Jedi Insurgency 322

The next couple of days were pretty amusing for Corvus, as he followed around this prospective unofficial Jedi of his. Or at least a new student to hoist off to someone else, like Obi-Wan. 

Clearly Force Sensitive, the untrained Zeltron was full of latent potential. Although he didn't have very much raw potential, seemingly in about a similar class as Obi-Wan, Corvus saw him as an uncut gemstone. 

For example, when he took Jax & Yon as students, he chose them for their affinity, not because of something like their future power levels. Whilst it would be a lie to say he was uninterested in Luke, Leia, Mara Jade, Galen, or a whole host of other future powerhouses due to their potential, that wasn't to say he couldn't value others as well. 

The Force worked in mysterious ways, and this otherwise boring trip to Zeltros was developing on a rather interesting path. As someone who enjoyed being alone, or with a small group of friends/loved ones, a so-called pleasure planet wasn't exactly his style. Meditating on the Force, playing instruments with Windu, playing sports with Kyra, gaming with Yon, enjoying nature with Jax, or bickering with Tann, these were his most important hobbies spent with his closest friends. Whilst he was a man, and appreciated women, he wouldn't lose himself to lust, or indulge his base desires for momentary pleasure. 

Therefore, this fight for Zeltros's monarchy had revealed to him someone worth cultivating. Based solely upon his actions, Jay O-Be was a virtuous individual. One who had done more meaningful good than most others. A person willing to use dialogue against his would-be killer. Corvus had to admit to himself, he was rather heavy handed when dealing with many people, often seeking quick results when every day in this war determined the fate of a planet. Yet this level of compassion was what the Jedi Order needed right now. 

Balance in the Force was achieved by being a good person, whilst also refusing to have those good intentions trampled upon. This Zeltron, in Corvus's opinion, had already touched upon the threshold of this state. 

To rebel against his nature, and go against thousands of years of cultural precedent took remarkable courage, and a strong will. Furthermore, he was not forcing his people to take this path of his, but merely strived for it with words, good deeds, and passion. Changing a belief system so thoroughly entrenched in a society was beyond difficult. For these reasons, Jay had earned his respect, and admiration. 

However, such a force for good would doubtlessly attract countless acts of hatred. As he had already taken a peek at Jay's shadow, countless fate lines were targeting him with the intent of nipping this threat in the bud. That ancient assasination organization was but the first of over a dozen groups/individuals who would want this talented demagogue dead for one reason or another. It would be a pity if he died so young, therefore, he had practically glued himself to the teen's side. 

When in private, or concealed places, he would shadow the Zeltron from invisibility. Whilst in public, he acted as a bodyguard with his current identity as ‘Jedi Knight Luke.’

Currently they were at a soup kitchen, and the Zeltron was smiling beautifully as he delivered food to those offworlders who had lost everything at gambling, spice, or other ventures. Plenty of people came to Zeltros to live out their fantasies, only to leave broke within a day. Of course, there were no Zeltrons in line, as they practically sucked vacationers dry of their every last cred. 

After handing out a bowl of soup, Jay turned back to the kitchen, his smile swiftly transforming into a scowl. “How long are you going to stick around, Luke? If one didn't know better, they'd think you have those kinds of interests. Not that I would judge, but a scandal like that on the HoloNet would bode ill for you.” 

“Hahaha, what a precocious brat.” Corvus laughed along, treating the threat as air. 

He cut away at some onions, and then flicked the chef's knife, deflecting a poisoned needle into the wall next to Jay's eye. The metal piece quivered, and the assassin who had made the attempt was quickly mobbed by Jay's private security, then hauled off. 

The super star sighed at the scene, and put on a brave smile. “Ahem, hurry up with those juice beats.” 

“Aye, another one?” Hondo asked nonchalantly, sloshing some wine into a frying pan. 

Jay's eyebrow twitched, and he morosely started to season some meat, uttering not a single word. 

“Aye, another one. When I deflected that explosion on the stage three days ago, the boy led an entire stadium to say thank you to me. Later that afternoon, when toxic flesh melting sludge entered his bathtub, and I restored his skin, I was given a sobfilled hug. The next day, when he choked on his cereal, and I gave him a thumbs up from the side, he gave me the middle finger. Sigh. Some tribulations must be overcome by oneself. Then, when a protocol droid at his charity event pushed him over the ledge, and I caught him, he tried to jump again, claiming he didn't want to be the King! Now is the fifth time, and not a word. I tell you Hondo, I worry about the younger generation.” Corvus sighed, cutting away at the onions like an elderly grandpa concerned that his grandson had nowhere to go after getting cheated out of his money. 

