ENTER THE STALKERS 2: SCOUTS HONOR The Merry Prankster

CHAPTER TWO: GATE CRASHING

Authors Note: I would like to dedicate this story to all those Boy and Girl Scouts who risked their lives to save others on September 11, 2001. Some of them even made the supreme sacrifice on that day. I am of course, referring to the police, firefighters, and ordinary citizens who stared at the face of death and helped their fellow men and women out of the World Trade Center. Their heroism and dedication stand as examples for us all.



Planet Coruscant Seven Months after the Liberation of Naboo

Mace Windu could not believe his eyes. The young American had nonchalantly inserted himself into the middle of a robbery or possibly a murder attempt without any warning to his companions. On top of that, Saint had taken down the thugs within a few seconds and had the leader pinned against the wall with a slug thrower against his head. It was as if Saint was another person. The wise cracking, wonder filled, young man had been replaced by what appeared to be an emotionless killer. Just as Mace had begin to wonder if Saint had given in to the Dark Side, the young man had spoken out:

"Don't worry guys. I'm not going to go all Dark Side over this piece of trash." Reassured Saint.

The Jedi Master examined the American more closely through the Force and discovered that his young friend was indeed just acting. The police had arrived and taken custody of the thugs. Once the statements had been given, the Jedi were left alone with Christopher and the woman. Qui Gon went up to his young friend.

"What do you have in mind?"

"It's very simple. We go to where the children are being held. Rescue them, put the bad guys out of action, and be back before dinner." Grinned the self-assured Saint.

"And, how do you plan on accomplishing this objective?" asked a skeptical Mace Windu.

"Well, I'll think something up when I see the building."

"You have no idea." Qui Gon quietly remarked.

"Hey, I'm making this up as I go. I'll have a better idea once I see the building. Besides, I am at my best working on the fly."

Mace turned to Obi Wan and asked. "Is he always like this?"

"On more occasions than I care to remember. I will get the speeder" Sighed Obi Wan.

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Warehouse District Planet Coruscant

The trip to the district took less than ten minutes. Obi Wan, who had been driving the speeder pulled over to a building adjacent to the target. Saint turned to Qui Gon and mentioned that they needed to know where the captives were located in the building. It just so happens, that one of the Nubians Saint had run into after the liberation of that planet worked on Coruscant. The associate, Jax Greenlaw, worked in the planets traffic control division. He was responsible for monitoring the traffic control satellites, which could be useful for their purpose. To everyone else's surprise Saint pulled out a communicator and began speaking. The three Jedi listened in silent amusement to the conversation. It was obvious that the person on the other side was not happy to hear from their friend.

"Hello, Jax, its Saint. I need your help."

"Dang, I knew I should have changed communicator numbers after meeting you. What do you want Saint?" replied a clearly irritated Jax Greenlaw.

"Do your traffic control satellites have thermal imaging capability?" asked Saint.

"Yeah, they do, you know I can't be using government property for personal business. What do you need it for?"

"Jax, I have uncovered a child kidnapping ring and am at the location. I need to know where the captives are being held and the locations of the guards." Replied the American.

"Saint, you are one of the most annoying do-gooders around, but you do have some of the most interesting assignments. Give me the address and I'll get back with you in around five minutes."

Saint turned to Obi Wan and asked him the address of the target building. He then relayed those same directions Jax. The young American could not help but notice the slight smiles worn by three Jedi when he was placed on hold. Qui Gon Jinn asked Saint what his plan was.

"It's very simple. First, we find out where the captives are being held. Second, we take out any guards that happen to be near the children. Third we get the children out. Finally, once the children are safe, we ensure that this particular band of evildoers is out of action permanently. We go in hard and fast. The bad guys should have no time to respond to the situation. I know the Jedi frown on unnecessary killing and I will try to keep casualties to a minimum. You, Obi Wan, and Master Windu have your lightsabres. I will be going in with my Baretta and three extra mags. For the record, I will be double tapping any bad guy I come across. One shot to the body and one to the head. If they live, fine. If not, well lets just say they took their chances when they rolled the dice."

"Anthony, you must not let your anger take over. That is the path to the Dark Side." gently rebuked Qui Gon.

"I know Qui Gon, I don't want to make you ashamed. I mean, you and Obi Wan are family to me. However, I have been a soldier and continue to be a warrior. I was trained to do whatever it takes to complete my mission with as few casualties to my side as possible. As an officer, I am directly responsible for the lives of the men under my command. One of those duties of an officer is to write to the families of those who were killed. That is one of the most difficult duties assigned to an officer. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to inflict massive casualties on the enemy to accomplish your mission. In this case, the priority, as I see it, is to get the children out unharmed. They are truly innocent and that innocence should not be damaged further."

