ENTER THE STALKERS: A Star Wars alternate universe story
Part 5
Star Wars Universe Planet Naboo
Chapter 5: Into The Fire
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Obi Wan sat back in the speeder to mentally prepare himself for the approaching battle. Anakin was enjoying the ride in a manner available only to a young child. I'm glad one of us is oblivious to what is about to occur, thought Obi Wan. He looked at the Americans. Now, they were something different. The two Delta operators with their camo battle dress uniforms, black helmets, and weapons looked like they could take on the Trade Federation by themselves and win. Saint, on the other hand, was an enigma. Obi Wan chuckled at the contradictions shown by the young pilot. On one hand he had a cocky, almost arrogant attitude, that was common among pilots in any universe. Yet, by his own words, he could never stand by and let innocents suffer. Then , add in his untrained force abilities, Qui Gon was right, Saint definitely had the soul of a jedi. He laughed at himself at the thoughts running through his head. Even I am calling him by his aviator call sign, Saint . It was an appropriate title. Although he barely held off laughing his head off at the co-pilot calling Saint a Damn Boy Scout. The padewan's thoughts were interrupted by Saint's directions to their party.
"Okay people listen up. According to Queen Amidala, we are close to Theed so here are some things you need to know. First, When in combat, DO NOT bunch up. I know being close to your friends reassures you when the lasers start firing. Remember, one man is a waste of ammo, five men is a juicy opportunity. Second, when fighting in the city stay close to the walls and dash across the streets in small groups. Just follow my lead and you will do all right. Also, when crossing the street, have at least one back to provide cover fire if necessary. Since, infantry officers are trained to lead from the front my men and I will take point"
A tremor in the force was felt by both Jedi and it seemed to originate from the American pilot. Obi Wan turned to his master and asked him if he felt that.
Qui Gon whispered back "Yes our young friend is even more powerful than we thought. Even though he does not know it, he is very powerful for one untrained. However, he uses that power for only good. It will be interesting to see what will happen."
"Master, he is rather old to begin jedi training. Do you think the council will want him tested and perhaps trained?"
"The ways of the Force is often hard to decipher and the future is never clear. However, I do know that times have just become interesting" replied the older Jedi.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Naboo freedom fighters and their American Allies swiftly approached the City of Theed in their speeders. Saint could not get over the vehicles they were riding in. The floated in the air, moved at speeds usually reserved for aircraft, yet looked like something out a fifties B' movie. Man, sometimes I still wonder if I'm dreaming and will wake up on a US Navy hospital ship, thought Saint. He looked over at the older Jedi and noticed he was observing him with a slight smile on his face. It was as if their mind link in the woods had opened some kind of connection between the two men.
In the short time they had been together, the older Jedi and young pilot had become friends. Saint thought about and realized that the only person who had a similar relationship was hi father. Wonder what dad would think if he knew his little boy was on another world helping to free an oppressed people from robot conquerers? Thought Saint. He was jolted out of his introspection when Qui Gon spoke to him:
"I believe your father would be very proud with what you are doing."
The American blinked in surprised. " How did you know what I was thinking?"
Qui Gon replied in that calming voice, Saint had begun to associate with the older man. "You were broadcasting your thoughts through the force rather forcefully. Any trained force user would have picked it up. If you like, I could show you how to shield your thoughts?"
"Thanks, I would appreciate it" stated the Pilot. Qui Gon placed his hands on the sides of Saint's head and showed him how to shield his emotions and thoughts through the force. Soon afterwards, the speeded reached the outskirts of one of the most beautiful cities Saint had ever seen. It looked like a cross between a Renaissance city, which Saint had learned about in college and something out of the mind of Stephen Spielberg or George Lucas.
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The Nubians, Jedi, and Nubians got out of the speeders. Saint held up his right hand, cliched in a fist to get everybody to hold up. Queen Amidala nodded her head in unspoken agreement to what Saint was about to say.
