Oban Star-Racers © Savin Yeatman-Eiffel

Star Wars © George Lucas


OBAN STAR-RACERS: THE FORCE UNLEASHED
Chapter 07: Masters and Students


[The Rouge Shadow, Hanger]

Martin groaned slightly as he tightened some bolts in the X-Wing's engine.
he stopped for a moment to wipe some sweat from his brow (which only succeeded in getting some oily grease on his skin.)

"gnnnh.."

Martin groaned as he reached for a clean rag to properly wipe his face with.
As he did, Proxy entered the Hanger.

"How goes modifications to the X-Wing Fighter, Master?!" asked the Droid

Martin looked at Proxy.

"So far, so good." began Martin, as he stepped away from his "racer"
"I've installed a new Energy Converter, SO, the X-Wing should be protected from energy weapons.
I have also done some fine tuning to the engine. If all goes well, I should expect a '20%' increase in speed and handling."

"Very good, Master. I have absolute confidense in your mechanical engineering."

Martin smiled.

"runs in the family, Prox."

Martin looked at Proxy.

"So..Where's Eva?"

"I believe Miss Wei is doing some research via the Jedi Holocrons.
She seemed quite interested in where you have been in the past ten years."

Martin exhaled sharply.

"yeah..no kidding."

Martin breathed out once more.

"I'd..i'd better go see how she's doing.
Something tells me those Holocrons will leaver her with more Questions, than Answers."

"As you wish, Master."

Martin walked off, leaving Proxy alone with R4-D4 and the X-Wing.
The Astromech beeped something.

"Oh, my Yes: He DOES seem quite fond of her."

R4-D4 beeped again, apparently talking with Proxy.

"Hmm..I dunno: COULD be."

[Martin Lucas Room]

Eva sat on the bed cross-legged, staring blankly as a Holocron displayed more "history" to her.
She had been looking at these "alien data storage units" for hours now. having just finished with Martin's personal logs (or, "Journal")

she was currently going over the History of the Jedi, Sith and the far off Galaxy they all hailed from.
and, having just finished with the history of The Clone Wars, and, was now observing the history of The Galactic Empire/Rebel Alliance War.

It was at that moment..Martin entered the room. Eva was surprised to see him, and fidgeted a bit as she turned the Holocron off.

"M-Marty!"

Martin grinned.

"Proxy said I might find you here.."

Martin then approached Eva. he then sat down on the bed beside his old friend.
Eva was silent, still in shock and awe at recent events.
Martin observed the many Holocrons on the matress. assuming Eva viewed at least half of them.

"you've been busy."

Eva nodded silently, Martin then looked at her with soft eyes.

"so..how much have you "read?"

"i-i..I re-read your Journal..ALL of it. and, I was..was researching the Jedi Archives."

"How far have you gotten?"

"I..just finshed with The Clone Wars."

"Well, keep listening..It only gets "good" from there."

Eva remained silent..Martin sensed her mixed feelings.

"Evie..I realize this is all alot to accept-"

"i can't believe all that has happened between us.." said Eva, at last

"we were best friends with loving families..HOW did it go so wrong?
How did I end up ALONE in that PRISON of a Boarding School, while you became this wandering "space nomad" fighting for survival!?"

"well, i-"

Eva wept a bit.

"tell me..wh-when your father died. a-and, my dad never bothered to help you..how did it make you feel?"

Martin took a moment to think.

"Lost..alone, and..forgotten. everyone I loved was gone from my life.

(sigh) sometimes..I often wished that assassin killed ME, along with my father.
ANYTHING seemed better than living like some 'street rat', rummaging through garbage for food, and sleeping in old cardboard boxes."

Eva's lip quivered at this. It broke her to even think of her friend going through something like that.
(especially since at the time, SHE was nice and safe in a school. an ordeal she thought was the 'worst thing ever'..which made her feel shamed of herself.)

"did you ever..th-think about killing yourself?"

Martin said nothing..which was all the answer Eva needed.

"oh, marty.."

"I guess I should count myself lucky that I have these powers of mine.." said Martin, finally
"If not, that Jedi would have never found me, and, brought me to the Jedi Temple..which became my new home."

Eva at lasted scooted over, and embraced Martin.

"i'm sorry, marty..I'm sorry for all you've been through. You know that if I ever knew..I'd have broken out, and came for YOU."

Martin gently placed his hand on the back of Eva's head.

"i know..just as I would have come for you."

Eva trembled a bit.

"i missed you..I missed you so much. having to watch you leave was one of the worst experiences of my life.
maybe..Maybe even worse than my mother's death."

