ENTER THE STALKERS 2: SCOUTS HONOR The Merry Prankster



CHAPTER SIX: THE GATHERING



Author's Notes: I've decided to change the title for Chapter Six from "Burning Down the House" to "The Gathering". Bringing the various groups together for the final battle took a lot longer that expected so I decided to split the chapter in two. Therefore, expect lots of action in "Chapter Seven: Burning Down the House". Lets just say it will be a major battle along the lines of the liberation of Naboo. As you can probably guess, I've started going into Saint's past and giving my view of what goes into the making of a Warrior of Light. Also, I am planning on posting the final version of "Enter the Stalkers2" in the Wandererverse site when it is finished. Right now I foresee at least two more chapters be written for this story. Chapter Seven deals with the final battle with the black mage and Chapter Eight will have Saint and company coming to Earth. That will lead to far more crossovers.

To my readers, I deeply appreciate your emails and reviews. Tell me what you liked or disliked. I need some input to fine tune the storyline. But in any case Keep them coming!!! And now, on to our story.



Jungle outside Kali Settlement

Planet Tauri Alpha V

Outer Rim

Star Wars Universe



The high pitch whine of speeder bike engines shattered the calm air causing Dr. Jackson and Wins to look up at the returning party members. As soon as the group had left for the city, the doctor began grilling Wins on various aspects of the Republic, particularly the culture and technology. It was a fascinating discussion. He had been amazed at the variety of sentient beings present in this universe. Deciding to continue the conversation at a later time, Daniel and Wins walked over to their comrades.

Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter climbed off the bikes while Saint and Qui Gon shut down the engines. Seeing Teal'c, Daniel, and Wins, Jack motioned them to join another meeting. Daniel turned to Jack and asked him what happened.

Pointing at Saint, Jack responded "It seems our 'Boy Scout' has connections in this universe. After making a few calls on their version of a telephone, he managed to snare quite a few people in helping do the good deed."

"I take it, not all were enthusiastic over the request."

Sam chose that moment to cut into the conversation. "Yup, in fact, some of those contactees were mumbling about regretting not changing their numbers."

Daniel paused for a moment to ponder this revelation. He turned back to Wins while sitting down on a convenient tree stump. Shifting his eyes to Saint, he voiced his thoughts.

"Uh, Wins?"

"Yeah?"

"According to your information, the Jedi do not usually accept students over Age 2. Yet, Saint is nineteen. Just why did the Jedi allow Saint to begin training at such an advanced age?"

Wins motioned O'Neill, Carter, and Jackson to get closer. Answering the question in a soft voice, "Officially, the Jedi allowed him to begin training on account of his high Force potential. His medichlorine count is higher than many Jedi masters. However, I believe that the real reason was that they could keep an eye on him. They sorta cringe at the possibility of having loose cannon white knights in their galaxy."

Jack kept a straight face as he nodded in agreement. The meeting started soon after Qui Gon and Saint joined them. The group congregated at the edge of the woods a short distance from the rest of the SG1 team. Being the highest-ranking officer present, Jack called the meeting to order.

"It appears that we arrived in this universe somewhat like Lieutenant Christopher and his crew. Their description of the 'tunnel' that deposited them in this universe matched that of our fouled up jump. The only difference was that we were using the Stargate to move to another planet in our universe and got sidetracked. Lieutenant Christopher and his crew just got sucked into this universe without being anywhere near a Stargate. We have two problems facing our team. First, how do we get home, if there is even a way to get back to Earth? Second, there may be some clues to our predicament at those robot-guarded ruins. So we need to be able to take out those droids to get to that info. Lieutenant, do you have anything to offer?"

Pointing at Qui Gon Jinn and Winslett, Saint answered: "From our recent experiences, we know that the operation is run by a man in black robes. That outfit is common to a group of local bad guys called Sith. However, the description also matches the Black Mages from Earth. We later learned that there were tow guys in black robes running the child kidnap ring on Coruscant. One of the children rescued during that raid in overheard the head guy in the Black Robe talking about escaping from Toronto only to face more 'Whit Hats' here. From the descriptions given to Master Jinn, I believe, he is directing the operation on this planet."

Jack took off his hat and scratched his head before continuing. "So, if we take out the droids guarding the base, we can examine what's left for any information useful concerning our way home."

"Then, there is the side benefit of rescuing the children and getting in the good graces of this Jedi Council. They seem to be the best hope in helping us get home." Included Sam.

Smiling broadly, Saint jumped in. "Hey, I always love a chance to take the best laid plans of evidoers and shred them to pieces."

