Preface

This will be an account of Ahsoka's first mission as a Jedi Knight—the one she briefly mentions in the finale of my story, To Survive Betrayal (TSB). Given that she's still relatively new on Earth, she still struggles with what she considers odd idiomatic expressions and flashbacks from her past.

For those that haven't read TSB, Master Cara is an original character that becomes Ahsoka's new master on Earth to help the latter complete her padawan training.

I will admit that the MASK racing series as a whole provided some inspiration for the story. Still, I will try to keep this story as original as possible while adding my own twist on some events.

I originally wrote this in 2013 and cleaned it up some in 2014. In 2015 I added this preface and reformatted it to better reflect my current writing style.

Acknowledgments

Very special thanks to The Walt Disney Company for all Star Wars characters and concepts.

Also, very special thanks to Kenner and D.I.C. Enterprises, Inc. for M.A.S.K. Characters and concepts.

List of Abbreviations

MASK – Mobile Armored Strike Kommand [sic]

PNA – Peaceful Nations Alliance

VENOM – Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem

Matt Trakker sat down for a rare break. There were few spare moments now that MASK and VENOM raced each other in their vehicles. The solitude was short-lived, however. Duane Kennedy, the president of the PNA, quickly ran up to Matt.

"Matt! Matt! We got another one," Duane said frantically. He handed Matt an envelope.

Matt examined the envelope. It was addressed to the PNA but had no return address. The postmark was from a nearby city. However, the letter could have been sent from anywhere in the suburban area, so it wasn't much of a clue. Matt decided to remove the letter to see what it said. He read it silently to himself:

This is your last warning. Cancel the race now, or you shall see the power of the Dark Side reveal itself.

Matt turned to Duane and said, "Short, but very threatening."

"Matt, we can't cancel the Cactus Canyon Challenge now. Racers are slowly arriving for check-in and the tribes are already settled in and preparing for their festivities," Duane replied. A local Native American tribe sponsored the race. In addition, they invited the nearby Navajo and Apache tribes to participate in the non-racing activities.

"This certainly doesn't sound like something Miles would do. Let me see if the MASK computer can reveal any clues."

Matt then opened a small briefcase, revealing a laptop computer and a portable document scanner.

"It's amazing how much technology has improved over the years," Duane said.

"Indeed," Matt answered as he powered up the laptop. After it booted up, he launched an application and scanned the letter.

"Interface with the MASK computer and identify any fingerprints on this document," Matt instructed the computer.

"Analysis complete. Two sets of fingerprints identified. First set belongs to Duane Kennedy, president of the PNA. Second set belongs to Matt Trakker, leader of MASK," a synthesized female voice replied.

"That wasn't too helpful," Duane said, conceding defeat.

"We're dealing with a pro, but I'm not ready to give up yet," Matt replied before continuing, "Computer, analyze the phrase 'dark side.' Identify possible connections to the Cactus Canyon Challenge or my current location."

Matt watched as the computer processed his latest request. The computer chirped and reported the results.

"The phrase 'dark side' is used by enemies of the Jedi, also known as the Sith," the computer replied.

"Elaborate," Matt said.

"The Jedi and the Sith possess an unknown type of power known as the Force. The Sith use their powers for evil, also known as the Dark Side."

"Identify any Jedi and the immediate area," Matt stated. Perhaps someone more familiar with this type of evil would be able to provide further insight.

"At present time, there are no Jedi known in this area. Approximately one year ago, Jedi attempted to establish an order in the western US, but it was unsuccessful," the voice reported.

"Why was the mission unsuccessful?"

After a couple of minutes, the display showed a large "X" with the response, "Unable to comply. The Jedi computer holding this information is secured."

Matt sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. Then again, the MASK computer was also tightly-secured. He did have one last idea, though.

"Computer, identify contact information of the Jedi Order involved in that mission," Matt said. He was surprised to see the computer identify a location over 1500 miles away.

"Now why would Jedi in that part of the country come out west? Maybe they can help us," Matt replied in response to the pinpointed location.

"If you don't mind, Matt, let me talk to them. They might be more receptive to the president of the PNA instead of an unknown individual," Duane suggested.

