Preface
This is a sequel of sorts to Racing Into Knighthood. Although one of the reasons I wanted to write this no longer exists, I decided to go ahead and write this to complete the "prequel era" of the Ahsoka's Legacy series. Besides, it might be interesting to see Ahsoka prior to her wedding that takes place roughly two months after this story.
This story takes place in August 2013 AD (17 BBY in the Star Wars Universe).
Acknowledgments
Very special thanks go to The Walt Disney Company – the owners of the Star Wars franchise; and, to Kenner and D.I.C. Enterprises, Inc. – the owners of MASK.
Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
List of Abbreviations
MASK – Mobile Armored Strike Kommand [sic].
PNA – Peaceful Nations Alliance.
VENOM – Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem.
With the annual Border Brawl fast approaching, the American and Canadian governments asked the Peaceful Nations Alliance to perform background checks on all the racers. Originally, the race course included both the United States and Canada. After 9/11, however, security concerns prompted changes to the race. Now, the annual race took place within a single country with the US and Canada alternating as hosts.
This year's race was hosted on the US side of the border. Canadian officials asked the PNA to forward a list of any potential and known troublemakers that might try to cross the border via the bridge or tunnel that connected Border City and Violet City.
"I take it they already know about VENOM," Duane Kennedy stated. As leader of the PNA, he was in charge of security for the race.
"It's one of the first things I told our contact, that and identifying the MASK agents who are currently scheduled to race," Matt Trakker replied.
"In a pinch, I've been given permission to approve any last-second racers if you choose to ask additional MASK agents to join you."
"I don't think that will be necessary, Duane. I believe we have everyone we need."
"So, are you almost done yet?"
"Almost, I have a few more applications to scan and screen." Matt then took the next application and ran it through his portable scanner. The image of a female popped up as the application information was processed. As Matt examined the online photo, she looked rather nondescript with blonde hair and blue eyes. As the computer finished scanning the application, the display flashed red."
"Matt, what's wrong?" Duane asked.
"It looks like we have something," Matt replied. He then pressed a button on his tablet device and spoke, "Computer, analyze the application and specify reason for flagging."
After a moment, a synthesized female voice announced, "The name 'Kate Ladd' is an alias." The woman's correct personal information displayed on the screen as the voice added, "Other known alias: Darth Stinger, female Sith."
"Matt, isn't that who may have threatened last year's Cactus Canyon Challenge?" Duane asked as he correctly recalled the term "Sith."
"It's very possible. It looks like we may need our allies from last time to help us again – if only I could remember their names."
"I believe one of them was called 'Cara.' I can't remember the other, aside from her having orange skin and funny things on her head."
Matt Tracker typed information into the computer. "Identify available Jedi for this mission," he commanded.
Matt was surprised to see the results. "Believe it or not, Duane, their headquarters aren't that far away from here. Maybe about a half hour away at the most."
"Go ahead and contact them. It sounds like we'll need their help."
"Oh, master, I need to see you for a minute. I have a caller looking to speak to you," Knight Ashley told her superior.
"Can it wait until tomorrow? I'm about to go see Ahsoka right now," he replied.
"It's an incoming call from the Peaceful Nations Alliance. It sounds rather important."
The Grand Master's eyes widened. "That's the group we helped last year. I wonder what they want. Give me a couple of minutes and I'll take the call."
A moment later, he joined Master Cara and Master Cal in the meeting chamber. As the video display activated, Matt Trakker appeared on the other end.
"It's good to see familiar faces again," Matt said.
"Likewise, I'm sure. But I sense this isn't a friendly social call. How can we help you?" Tim asked.
"Are you familiar with the Border Brawl?"
"I am, actually. It's one of the last events of the summer that fosters friendship between Border City and Violet City, if not the US and Canada in general."
"We're here for the race, but something has come up with the list of racers. I'd like to discuss the matter with you, but discussing it here is too risky, even with a secure channel."
"I agree with you. You're not that far away, so why not come here so we can discuss the matter in person. If you have a communications expert, that person is welcome, too. He or she can meet with mine and we'll see if we can find a way to collaborate."
Matt nodded. "It sounds good to me. We'll be there shortly," he replied. With that, the transmission ended.
"What do you plan to do, master?" Master Cara asked.
"I'm not sure, my former padawan. I'll know more once we meet with our PNA counterparts. For now, I better tell Ahsoka I'll have to miss out on our dinner plans. I hope she understands."
"She might. She's still spending most of her spare time trying to pick out a wedding dress."
"She's still stressing out over that? You're her maid of honor. Maybe you can remind her it can be something simple. I don't expect anything too fancy or pricey."
"I know, but she still wants to make a good impression for you."
"I realize that. Just do what you can to help her out. I don't want her stressing out too much."