"Listen up, when we enter the city. Stay out of the middle of the street. Do not bunch up. While we have to get to the palace quickly, we will leapfrog the streets. In other words one group will provide cover for the other crossing the street. Remember, when fighting in a city, be aware that threats can come from in and out of the surrounding buildings. Pay attention to your surroundings. Most people who are shot in combat never knew what hit them. Your majesty, did I leave anything out?"
"No, Lieutenant, you covered everything that needed to be covered." Replied the queen. Saint looked over to Sgt. Shepherd who nodded an affirmative to him. The Nubians and Americans began their infiltration of the city. Saint and Sgt. Shepherd accompanied the queen in the lead. The Americans influenced the actions of the Nubians by their example. They started out into the city with rifle buts to their shoulders switching where they aimed their weapons from the street to the buildings and back. It was apparent that they were ready for an attack in any direction. The Nubian guards followed suit by having their blasters out and mimicked the actions of the Delta operators. The Delta operators had hit it off with the Nubian guards and police from the start. They were looked up to as an example of proper soldiering.
The part reached the square which had been designated to be the jump off point in no time. Now they waited for the signal to begin their attack.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile another part of Naboo saw the convergence of two massive armies. One, a low tech David, faced off a high tech droid Goliath. The droid army filled the horizon and began to advance on the Gungans. They started their attack with a bombardment of the Gungan lines. The droids quickly noticed that their fire was bouncing off the shields generated by devices mounted on the backs of some huge four legged beasts. The droids than proceeded to advance by foot and hover tank to move within the shield and attack the Gungans in close action.
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A speeded unmasked from it's concealed position behind a building and knocked out a hover tank with it's cannon. Queen Amidala yelled out for her forces to get going.
"That's it, lets go!!" ordered the queen.
The scene was one of complete chaos. Laser blasts filled the air. The Nubians were shooting from the hip as they ran across the square to get to the palace. Battle droids were falling left and right from blaster hits. Saint ran to the corner of the building and crouched behind a planter. He sighted his carbine at the approaching droids, selected single shot mode, and popped off four shots at the nearest droid. The semi-armor piercing rounds struck the droid in the chest and torso. Sparks marked where two rounds had struck the breastplate and bounced off. However, the other two hit the space between the pelvis and chest and the droid went down in a shower of sparks.
"Shepherd and McCoy, aim for torso between the legs and chest plate. Those things are vulnerable to rifle fire there!!" shouted Saint.
The rest of the party ran past Saint while he provided cover fire for their dash. McCoy, covering the rear stopped at the corner of the building across the square, sighted on the droids, yelled out to Saint.
"I've got you covered, GO Go Go!!"
Saint raced across the square. Droid laser fire bounced off the square inches from his feet. Shit, that was close, thought Saint. Qui Gon sensed the growing fear in his young friend through the force and sent sent waves of calmness in his direction. Saint relayed his thanks to Qui Gon as he calmed down. Both Americans ran to catch up with the main party.
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On the other side of Naboo, the tide of battle had turned against the Gungans. The battle droids had advanced under the shield wall and were steadily pushing back the Gungans. One by one, the shield generators were taken about by enemy fire. It was not going well for the good guys at that point.
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Meanwhile the Nubian raiding force had paused under the increasing volume of enemy fire just short of the palace. Something needed to get done if they were to enter the palace. Saint and the two Delta operators ran at a crouch to the front of the party. Queen Amidala and Captain Panaka were trying to think of a way to get their people across the street safely when Saint came by. Saint took one look at the situation turned to Panaka and yelled out over the laser blasts.
"We gotta move or be pinned down!!!"
Panaka yelled back that the untrained guards were having too much trouble with some droids hold up in a nearby building. Finally, Saint had had enough. He looked at the two Delta operators who nodded at him and turned back to Panaka.
"Fuck, I'll take the threat out in the window. We'll rally point in the palace. MY GUYS,LETS GO!!!"