Matt nodded and replied, "I agree." He turned back to his laptop and said, "Computer, initiate communication with this Jedi Order,"

Meanwhile, Knight Ashley's contact the Jedi Order's Grand Master interrupted an otherwise quiet afternoon.

"Ashley, what's going on? I've never heard you sound so concerned before," he said.

"Master, someone tried to hack into our network, but the connection was untraceable. Do you think Darth Stinger is up to something?" Ashley asked nervously.

"I don't think so. She's cunning, but not too savvy with technical matters. You might want to shore up our security protocols just to be safe."

"Yes, Master."

The Grand Master walked back to his office. With the school year fast-approaching in the coming week, he had to prepare for the coming year's Jedi and academic instruction. As he reached his office, his commlink chimed again.

"Master, I'm sorry to bother you again, but you're needed in the meeting chamber. A Mr. Kennedy from the PNA is asking to talk to you," Knight Ashley said.

"Hmm. Those names aren't familiar. But, I'm on my way," he said.

In the meeting chamber, he was joined by Master Cal and Knight Rachel.

As the trio sat, the view screen activated and revealed Duane's face.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Duane Kennedy from the Peaceful Nations Alliance. We have received two threatening letters as we prepare for one of our events. An analysis of the most-recent letter pointed us in your direction," Duane said.

The Grand Master looked at his colleagues. They both appeared as uncertain as he was.

"And what makes you think we would get involved?" he asked in reply.

"First, the letter makes reference to the Dark Side, which appears to be the mark of your evil counterparts. Also, we learned you have been in this area once before. So, it seemed logical to ask for your assistance since you already have some familiarity with the area."

"Hold on for a moment," the Grand Master replied before he muted the view screen. He then turned to his colleagues.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Master, isn't this that same area where our attempt to help establish a Jedi Order was rejected? I know you weren't too pleased with their prejudiced attitudes at the time," Knight Rachel said.

"But these aren't Jedi. There's no way they could successfully defend themselves against the Sith. And unlike our previous mission, I have a feeling that this guy actually wants our help," Master Cal replied.

"I agree. But given that the two most readily-available Jedi for this mission is the same pair we sent before, we need to approach this mission carefully," the Grand Master stated.

"Are you really going to send Ahsoka back there?" Knight Rachel asked in disbelief.

"She is newly knighted. This would be a good first mission for her. That way, we can see how she conducts herself as the lead Jedi of this mission. This time, though, I'll advise Duane what to expect so there are no issues or surprises."

He then activated the sound again and said, "Duane, we will be sending two Jedi to help you investigate this threat. If there are Sith present, they can handle the threat. I will have them work with your existing security staff. But, please know that one of the Jedi on this mission will look a bit unusual. Be assured, though, she is more than competent."

"Thank you. I look forward to welcoming them. I can only hope our race goes off without a hitch tomorrow," Duane replied.

"Can you transmit any information about this race to us? That way, my Jedi can be better prepared for the mission. You can use our existing link for the transmission."

"Of course," Duane replied. He turned his head to his side and told Matt, "Go ahead and give them the information," He then turned back to face the screen, adding, "You should be receiving it now."

"Very good. I will have my Jedi assemble and leave as soon as possible since time appears to be of the essence."

As the transmission ended, the Grand Master contacted Knight Ashley. "Ashley, send the information you just received to me and summon Cara and Ahsoka to the meeting chamber," he told her.

"Yes, Master," she replied.

Cara sat cross-legged in a meditation chamber when her commlink chimed.

"Master Cara, you're needed in the meeting chamber for a mission," Knight Ashley stated.

"I'm on my way!," Cara replied as she stood up and left the chamber.

Elsewhere, Ahsoka shadow sparred in another chamber. She fiercely jabbed at the air with a training shoto. At the same time, she used the training saber in her other hand to strike across an invisible opponent. Her commlink's chime startled her. She quickly extinguished her training sabers and threw them back into a storage bin.

"Yes?" Ahsoka asked.

"Knight Ahsoka, you've been summoned to the meeting chamber for a mission," Knight Ashley said.

"I'll be there."

Ahsoka quickly dashed out of the chamber before she realized she better slow down.

Shortly, the women encountered each other outside the meeting chamber.

"Master, what are you doing here?" Ahsoka asked curiously.

