ENTER THE STALKERS: A Star Wars alternate universe story
Part 6
Star Wars Universe Planet Naboo
Chapter 6: The Rising
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sgt. Shepherd accompanied Amidala through the halls on the way to the throne room. Spotting movement up ahead, he shot of a three round burst of fire aimed at the group of battle droids up ahead. The bullets were true and resulted in one less droid. He shoved the queen out of the line of fire and lept behind a pillar. Bolts of light slammed into the surrounding walls. One droid after another fell to the Delta operator as used up another magazine.
Seeing that another force of battle droids had taken position behind them, Amidala realized that she needed to do something to salvage the situation. She tapped Shepherd on the shoulder and pointed at the window.
"Sgt. Shepherd we need to get to the throne room. Use the blaster pistol to break the window and follow my people onto the ledge. The secondary feature on the pistols is a grappling hook. We will shoot a grappling hook to the floor were the throne room is located, bypassing the droids. Are you with me?"
Shepherd looked at the young queen, thinking this girl has guts, gave her a nod. The remaining members of their group would keep the droids distracted. Amidala, Shepherd, and the select group of Nubians shot out the window and assembled on the ledge. A flurry of grappling hooks shot out of the blasters and the freedom fighters shot up to the desired ledge. They then shot out the window and climbed back in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint ran through the hall in an attempt to catch up with the queen. He glanced around a corner and spotted another group of battle droids. Taking his last hand grenade, he pulled the pin and tossed it among the group of machines. The explosion destroyed of damaged many of the droids nearest to the blast. Saint leaned out and emptied another magazine into the group of droids. As he stepped around the corner a previously unseen droid fired a shot at him. It was as if he could sense the shot before it was made and he was only grazed by the shot.
"Dammit" started Saint as he quickly reloaded his rifle. He mentally noted that he was down to two mags for the M-4. It was turning out to be a hard fight. Another bolt slammed into his thigh which caused him to stumble. With one hand on his thigh, he shot the remaining droid firing his carbine one handed. He felt that feeling of calmness flow into him as he took out the last droid.
Taking the time to slap a field dressing on his wounds, Saint stumbled along the hallway in search of a path to the throne room. He soon realized that he didn't know where he was going. He turned a corner and just stopped min shock at the sight that filled him. Qui Gon and the unknown intruder were using, what did Qui Gon call them, oh yeah, lightsabres in a fight to the death. He attempted to fire his carbine but nothing came out. Apparently, a round was jammed in extracter. He stumbled into the room while pulling out his Baretta.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darth Maul was feeling like he was in the zone. In fact, he felt really good. He had the two Jedi separated and was going to take them out one at a time. He was beating the older Jedi and knew it was only a matter of time before he killed him. He was jolted out of his thoughts by the appearance of a third figure on the scene. The figure looked like he was suffering from a bad day. From his dress, it was apparent that he was a soldier of some kind. Looking closely at the person, Maul noticed the dressing on the young man's neck and leg. That combined with his stumble told Maul that this man was wounded. However, in spite of his wounds the soldier was pulling out a pistol from his holster. The Force radiated from the figure. He was strong but untrained and would be little challenge for the dark lord.
Obi Wan, trapped behind the force shield, could only watch his master and the Sith fought it out. It was apparent that Qui Gon was on the defensive and about to lose. As he meditated during his wait for the shield to open up, he noticed a figure appear in the doorway at the other side of the room. What was Saint doing here thought Obi Wan? A slight smile appeared on face as he remembered the injured co pilot describing Saint as one who could never turn down the chance to do a good deed. The "boy scout strikes again"
Qui Gon was tired and on the defensive. He realized that the Sith had him and he would probably die. Just as the Sith prepared to run Qui Gon through with the light sabre, a figure stumbled through the doorway.
"Anthony, I told you to stay out of this." Chided the older Jedi.
However his young friend ignore the Jedi's order and pointed his rifle at the Sith only to drop it when the weapon would not fire. To Qui Gon's surprise, Saint did not leave when his weapon would not shoot and instead began to draw his pistol and continued toward the Sith.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Amidala, Shepherd, and the rest of their group stormed into the throne room to capture the Trade Federation Viceroy. Shepherd took out one of the battle droids with two shots from his rifle. The other droid was taken out by a blaster bolt.
