Operation Titanic

SCOTT – "SOLDIER" – PAULING

Story by Naufal Muhammad Haiqal

"Sgt. Jeremiah Scott?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Please, sit down. We don't have much time to light talking right now. We're on the siege."

The Commander just lit his cigarette, blowing his smoke down. Seems like he just get wounded by the enemy.

"I just want to know, you're once a mercenary in someone factory, right?"

"Yes, sir. Accidentally I recruited as a Soldier for protecting someone assets."

"Then, why you leave your current business?"

"I was kicked out from the factory, y'know, being dumb on work?"

"I never see you being inefficient in battle, Sergeant. You're runner or else. You never tried to be dumbass like one of my soldier who died because he run to tell that the place wasn't Mine Field. This happen in last battle."

"And you think that I AM lied, didn't ya?"

"YES,"

Scott just freeze, don't have any idea to explain that. All his tall tale just a trash right now.

"Err- Actually, I must confess, I'm a part of CIA-SOG team. Gathered many private soldiers to ambush the secret base of Soviet in somewhere in North Vietnam."

"I see. I've many crew from MACV-SOG in my squadron. I'm not surprised." Said the commander. "I just curious about you and the nurse that they've been recruited. Is she mean something for you?"

Scott just numb and shut.

"Why the heck? I thought he'll blasting his killer words to me?! Why he asking that stupid question?" Think him, curiously.

BOSTON, 1968.

"Say cheers, everyone!" said a mid-aged woman with a late 50's dress and hairdo. That's mother of Scott. Mrs. Harriett Villeneuve.

We see some many people in the lawn of someone home, large and still natural. Men with suit, women with a fancy and classy dress, kids with cheerful manner and friends who never forgotten. A wedding cake just standing on the table with a mini statue of a couple.

Jeremiah Scott, 25, an ex-mercenary of RED Demolition Factory, a humble soldier who turned to be a man. His hair grown so thick like a pretty boy, and his style changed to be a little bit gentleman. His face just so much clean-shaved than before, make him more appropriate to be a mother's boy. Standing on his side, there is a Secretary-like woman with her usual long hair. She wear her glamour yet simple wedding dress, give a good looking like a princess for a day. She's his longtime crush from the start being mercenary, Miss Pauling Scott.

"Congratulation, Miss! I thought you'll be loving a girl for your lifetime…" said her best-friend, Gina. Smooch her cheeks.

"Aw, Gina. You never know how much I love this man than every girl I met."

Beside Gina, there is the man who also middle aged, same tall as Scout and have a French style in his fashion. He called himself 'Spy'. He shocked that she was once a secret lesbian.

"Madame Pauling. I thought how you avoid him was practically hate him…" said him.

"Aw, spy. You never know how woman can deeply emotionally with another than boy like you. But, hey! She already mine, right? Proof of being a gentleman." Said Scott, mock him.

"You know, son? I thought you'll never know how I deeply mad on you when the time you want to make her to be a girlfriend that a friend only. Merde."

"I know, that. Marceu. I know." Said him, try to relief Spy. "Thanks for some advice to me."

"Then you should happy with all incident you did to your bride, right?" said Spy, give a gesture to hug his friend. Scott receive it immediately.

"So, mate, glad to see the Boy Scout turn to be a gentleman…" said Tavish DeGroot, the Demolition Man. He wear a suit and a Scottish traditional plaid 'pants'. Looks silly but appropriate for attending the wedding party.

"DeGroot! I thought you forgot this day."

"At least, I'm trying to away from Gin for a day to come your merrit day. So, we could bring all team to you this time, without being drunk."

"YOU BRING ALL OF THE TEAM TO THIS PLACE?" shout Scott and Pauling, surprised.

"Nah, Keep it held, boyos, its all juke. I just bring my family come to you."

The couple relieved that the entire RED team don't coming to their party. The DeGroot's Family come up. His mother, His Wife and His Son, wear same dress code as Tavish wear.

"Whoa, I guess your family don't have any suit and tie or dress for our wedding." Said Scott.

"It's historical wardrobe, Eejit. Same as our ancestor did in his friend wedding. And It's acceptable, you Galoot scout." Mock DeGroot.

"I see." Said Scott. "Hey, what happened with RED now?"

"Mun-Dee just chasing his pursuit as Hitman, Engie retired as the Engineer of our team and become a professor in Austin." Tell DeGroot.

"The last thing we heard, Heavy and Medic just stuck in East Germany, while Medic himself just preparing leaving there to learn more about Medical in Prague University." Tell Spy.