Before Panaka could say anything the three Americans were racing out to a wall in front of the building.
Saint, stood up, pulled out a hand grenade and yelled "COVER ME".
With the two Delta operators laying down fire on the droid position, Saint threw the grenade and dropped back down. With a little help from the force, the grenade flew through the window. Three seconds later, the window blew out in a massive explosion and quiet filled the area. Saint and the two Delta operators took a covering position while the rest of the party poured into the palace.
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Queen Amidala was at the corner of the building wondering how they were going to get across the street when the American pilot came up to them. She listened to the conversation between Panaka and was surprised when Saint had muttered a curse and started running across the street. The other Americans quickly ran behind him.
Obi Wan felt the tremor in the force. It was amazing how such an untrained force user could restrain his anger in such a manner. Many experienced Jedi would have lost their own tempers at this point. He also noticed a look of anger come over Panaka during the exchange with the American. When the American ran across the street, oblivious to the droid shooting, he thought Those Americans must either be very brave or stupid to expose themselves in such a manner. Once again, he was chided by Qui Gon:
"My young padewan, they are not stupid. They have been trained to face their fears and do whatever is necessary to achieve their objective. All three are scared, but they are suppressing it until the danger is passed."
Both Jedi looked on as the young pilot suddenly stood straight up and threw a green orb into the window. A moment later, a large explosion ripped through the floor. The windows blew outward, showering the attackers with glass. The rest of the Nubians got up and ran into the palace.
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Saint emptied a magazine at the approaching battle droids. He ejected the spent magazine, popped in a fresh magazine and continued to shoot. Right after the last Nubian passed his position, Shepherd tapped Saint on shoulder and motioned it was time to rejoin the main group. He got up and ran after the Delta operators into the palace.
"Heads up, friendlies coming through!!", shouted Saint as he reached the palace entrance.
Captain Panaka was trying to keep his anger in check and approached the Americans. How dare the pilot act that way. I will not have anyone overstep his authority like that, thought Panaka.
"Just what were you doing out there?" asked Panaka.
"My job" replied the American as he moved over to where the queen and two jedi were located.
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The Gungans had enough. The battle droids had surrounded a large portion of the army and had taken out the shield generators a short time before. The tanks began shelling the defenders with telling effect and Gungan resistance was broken. Retreat was sounded and those Gungans who could not get away were forced to surrender.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Nubians rushed into the palace hanger. The queen freed the pilots who proceeded to run to their fighters. Qui Gon turned to Anakin and ordered him to find someplace safe and stay there. He was not to leave unless someone got him. Anakin climbed into a parked fighter and waited.
Saint rushed into the hanger and took out three battle droids, hitting each with three rounds of .223 NATO apiece. With the pilots being freed, he paused and stared at the fighters.
"Dang, where is the landing gear on those things? Also how can they fly? They certainly don't have much of an airfoil to keep them up" muttered Saint.
He hadn't realized he was speaking out loud until Qui Gon brought his attention to it. Suddenly, three different droids entered the fight. They looked like big balls and rolled into a few yards from the group. They unwound and began to shoot at the Nubians.
Damn, what the hell are those things thought Saint as he fired three bursts at the nearest one. To his amazement, the bullets and some laser bolts from the other seem to bounce off some kind of energy barrier. One of the Nubians shouted out that these droids had shields. Saint dove behind some boxes and tried to come up with a plan as he emptied the rest of his magazine in frustration. Finally, he yelled out at the top of his lung "GRENADE". He pulled the pin, released the spoon, and threw his second grenade at the droid. The hand grenade sailed over to the droid and exploded. It appeared to shake up the droid and it paused it's shooting.