Amidala approached the Viceroy and stated "Now, we will discuss a new treaty"
"Not so fast, you highness." Responded the Viceroy as other battle droids filled the throne room and surrounded the party. The Nubians and Shepherd were quickly disarmed. "I believe now you will sign the treaty, your highness"
Suddenly, the other Nubians led by the handmaiden mimicking the queen appeared outside the throne room. The Viceroy, thinking that this was the true queen sent most of the droids after this second group. In short order, Amidala opened a secret panal in the throne, took out two blasters, throwing one to Shepherd, and shooting one droid. Shepherd quickly took out the other guard,
"As I said before, we will discuss a new treaty".
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The battle above the planet was not going well for the Nubian fighters. There were just too many droid fighters to take care of. Anakin found himself in the midst of the battle and somehow managed to gain control of the fighter. He flew into an open hanger on the control ship and landed in front of several droids. With the droids closing in on him, Anakin fired at them, missed, and hit a fuel cell. The fuel cell went up with tremendous explosion and began a chain reaction that threatened to engulf the control ship. Anakin turned his fighter around and raced out of the ship. As he emerged, the firebal that was threatening to engulf his fighter shot out into space. Anakin looked around and saw the ship tear itself to pieces in one massive explosion.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Out on the field, where the droids were rounding up the captured Gungans, something happened. Acting as if someone threw a switch, every droid stopped and shut. The Gungans warily approached the disabled droids. Concerned that they were faking it Jar Jar touched one. When it fell over and did not get back up, the Gungan were sure of their victory.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darth Maul looked down and decided that the old Jedi was no longer a threat and could be eliminated at his leisure. He smiled and turned toward Saint. Saint had pulled out his Baretta when he noticed that the Man in Black was focussed on him.
"Oh shit", muttered Saint I've got that bloodsucker's undivided attention"
Without saying a word, the Sith lord force leaped at the American intending to cut him in two with his light sabre, when he heard several cracks and felt something hit him.
Saint saw the enemy coming at him and emptied his pistol at the Sith. Unlike a blaster, there was no recharge time for the pistol. The young American was able to get off all fifteen rounds before the Sith got to him. He felt a white hot pain in his left side as the lightsabre nicked him. He fell to the ground, looked up at the darksider, standing over him. Time seemed to stand still as he waited for the death stroke.
Darth Maul was about to deliver the final stroke when he looked down at his chest. There were four little holes in his tunic and they were beginning to leak blood. A rage filled his very being. How dare this mere human hurt a dark Sith Lord in such a manner? As he began the final swing a look of surprise came over his eyes. Obi Wan had managed to rush in and struck the Sith with his sabre. The dark lord fell into the pit and his boddy separated into two halves as he fell.
Qui Gon moved over to the fallen pilot as quickly as he could move. Saint was fighting to stay conscious as Obi Wan joined his master in a new battle. One that was even more important to them on a personal level. The fight to keep Saint alive. Qui Gon and Obi Wan placed their hands on Saint so they could use the Force in keeping Saint alive.
"Concentrate on my voice, my young friend. Hold on to my presence." Ordered the Jedi master.
"Qui Gon, is that you? It feels like you are in my head along with Obi Wan." Replied Saint.
"Yes, Saint, I'm here as well. Hold on to our voices it is not time to leave." Pleaded Kenobi.
"What are you two doing? It feels like the pain is going away. I can even feel both of you. It's as if your presence is within me"
"Anthony, that is the Force you feel. We are using it help you stabilize yourself. Now go to sleep we will keep the darkness away from you." Soothed the older jedi.
"Yeah, Qui Gon, I do feel sleepy. I think I will take you up on your offer" sighed Saint.
The American pilot drifted into sleep being watched over by the two jedi. He felt safe knowing they were there. It was like having family watching out for you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Captain Panaka entered the power room to find the two jedi kneeling over the fallen pilot. In spite of the earlier disagreement with the American, he still liked the young man. Panaka recognized that Saint had only done what was necessary to get his allies safely into the palace. He was fulfilling his role as a leader of soldiers. Like that Ranger Creed, he had recited prior to leaving the woods. Saint had done whatever was needed to complete the mission. Thinking quickly he ordered the medics to get in here. The tone voice he used promised great misfortune if they did not get here immediately. Putting his communicator to his lips he relayed the situation to Amidala.