Martin stroked her hair.

"i know..it tore me up inside to have to leave you, too. there were times I would have given anything just to see you one more time."

Eva's eyes wetted.

"you..said you miss my mother. that she was like the mother you never had."

"yes..i did."

tears formed in Eva's eyes.

"well..I miss your dad, too. he was like a second father to me..he was-"

Eva began to cry as she rested herself against Martin, crying softly in his chest.

"why did this have to happen?!, WHY!? Our lives were Perfect, why did it all have to change!?"

"I wish I had an answer, Evie..but, I don't. All that matters is that we found each other again."

Eva bore a soft expression as she let Martin fully embrace her.

"yes..we are together again. and, if I have anything to say about it: I am NEVER leaving your side again."

Martin affectionately touched Eva's chin..and, smiled.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Evie."

Eva at last parted..and, looked at Martin.

"I never..DID get to properly thank you, for saving me from Toros that one time."

Martin cringed as he remembered the event Eva spoke of.

the day Toros nearly killed Eva (and, Jordon) and, lost his life when he engaged him in battle.
At the time, he didn't know that "Molly" was Eva.. but, now that he knows..he cannot help but feel shocked at what he might have lost if he failed.

Martin finally pushed his shock aside, and looked at his friend.

"I'll ALWAYS be there to protect you, Evie..Remember that."

Eva smiled.

"i know..Thank You."

Martin took a moment to look at his friend.

"You really have changed, Evie..You are not as I remember you."

Eva blushed.

"yeah..well, life at the Stern Boarding School was TOUGH. and, I eventually learned that to survive..I had to be tough, too."

"You certainly do look it with the piecings and hair dye. Though, I like your tattoos..and, your goggles."

Eva frowned a bit, knowing full well what Marty was implying with his statements.

"yeah..i know you do."

Eva then looked at Marty.

"you know..even though I hate that you've gotten hurt on your "Space Adventures" I do kinda like your scars: they look real COOL."

Martin shrugged.

"yeah..I suppose they are."

there was a silence..then, Eva spoke again.

"So..You still going to be the Earth Team's Mechanic?"

"sure..It's in my blood. and, even though I have "relocated", Earth is still my homeworld.
I will help in any way I can."

Eva smiled.

"Thank you, Marty. and, I know I've said this before..but, I am GLAD you are my mechanic.
with You and Me working together, we can do ANYTHING!..just like my Mom and your Dad did."

Martin smiled weakly.

"yeah, Evie..I know. both our respected parents would be proud of us."

((BREE!, BREE!, BREE!))

The traquility was broken by a sudden alarm.

"WHAT IS THAT!?" exclaimed Eva

"Proximity Sensor: SOMEBODY is getting too close to the Rogue Shadow."

Martin immedialy ran out the door, Eva ran after him.

The two teenagers made their way to the ship's cockpit. they both sat at the pilot and navagator seats, accessing the on-board computer system.
Eva watched as Martin brought surveillance footage on-screen.

Displayed on the holo-screen..was a lone Nourasian.

"That-, That's Prince Aikka!"

"and, by the looks of it..he's tracking something. AND, given the direction he's taking: He's heading straight for the Rogue Shadow's Location."

just then, a HoloCOMM activated.
the image of Proxy displayed.

{"MASTER, the Proximity Sensors have activated. There is an intruder approaching the Rogue Shadow."}

"I know that, Proxy..I see him on-screen."

{"Then, shall I dispatch some Training Droids to intercept him, Master?"}

Martin glanced at Eva..who gave him a worried expression.

"No, Proxy..that won't neccesary."

{"Master?"}

"If the Nourasian Prince is looking for Starsmasher..I will oblege him."

{"I don't suppose I can talk you out of this illogical strategy."}

"Have you EVER talked me out of Anything?"

{"no."}

"Just have a cloak and a lightsaber ready. and, lockdown the ship once I leave."

{"Yes, Master..Right Away."}

with that, the HoloCOMM cut off. Martin then looked at Eva sternly.

"STAY in the ship."

"But-!"

"I'm not going to hurt your friend, Eva. BUT, as he is an opponent in this race, he may be a hostile.
I won't take any unneccesary risks."

Martin stood up, and began to make his way out. Eva watched as he left..unsure of what was to come of this.
She cared about BOTH Marty and Aikka..she didn't want them to fight.

[Meanwhile, Outside the Rogue Shadow]

Prince Aikka trekked through the grassy landscape, an intent look on his face.

after much meditation, he had come to the conclusion that the human called 'Starsmasher' had the same "unnatural" powers that he apparently posessed.
a power that enabled him to claim the life of the Crog Commander Toros.

an act he at first thought was impossible.

