Wolves on the Border: A Star Wars Alternate Universe Story
By: The Merry Prankster
Chapter Four: Broken Arrow
Rebel Headquarters Yavin IV
Star Wars Universe
The pilots filed into the ready room for the morning briefing. Green Squadron had taken heavy losses during recent operations against the Imperials. In fact, their greatest loss was their commander. Green Leader had been killed during the last raid and now Green Squadron was getting a new commander. The rumor mill was running rampant. One of the pilots leaned over to talk with Captain Kinnear, Green Squadron's most experienced pilot.
"Do you know anything about this Major Powers?"
"All I know is that he is the one behind trashing the old three ship formation and replacing it with the new finger four formation."
"Blue squadron used it to wax Red Squadron during that last training exercise."
"Whoever he is, he has Dodonna's ear. Those new space combat strategies are making a difference out there. More new recruits are living through their first mission these days."
Their wait was about to end when the pilot next to the door stood straight up and shouted
"Attenshun"
The man who entered was definitely your run of the mill rebel commander. For one, his flight suit was green, not the usual orange. Also, he had some type of brown leather jacket with a set of wings over his breast. Finally, he was obviously regular military. His voice could be heard without the microphone.
"You may be seated. Good morning, My name is Major Powers. I have been directed by the Rebel High Command to take over this squadron and return it to combat status. You have a reputation of being one of the hardest fighting squadrons in the Alliance. That reputation has been earned with the cost of many pilots. All I ask is that you keep up with me in the upcoming days. To those who cannot, that strange sensation you feel in the seat of your pants will be my boot in your ass!" A chorus of chuckles filled the room after that last statement. "Gentlemen, we are at war and we will be the top fighter squadron in the Alliance. Effective immediately, there will be some changes around here. First, all orange flight suits will be exchanged for those of green. I don't want to see any of you become easy targets should you find yourself on the ground. Second, we will begin a period of intensive training involving air-to-air and air- to-ground combat. By the time we are done, you will be able to stand up to the best pilots anywhere. Third, crew chiefs will have their names painted on the X-Wings they service. They play an important role in getting these birds into the air. Finally, Green Squadron no longer exists. We are now the Flying Tigers. Each T-65 will have a shark mouth painted on the nose of each craft as our squadron marking. Tasteful nose art will be allowed. Dismissed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
General Dodonna was updating Mon Mothma on the latest combat reports when someone knocked on the door.
"Enter"
Major Powers entered the office, walked up to the general, and saluted.
"Sir, Major Powers reporting as ordered."
"At ease Major, what is the status on retraining the squadrons?"
" Well sir and ma'am, coordination between the various squadrons has gotten better. It won't be long that they will be up to Air Force standards. Switching over to the new formation met some resistance from the 'old hands'. However, that changed quickly after a few training missions. All in all, I would say we are coming along."
"Well, what are your impressions about the former Green Squadron? Also, what possessed you to have mouths painted on your X-Wings?"
" The personnel are good. Their morale was shaky from the recent losses and change in command. However, they are now at the level of proficiency that would have been expected from USAF frontline fighter squadrons. I would put them against any opponent. As to the shark mouths and uniform changes, we are a combat unit and the nose art helps build up the esprit de corps."
Mon Mothma turned around from a star map she had been examining.
"Major Powers, based on your experience and training, how would you rate Alliance squadrons?"
"Ma'm generally, the Alliance has better ships than the Empire. Your pilots are also highly motivated and talented. Your disadvantage has been in the are of tactics. Your squadrons were using tactics that had been thrown out by the militaries of my world. That said, the new tactics are working we will be able to take on anything the Empire throws against us."
"Thank you Major Powers, you may leave."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The jailbreak was in action. One stormtrooper ran down the line of cell blocks, looking for a particular occupant. The door opened with a rush of air. Inside, the princess looked up and stated:
"Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"
"Huh, oh yeah. I'm Luke Skywalker and we're here to rescue you."
After a short exchange, Luke and the princess left the cell only to have Han Solo and Chewbacka came running back. Laser bolts flashed down the corridor as the Imperials cut off their only escape route.