"And, we can go blow something up!" Out of the assembled 'Command Staff', only Saint and Teal'c were not shocked over the Colonel's revelation. Shrugging his shoulders, Jack simply said "It's a military thing".

Qui Gon had been silently contemplating the discussion. Finally, he decided that it was time to change the direction of the conversation. "It will take at least two days for our friends to arrive and help out. Therefore, we should set up a base camp where we can assemble our forces."

"And, lets get a small group together to do a quick recon and set up a surveillance post near that base. Colonel O'Neill did you bring any night vision with you?" asked Saint.

"No, we weren't supposed to be gone for more than a couple hours. Much less being sucked into an alternate universe."

Saint unslung a rifle off his shoulder and showed it to the SG1 team leaders. "This is one of the newest toys used by some friends of mine. It's like a sci-fi version of the old M203/M16 system. Basically it is an auto grenade launcher strapped to the underside of a pulse laser rifle. The good news is that it has an integral ultra violet/low light scope. So we do have a form of night vision."

Wins had been quiet during most of the discussion and decided to jump in. "I noticed an abandoned farming complex about two miles north of here. The main building is intact and still has a roof. Also, the lack of vegetation makes it difficult for anyone to sneak up on us."

Jack took in the suggestions and made his decision. "Here's how we'll do it. Master Jinn, Saint, Teal'c and myself will recon the enemy base. We'll look at the base layout, hostage location, and try to get a more exact count of enemy forces. Sam, you will take the rest of our group, secure the farming complex, and set up a defensible perimeter. Each force will be issued comlinks thoughtfully provided by Master Jinn and stay in contact with each other. Saint has set the devices to a frequency that the droids cannot detect. However, radio silence will be observed during the recon and by the surveillance post. We'll only contact each other if something major comes up."

The meeting was adjourned as both groups made preparations for their assignments.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jedi Temple

Planet Coruscant

Star Wars Universe

Obi Wan let out a deep sigh as he turned off the com link. I knew I should have gotten rid of the com link once Saint and Master Jinn left the planet. A slight noise caused the young Jedi to look up from his introspection. There, in the doorway stood Master Mace Windu. Pointing at the now silent comlink, the bald Jedi voiced his question.

"From the look on your face, I take it that you got a call from young Anthony."

The young Jedi gave his elder a slight smile before responding. "Do you remember our conversation prior to rescuing those children?"

"Didn't it concern a remark made by his co-pilot? He refer to Anthony as a 'Boyscout'?"

"Yes, not only has Saint talked me into helping out. He has now dragged Master Adi Gallia into helping with his latest 'Good Deed'."

Mace rubbed his chin and thought back to being nearly run over by Adi Gallia as she exited this very room. So that's the reason for her leaving in such a hurry He glanced over to Obi Wan, raising an eyebrow.

"Though I may need to have my head examined for doing what I am contemplating, I will join you on your journey."

"You know, Master Windu, I have a bad feeling about this."

"As do I. But for some reason, I have a strange desire to see what our friend is up to."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ruins outside Kali Township

Planet Tauri Alpha 5

Outer Rim

Star Wars Universe

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY GOT AWAY?"

Seedu, a green skinned, insect like Rhodian, shrank away from his employer's outburst. He had waited outside the hanger bay while waiting for his buddies to finish off their targets. Unfortunately, nothing about the little assignment had gone as planned. First, the targets had turned out to be Jedi, something the black robed human had neglected to mention when they were hired. How the hell did those two younger Jedi get hold of those weapons? Seedu, gave a slight shudder as he remembered the fight and how he had narrowly gotten away. Turning back to face the black mage, the Rhodian gave his report.

"But master They all liked to be called that, The younger Jedis had some kind of combination blaster rifle and grenade launcher. They took the rest of my gang out in seconds. If I didn't eliminate Jasta back there, we would have the entire Jedi order breathing down our necks by now. At least the Jedi were unable to get any useful information."

His eyes glowing malevolently, Wolfgang Blackmoore continued. "For that slight spark of intelligence, I will let you live. Do not fail again, Darth Siddious is not as forgiving as I."

Seedu felt his knees buckle as the implications of his employer's last sentence sank in his thick skull. 'You mean the Sith is coming here?"

"For now, he is content to remain on Coruscant. However, any more mistakes may lead him to come here and demand answers. If that happens, you will be explaining to him not I."

The Black Mage pointed at the door. The Rhodian needed no further prompting and was gone within seconds. Looking at his employee's fleeing backside, Wolfgang considered the implications of SG1s arrival. When the Americans, appeared in the middle of his base, the black mage had ordered his battle droids to wipe out the intruders. Note to self: Double the guards and ask Siddious for living troops to reinforce the security detachment. Those battle droids are too easily outsmarted by anyone with half a brain. Looking at his time piece, the Black Mage noted it was time to report back to the Sith. It won't be long before I will be the master and ruler of this galaxy. Once that is achieved, then it's back to Earth.