"And what about Pyro and Jane-Doe?"

"Wait, Soldier?"

"Yes, that guy who think he still in 1945."

"He recruited by CIA." Said Spy. While he ignite his lighter and burn his cigarette. "They finding some great mercenary like us, train them with military and technology course to advancing their skills. After all, they're ready to be a Soldier in Spec Ops Group in Vietnam."

"Then, what they do with him?" ask Pauling "I mean, I've one of my friend on CIA but never tell me about the operation, what' the objective, the target and what they do if they failed. Is something that they hide?"

"I guess it's positive. It's Intel Works."

FEW MONTHS LATER, WEST VIRGINIA, 1968 - '69.

"Honey, someone want to meet us." Shout Pauling. She's just waking Scott up because someone with mysterious outfit come to their new house in West Virginia Suburbs.

Scott, with his 7'o clock beard, white tees, bath coat, messy medium hair and shorts, walking down to first story of his house while grumbling.

"Hell, it's 3 AM, what's in the name of god they visiting us in early morning…"

"Good Morning, Mr. Jeremiah Scott."

Scott just freeze as statue when they look 2 men with a black suit and sunglasses. Seem suspicious but also understand what he meets.

"Uh-huh. Yes, Good Morning. It's 3'o clock and…"

"We're from CIA. And we need you and your wife to support us."

"IN THE MIDDLE OF EARLY MORNING LIKE NOW?!" yell two of them, stunned.

2 HOURS LATER.

The Impala Limousine just drive them to Pentagon, riding so carefully but fast as urgency was calling them. The couple was feel insecure, feeling that moment shouldn't happen. The CIA agents just staring them as Scott light his cigarette. Scott dressed like A Gentleman, a dark navy suit, white shirt, black tie and Boston Duck hairstyle with 7'o clock beard still intact on his face. Pauling dressed dark navy, same tone as Scott, with a natural make-up and her cat eyeglasses.

"Maybe you don't need to smoke for stabilize your insecurity. Just breathing like Yoga." Suggest the one of CIA Agent.

"Thanks, Err-What's your name, please?"

"Michael Ericsson. And beside me is Agent Mark Wheeler or Wheel. You can call me Eric if necessary." Said Eric.

"Okay, Eric and Wheel. Isn't it?"

"Yes."

"What's happened in Pentagon? Since JFK gotten shot by someone, everything escalated so quickly."

"Yes, Mr. Scott. We just finding out that the suspect who murder Mr. President was a Mercenary from a league called Builder Liberation United, or BLU. And they recognized to aid some of resistances in Saigon and most of them working with North Vietnam Mercenaries and NVA Military Services." Said Wheel.

"And some of them are joined the Cuban Military to teach them hold to hold their gun to us. Remember Pig Bay's Incident?"

"Listen, BLU never considering aid some resistances in Saigon or work with NVA. You give a false words about them." Protest Pauling. "No one can't use BLU Factory as the decoy for ease their way to help enemies."

"Actually we got some evidences for 'why BLU' questions." He lends the folder called Operation Two Fort. There are some photo of the BLU mercs and NVA soldier dealt for the weapon called 'Cheshire Gun Mk. I' with the blueprint inside.

"And this weapon actually takedown our men in last 3 months. We headed Chiang Dinh City but all unit back off from there because the army held that gun."

Scott and Pauling just stunned, wandering what's make that gun powerful and could take all US Army out from that city.

"And Mrs. Scott. Maybe this headline reminding someone." said Eric, while he bring a newspaper.

NVA TAKEDOWN US-SVA JOINT OPERATION IN IA DRANG RIVER. That's the line she reads right now.

"Some of our agents in MACV was said that many soldier dead by NVA surprising attack because that weapon. But one of the army was found alive and safe. They call him 'Jane-Doe', because…"

"He still think we're on 1950's, when China aided some Korean Resistance in Pyongyang and we started war with South Korean as the North Korea declared as a nation. That's friend of mine, Eric." Said Scott.

"I'm sorry, Sir, you know him well?"

"Is that the man who always use Modified M1 Bazooka and Shotgun in battlefield?" ask Pauling.

"The Report said it is."

"And then, we know why we meet with Minister McNamara." The Couple smirking, they know what Pentagon need them.

KHE SAHN, 1968

The Huey flying above the jungle as the drum rolls of Edwin Star 'WAR' starting. From Above, we can see Khe Sahn USMC-US Army Base and their defenses, Howitzers and some Medium Artillery in South Side. Scott and the Commander, Commandant Sergei Dickson, a Decent Russian-American Soldier, Far-Nephew of Engineer. They go out from the tent. Scott wears Half-Ripped Arms Jungle uniform and Lightwear Flak-Armor with pouches while Dickson wear usual uniform as many soldier wear.

