Battlestar Galactica Timeline: Takes place after The Return of Starbuck.
Star Wars Timeline: Obi-Wan has given baby Luke to Owen and Beru to raise and is wondering what to do with himself, and how he will hide from Imperial forces.
Chapter 1. Planet Starbuck Starbuck looked at the approaching night sky on Planet Starbuck of which he was now alone; he had decided that he should uproot himself and explore to see if he might find some resources, otherwise it would be a very sad end to him, as death by starvation and/or by dehydration are lousy ways to die. He was sitting on the ledge looking out at the landscape thinking 'Cy found the woman after about a weeks time so there must be some type of civilization somewhere and where there was a civilization there must be food & water'; so Starbuck packed what was left of his supplies and went to the Cylon Ship to see if he might be able to fly the ship by himself, however after a quick check at the controls and seeing that he wouldn't be able to fly the craft, as it takes two colons to even get it off the ground he decided that he didn't want anymore Cylons following him to the planet, so he set the self destruct on and exited the craft. He left his shelter, heading in the same direction that Cy came from with the woman, Angela, as his campsite blew up; above him unseen stood Angela the woman that he had sent with the child to the Galactica speaking to the heavens 'he is a good man, a very good man who doesn't deserve to perish here; please can we not do something?' a single word comes to her, that makes her smile as she looked at Starbuck's retreating back. Starbuck was a colonial warrior and fortunately the military trained him well on surviving in just about any hostile environment he set moisture traps out at night to collect any moisture from the air while he slept along with some traps that might just get him something to eat. During his second night, in the wilderness, John and Angela stood outside of Starbucks makeshift shelter talking: 'You know that he can not come to reside with us, that decision has already been made, he is still bound to this plane of existence. I know, but surely we can send him somewhere where he can at least live his life? We have considered this and have come with a solution; we will send him to a Galaxy Far Far Away to a world called Tatooine; it, much like this place, is a desert world however it is part of a large galactic empire; where I think that he just might be able to make a difference, and possibly even become ready to join us when the time is right. Angela, looks to John, he will need knowledge for the role he will play there; Yes he will, Angela. Will he ever be able to return? Perhaps one day, but it will have to be under his own abilities as we can not interfere, again it is against the rules, this dispensation was argued on both sides for a great deal of time and we won by just a very narrow margin, I am sorry but when he wakes up he will be there and we will not be able to interfere in his life ever again. Agreed, just let me say good-bye to him, I will provide him what will be necessary for the new place. Alright Angela, but know your attachment to these beings is becoming a bit disconcerting to me, be seeing you.' and with that John vanished in a flash of light.
Angela entered the tent to see Starbuck sound asleep, when she knelt beside him, and placed her hand on his forehead ensuring that he would not awaken, sleep my brave warrior, sleep well as her hands began to glow, a aura formed around Starbuck's body you will need knowledge that many take for granted where you are going, as she touched his forehead again, she paused debating for a second before she began, you will also need power let this be my gift to you, for your courage here, as she placed her hand over her heart drawing a ball of light and placed that over Starbucks heart letting it sink into him, while she placed a crystal pendant necklace around his neck. 'A Knight chivalrous, and brave, you are in this world, a champion of the light, and in your new life shall you be again, with that she kissed him lightly on his lips before rising from his side.' with that she turned, 'Go in peace Starbuck and know you will always carry my favor with you' with that she left the tent and Starbuck, a single tear falling from her eye to her cheek as she began to glow brighter and brighter until she vanished returning to the Seraph ship of lights.
Chapter 2. Meetings in the Desert Obi-Wan Starbuck, awoke feeling refreshed as if he had slept over a dozen hours instead of the few he figured he had, that was until he looked up at the early morning sky to see a completely different sky than he was used to, as well as a change of scenery still a desert world, but something told him that he wasn't anywhere near where he was when he went to sleep last night and that he had better find shelter from the morning sun, check that suns O'boy this was not of the good. Starbuck took out his binoculars and scanned the surrounding area's to see an outcropping of rocks not far from where he was; so he packed up his campsite and headed for the rocks at least there he might be able to get a better idea of how fracked he was. It took him nearly a centaur to reach the outcropping and blessed shade, and while this world held a dry heat it was still hot. The outcropping was about 100 meters in height, which took about a half a centaur to climb without climbing gear; fortunately Starbuck didn't have trouble climbing with just his hands and feet, which seemed to reach instinctively for every hand-hold and foot-hold, until he reached the summit. He took his binoculars and searched the distance looking for the city when a voice came to him; hey handsome the town is behind you! Starbuck jerked looking around for the source of the voice, and all he could hear was a giggling like that of a sprite 'Who said that?' Me and quit looking around I'm inside your head handsome so no one can see me or hear me except you and a bit of advice Duck Quick! Starbuck ducked avoiding a metal staff being swung at his head by some creature that was wrapped from head to toe in rags. Oh Frack, the creature raised the weapon again shouting some gibberish that he couldn't understand but he got the message very clearly I'm going to take your fracking head that was when Starbuck drew his blaster and shot the creature to see it fall down the embankment hurt but not dead, at least he hoped not dead. 'Oh handsome, we had better get going before his friends show up that was a Tusken Raider and they fall in the stay away from category, if you want to continue breathing; its ride is down and to the right of the outcropping its called a Bantha. Starbuck shook his head just a few centaurs on a new planet and already he had shot someone and was stealing their ride; things where NOT looking up! Maybe he might find someone to tell him where he is and hopefully how to get home! 'Hey Sug, remember me I can answer most of your questions
1. You are on a planet called Tatooine, it is in a Galaxy approximately 1.5 billion light yahrens away from the Galaxy that housed Planet Starbuck ego much!
