, raid that convoy. Work, work, work. Is that anyway to treat your friends? Ai, but now we can get some beef in us.” The wrinkly alien said with an overly dramatic flair. 

“That is a bowl of Umbaran root vegetables.” Padmé replied, trying and failing to hide her smile behind a napkin.  

Hondo stared down at the pale spirals swimming in violet sauce, and clucked his tongue. “Then it has suffered enough.”

Jaro Tapal released a low grunt from the other side of the table. Whether it had been amusement or disapproval remained difficult to tell. The broad-shouldered Lasat sat with his back straight and his hands folded beside an untouched plate. Even seated, he towered over the others.

Corvus occupied the place across from him. His mask rested upon the table beside a cup of dark tea, allowing the shifting blue light of a tactical projection to play across his face. Although he preferred to keep up the mystique of his persona-especially around people like Hondo-he decided that the Weequay had earned this level of candor. The inscrutable leader was a nice card to play, but he didn't want to be seen as totally unapproachable, otherwise how would he be any different from a dictator? 

Pressing a button, the projection showed a miniature representation of an Umbaran ceremonial hall. Having worked on a computer, Corvus had whipped up a simulation of what the wedding venue might look like in preparation for this meeting. 

Hundreds of translucent guests filled its tiered galleries, and a procession stood beneath a broad arch of silver branches. Yon and his intended waited at the center, surrounded by familiar figures from the Jedi coalition.

Padmé studied the projection in thought for a moment. “It's beautiful, Revan, Yon will cherish this moment, I am certain. However, I feel that you brought us here for more than suggestions regarding the decor.”

“Sharp as always, Your Majesty.” Corvus inclined his head, recognizing her intelligence. Just because they were often at loggerheads, did not mean he would disparage the young mother's mind. “I intend for this guest list to be ‘leaked’ to the Empire.” 

Hondo lowered himself into his chair with a plate piled high enough to feed three men, and jabbed a fork into the display. “Ah, so this is your game, eh? Very crafty for a Jedi. I myself have participated in no less than three kidnappings during a wedding. What you want to do is preempt any such attempt, smart. Hondo says: if information is given freely, nobody trusts it. If it is stolen, suddenly it becomes priceless.”

“That philosophy explains much about you.” Padmé chuckled. 

“Thank you, beautiful woman, Hondo aims to please.” The space pirate bowed, and with a roguish grin, tipped his hat. 

Corvus touched the control, taking a sip of his tea at the same time. Several figures in the projection became highlighted: himself, Padmé, Jaro, Obi-Wan, Shaak Ti, the Bad Batch and numerous commanders from the coalition’s armies.

“The announcement will suggest that Yon’s wedding is becoming a major political event. Representatives from liberated worlds will attend. So will military officers, Jedi Masters and members of the emerging civil government. To Imperial Intelligence, it will resemble a gathering of nearly every person they wish to kill.” Corvus said, eying his fellow leaders, gauging their response. 

Tapal’s cat-like ears stood on end, and his deep baritone rumbled out. “You wish to present to them a decapitation target.”

“Just so.” Corvus said, feeling that his idea was sound. 

“But this would be detrimental to various fronts. I'm all for unity, Revan, however, pulling away so many skilled Generals, politicians, and leaders would leave us vulnerable across many sectors. Don't get me wrong, I'm in favor of this proposal, I think it is beautiful, but I'm having trouble coming to terms with the risks involved.” Padmé quickly outlined her position, earning an approving nod from Tapal. 

“A valid point, Padmé, which is why I had this in mind.” Corvus said, then made another gesture on a HoloKeyboard. 

Every projected guest flickered, and it was like a 3D imaging tool was being used on them, revealing their innards. Except instead of organic matter-such as intestines, hearts or brains-there were circuits, microchips, and processors. 

Hondo slowly lowered his fork, and couldn't help but sigh. “Just like with my crew. You, my friend, have an obsession with robots.” 

“The guests, musicians, servants and guards. The entire public ceremony will be populated by droids covered in synthflesh. So you see, Ms. Amidala, the issue you so eloquently brought up-” Corvus said with a snap of his fingers. “-is solved.” 

“Heh heh heh, yes, I can imagine the look on those Imperial assassins' faces. The fear of failure, the eyes widening as they realize they have been tricked! Tell me, do they have self-destructing features? Nothing would be more amusing than a high value target being kidnapped, only to turn the tables on his captor.” Hondo viciously stated, perhaps still somewhat sour from the time Anakin had humiliated him. 

Padmé leaned closer to the display. “Human-replica droids?”

“For the principal guests, yes. Synthetic skin, simulated body heat, artificial pulses and prerecorded biological rhythms, this is the way. Most of the crowd will require less sophisticated models. Umbara’s atmosphere will help us in this endeavor. Darkness, fog and electromagnetic interference already make detailed surveillance difficult.” Corvus said, digging in to some purple duck-like meat. 

“And the Empire’s Force-users?” Tapal asked. “A machine may fool a scanner. It will not fool an Inquisitor.”