Ahsoka was one of the few Jedi to have permanent quarters inside the Jedi Order. At the moment, she sighed. Master Cara was kind enough to give her the current issue of Today's Wife, but Ahsoka didn't like any of the dresses she saw after thoroughly reading the magazine from start to finish several times.
Ahsoka felt relieved when she heard her door chime sound. She stood up and went to open the door.
"Hey you," she greeted her fiance.
"Hi. I hate to do this, but, I can't join you for dinner tonight," he told her.
"What's wrong?"
"I have someone coming to meet with me. We may have a new mission coming up."
"What kind of mission?" Ahsoka asked curiously.
"Do you remember the Cactus Canyon Challenge?"
Ahsoka's head-tails twitched as she recalled her unpleasant encounter with Lester Sludge. "I don't think I'll be forgetting that mission any time soon," she answered.
"Well, it looks like your allies from that mission are up here for the Border Brawl race. They might need our help again."
"What do they need? Security? Racers? Or both?"
"I don't know yet. That's what I'm about to go find out."
Ahsoka nodded and an idea came to her. "If they haven't eaten yet, why not take them to the dining hall. You could reintroduce them to me and share the big news with them," she suggested as she pointed her ring finger forward.
"You know, that's not a bad idea. We'll see how things go, okay."
Ahsoka nodded.
"Oh, and try not to stress out too much about things. I know we have less than two months now, but I'm sure everything will work out. I better go get ready to welcome our guests, though. See you soon."
Ahsoka nodded as she shared a parting kiss with her fiance.
"He'll be right with you," Knight Ashley stated. It was only a short time later that her superior greeted his guests.
"Matt, Duane, it's good to see you again, even if this isn't a social visit."
"Likewise," Matt replied before adding. "This here is Alex Sector, my computer and communications expert. He's served me ever since the inception of MASK."
"And you've already met Knight Ashley. Given that she's my computer whiz and research expert, I guess she's my version of Alex."
"What do you want to do first?" Duane asked.
"I'm not sure how MASK or the PNA operates, of course, but I was thinking Ashley and Alex could discuss what degree of collaboration is needed between our organizations. I'm sure you have your trade secrets; I have mine. Surely, we can still find a way to share the information we'll need to help us address any threats to the race."
"You'd let Ashley discuss this without your input?" Matt questioned.
"I trust her. And if she has any questions or concerns, she can always contact me for clarification. I figure it's the same with Alex."
"He's right Matt. I think I know what to ask and offer them, chap," Alex stated in a noticeable English accent.
"I can't argue with that. Alright, Alex, I'll let Ashley and you see what you can work out. Contact me if you need anything."
Nearly a half hour later, the meeting between Alex and Ashley ended with both communications experts forging a collaborative agreement between the Jedi, MASK, and the PNA. The two of them caught up with Matt, Duane, and Tim just before they reached the dining hall.
"So, how did it go?" Matt asked.
"We reached what we think is a good agreement. Ashley gave us some useful information on this Darth Stinger person and I gave her some additional information on VENOM. We've agreed to collaborate throughout the race without compromising any of our confidential data to each other," Alex replied.
"It sounds like you did a good job."
"You'd be quite impressed, Matt. They may be the only organization that comes close to the data store we have."
Matt nodded. "Their organization is rather impressive," he admitted before his host spoke next.
"Before we eat, I'd like to reintroduce you to someone. I'm sure you remember my fiancee, Ahsoka."
Matt looked on in surprise. "Fiancee? You didn't tell us you two were engaged."
"It happened after our mission with you." Ahsoka explained. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Is Gloria here by chance?"
"I'm sorry, Ahsoka. Gloria chose to remain with her professional racing circuit. She hasn't been on a mission ever since last year, although she has offered more critique on our vehicle as we've upgraded it."
"Oh."
As the group sat down with their dinner, they discussed the mission.
"So, I trust you'll need security again," Tim stated.
"That and a racer who can stand up to this Sith lady. From what it sounds like, she could cause more havoc than VENOM if she really wanted to."
"You have no idea what she's capable of doing. What do you think, Ahsoka? Would you like to race again?"
"No way! I almost died last time. I'm not putting myself in danger like that again. Besides, I still have a wedding to plan," Ahsoka stated emphatically.
"Alright. That's fine. Maybe Master Cara would like to have a chance." However, she declined when asked by commlink and expressed her desire to handle security again.
"Do you know anyone who wants to race?" Matt asked.
"I guess it comes down to me. It can't be too hard, can it?"
"That depends, I guess. But if you're going to be our driver, I better give you a crash course after dessert … no pun intended."
"I appreciate it, Matt. I'd hate to describe my first attempt at racing as a smashing good time."
Elsewhere, a motley convoy of vehicles closed in on Border City: a Formula 1 race car, a Nissan 300-ZX, a GTO, a touring bike, an ATV, and an oil tanker. Not only was VENOM preparing for the Border Brawl, but Miles Mayhem heard rumors that, if true, held potential profits.
