Note: I own nothing. This idea has been going through my head for a while. Just a fun little one shot.

Language Barrier

"Wait," young Indiana Jones said, while looking over the many books in his new friend's dorm room, "Just how many languages do you speak."

The young Frenchman shrugged, "Maybe a dozen so far, French, English, Spanish, German, Latin… and a few more. This semester I am studying three more."

Indy shuddered at the harsh Latin lessons his father taught him, but smiled at the strange interests his gifted friend had. "Fundamentals of the Aztec language. Romani Language Dictionary… You know I have traveled to many countries in my time, and knowing the language can be useful, but this is a bit extreme."

"My friend, you can never know too many languages," Rene Belloq said.

"But its not necessary. You go to a new country, you can always find a bilingual guide to do any translating you need," Indy said.

"Yes, but you are limited to what your interpreter chooses to relay between yourself and the person you are speaking to. You need to know the language yourself to really interact, and not be taken advantage of."

Indy shook his head, while wearing a cockeyed grin. It was a discussion that would be repeated many times over the course of their friendship.

*0*0*0

Many years later...

A battered Indiana Jones looked up as his former friend and enemy held out his hand. The native warriors on either side of him made it clear that he had no choice in the matter.

"It's a pity the Hovitos don't know you the way I do, Belloq."

"Yes…" Belloq replied, studying the golden idol. "You could warn them… If only you spoke Hovitos!" he said with an evil grin.