ENTER THE STALKERS 2: SCOUTS HONOR The Merry Prankster



CHAPTER THREE: TARDY BELL



Jedi Temple

Planet Coruscant

Seven Months after the Liberation of Naboo



Anthony 'Saint' Christopher stumbled into his room. Exhaustion had finally took its toll of the young man. First, there were the various medical, mental, and physical tests. Then, the impromptu rescue mission. Finally, add in the chewing out by various Jedi Masters for said rescue mission. But the worst came from his friend and mentor, Qui Gon Jinn. It's a toss up between who is better at sending me on a guilt trip, Qui Gon or Mom thought Saint. He was unconscious as soon as his head hit the pillow.

The wake-up alarm roused Saint from his sleep. The results from the many tests taken over the last two days had been given to the council. That and his actions would pretty much determine whether Saint would be allowed to receive more extensive training. Qui Gon Jinn, Mace Windu, and the Jedi Council would be in session for most of the day deciding whether Saint could undertake the training. So, he decided to do a little exploring. He was on his way to the library when he overheard the sound of lightsabres coming from a nearby room. Sticking his head around the corner, he noticed Master Adi Gallia sparring with her padawan. They were using a training lightsabre that simulated the feel of the real thing without causing any damage.

Adi Gallia was finishing up her lesson when she detected the presence of another. Looking around, she noticed Saint was observing the practice from the doorway. The Temple had been abuzz with the latest exploits of the young man from Earth. In fact, by the time she had finally met Saint, the day before, she felt like she had known him for some time. It wasn't often that a non-Jedi was able to convince two Jedi Masters to help do a good deed. The 'Saint' was certainly becoming a legend. Adi invited Saint into the room and asked him if she could help him with something.

"Well ma'am, I heard you sparring from the hallway and was wondering if I could join in?" responded Saint.

The response surprised the Jedi Master. It wasn't often that a regular person would ask to spar with a Jedi. This was definitely an unusual request.

"Are you sure?" asked a skeptical Adi.

"Yes ma'am. You see, back home, I used to do a little Kendo which was very relaxing. Seeing that you were using training sabres, I thought I'd ask. Besides, I thought I could learn some new moves that I could use when I get back home."

"You are welcome to participate. In fact, why don't you spar with my padawan?"

Saint accepted the training saber faced the Jedi apprentice. Adi Gallia stood off to the side and observed. Saluting his opponent with his weapon, Saint prepared himself for the fight. Maxtor, Adi Gallia's padawan, expected an easy fight. He advanced upon the young American and the fight was on. However, it soon became obvious that Christopher was not going to be defeated so easily. Maxtor's first swings were swiftly parried and the fight was on. What should have been a quick victory turned into a grueling fight. Finally, after fifteen minutes, Saint's saber was knocked out of his hand and he acknowledged his defeat. A sudden burst of applause drew his attention to the female Master.

"You did much better than expected. Maxtor is one of my best students in swordplay. How did you do it?" asked the Jedi Master.

"Let's just say, I had one of the best fencing teachers in Sparta, Mississippi. She taught me many things concerning the proper use of a sword. Of course, those lessons were often accompanied by many aches and pains to various parts of my body." Grinned the young American.

Handing over a glass of water to the exhausted American. Adi asked him to tell him about this teacher.

"Well, I was just you normal everyday American teenager when I met JD Heart...."

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City Park

Sparta, Mississippi, USA

Planet Earth

July 5, 1998

Two teenage boys faced each other in front of a bridge within the city park, swords in their hands. Anthony Christopher, fifteen-year-old high school student and Jeremy Brooks were acting out the scene in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". Anthony steps forward and recites his lines.

"You fight with the strength of many men, Sir Knight. I am Arthur, King of the Britains. I seek the finest and bravest knights in the land to join me in my court of Camelot. You have proven yourself worthy; will you join me?"

Silence fills the air. Finally, Jeremy, speaks out:

"None shall pass."

"I have no quarrel with you, good Sir knight, but I must cross this bridge." Said Anthony.

Jeremy responded: "Then you shall die"

"I command you as King of the Britons to stand aside!"

"I move for no man"

"So be it!"