"What are we going to do here, Miles?" Maximus Mayhem asked.
"You should know by now, brother, I always have a scheme in place. There's supposed to be an abandoned auto plant adjacent to the race course. If what I heard is true, there's a car made of solid gold buried far below the foundation. While we race, I plan to have Goon scan for it with Outlaw's computers so that Mad Dog can dig it up for us while Lester makes sure nobody pokes their nose where it doesn't belong," Miles replied.
"So that's it, we race and steal a car?"
"That's not just it, Maxie. You ought to know that by now. One of my informants tipped me off that MASK plans to use the same allies as they did last year. Fortunately, that group's arch rival is in the race. If we can convince her to help us deal with MASK, I'm willing to help her eliminate her enemy."
"Anything that makes it easier for us," Max answered.
Later that evening, before dusk, Matt and Tim test-drove a McLaren M23 race car around a test track.
"I didn't know you had connections to this facility," Matt stated.
"I'm surprised I still know people that work here, to be honest. But I'm glad they were gracious enough to let us use their circular test track. I've got to say this race car drives quite well. And, the touch screen display is pretty neat."
"It's one of the upgrades we've added since the race in New Mexico. It makes it easier to review data without the distraction of buttons and knobs. We're still not quite ready to deploy Oz-1 as a full-fledged MASK vehicle, but we're getting very close now."
Tim noticed a small lever off to the side and below the gear shift. He curiously reached over to the lever.
"What's this do?" he asked as he pulled it towards him.
"Wait, don't activate that!" Matt called out, but it was too late.
Matt looked over and noticed a surprised look on his colleague's face. Under-body thrusters sent the vehicle airborne as it moved forward. The sides of the race car pulled away until all the wheels were in back of the vehicle and pointed behind it. As additional thrusters in the tires activated, the edges of what were now the wings opened to reveal micro-lasers. The touch screen now changed to show targeting scanners and other information relating to the vehicle's new configuration.
"What did I do?" Tim asked as he found himself flying a race car instead of driving it.
"I was trying to stop you, but I guess you've found our vehicle's attack mode. All our MASK vehicles have an alternate configuration."
"So I've heard. What's this one do?"
"You now have a jet similar to my own vehicle. The main difference is that you have micro-lasers and an overhead laser that shoots out of the oxygen intake above us."
"Impressive. This might come in handy."
"I'd have to discourage you from using jet mode. It's a lot more difficult than driving a race car. And it uses up more fuel."
"Normally, I'd agree with you. But in a dire emergency, I may need this, especially if I end up as somebody's target."
Matt gave a slightly reluctant nod. "I guess you're right. Just remember it's not a toy. But now that you've seen what you can do, we may as well convert back and make sure it's ready for the race."
The next morning, Tim stopped by the manufacturing wing to talk with the Jedi charge for the day.
"I'm here for my helmet," he stated.
"Ah yes, wait right here," his colleague replied. A moment later he returned with a helmet. In the top part just above the visor, a miniature camera was installed. On the right side of the helmet, an antenna-like projection jutted out.
"We installed the camera as you asked. Once the race starts, you can activate the live feed on our intranet page at 1·8·4·6·invalid/cam·html."
"Very good. What about the other feature?"
"That was a bit tricky, but the guys finally got it to work. The blue button activates it. We haven't tested it yet though, so we were hoping you'd do so outside."
"That sounds reasonable."
The pair walked out to the back parking lot and stood in an adjoining grassy area.
"Go ahead, master, try it out," Tim's colleague stated.
Tim reached over and pressed the button. A small blast that resembled a lightning strike shot out of the helmet's side projection.
"It works, but I need to try something. Pressing buttons and driving don't usually mix." He then used the Force to manipulate the button and take another test shot.
"I'm glad it works. But I'm not sure how many shots you can take before the power drains out. I'd suggest you use it sparingly."
"No worries, I planned to use it only when I have to."
A moment later Ahsoka came out to join her fiance.
"Well, this is it, I'm off to race. Are you sure you don't want to come?" he asked her.
"That's okay. They're going to broadcast it inside for everyone. Good luck, but please be careful. I don't need anything happening to you," Ahsoka replied.
"I'll be fine," he replied as he hugged her. Ahsoka quickly pulled away.
"Umm, Tim, please tell me the camera isn't on yet?"
"It's not, what's wrong?"
Ahsoka's head-tail stripes darkened in embarrassment. "Watch where you point that thing," she told him as she pointed to the camera.
"Oh. Sorry. Thank goodness you don't wear your old outfit anymore."
Ahsoka shook her head. "Just be safe," she finally replied before kissing him good-bye.