McCoy, understanding Saint's plan, threw another grenade that landed next to the droid. The ensuing explosion shorted out it's shield and it was destroyed by several blaster hits. Saint, Shepherd, and some Nubian guards teamed up to take out the remaining droids. One of the Americans would hit the droid with a grenade and short out it's shield. The Nubians would then finish off the target with blasters.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anakin saw the destroyer droids roll in and pin down the Nubians. He looked throughout the cockpit to find the weapons. He fired up the engines and finally located the fire control. A short burst from the fighter's guns eliminated one of the droids. As he targeted a second droid, the droid hit a fuel cell next to Sgt. McCoy.
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McCoy had been moving to a position where he could throw a grenade at the remaining droids when a massive explosion lifted him up and threw him across the room. Time stood still as McCoy wondered why he couldn't feel his legs. He looked to wear his legs should be and could not find them. The pain hit him and he could not focus on anything else. He vaguely noticed someone crouching down beside him and grabbing his right hand. A wave of blackness was closing in over him. So this is what it is like to die, thought McCoy. He grasped the offered hand with his remaining strength and raised his head to speak with the man. He now realized it was Saint, who was struggling with his emotions while trying to retain his composure.
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Amidala was leading her group out of the hanger when the Destroyer droids struck. Three of the droids had been taken out by the American tactics and another had been destroyed by the fighter when it happened. An American, named McCoy, was moving around a fuel cell when The laser bolt struck it. She watched in horror as the explosion threw the Delta operator across the hanger. The bile rose in her throat as she realized that apparently the blast had severed the body below the torso. Saint, disregarding the enemy fire, rushed to his comrade's side and knelt down beside him. She would see that the American who was giving his life for Naboo's freedom would have a hero's burial. Her group continued it's path out of the hanger.
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Saint rushed over to McCoy when the explosion caught his attention. With tears forming at the corners of his eyes, he grabbed McCoy's hand and leaned over to hear him.
"T.ell, m.y, daughter, that I lover her" gasped the dying man.
The condition of the body almost had Saint getting sick. But he controlled himself as he told his comrade "I promise, when I get back, I will tell her that. But there is something even you didn't know."
Confusion took over McCoy's face as he wondered what Saint was referring to.
"Your daughter will be taken care of, I promise."
Qui Gon showed up in time to hear the promise and see McCoy passing away in peace. Saint stood up and shouted at the top of his lungs: "MEDIC!!!!" He stood up, looked Qui Gon in the eyes and said:
"I really meant it when I said I will see his daughter taken care of."
With a look of understanding, Qui Gon simply said "I know, Anthony, I know"
With a look of determination, Anthony slapped a fresh magazine in his M-4 carbine and joined Qui Gon and Obi Wan. A medic arrived to take care of McCoy. Meanwhile Saint and the two Jedi prepared to rejoin the party.
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Anakin felt the autopilot take over the starfighter's control. Despite his attempts to stop the craft. The ship left the hanger and proceeded to the battle raging above the planet.
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Both Jedi felt the disturbance in the force moments before the Sith came into view. Saint noticed that something was bothering the two Jedi and he looked to the corridor. He saw a figure, dressed in black, with a red and black tattooed face. He was following the Jedi when Qui Gon put his hand on Saint's shoulder to stop him.
"We will handle this. Anthony, rejoin the others, they have greater need for your abilities."
For some reason Saint could feel the evilness pouring out of the stranger and did not want to abandon the Jedi. He had to begun to consider the two to be family. He attempted to follow anyway, but Qui Gon said:
"Don't worry, we'll be okay. When this is over there are some matters we must discuss. Go now, the queen needs you."
"Okay, Qui Gon, but if either of you gets yourself killed, I will bring you back to kill you myself" stated the young pilot. Saint gave the two one last look and rushed out to rejoin the main party.
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TBC
Author's Note: It turns out that the battle will be longer than I intended. So, as of right now it looks like the battle will continue into the next chapter and the following will be the epilog.