“Not at close range.” Corvus conceded. “They only need to believe the illusion until they enter the building. In the weeks leading up to this wedding, I will be very publicly besieging another planet, and the bulk of our forces will be gone from Umbara in nearby systems just a jump or two away. It will be seen as a rally the flag effect, that the Starcrusher Corp is going all out to mobilize morale after our retreat from Kuat. ‘Unfortunately’ it will appear that I am entangled, and cannot make it back to the wedding due to military commitments. Whilst in reality…” 

“Of course, you will have remained on Umbara. I admit, your [Mind Trick] gives even me pause…this has a chance of working.” Tapal mused, stroking his chin as he was slowly won over, yet still remained somewhat skeptical. 

Hondo smiled broadly, lifting an alcoholic drink in good cheer. “With our resident cheater, ahem, glorious General present, there will be no mistake!” 

Corvus-satisfied with his companion's tacit approval-moved on to the next section of his plan, typing away. The walls of the hologram became brighter, revealing a shield generator, and concealed emitters.

“The musicians will carry ion projectors inside their instruments, and the floor will magnetically seize armor and heavy weapons.

Concealed turrets set to stun, and gas ports capable of releasing hallucinogens will be prepared ahead of time. Once the attackers commit themselves, the entire wedding will become a containment facility. This trap shall demonstrate not only our own capabilities, but also our mercy. By very publicly taking in prisoners of war-assassins that meant to strike us at our most vulnerable-we shall demonstrate ourselves to be the Empire's moral superior.” Corvus said with pride. 

“I can see your vision. Should they follow in our footsteps, mimicking the act of taking prisoners, this can only be a good thing, as it means our people will live to fight another day.” Padmé added on, slowly beginning to agree. 

“All the ‘guests’ will turn on them at once?” Hondo asked hopefully.

“That was the idea.”

“Oh, you must keep that part. No, I demand to have footage of it!” The pirate crowed. 

“You are assuming they will send soldiers, or infiltrators. Given your plan to weaken the armed forces in the area, they may bombard the site from orbit.” Tapal cautioned, his military mind churning. 

“We make the ‘guests’ inside too valuable to destroy. The Empire will receive evidence that Padmé Amidala is in attendance. Whilst I hate to use your name like this, Padmé, I know that Vader is obsessed with you. They will not bombard the site. And even if they did, we still have that shield generator.” Corvus said, glancing at the young mother apologetically. 

Padmé sighed, but ultimately nodded along in agreement. “There is still good in Annie…I hope to talk him down when the time is right.” 

“And if they decide killing everyone is more important than some sentimental love? Forgive me for being pedantic, but Vader choked you on Mustafar, did he not?” Tapal sternly questioned. 

Padmé looked like she wanted to defend her man, but ultimately held her tongue, unable to retort. 

“Umbara’s defensive fleet will remain concealed. Gravity-well generators will activate once the Imperial force crosses the outer perimeter. Any bombardment vessels will be disabled before they achieve firing position.” Corvus succinctly retorted. “Now that every major caste is working with us, coordinating these forces is not out of the question.” 

Tapal’s gaze remained fixed upon the display. “A great many things must happen at exactly the right moment. There is no guarantee that the Empire will even deign to make trouble.” 

“Trust me, I have done many jobs for the Sith. If there is anything they enjoy, it is inflicting pain, suffering, and ending the cheerful events of others.” Hondo sagely observed.

Padmé ignored him. “You said this was the public ceremony. Where will the real wedding be held?”

The image shifted from the ceremonial hall to a bioluminescent forest. Vast branches spread above a small gathering, glowing softly through silver mist. At its center stood the towering form of Scilux.

“Here, far from the capital. Scilux can disrupt conventional surveillance without disturbing the forest. Only family, trusted friends and the necessary witnesses will know the location.”

“You intend to attend personally?” Tapal asked.

“Yon is my disciple. I will conduct the ceremony sometime before the attack, so that the principle actors can confirm this alliance.” Corvus stated naturally. 

The Lasat considered that answer before giving a slow nod.

Padmé’s expression softened, although the concern remained in her eyes.

Jaro unfolded his arms. “There is another concern. If word spreads that the Jedi used a wedding as bait, some will say we violated the sanctity of the occasion.”

“They will say worse than that.” Padmé replied. “The Empire will claim we fabricated the assassination attempt. They will say the attackers were captured actors, that the orders were forged and that Revan staged the entire affair for sympathy.”

“Then we do not ask the galaxy to trust our version. We shall provide the original orders, the Imperial vessels’ records and the attackers themselves.”

“I suggest neutral journalists can observe remotely through their own recording systems. None of them will enter either venue, and they receive no advance knowledge of the trap.” Padmé slowly said. She then began to speak at Corvus in a sharp tone. “And we tell the truth afterward. We do not claim anyone died, or manufacture grieving families. We explain that we uncovered a plot, evacuated the guests and saved the day.”

“Very well, I agree. The outrage must come from what the Empire intended to do, and what they shall be recorded doing.” Corvus nodded back. 

Jaro nodded approvingly. “Then we are in an accord.” 

Corvus smiled at his peers, and held out his tea cup, clinking it with their cups. 

“I'll begin immediately. Pleasure doing business with you.”