Jedi Insurgency 117

From within Pause, Corvus did a quick scan of his foes. What he saw didn't paint a pretty picture. Spider things crawling in the elevator shaft, a Taozin coming from the front, a pair of Rancors from the rear, and a dozen xenomorph-adjacent aliens, the Roggwarts moving with the Rancors.

In this situation, [Force Lightning] wouldn't be as effective as it had been in the hangar. That ability was great for thinning crowds, and its burst damage against a single foe wasn't anything to scoff at. However, against giants like the Rancors, or the Taozin, unless he could pour his everything into one target, it just didn't seem worth it. 

Furthermore, mutated by the Blackwing virus, these creatures didn't experience pain. Half the deterrence factor of [Force Lightning] was the excruciating pain that came with it. Luke Skywalker-one of the most powerful Force Adepts of all time-was like a baby once that beam of electricity had struck him. Unfortunately, this was a dead end path. 

Among his offensive abilities, [Force Push] could work. He had lifted that giant pillar earlier in the palace. If he needed to buy time, or save someone in mortal danger, this was a viable method. However, he didn't see himself capable of smooshing these big bastards against the wall like a fly being squashed. It was certainly something worth considering. Perhaps if he used two hands?... 

Other than that, he was sorely lacking in directly offensive capabilities. [Mind Trick] seemed like a bait option, the kind of thing that would open himself up to corruption. It wasn't impossible to influence an infected creature, but in most Star Wars media, it was incredibly difficult to do so. If he was a master of the mind, or in an isolated lab, maybe he would try, but he'd seen enough fiction to know what could happen when a telepath attempts to commune with something as sinister as the Blackwing virus. 

[Slow] was also a viable ability, and its tier IV version was extra spicy. That ‘Master level’ mutant he fought in the hangar was practically useless after it had been struck. At the moment, this Force power was one of his bread and butter abilities. The only issue that was limiting it, was that it was single target, and had zero AOE capabilities. 

That really only left [Shadow Hop] & [Heal] in his arsenal. Hop was self explanatory. Flank the enemy, and use his lightsabers with extreme prejudice. It was simple, to the point, and exceedingly deadly. 

[Heal], meanwhile, couldn't be used to cure these infected mutants. Not that it was impossible-as evidenced by those in the hangar-it was simply not optimal. To cure someone took a moment of concentration, one where Corvus had to stand still, and channel the ability. Instead, he figured he would experiment with [Heal], and see if he could cure patches on the infected creatures. If he could remove 10%, 50%, or even 90% of the virus with one cast, then he figured his foes would momentarily become stunned as the virus worked to reassert control. 

It was a ballsy maneuver, and risked depleting his FP bar, but he didn't have to use tier IV (low Master) abilities either! By limiting himself to tier III [Heal] he could cast tens of skills at a time, especially thanks to his Force Bond with his kyber crystal, making each Lightside ability 25% cheaper. 

Having gone over his powers, and what was most viable in this situation, Corvus got to planning. 

Infected by the Blackwing virus, these beasts didn't feel fear, but they were still technically alive, and relied upon biological sensors-like ears, eyes, etc-to perceive the world. Sonic grenades, and flashbangs were effective. Currently, the entire squad was bathed in [Energy Resistance], and could easily tank these weapons with negligible side effects. Deploying said weapons would be his opening salvo. Such a large amount of light within this dimly lit tunnel would sure to be a surprise. 

Next, he had to find a target to prioritize. The Taozin seemed like the most deadly thing at first glance. It could crawl up the sides of the walls, spit acidic globules, and was Force resistant unlike the other monsters. Last time, he had faced one, it was only thanks to the pain inflicted by the Darkside that he could find the time to pierce its skin, and shove explosives deep inside. This time, he hoped [Heal] could handle it. 

As for the remaining enemies? The squad would have to take care of themselves. This was Legends Obi-Wan after all. He had defeated Legends Grievous & Anakin. Although his raw strength wasn't at the top, he was a genuine Council tier Jedi Master. 

Plan set, it was time to go. Un-Pausing, Corvus began to issue orders at high speeds, like he had eaten something spicy, and was desperately asking for some water. 

“Clones, focus on the things emerging from above, we want to push into the tunnel so they can't drop on top of us! Jax deal with the Roggwarts, Yon I need you to assassinate one of the Rancors, Obi-Wan take the other Rancor!” 

Saying his peace, Corvus held onto his lightsaber, and focused on the kyber crystal. A blue glow suffused his form as he resonated with the Force. His cloak billowed from unseen energies, and the glow in the tunnel became intense. 