2. The Seraph sent you here to spare your life from death by starvation and dehydration
3. You need to find someone called Obi-Wan Kenobi, and convince him to teach you the ways of the Jedi whatever that is; he should be in the Cantina wondering what he is going to do with his life as he is at a cross roads himself.
4. Last but most important is ME! I'm called Favor, a gift for your actions on Planet Starbuck from Angela and just so that you know she broke some serious rules giving me to you I'm thousands of years more advanced than anything in either of these galaxies and am attuned only to you so you are the only one who can hear, or see me, and with that Starbuck turned to see a rather fetching young woman walking beside him; I have thousands of exaquads of information stored and that isn't even scratching my capacities and Favor continued speaking to Starbuck for the next four centaurs until they got to Anchor-head, where Starbuck sold the Bantha to a dealer of animals, and with the help of Favor was actually able to get more than he thought for the creature. It took some time for him to find the particular cantina as Favor wasn't much help with 'they all look alike to me besides it wouldn't be any fun if I did all the work now would it'; Obi-Wan looks something like this and her image changed to that of a blonde haired man with a beard in what appeared to be some type of robes and then flashed back to Favor's image. She then stopped Oh one very important thing STAY AWAY from the Imperials you can't miss them they are in White Armor, and Grey Uniforms walking around like they own the place and for the love of me, do not piss them off! Oh look, there he is well get going I'm right beside you!
Starbuck was regretting ever asking his first question and wondering how he was going to get rid of Favor 'Sorry Babe, I'm here for the LLLLOOOONNNNGGG Haul in short you gotta DIE for you to get rid of me and don't be getting any stupid idea's you humans never can tell with you, and how you think; now hurry and catch him before you loose him and we have to spend the rest of our lives chasing him… Starbuck hurried and caught up to the man 'Obi-Wan Kenobi I presume' 'Do I know you, Sir' 'Nope, but we are going to be great friends; I'm supposed to find you and have you educate me in the ways of the what did she call them Jedi' Obi-Wan's face went ash as he grabbed Starbuck and put him against the wall 'Be silent, there are Imp's everywhere, and what makes you think that I'm a Jedi Knight?' 'Well the wanted poster behind you with your picture, on the wall for one thing, the other a really reliable source that is even now laughing at my predicament!'. Obi-Wan tore the poster off the wall shrugging, 'perhaps we should go somewhere more private, I have a room near-by;' 'my source says that would be a very bad idea as at present there are about two dozen of those white armored goons there, tossing it looking for you; she suggests that we get off the street and that you change your appearance as quickly as you can.' 'Who is this source and how are you communicating with her is it?' 'Lets just say its complicated and would take sectons to explain, which we do not have unless you want to add Imperials to our discussion' with that Starbuck motioned with his head down the street. My friend suggests that we get a room in this place in fact she just booked us the room, all I have to do is pay the clerk so shall we?' Obi-Wan was caught between the preverbal rock and a hard plate and since dealing with a single possible opponent out weighed him battling several dozen armed Imperials he decided to take the man up on his offer; well since you seem to know my name, before we go anywhere I think that I should at least know yours' 'Everyone calls me Starbuck, so shall we hurry teach!' 'I haven't yet agreed to be your teacher… ' 'but you will…' and they both entered the Hotel, where Starbuck paid the clerk with his newly acquired credits. It took them most of the night each telling the other of their lives; Starbuck of the plight of the Colonies and the Cylons, Obi-Wan of the fall of his apprentice to the Dark Side of the force, which at the end of the night Obi-Wan looked at Starbuck; 'I can't and won't be your teacher my failure has shown me that I am not yet ready to be a teacher in the ways of the Jedi, but I can get you started with some basics and hopefully the Force willing, will be able to send you to someone who can provide you with the proper training; for now know that it is very dangerous to be a Jedi, so we will have to head out to the deep desert, I have a small place out there where we can hide out while you begin your training Padawan.' With that they both went to sleep, for the next day would be a very long day indeed.
Chapter 3.
Obi-Wan and Starbuck woke just before dawn, and left Anchor-head heading into the deep desert in an old speeder heading to Obi-Wan's humble home. The place was a series of domes, barely visible as they approached nestled near some outcroppings it appeared to be blend into the scenery, 'No wonder he isn't worried about being robbed, the place looks like just a bunch of rocks near more rocks.' 'Obi-Wan, what about Tusken Raiders and some of the other nasties that are around?' 'Do not worry, most of the locals here call me crazy ben, and as for the Tuskens they learned early on that it was healthier to stay away from my place.' They arrived and parked the speeder in a small grotto attached to the domicile, and entered Obi-Wan led the way in one hand on his light-saber the other on the security pad, he searched ahead using the force to see if anything might have invaded his small domicile during his absence. He noticed in the mirror decor he had just how he had aged in the last few years gone was the young man that Qui-Gon Jinn had trained and in his place well he would have to work on that and the weight of loss of his friend Anakin. Starbuck entered when Obi-Wan called him 'well Starbuck, this is going to be our new home for a the next few months so I need to let you know of a few rules that I have….' The next four months where brutal to Starbuck, not only was Obi-Wan running him ragged with physical conditioning that made Colonial Warrior Training seem timid by comparison; Favor was constantly asking him when he would be a Jedi and if he was one yet and why the delay in short driving him crazy; if only there was a way to silence her unless he absolutely required her services but alas like most women in his life Favor had a mind of her own. On the good side Starbuck now sported a lightsaber at his waist and was getting accustomed to the heat of Tatooine. He spoke with Obi-Wan on just where he was in the Jedi training only to have Obi-Wan laugh and inform him that what he was doing was what they had small children doing and that the real Jedi training would be done by his Masters' Master, provided that he was even willing to train him given his advanced age; this statement made Starbuck sit up and ask what he meant by advanced age he was still a fairly young man; precisely was Obi-Wan's answer most Padawan's are brought to the Jedi Temple as infants and begin training around two years of age through about ten years when they are then paired with a full Jedi Knight who acts as a mentor as they progress through the more difficult trainings. Starbuck just got a sinking feeling in the bottom of his stomach as Obi-Wan told him of them bringing Anakin at the ripe old age of nine years and him being rejected by Master Yoda who was who he would be sending him to when he finished his initial padawan training series, which he was doing remarkably well at. Starbuck was basically dumbfounded in that he thought that the Jedi training might take in upwards of a year, instead he just received information that suggested that the training might just take decades and while he was probably in the best shape of his life, he was not about to spend the rest of his life as a student, he went outside so that he could speak with Favor in private and explain the situation and see if she had any advice; only she shrugged and said 'sorry boss, but all my information says is that if we ever want to return back to where we came from that you need to become a Jedi, and not just a Jedi but a Master whatever that entails once that happens according to my information you will need to locate some of the Jedi Holocrons which are more primitive versions of information storage coupled with Holographic display and before you even think it don't I am way more advanced, but the knowledge of all the Jedi for the last 10,000 yahrens or more exist in this form and our ticket home is in one of them so I guess you will just have to be patient and learn Padawan.