"You majesty the Sith lord has been defeated but Saint is seriously injured"
"Have him taken to my private medical facility" Ordered the queen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anakin landed his fighter to the cheers of the victorious Nubians. His joy was cut off when he spotted Amidala, Gui Gon, Obi Wan, and Sgt. Shepherd escorting a stretcher across the hanger.
"Hey, wait up. What happened?" inquired the young boy.
Qui Gon answered for the group "Saint has been seriously injured by the Sith and is being taken to the medical facility. Didn't I tell you to find someplace safe and stay there?"
"But I did" argued the young boy. "I stayed in the cockpit like you ordered but when the droids attacked I had to do something to help out. Then the ship took off by itself and I found myself destroying the control ship".
"The Force does move in mysterious ways. You were lucky this time. However, if you want to be my padewan, you need to follow instructions" chided the jedi as he patted Anakin on the head.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A few days later Saint opened his eyes to find his new friends surrounding his bed. He tried getting up but quickly lay back down on his bed.
"Easy, my young friend. You must conserve your strength"
"Qui Gon, did we win?" asked the pilot.
"We most certainly did thanks to the efforts of you and your men"
"Qui Gon, what I said,...back in the hanger...to Sgt. McCoy. I meant every word."
" I know you did Anthony, as did McCoy. You allowed him to go on to the next level in peace"
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
"We'll go over it once you have recovered from your injuries."
There was a knock at the door. Saint told whoever was on the other side to come on in. The door shot open as a blond hair bundle of energy rushed in followed by Amidala, Captain Panaka, and Sgt. Shepherd.
" Hey squirt where's the fire" Saint asked a very excited Anakin.
"Saint I've got so much to tell you about flying a star fighter and taking out the control ship."
Qui Gon gently pulled Anakin back from the bed as the doctor told everyone that the American needed his rest. The rest of the group wished Saint a fast recovery and left Saint to his rest.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A few days later Saint had recovered enough to go outside for short periods of time. The doctor had him confined to a hover chair for the next week so his leg could fully heal. Today, Saint was sitting in the queen's personal garden looking over a pond and thinking about all that had happened since that morning two weeks ago over the skies of Africa. Queen Amidala and Qui Gon had gone searching for the young man and found him in a meditative state.
"Once again, I find you thinking deep thoughts O hero of Naboo" joked the queen.
Saint, who had been lost in his thoughts jerked his head up, looked up at his friends and smiled.
"Yes, you could say that."
"And what were those deep thoughts, my young friend?" asked Qui Gon.
"Well, I've been going over all that's happened since being shot down. I just realized, unless we can find a way back to Earth I'm out of a job."
Amidala broke in "I'm sure we can find something for you to do here. There's a whole galaxy waiting out there for you. Then, there's your trip to Coruscant when you are fully recovered."
"Those are deep thoughts indeed. However, I sense that there is something else on your mind" prodded the Jedi master.
"I can't keep anything from you, can I?" grinned Saint. "Well you are right, there is something else. I was thinking about the recent victory celebration and remembered a conversation I had with an old high school classmate right before heading to Africa.
"Go on,"
"We were at a local hangout we used to frequent when we were teenagers and he asked me a question that got me thinking. You see, he had become one of the youngest lawyers in town was fairly wealthy by this time. He asked me why are you doing this? You want to be a hero or something? Now I think I have an answer for him" mused Saint.
Both Qui Gon and Amidala were very interested in hearing what his answer was and the motioned for him to continue.
"The answer I have decided on after much reflection is this: Nobody wants to be a hero. It just happens sometimes"
The three friends stayed at the pond and watched the sun go down, each in their private thoughts.
=+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TBC
Authors Notes: All that is left of this chapter in the life of Anthony 'Saint' Christopher is the epilog. For the readers whose reviews have inspired me to finish this story let me give a big Ranger "Huah"!!! As I finish off this story a few thoughts for you, the reader to ponder. I am considering many pathways for the next story to follow. On one hand, I am considering having the surviving crew members of Super 6-4 be involved in the events of Episode II. Did anybody else look around for Robert Duvall and somebody playing "Flight of the Valkyries" from a loudspeaker during the gunship assault at the end of Episode II? Sorta ala "Apocalypse Now". On the other, a possible crossover with Stargate SG-1, where the Stargate would be used to help Saint keep his promise to McCoy. Just a few thoughts for you to ponder. I will leave it up to you, dear readers, as to where this fanfic should go. Keep up the reviews and let me know.
By the way is this the action you guys were looking for?