"What do you mean, you don't have a plan for getting out of here?"
Han pointed towards Luke and shouted back:
"Don't ask me, he's the brains."
Leia grabbed a blaster, shot out a grill. Han asked her what she was doing.
"Getting us out of here."
The four doved into the hole and an unknown future.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Tigers had drawn outer system patrol this day. Wolfman climbed into his X-Wing and performed his preflight checklist.
"Tiger Leader to control, requesting permission for takeoff"
"Roger, Tiger Leader you are cleared for takeoff."
The four ship flight rose through the atmosphere and reached space. Wolfman looked over his flight. Man, a lot has changed over the last few weeks. Thought the pilot. I never thought I would be flying in space. If only those NASA boys could see me now. The flight flew past the gravity pull of Yavin IV to the edge of the system. They were passing the returning Red Squadron patrol. Wolfman looked over the returning rebels. Red Squadron had gotten much better over the last weeks. In fact Biggs had become Wolfman's unofficial student in the art of air combat. Power's introspection was interrupted by a com message from Biggs. "Tiger 2-1. Tiger 2-1 switch to guard frequency, we have a problem."
"Speeder is a word, Biggs. I don't want to hear it."
"It is not a word, it's a contraction."
"Speeder is a word in common usage. That, is the key word to the rules of scrabble my good friend, common usage."
"But it's not in the dictionary files"
A clearly exasperated Wolfman yelled out "It doesn't have to be in the dictionary!"
"Look Wolfman, when we get back, it's coming off the screen"
"Touch my speeder and I'll slap you silly Biggs."
"Yeah, yeah, promises, promises" was heard as Biggs signed off.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A smug Han Solo leaned back in his seat as he turned to the rescued princess.
"You know that wasn't a bad piece of flying. Sometimes I even impress myself."
"It doesn't take much. It was too easy."
"Easy, what are you talking about?"
"They let us go. I only hope that the information carried by the droids will be of some use."
The Falcon flew into the Yavin Star System and was intercepted by Tiger flight. The four X-Wings took up escorting positions. Leia looked out at the rebel starfighters and blinked. Since when did the Rebellion begin allowing pilots to paint snarling mouths on their X-Wings? Also, just what was that artwork on the lead craft? She could not remember any rebel squadrons sporting that form of markings. Her thoughts were interrupted by an incoming com message.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thump was the first to notice the inbound Millenium Falcon. He quickly notified Wolfman about the contact.
"Tiger 2-1 to Tiger lead, I have an unknown Bogey bearing three five zero. Targetting computer has identified unknown as a YT-1300 light freighter." "Rog 2-1, lets id this bogey. If he turns out to be hostile, we'll take him out."
The four fighters quickly assumed escort positions. Wolfman noticed the quad laser arrays on the ships dorsal and ventral positions. He immediately ordered Thump and 2-2 to fall back behind the unknown, out of it's firing arcs. The two X-Wings assumed their positions while Wolfman contacted the bogey.
"Unknown freighter this is Tiger Leader, you have entered a restricted area. Identify yourself or we will open fire."
Leia gave Han the proper security codes to transmit to the X-Wings.
"Tiger Leader, I am transmitting security codes now."
The codes matched the ones provided to Princess Leia. Wolfman contacted the rebel base. Tiger Flight was directed to escort the Falcon back to base.
"Millennium Falcon, your codes check out. We will escort you back to base."
"Thanks, there was one thing I was wondering about?"
"Go ahead"
"Just what is that green thing painted on your ship?"
"I'll tell you all about it when we get back to the base. Tiger Leader out!"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TBC
Authors Note: The action is about to heat up again with the approach of a certain big metal ball. The next installment, Chapter Five: "We're Gonna Win This Fight", will see the big combat scene. Who knows what effect our two American hotshots will have on the finale. You'll just have to check it out. I am already looking at a sequal to "Enter the Stalkers". Be assured the boy scout will be doing good deeds and dragging anybody, including the Jedi Council, into helping out. Keep up the reviews.
