TRTSS1: The Warrior of Stars! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: R1/2, SM, ST, and the other genres belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 15
It has been a few months since the events on Geonosis, events that led to the start of the so-called "Clone War". Both the Separatists (now officially called the Confederacy of Independent Planets) and the Galactic Republic had previously hoped that the skirmishes between the two powers would have ended quickly. However, it became apparent that neither side were about to give up quickly…
On the mineral-rich world of Atari, Jedi Padawan Ranma Saotome peered through his long-range binoculars. He had been observing droid troop movements, trying to ascertain the droids troop strength.
"No doubt about it," Ranma said, as he lowered his binoculars. "The Separatists hope to secure this planet in order to deplete the Republic of a major resource hub."
Shaak Ti lifts her binoculars, and observes the troop movements…
"Ranma, when you invited me out on a date, THIS is not what I had in mind."
"Hey, I don't pick the battles, babe."
Ranma was the Jedi Master latest student. In spite of the fact that Yoda reminded Ranma of a certain demented martial arts hentai master, the size similarities ended there…though the old master did have a wicked sense of humor.
"Nevertheless, Chosen this battle, the Separatists have," said Master Yoda, as he sat on his riding…goat. "Suggestion, you have, my padawan?"
"If we are going to prevent these guys from digging in, now is the best time to strike."
"With that, I agree," said Yoda, as he took the reins of his goat. "Troops, you must signal."
"Yes, master," Ranma said, as he turned towards the cloned troops that were assigned to Master Yoda. "Ready, Shaak?"
"Ready for you to commit to me, yes," Shaak Ti replied sarcastically.
"Right. Men…FORWARD!"
RRRRRUUUUMMMMBLE-!
Yoda, Ranma and Shaak Ti were already in front, has the Clone Troops began their attack.
SNAP! Hzzzzz…
Lightsabers now active, the Jedi were ready to battle droids.
"So much for another day in 'paradise'," Ranma said to himself…
Meanwhile, on Tanttoine, Usagi is looking at the latest news of the war between the Separatist and the Republic on a holo-vid.
"In other news, it appears that Danttoine continues to be an elusive prize for the Confederacy," the new clips said. "Rumor has it that the Confederacy will try to capture the planet with more aggressive measures-"
"Hey, lazy bones!" Watto yelled. "We have a customer!"
"Yeah, yeah," Usagi said, as she gets up from behind her workbench. Using her partial ownership of Watto's shop as a front of sorts, Usagi has been able glean and pass along information on Separatist activities to the Jedi Council. Since Watto has dealings with the Hutts, Usagi could use those contacts to her advantage…like now, for instance.
Usagi steps out to the front to see a familiar face.
"This man says he knows you?" Watto asked.
"He should," Usagi said, as she turns to look at the face of the bounty hunter Jango Fett. "I saved his life once…"
"Once," Fett said tersely.
Silence.
Fett turns towards Watto.
"You can go now," Fett said, as he stared at Watto.
"Sure, sure," Watto said, as he flutters away. "And Usagi, don't forget to push those power converters."
"Trust me, I doubt he would get power converters from YOU," Usagi said.
"Feh…"
Once Watto leaves the front office, Usagi turns to look at Fett.
"I need…to call in a favor," Usagi said, as she pulls Fett aside.
"Finally," Fett replied. "Now, I don't have to have this stupid life debt over me."
Fett folds his arms.
"Name it."
"I want you to set up a meeting with Count Dooku," Usagi said.
"What?" Fett said incredulously.
"You heard me. I want to see Dooku again."
"To do what?"
"That depends on what he does. So, what do you say?"
"Hmmm. You know that I am taking a risk if you try to do something."
"If Dooku is a master of the Force, as he is reputed to be, then he shouldn't have any problems dealing with little ole ME."
"Fine. I see what I can. But we should be should be even."
"Really, now?" Usagi said, as she pulls out her cut of this cycle's profit.
CLANK!
"I'm simply paying for the favor, bounty hunter. So you still owe me a life debt."
"Hhh," Fett said, as he pocketed the money.
"And, just for being a good sport, here is a discount coupon for our services," Usagi replied, as she hands Fett a plastic card. "Here you go."
"The things I have to tolerate from YOU…"
Meanwhile…
"I believe that it is time to retrieve Padawan Tsukino back to the fold," Master Jinn said.
"As much as I want to disagree, I agree with your assessment, Master Jinn," Master Windu replied. "In spite of what I believe to be the right thing, we cannot afford to lose 'talent'."
"Agreed," Master Yoda said, as he strokes his chin. "Great talent, she has in other things. Troops, she need to help lead."
The senior Jedi Masters all turn towards Master Kenobi, who was mulling over his words.
"Master Kenobi, are you prepare to take back your apprentice?" Jinn asked.
"It will be interesting to see where her skill sets lie," Kenobi said. "But, I'm sure that such matters are of a small concern."
"Then it is agreed," Mace said. "Master Kenobi and my padawan will accompany me to Tanttooine. From there, Master Kenobi will return to the Jedi Temple with Padawan Tsukino for evaluation, while my apprentice and I will go to Danttoine to deal with the potential crisis there."
"Agreed," Jinn said.
All four Jedi Masters rise to their feet.
"Until then, may the Force be with you…"
Meanwhile…
"So, it looks like you get to accompany me to a special conference on Alderaan soon, Ranma," Kasumi said, as she directed her handmaidens to begin the task of packing her clothes.
