ENTER THE STALKERS: A Star Wars alternate universe story
Part 4
Author's Note: This fanfic is dedicated to the officers and men who died in the longest running firefight since Vietnam. The place, Mogadishu and the soldiers were members of the US Army's Night Stalkers, Delta Force, and Rangers. As September 11, 2001 and the counterattack fades into the history books, it does well for one to reflect on the servicemen going into harm's way and remember that Freedom Is Never Free.
Chapter 4: Training Day
Star Wars Universe Planet Naboo
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint, Shepherd, and Qui Gon had just reached the edge of the woods when the strangest looking creature walked up to them.
"Hallo, whosa are yousa? Meesa be Jar Jar Binks", introduced the creature.
A look of shock spread over the faces of the two Americans. They had never seen anything like this except on the Sci Fi channel back home. Oh shit, what is this? Thought Saint. It looks like something Steven Speilberg would dream up after taking some bad acid. He felt that calming presence his mind and the surprise faded into nothingness. He turned to Qui Gon and thanked him.
"Uhhhhh, nice to meet you, I'm Anthony Christopher and this is Sgt. Shepherd. You will have to forgive me but I have never been around sentient creatures that were not human".
"Yousa only been around humans? Sheesh, replied the Gungan "Wellsa I gotta go, bye, bye."
"Yeah, uhh bye" Saint said to the retreating Gungan. He turned to the Jedi. "Even with the info from that mind link trick we used before, it is still weird to meet aliens." A wide grin appeared on his face. "If only George Lucas and Stephen Speilberg could see me now."
From his link with Saint, Qui Gon understood completely what his young fiend was talking about. He smiled back at his young friend. It was refreshing how at ease with whole situation the American was. " I understand, however, the queen is calling everybody together to plan our counterattack on the Trade Federation and we should be there"
"Lead on".
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Queen Amidala, Obi Wan, Anakin, McCoy, and the rest of her command group were assembled around a speeder when the trio showed up. A map was spread out over the hood of what looked like a fifties car without the wheels and floating in mid air. I will never get over the contrast of high technology and nostalgia on this planet. Thought Saint.
Anakin and the queen turned around and were surprised in the change of appearance in the pilot. The pilot was loaded for bear. He now had some kind of camoflaged harness on his body that held ammunition pouches, pistol holster, knife, canteens, and green orbs. Hanging off his shoulder was what appeared to be some kind of blaster rifle. Sgt. Shepherd took a similar weapon off his shoulder and tossed it to McCoy. He kept another weapon that had a wood stock in place of the plastics or composites used by most blaster rifles. All in all, they gave off the impression that here were two professionals. Saint took off his K-pot off his head, walked up to Captain Panaka, and saluted.
"Lt. Anthony Christopher, US Army, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, I heard you needed reinforcements"
Panaka had been fully briefed by the queen returned the salute, reached out and shook Saint's hand. "Queen Amidala briefed me on your people and capabilities. We are happy to have you with us."
The Gungan delegation arrived shortly and the group got down to planning the assault. It was decided that the Gungans would launch an assault that would divert the majority of the droid army away from the city of Theed. At the same time the Queen would lead a small group of Naboo guards, police, and the Americans into the city. They would enter the palace through a secret passage, free the pilots, capture the Trade Federation viceroy and force him to get they occupation forces off the planet and break off the blockade. Queen Amidala turned to Saint.
"Leutenant Christopher, you and your men have the most experience in this type of operations, what do you think?
"Well, maam, the basic plan is good . I would recommend that you have at least one of the Delta operators with each group when you split your forces in the palace. What kind of forces does the Trade Federation have?"
Captain Panaka chose that moment to speak up. "Lt. Christopher, the Trade Federation uses mass produced battle droids to make up their army. They are cheap and controlled by a central control ship orbitting the planet. We will be using blaster pistols, an energy weapon and light artillery. What kind of weapons do you have?"
Saint held up his weapon: "This is a Colt M-4. It is a more compact version of the US Army's standard battle rifle, the M-16A2. It fires a semi-armor piercing projectile of .223 caliber that is effective to about where that tree over there is." He ejected the magazine, took out a bullet and showed to Panaka.
"Looks messy" stated the Naboo.
