//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Star Wars: The Great War // by ShootingStar25 //------------------------------// So, how do I start this? Well, what is it they say? The Force surrounds us; it penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that growing up. Who am I? Well, I'm someone, but I'm also no one. Who am I? That's a question many of us ask ourselves. Me, I'm just who I've always been, myself. Or, at least I think. Anyways, I should at least tell you my name... Storm. Just Storm, at least that's the name I was given by her. "Focus. Focus." said someone as they were doing a handstand with one hand as they had their eyes closed. "Trust in the Force. Guide you, it will." said someone. The person who said that was a small green creature who was old as he had a walking stick as he sat down watching the boy. "Focus. Focus." said the boy. "Clear your mind. Judgment clouds it." said the small creature as he used his hand to move some objects next to the boy. "Focus. Focus." said the boy as some sweat was running down his face as he was trying to clear his mind. The objects in front of him were slowly lifting off the ground as they responded to the boy's command as he was using the Force to lift them. "Focus. Focus! Ahh!" shouted the boy as his mind had reached his limits and he fell as did the other objects that scattered around him. "Control! Control!" sighed the green creature. "I'm trying." said the Jedi. "Do or do not! There is no try." "What the hell? That doesn't make any sense. How I can do something if I don't try it?" wondered the boy. He then got hit on the head with the walking stick of the small green creature. "Question me, will you? Jedi Master, you are not!" shouted the creature. "Okay, okay. Sorry Master Yoda." said the boy as he rubbed his head. "Young Storm, strong are you with the Force. Great power you possess but be warned. Power leads to anger, anger leads to hate. And hate is the way of the dark side." said Yoda. "But I would never turn to the dark side, Master Yoda?" said Storm as he sat and looked at one of his teachers. "Many have said, yet the dark side they fell," stated Yoda as he now got up from meditating as he began to walk towards the door. "Master Luna, see you, she would like." With that Yoda then walked through the doors as they closed behind him. "What does my master want with me?" asked Storm as he got up and then proceeded to head over to the communications room. So, as you can see. I'm a Jedi, or rather my title is Jedi Knight. And my master is none other than Jedi Master Luna. She's an incredible warrior and is a member of the High Council along with her fellow Jedi Masters. As for me, well I'm her apprentice. How you may be wondering? Well, she did it out of the kindness of her heart. And cause she could sense the force was strong with me when she found me. Yup, Luna found me when I was a baby. I don't know anything about my parents or my life, all I could remember from my early days was being born and crying a lot. Maybe that's what drove my birth parents to abandon me, or maybe they just forget. Either way, I have no recollection of them. Only that Master Luna found me and took me in as her son, which is ironic given that Jedi can't have a family. But I digress. Storm now made his way into the communications room as he turned it on as there appeared a holographic image of his master and another person who was not only a Jedi Master but also a friend that Storm had got to bond closely with. "Master Luna." bowed Storm. "Good to see you again, Master Kenobi." "Greetings, Storm. My, it's been a while since we last talked." stated the man. "Indeed, tell me. Is Anakin still driving you crazy?" asked Storm. "You know him, it's a miracle that I haven't aged with all the stress he causes me," said Obi-wan. "Not to mention that you two can be a handful for both me and Luna." "We just wanted you two to lighten up from time to time, you're both so stern that we don't think you two ever smile." joked Storm. "Yes, I remember the prank you two pulled on us." recounted Obi-wan as he didn't have fond memories of that incident. "Hey, we got our money back on that transport." reassured Storm to his friend. "Moving on," said Luna as she cleared her throat. "Storm, you're training since I first took you under my wing as my padawan has seen improvement. And the past 16 years, you've grown from the little baby I found to now being a teen and well on your way to being an adult." "I appreciate that, Luna," said Storm. "But as you know, we are currently engaged in a war with the Sith. With the massive clone army, we have at our disposal. We can be able to fight back against the large number of droids. But even that is not enough." said Luna. "So, any word on Count Dooku? Or General Grievous?" asked Storm. "They seem to be the ones in charge, if we can bring them to justice and have them pay for all the crimes they've committed and Jedi killed, then this whole issue could be stopped." "So far, our intel has nothing. We don't even know where they are," said Obi-wan. "But reassured, we will find them, Storm." "Just know that I can help if needed," said Storm. "You are skilled, Storm. But I would advise ever engaging either of them. They are much stronger." said Luna. "But if I am to