The sound of steel clashing on steel filled the air. The two boys were getting ready for their drama classes production of that comedy. Anthony found some old swords that were not too sharp and suggested that they prepare for the role. For ten minutes the two boys attacked and parried each other's attacks. Finally, Anthony, playing King Arthur scores a hit on Jeremy's arm. Anthony orders the other boy to stand aside.

"Tis but a scratch." Responded the boy.

"A scratch? Your arm's off!"

"No, it isn't. I've had worse."

"You liar!"

"Come on you pansy!" taunted Jeremy, playing the Black Knight.

"You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine."

"Oh, had enough then?"

"Look, you stupid bastard, you've no arms left."

"Yes, I have. Just a flesh wound."

"What are you going to do, bleed on me?"

The fight continued for a few minutes when Jeremy slashed his opponent's stomach. Anthony, fell down struggling to catch his breath. Suddenly, a beam of light from a parked car highlighted both boys. A figure got out of the police car and walked over to the two boys. Jeremy ran off while Anthony sat up. The boy nearly jumped out of his sneakers when he felt a hand grab his shoulder.

"What the f....!!!!" shouted out the teenager as he jumped into the air.

"If you want to play with swords, have someone teach you." Hissed a fairly P.O.ed detective. Turning the boy around she looked him straight in the eyes. "Now, just what are you doing out here, Anthony?"

"Uhhhh, I am playing King Arthur in my school's production of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and I thought some sword practice would be in order, did I mention that the role involves sword fighting? Besides, who's gonna teach me, YOU??" challenged the teenager

JD shook her head at the brash youngster before growling:

"Be at the gym at 5:00am tomorrow or else the jailhouse. Your choice."

Anthony, picked himself off the ground and softly gave JD a "Yes Ma'am, I'll be at the gym" before heading back home.

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Training Room

Jedi Temple

Planet Coruscant



The other padawans had gathered around to hear the story. Saint leaned back in his chair and took another sip of water before continuing.

"I saw JD at least twice a week from that day on till I entered college. She checked my report cards each semester and when I graduated from high school, she gave me an antique sword as a graduation present. I lost track of my old teacher until a few years ago when I ran into her. She had moved to the West Coast and joined the Los Angeles Police Department. While visiting, I heard about some black ops group led by a man called "The Wanderer" protecting the world against the forces of darkness. So I decided right then and there to use him as role model and protect the innocent whenever I saw them threatened." Mused Saint.

"So, thus begins the story of the man called "Saint". Asked the master Jedi with a slight grin.

"Pretty much." Nodded Saint "Soon afterwards, I was flying a Blackhawk over Africa, getting shot down and finding myself in the midst of a futuristic war."

"Such is the will of the Force. It would appear that you were destined to play a part in this space theater we call The Republic. You definitely have the soul of a Jedi." Stated Adi.

"You do have a point."

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Courtyard, Royal Palace

Theed

Planet Naboo

It was the beginning of another busy day for Sergeant Shepherd, lately of the U.S. Army's Delta Force. Following the liberation of Naboo, the queen had offered Shepherd a commission in the newly formed Royal army. However, the commando didn't care for being an officer and convinced the queen to make him First Sergeant. He was still an enlisted man but he answered only to the queen. The last few months had been filled with one training assignment after another.

Today found Shepherd on the newly constructed firing range on the outskirts of Theed. The trainees were to become acquainted with their new weapon, the Mauser 960 Assault System. During the battle to liberate Naboo, Shepherd had been struck by the low rate of fire common to most standard blasters. He liked the power of the blaster but wanted a higher rate of fire in a combat system. If only, they could build a blaster rifle with the rate of fire of an M-16A1 on full auto. The Delta Operator was about to solve that little problem.

Upon his appointment as First Sergeant, the Delta Operator had visited the prime small arms manufacturer on Naboo. There he had set forth the requirements for a new weapon for the newly formed Naboo Royal Army. The result was the weapon being put through its paces at the range. The primary feature of the weapon was the pulse laser system. An auto-grenade launcher was attached under the barrel of the weapon as a secondary weapon. The grenade launcher could be fired in automatic or single shot mode and had a six round magazine. Then, add in a vibro-blade bayonet and UV/Starlight Scope and you had a nasty surprise for any foe. Shepherd was particularly impressed with the variety of ammunition for the grenade launcher. The manufacturer offered thermite, smoke, and the usual high explosive rounds. Just think, all of this in a package weighing in at 9.8 kilograms.