Chapter 4. Days came and went on Tatooine, and Starbucks training intensified according to Obi-Wan he had taken to the lessons very quickly and accomplished most to all of the young padawan training along with the training for young adult padawans and it was time that he left to find Master Yoda who would complete his training. The only clue that Obi-Wan had was that Master Yoda had taken refuge on a distant swamp rim world known as Dagobah and that he would need to locate it and journey there; once there he would need to locate and convince Master Yoda to continue his education as he had taught him all that he felt that he could safely teach him, and that further lessons would require someone far more experienced in the teaching of Jedi. Starbuck embraced Obi-Wan 'Thank You, my Master I will not disappoint you; I will find Yoda and continue my journey'. Obi-Wan watched Starbuck leave taking the old speeder to Mos Eisley the only real space port on Tatooine where he hoped that Starbuck would be able to barter passage off Tatooine. Starbuck speed across the desert talking to himself as Favor sat in the seat next to him commenting on his driving skills or rather lack of the them the entire journey until Starbuck slammed on the brakes 'What do you mean, I don't have to worry about money; Favor?' Its really simple, the money you got for the Bantha two years ago I invested and have been working the Intergalactic stock market for you so right now you have some serious cash mind you not enough to retire forever and never have to worry about cubits scratch that credits you know what I mean; anyway once we get off this sandbox and to a more civilized world you might want to consider purchasing a ship maybe a older vessel say from the Old Republic something used for longer voyages so that we can live on it as we search for Dagobah. I was also thinking about possible careers that you might want to take up say security specialist or maybe some mercenary work it would allow us to explore and give us access to more sources of information. Starbuck sat dumbfounded 'Favor I love you! You are the best!' 'Of course I'm the best, and its my job to look out for you at least until we can get back home!' Now what about a career? Any preferences? 'I figure that first we get the ship and see where we sit; then figure what we need, and what careers will fit into the plan though I do like the idea of security specialist maybe join that with mercenary do freelance security check and see what's available and what type of pay scale I would be looking at and Favor nothing illegal the last thing I need is to land in the brig!' 'Aye Aye boss entering full research mode for Dagobah and career paths for you'. I have located a old starship dumping ground and with my tech abilities we might just be able to salvage enough parts to give us a decent home/office for our work I have been researching and have found a few vessels that are promising, the ideal one is on the expensive side and I do mean expensive it is called a X70b Phantom a elite vessel used by agents of the Old Republic to infiltrate enemy strongholds and highly covert missions; if we find one even a stripped one we can then build on it; otherwise I was thinking a 578-R Transport, or Firespray-31, or even a AIAT/i gunship, which would also meet our needs and be less conspicuous a craft then the Phantom. Starbuck listened to the juices and agreed that the Phantom would be the best purchase long term, however that the 578-R transport vessel would probably be their current best bet and they could always update the tech on it to something a bit more on the ultra modern side; which caused Favor to stare at him 'Whoa cowboy, while I might be able to come up with some tech, I have rules that have to be followed and they are not negotiable! I might be able to provide you with stuff that is oh say about one hundred yahren more advanced that what is currently available; but even that would be pushing it; I will however try my best to help out got it!' 'I got it, just had to try at least I know that we will be able to come up with a few goodies.' 'Goodies he calls them, Goodies boy am I gonna have a talk with Angela when we get back Mister!'