"It is. The projectile tumbles on impact, making a really nasty wound. The weapon has a magazine with thirty rounds and can be set to semi automatic or three round burst. Sgt. McCoy has a M-21 sniper rifle as his primary weapon. It is a sniper version of an older battle rifle and fires a heavier projectile which is more accurate at longer ranges. In addition, we each have a 9mm Baretta as a secondary weapon. How effective do you think they will be against the droids?"
"The battle droids are cheap mass produced weapons. So, they will not have to of the line armor. Your bullets, I believe that's what you call them, may do some damage. To be on the safe side you might want to carry a blaster pistol. One shot from this will definitely take out a droid." He handed an example to Saint. The two Delta operators also received blaster apiece.
Saint took the offered weapon from Panaka. It was no heavier than the Baretta and seemed to operate the same way except for the fact that it fired a energy bolt instead of the usual bullet.
" If you don't mind, my men and I would like to get off a few shots getting used to these weapons before we leave." Saint then turned to the other matter. " Captain Panaka, normally, I would have Sergeants McCoy and Shepherd train your people in modern combat tactics. However, we just don't have the time. Therefore, it would be best to have one of us advising your main groups."
Captain Panaka, recognizing his people not having the training or experience in this type of operation agreed. "Lt. Christopher the queen wants you and Sgt. McCoy to be with her group. Sgt. Shepherd will accompany the other force in the palace. Lets get your people checked out on those blasters."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The three Americans walked out to the edge of the woods and prepared to do a little target shooting. Saint went first, pulled out the blaster pistol, used a two hand grip and shot at a boulder about fifty yards in the distance. A flash appeared at the mussel of the weapon and a beam of light shot out to the boulder, blasting it into pebbles.
"Wow"
Panaka grinned at the American's reaction. Saint then spotted a line of boulders. Choosing two of them, he double tapped both while walking briskly to them. The two Delta operators joined him and began shooting at their targets. Looking over his shoulder, Saint noticed his audience growing with the inclusion of Amidala, Qui Gon, and Anakin. Okay, can't afford to miss while people are looking.
Obi Wan looking on commented to Qui Gon: "Master, Do you remember how we seem to be continuosly picking up strays?" then blushed as Qui Gon gently chided him
"Somehow I do not think these people would appreciate being considered pathetic life forms."
"You are right Master. No pathetic life form could shoot like that."
The three Americans spent the next ten minutes target shooting and getting used to their weapons. They stopped in surprise at the spontaneous applause that greeted their return. Captain Panaka walked up to them and asked saint.
"That was some of the best marksmanship I have ever seen, how did you do it?"
"Before starting flight school I was on the path to becoming an infantry officer. Believe it or not, even officers are expected to know how to shoot" Saint answered with a smirk. "However, the Night Stalkers works closely with the Rangers and Delta Force. I spent a lot of time at the ranges practicing my shooting. Generally, Delta operators a crack shots as a group. As for Sergeants McCoy and Shepherd, in addition to being Delta operators, they are also snipers." Pointing to a tree a thousand yards away from them, Saint continued, "McCoy is so accurate with his M21, he can pick off the smallest branch off that tree. Shepherd is good as McCoy. They are two people you do NOT want to be your enemy."
Panaka nodded his head and suggested that they meet their respective groups before leaving.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint walked up to his group as the queen introduced him and Sergeant McCoy to the rest of the Naboo. It was an image of camaraderie. Both American and Naboo were intermingled, sharing experiences and tactics. The young American was lost in thought as he looked over the assembled party. His expression was noticed by the queen.
" You have the look of a person deep in thought. What are you thinking about, Lieutenant?"
Saint shook his head, smiled and replied to Amidala.
"I was just thinking about the creed of the group of soldiers I've spent a lot time around. It's called the Ranger Creed. Oh, you can call me Saint or Anthony"
"Well Saint, why don't you relate this Ranger Creed to the Rest of us"
Saint stood up in front of the group and motioned for their attention.
"As you command my queen, it goes something like this"
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers
Acknowledging the fact that Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle be land, air, or sea, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the examples for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
"Thank you, Saint. Now lets get going. It's time to leave".
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TBC Next: Chapter 5: Into the Fire
Keep Up The Feedback and Reviews!!!! Expect lots of action in the next chapter as American fighting men go in action against the Trade Federation. Picture the combat scenes from Blackhawk Down and you will get the picture.