Shepherd looked over the line of soldiers on the range and gave the command to open fire. Within seconds, the targets were piles of dust. It was definitely a nice weapon. As, he sighted on his own target, the sergeant thought about tomorrow's schedule. Hostage rescue and demolition were the high points. It would not be long before Shepherd's boys were combat ready.

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Jedi Council Chambers

Jedi Temple

Planet Coruscant



"Too old he is and too reckless he has proven." Spoke Yoda

"But Master Yoda, he has shown abilities and a control over the Force that only higher padawans can muster." Argued Qui Gon.

Qui Gon Jinn and the Jedi Council had spent the morning and much of the afternoon deliberating on what they should do with the young American. The members were evenly divided between those who thought Saint should be trained and those who didn't. Finally, Ki Adi Mundi spoke up.

"I was looking over some old texts in the library when I remembered a prophecy by the early masters. While Master's Jinn and Windu were involved in that little unauthorized field trip yesterday, I reread the text that might offer a new view onto this discussion."

Qui Gon and Mace wore identical looks of slight embarrassment over that last point. Yoda motioned for Ki Adi Mundi to continue.

"About one thousand years ago, the Jedi Master Lasalla prophesized that a stranger from another universe would aid the Republic in its time of greatest need. He will have the soul of a Jedi coupled with an unceasing desire to fight off the forces of darkness. Many friends and allies will aid him in his struggle against the darkness. This warrior of light will cause the leaders of the Jedi endless irritation in his fight against evil but without aid darkness will triumph over the light." Revealed the Master Jedi.

"Saint Christopher is this Warrior of Light you believe?" asked Yoda.

"I had suspected as much when I listened to Master Jinn's report on Naboo. The incident of yesterday with the rescue of the children only confirmed my belief." Responded Mundi.

"If that is so, then Christopher must have a suitable master. One who he trusts and will listen to." Added Mace Windu.

All eyes were locked on Qui Gon as Yoda called for the young American to be brought forth before the council.

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Saint walked into the council room. He was struck by the number of Master Jedi assembled and took his place beside his friend, Qui Gon. It's almost like being in the presence of the greatest leaders in history thought the young American. Master Mundi interrupted his thoughts.

"Anthony Christopher, you have been brought before the Council to hear our decision upon whether you should join the Jedi. Masters Jinn and Windu have argued eloquently on your behalf. You are blessed to have such loyal friends especially after dragging them in the child kidnap ring incident. However, you have an aura of recklessness that needs to be harnessed. You could have notified the authorities and let them take care of the kidnappers. Yet, you went right in without a second thought. Before we give our decision, I must ask you how will you respond if a similar situation would appear if you are admitted into the ranks of the Jedi?"

"Master Mundi, members of the Jedi Council, while I would like to say I would obey the council always. I cannot. For you see, I cannot stand back and let innocents suffer no matter what. In the end I will always do what is necessary to hold back the darkness. Even at the cost of my own life." Responded the young American.

"Much fear I sense in you. Fear that leads to the dark side if not controlled." Stated Yoda.

"Master Yoda, where I am from, fear is a necessary part of being human. It keeps one from taking unnecessary risks. For without fear, one would always charge in regardless of the danger to his life and others. How one faces his fear often determines what will occur." Argued the young American.

The assembled masters conversed among themselves for a few minutes. Finally, Mace Windu addressed the council.

"It is obvious that this young man is strong in the force yet untrained. His lack of training and his age could make it easier for him to be seduced by the dark side. However, Master Jinn has already testified to the fact that Anthony has harnessed his anger in times of stress. I have already realized that whether or not he admitted into the ranks of the Jedi, Anthony will continue to fight the gathering darkness. Therefore I believe we should admit him into the Jedi. If only so we can know where he is and what he is doing."

"Admitted into the order, if he is? What master should have him?" asked Yoda.

Mace gave a slight grin in the direction of Qui Gon Jinn and stated:

"Why Master Jinn of course! After all with the non-standard actions he has undertaken in the past, it would be right to assign him a Padawan as reckless as he is. Perhaps the experience will lead to him becoming less so in the future." Offered the black Jedi Master.