Chapter 5. Starbuck and Favor got to the wreck yard and began checking things out, they found a gutted wreck of a 578-R called the Pond Hooper; the ship was pretty much nothing more than a gutted shell; Favor walked beside Starbuck as he checked out the body, a list forming in his head of everything that they would need, a list that got longer and longer by the second, to even get this ship anywhere near flight worthy; heading the list would be computers that Favor could program, followed by Engines and a Power-Core of some type though the ship did have a large storage hold and since most of the controls where scrapped they could construct new controls that a single pilot could man, also there was room enough for a small crew so if he decided on the security business he could have about half a dozen specialists on board. Favor informed him that this was a long range freighter and capable of extended flights in space, well once it had been fixed up; further she informed him that the vessel had what appeared to be a fully equipped materials fabrication area, which was probably being used to strip the ship; they checked out several other vessels some in better condition; however what they did find fell outside of Starbucks meager budget and after some serious haggling Starbuck was able to secure the Pond Hopper, along with two other wrecks that where in even worse shape, than the Hopper, but had not been stripped for parts as of yet; his plan was to utilize the wrecks to rebuild the Hopper and possibly with Favor's assistance fix the Hopper, so that it was able to support them for the foreseeable future, as a single man craft/transport/passenger carrier. He also took the hanger that the Pond Hopper was in as part of the arrangement so that he would be able to conduct the repairs to the craft, at least until it was flight ready and could be moved on its own power as opposed to tractored by a junker elsewhere to which the alien seemed to be agreeable to so long as work was being done daily on the ship to make it moveable, and did not take him more than a few months, to which Starbuck was able to haggle a year; and that's how it went for Starbuck for the next year, which became a second year as he started working for the alien in exchange for birthing fees for his Ship which he renamed the Angela. The new name seemed to go well with Favor, along with the new detailed specs that Starbuck had come up with and her giving him the tech to build a small Matter Reclaimator, which she said would have to be destroyed once they got the ship full functional as its tech while close to the Century cut off point was on the wrong side of it, and Starbuck would not be allowed to keep the tech!. Starbuck, expressed his thanks and used the reclaimator to re-enforce the hull of the Hopper as well as replace the deck panels and walls inside the ship to her new layout, the rest he salvaged from the wrecks, and even struck paydirt with the second wreck whose engines where in salvageable and repairable condition! The first wreck gave him computers and most of everything he needed for a bridge. Starbuck finished the Angela's refit, and while she was still a far way from being Factory fresh, she would be able to take them anywhere they needed to go, and for a lot longer than the four months of stores that the ship originally had. Starbuck while repairing the ship and working at the yard was also able to purchase at a extreme discount some components from incoming vessels, provided that they where non-repairable by the owner of the yard, which is how the Angela got some serious firepower in the form of forward and aft missle launchers as well as dual mini ion cannons. Starbuck and Angela, lifted off and out of the wreckage hanger two years to the day that they took up residence, and headed to Corrusant the Capital of the Empire, where Starbuck would begin his career as a security specialist testing government and civilian facilities systems.
Chapter 6.
Five Years, on Coruscant, home of the Emperor and Darth Vader a Sith Lord, was all it took before he got hired to tackle the mother of all security jobs raiding and testing of the Jedi Temple security systems. Five years Starbuck worked his backside off testing corporation security breaches and even developed a solid reputation as a highly competent operative who delivered all that he promised; five years of Starbuck searching for a planet called Dagobah with no luck, and he was beginning to become discouraged, in that the planet might have a completely different name in some archives and the only way he was going to find Master Yoda was if he got to the old Jedi Temple, which was under constant guard by Imperial forces. Starbuck took the mission to successfully breach the Temple's defenses and steal a Holocron from the archives of the temple, while remaining undetected. Starbuck and Favor had decided that they where going to actually copy every Holocron and Data bank in the jedi archives or rather Favor was going to do it, while Starbuck ran interference. Starbuck met with the Security administrator and suggested multi tier attacks combining Black Box and White Box methodologies; he would take the White Box methods first and then perform a Black Box assault on the temple posing as a highly elite Rebel Operative his mission to steal a Holocron from the Vaults of the temple. It took Starbuck nearly six months of planning and meetings before he felt anywhere near ready to launch his personal mission and since he could basically come and go with minimal supervision anywhere in the temple he and Favor where able over the period of the six months, or rather Favor was able to duplicate the entire archives and holocrons which nearly brought her to her knees, in information overload; after-all while she had a nearly infinite level of storage capacity and was the single most advanced tech in the Galaxy this was still over 100,000 yahrens of data that the Jedi Order had been accumulating, not to mention that the Holocrons where pretty much primitive versions of her with minimal storage at least that is what Favor called them. Starbuck knew that all of the temple had been inventoried so theft was out of the question, and every access point monitored, with most being disabled or left as traps for unsuspecting information thieves. That was when Starbuck decided that maybe he might be able to get something out of the deal that he had been dreaming of for the past five or so years, a brand spanking new starship, and the beautiful part of it would be that the Imps where going to hand him the keys personally, which sent Favor into a round of historical laughter. Starbuck met with the Security Administration team leaders and announced that he was ready to physically attack the Temple and was wondering exactly how realistic they wanted the test to be; should they wanted it to be absolutely authentic then security would have to have capture orders, NOT kill on sight any prisoners, and they would have to provide a suitable assault craft that would be on a par with what the Rebel Alliance might have or be able to acquire, which they would customize to his specifications, and he would retain the craft after the job had been completed. It took the security board nearly three weeks to get back to Starbuck and to his grinning satisfaction they agreed that the most realistic assault would be best and that the Troopers would be required to capture, not kill anyone found during the test period, which seemed to satisfy Starbuck as well as Favor. A week later, a New Firesray Imperial security ship was provided to Starbuck customized to his specifications for use during his assault on the temple. Starbuck had the ship's storage area's expanded and rather than cells two cabins so that he could combine some of the customizations that he had done on the Angela to that of the Firespray, as well as add weapons and a greater amount of supplies this Firespray was a extreme long duration vehicle, which Starbuck planned on using to find Dagobah. The plan was kept absolutely secret the Angela along with the Stardust were outfitted with AI's that could fly their individual crafts with him using only verbal commands. His plan was simply a Rebel assault would use the Angela to get into the Temple, and be used to jam sensors etc as being nothing but a primitive freighter and no real threat to the power of the Imperial Navy; the Stardust however would be held in reserve manned by a extraction strike force that could sweep in at the last minute for a rescue or be held in reserve to ensure that the escape is truly undetected or went without pursuit. He would be using the AI's along with several devices; a Holographic projector, his hacking tools for electronics, along with a couple of tools for the primitive approach a good hammer and crow-bar; he also checked the surrounding area's to see if anything was being done that could hide his assault, a building scheduled for demolition in three days at nearly mid-day and a check of the timeliness of the crew doing the demolition put a smile on Starbucks face as he lit a cigar. Starbuck was about to call it an evening when he was hit with a thought and had Favor check Imperial traffic and see if any Muckity Mucks where around, perhaps he could combine his assault with their arrival.