"The same thing as you, I believe, my former padawan" Cara replied.

"It would be weird to be on a mission with you again now that I'm a Jedi."

"I'm sure the Grand Master has his reasons for pairing us again," Cara answered.

They both entered the chamber together.

"Ladies, come on in. You'll be heading down to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, for your next mission," the Grand Master said.

Ahsoka's head-tails twitched in horror.

"Master, no offense, but isn't that in the same area as that mission where I was rudely insulted? Why would you send me back there?" Ahsoka asked.

"Actually, that mission was in another western state," Master Cal reminded Ahsoka. "And this time, your presence is wanted. Also, our contact has been advised about your pending arrival and to not judge you on appearance alone," he added.

"Ahsoka, we also want you to be the lead contact on this mission, your first as a Jedi Knight. This will be your chance to show us how much you've learned in your time here on Earth. Master Cara will assist you and provide moral support if you need it," the Grand Master said.

Cara seemed surprised at the arrangements as she was the senior Jedi, but she accepted her role. "When do we leave?" she asked.

"You may want to grab something to eat in the dining hall before leaving. But they need you as soon as possible because their events start tomorrow."

"We're on our way," Cara said before she realized she wasn't in charge this time. "Sorry," she stated as she blushed.

"It's okay. May the Force be with both of you," Knight Rachel replied.

Cara and Ahsoka both bowed and left the meeting chamber.

"I hope you know what you're doing. Another failed mission could be devastating to Knight Ahsoka," Master Cal said.

"We have to show confidence and trust in her abilities. She is a very skilled Jedi. We can't treat her with kid gloves all the time simply because she's the only Togruta on Earth," the Grand Master said.

"Agreed, we must trust the will of the Force. Otherwise, we have nothing," Knight Rachel told her colleagues.

After a quick meal in the dining hall, Ahsoka and Cara left for Rio Rancho. Ahsoka was reviewing her datapad for details about the upcoming mission.

"Hmm, there is some sort of race tomorrow. Interesting," Ahsoka said out loud.

"Why is that?" Cara asked.

"When I was a padawan in my home galaxy, I went undercover as a pod racer. I think I'll do that again here."

"What's a pod race? And do you think that's wise to do as the lead Jedi?"

"It was a race where we used vehicles that hovered off the ground and raced at high speeds. And, since I've raced before, I think it might be better for me to do it again. After all, nothing would stop a Sith from sabotaging the race in that manner."

"I suppose you have a point. But you're only 19 and only recently finished your driving lessons here," Cara reminded Ahsoka.

Ahsoka sighed. "That's only because the rules are different here. I've been driving vehicles since I was 14 standard years old. I know what I'm doing," she answered emphatically.

"Easy, Ahsoka, we'll see what happens when we arrive there."

Ahsoka nodded and closed her eyes. Meditation wasn't her favorite Jedi activity, but she wanted to clear her mind. She wanted to make a good impression with this mission and be prepared for a possible encounter with a Sith.

Meanwhile, Miles and Maximus Mayhem drove their vehicle, Buzzard, through the back roads of the southwest.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Miles?" Max asked tentatively.

"Of course it is, Maxie. The natives claim the liquid contained inside the albino cactus can be used for anything. We can use it to make a super virus and its antidote. We can make millions that way! It will be something to infect entire nations and then blackmail them for the only cure," Miles replied triumphantly.

"But how do we find such a cactus? Gorey should have helped us on this mission," Max asked.

Miles groaned at the mention of VENOM's butt-kissing toady. "First, a cactus is organic, so there's no way to specifically scan for an albino one. More importantly, Goon is unavailable. That fool got me so mad before we left, I told him to go spit shine Outlaw. And the ignoramus actually started doing it with a smile on his face! No matter. Anything that keeps him from annoying me is a good thing," he told his twin brother.

"You need to treat our agents better, Miles."

"Max, we're VENOM agents, not a feel-good support group! Anyways, while our agents are busy racing, we'll find the cactus. Not even Trakker will know we're up to no good because we won't even attend the race."

"We'll stay off their radar. That's so brilliant."

"Of course it is, it's my idea!" Miles replied somewhat irritated.

With that, the brothers continued their trek.