The debate went on for some time. Finally, Yoda ended the debate and called for a decision. A large majority admitted Saint admitted into the order as a trainee and Qui Gon's second apprentice. Master Jinn and Christopher gave slight bows of respect and left the chambers. Outside the door, Saint leaned over to his new master and commented:

"Did your master ever voice a variation of that ages old curse parents like to give their hard headed children?"

"What do you mean?"

"The one that goes I hope you have a child just like you or I hope you have a padawan just like you?" smirked the young American.

"The future is always in motion. But it will be an interesting experience." Responded the Jedi Master.

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Planet Tauri Alpha 5

Outer Rim

Star Wars Universe



"WHAT DO YOU MEAN OUR OPERATION IN CORSCANT IS BLOWN?" screamed an enraged Wolfgang Blackmoore.

"Well sir, an assault force of Jedi breached our defenses, killed or captured our operatives, and rescued the captives." Trembled the terrified underling.

"That's just great. Now I have to let the Sith Lord know that an important piece of his plans has just gone up in smoke. You will accompany me to Sidious when I tell him about this defeat. If you are lucky, I may only kill you." Hissed the Black Mage.

It turned out the Sith Lord was in a good mood as he did not draw out the underling's death. Sidious calmly told Blackmoore that the ring had outlived its usefulness anyway. The Black Mage was to instead proceed with Phase two.

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It had not been a good week for the master crime lord and black mage. First, his meticulously planned scheme for providing human sacrifices to harness dark side energies was no more thanks to the Jedi. On top of that, he had narrowly missed being eliminated by the Jedi. How was he to know that other people from Earth had somehow arrived in this realm? Thought Wolfgang. That oversight nearly cost him his life. As it was, he had fled to some backwater planet on the outer rim to plan his next move. It had seemed so easy that day eight years ago.

He and his fellow Black Mages had enacted their plans to unleash demons upon his home plane. Once the demons had been freed, the Black Mages would have that power at their beckon. It didn't matter that the world would be devastated and civilization as the world knew it gone for good. However, the various groups, both official and covert, had combined forces to stop the summoning. Most of the Black Mages had been destroyed with their headquarters and only a few were able to escape the annihilation. Blackmoore was one of the lucky individuals who had gotten away before the armies of light had closed off the escape routes. In his case, he had been able to open a portal to another universe and enter it. Unfortunately, the attack had been so sudden that he was unable to know where he had jumped.

He awakened in what was obviously an apartment of some kind and found himself being examined by a humanoid in black robes. A hood covered his features and the Black Mage could feel the dark power pouring off the other individual. It was obvious that this person was as powerful in the dark arts as the most powerful black mages on Earth. Blackmoore was surprised when the other person began addressing him in English.

"Ahhhh, good to see that you are finally awake. I sensed the presence, through the Force of another user of the dark side. Upon following the path laid down by the Force, I find you. Now what am I going to do with you?" asked the robed stranger.

Wolfgang knew he had to say something quick before this individual squashed him like a bug. Holding out his hands, palm up, to show he was no threat, he responded.

"I am no threat to you Master. My name is Wolfgang Blackmoore. I am merely a traveler from another universe who came here by mistake. Perhaps, we can come to an arrangement that would be beneficial to both of us?"

"Perhaps," hissed the stranger. "I am Darth Sidious, Master of the Sith."

Sidious examined the Black Mage with the Force and came to a decision. This Blackmoore fellow could be of some use in his takeover of the empire. Hmmmmmm, he could even be the key that would lead to his victory and the destruction of the Jedi. It was obvious that this person was as power hungry as the Sith Lord. In fact, his attempts to appear otherwise were particularly pathetic. He thought with a sneer. The possibilities were endless.

"You could be of some use to me. I have this operation that needs the right person to lead it. You would report directly to me and......"

Blackmoore had been placed in charge of the child kidnap ring. Certain Force sensitive children would be kidnapped and sent to Tauri Alpha 5. Upon arrival they would be hooked up to a Force draining device of ancient Sith technology. The children's midichlorin and Force energy would be stored where a Dark Force user could add that power to his own. To his joy, it also worked with Blackmoore's own magical powers. It would appear the Dark side of the Force and Black Magic were related forms of power. Of course Siddious had the Black Mage on a short leash but one day. Damn, and now that extra power was cut off at the source.