To the Reviews: Thanks, your feedback is appreciated, Keep it coming, Tell me what you think about the fight. Stay loose and get ready for the next installment:
Chapter 6: THE RISING
Part 5
Star Wars Universe Planet Naboo
Chapter 5: Into The Fire
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Obi Wan sat back in the speeder to mentally prepare himself for the approaching battle. Anakin was enjoying the ride in a manner available only to a young child. I'm glad one of us is oblivious to what is about to occur, thought Obi Wan. He looked at the Americans. Now, they were something different. The two Delta operators with their camo battle dress uniforms, black helmets, and weapons looked like they could take on the Trade Federation by themselves and win. Saint, on the other hand, was an enigma. Obi Wan chuckled at the contradictions shown by the young pilot. On one hand he had a cocky, almost arrogant attitude, that was common among pilots in any universe. Yet, by his own words, he could never stand by and let innocents suffer. Then , add in his untrained force abilities, Qui Gon was right, Saint definitely had the soul of a jedi. He laughed at himself at the thoughts running through his head. Even I am calling him by his aviator call sign, Saint . It was an appropriate title. Although he barely held off laughing his head off at the co-pilot calling Saint a Damn Boy Scout. The padewan's thoughts were interrupted by Saint's directions to their party.
"Okay people listen up. According to Queen Amidala, we are close to Theed so here are some things you need to know. First, When in combat, DO NOT bunch up. I know being close to your friends reassures you when the lasers start firing. Remember, one man is a waste of ammo, five men is a juicy opportunity. Second, when fighting in the city stay close to the walls and dash across the streets in small groups. Just follow my lead and you will do all right. Also, when crossing the street, have at least one back to provide cover fire if necessary. Since, infantry officers are trained to lead from the front my men and I will take point"
A tremor in the force was felt by both Jedi and it seemed to originate from the American pilot. Obi Wan turned to his master and asked him if he felt that.
Qui Gon whispered back "Yes our young friend is even more powerful than we thought. Even though he does not know it, he is very powerful for one untrained. However, he uses that power for only good. It will be interesting to see what will happen."
"Master, he is rather old to begin jedi training. Do you think the council will want him tested and perhaps trained?"
"The ways of the Force is often hard to decipher and the future is never clear. However, I do know that times have just become interesting" replied the older Jedi.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Naboo freedom fighters and their American Allies swiftly approached the City of Theed in their speeders. Saint could not get over the vehicles they were riding in. The floated in the air, moved at speeds usually reserved for aircraft, yet looked like something out a fifties B' movie. Man, sometimes I still wonder if I'm dreaming and will wake up on a US Navy hospital ship, thought Saint. He looked over at the older Jedi and noticed he was observing him with a slight smile on his face. It was as if their mind link in the woods had opened some kind of connection between the two men.
In the short time they had been together, the older Jedi and young pilot had become friends. Saint thought about and realized that the only person who had a similar relationship was hi father. Wonder what dad would think if he knew his little boy was on another world helping to free an oppressed people from robot conquerers? Thought Saint. He was jolted out of his introspection when Qui Gon spoke to him:
"I believe your father would be very proud with what you are doing."
The American blinked in surprised. " How did you know what I was thinking?"
Qui Gon replied in that calming voice, Saint had begun to associate with the older man. "You were broadcasting your thoughts through the force rather forcefully. Any trained force user would have picked it up. If you like, I could show you how to shield your thoughts?"
"Thanks, I would appreciate it" stated the Pilot. Qui Gon placed his hands on the sides of Saint's head and showed him how to shield his emotions and thoughts through the force. Soon afterwards, the speeded reached the outskirts of one of the most beautiful cities Saint had ever seen. It looked like a cross between a Renaissance city, which Saint had learned about in college and something out of the mind of Stephen Spielberg or George Lucas.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Nubians, Jedi, and Nubians got out of the speeders. Saint held up his right hand, cliched in a fist to get everybody to hold up. Queen Amidala nodded her head in unspoken agreement to what Saint was about to say.