"Well, from all of your story, we know that Pauling is your wife and your partner. And your missions are destroy the load from BLU-Soviet Joint Team and secure the Intelligence files from them."

"It's Operation Titanic, Commandant Dickson." Said him. "Or maybe Comrade Dickson." He laughing.

"That's not how people fun with my name. They always said "Mr. Siberian" or "Red Grizzly". Nobody dare to say that nickname and for the first time, you did it."

"Don't take it deep, Commander. We always make fun each other's in my team. Even by a name."

"I know, son."

They meet Pauling, she looks a little bit different; her hair changed from straight down to tied up, her face more beauty but with more sweats, her outfit just remain same but slightly different with other nurse and soldier (because she take parts in MACV too) and she looks too serious this day. She got more wounded soldiers and dead bodies to examine.

"Scott, where have you been? I got many dead bodies today and you…" suddenly, she realized Scott just come up with Dickson.

"Honey, this is Commandant Dickson, our supervisor in team. He also Engie's Nephew too."

"Glad to see you, Mrs. Scott."

"I-I-I'm sorry, Commandant, I thought you're someone else."

"No problem, we just visiting you. Maybe you must back to work or…"

"What's a matter, sir? I can pass it to Nurse Elsa. She's more prominent than me. NURSE ELSA!" said Pauling while she call her assistant, Elsa Schoenberg, she's Danish-American Doctor who drafted to be a Nurse in Khe Sahn. Blonde, Good looking and sweet personality is her weapon to make her patient get calm. Although she's a Privateer, she's professional doctor.

"Y-Yes, Sgt. Pauling!"

"Take care that patient, I got a call from commandant now. If you're in rush, use UberMedicine beside the rack. Understood."

"Yes, miss."

"Don't hardened your feeling Ms. Elsa. Enjoy the place, think what usually do as doctor. In short, feel casual." Suggest Scott.

"Honey!"

"I know, but she need a calm for now. Don't taken this too serious, honey. She's more professional than you, right?"

"Eh, okay."

As Scott, Pauling and Commandant Dickson out from the Medical tent, they walking through the Camp. Their destination is the Training Course. The Place 'Jane-Doe' train his ability as a Soldier, as usual.

"Mrs. Scott…"

"Call me Pauling, sir. We know each other, right?"

"Okay, Pauling, what make you take this operation? Is it too dangerous for a wookie like you?"

"If women like me can be Combat Photographer or Journalist, then why I don't take this mission as Field Tactical Agent?"

"But your job more difficult than any profession you know as a tactician."

"I know, but I always take a risk. Like Scout."

"You mean, Sgt. Scott, isn't him?"

"Yeah, this man. My man. The guy who always finding a way to open my heart."

"Okay, okay, next question, Commandant."

Pauling seem a little bit annoyed, but still manage her angry to calm her down.

"So, how you and Scott know 'Jane-Doe'? He's actually a crazy person."

"He's not crazy, he's delusional. Once he comes to the battlefield, he's become 'Soldier' – The veteran soldier who witnesses D-Day and Korean War." Tell Scott.

"But in his record, he become soldier in Korean War only. His last rank in his services was 1st Sergeant."

"It's right, but why he really delusional is unexpected by you, Pauling and me."

"He possessed by a World War 2 Vet's Ghost?"

"No, his memories and his dream become a Soldier." Explain Pauling. "Jane-Doe actually had a real worse nightmare when he's on Korea, when his battalion died in hand of North Korean Forces."

"So he unleashed his power as the fictional possessed man called 'Soldier'?"

"It's our one of many possibilities we can know for us."

As they arrive, they get a warm welcome from Captain Eric, their companion. He wears a Fishing Fedora and Camouflage Uniform with pouches. He saluting to them as commandant does it so.

"Howdy, everyone. Welcome to the Boot Camp. I bet you want to see 'Soldier' right?"

"More about that. We want to see this pretty boy accept my challenge."

"Wait, What Challenge?"

"Hahaha. No, no, Sgt. Scott. I know you finished this course. 45 secs, remember?"

"Oh, yeah! That time trial challenge. You just surprised how fast a man who loved Jerry Robinson, aren't you?"

"The Unexpected Course with Mr. Jeremiah Scott. I know that, son." Said Dickson, then laughing.

As Jane-Doe done his practice, they visiting him. He looks tired.

