After the fall of the Republic, very few people in the galaxy had as much firsthand experience with Force users as Boba Fett. He lived through the Clone Wars, watched the Jedi lead armies, and saw them fight in battles like Geonosis. Long before the Empire, Boba already understood what Force-sensitive warriors were capable of.
Because of that, Boba Fett was never shown to be afraid of Force users in general. As a child, he attempted to take revenge on Mace Windu for killing his father. As an adult, he worked directly for Sith Lords like Darth Vader and had no issue operating in the same space as Darth Sidious. Dealing with Force-sensitives was simply part of the job.
And yet, across Boba Fett’s long career, there is one Force user he encounters who stands out. Not Vader. Not the Emperor. One target who makes Fett hesitate when he has a clear shot, and walk away instead.
Hunting Starkiller
This story takes place in the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed timeline and continues in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II. It is part of Star Wars Legends.
At the start of the comic, Boba Fett is on Nar Shaddaa with another bounty hunter, Xasha. They are between jobs and running low on credits. Fett is not actively hunting anyone at the time.
While they are there, Fett receives a hologram transmission from Darth Vader. Vader offers Fett a contract and promises triple the payment Fett normally receives from the Empire. He also makes it clear that the target is Force-sensitive. Fett is ordered to travel to Cato Neimoidia to begin the hunt.
Fett accepts the job and sets out.
What Fett Found on Cato Neimoidia
After accepting the contract, Boba Fett and Xasha head toward Cato Neimoidia to begin the hunt. While en route, Xasha asks Fett who the target is. Fett doesn’t hide what he knows. He tells her the target is called Starkiller, and that he’s a powerful Force wielder.
When they arrive, the condition of the city makes the situation clear. Large sections of the area have been destroyed. Stormtroopers lie dead throughout the ruins, long before Fett ever encounters the target himself. There’s no sign of a conventional battle. The damage appears to have been caused by a single individual moving through the city.
As Fett continues tracking Starkiller, he comes across the remains of a massive creature that has been torn apart. There are no signs of explosives or heavy weapons. Whatever killed it did so through raw physical force. Xasha sees the destruction and decides she wants no part of the job. Fett doesn’t stop her, but he doesn’t leave either. He continues the hunt.
The Trail Leads back to Kamino
The hunt eventually leads Fett back to Kamino. There, Darth Vader makes it clear just how dangerous Starkiller is. Vader shows Fett a recorded hologram of his own defeat at Starkiller’s hands, confirming that this is not a normal Force-sensitive target.
With that in mind, the plan changes. Instead of attempting to capture Starkiller directly, Vader decides to draw him out. He orders Fett to capture Starkiller’s companion, Juno Eclipse, and use her as bait.
Fett carries out the order successfully. He captures Juno Eclipse and brings her back to Kamino alive, setting the trap that will pull Starkiller into Vader’s hands.
With Juno in custody, Kamino becomes the center of Vader’s plan. Rebel forces move in on the planet, and fighting breaks out across Timira City and the surrounding platforms. Fett stays out of the main engagement, watching events unfold while keeping Juno under guard. Vader positions her where Starkiller will be able to sense her presence through the Force.
The plan works. Starkiller arrives on Kamino and heads straight for the cloning facility. When he reaches Vader, the confrontation escalates immediately. During the chaos, Juno breaks free and turns on Vader, slashing his control panel and knocking him off balance. Starkiller follows up, attacking with overwhelming Force power and driving Vader back.
Fett takes position with his rifle, ready to intervene if needed. Before he can act, the situation shifts again. PROXY enters the fight alongside Rebel forces and takes on the appearance of Jango Fett. The sight causes Fett to hesitate just long enough for the battle to continue beyond his control.
Outside the facility, the fight reaches its peak. Starkiller overwhelms Vader, severing his hand and blasting him with Force lightning. Vader collapses, badly damaged and unable to continue. For the first time, he is clearly defeated.
From his position, Fett now has a clean shot. Starkiller is exposed, focused entirely on Vader, unaware of anything behind him. Fett raises his rifle and lines up the shot. At that moment, Juno Eclipse stirs. She is still alive. She calls out to Starkiller, and he turns toward her.
Starkiller stops attacking and rushes to Juno, pulling her close. He does not sense Fett. He does not defend himself. Fett keeps his weapon trained on him. Nothing blocks the shot.
Fett removes his helmet. After a moment, he lowers his rifle, disengages, and leaves the area.
The hunt ends there.