Merry Prankster: Out
Part 6
Star Wars Universe Planet Naboo
Chapter 6: The Rising
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sgt. Shepherd accompanied Amidala through the halls on the way to the throne room. Spotting movement up ahead, he shot of a three round burst of fire aimed at the group of battle droids up ahead. The bullets were true and resulted in one less droid. He shoved the queen out of the line of fire and lept behind a pillar. Bolts of light slammed into the surrounding walls. One droid after another fell to the Delta operator as used up another magazine.
Seeing that another force of battle droids had taken position behind them, Amidala realized that she needed to do something to salvage the situation. She tapped Shepherd on the shoulder and pointed at the window.
"Sgt. Shepherd we need to get to the throne room. Use the blaster pistol to break the window and follow my people onto the ledge. The secondary feature on the pistols is a grappling hook. We will shoot a grappling hook to the floor were the throne room is located, bypassing the droids. Are you with me?"
Shepherd looked at the young queen, thinking this girl has guts, gave her a nod. The remaining members of their group would keep the droids distracted. Amidala, Shepherd, and the select group of Nubians shot out the window and assembled on the ledge. A flurry of grappling hooks shot out of the blasters and the freedom fighters shot up to the desired ledge. They then shot out the window and climbed back in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saint ran through the hall in an attempt to catch up with the queen. He glanced around a corner and spotted another group of battle droids. Taking his last hand grenade, he pulled the pin and tossed it among the group of machines. The explosion destroyed of damaged many of the droids nearest to the blast. Saint leaned out and emptied another magazine into the group of droids. As he stepped around the corner a previously unseen droid fired a shot at him. It was as if he could sense the shot before it was made and he was only grazed by the shot.
"Dammit" started Saint as he quickly reloaded his rifle. He mentally noted that he was down to two mags for the M-4. It was turning out to be a hard fight. Another bolt slammed into his thigh which caused him to stumble. With one hand on his thigh, he shot the remaining droid firing his carbine one handed. He felt that feeling of calmness flow into him as he took out the last droid.
Taking the time to slap a field dressing on his wounds, Saint stumbled along the hallway in search of a path to the throne room. He soon realized that he didn't know where he was going. He turned a corner and just stopped min shock at the sight that filled him. Qui Gon and the unknown intruder were using, what did Qui Gon call them, oh yeah, lightsabres in a fight to the death. He attempted to fire his carbine but nothing came out. Apparently, a round was jammed in extracter. He stumbled into the room while pulling out his Baretta.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darth Maul was feeling like he was in the zone. In fact, he felt really good. He had the two Jedi separated and was going to take them out one at a time. He was beating the older Jedi and knew it was only a matter of time before he killed him. He was jolted out of his thoughts by the appearance of a third figure on the scene. The figure looked like he was suffering from a bad day. From his dress, it was apparent that he was a soldier of some kind. Looking closely at the person, Maul noticed the dressing on the young man's neck and leg. That combined with his stumble told Maul that this man was wounded. However, in spite of his wounds the soldier was pulling out a pistol from his holster. The Force radiated from the figure. He was strong but untrained and would be little challenge for the dark lord.
Obi Wan, trapped behind the force shield, could only watch his master and the Sith fought it out. It was apparent that Qui Gon was on the defensive and about to lose. As he meditated during his wait for the shield to open up, he noticed a figure appear in the doorway at the other side of the room. What was Saint doing here thought Obi Wan? A slight smile appeared on face as he remembered the injured co pilot describing Saint as one who could never turn down the chance to do a good deed. The "boy scout strikes again"
Qui Gon was tired and on the defensive. He realized that the Sith had him and he would probably die. Just as the Sith prepared to run Qui Gon through with the light sabre, a figure stumbled through the doorway.
"Anthony, I told you to stay out of this." Chided the older Jedi.
However his young friend ignore the Jedi's order and pointed his rifle at the Sith only to drop it when the weapon would not fire. To Qui Gon's surprise, Saint did not leave when his weapon would not shoot and instead began to draw his pistol and continued toward the Sith.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Amidala, Shepherd, and the rest of their group stormed into the throne room to capture the Trade Federation Viceroy. Shepherd took out one of the battle droids with two shots from his rifle. The other droid was taken out by a blaster bolt.