He had just returned from Coruscant when he had been given word of the kidnap ring's destruction. Luckily, he had conditioned his underlings to where they would not reveal any information. If pressed, they would either kill themselves or force their captives to kill them. He walked through the jungle over to the overgrown pyramid. He moved briskly through the passageways then stepped into the room. He stood and looked at the object in the middle of the room for a few minutes. Sitting upon a raised platform was a large stone ring.

"Once I figure out how to use this device, I will have even more power than Darth Sidious himself. I even might be able to return to my own universe and conquer it for myself. The possibilities are endless." Blackmoore spoke out loud to the empty room.

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Jedi Council Chambers

Jedi Temple

Planet Coruscant



"Master, do you have any idea what is going on?" asked Saint.

"All will be revealed in time. You must learn patience my young friend. That is why the Council appointed me to be your teacher." Responded Qui Gon.

"Are you sure, you weren't appointed to be my teacher in retaliation for those reckless actions Obi Wan keeps talking about?" ribbed the young American.

"Perhaps, perhaps" laughed the Jedi Master.

The two men entered the chambers and approached the council. Master Yoda told them that an examination of the kidnapping ring had revealed that it was not limited to Coruscant. The evidence pointed to a deeper evil that had yet to be identified. Qui Gon and Saint were ordered to go to the system identified in the evidence, Tauri Alpha. There they were to investigate and report any findings to the Council for further action should it be necessary. The Jedi Master and his apprentice acknowledged their instructions and left the room. Mace Windu turned to Ki Adi Mundi and asked:

"Do you think it was wise to send Christopher on a mission this soon?"

"Don't worry, I know Qui Gon Jinn. If anybody can keep reign of the 'Boy Scout', it's him. Besides Christopher looks on Qui Gon as a mentor and friend." Responded Mace.

"Now that I think about it, how much trouble could those two get into?"

Mace sat back in his chair to ponder that last question. As he thought about it, one of Saint's more colorful expressions came to mind "Oh, Shit..."

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Landing Pad 3-2b-56

Planet Coruscant

"I'm leaving on.. A jet plane... I don't know when I'll be back again."

Qui Gon only shook his head as he watched his young friend sing as they boarded the waiting spacecraft. They had just finished putting away their personal possessions when a familiar voice sounded from the cockpit.

"Look what the cat drug in." drawled a grinning Winslett.

"WINS, what are you doing here?" asked Saint.

"The Jedi Council needed a pilot and Queen Amidala asked if I would like to go?"

"Man, the Jedi Council will take anybody these days." Quipped Saint. "Hey, hey,hey. Watch it my good friend. You have to put up with me for the rest of the trip. Looks like the 'Dynamic Duo' or is that the 'Terrible Trio' gets together for more adventures." Wins responded, looking at Qui Gon.

"I believe it is time for us to depart." Prodded the Jedi Master.

TBC

Authors Notes: It has been an interesting journey and continues become more interesting as time goes on. For the first time, we have a crossover within a crossover. If you haven't guessed it yet, we now have Highlander style immortals making an appearance. I would like to thank a fantastic writer, Erica L. Marr, who gave me the inspiration to explore the creation of a 'Boy Scout'. JD Heart is her creation and she brought forth the idea of having JD as one of many pivotal figures in Saint's life. Also, I would like to mention Steve Pantovich. Just as his creation Steve St. Wolf, The Wanderer, inspired 'Saint' Christopher to do good deeds, so, Steve Pantovich inspired my writing. To my other readers, you can expect to see more of Wins and Shepherd in succeeding chapters. Who knows what future use is in store for the Naboo Special Forces being trained by Sgt. Shepherd? All I can say, there will continue to be lots of action. Feel free to offer constructive criticism and suggestions. They are and will continue to be greatly appreciated. Expect lots of action and even more crossover fun in "Chapter Four: Road Trip". And continue your READING AND REVIEWING!!!! They are the muses which keep me on track.

Merry Prankster, Out.