Alright, here goes…again. I tried to put this up long ago, but I decided that it sucked, and therefore removed it from the internet. I did that because the introduction sucked. So, here it is. This time, I swear to God I am not removing this. I was scared of criticism before, but now I say screw it.
I'd appreciate it if you don't flame if you decide to review it, but if my writing sucks that badly, then…actually, then piss off. We don't allow your kind in this restaurant. I also realized this is labeled under "Humor" and that it may not be all that humorous, but oh well.
But, seriously. Read and review, people.
This story is mainly OC's, with references to characters from the "Expanded Universe" storyline, I believe it is called.
Enough talk. Let's do this thing.
It was done.
After years of labor, pain, and a few "minor" favors that he probably would not talk about ever again, he had completed it.
His prized starship. A very unique starship. Unique in the fact that it could travel to different galaxies, a technology that to his knowledge had never before been possible.
At least, he hoped.
Having devoted most of his time to developing this ship, Strel Harth wasn't exactly the ideal Jedi. He knew the basic forms and could hold his own for a little while in a firefight, but the other apprentices in his year were incredibly far ahead of him. Strel was more of a technical guy, so he spent most of his time in his room tinkering with stuff while everyone else was actually developing their skills. Whenever he attended a lesson, he was spacey and always focused on something else. Strel was surprised he had managed to pull off the whole "Jedi" thing for as long as he had.
But now he had an opportunity to prove his worth to Skywalker. If this ship actually managed to travel between galaxies, this would revolutionize technology across the galaxy, and possibly ensure that the Jedi and the New Republic could expand their horizons to new universes and promote peace and justice throughout it!
Of course, the fame didn't hurt, either.
Well, thought Strel, I guess the only thing left to do is to get approval from Master Skywalker and hope that this works out. Strel, almost bouncing with excitement, went to go get his "approval".
A figure in a black robe stood at the doorway of Strel Harth's quarters. With a mere motion of his hand, the door slid open and the figure walked in. Another wave and the door shut and locked itself. The figure turned and examined the room he was in. The place was a mess. Junk and half-broken equipment lay scattered about the room before him. The only evidence that this was a bedroom was the cot laid against the far wall.
But the man wasn't here to be a mother and complain that Strel needed to clean his room. He was here for something. And, the figure thought, feeling small emanations coming from his left, that something shouldn't be too hard to find. The man walked over to a desk where a mess of papers littered the surface of the desk. He pulled back his hood to examine it better.
Bingo.
Amidst piles of poor sketches, photographs, and sheets of writing (perhaps imagined perceptions of life on different planets), there lay a pile of neatly organized and stacked papers. One look told the man all he needed to know. He pulled a small device from a pocket in his robe and began methodically scanning the surface of each individual paper.
Boring work, he thought to himself, but it will be worth it once I get these to my Master.
"No."
"What? But why?"
Luke Skywalker shook his head. "The Jedi Order is already in a state of disrepair. We are trying to rebuild it after the devastation that my father and the Empire caused to the galaxy. Jedi are low in number and not sufficiently trained to do this sort of "project." But here is a man trying to tell me that he has built a ship that can take people across galaxies, and that he wants to leave us at a critical moment, and you expect me to approve this sort of thing?" Luke put his hand on Strel's shoulder. "If this does go awry, we would lose another one of our number at one of our most critical moments, and I do not wish to see you dead."
Strel hung his head. This was a terrible idea all along. "I'm sorry, Master. I didn't realize the implications of this sort of thing."
From out of nowhere a female voice cut into the conversation. "Master Skywalker, you are making a mistake by doing this!"
Strel turned in surprise and watched as another Jedi walked into the room. He recognized her from training; she was one of the reasons he couldn't concentrate during the lessons. Oh no. What was her name again?...something Arren, but I can't place it! Her emerald eyes met his quickly and she nodded politely before turning back to Luke, saving Strel the embarrassment of having spoken.
"This could be one of the most beneficial things that may ever happen to us! If Strel is right, which I'm confident he is (the statement made Strel's face go crimson), then just think of what would result! We would be able to spread a good influence in farther places than anyone could fathom before! Think about it!" she finished.
Luke contemplated the idea for a few moments. "Kira (aha! thought Strel), I know you have good intentions by siding with Strel, but you have to reali-"
"I know you are concerned by what might happen to him, but again, think! What is reward without a little bit of risk?"
This made Luke seriously think about what she was saying. After another few awkward minutes for Strel, he made his decision. "Well…I don't like to say it, but you are right. I feel we should do this."
Strel did a mental backflip, and barely restrained himself from doing a real one. Instead, he twitched slightly, which made Luke and Kira glance at him quizzically.
"However," Luke said, speaking to Strel, "I'm not going to let you do this alone. If we are to undertake this, you are going to need backup, of a sort. You need someone to go with you. We need to figure out who is willing to volunteer for this sort of thing," he thought aloud, rubbing his chin.
"How about me?" Kira offered, stepping forward slightly. "I'm not trying to brag, but I am one of the better apprentices here. I know 'better' is a bad word to use in this context, but…you've commented on my prowess, Master, and I think that this would be an excellent way to test that. I personally think that I, and Strel, are ready to go out on our own, and this is what we want to do. It would be a new experience, for me and Strel, and a great opportunity to learn," she finished, taking a breath.
"All right. You can go with Strel," Luke said, smiling. "Strel, I also think your brother, Arias, would be up for this sort of task. He is definitely the adventurous sort."
Strel grinned. "We've already discussed this. He'd love to go."
Luke nodded. "Then that is settled. I don't want to risk losing more Jedi, but this would be good for all of you. Strel, get Arias, and meet me and Kira in my chambers in roughly an hour. We'll discuss the plans for the trip at length there. You are dismissed."
"Yes, Master," Strel said, bowing slightly. Luke turned and walked out of the room. Kira looked at Strel, smiled, and did the same. Strel waited until they were gone, then turned and sprinted for his brother's room. It worked out after all! I get to go be the captain of my own galaxy-traveling starship, and-Kira's coming! I guess my luck is finally changing!
Strel arrived at the entrance to his brother's room and knocked twice. He had to tell Arias about...what should I call this? As he heard footsteps coming to the door, he thought, Project: Galaxies will do for now.