Amidala approached the Viceroy and stated "Now, we will discuss a new treaty"
"Not so fast, you highness." Responded the Viceroy as other battle droids filled the throne room and surrounded the party. The Nubians and Shepherd were quickly disarmed. "I believe now you will sign the treaty, your highness"
Suddenly, the other Nubians led by the handmaiden mimicking the queen appeared outside the throne room. The Viceroy, thinking that this was the true queen sent most of the droids after this second group. In short order, Amidala opened a secret panal in the throne, took out two blasters, throwing one to Shepherd, and shooting one droid. Shepherd quickly took out the other guard,
"As I said before, we will discuss a new treaty".
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The battle above the planet was not going well for the Nubian fighters. There were just too many droid fighters to take care of. Anakin found himself in the midst of the battle and somehow managed to gain control of the fighter. He flew into an open hanger on the control ship and landed in front of several droids. With the droids closing in on him, Anakin fired at them, missed, and hit a fuel cell. The fuel cell went up with tremendous explosion and began a chain reaction that threatened to engulf the control ship. Anakin turned his fighter around and raced out of the ship. As he emerged, the firebal that was threatening to engulf his fighter shot out into space. Anakin looked around and saw the ship tear itself to pieces in one massive explosion.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Out on the field, where the droids were rounding up the captured Gungans, something happened. Acting as if someone threw a switch, every droid stopped and shut. The Gungans warily approached the disabled droids. Concerned that they were faking it Jar Jar touched one. When it fell over and did not get back up, the Gungan were sure of their victory.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darth Maul looked down and decided that the old Jedi was no longer a threat and could be eliminated at his leisure. He smiled and turned toward Saint. Saint had pulled out his Baretta when he noticed that the Man in Black was focussed on him.
"Oh shit", muttered Saint I've got that bloodsucker's undivided attention"
Without saying a word, the Sith lord force leaped at the American intending to cut him in two with his light sabre, when he heard several cracks and felt something hit him.
Saint saw the enemy coming at him and emptied his pistol at the Sith. Unlike a blaster, there was no recharge time for the pistol. The young American was able to get off all fifteen rounds before the Sith got to him. He felt a white hot pain in his left side as the lightsabre nicked him. He fell to the ground, looked up at the darksider, standing over him. Time seemed to stand still as he waited for the death stroke.
Darth Maul was about to deliver the final stroke when he looked down at his chest. There were four little holes in his tunic and they were beginning to leak blood. A rage filled his very being. How dare this mere human hurt a dark Sith Lord in such a manner? As he began the final swing a look of surprise came over his eyes. Obi Wan had managed to rush in and struck the Sith with his sabre. The dark lord fell into the pit and his boddy separated into two halves as he fell.
Qui Gon moved over to the fallen pilot as quickly as he could move. Saint was fighting to stay conscious as Obi Wan joined his master in a new battle. One that was even more important to them on a personal level. The fight to keep Saint alive. Qui Gon and Obi Wan placed their hands on Saint so they could use the Force in keeping Saint alive.
"Concentrate on my voice, my young friend. Hold on to my presence." Ordered the Jedi master.
"Qui Gon, is that you? It feels like you are in my head along with Obi Wan." Replied Saint.
"Yes, Saint, I'm here as well. Hold on to our voices it is not time to leave." Pleaded Kenobi.
"What are you two doing? It feels like the pain is going away. I can even feel both of you. It's as if your presence is within me"
"Anthony, that is the Force you feel. We are using it help you stabilize yourself. Now go to sleep we will keep the darkness away from you." Soothed the older jedi.
"Yeah, Qui Gon, I do feel sleepy. I think I will take you up on your offer" sighed Saint.
The American pilot drifted into sleep being watched over by the two jedi. He felt safe knowing they were there. It was like having family watching out for you.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Captain Panaka entered the power room to find the two jedi kneeling over the fallen pilot. In spite of the earlier disagreement with the American, he still liked the young man. Panaka recognized that Saint had only done what was necessary to get his allies safely into the palace. He was fulfilling his role as a leader of soldiers. Like that Ranger Creed, he had recited prior to leaving the woods. Saint had done whatever was needed to complete the mission. Thinking quickly he ordered the medics to get in here. The tone voice he used promised great misfortune if they did not get here immediately. Putting his communicator to his lips he relayed the situation to Amidala.
"You majesty the Sith lord has been defeated but Saint is seriously injured"
"Have him taken to my private medical facility" Ordered the queen.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Anakin landed his fighter to the cheers of the victorious Nubians. His joy was cut off when he spotted Amidala, Gui Gon, Obi Wan, and Sgt. Shepherd escorting a stretcher across the hanger.
