Hello there! Sorry it's taken me a bit to get this up, but I've been at the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Indiana (Yes, I'm a Boy Scout and proud of it) for a week and writing has not been the easiest thing lately. (I'm doing this all via phone, as I don't have a computer of my own yet) I also haven't written any of this out yet, so updates will come as I finish them.

So this chapter will jump back in time from the Prologue. I hope you all enjoy it!

Also, keep an eye out for a movie reference in the beginning of this chapter. The first person who guesses it correctly will receive a free Hammerhead corvette. This is 100% not a scam.

SirLoozElite - Thank you! That dog's been shot to a pulp, but is it really dead? As for who lives and dies, I guess we'll see. The people who were alive in the Epilogue of my original will definitely live. But some beloved characters definitely will die. I do hope you enjoy this chapter!

Achilles453 - I'm glad you liked the similarity to the original, but that is the extent of similarities between this and JC's The Thing (for the most part). Thank you for your continuing support and I hope you love this one as well.

teresa. spanics - Well, if you we're stationed up in the Arctic (or down in the Antarctic) and a helicopter came out of nowhere chasing a dog, I hope it would be interesting. Thank you so much for your kind words!

Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska; February 6, 1970, 2100 Hours

Army Ranger Captain Rex walked down the corridor leading to the Control Center of Eielson AFB with his second-in-command Master Sergeant Fives. Fives snorted, "So you're saying you don't know why we've been called up all the way to Fairbanks?"

Rex sighed, "Something about a strange plane crash up near the North Pole. General Skywalker thinks it's important."

Fives snorted again, "Look, I trust the General's judgement, but why the hell couldn't he use the regular army? Why pull us out of Vietnam? What does he need us for?"

Rex was about to respond when a voice called out behind them, "Because some damn fool accused you of being one of the best."

A smile broke out on Rex's face as he recognized the voice. Rex turned to find US Navy SEAL Commander Cody smirking as he walked towards them.

"Cody! You son of a bitch."

Rex and Cody clasped arms, straining against each other in a mid-air arm wrestling contest. Rex slowly pushed Cody's arm over and he smirked, "What's the matter? Jungle take too much out of you?" Rex continued pushing Cody's arm over, and the strain began to show on the SEAL's face. "Had enough?"

Cody breathed heavily, straining against the Ranger's strength, "Take it easy on yourself Rex." At this, Rex simply smirked and pushed even harder. Cody finally gave, "Okay! Okay. It's damn good to see you again, Rex."

Rex laughed, "You never did know when to quit Cody. I'm glad to see you."

Fives chuckled from the background, "Hate to break up this reunion, but I'm still waiting to know why we've been called here."

Cody gestured at a door at the end of the room, "The Generals are waiting for us."

The three soldiers walked into an office to see General Anakin Skywalker conversing with General Obi-Wan Kenobi and another, older man. Anakin noticed them and turned to face Rex, "Ah, Rex you're here."

Fives interrupted, "Forgive me sir, but why have we been flown up to this frozen wasteland in the middle of winter."

Rex was aghast at Fives' outburst. He had always been outspoken, but this was to a General for God's sake! "Fives!"

To Rex and Cody's surprise, General Skywalker burst out laughing while Kenobi rolled his eyes, "It's okay, Rex. I like your Sergeant." He indicated the other, older man, "You know me and General Kenobi, but I'd like to introduce you to a scientist who'll be accompanying you on this trip. Dr. Nuvo Vindi."

Vindi nodded and General Kenobi spoke up, "Now to answer your question, we have a radar station up at Peary Station. Peary Station is located above the Arctic Circle, and it provides weather information and radar data for our Arctic operations. It's absolutely vital as a part of our early warning system against Soviet attacks via the Arctic."

Dr. Vindi cut it, "Approximately 36 hours ago, Commander Fox, the station commander, reported a strange aircraft crash near the base. The crash has had some... strange effects. It's been fouling up communications, instruments, and our radar."