get stronger, Luna, wouldn't it make sense to face them to improve my skills?" stated Storm. "And risk losing your life?!" shouted Luna as it got the boy to back up a bit at hearing his master yell. Luna then let out a sigh, "Storm, I know you're capable of handling yourself, I've seen first-hand what you can do. I just don't want to see my student gone. It would pain me if something bad were to happen to you." "I understand, sorry Luna," said Storm. "You consider yourself, lucky Luna. Anakin would do the opposite of what I'd say." "That's because you're uptight, Kenobi." mocked Luna with a smug smile at her friend. "Now, hang on a sec..." said Obi-wan as he felt attacked by his fellow Jedi. "Anyways, back to the matter at hand. I do have things to inform you, Storm. We've received word that the planet Christophsis is under attack. And that our ships have supplies that can help them to survive the droid attack. However, none of our ships can get through the Separatist blockade." informed Luna. "So, let me guess. You want me to somehow get past it?" wondered Storm. "Not quite. We're still trying to figure a way out, but once we do we'll have Anakin deliver the supplies to the people of Christophsis. You will join him when we're ready. It'll allow you two a chance to see each other. And pray you both don't do anything rash or stupid." stated Obi-wan. "Hey, that's Anakin. Luna can attest that I at least think about the situation before I jump in," said Storm. "Yes, well. Once the details are settled, you'll join General Skywalker and his crew," said Luna. "Alright then," said Storm as he prepared to log off. "Hold on, Storm. There are a few more things. As you know, the Jedi are busy and with all of us spread about the galaxy. We can't solve every situation. Which is why I'm sending you to the planet Bassa. We've been getting reports of smugglers taking people hostage and having them work in some kind of labor operation. As stated before, we're spread too thin. But given that we haven't figured out our plan to get past the blockade guarding Christophsis and that you're not anywhere else. I've decided to let you handle this mission." said Luna. "A mission, by myself. You know that's what I do best, Luna." smiled Storm. "I accept." "Your student is confident, Luna." smiled Obi-wan as he was impressed by how Storm didn't hesitate to help others. "Very well, however, we need to keep a low profile. We don't want to bring the people of Bassa into this war. So you'll have to find your own way to get there." "In that case, I'll need some credits and a bottle of apple cider," said Storm as he prepared to head out. "One more thing, Storm. You know of my sister." "Master Celestia? Yeah." "Well, she's also got a student she's training. And after much thought, we've decided that the two of you will continue your Jedi training as partners," said Luna. "Hold on, what?" said Storm with a look of confusion. "No disrespect Master Luna, but I work fine by myself." "Storm, one part of being a Jedi Master is learning to work with your fellow Jedi and being able to work with people who you don't know. So don't think of this as a burden, but more as a learning opportunity. Both I and my sister teach very differently, perhaps her student can show you things she knows and vice versa." stated Luna. "I don't know," said Storm as he wasn't sold on the idea of having a partner. "Trust me, Storm. Having a partner and someone to watch out for you may one day save your life," stated Luna. "She's right, Storm," said Obi-wan. "Anakin may be reckless at times, but when I needed him the most, he was there to help. Despite me being his master, I've learned quite a few things from him. Sometimes even the student can teach the teacher a bit of knowledge." "Don't worry about that right now, the time will come when the two of you will meet. For now, focus on your mission. And once you return, we'll have more details about getting the supplies to Christophsis. Then you'll be off to meet with General Skywalker." stated Luna. "Very well," said Storm. "May the Force be with you, Storm," said Obi-wan. "Always." replied the boy as the communication cut off, as the holographic images disappeared. With that, he prepared to set off in search of a pilot. Storm now arrived at one of the local bars as not only did it belong to a friend of his, but also was the spot to find pilots in need of some cash. Storm had his cloak on as his lightsaber was on his side ready for anything, with that he stepped into the place. Upon entering the place of establishment, he heard some music playing. He looked around and saw some people getting drunk and passing out, some even were smoking. Storm just kept on moving as he wanted to avoid any unwanted eye contact. He soon made his way to the bar as the bartender saw him. "Aren't you a bit young, to be here?" asked the bartender. "And aren't you a little old to be playing dress-up?" taunted Storm to the bartender who looked to be in his mid-30's. "A glass of cider." ordered the teen as the bartender got him his drink as tipped the man handsomely as he drank. "Say! I was sitting there!" said another patron as he knocked some of the drink out of Storm's hand. Storm turned as he saw three people standing there and judging by the smell they seemed to have been