Merry Prankster Out
Chapter Four: Broken Arrow
Rebel Headquarters Yavin IV
Star Wars Universe
The pilots filed into the ready room for the morning briefing. Green Squadron had taken heavy losses during recent operations against the Imperials. In fact, their greatest loss was their commander. Green Leader had been killed during the last raid and now Green Squadron was getting a new commander. The rumor mill was running rampant. One of the pilots leaned over to talk with Captain Kinnear, Green Squadron's most experienced pilot.
"Do you know anything about this Major Powers?"
"All I know is that he is the one behind trashing the old three ship formation and replacing it with the new finger four formation."
"Blue squadron used it to wax Red Squadron during that last training exercise."
"Whoever he is, he has Dodonna's ear. Those new space combat strategies are making a difference out there. More new recruits are living through their first mission these days."
Their wait was about to end when the pilot next to the door stood straight up and shouted
"Attenshun"
The man who entered was definitely your run of the mill rebel commander. For one, his flight suit was green, not the usual orange. Also, he had some type of brown leather jacket with a set of wings over his breast. Finally, he was obviously regular military. His voice could be heard without the microphone.
"You may be seated. Good morning, My name is Major Powers. I have been directed by the Rebel High Command to take over this squadron and return it to combat status. You have a reputation of being one of the hardest fighting squadrons in the Alliance. That reputation has been earned with the cost of many pilots. All I ask is that you keep up with me in the upcoming days. To those who cannot, that strange sensation you feel in the seat of your pants will be my boot in your ass!" A chorus of chuckles filled the room after that last statement. "Gentlemen, we are at war and we will be the top fighter squadron in the Alliance. Effective immediately, there will be some changes around here. First, all orange flight suits will be exchanged for those of green. I don't want to see any of you become easy targets should you find yourself on the ground. Second, we will begin a period of intensive training involving air-to-air and air- to-ground combat. By the time we are done, you will be able to stand up to the best pilots anywhere. Third, crew chiefs will have their names painted on the X-Wings they service. They play an important role in getting these birds into the air. Finally, Green Squadron no longer exists. We are now the Flying Tigers. Each T-65 will have a shark mouth painted on the nose of each craft as our squadron marking. Tasteful nose art will be allowed. Dismissed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
General Dodonna was updating Mon Mothma on the latest combat reports when someone knocked on the door.
"Enter"
Major Powers entered the office, walked up to the general, and saluted.
"Sir, Major Powers reporting as ordered."
"At ease Major, what is the status on retraining the squadrons?"
" Well sir and ma'am, coordination between the various squadrons has gotten better. It won't be long that they will be up to Air Force standards. Switching over to the new formation met some resistance from the 'old hands'. However, that changed quickly after a few training missions. All in all, I would say we are coming along."
"Well, what are your impressions about the former Green Squadron? Also, what possessed you to have mouths painted on your X-Wings?"
" The personnel are good. Their morale was shaky from the recent losses and change in command. However, they are now at the level of proficiency that would have been expected from USAF frontline fighter squadrons. I would put them against any opponent. As to the shark mouths and uniform changes, we are a combat unit and the nose art helps build up the esprit de corps."
Mon Mothma turned around from a star map she had been examining.
"Major Powers, based on your experience and training, how would you rate Alliance squadrons?"
"Ma'm generally, the Alliance has better ships than the Empire. Your pilots are also highly motivated and talented. Your disadvantage has been in the are of tactics. Your squadrons were using tactics that had been thrown out by the militaries of my world. That said, the new tactics are working we will be able to take on anything the Empire throws against us."
"Thank you Major Powers, you may leave."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The jailbreak was in action. One stormtrooper ran down the line of cell blocks, looking for a particular occupant. The door opened with a rush of air. Inside, the princess looked up and stated:
"Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"
"Huh, oh yeah. I'm Luke Skywalker and we're here to rescue you."
After a short exchange, Luke and the princess left the cell only to have Han Solo and Chewbacka came running back. Laser bolts flashed down the corridor as the Imperials cut off their only escape route.