Creatures infected with the Blackwing virus ran at them at high speeds. The Taozin in particular was like a bullet train, and was almost upon him. 

Taking a deep breath, and honing his psyche, Corvus unleashed a multitude of flash bangs, and sonic grenades. Light and noise pierced the air, creating a blinding cacophony of chaos. Energy shield rippling, Corvus paid it no attention as he let loose an AOE tier IV [Heal]. 

Targeting every inch of ground within a 100ft radius, the charging mutants stumbled in place. The black veins that coated their forms receded, and the evil glows in their eyes were replaced by a brief moment of confused clarity. 

As the Taozin slid along the slick, moist tunnel floor, its massive figure skittered to a halt. Big, green bug eyes the size of basketballs stared down at him as if he were an alien! Its mandibles chittered in curiosity. A second later, the virus began to reassert control, and it tried to lunge at him. 

However, its momentum had been halted, and Corvus had already [Shadow Hopped] on top of its head. Somersaulting directly in front of its face, his lightsabers cut deeply into its many eyes. Although even its eyes were energy resistant, and ordinarily could deflect brief contact with a lightsaber, Corvus's attack was anything but ordinary! After all, his kyber crystal came with a trio of abilities, and he just activated one! 

[Channel: Input 50% FP bar, enhance the destructive power of the lightsaber, countering the effects of energy disruptors, and is more effective against non-Force attuned armor.] 

Dicing into its face, Corvus didn't stop his assault. Now that he had an in, he entered the giant worm's body like a parasite devouring its host's flesh. Moving through the diseased corpse, black tendrils tried to grasp at him, and tie him down, yet he was too fast, and his twin blades of burning hot azure plasma burnt away these impurities like a piece of meat left on the grill for too long. Furthermore, every second spent inside was like bathing in a vat of acid. His barriers rippled, and were constantly under attack. As his rapid casting was so serious, his FP bar was decreasing at an ever faster pace. If he didn't conclude this fight soon, he would melt into a vat of blood porridge soup!!! 

Increasing his efforts, he reached the center of the monster. Corvus then pulled upon his understanding of [Force Push] and did an AOE 360 degree ‘bubble’ maneuver, producing an effect somewhat similar to [Force Repulse]. 

As the invisible wave expanded outwards, the Taozin-which was bleeding from all its orifices-suddenly exploded in a shower of blood and goo! 

Rolling onto the ground, Corvus's chest was heaving due to the exertion, and his FP bar was dangerously low after his repeated high tier casts. Channel in particular had drained 50% of his energy, yet it had transformed one of his lightsabers into an epic weapon of destruction. 

Thankfully he was covered in several different barriers, and none of the diseased flesh had stuck to him, or entered his clothes. The bootleg [Force Repulse] had the added benefit of guaranteeing that he was spotless. 

“Master!” Yon cried out in warning. 

Senses blaring, he didn’t have any time to recuperate from the sudden change of events. Entering Pause, Corvus took a look to see what was threatening him. 

It was the half exploded, decapitated head of a Rancor! Yon, standing upon the shoulders of a now headless beast, was looking down at him in worry, whilst the diseased head had opened its maw to bite down on him! 

Glancing at his FP bar, he didn't have enough energy to dodge!...if he couldn't dodge, then he would go through! Rancors may have flesh resistant to lightsabers, but his weapon was still under the effects of Channel! 

Un-Pausing, he met the oncoming head with his saber raised. Spirit fueled with the desperation of survival, his veins pulsed with nervousness. As a Shadow, he had always been one to dodge, to leverage his superior speed and move to the most optimal spot. Strength was his lowest attribute, cunning his greatest weapon. Yet circumstances had forced his hand! 

‘Friend. Strong. Together!’ 

The soothing blue light of his kyber crystal cleared his brain fog, and his self doubts. 

‘Together.’ Corvus sent back. 

Blade flashing, a beautiful arc of brilliant blue met the oncoming jaw. Dozens of black tendrils-like whips-snaked out of the muscle fibers where the Rancors neck had been. They moved at incredible speeds, and tried to restrain him. However, just because he couldn't move to the side in time to dodge, didn't mean he was slow! 

Working with his incredible Dexterity, and the enhancement of tier IV [Speed] he swiped through these tendrils like a farmer taking his scythe to wheat. Then the moment of truth had arrived microseconds later, and the jaws of death came snapping down, threatening to cut him in twain. 