drinking heavily. "Now then, there's no need for violence," said Storm. "I think there is." said the leader of the trio as he grabbed the teen in front of him. "You will put me down," said Storm as he waved his hand a bit. "I'm gonna put you down." "Leave and go clean up yourselves." "Let's go boys." said the leader as he and his men started to walk out. "Pay the tab," said Storm as he finished his drink as the three men did that and walked out. "How can I keep customers if you keep sending them away?" stated a voice behind Storm. He turned around as not only did it belong to the owner of the bar, but was also his friend. "I thought only Jedi Masters could do that?" "Yes, but that was the first thing Luna taught me in my training. She figured it's the most useful tool I'll use to persuade people." smiled Storm. "How are you doing, Rob?" "Been better, business comes and goes." said the man to his friend. "So, what are you here for? Other than using that Jedi mind trick on my customers and dropping my profits." joked Rob. "I need a pilot. And not just any pilot, I need a good one." "Ahh! Come with me," said Rob as he lead his friend to another part of the bar. They walked past some tables and people until they came to one as there was a person was sitting there with their head down and feet up. Storm looked at the person as they appeared to be around his age. She wore a dark brown leather jacket as she had a blue shirt underneath it. She wore pants, a satchel, and some shoes, but the most striking feature of the girl was her hair as it was rainbow-colored. "I know you have a way with the ladies, but this girl here isn't one for sweet talk," said Rob. "I'll remember that," said Storm as he handed some credits to the owner. "Keep the change." "Always good business with you," smiled Rob. "Good luck, Storm." Storm then approached the table as the girl noticed the body of someone passing her by as she lifted her head a bit. Upon first glance, she was shocked to see a boy who was about her age in a place like this. In terms of attractiveness, he wasn't half bad, but she had other things she liked. "What's a boy like you doing here?" asked the person as they spoke in a bit of a raspy voice. "Same reason a girl like you is here. Looking for some excitement." responded Storm. He then reached into his Jedi robe as he pulled out the bottle of apple cider he brought with him. "Made from the finest apples, taste like melted gold. One swing of this, and you'll be hooked on it." "You know how to flirt with a girl." chuckled the female. "But I ain't easily persuaded like that. So, what do you need?" "I need a ride, got a ship?" "Of course, I got a ship. It's the fastest there is in this galaxy." bragged the girl. "Where you headed?" "The planet Bassa. Heard of it." "I pass by that place every day." said the girl. "Then I need to get there," stated Storm. "You think that I'm just gonna take you there with just a bottle of this stuff? You don't know me, kid. It takes a lot more than that to give someone a trip." said the girl. "Of course, which is why I intend to pay you also. 20,000 credits." said Storm. "You're joking, there's no way..." Storm then flung the money in front of him as the small bag landed with a thud. The girl was shocked by not only the amount offered by the boy in front of her but that he wasn't kidding. He was a man of his word, and that alone meant good business. "So, when do we leave?" asked the girl. "Right now," said Storm as he prepared to get up when he sat back down. "Mind telling me your name?" "It's Rainbow... Rainbow Dash." said the girl as she grabbed the bag of credits and put them inside of her jacket as she looked back at the boy. "Well, Rainbow, the bottle is yours," said Storm as he stood up from the table and walked away. Rainbow was stunned by what she just occurred as not only did this stranger give her some money and a good bottle of cider which was her favorite. But also that for some reason, she was trusting this boy she had just met who was her age. She didn't know what business he had with going to Bassa, but right now she was smiling as she was paid in full. She then popped open the bottle and poured herself some. Upon first contact with her lips, her eyes immediately turned big as it felt good. She let out a satisfying sound as she finished her glass of the drink. Rainbow then pulled out the bag of credits given to her by Storm as she was couldn't stop smiling. She then grabbed the bottle that held the remaining drink and then exited the place to her ship as she prepared to do the job she was being paid for. Storm was outside of the bar as he pulled out his communicator as he had received the coordinates given to him by his teacher. He was still unsure about what Luna said that he would be partnering with her sister's apprentice. But Storm knew Master Celestia and she always had a plan for everything that she did, so he had some fate that whatever the woman was thinking was probably going to mean something in the long run. But for now, that was on the backburner as he had a job to do. Soon out emerged Rainbow Dash as she was appeared ready; Storm did admit for the girl that was about his age, she was rather attractive, but soon put that out of his mind as he knew his duty and prepared for his mission.