"Hey, wait up. What happened?" inquired the young boy.
Qui Gon answered for the group "Saint has been seriously injured by the Sith and is being taken to the medical facility. Didn't I tell you to find someplace safe and stay there?"
"But I did" argued the young boy. "I stayed in the cockpit like you ordered but when the droids attacked I had to do something to help out. Then the ship took off by itself and I found myself destroying the control ship".
"The Force does move in mysterious ways. You were lucky this time. However, if you want to be my padewan, you need to follow instructions" chided the jedi as he patted Anakin on the head.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A few days later Saint opened his eyes to find his new friends surrounding his bed. He tried getting up but quickly lay back down on his bed.
"Easy, my young friend. You must conserve your strength"
"Qui Gon, did we win?" asked the pilot.
"We most certainly did thanks to the efforts of you and your men"
"Qui Gon, what I said,...back in the hanger...to Sgt. McCoy. I meant every word."
" I know you did Anthony, as did McCoy. You allowed him to go on to the next level in peace"
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
"We'll go over it once you have recovered from your injuries."
There was a knock at the door. Saint told whoever was on the other side to come on in. The door shot open as a blond hair bundle of energy rushed in followed by Amidala, Captain Panaka, and Sgt. Shepherd.
" Hey squirt where's the fire" Saint asked a very excited Anakin.
"Saint I've got so much to tell you about flying a star fighter and taking out the control ship."
Qui Gon gently pulled Anakin back from the bed as the doctor told everyone that the American needed his rest. The rest of the group wished Saint a fast recovery and left Saint to his rest.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A few days later Saint had recovered enough to go outside for short periods of time. The doctor had him confined to a hover chair for the next week so his leg could fully heal. Today, Saint was sitting in the queen's personal garden looking over a pond and thinking about all that had happened since that morning two weeks ago over the skies of Africa. Queen Amidala and Qui Gon had gone searching for the young man and found him in a meditative state.
"Once again, I find you thinking deep thoughts O hero of Naboo" joked the queen.
Saint, who had been lost in his thoughts jerked his head up, looked up at his friends and smiled.
"Yes, you could say that."
"And what were those deep thoughts, my young friend?" asked Qui Gon.
"Well, I've been going over all that's happened since being shot down. I just realized, unless we can find a way back to Earth I'm out of a job."
Amidala broke in "I'm sure we can find something for you to do here. There's a whole galaxy waiting out there for you. Then, there's your trip to Coruscant when you are fully recovered."
"Those are deep thoughts indeed. However, I sense that there is something else on your mind" prodded the Jedi master.
"I can't keep anything from you, can I?" grinned Saint. "Well you are right, there is something else. I was thinking about the recent victory celebration and remembered a conversation I had with an old high school classmate right before heading to Africa.
"Go on,"
"We were at a local hangout we used to frequent when we were teenagers and he asked me a question that got me thinking. You see, he had become one of the youngest lawyers in town was fairly wealthy by this time. He asked me why are you doing this? You want to be a hero or something? Now I think I have an answer for him" mused Saint.
Both Qui Gon and Amidala were very interested in hearing what his answer was and the motioned for him to continue.
"The answer I have decided on after much reflection is this: Nobody wants to be a hero. It just happens sometimes"
The three friends stayed at the pond and watched the sun go down, each in their private thoughts.
=+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TBC
Authors Notes: All that is left of this chapter in the life of Anthony 'Saint' Christopher is the epilog. For the readers whose reviews have inspired me to finish this story let me give a big Ranger "Huah"!!! As I finish off this story a few thoughts for you, the reader to ponder. I am considering many pathways for the next story to follow. On one hand, I am considering having the surviving crew members of Super 6-4 be involved in the events of Episode II. Did anybody else look around for Robert Duvall and somebody playing "Flight of the Valkyries" from a loudspeaker during the gunship assault at the end of Episode II? Sorta ala "Apocalypse Now". On the other, a possible crossover with Stargate SG-1, where the Stargate would be used to help Saint keep his promise to McCoy. Just a few thoughts for you to ponder. I will leave it up to you, dear readers, as to where this fanfic should go. Keep up the reviews and let me know.
By the way is this the action you guys were looking for?
Merry Prankster: Out