"Listen up, when we enter the city. Stay out of the middle of the street. Do not bunch up. While we have to get to the palace quickly, we will leapfrog the streets. In other words one group will provide cover for the other crossing the street. Remember, when fighting in a city, be aware that threats can come from in and out of the surrounding buildings. Pay attention to your surroundings. Most people who are shot in combat never knew what hit them. Your majesty, did I leave anything out?"
"No, Lieutenant, you covered everything that needed to be covered." Replied the queen. Saint looked over to Sgt. Shepherd who nodded an affirmative to him. The Nubians and Americans began their infiltration of the city. Saint and Sgt. Shepherd accompanied the queen in the lead. The Americans influenced the actions of the Nubians by their example. They started out into the city with rifle buts to their shoulders switching where they aimed their weapons from the street to the buildings and back. It was apparent that they were ready for an attack in any direction. The Nubian guards followed suit by having their blasters out and mimicked the actions of the Delta operators. The Delta operators had hit it off with the Nubian guards and police from the start. They were looked up to as an example of proper soldiering.
The part reached the square which had been designated to be the jump off point in no time. Now they waited for the signal to begin their attack.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile another part of Naboo saw the convergence of two massive armies. One, a low tech David, faced off a high tech droid Goliath. The droid army filled the horizon and began to advance on the Gungans. They started their attack with a bombardment of the Gungan lines. The droids quickly noticed that their fire was bouncing off the shields generated by devices mounted on the backs of some huge four legged beasts. The droids than proceeded to advance by foot and hover tank to move within the shield and attack the Gungans in close action.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A speeded unmasked from it's concealed position behind a building and knocked out a hover tank with it's cannon. Queen Amidala yelled out for her forces to get going.
"That's it, lets go!!" ordered the queen.
The scene was one of complete chaos. Laser blasts filled the air. The Nubians were shooting from the hip as they ran across the square to get to the palace. Battle droids were falling left and right from blaster hits. Saint ran to the corner of the building and crouched behind a planter. He sighted his carbine at the approaching droids, selected single shot mode, and popped off four shots at the nearest droid. The semi-armor piercing rounds struck the droid in the chest and torso. Sparks marked where two rounds had struck the breastplate and bounced off. However, the other two hit the space between the pelvis and chest and the droid went down in a shower of sparks.
"Shepherd and McCoy, aim for torso between the legs and chest plate. Those things are vulnerable to rifle fire there!!" shouted Saint.
The rest of the party ran past Saint while he provided cover fire for their dash. McCoy, covering the rear stopped at the corner of the building across the square, sighted on the droids, yelled out to Saint.
"I've got you covered, GO Go Go!!"
Saint raced across the square. Droid laser fire bounced off the square inches from his feet. Shit, that was close, thought Saint. Qui Gon sensed the growing fear in his young friend through the force and sent sent waves of calmness in his direction. Saint relayed his thanks to Qui Gon as he calmed down. Both Americans ran to catch up with the main party.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On the other side of Naboo, the tide of battle had turned against the Gungans. The battle droids had advanced under the shield wall and were steadily pushing back the Gungans. One by one, the shield generators were taken about by enemy fire. It was not going well for the good guys at that point.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile the Nubian raiding force had paused under the increasing volume of enemy fire just short of the palace. Something needed to get done if they were to enter the palace. Saint and the two Delta operators ran at a crouch to the front of the party. Queen Amidala and Captain Panaka were trying to think of a way to get their people across the street safely when Saint came by. Saint took one look at the situation turned to Panaka and yelled out over the laser blasts.
"We gotta move or be pinned down!!!"
Panaka yelled back that the untrained guards were having too much trouble with some droids hold up in a nearby building. Finally, Saint had had enough. He looked at the two Delta operators who nodded at him and turned back to Panaka.
"Fuck, I'll take the threat out in the window. We'll rally point in the palace. MY GUYS,LETS GO!!!"