Believing in his friend, and his abilities, he struck forth with a simple vertical swipe. For the briefest of seconds, the Rancor's jaw bone held out, and several black tendrils moved to snake his legs in an effort to trip him up. 

‘I. Am. A. Je'daii!’ 

Eyes glowing white, he pushed his understanding of Form VII to its fullest, and mustered the last of his energy to cast a tier III [Heal] on the tentacles that were about to cause his collapse. Recoiling in shock, the tentacles retreated, and his lightsabers were free to cut, dice, and cube this damned monstrous head! 

Scorch marks ran across diseased skin, and within seconds, the head had collapsed. 

In the meantime, Yon had forced explosives into the hole in the Rancor's body, exploding it in a shower of gore. 

“Good job.” Corvus gave a thumbs up. 

“Nothing can stop us.” Yon replied, a hint of his old arrogance returning to the short, black haired teen's voice. 

“I wouldn't be so sure of that.” Obi-Wan emerged from a diced Rancor corpse, and said in warning. 

Jax was barely fighting the pack of Roggwarts to a standstill, and more monstrous, giant creatures had emerged from the tunnels. A handful of those carapace, Force attuned bastards were in their number too. 

Corvus felt his mouth go dry as they were surrounded on all sides. 

“Board the LAAT, NOW!” Tech shouted. 

Without much thought, Corvus jumped up, and was quickly followed by the other Jedi. The clones were already aboard, and were grim faced. 

Everyone was aboard the transport craft, and it was rapidly ascending the elevator shaft in retreat. The clones never once stopped shooting with everything they had. 

“We aren't gonna leave just like that, ey?!” Wrecker loudly complained. 

“Heh, we planned for this, didn't we? Tech, let'er rip.” Hunter commanded. 

Obi-Wan pursed his lips, and took a step towards the cockpit. “But the Queen, she could still be rescued. The people caught up in this can be saved by Revan's abilities!” 

“Do it.” Corvus ordered, his voice was deadly serious. 

Obi-Wan glanced back at him in frustration, and for the briefest of moments, distrust. 

Jax & Yon flanked Corvus, ready to back him up in the event of a conflict breaking out. 

Tech, however, didn't waste any words, and began to press a series of buttons. 

Seconds later, the giant elevator came hurtling down at insane speeds. Overclocked, and strapped with a high payload of explosives, this had been their solution in the event that they were overrun. 

Lacking in orbital bombardment, this elevator was their final solution. 

Old gears screeched, and shrieked as the metal murder machine descended. Before long, it crashed with an audible thump. Seconds later, a great fireball whooshed up the chasm, forcing the LAAT to shake and shudder. 

“Brace yourselves!” Tech yelled. 

The lip to the elevator shaft was in sight, they were just dozens of feet away from clearing the gap! 

Danger pressed upon his mind, and Corvus knew they weren't going to make it. The Jedi felt it all at once, and glanced at one another. They only had seconds to come to a decision. Grab a clone, and jump? Doing such a maneuver, Tech-who was locked in the cockpit-would meet certain doom! 

Corvus bitterly chuckled to himself. Was Tech doomed to incineration? To die ingloriously just as he had in the Bad Batch? By now, most of his FP bar had regenerated, there was a chance at survival!

Narrowing his eyes, he decided to give it his all!

“Work with me!” Corvus shouted. 

He then began to spam [Energy Resistance] in front of them, and with the help of both Yon & Jax, made the transparent walls incredibly thick. 

The jet of fire rushed up seconds later, and the pressure that preceded it threatened to destroy all he had set up. LAAT shaking due to the impact on the shields, it almost tipped over, and scraped the side of the elevator wall. 

“Come on.” Corvus whispered to himself, sweat poured down his temples as he put his all into maintaining the barriers. 

Then the fire hit, and tore away layer after layer, popping them like a needle striking a balloon. 

“Come ON!” 

The last barrier popped, and the LAAT cleared the gap. 

A loud bang shook the craft, forcing it to crash land. 

“Woo, again, again!” Wrecker whooped. 

“That’s enough fun for one day.” Hunter dazedly muttered as he disembarked. 

Corvus was breathing deeply, and looked at his students as they were similarly gasping. 

Right as he was about to utter his thanks to them for their support, he-and every other Jedi present-shuddered. 

An incredibly dark presence pulsed through the Force. Something down there was coming to life. Something evil, something ancient. 

“This stinks of Sith sorcery.” Obi-Wan stated in alarm. 

Corvus grit his teeth, and eyed the second LAAT that was parked nearby. 

“Once more into the breach.”