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Royal Palace, Theed

Planet Naboo

Outer Rim

Star Wars Universe

The hanger bay attached to the Royal Palace was a picture of organized chaos. Men ran back and forth, loading supplies on various ships and just getting them ready for flight. McGyver had finished his morning check ride in one of the Gunship prototypes that were being developed for the newly formed Nubian armed forces. Like many of the machines encountered by the American visitors to this galaxy, the gunship was a mix of science fiction and normal hardware. The flight crew of pilot and gunner occupied the nose of the ship under tandem bubble canopies. Behind the cockpit, a cargo compartment capable of seating twenty fully equipped soldiers or comparable cargo was located. In fact the gunship looked like a Earth helicopter that had been turned into a spacecraft.

Turning off the engines, the American exited the ship, pausing to look it over one last time. No matter how often I fly it, the bird still reminds me of a cross between a Russian Mil 24 'Hind' attack helicopter and the dropship from that 'Aliens' movie I had watched as a kid. Looking around the hanger, McGyver wondered what was going on. Wonder what's going on? Wait, there's Shepherd and the queen. I'll go ask them.

Sgt. Shepherd, Captain Panaka, and Queen Amidala had been going over the final plans for sending help to Saint and company. The sound of approaching footsteps caused the trio to look up from their discussion and see McGyver coming over.

McGyver noted the serious expressions on the three before voicing his question. "What's going on?" Pointing back at the hanger bay, he continued. "I'm out completing a check ride on the new gunship and suddenly get the order to return to base. When, I arrive, pandemonium is reigning in the bay. So, I say again, what's going on?"

Queen Amidala turned to face the young American before answering. "We just received a call from Master Jinn and Anthony. They were investigating a link to the Coruscant child kidnap ring on Tauri Alpha V and uncovered a major base."

"Let me guess, upon uncovering the base the 'Boy Scout' decided to eliminate the threat and call a few friends to help out."

Captain Panaka shook his head in resignation. " Yes, and I thought that by teaming him up with Master Jinn, the Jedi would be able to reign him in."

"Not likely. In fact, I seem to remember one of the Jedi mentioning that Master Jinn had a reputation of being somewhat unconventional. If anything, Saint dragged him into it. He has a gift for doing that. So what's the plan?"

The queen quickly outlined the agreed plan of action. "Captain Panaka and Sgt. Shepherd will lead a company of the newly formed Naboo Rangers and help Saint take out the base. You, will take the twelve pre-production gunships for transportation and support."

"But ma'am those are the only gunships around. I mean, they are still in the prototype stage and are nowhere near being ready for production. In fact, they have only begun final testing."

"It appears that you will have a chance to test them under realistic conditions after all. Now, go and get ready. The transport ship carrying your forces leaves this system within the day."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jungle outside Kali Settlement

Planet Tauri Alpha V

Outer Rim

Star Wars Universe

Jack walked across the clearing to have a word with Saint. There were still many unanswered questions about this universe, what was going on, and he wanted answers. The young American was sitting on a log looking at some kind of locket. He had been so focussed on the pictures within, that he didn't notice O'Neill until the colonel was right on him.

Pointing to a spot next to Saint, Jack cleared his throat. "Mind if I sit down?"

Saint looked up. "No problem, have a seat."

"Who is she?"

Saint turned the locket over in his hand to show the SG1 commander the picture inside. Smiling slightly, he explained. "Her name is Katie Heart. We dated back in high school, nothing serious at the time. But we were close friends. Who knows, maybe if she hadn't moved to Los Angeles it might have gotten more serious. We kept in touch by email and instant messaging while I was in training and stayed friends. We met up again in LA right before the mission to Mauretania. We had dinner, heck even her mother, JD Heart was there. "

"I hate to tell you kid, but from the look on your face it was more serious than you let on."

"Maybe so. She gave me this locket the following day when I was leaving. Sorta something to remember her by." Saint lightly touched the picture before looking out across the field. "I keep it next to my heart as a reminder of what waits back home when I get there."

"If it is meant to be, she'll wait for you." Jack gave Saint a quick look over. The young American had changed out of his civilian clothes into a pair of faded, tiger-striped pattern BDUs. Judging by his dress, he could be any member of SG1. However, unlike the SG1 team members, Saint had wrapped an old T-shirt around his head. If he didn't know better, Jack could have mistaken Saint for a Ranger from the Vietnam conflict. Jack tapped Saint on the shoulder and pointed to edge of the woods. "Major Carter and her team are heading out to the farmstead. We need to get going ourselves. You ready?"