"That is a commendable attitude. However, it is very easy to find yourself in a situation where you give in to the anger without noticing until it is too late." Commented Mace Windu.

"I know sir, but with you, Master Jinn, and Obi Wan present, I don't think that will ...."

The beeping of his communicator interrupted Saint's reply. Jax was calling back with the intelligence he had uncovered.

"Saint, you owe me. Thermal scans of the building show the presence of twenty small heat signatures, probably the children on top floor. There are approximately five larger heat signatures, probably adults, in the next room. Also, there are fifteen more adults on the bottom floor. You got some help with you?"

"Yeah, Jax. I have two Jedi masters and a recently knighted Jedi with me." Stated Saint.

"You just arrive on Coruscant and you are already dragging Jedi masters in helping do good deeds. How did you do pull that off?" asked the traffic monitor.

"Asked nicely?"

"I can see that there will be no dull moments with you around. Jax out."

Saint placed his communicator in his pocket and pulled out his pistol. Sliding the action back to put a round in the chamber, Saint turned to Obi Wan Kenobi.

"Obi Wan, can you get us to the top of the building?"

Obi Wan nodded his head and Mace spoke up.

"I assume we are going in through the roof?"

"Yes, once we put the guards out of action, You, Qui Gon, and myself will form a defensive perimeter at the exits leading downstairs. Anybody coming up will be eliminated. Obi Wan, you will escort the children to the roof where they will be picked up and returned to their families."

Obi Wan looked to his former master who nodded in agreement. The four of them entered the speeder and flew over the building. Fortunately, there were no guards on the rooftop and the speeder was able to land unnoticed. The three Jedi were able to cloak them selves and Saint with the Force and entered the building. Silently sneaking down a flight of stairs, they noticed the first of four guards on that level. Saint crept up behind him and knocked out the guard with a sharp blow to the head. Obi Wan drug the unconscious guard to a supply closet and fused the door shut with his lightsabre.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Commented the young Jedi.

They had just turned the corner and were about to enter the room outside the hostages when a guard turned the corner. He saw the hopeful rescuers pulled out his blaster and communicator and shouted:

"Intruders in the ........"

His warning was cut short by the sweep of a lightsabre that cut off the communicator and the hand attached to it.

"Shit, they're on to us." Cursed Saint

"Anthony, be......"

Qui Gon's instruction was lost as Saint dove into the room a step ahead of the three Jedi. A yellow beam of light flashed through the space just vacated by the young American. Rolling behind a couch, Saint quickly eliminated the shooter with two bullets. He quickly noticed that there were three guards left and one was trying to reach a door on the far side of the room. The frightened screams of young children could be heard through the door.

"Mace, Qui Gon, and Obi Wan, there are three guards left in this room. One of them is trying to get to the children!" shouted Saint.

It had gone from a quiet calm to total chaos within seconds. The room was filled with smell of burnt ozone and scream of the wounded and dying. Mace Windu and Qui Gon Jinn entered the room and parried the blaster bolts shot at them from the remaining guards. They had just entered the room when their young friend yelled out his warning. Quickly dispatching their opponents, the two Jedi masters were trying to reach the final guard before he could get to that door. Suddenly, three sharp cracks split the air. It seemed as if time had slowed down as three puffs of smoke erupted from the guard's back. Falling to the ground, the guard did not get back up. Christopher left his position and walked over to the fallen guard. Nudging the body with his foot, he detected no response.

Obi Wan entered the room and saw his friend over the body of a fallen guard. A growing pool of blood showed that he was probably dead. The young Jedi noticed the sounds of children from the next room and tried the door. It was locked. The cries of the captives rose in pitch with someone trying to enter the door.

"Children, do not be afraid, we are Jedi Knights and here to rescue you." Reassured the young Jedi.

Obi Wan and Qui Gon immediately began burning a hole in the door with their lightsabres. Man that lightsabre sure is useful when you don't have a door charge. Thought Christopher. With Mace and Saint standing guard, an opening was quickly cut into the door. Qui Gon entered the room and sent out a calming feeling through the Force to the children. When the children recognized the Jedi robes, they rushed their rescuers. One small girl, of about six year of age, went up to tall Jedi master.

"Are you here to take us to our mommies and daddies?"

"Yes child, we are here to do just that. Obi Wan escort the children to the top and wait for the transports. Anthony, go to... Anthony?"

Qui Gon reached into the Force to discover just where his young friend had disappeared. He was only slightly surprised to see that Saint had decided to go downstairs. Motioning for Mace Windu to come with him, he approached the stairs going down to the lower levels. Mace was examining the bodies for clues about who they were when he heard Qui Gon calling out to their young friend. It looked like Saint had decided to go after the gang on his own.