Though Cannan was respected general, and, a skilled swordsman..it was CLEAR there were some thing his fencing master couldn't teach him.
Liberating Nourasia from Crog Control was his only goal. and, only Starsmasher could guide him down the path to his people's freedom.

At last, the Nourasian Prince found his quarry: Starsmasher's Starship. it was well hidden in a grassy meadow, consealed by a wall of trees.
Aikka frozed, staring at the ship: it was even larger up-close.

At last, Aikka pressed on, and, began to approach the ship.
just as he did, however..the starship's hatch door opened. he watched, and saw a figure calmly exit the ship.

Aikka knew this figure was Starsmasher (who somehow KNEW he was coming)
though, he wasn't wearing his usual armor, nor, his distictive grilled mouth/mirror lensed mask.
Instead, he wore a hooded cloak with an armor variation.
the hood heavily consealed his face, leaving only his very human chin exposed to him.

Aikka stood in place as Starsmasher approached.

"prince aikka of nourasia." said Starsmasher, his tone low

Aikka nodded.

"Starsmasher."

"If you have come to eliminate the "competition",
I feel I should remind you have the fate that befell Toros..when HE challenged me."

"I have not." said Aikka..who then kneeled before Starsmasher

"Despite the "alliance" that my people have with Crog Imperium..they are NOT our friends.
I thought them all but invincible..until YOU killed Toros, and claimed his broadsword."

Starsmasher eyed him.

"Then, why HAVE you come to my sanctuary?!"

Aikka looked up at Starsmasher.

"to..to become Student to your Master. I also possess the same unique abilities as you.
I wish to learn what they are..and, how to properly use them in service to my people."

Starsmasher stared at Aikka.

"it IS you..YOU are the "other" that the Jedi Council sensed."

Aikka looked at Starsmasher.

"what are Jedi?" asked Aikka, wanting an answer

"They are an Warriors of many races and species. master swordsmen-and-women, who harness the power of The Force."

"The Force?"

"The collective lifeforce of ALL living things. Those such as us can manipulate this force, and use it to do many things."

Aikka bowed to Starsmasher again.

"I..humbly request apprenticeship. i..I wish to be a "Jedi" like you, Starsmasher."

"I am a Jedi Knight, NOT a Master. it is the duty of the Jedi Council to train potental Padawans."

Aikka looked up at Starsmasher again.

"are..these Jedi Masters here on Alwas?"

"No, they are at the Jedi Temple on Planet Coruscant..vast lightyears from this galaxy.
I am the only Jedi on this planet, and no other Jedi will be joining me on my mission."

"Then, as the only true Jedi on this planet..YOU are my only option."

Starsmasher scowled.

"While I applaud your interest in the Jedi Way..I am in the midst of a tense mission.
one in which failure could result in the total destruction of the entire universe."

Aikka grew palefaced at this news..but, quickly became stern.

"I can help you..PLEASE, let me help."

"Aikka-"

"LET ME PROVE MYSELF!" exclaimed Aikka, standing up before Starsmasher

Starsmasher stared at the nourasian prince..he then turned, and walked off.

ZZJAOOOW!

Starsmasher ignited his lightsaber..which bore a Purple "blade"

"Molly of the Earth Team claims you are a master swordsman." began Starsmasher
"PLEASE, don't make her a liar."

Aikka stepped back, feeling confused.

"Show me what skills you currently possess..and, i will consider your request."

Aikka narrowed his blue eyes. he then drew out a samurai sword (which bore alien markings on it's blade)
Starsmasher's lightsaber hummed as he took a stance. he CLEARLY was waiting for Aikka to make the first move..which he did.

"KYAAH!"

Aikka struck at Starsmasher with his blade..which the latter effortlessly deflected.
Starsmasher grinned at this, however.

"hmm..Yet another metal blade that can resist a Lightsaber: Impressive."

Aikka continued to attack. intent on using the skills Cannan taught him to prove himself to Starsmasher.
Starsmasher continued to block and counter Aikka's every move. the Nourasian certainly was no beginner..but, his attacks were too easy counter.

Even a Sith Acolyte offered more of a challenge.

Finally, Starsmasher ceased his defensive stance, and, at last displayed HIS fencing skills to the prince.

while Aikka's strike were quick, Starsmasher's were lightning fast.
the young prince found it a struggle to manage a block, and parts of his clothing ended up knicked/burned

the two combatanates then locked blades..facing one another.