Saint checked his rifle one last time before replying. "Yes Sir!"

+++

Major Carter and her party had made the trip to the farmstead in less than an hour. Wins had been right. The main farmhouse was basically intact. The roof was still in place and only a few shattered windows disturbed that image. Wins accompanied her as they looked over the farm. In addition to the intact farmhouse, there were several side buildings that were in various stages of decay. The garage was intact and could comfortably hold up to four car-sized vehicles inside. They looked inside what was once a barn. Several stalls lined the walls and straw covered the floor. Finally they reached a grain silo. The roof was missing but the top floor was intact. They went up the stairs to get a closer look.

Pointing to the room Wins commented on the suitability of the farm. "Major, this silo makes a great lookout post. We could place a sentry up here with a radio and nothing can sneak up on us."

"I was thinking the same thing. That open field could accommodate several large VTOLS and makes an excellent landing zone. Wins, it looks like we have our base camp."

"You are right about that. I would recommend that we plug up any holes in that wall surrounding this complex. Once we do that, we have a good defensible position."

"It's settled. We secure this place and post watches. Luckily, the farmhouse can accommodate out entire force so we will use it for sleeping quarters and command post. If necessary, we can use the barn to house the rest of Saint's friends when they arrive."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



The reconnaissance team quietly moved into the surrounding jungle. Saint, took point as the patrol moved out in the direction of the ruins. Halfway to their destination, the young American held up his right hand motioning for the others to hold up. Crouching down on one knee, he pulled out a knife and lightly scraped it across the animal trail. Jack eased up and peered around, trying to see what Saint had spotted.

"What do see?"

Saint did not answer immediately, but slowly lifted up the knife. A fine wire rested on the blade. "Tripwire. Let's see what it is attached to, shall we?"

Saint carefully traced the wire across the trail until he reached a nearby tree. He eased a branch out of the way to reveal a box facing the trail.

"Looks like someone's version of a claymore." Saint turned back and lifted his rifle to his shoulder. Switching the ultra violet scope to passive mode, he scanned the surrounding terrain. "Looks like what appears to be some kind of surveillance device about five hundred yards up the trail. Looks like we are going cross country from now on."

"Anthony, I can feel the presence of several nearby droids through the Force." Qui Gon pointed up the road. "They are nearby and we should move off the trail if we hope to avoid detection."

Jack and Teal'c nodded in agreement and the group crept into the surrounding brush. Soon afterwards, the sounds of heavy footsteps became clearer as the droids approached. Qui Gon and Saint used the Force to mask their comrades presence as the enemy got closer.

"There's no one here." The tan robot looked around the area. "Must have been some animal that tripped the sensors"

Everyone let out sighs of relief as the battle droids moved back up the road. Teal'c suggested that the trail would be too dangerous and they needed to move through the brush. The rest nodded in agreement to his recommendation.

The team moved away from the trail and turned back towards the ruins. Three hours later, they heard the sounds of machinery and voices up ahead. Saint pointed to a nearby hill, dropped to his belly and crawled up the hill to edge of a large patch of grass that was growing three feet in height. He carefully parted the grass and looked out over the camp.

The ruins were the scene of intense activity. Saint pulled out a notepad and quickly sketched out a plan of the base. He noted thew number of visible droids, living beings, and machinery. He brought up his rifle and used it's uv/low light sight as a binoculars. Thus, he was able to get a close up look of the base from his angle. Saint looked down at his watch and noticed it was time to rejoin the group. So, he carefully low crawled back to the assembled team to give his report.

"Here's the lowdown. The site is composed of five major buildings plus numerous smaller, more recently constructed structures." Pointing at his sketch, Saint pointed out the highlights. "The large building in the center appears to have been some kind of temple. It appears to be the major feature of this site. There were at least four gun emplacements poking out of the window. I noticed out friend in the black bathrobe walking into it. About fifty yards to the East is another building festooned with antennas. I would wager that it is some kind of communications shack. The two buildings west of the temple are barracks of some kind. I noticed what appear to be armed humanoids walking in and around those buildings. The final building, located one hundred yards south of the temple, is a hanger. It is located next to a landing platform. That platform appears to be large enough to accommodate a standard light freighter with no difficulty. Finally, the complex is surrounded by razor wire and watch towers every hundred yards."

Jack spoke up and asked about forces.