General Skywalker nodded, "Rex, I want you and Commander Cody to take your team and Dr. Vindi to investigate, recover anything useful, and neutralize any threats this crash may contain."

"Yes sir. If I may ask, is it the Soviets?"

Skywalker shrugged, "We don't know. Fox thinks so, but a few of his crew think otherwise. They say the crash is more akin to a meteor than a Soviet aircraft. I personally think it's some type of experimental airplane."

Rex smiled and nodded, "Which is why you wanted Army Rangers and Navy SEALs to investigate. Got it."

The General smiled, "Yes, Rex. Now follow me, I'll introduce you to the pilot who'll be flying you up there."

The five soldiers and officers, Dr. Vindi stayed behind, walked into a hangar. Next to several Air Force F-102 Delta Daggers and the newer F-4 Phantoms sat a lone UH-1 Huey with the word 'NAVY' stenciled on the side. A pair of flight boots jutted out from underneath it and there was the sound of tools being used. The General squatted down beside them and said, "Everything okay, Snips?"

A young, higher-pitched voice called out from underneath, "Besides the fact that you didn't tell me that I'd need to modify this thing for cold weather, everything's perfect Skyguy. I swear this is the last time I fly you up to the Arctic."

He laughed, "Would you prefer I reassign you?"

"No, because you'd die when you crash and destroy your chopper and/or plane."

The General groaned, "I've told you a million times Snips, it's not my fault they keep crashing."

There was a chuckle from beneath the helicopter, "Yeah, keep telling yourself that Skyguy."

General Skywalker put a hand over his face, "Come on out, Snips. That's an order. I've got a few people I'd like to introduce you to."

"Ugh... Fine!" The pilot, whom General Skywalker had addressed as 'Snips', slid out from underneath and jumped to their feet. Rex was not expecting this. General Skywalker's pilot was a young woman, probably around the age of 21. She had tanned, sienna skin; bright, crystal blue eyes; and shoulder length blond hair with blue highlights pulled into a pony tail. She was beautiful, but also surprisingly young. 'Her and the General must be close for a NCO to talk back to such a senior officer.'

General Skywalker turned to Rex, "Snips, these are a couple of the soldiers you'll be flying up to Peary Station."

The pilot glared at the General, then smiled at Rex and extended her hand, "Airman Ahsoka Tano, US Navy. It's nice to meet you... uh..."

Rex smiled, "Rex. Captain. 501st Army Ranger Battalion. The Master Sergeant is my second-in-command, we call him Fives," he motioned to Fives who nodded.

Cody looked at Rex with mock hurt, "What Rex? No introduction for me."

Rex was about to when Fives deadpanned, "That's the son of a bitch who's tagging along with our team."

Ahsoka and Anakin burst out laughing, and Rex chuckled at Cody's mortified expression. Even General Kenobi cracked a smile but did nothing else.

Cody grumbled, "All kidding aside, I'm Commander Cody, US Navy SEALs. 212th Special Forces Group."

Ahsoka calmed down and shook their hands. "So I'm assuming Skyguy over here is sending us on some crazed suicide mission."

Anakin had a look of mock shock on his face, but quickly recovered, "Just, not now, Snips. Please? You're flying Rex's team up to Peary Station near the North Pole so they can investigate a believed Soviet aircraft crash."

Ahsoka's eyes widened slightly, "Oh. Suddenly, your modifications make much more sense."

-0-

Twelve hours later, the helicopter flew up North across the frozen tundra of northern Alaska. In the body compartment, Cody and Rex's team sat. Rex's team included Fives, Staff Sergeant Echo, Corporal Hardcase, Corporal Hevy, Private Cutup, and Private Kix.

Fives leaned over to Hevy, who was in the middle of a card game, and whispered, "That guy gives me the creeps." He motioned with his head at Dr. Vindi.

Hevy nodded, "I know what you mean. Something feels... off about him."