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Obi Wan escorted the children up to the roof and called for transportation. It would be there with the authorities within a few minutes. Taking watch over the only door leading inside, he could only wonder what was going on. Saint, what are you up to? Thought the young Jedi It can only be no good.

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Raymond Winslett was sitting in the briefing room of the Nubian Embassy on Coruscant when the call came through. Upon recovering from his injuries, the co-pilot of 'Super 6-4' had been awarded a position within the Naboo military by Queen Amidala. Ric had taken Wins under his wing and taught him how to fly the Nubian ships. It was those flight duties that had brought Wins to Coruscant. Apparently Amidala, had some things that needed to be attended in person. So she had come to the capital of the Republic to fulfill those duties. Queen Amidala had finished with her scheduled meetings for the day and had come down to spend a few minutes with Wins. With his warped sense of humor, it was difficult to not like the American. The queen caught the end of the radio conversation and asked Wins what was going on.

"You majesty, that was Jedi Obi Wan Kenobi. Apparently, he and three others had rescued a group of children from a child-kidnapping ring. He was calling for someone to pick the kids up."

"Only three others, that's a small group for such a mission. Did Jedi Kenobi say who was with him?"

"Yes ma'am, Master Jinn, Master Windu, and our favorite psychotic, smart mouthed American do-gooder."

"Oh my. Let me guess, Saint uncovered the kidnapping ring and decided to rescue the children before anything could happen to them." Mused the queen.

"Yup, and he had to drag in anybody who happened to be in the area to help with the good deed."

"Lets go get those children. My transport should be able to accommodate that number. Besides, I want to find out what sort of mischief our Boy Scout has been into." Grinned the queen.

"I've only been on the planet for less than a week and I'm being dragged back into doing good deeds." Murmured Winslett.

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Saint crept down the stairs to the next level. Though, he had no formal training in using the Force. The time with Qui Gon had allowed him to become more in tune with his feelings. Now, he sensed at least five beings were coming up the stairs. Ducking behind a filing cabinet, he sighted down the hallway. He nearly jumped out of his boots when a hand touched him on the shoulder. He turned around and came face to face with Mace and Qui Gon.

"Just what do you think you are doing?" Mace quietly rebuked.

"Well, uh, since Obi Wan had the children secured at the roof, I decided to have a look around."

"Of course, you would have to eliminate any gang member you happen to run across." Stated a calm Qui Gon.

"And then you have to factor in the possibility of finding out who is behind this and shut down this operation for good." Added Mace.

"Am I that transparent?" Saint sheepishly asked.

"YES!!!" responded both Jedi Masters.

"Okay, okay, you don't have to rub it in. Anyway, I sense three hostiles about to enter our vicinity."

The entrance of the three thugs interrupted any reply from the two Jedi Masters. Saint quickly dropped the first gangster with three shots. The next three rushed in firing blindly into the room. Qui Gon and Mace parried the blaster bolts without any difficulty. One bolt was sent back to the person who had fired it. The criminal dropped and did not move. The other two were quickly dispatched by the humming lightsabres. The fifth thug waited to come through the door. He had figured to let his compatriots wear down the Jedi before making his entrance. Saint crept to the side of the door and waited. He tried to send Qui Gon a picture of what he wanted to do.

Qui Gon was waiting for the last criminal to enter the room when he caught Saint's attempt to reveal his plan through the Force. Apparently, Saint intended to capture this last thug and interrogate him for information. The Jedi Master quietly told Mace to not hurt the fifth thug. The black Jedi nodded in agreement.

The final thug had decided that he had waited enough and rushed into the room. The two Jedis deflected his shots into the walls while Saint made his move. Coming up behind the gunman, Saint quickly disarmed him. With a pistol at his head, the thug was quietly asked about the location of his leader. The small handgun appeared to have grown into a cannon, at least to the thug. Not wanting to have his brains decorating the wall, he quickly revealed that his leader had hidden himself and his remaining guards on the floor below him. Saint looked to his friend and mentor, Qui Gon Jinn.

"Well what do you think? I'm game for ending this little shebang. How about you?"

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The Naboo transport was at the warehouse within minutes. Landing on the roof, Wins noticed the large group of children and one Jedi Knight, Obi Wan Kenobi. Before he could say anything, Queen Amidala had opened the hatch and lowered the boarding ramp. Quickly joining the queen, Wins approached the young Jedi.

"I thought that Saint, Qui Gon, and Mace Windu were with you?"

"They are, but something came up. They sent me here to protect the children until you showed up."

"Let me guess, Saint decided to go off and play 'Lone Ranger' and take out the remaining bad guys."