"What a prick course. They should add Trenches like…"

"Hey, soldie! What's up?"

"Judas! Miss Pauling! I'm glad to meet you two!"

"Judas?" ask Dickson while Eric just hold his laugh.

"He's traitor on our team. He always help a fritz doctor and mocking the French man." Said Jane-Doe.

"Hell, he did it?"

"Eh, no, Commandant. All he said is the experience when we were on team. He always use Fritz for our medic and always think the intel spy was French Militia."

"Oh, I see." Said Dickson. "But why Scott referred as Judas?"

"In my first year in the team, I always dick around with my friend, even with Pauling."

"Oh-Ho, That's why you call Judas right?"

"I don't think it was my nickname until I realize it and it was horrible, sir." He laughing as they does.

"C'mon, what's more horrible than this, Scott?" said Cpt. Eric.

Suddenly, the sound of crashing plane was surprising them. Something bad happen.

"Damn, Commies, They're starting attacking!" said 'Soldier'.

"You're right, Doe. Prepare your weapon! We've more company than we EXCEPT!" said Cpt. Eric when he runs to outside, he almost hit by a Jeep. "Damn you, Crazy Wrangler!"

"C'mon, Eric! There's no time to cursing Wrangler." Said Scott, he wears his M1 helmet and equips his Commando's Assault Rifle (CAR-15 with Double Magazine and Reflex Sight) and Sleeping Snake (Colt Magnum with Iron Finish). He runs as their friends follow him. They stopping someone Wrangler and ride to the frontline.

"Wait, we forgot bring Elsa!" shout Pauling. She brings her classic Derringer and Little Tommy (M1-Thompson).

"It's too late, Pauling! We couldn't arrive if NVA armors come up." Said Eric.

"NO! I SEE HER!" Shout Scott, pointing Elsa who bring her UberMedic Kit and Her Huey Mouth (Classic BAR LMG). The Panic and Confused just make her lost between the army.

"ELSA! Come here!" shout Pauling.

"Honey, I'll drive to her, you just lend a hand to bring her up. Understand?!" said Scott.

"Just do it! We don't have any seconds to waiting!"

The Wrangler runs toward Elsa Direction. Pauling lend her hand, hoping her grips don't make Elsa falling down and dead instantly both of them. Eric scout every side if the NVA ambush on their side, while Dickson backup Pauling to hold her if she falling down too.

"Almost There."

"C'mon, Scott! I see some VC coming on Elsa's back!"

"Takedown them, Eric, Soldie'! Use Sleepers and M63 Now!" said Scott. He referred M72 Pump or China Lake as Sleepers.

As Scott Direction, He take Sleepers and ready to launch. While Elsa looking to her back and shoot some Vietcong as they ready to fire. The VC firing randomly as her Huey's Mouth starting fired. Some bullets take her shoulder and her arms.

"ARGH! Lort, VC!" shout Elsa, holding her pains.

The Wrangler getting closer as Elsa rapidly firing at VC direction, Eric start his run and shoot many VC. As the grenade launched, Scott lean his wrangler to other flank.

BOOM! The Grenade taken 4 VC. RATATATAT! 10 VCs die by Soldier's M63 'Stoner Gunner'.

"Gotcha! Alpha Mike Foxhort, Commies!" said Eric.

The Wrangler almost on Elsa position. Pauling and Dickson ready on position.

"Almost there!"

"NOW!"

Elsa looking to Pauling direction, her face getting scared. They don't know about something but the shadows getting darker and they realize something.

Another Plane crashed down on their position, falling down and scatter up. This condition push their limit to save Elsa.

But Pauling successful grabbed Elsa's body as the piece of wings run to their position. The Wrangler avoiding so many pieces of planes as a fireball slides over them. They stopped as the debris was left.

"HAHA! We did it, Scout!" shout Eric, screaming victorious.

"Mother of God! Is that our planes?" ask Dickson. He drinks her water to refuel his energy.

"I think so." Said Scott, cheering himself. He looks his hands, shaky and fueled his fear. "I can't believe it. We drove to this situation and I really defeating my biggest fear."

"Yeah, It's bring me to the time we chased by Korean Red Army Tank. What a time to be alive." Said Soldier.

"Sergeant Scott, This is your first time you do this?" ask Elsa.

"Yeah, the first…" Scott looking to the front of his direction, the army just moving their position. The Armors was reached their places, The Army was intruding on the front. "…and this must be the last thing I do right now. Hold on, guys. We'll fight them until last bloods!"

As the wrangler ready to drive, he catches some breaths and exhales them.

"C'mon, punk. Bring your red on!"