"Your skills are to be admired..but, you have VERY much to learn." said Starsmasher

Starsmasher then pushed Aikka off.
with Force Lightning surging through his lightsaber, he struck hard..shattering Aikka's blade into pieces.

Stunned, Aikka stared blankly as Starsmasher pointed the end of his Lightsaber at him.

"you lost..as I expected you would. BUT, as I said before: Your skills are impressive..for a Beginner."

Starsmasher then deactivated his lightsaber, fastened it to his belt.

"I am considering training you..but, I remain unconvinced. You say you are against the Crog Imperium..but, words alone aren't enough.
I wish for proof of your defiance to them..That way, your loyalty to ME won't be in question."

Aikka looked at Starsmasher..then nodded.

"i-i..understand. What must I do to prove my loyalty?"

"I seriously doubt the Crog Imperium will stay out of this competition.
with Toros dead, they will most likely send someone to replace him..someone BETTER than him.

If you truely are against them..then, you will uncover information on Toros successor,
as well as any information you might have on the Imperium itself.

You do this..and, i will believe you are trustworthy."

with that, Starsmasher turned his back on the prince.
Aikka narrowed his eyes.

"fine..I shall return with what you need."

Aikka turned, and sprinted off into the forest. once gone, the ship's hatch opened up..and, out came Eva.
Martin pulled his head back as she approached him.

"Marty, why didn't you accept Prince Aikka's offer?!"

"I have my reasons." said Martin, calmly

"But, if Aikka's just like you, don't you think that-"

"I don't know him that well, Eva. and, the fact that he's a "warrior of honor" isn't enough to convince me that he's trustworthy.
the Mandalorians are also warriors of great honor. but, a majority of them have been sworn enemies of the Jedi for centuries."

Eva paused..then, spoke again.

"well..I trust him."

Martin looked at Eva.

"Then, for your sake..I hope your faith is well founded.
Now, let's hurry and head back to the Earth Team Hanger. It's only a matter of time before "The Don" starts to wonder where we are."

"umm..r-right."

As Martin returned to his Starship, Eva followed him.

[Meanwhile, Somewhere in Space]

a lone starship flew through space at a steady pace.
within the ship's red lit cockpit, a shadowy figure brought up an on-board Holo-Computer.

{"TRANSMISSION INTERCEPTED."} said the female A.I.

{"greetings, Master... do what do I owe this "visit?"}

{"there is a disturbance in the force, young one...I sense ANOTHER Force Sensitive on Planet Alwas."}

{"H-How is this POSSIBLE, Master?"}

{"Anything is possible in THE FORCE, you should know that."}

{"yes, of course...forgive my ignorance."}

the shadowed figure grinned as he punched in some holo-buttons.

{"VOCAL RECOGNITION ACTIVATED"}

{"Is this Force Sensitive JEDI?...or, SITH?"}

{"That is Unclear, Martin. this Force Sensitive is too "conflicted" for the Jedi Order to be sure..
we believe he, or she is "untrained"}

{"VOCAL RECOGNITION COMPLETE."} began the computer

{"Subjects: 'Tano, Meridian', Togrutan Jedi Master 'Lucas, Martin', Human Jedi Knight.}

the shadowed figure typed something else in.

{"SCANNERS INITIATED."}

{"Should I be worried?"}

{"no..."I" just thought you should know. carry on with your mission, My Apprentice."}

{"yes, Master."}

with that, the transmission ended.

{"SUBJECT FOUND: PLANET ALWAS."}

the figured grinned an evily grin.

"i have you NOW."


Author Note: Most of this chapter is mostly more of Eva and Martin reconciling, and, for the most part: Eva dealing with her best friend being a Jedi.

While I don't go into much detail, I imply that Eva has been "schooled" on most of the Star Wars History via Holocrons.

It is VERY likely she's viewed the Galactic Timeline of 'The Old Republic' by now.

Despite Eva and Marty's friendship being a focus subject. this chapter also marks the official start of the Jedi Aikka story arc.

The outfit I had "Starsmasher" wear in the 'test duel' looked something like the "Sith Robe" used by Starkiller in 'The Force Unleashed'

and, I purposely gave Martin a Purple lightsaber this time, just to show that: 1. He doesn't use Two Lightsabers ALL the time,

2. He possably has many Lightsabers at hand, just in case any get destroyed

and, 3. According to "experts", Jedi's who use Purple Lightsabers, are those who use both Light and Dark aspects of The Force (something Starsmasher is well known for)

I end this chapter with a cryptic cliffhanger.

and, imply a NEW player will join the game Soon.