Chapter 7. Starbuck got geared up, a frontal assault on the temple was out of the question as he was only one man, no matter how good looking and dashing (which caused Favor to roll her eyes and make a few comments about ego's); as Starbuck began donning his usual attire of a simple Janitor/Repair man; The Angela was loaded with cleaning supplies, as well as tools that a handyman might have for the various jobs he might handle; that and a bottle of hair dye and contacts made the disguise complete. Favor confirmed that he had orders through the Imperial network to perform maintenance at the Temple, along with some fleet Admiral who had just arrived; she hacked the Admiral's vessel and accessed his schedule placing a entry for a surprise inspection of the facility. Starbuck examined the area and had the Firespray move and dock on a nearby landing bay; which with luck might just distract most of the guards who probably had been warned that an assault was going to happen, and to be on guard (Exactly like a true Rebel assault would happen if they would just notify security 48 hours in advance of their plans to assault the temple.) No one ever suspects the lowly janitor especially if he is going to do a very dirty and smelly job. The temple diagrams that he had pilfered outlined the Holocron storage area and various pipes that pass near it enough for him to work around and cut into the storage area pilfer the test Holocron and exit without anyone the wiser, if anything went wrong he would trigger the Firespray to begin a assault with its cannons set for stun and create a wonderful light-show that would draw any guards to it; that and the building blowing up less than one klick away would prove to be all the distraction that he needed. Starbuck kept running through the plan over and over in his head envisioning the diagrams of the temple and the layout, and mentally preparing himself as the Angela maneuvered through traffic heading first to pick-up the real janitorial crew, and then to the temple near ground level where maintenance crews would land and be greeted by temple security if they followed protocols, which imps did beautifully headphone and music player in his ear, he exited the craft acting like just any other invisible worker bee going about his business. Aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimera, a black gauntleted hand brought up his schedule for the day, and noted a new entry probably from Palpatine, but still a task that needed to be performed a surprise inspection of the old Jedi Temple; perhaps he would carry out the inspection personally as his helm lowered and sealed him in his prison. With the final hiss as the clamps sealed themselves and the suit that sustained his existence pressurized; Lord Darth Vader rose from his meditation chamber and began his day. Vader had long ago for security purposes created and used a dummy account of a fleet Admiral A.S. a account that most beings would simply glass over as most fleet admirals where older military men who spent most of their time performing inspections and pinning medals on outstanding individuals in short of no military value. He ordered his personal shuttle prepped and boarded heading to the Jedi Temple now an Imperial Military Officer training facility. Vader was rather surprised at the level of visible security, as well as the speed of the challenge to his crafts approach; something was up and he intended to get to the bottom of it quickly. His craft, one of the most recognized crafts in the entire Empire came to a landing as its escorting Tie-Fighters veered off. Vader exited the craft as about a dozen Stormtroopers moved to intercept his arrival armed to bear and began pointing their weapons at him; as an officer approached and challenged him 'Identify yourself and your business here; Sir!'. Vader was taken back, he was almost always recognized once he landed, and these fools where about to understand why that was when he saw the troopers leveling their weapons and releasing safeties off their blaster rifles and while he could easily dodge or disarm them all he needed answers more than a release to his growing rage. Supreme Military Commander of all Imperial Forces Lord Vader, as the officer fell to his knees choking 'What is the meaning of this foolishness?'. The officer realized that this was indeed Lord Vader and that he had better spill the beans quick or he wasn't long for this galaxy; 'Lord Vader, (all the troopers came to immediate attention), we where advised that a test of our security at this facility was to take place and that we should assume that anyone coming or going was a possible Rebel Alliance Special Operations Commando(s) and act accordingly per protocol Sir!' Vader while pissed before was actually amused for a tenth of a second, before releasing the officer who staggered to his feet and then to attention before him; the commander notified us that we where to be on extreme alert as a there was word that a elite commando force of Rebels might attempt a suicide attack on the Temple in a attempt to steal a Holocron from the secure facility; and possibly kill as many personnel as possible my Lord' . Vader tilted his helm, 'And just who was the imbecile that gave you these orders?' Admiral Tog-na commander of this facility, he is .. Vader simply raises his hand silencing the young officer; 'And where is he now?' Observing from the main security offices Sir. Excellent resume your duties, and Lt., in the future for your reference the Rebel Alliance would not come to Corrusant, in an Imperial Star Destroyer, launching and flying a Advanced Tie with a escort with the tagging of Black Squadron, and have me emerge!' Sir, yes Sir and with that the Lt. and the troopers vanished even quicker than they appeared leaving Vader on the landing platform as he entered the Temple for the first time as a Sith Lord.
Chapter 8.