Meanwhile, Ahsoka flew the UH-1 Huey with steady hands, safely negotiating the turbulent winds of the arctic. She heard someone climb into the copilot seat and she glanced over to see Captain Rex. Rex asked, "You mind if I sit up here?"

Ahsoka smiled, "Not at all. Just don't crash the thing." Her face became confused for a second, "Why sit up here though? Why not with your squad?"

Rex sighed, "I know practically everything about them, but nect to nothing about you. I hope you don't mind, but I prefer to know the people I interact with. Would you mind if I asked a few questions?"

Ahsoka laughed, "I get the feeling. Sure, I'll answer a few questions."

"How did you join the Navy? No offense, but... you don't see many women serving in the military."

Ahsoka glanced at him sideways, "I'm an orphan. My parents died when I was just a child, car crash, I barely knew them."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Ahsoka chuckled, "Of course not. How could you have? I was taken in by a kind man named Vartan, but I was eventually found by Anakin."

"You mean General Skywalker?"

"I do, he found me when I was 14. I didn't want to leave, but Vartan felt that a General and his senator wife could give me a much better life than he could. Anakin and his wife Senator Amidala treated me like a younger sister. They taught me everything they knew, and I found I was a natural at flying. When I became 18, I asked Anakin if I could join the military. He pulled some strings and got me assigned as a helicopter pilot under Admiral Yularen.

"I'm not allowed to fly into combat situations, cause I'm a woman. However, now I'm kind of Anakin's personal pilot."

Rex nodded, "Don't you miss Vartan?"

"Of course I do! I stayed in touch with him, but I haven't heard from him in a while. I do miss him a lot. He was always so very kind to us."

"Us?"

Ahsoka nodded as a bit of turbulence rocked the chopper, "Yes, us. Vartan had also taken in two sisters as well as me. I was close with both of them, but extremely close with the older one. I don't know, but we were kind of... never mind."

Rex nodded slowly and leaned back in the seat, "I see. Hey. When the General first introduced us to you, he called you 'Snips'. Where did that come from?"

Ahsoka laughed, "Something about me being snarky and incredibly snippy most of the time. It's totally 100% true."

Rex had to laugh at that, he liked this pilot. And she was nice to look at as well. He turned his head to see her asking him something that he didn't catch. "I'm sorry? What did you say?"

Ahsoka snorted, "How did you become a Ranger if you can't hear a simple question?" She laughed aloud, "I was asking about your crew."

"Well, you met Fives earlier. He can be a bit of a loose cannon at times, but he's loyal to a fault and one of the best damn soldiers I've fought with. Then there's Echo. Staff Sergeant Echo and Fives are practically joined at the hip, yet are complete opposites at the same time. Echo is by the book on everything while Fives loves to bend the rules.

"Private Kix is the best medic you'll find in the Army. I owe him my life multiple times. Private Cutup is quiet, but a crack shot. Corporal Hardcase is the exact opposite of Cutup. Hardheaded, even more of a loose cannon than Fives. We think he got caught in twelve too many explosions during Vietnam. I've had to pull him out of a local jail at least five times. We only keep him because he's the only one I know who can wield a M60 at close range like Cutup does a rifle at long range. The last one is Corporal Hevy. Hevy's a machine gunner like Hardcase, but he's also an incredibly loyal companion and an expert technician."

Ahsoka nodded, "So why send Rangers and a SEAL to the Arctic just to look at an air crash site?"

Rex sighed and put his hand in his head, "I know I shouldn't be telling you this, but about two days ago, a mysterious aircraft crashed near Peary Station. It's been fouling communications and messing up instruments. Commander Fox believes it's some new experimental weapon if the Soviet's and that they're trying to mess up our missile defense systems. However, others think this is something different. We'll know more upon landing."

Ahsoka nodded, "Alright." She smiled sweetly at him, "Thanks for not keeping me in the dark."

Rex returned the smile, "Not a problem."

-0-

A few hours later, Ahsoka's voice came over the helicopter's speaker, "Alright boys. I have the base in sight. We'll be on the ground in about fifteen minutes. Hold on to something because there appears to be some turbulence."