Anakin turns his head quickly to face Ranma.
"Is this true?" Anakin asked.
"Um, yeah," Ranma said, as he gives Anakin a weird look. He always felt that his young friend tends to be territorial, when it comes to relationships.
"Master Yoda wants to observe the conference, so that he knows what to recommend to the council."
"So why do YOU have to be there?"
"I'm, the muscle," Ranma grins, as he flex his arms.
Kasumi giggles.
"Very funny, Ranma," Anakin said.
"Anakin, I'll be gone for a short while," Kasumi said, as she gave Anakin a short peck on the cheek. "Relax."
Humph," Anakin said, as he eyes Ranma suspiciously.
A short time later, Ranma and Anakin are on a troop transport craft, heading back towards the Jedi Temple. The two did not speak for a long time, until-
"Ranma," Anakin said, as he turns towards his fellow Jedi Padawan.
"Yeah?" Ranma replied, as he turns to look at Anakin.
"I just want to make things clear: Padme is MY wife, okay?"
"Um, I know that," Ranma replied.
"Good," Anakin said, as he turns his attention back to the traffic lane. "I'm glad to hear that. I know how you are with women."
"Anakin, I don't go out with married women," Ranma said. "And besides, I barely have time to myself, let alone go out on a date with someone."
"Oh. Well, I just want to be sure."
And with that, the two continued on their way back to the Jedi Temple.
A day later, Masters Windu and Kenobi, and Padawan Ami Mizuno find themselves in the port town of Mos Esley, located near a ridge on Tattooine.
"Cool today," Kenobi said, as he and his party trudge along the throng of characters. "You think we'll find Usagi here?"
"According to her last correspondence, she returned to work Watto's shop," Ami said. "It not that far from the town hall."
"Very well," Windu said. "The quicker we're done here, the better…"
"Sorry, but she's off today," Shimi said, as she pets a purring cabbit on the counter. "I'm just subbing for her."
"But she'll be back soon, correct?" Kenobi asked.
"I don't know. I do know that there is always a chance for her to show up for something."
Windu turns towards Shimi.
"Is there a contact reference that she left?" Windu said.
"Um, yes," Shimi said, as she goes and searches for the number, before pulling out a directory.
"Here you go…"
Shimi relays the contact information to the visiting Jedi.
"Did you get that?" Kenobi said, as he turns towards Ami, who was already doing an extensive search for the reference to the contact information…
"By the way, how is Ani?" Shimi asked.
"Your son is a little hotheaded at times, but he is a good Jedi," Kenobi said.
"I'm glad to hear that-"
BLIP!
"Got it," Ami said, as she looked at the number…and frowns.
"What is it?" Windu asked.
"I know where she is," Ami sighed. Ten years before, she had lived on Tattooine for many months, and knew the lay of the land.
Windu and Kenobi both turn to look at each other, wondering why Ami was so concerned…
"WELCOME TO THE POWER COVERTERS CLUB!" said the DJ, as he continued to mix club music. "AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE'S 'DELIGHTFUL MOON'!"
The audience whistled, as Usagi steps out in an exotic outfit.
"Oh, my," Ami said, as she blushed.
Usagi strutted herself a bit, and was about to get started with her routine, when she spotted three familiar faces.
"Oopsie," Usagi said with embarrassment.
"This party is over," Windu said with a stern expression.
"Indeed," Kenobi said.
A short time later, in Usagi's apartment…
"Have you lost your MIND?" Windu asked.
"I can not believe that you would embarrass yourself like this," Kenobi said.
"What could have brought you to do this?" Ami asked.
Usagi, who had just showered, sets down her hair dryer on the living room table.
"THAT was a part of my undercover work," Usagi said. "I can't be a pretty girl without getting my hands dirty a bit, and 'dancing' is a part of that."
"You didn't…compromise yourself, right?" Kenobi asked.
"No, Master Kenobi, I didn't. Do I flirt and make out and stuff? Yes. But it's all part of my 'cover'."
"You appear to enjoy it, however," Windu said.
"Well, you have to be able to compartmentalize a bit," Usagi said. "And it was fun, I do admit."
"We may have to change our minds about you…again," Windu said.
"What do you mean?"
"Your behavior leaves much to be desired," Kenobi said. "We want to take you back into the fold, but now…"
"Masters, I'm sure that Usagi didn't mean it," Ami said.
"Nevertheless, we WILL postpone your re-admittance," Windu said, as he stood up.
"Master Windu-" Kenobi began to say.
"For now," Windu said. "At the very least, some distance will help a bit."
Windu, Kenobi and Ami stand up.
"Once Ami and I return from Danttooine, I will take this new situation to the rest of the council. If they feel that your behavior has not compromised your standing, I will allow you to return without objections."
"I…I understand," Usagi said.
"Don't worry," Ami said with a gentle smile, as she hugged her friend and liege. "We'll get through this YET."
And with that, the Jedi leaves Usagi's apartment.
As time goes on, Usagi gets angry.
"After all I've done, after the sacrifices that I've made, they STILL don't understand. Well…forget them. Let them get their hands dirty-
CHIRP!
Angrily, Usagi goes to her door. Thinking that one of the Jedi had returned, Usagi puts on her best 'face'.
"Yes, Masters-" Usagi said, as she opens the door.
Standing there was none other than Count Dooku himself.
"You?"
"I take it that you wanted to speak to me," Dooku said. "And judging from what I feel, I think you are ready to be…reasonable."
Tbc.