Miles Mayhem stopped Buzzard at the abandoned KADP car plant. With Bruno Sheppard, Lester Sludge, and Nash Gorey driving Stinger, Iguana, and Outlaw respectively, they were set to prepare for their next scheme.
"Mad Dog, I want you to clear out this junk so Gorey can get Outlaw inside and start scanning. That gold auto has to be in there somewhere. Lester, you keep watch to make sure MASK doesn't interfere – or anyone else for that matter."
"Sure thing, boss. If they do, I'll rip them to shreds," Lester replied as he laughed hysterically.
"Hey! Less talk and more work!" Gorey called out.
Bruno walked over to Miles and discreetly said, "I can see to it he never bothers us again. I can even make it look like an accident."
"As tempting as that is, don't do it. We actually need him and his computer skills on this mission. Just do your best to not get annoyed by him. I've got to get going to race. Max and I have someone else to see."
As the Mayhem brothers sped off in Buzzard, Bruno walked back over to Stinger. Before he could enter, though, he head the familiar sound of a gun cocking.
"Alright, give me the keys or you won't live to tell anyone you said 'no'," A voice said from behind him.
Bruno turned around to see one of the local citizens pointing a gun at him. The man seemed unimpressed when Bruno laughed at him from under his mask.
"I'm not playin'!" the man repeated.
"Magna-beam, on," Bruno said in reply. Rays from his mask locked onto the gun and pulled it out of his hands. Bruno then used the magna-beam to rip the gun apart, rendering it unusable. His would-be assailant decided to run away in the opposite direction.
"Like taking candy from a MASK wimp," Bruno said out loud as he laughed. He then got back inside of Stinger and joined Gorey.
"Alright Bruno, help me clean this junk out of the alley. You can use the claw and I'll use my mask. That way, I can set up Outlaw to start the scan," Gorey said.
"Just what I always wanted to do," Bruno muttered.
"What did you say Mad Dog?"
"I said I'll start doing it for you," Bruno replied as he activated Stinger's claw to start moving away the debris.
"Powerhouse, on," Gorey said. An eerie, green glow surrounded his body as his mask made odd chirping sounds. Now, he had superhuman strength. He used it to pick up a large pile of heavy cement and other junk and move it like it was nothing.
As Darth Stinger removed her racing helmet, she was surprised to see unfamiliar people walking up to her. The fact none of them were Jedi further surprised her. She gave them a very suspicious look when she noticed their masks. Halloween was still over two months away. The person who looked like the group's ringleader stepped out in front to speak to hear.
"Kate? Or should I say Darth Stinger?" Miles Mayhem asked.
"What do you want?" Darth Stinger hissed through gritted teeth.
"Show some respect!" Vanessa Warfield interjected.
Darth Stinger unhooked her lightsaber from her belt, but she never got to ignite it.
"Whip, on" Vanessa called out. A laser-like beam of energy knocked the lightsaber to ground and broke it in half.
Darth Stinger quickly used the Force to grab her crystal. She wasn't expecting anything like this, but she wasn't intimidated.
"That wasn't very smart. Don't mess with me," she replied.
Vanessa than swung her whip to wrap around Darth Stinger's throat. Undaunted, the latter slowly closed her hand. Vanessa found herself coughing and choking for air.
"Let me go, and I'll let you go," Darth Stinger stated.
Once Vanessa deactivated her whip, she struggled as she started to breathe again.
"Very impressive. Now, we have an offer for you," Miles said.
"What could you possibly offer me?" Darth Stinger asked.
"I happen to know that MASK has recruited an enemy of yours to be part of the race. If you help us deal with our enemies, we'll help you eliminate yours."
Darth Stinger's eyes lit up. If the offer was genuine, she was definitely intrigued.
"You'd really help me? I've wanted to take him down for years."
"We'll help you if you help us."
"You've got a deal."
Elsewhere, the MASK agents and Tim reviewed the race course.
"After a few laps here at Fort Madant, we then leave and make our way to Perimeter Boulevard. That used to be the original border of Border City. Eventually, we'll reach Hog Island. There, there will be more laps to determine the winner."
"It sounds easy enough, n'est-ce pas?" [isn't it?] Jacques LaFleur asked. As a native of Quebec, he looked forward to his debut in the Border Brawl.
"Nothing is easy with VENOM, or this Sith Lady in the race. You should know that by now, Trailblazer," Matt replied.
Elsewhere, Boris and Clutch discussed the race.
"So, this is what you call the rubber match," Boris stated.
"How do you figure that?"
"I beat you in Memphis. You beat me in Baja. Today we settle it once and for all."
"Alright, you Siberian Husky."
"And let's make it more interesting. If you win, I'll make you some of my famous borscht."
"You're on, Boris. But what do you want if you win?"
"How about dinner at one of those sports places?"
"I guess that will work. May the best man win."
"Good luck, Clutchsky. You're gonna need it."