Before Panaka could say anything the three Americans were racing out to a wall in front of the building.
Saint, stood up, pulled out a hand grenade and yelled "COVER ME".
With the two Delta operators laying down fire on the droid position, Saint threw the grenade and dropped back down. With a little help from the force, the grenade flew through the window. Three seconds later, the window blew out in a massive explosion and quiet filled the area. Saint and the two Delta operators took a covering position while the rest of the party poured into the palace.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Queen Amidala was at the corner of the building wondering how they were going to get across the street when the American pilot came up to them. She listened to the conversation between Panaka and was surprised when Saint had muttered a curse and started running across the street. The other Americans quickly ran behind him.
Obi Wan felt the tremor in the force. It was amazing how such an untrained force user could restrain his anger in such a manner. Many experienced Jedi would have lost their own tempers at this point. He also noticed a look of anger come over Panaka during the exchange with the American. When the American ran across the street, oblivious to the droid shooting, he thought Those Americans must either be very brave or stupid to expose themselves in such a manner. Once again, he was chided by Qui Gon:
"My young padewan, they are not stupid. They have been trained to face their fears and do whatever is necessary to achieve their objective. All three are scared, but they are suppressing it until the danger is passed."
Both Jedi looked on as the young pilot suddenly stood straight up and threw a green orb into the window. A moment later, a large explosion ripped through the floor. The windows blew outward, showering the attackers with glass. The rest of the Nubians got up and ran into the palace.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint emptied a magazine at the approaching battle droids. He ejected the spent magazine, popped in a fresh magazine and continued to shoot. Right after the last Nubian passed his position, Shepherd tapped Saint on shoulder and motioned it was time to rejoin the main group. He got up and ran after the Delta operators into the palace.
"Heads up, friendlies coming through!!", shouted Saint as he reached the palace entrance.
Captain Panaka was trying to keep his anger in check and approached the Americans. How dare the pilot act that way. I will not have anyone overstep his authority like that, thought Panaka.
"Just what were you doing out there?" asked Panaka.
"My job" replied the American as he moved over to where the queen and two jedi were located.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Gungans had enough. The battle droids had surrounded a large portion of the army and had taken out the shield generators a short time before. The tanks began shelling the defenders with telling effect and Gungan resistance was broken. Retreat was sounded and those Gungans who could not get away were forced to surrender.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Nubians rushed into the palace hanger. The queen freed the pilots who proceeded to run to their fighters. Qui Gon turned to Anakin and ordered him to find someplace safe and stay there. He was not to leave unless someone got him. Anakin climbed into a parked fighter and waited.
Saint rushed into the hanger and took out three battle droids, hitting each with three rounds of .223 NATO apiece. With the pilots being freed, he paused and stared at the fighters.
"Dang, where is the landing gear on those things? Also how can they fly? They certainly don't have much of an airfoil to keep them up" muttered Saint.
He hadn't realized he was speaking out loud until Qui Gon brought his attention to it. Suddenly, three different droids entered the fight. They looked like big balls and rolled into a few yards from the group. They unwound and began to shoot at the Nubians.
Damn, what the hell are those things thought Saint as he fired three bursts at the nearest one. To his amazement, the bullets and some laser bolts from the other seem to bounce off some kind of energy barrier. One of the Nubians shouted out that these droids had shields. Saint dove behind some boxes and tried to come up with a plan as he emptied the rest of his magazine in frustration. Finally, he yelled out at the top of his lung "GRENADE". He pulled the pin, released the spoon, and threw his second grenade at the droid. The hand grenade sailed over to the droid and exploded. It appeared to shake up the droid and it paused it's shooting.