As Vader entered the temple another officer greeted him, 'Lord Vader, our deepest apologies for any disrespect shown to you I will ensure that all parties are put on report and the incident noted in their permanent records, the Admiral, has staged a test of our security with a very gifted infiltration artist and since we spotted the vessel he was provided for his assault along with him near-by we assumed that your arrival was staged to provide a distraction or possibly to create such a outrageous scenario that we might just let him access the temple; 'Vader turned to the Lt., first place yourself on report those fools followed their order to the letter, as well as Imperial Protocols to the letter, second your infiltrator is already inside the temple if I am correct look for any new personnel that have arrived that do not have or require a security access level or are provided one by yourselves, so that they can perform their tasks, like that maintenance man repairing that conduit! and lastly which way is Admiral Tog-Na, so that I might speak to him personally! The newly promoted Lt. stiffened at being so rebuked and merely raised his arm pointing to what was the old security offices that the Jedi used when they occupied the Temple. Vader, strode to the security offices unchallenged yet he saw troopers moving with absolute purpose, 'Impressive' while turning to enter the offices with all personnel at terminals; the Admiral, was standing on the raised dais as Vader entered everyone came to immediate attention as Vader strode to the dais, as Tog-Na turned his face ashen; 'Lord Vader, Sir I apologize for the treatment that those fools in not recognizing you or your vessel; I have already heard of your evaluation and who we should be looking at and we are on top of it Sir!' Proceed with your test Admiral I intend to observe from the observation room in the corner; please activate power to the cubicle and tie in the screens to those here!' Vader moved to the command chair in the observation cubicle, as screens came to life; Vader was looking at each screen looking for anything that was off, this went on for several minutes until Vader focused on a maintenance man with ear phones working in the sewage pipe outlets, as he was the only person without Imperial Trooper supervision (not surprising, considering the smell), and he was moving closer to the Holocron storage area. Vader rose deactivating the monitors, leaving the room and exiting with a squad of troopers forming on him as he moves to the storage area, his cloak flowing behind him. Admiral Tag-Na noticed Vader moving towards the storage facility. Starbuck was at the retaining wall of the Storage room, and had planted explosives to blow a access hole to get the holocron, he checked his time piece and counted mentally back from twenty as he reached One he pressed the detonator, at the same time that the Building was being blown-up shaking the Temple, a smile on his face as he popped into the room, and grabbed the Holocron and jumped out the hole, moving to make his escape as he exited the access panel. Starbuck began to clean up after himself and move out of the area and back to the freighter that brought him here with the rest of the crews a small grin came to his face that is until he opened the hatch to the freighter and was greeted by a half dozen blaster rifles; 'Impressive, you timed your detonation with the demolishment of the building nearby to cover the noise, as well as any vibrations that might have occurred, pray tell what are your plans now?'; Starbuck turned seeing Black armor seated and now rising when he smiled and removed a pen like device and pressed a button which caused the hatch of the Angela to slam shut; that was when Starbuck began to move and move like Darth Vader himself was after him, which he was he had to exit the temple and get to a platform where the Firespray had been programmed to land, and he was running as fast as he could bypassing anyone and everyone heading to the landing bay, he contacted Chance and had her begin her attack on the temple from the Firespray as he moved to intercept if he could make it to the landing platform he would have it made; unfortunately Vader was fast on his heels propelled by cybernetic legs; the question was who would reach the landing pad first. Starbuck drew a couple of zap grenades used by Imperial forces for crowd control when the camera's where on them in short they stunned anyone in a area of about 50 feet, he threw two behind him as he cleared the corridor and opened the doors to the landing pad only to see the Dark Lord himself with a drawn ruby red lightsaber waiting; 'Impressive, thief but I know this temple like I know myself, you got further than even I anticipated 'Really, just one thing did you take into account the twin ion cannons are now aimed at you?' Vader tilted his head and turned slowly to see two turrets now aimed directly at him, and while his armor afforded him protection from just about anything he wasn't sure that it would withstand fire at this range. Starbuck grinned, 'So do I win, or do we see just how well that armor can protect you?' Vader turned back to him, deactivating his lightsaber; 'I could use someone like you in my service care to enlist? 'Na, I like being the boss and just between you, me and those cannons I'm about due for a nice long vacation' with that Starbuck lit his cigar. A few hours later; Vader sat and listened to the wrap up of the security test, with Starbuck outlining how they could improve security and was making mental notes on policies that he would implement across all Imperial bases and vessels.
Chapter 9.
The temple job had provided Starbuck with a major windfall, in the landing bay sat two highly advanced vessels his old freighter, and a brand new Firespray the question was which would survive he couldn't take both with him, and while the Firespray was newer, the Freighter was his first ship and had features that frankly even the Firespray couldn't match; the Firespray was a far more maneuverable as well as lethal vessel Eini, Mini, Mo the reclaimator did it's work and with Favor running the show Starbuck added a Stealth Generator, and Ion Cannons as well as heavy duty shields to his freighter leaving nothing more than a shell which probably had Imperial tracking devices installed. He entered the Angela, and was surprised that Favor had added several passenger cabins, as well as modifying the cargo bay which had actually grown, in fact the entire ship was now about twenty feet longer and about 10 feet wider the hull was free of the cosmetics that he added to make it appear to be a old wreck unfit for deep space, as he went back to the Engine Room, he got his second surprise in that this old freighter now sported a state of the Art Star Drive, that was now powered by Favor's power plant 'Hey Favor I thought you said I couldn't keep tech of this level here?' 'We are leaving and who knows how long we will be gone, Oh BTW I found Dagobah, traced it through the diaries of one of Yoda's old students sneaky little Jedi thought he could keep it hidden by erasing it's location from the Archives underestimated Favor he did and she started bouncing on her heels and grinning, shall we leave Boss?' Yep, just as soon as we cash in all the credits that we have, never know when we might just need some cash' 'Ok, done and lift off in T minus 10, 9, 8,… Starbuck heard the countdown and jumped the stairwell to the bridge and got into the command chair just as Favor uttered 1 and three quarters Blast Off!' The Angela lifted off the landing pad, and hit upper atmosphere her systems calculating hyperspace jump calculations faster than any vessel in the Empire, as she made her jump to Dagobah and hopefully a Master Jedi called Yoda!