Hondo looked like he was going to say something, but ultimately recalled when this mad man had tied him to a chair, and forced a devil's bargain upon him. Ultimately, the wizened Weequay kept his mouth shut, and dutifully added several ingredients to the frying pan. Humming a fun pirate ditty to himself, Hondo ignored the world, and enjoyed the wonderful smell coming from his cooking. After all, why concern himself with such matters? Hondo was the mighty Pirate King!...he would be of no help to this nephew of his against the Petty King! 

“You win.” Jay quietly muttered whilst he massaged the seasoning into the meat. 

Corvus passed the chopped onions over to Hondo, and then seriously appraised the Zeltron. 

“I will not take an unwilling student.” Corvus simply stated, resting his hands behind his back like some nobleman officer. 

“But you said-!” Jay exclaimed, raising his head, only for Corvus to raise his palm. 

“Jay O-Be. You know who I am. I appreciate you for your many qualities as a leader, your strength, compassion, and willingness to question authority. However, I value something even more than those traits above all other things. I do not wish to recruit a disciple who is like those employees who learn everything a teacher has to offer, and then takes all that invested time only to bite at the hand that has fed them. Show for me your genuine, heartfelt willingness, show me what I am looking for, and I will be your most ardent mentor. Good day to you.” Corvus said in an extremely serious tone. Although no shadows flickered, or threat in the Force pressed downward, the weight of solemnity filled his aura, making the Zeltron see this-what appeared to be a somewhat frivolous man-in a new light. 

When Corvus disappeared into invisibility-this time with the intent of hiding completely & resolving all would be killers solely with the Force-Jay stared blankly at the empty air. 

These past three days, he had treated the whole affair like one big game. It was only natural for a Monarch candidate to face death threats. And hadn't Jedi in the past acted as guards for royalty, politicians, and businessesmen? Although he understood that Revan just wanted to use him as a pawn for Zeltros's military, Jay had begun to increasingly feel that the Jedi didn't seem to actually care about Zeltros as much as he initially thought. 

Call it a feeling, or that sixth sense that had helped develop him into the person he was today, but it was almost like Revan was incredibly…sincere with his offer. 

That made him feel all sorts of weird. The Jedi didn't exactly have stellar reputations, and the things said about Revan on the HoloNet were less than pleasant. It was only thanks to his Uncle Hondo's connection that they had met. And whilst he had to admit, those invisible connections Revan had brought to his campaign had greatly boosted him in the polls, Jay remained numb, unwilling to be a pawn. That he was becoming trapped in a web of favors, and bureaucratic tape. 

If he became that man's student, wouldn't the thumb pressing down on his head only become stronger? By then, wouldn't everything he preached about personal freedom, and choice be a lie? 

Was the crown of Zeltros really so important to him that he was willing to sell out his credibility? Did power truly hold such an allure? 

Jay looked out a window, and gazed up at the moon, closing a fist as if he could grasp it in the palm of his hand. What man didn't wish to be able to hold the world in the palm of his hands? To enact change as he dictated? 

Looking at those hungry faces waiting in line, couldn't he mandate they all be fed if he held onto that power? 

A forlorn look spread across his pink face, and he shook his head, unknowing what to do. Glancing at his merry ‘uncle’ grilling up a storm, he could only ask for his advice. 

“Uncle Hondo, what is it that I'm lacking, that Revan is searching for? What can I provide that doesn't trample upon my morals?” Jay asked, practically begging this man who had once saved him from a fate worse than death. 

Hondo gave him a side eyed glance, and let out a loud tsk. 

“When Hondo asks for a bribe, he does not demand what the buyer can offer Hondo, but what Hondo can do for the kidnapped.” The alien hummed. 

Jay furrowed his brow in confusion, having difficulty making sense of his words. After several minutes, his face brightened up like a lightbulb, and he gave the pirate a big hug before running out of the food kitchen. 

“Thanks, Uncle Hondo, I know what to do!” Jay yelled back, quickly disappearing. 

“Ai, Hondo was just trying to sound mysterious, good thing that brat is gone. Now time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.” Hondo said to himself, smacking his lips in desire as he jiggled the frying pan back & forth. 

Of course, at that moment, an invisible thief took more than half of the contents in the pan before disappearing. 

Hondo merely shook his head, only cussing after a few moments once he was certain that Rev-Head was gone. 

Meanwhile, Jay had approached the prisoner turned bodyguard-Samantha-and had a blaster in one hand. 

“Take me to see your Overseer. It's time I saw things through until the end.” Jay said, putting on a brave face. 

The Zeltron was convinced. The thing the Jedi was looking for was:

Courage.