McCoy, understanding Saint's plan, threw another grenade that landed next to the droid. The ensuing explosion shorted out it's shield and it was destroyed by several blaster hits. Saint, Shepherd, and some Nubian guards teamed up to take out the remaining droids. One of the Americans would hit the droid with a grenade and short out it's shield. The Nubians would then finish off the target with blasters.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anakin saw the destroyer droids roll in and pin down the Nubians. He looked throughout the cockpit to find the weapons. He fired up the engines and finally located the fire control. A short burst from the fighter's guns eliminated one of the droids. As he targeted a second droid, the droid hit a fuel cell next to Sgt. McCoy.
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McCoy had been moving to a position where he could throw a grenade at the remaining droids when a massive explosion lifted him up and threw him across the room. Time stood still as McCoy wondered why he couldn't feel his legs. He looked to wear his legs should be and could not find them. The pain hit him and he could not focus on anything else. He vaguely noticed someone crouching down beside him and grabbing his right hand. A wave of blackness was closing in over him. So this is what it is like to die, thought McCoy. He grasped the offered hand with his remaining strength and raised his head to speak with the man. He now realized it was Saint, who was struggling with his emotions while trying to retain his composure.
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Amidala was leading her group out of the hanger when the Destroyer droids struck. Three of the droids had been taken out by the American tactics and another had been destroyed by the fighter when it happened. An American, named McCoy, was moving around a fuel cell when The laser bolt struck it. She watched in horror as the explosion threw the Delta operator across the hanger. The bile rose in her throat as she realized that apparently the blast had severed the body below the torso. Saint, disregarding the enemy fire, rushed to his comrade's side and knelt down beside him. She would see that the American who was giving his life for Naboo's freedom would have a hero's burial. Her group continued it's path out of the hanger.
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Saint rushed over to McCoy when the explosion caught his attention. With tears forming at the corners of his eyes, he grabbed McCoy's hand and leaned over to hear him.
"T.ell, m.y, daughter, that I lover her" gasped the dying man.
The condition of the body almost had Saint getting sick. But he controlled himself as he told his comrade "I promise, when I get back, I will tell her that. But there is something even you didn't know."
Confusion took over McCoy's face as he wondered what Saint was referring to.
"Your daughter will be taken care of, I promise."
Qui Gon showed up in time to hear the promise and see McCoy passing away in peace. Saint stood up and shouted at the top of his lungs: "MEDIC!!!!" He stood up, looked Qui Gon in the eyes and said:
"I really meant it when I said I will see his daughter taken care of."
With a look of understanding, Qui Gon simply said "I know, Anthony, I know"
With a look of determination, Anthony slapped a fresh magazine in his M-4 carbine and joined Qui Gon and Obi Wan. A medic arrived to take care of McCoy. Meanwhile Saint and the two Jedi prepared to rejoin the party.
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Anakin felt the autopilot take over the starfighter's control. Despite his attempts to stop the craft. The ship left the hanger and proceeded to the battle raging above the planet.
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Both Jedi felt the disturbance in the force moments before the Sith came into view. Saint noticed that something was bothering the two Jedi and he looked to the corridor. He saw a figure, dressed in black, with a red and black tattooed face. He was following the Jedi when Qui Gon put his hand on Saint's shoulder to stop him.
"We will handle this. Anthony, rejoin the others, they have greater need for your abilities."
For some reason Saint could feel the evilness pouring out of the stranger and did not want to abandon the Jedi. He had to begun to consider the two to be family. He attempted to follow anyway, but Qui Gon said:
"Don't worry, we'll be okay. When this is over there are some matters we must discuss. Go now, the queen needs you."
"Okay, Qui Gon, but if either of you gets yourself killed, I will bring you back to kill you myself" stated the young pilot. Saint gave the two one last look and rushed out to rejoin the main party.
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TBC
Author's Note: It turns out that the battle will be longer than I intended. So, as of right now it looks like the battle will continue into the next chapter and the following will be the epilog.
To the Reviews: Thanks, your feedback is appreciated, Keep it coming, Tell me what you think about the fight. Stay loose and get ready for the next installment:
Chapter 6: THE RISING