Fives grunted, "Well, it's about damn time. I'm more bored than I've ever been watching nothing but snow and ice."

Echo looked up, "Stop griping Fives. I like the inaction. It gives me some time to check up on the reg manuals."

"Echo," Fives facepalmed, "What is wrong with you?"

Rex stepped out from the cockpit, and Hevy looked up from the card game he was playing with Cutup, Kix, and Hardcase. Vindi kept staring out the window like he had the entire flight. Rex sat down next to Cody, who asked, "What took you so long up there?"

"Conversation."

Cody smirked, "Oh... what were you talking about?"

Rex shrugged, "She's an orphan who was eventually found by General Skywalker and became his protege of sorts."

Up in the cockpit, Ahsoka circled the station. It was your standard radar dish, flanked by a couple black, snowcovered buildings. The helipad was behind the dish, next to a building that looked like a kennel.

She radioed in, "Peary Station, this is US Navy Helicopter Three-Zero-Niner. On final approach. Ready for landing on Helipad 1. Over."

The response came back, "Roger Navy Three-Zero-Niner. Cleared for landing. Be aware of crosswinds. See you soon. Out."

Ahsoka eased the controls as the helicopter was bumped around by the wind. The rotors kicked up clouds of snow as she neared the ground. A couple parka-clad crewmen scurried about as she felt the skids hit the ground.

The helicopter rotors died with a whine as they stopped rotating. With a smirk on her face, Ahsoka clicked the intercom. "Everyone, this is your pilot speaking. We have safely arrived at Peary Station at the North Pole. When it comes to air travel to the Arctic, we know you had no choice, but thanks anyway for choosing Skyguy's Suicidal Airline."

Rex chuckled in the cabin, and Fives smirked at him, "That pilot's really something. Eh, boss?"

"You got that right, Fives. Now let's go."

Rex's group filed out and were met by Commander Fox. Rex, Cody, and Fox saluted each other before Fox smiled. "It's good to see you guys."

Rex nodded, "Always a pleasure Fox."

Fox gestured with his hand, "Come on. Let's get you out of the cold. I'll brief you on the situation here."

They all walked into the station, placing their weapons and gear up against the wall of the common room and hung their parkas on a row of hooks on the wall. Rex and Cody followed Fox into his office while the others grabbed some coffee and ate.

Fox gestured to two seats in front of his desk and said, "I'll get right to the point. Feel free to take a seat." He turned to the wall as Rex and Cody sat down, "Two days ago, an aircraft of unknown origin and model crashed here." He indicated a red pin on a map. "I believe it's the Soviets, but we don't have the manpower to investigate it. All we have present here besides me are two soldiers who are also technicians for the radar dish and our vehicles, a radioman from the Navy who also monitors radar scopes, a scientist, a nurse, and a secretary. We needed you to help investigate the wreck."

Rex nodded, "General Skywalker said something about it behaving abnormally."

Fox nodded and pressed the intercom on his desk, "Ms. Larte, can you please get Vartan up here."

A female voice responded, "Right away, Commander Fox."

Meanwhile, Ahsoka extended the wheels on the bottom of the skids before jumping out. Two parka-clad Privates named Boil and Waxer helped her push the chopper into the small vehicle hanger next to the other Huey stationed at Peary Station. Boil opened the door to the underground walkway that connected the hangar to the rest of the base and he and Waxer went back outside.

Stepping inside the base, Ahsoka shrugged off her snow covered flight jacket and sat down with a cup of coffee. She was content to just fall asleep when she heard something, no... someone familiar. "Ahsoka? Is that you?"

She turned to see a young woman standing behind her. She had long, braided black hair, and had skin a little bit darker than Rex's. The woman smiled brightly, "It is you!"

Ahsoka also smiled brightly as the woman ran towards her, "Kaedan!"

So, y'all have met part of the American cast. Who do you think survives and who do you think will be the one with Ahsoka in the helicopter chase?