Until Next Time, Merry Prankster out.
Part 4
Author's Note: This fanfic is dedicated to the officers and men who died in the longest running firefight since Vietnam. The place, Mogadishu and the soldiers were members of the US Army's Night Stalkers, Delta Force, and Rangers. As September 11, 2001 and the counterattack fades into the history books, it does well for one to reflect on the servicemen going into harm's way and remember that Freedom Is Never Free.
Chapter 4: Training Day
Star Wars Universe Planet Naboo
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint, Shepherd, and Qui Gon had just reached the edge of the woods when the strangest looking creature walked up to them.
"Hallo, whosa are yousa? Meesa be Jar Jar Binks", introduced the creature.
A look of shock spread over the faces of the two Americans. They had never seen anything like this except on the Sci Fi channel back home. Oh shit, what is this? Thought Saint. It looks like something Steven Speilberg would dream up after taking some bad acid. He felt that calming presence his mind and the surprise faded into nothingness. He turned to Qui Gon and thanked him.
"Uhhhhh, nice to meet you, I'm Anthony Christopher and this is Sgt. Shepherd. You will have to forgive me but I have never been around sentient creatures that were not human".
"Yousa only been around humans? Sheesh, replied the Gungan "Wellsa I gotta go, bye, bye."
"Yeah, uhh bye" Saint said to the retreating Gungan. He turned to the Jedi. "Even with the info from that mind link trick we used before, it is still weird to meet aliens." A wide grin appeared on his face. "If only George Lucas and Stephen Speilberg could see me now."
From his link with Saint, Qui Gon understood completely what his young fiend was talking about. He smiled back at his young friend. It was refreshing how at ease with whole situation the American was. " I understand, however, the queen is calling everybody together to plan our counterattack on the Trade Federation and we should be there"
"Lead on".
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Queen Amidala, Obi Wan, Anakin, McCoy, and the rest of her command group were assembled around a speeder when the trio showed up. A map was spread out over the hood of what looked like a fifties car without the wheels and floating in mid air. I will never get over the contrast of high technology and nostalgia on this planet. Thought Saint.
Anakin and the queen turned around and were surprised in the change of appearance in the pilot. The pilot was loaded for bear. He now had some kind of camoflaged harness on his body that held ammunition pouches, pistol holster, knife, canteens, and green orbs. Hanging off his shoulder was what appeared to be some kind of blaster rifle. Sgt. Shepherd took a similar weapon off his shoulder and tossed it to McCoy. He kept another weapon that had a wood stock in place of the plastics or composites used by most blaster rifles. All in all, they gave off the impression that here were two professionals. Saint took off his K-pot off his head, walked up to Captain Panaka, and saluted.
"Lt. Anthony Christopher, US Army, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, I heard you needed reinforcements"
Panaka had been fully briefed by the queen returned the salute, reached out and shook Saint's hand. "Queen Amidala briefed me on your people and capabilities. We are happy to have you with us."
The Gungan delegation arrived shortly and the group got down to planning the assault. It was decided that the Gungans would launch an assault that would divert the majority of the droid army away from the city of Theed. At the same time the Queen would lead a small group of Naboo guards, police, and the Americans into the city. They would enter the palace through a secret passage, free the pilots, capture the Trade Federation viceroy and force him to get they occupation forces off the planet and break off the blockade. Queen Amidala turned to Saint.
"Leutenant Christopher, you and your men have the most experience in this type of operations, what do you think?
"Well, maam, the basic plan is good . I would recommend that you have at least one of the Delta operators with each group when you split your forces in the palace. What kind of forces does the Trade Federation have?"
Captain Panaka chose that moment to speak up. "Lt. Christopher, the Trade Federation uses mass produced battle droids to make up their army. They are cheap and controlled by a central control ship orbitting the planet. We will be using blaster pistols, an energy weapon and light artillery. What kind of weapons do you have?"
Saint held up his weapon: "This is a Colt M-4. It is a more compact version of the US Army's standard battle rifle, the M-16A2. It fires a semi-armor piercing projectile of .223 caliber that is effective to about where that tree over there is." He ejected the magazine, took out a bullet and showed to Panaka.
"Looks messy" stated the Naboo.