"What do you mean, you don't have a plan for getting out of here?"
Han pointed towards Luke and shouted back:
"Don't ask me, he's the brains."
Leia grabbed a blaster, shot out a grill. Han asked her what she was doing.
"Getting us out of here."
The four doved into the hole and an unknown future.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Tigers had drawn outer system patrol this day. Wolfman climbed into his X-Wing and performed his preflight checklist.
"Tiger Leader to control, requesting permission for takeoff"
"Roger, Tiger Leader you are cleared for takeoff."
The four ship flight rose through the atmosphere and reached space. Wolfman looked over his flight. Man, a lot has changed over the last few weeks. Thought the pilot. I never thought I would be flying in space. If only those NASA boys could see me now. The flight flew past the gravity pull of Yavin IV to the edge of the system. They were passing the returning Red Squadron patrol. Wolfman looked over the returning rebels. Red Squadron had gotten much better over the last weeks. In fact Biggs had become Wolfman's unofficial student in the art of air combat. Power's introspection was interrupted by a com message from Biggs. "Tiger 2-1. Tiger 2-1 switch to guard frequency, we have a problem."
"Speeder is a word, Biggs. I don't want to hear it."
"It is not a word, it's a contraction."
"Speeder is a word in common usage. That, is the key word to the rules of scrabble my good friend, common usage."
"But it's not in the dictionary files"
A clearly exasperated Wolfman yelled out "It doesn't have to be in the dictionary!"
"Look Wolfman, when we get back, it's coming off the screen"
"Touch my speeder and I'll slap you silly Biggs."
"Yeah, yeah, promises, promises" was heard as Biggs signed off.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A smug Han Solo leaned back in his seat as he turned to the rescued princess.
"You know that wasn't a bad piece of flying. Sometimes I even impress myself."
"It doesn't take much. It was too easy."
"Easy, what are you talking about?"
"They let us go. I only hope that the information carried by the droids will be of some use."
The Falcon flew into the Yavin Star System and was intercepted by Tiger flight. The four X-Wings took up escorting positions. Leia looked out at the rebel starfighters and blinked. Since when did the Rebellion begin allowing pilots to paint snarling mouths on their X-Wings? Also, just what was that artwork on the lead craft? She could not remember any rebel squadrons sporting that form of markings. Her thoughts were interrupted by an incoming com message.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thump was the first to notice the inbound Millenium Falcon. He quickly notified Wolfman about the contact.
"Tiger 2-1 to Tiger lead, I have an unknown Bogey bearing three five zero. Targetting computer has identified unknown as a YT-1300 light freighter." "Rog 2-1, lets id this bogey. If he turns out to be hostile, we'll take him out."
The four fighters quickly assumed escort positions. Wolfman noticed the quad laser arrays on the ships dorsal and ventral positions. He immediately ordered Thump and 2-2 to fall back behind the unknown, out of it's firing arcs. The two X-Wings assumed their positions while Wolfman contacted the bogey.
"Unknown freighter this is Tiger Leader, you have entered a restricted area. Identify yourself or we will open fire."
Leia gave Han the proper security codes to transmit to the X-Wings.
"Tiger Leader, I am transmitting security codes now."
The codes matched the ones provided to Princess Leia. Wolfman contacted the rebel base. Tiger Flight was directed to escort the Falcon back to base.
"Millennium Falcon, your codes check out. We will escort you back to base."
"Thanks, there was one thing I was wondering about?"
"Go ahead"
"Just what is that green thing painted on your ship?"
"I'll tell you all about it when we get back to the base. Tiger Leader out!"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TBC
Authors Note: The action is about to heat up again with the approach of a certain big metal ball. The next installment, Chapter Five: "We're Gonna Win This Fight", will see the big combat scene. Who knows what effect our two American hotshots will have on the finale. You'll just have to check it out. I am already looking at a sequal to "Enter the Stalkers". Be assured the boy scout will be doing good deeds and dragging anybody, including the Jedi Council, into helping out. Keep up the reviews.
Merry Prankster Out