Chapter 10.
The Angela, under Favor's control made several controlled Hyperspace jumps to ensure that they where not being followed before heading to the Sulis system, where they approached the planet sensors indicate that this is the place, all swamps primitive planet, no visible tech of any kind detected and that's using MY sensors and not those on Angie here! 'Any signs of humanoid life, perhaps a Jedi Master 3' tall and about 850 yahrens not yet, but I am detecting strong power readings in the lower peninsula, that conform to those that you would describe as Force emissions, though it appears that their are two of them… 'Take us there Favor, and be careful, planets such as this have a habit of trashing ships that try to land... Aok Boss whoa what was that? Boss I'm experiencing some major electronic interference from down below 'That will probably be where Master Yoda is Favor, head for the center of that disturbance, and use extreme caution!' Starbuck, you better take the helm its taking everything I have just to keep this ship on a steady course; 'On my way, as Starbuck sat in the seat and activated his piloting stations, along with manual controls should the landing prove to difficult for Favor, after-all in the nearly decade that they had been together he had never heard her sound like she couldn't handle something, and he really wasn't about to take any chances that's when computer guidance went South and Starbuck found himself deadsticking it through the swamp fortunately he landed in a small clearing the Angela was on dry land at least for now, as he ran sensors to make sure that he was on solid ground, and that everything was within acceptable tolerances for him before he exited the craft, after all Master Yoda's race may be able to exist in a human atmosphere, but that didn't mean that humans could exist in his; fortunately the readings came back all negative for nastiness, and Starbuck to a simple breather unit which he put around his neck, that was when Favor appeared 'Sorry Boss, but whatever is down here is Fracking nasty to little old me! though I should be able to make any repairs, and communicate with you as long as you don't go to far from the ship (hint)' Ok Favor, I got the picture; Starbuck also grabbed his Lightsaber, and Colonial Blaster, as well as a Imperial Pulse Rifle, and a couple of grenades, after all there is not such thing as being under armed! Starbuck lowered the gangplank of the ship, and exited to see a little green biped sitting on a tree holding a gnarled cane looking at him; 'Time you took getting here, waiting have I been; nothing to say you have?' Starbuck looked at the old being and tilted his head, a smile appearing on his face Master Yoda I presume; Presume you do and yes Master am I, padawan; watching you have I been, seen you with the betrayer of us, why have you come… A Jedi must I become if I am to one day return to my home and the ones I love, you are my only hope Master Yoda will you aid me? Hump, Yoda turned and began walking to his tree home, hope you cook better than you fly, come decide I will after dinner! Starbuck shrugged and began to leave when Favor called, that will be easy; Master Yoda turned and looked at the projection in the ship you mind your business I will decide his fate now.
Chapter 11.
Starbuck sat across from perhaps the most famous and powerful of all the Jedi that ever where and here he was puttering around asking him questions about why it took him so long to get here, and berating Obi-Wan as a second class teacher who should probably have never passed his trials, he even baited him to see if you would lose his patience, that was when Starbuck just entered into a Jedi meditative trance that Obi-Wan had taught him to do when he was stressed, only to have Yoda bonk him over the head with is cane and laugh.. ignore me not you will answer questions I have meditate later my padwan. Starbuck grinned, only to see Yoda realize his mistake in calling him my Padawan, which meant that he had agreed if even by mistake to take him on as a student.. How do you say it Frack! Sleep Now tomorrow your training will begin, from the beginning….
Chapter 12.
Three years, Three Frackin years of being bonked on the head, and having Favor laughing her intangible ass off, though she and Yoda seemed to hit off, each attempting to outdo the other in how miserable they could make his training. Three Years and he Found Master Yoda sitting in front of a cave, waiting for him 'Master, why are we meeting here and why does this place make my skin crawl?' Strong are you now in the force your training nearly complete, however now you must face your fears; this place is strong in the dark side of the force and in there go you must before you may be called Jedi… Your weapons need them you will not. Starbuck looked at Master Yoda and saw a sadness in his demeanor as if a weight where upon him, when he took off his weapons belt and put it beside him I'll be back Master and he went into the darkness focusing himself calming himself with Yoda's words in his mind: A Jedi will know what to do when he is calm, and at peace one with the force it will guide you when you are lost, it will find you wherever you are, it can heal you, and show you the path but only you can chose to follow the path, beware the lure of the dark side ….. So many things he said now coming to him calming him, the feeling that Master Yoda is beside him was not lost on Starbuck, a image of Obi-Wan smiling at him as he began his Jedi training so long ago that was when he saw him, or rather himself dressed like a Lord of Kobol, older radiating power lightsabers at his waist 'What do you want Starbuck?, it can all be yours if you just let it, don't you deserve it, deserve her, instead they sent you to that wasteland, then to that sees pit of corruption, even had you spend a good chunk of your life kow towing to that gnome, you're better than that, let me show you what your life could be like after all what could it hurt just to look?' Something in Starbuck was telling him don't for once in your life don't take the easy road, you really don't need to see what he has to offer, you can and will have everything your heart desires all you have to do is thats when his doppleganger finished his thought 'Wait' yep I was you once along time ago, I just smartened up; I listened, I looked and never looked back don't believe me just keep on walking ain't nothing here but smoke and mirrors, I can show you how to get back to where you belong, a image of what appeared to be a black hole swirling with his ship sailing through it, to help the Colonials finally free themselves of the Cylon threat, find a new home, they would elect you to the council and after a while to its head after Adama passes, of course they do owe him for saving their miserable lives after-all and protecting them for so long; and what about