"It is. The projectile tumbles on impact, making a really nasty wound. The weapon has a magazine with thirty rounds and can be set to semi automatic or three round burst. Sgt. McCoy has a M-21 sniper rifle as his primary weapon. It is a sniper version of an older battle rifle and fires a heavier projectile which is more accurate at longer ranges. In addition, we each have a 9mm Baretta as a secondary weapon. How effective do you think they will be against the droids?"
"The battle droids are cheap mass produced weapons. So, they will not have to of the line armor. Your bullets, I believe that's what you call them, may do some damage. To be on the safe side you might want to carry a blaster pistol. One shot from this will definitely take out a droid." He handed an example to Saint. The two Delta operators also received blaster apiece.
Saint took the offered weapon from Panaka. It was no heavier than the Baretta and seemed to operate the same way except for the fact that it fired a energy bolt instead of the usual bullet.
" If you don't mind, my men and I would like to get off a few shots getting used to these weapons before we leave." Saint then turned to the other matter. " Captain Panaka, normally, I would have Sergeants McCoy and Shepherd train your people in modern combat tactics. However, we just don't have the time. Therefore, it would be best to have one of us advising your main groups."
Captain Panaka, recognizing his people not having the training or experience in this type of operation agreed. "Lt. Christopher the queen wants you and Sgt. McCoy to be with her group. Sgt. Shepherd will accompany the other force in the palace. Lets get your people checked out on those blasters."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The three Americans walked out to the edge of the woods and prepared to do a little target shooting. Saint went first, pulled out the blaster pistol, used a two hand grip and shot at a boulder about fifty yards in the distance. A flash appeared at the mussel of the weapon and a beam of light shot out to the boulder, blasting it into pebbles.
"Wow"
Panaka grinned at the American's reaction. Saint then spotted a line of boulders. Choosing two of them, he double tapped both while walking briskly to them. The two Delta operators joined him and began shooting at their targets. Looking over his shoulder, Saint noticed his audience growing with the inclusion of Amidala, Qui Gon, and Anakin. Okay, can't afford to miss while people are looking.
Obi Wan looking on commented to Qui Gon: "Master, Do you remember how we seem to be continuosly picking up strays?" then blushed as Qui Gon gently chided him
"Somehow I do not think these people would appreciate being considered pathetic life forms."
"You are right Master. No pathetic life form could shoot like that."
The three Americans spent the next ten minutes target shooting and getting used to their weapons. They stopped in surprise at the spontaneous applause that greeted their return. Captain Panaka walked up to them and asked saint.
"That was some of the best marksmanship I have ever seen, how did you do it?"
"Before starting flight school I was on the path to becoming an infantry officer. Believe it or not, even officers are expected to know how to shoot" Saint answered with a smirk. "However, the Night Stalkers works closely with the Rangers and Delta Force. I spent a lot of time at the ranges practicing my shooting. Generally, Delta operators a crack shots as a group. As for Sergeants McCoy and Shepherd, in addition to being Delta operators, they are also snipers." Pointing to a tree a thousand yards away from them, Saint continued, "McCoy is so accurate with his M21, he can pick off the smallest branch off that tree. Shepherd is good as McCoy. They are two people you do NOT want to be your enemy."
Panaka nodded his head and suggested that they meet their respective groups before leaving.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint walked up to his group as the queen introduced him and Sergeant McCoy to the rest of the Naboo. It was an image of camaraderie. Both American and Naboo were intermingled, sharing experiences and tactics. The young American was lost in thought as he looked over the assembled party. His expression was noticed by the queen.
" You have the look of a person deep in thought. What are you thinking about, Lieutenant?"
Saint shook his head, smiled and replied to Amidala.
"I was just thinking about the creed of the group of soldiers I've spent a lot time around. It's called the Ranger Creed. Oh, you can call me Saint or Anthony"
"Well Saint, why don't you relate this Ranger Creed to the Rest of us"
Saint stood up in front of the group and motioned for their attention.
"As you command my queen, it goes something like this"
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers
Acknowledging the fact that Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle be land, air, or sea, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the examples for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
"Thank you, Saint. Now lets get going. It's time to leave".
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TBC Next: Chapter 5: Into the Fire
Keep Up The Feedback and Reviews!!!! Expect lots of action in the next chapter as American fighting men go in action against the Trade Federation. Picture the combat scenes from Blackhawk Down and you will get the picture.
Until Next Time, Merry Prankster out.