"Are you sure you don't have any Force abilities? You were correct in your guess."

"No, I've just been around the Boy Scout too long. He's become somewhat predictable."

Wins walked back to the queen and asked her to load the children upon the transport and fly off a short distance while he and Obi Wan went to help out the three still below. Amidala agreed and had the kids on the ship in no time. As she was lifting up Wins turned to Obi Wan.

"Lets get this over with so we can go home."

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The three liberators were waiting outside the room containing the last group of kidnappers. Saint pulled the magazine out of his Baretta and replaced it with a fresh mag. He then took a recently liberated blaster pistol and stuck it in his belt. Finally, he pulled out a stun grenade that he had somehow acquired. It's obvious, I need to question Anthony where he gets his equipment thought Qui Gon. Saint turned to his friends and laid out his plan.

"Wait until I throw the flash bang before entering. Once it goes off we rush in taking out the guards and capture the leader. I figure this will be over in a few seconds."

Mace and Qui Gon gave quick nods and waited. Saint pulled the pin, counted to three and rolled the grenade into the room. Cries of surprise were heard from inside seconds before the grenade went off. The room shook with a loud bang and bright light flashed out.

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Obi Wan and Wins had just reached the level containing the gang leader when a loud bang was heard.

"Looks like the party is already under way." Commented the American co- pilot.

"I had a feeling they would be doing something reckless." Sighed the young Jedi. "They are certainly made for each other. One or the other seems to always getting into something."

The two ran a little faster to help out their friends.

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By the time Obi Wan and Wins had reached the room, it was all over. Qui Gon and Saint were talking to a middle age human sitting at a desk. Meanwhile Mace was standing guard over the remaining thugs. By the look in their eyes, they were in no condition to fight.

Qui Gon was softly asking the gang leader who was behind his little ring. Obi Wan took in the appearance of the thug. The leader was dressed in black robes with some strange designs covering them. However, for some reason the thug was constantly looking back at Saint with panic in his eyes. Of course, the fact that Saint was pointing his gun at the thug's head was probably the reason, thought the young Jedi.

"Master Jinn, I get the feeling that we need to be very careful with this gangster." Warned Saint.

"I believe you are right Anthony. I feel a great amount of evil surrounding this person."

With the aid of the Force, Qui Gon had all of the information available from the thug. He had turned his back just a minute when Wins shouted out a warning. The lightsabre quickly flashed through the thug's body, killing him instantly.

"Master Jinn, it looked like he was making some kind of threatening movement with his hands." Stated Obi Wan.

"Almost as if he was performing a magic spell" added Saint.

"Hmmm, this something we must make the council aware of." Confirmed Mace Windu.

"Well, lets clean up this mess and get back to the Jedi Temple. The authorities have just arrived to take the prisoners into custody." Offered Saint.

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Saint and the rest of the impromptu rescue party joined Amidala and the children on her transport for the trip back to the temple. Anxious parents waited at the landing pad for the ship to shut down. A sense of relief followed by great joy filled the air at the parent/child reunions. Saint walked down the ramp beside Qui Gon and Mace. Reaching into his pocket and pulling out a fresh caffeine stick, Saint looked over the growing crowd.

" I love it when a plan gets together."

Swiftly confiscating the stick Qui Gon turned to his young friend. "Now, I believe we should discuss why a certain young man would do something reckless. Such as, throwing away the agreed upon plan of action and taking on a large group of opponents by himself without telling his companions."

"It seemed like a good idea at the time." Offered the young American.

"Be that as it may. It will do no good to get yourself killed doing something reckless when waiting will achieve your goals. You must learn patience, my young friend." Chided the Jedi Master.

Saint, feeling about two inches tall, could only reply with a soft "Yes Sir".

"Now, lets go back inside. I believe you have some more tests to take before dinner. Then, tomorrow I believe we can fit in some sparring."

"Well, then lets get those test over with. Saving kidnapped children and defeating the forces of evil does tend to work up one's appetite." Grinned Saint.

"It would appear so." Confirmed the Master Jedi.



TBC.



Authors Notes: Due to the pressures of school, I am forced to limit the updates to once a week. Therefore a new chapter will be posted on Sunday or Monday. If I have the time, I'll try to do some more frequent updates. Now for a preview of Chapter Three: Tardy Bell. Saint will continue with his testing and I'll reveal some past events and people who molded 'Saint' Christopher into the man he is today. As of right now, I expect to have the crew from Stargate SG-1 make their appearance in Chapter Four or Five. I am also considering crossing over with other subjects as the story continues. In any case, expect lots of action, drama, and humor in upcoming chapters. For those who continue to review the story, Thanks.