Athena, Cassie, or any of the other women you professed to have loved you could settle down with any of them, have a family be a Father, not like Chameleon, but a real father who took part in his children's lives, maybe even get with Angela yep I know about her and Favor I am you after all come on walk with me I can make things so much clearer for you. You know they have been lying to you molding you to be a weapon for their own agenda, they'll never let you go back to where you belong, instead they will use you and discard you for a boy barely 15 now on Tatooine. Starbuck listened to himself for lack of a better word, here he was surrounded by mist the way he came clouded over as images showed themselves in the mist with himself narrating each image some showed him gambling and winning more wealth than he had ever dreamed, others his life with every woman he had ever well you get it; and another with him as the leader of his people, even one where he one day usurped Vader as the Emperor's Apprentice and eventually became the Emperor himself all he had to do was give in, the only problem was he was a Colonial Warrior and warriors do not simply give in, he tried to push out himself talking and smoking a pristine fumerello and to calm himself allow the Force to enter him and be a part of him, when he heard something that shook him from him: 'You know there isn't any Light Side or Dark Side of the Force just the Force it is we who decide which is which it doesn't care at all, after all what are Good and Evil, just concepts created my man to subjugate his fellow man. Come on Starbuck here is your chance to see what your life could have been, what it might still become isn't it worth a look?, or are you so be-smitten by that little gnome who bonks you over the head with his cane daily to not even give yourself a chance? That was when Starbuck felt the calm that Yoda spoke of and saw himself change becoming haggard no longer the Lord of Kobol, but a twisted parody of one he saw decades of using the Dark Side of the Force and its effects on him, he saw the toll on him, as what was once a handsome, and dashing man turned into a monster; Oh well guess we have to do this the hard way and with that his doppleganger threw force lightning from his hands hitting Starbuck in the chest and throwing him against the wall of the cave. So foolish, only now do you begin to see the power of the Dark Side, and what it can offer I am sorry but you will never again see your beloved(s) or anyone else you are not leaving here you see I have been waiting for you, for some time now to come here so that I can take over you see this body has become old, and I need a fresh one and yours Starbuck is a perfect fit and with that he launched himself at Starbuck only to have Starbuck extend his hands and throw lighting back striking his double reducing him to ashes. Starbuck sank to his knees as the mists swirled around him showing him, tempting him all he had to do was give in to anger, to hate, that was when the mists formed again into the form of his doppleganger. Starbuck stood, and faced him 'I have no need for you or your foolishness I know my path and am leaving now! and with that he turned leaving his doppleganger to cry out to him; he could still hear the monsters voice as he exited the cave and came to where Yoda sat, only to fall to his knees one word on his lips 'Master'. Yoda looked at him, 'Faced your fears and your desires; chose well did you my young Jedi; rest now for when you awake destiny will call and we will be forced to part'.
Chapter 13. Starbuck woke back aboard his ship, with Favor looking concerned for him, 'Hey Boss, how-ya feelin?' How long was I out? About a day, Shorty brought you floating into the ship, and said that you had completed your trials and that you where my responsibility now, Oh he also said that you should listen more to me… Starbuck tilted his head Ok he didn't say that exactly but he meant to. So where do we go now? Home Favor Home, but first I need you to research Wormholes and the science behind them, Why Boss? Cause I intend to create one that will take us back to our Galaxy using the Force, back during my trials I faced a corrupted version of myself and he hinted at how I would get home, so I figure why not listen for once in my life and see where it will take me. Favor, shimmered as a thinking cap appeared on her head she had taken to pulling stunts like that for some time just so that Starbuck realized that she was working on something and not bother her when she smiled 'Yipeeeeee, I think you're right, for once, we could use a Wormhole, the only problem is the amount of power that would be required to create and maintain it for the distance that we would have to travel, as well as knowing the precise spacial coordinates of where we are, and where we want to be Lottsa Math here calcs are gonna take some time, What else is new, best get started, I am going to set course for Tattoine, figure we can launch from there after I say goodbye to Obi-Wan.
On the sands of Tattoine stood Starbuck again, looking at Obi-Wan's home, as he approached his robes billowing in the wind, his face covered he looked up to see Obi-Wan standing in the doorway a bit older, but still the same man that he left nearly a decade ago to pursue Yoda, and Jedi training. 'Starbuck? I see you found him, and he completed your training' Yep, just thought that I might say goodbye to my first teacher in the ways of the Jedi before I leave. Both men embraced as Obi-Wan drew Starbuck inside, where they spent the night laughing and smoking, with some drinking mixed in. Obi-Wan was very surprised that Starbuck had encountered Vader himself during his travels.
The next day Starbuck left his one time mentor and friend and returned to the Angela and Favor, OK boss I got the calcs done finally; Starbuck smiled 'That's great Favor, only we aren't going to need them as I am going to create the opening using the force connecting us to where we will need to be on the other end; 'buhhhh, why did you have me spend all that time doing those calcs?' 'One word Favor Payback!' As the Angela achieved orbit and then made a hyperspace jump to the outer rim of the Galaxy Starbuck let himself drift into a deep meditative state where he was more at one with the Force than at any other time, he could feel the pull of the Galaxy he could feel the Stars and the emptiness of deep space as he reached out with his feelings searching first for his home Galaxy, and then the one tiny needle in the haystack called the Galactica. He remained in that state for hours until he opened his eyes and reached out with his hands as if opening a portal only the portal was opening outside the ship, and it was massive as the Angela powered her systems and entered the vortex only to disappear in a flash of light, only to reappear in another flash above a massive water world.
The End?