"Well sir, from my vantage point, I saw three formations of battle droids. Each was about platoon sized. I say somewhere in the neighborhood of around thirty droids apiece. In total, I noticed those ninety battle droids, plus another forty in various positions on the base. So, figure around one hundred thirty in all. Now, I also saw what looked like pirates lounging around the living quarters. But, I didn't get a good look at their numbers. The good news is that they have a latrine that was detached from the living quarters and closer to the perimeter."

Jack gave a long look at Saint who simply nodded. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" "If you mean, having someone infiltrate the base and capture one of the beings for information, then I do."

"Good, we'll sneak around to other end of the complex and get ready. Now, who wants to go?"

Saint pulled out his bayonet and detached his scabbard from his belt. Locking the two together, he held it up to show the others.

"The Force training I have received so far will allow me to sneak past the droid's sensors undetected. I can cut the wire with my wire cutters, grab a likely subject and be back within an hour."

Qui Gon looked over the rest of the party and said he would shield the others from detection with the Force.

+++

Night had fallen by the time the team had reached their destination. Jack gave Saint a quick pat on the back for good luck as his young friend moved toward the base. Saint low crawled up to the wire. Thanks to some handy gadget acquired from Coruscant, he was able to deflect the current without anyone knowing. He cut a small hole at the bottom of the fence and crawled through. He sneaked up to the latrine and waited behind a bush. One hour later, a rough looking human left the living quarters and walked up to the rest room. Saint waited until the pirate had reached the door before coming up behind him and placing the blade at his throat.

Saint quietly whispered "If so much a peep comes out of your mouth, I will cut you a new mouth. Do you understand?" The pirate's eyes grew wide as he nodded in understanding. "Now, we will quietly move toward the perimeter. Once we're through the fence, we will move to a place where you will answer some questions."

The two made it through the fence and back to the others. The pirate was tied up and gagged. Qui Gon used a Jedi Mind Trick and convinced the prisoner to not try anything. The team had reached the farm by sunup.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Ruined Farmhouse

Tauri Alpha V

Star Wars Universe

"Major Carter, we have movement on the Eastern perimeter."

Wins had been explaining the capabilities of some of the weaponry when the sentry reported in. She borrowed Wins Mauser and used it's scope to peer through the inky darkness. Dang, the scope is better than the sights on the new OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon), the Army is testing.

"Stand down. It's just the returning recon party."

Hmmm, looks like they brought some company along with them.

+++

The reconnaissance team crossed the perimeter and entered the farmyard. Saint leaned over to Jack and commented on the defensive positions. Out of the corner of his eye, O'Neill spotted Sam leaving the farmhouse, waving at them to come to her.

Saint and Qui Gon escorted the prisoner into the building while Wins led them to a room off the main hallway. Meanwhile, Sam led Jack and Teal'c into what had been the dining room.

Jack paused upon entering the room. It definitely was no longer a dining room. Heck, the original owners would not recognize the room at all. The table had been moved to the far end and set up as a conference table. What appeared to be three television monitors were set up on the right side, being manned by one SG1 soldier. A desk containing some kind of communications gear was on the other side of the room. Finally, a lap top computer and unknown device were set up on the table. Sam noticed Jack's unspoken question.

"While you were gone, Wins and I went back to the Jedi's ship and retrieved a few items. We set up motion and thermal sensors outside. Wins helped me integrate the Jedi equipment with what we had brought with us. At least we now have an acceptable detection net deployed around the perimeter." She pointed to the radio-like device before continuing. "The radio is set to the Republic frequencies so we can be contacted when Saint's friends arrive. That computer of theirs is a wonder. They managed to pack the capability of several mainframes into a small package."

"Think, they will let us take it back with us? I'm sure General Hammond will be interested in it."

"Don't know, but I'll ask. As you can tell, we have set up the command center in this room. Other rooms in this building and the barn have been modified into living quarters. Finally we have carved firing ports in the wall and make indoor bunkers should anyone attack us."

"Looks like you planned ahead. It turns out the bad guys have a band of pirates with them. Saint captured one and is helping Qui Gon interrogate him for any useful information."

They looked up upon hearing someone entering the room. It was Saint and Qui Gon. Jack motioned for the two to pull up chairs and sit down.

"Where's Blackbeard?"

Qui Gon was confused by the reference but Saint understood and spoke up. "Our pirate friend is in a locked storeroom, tied, gagged and being watched by Teal'c. It didn't take long for him to break, thanks to Master Jinn. I would recommend calling a staff meeting so I don't have to repeat myself too many times."

Jack nodded and asked Sam to round up the command team. Within minutes, Wins, Daniel, and Teal'c filed into the room. Teal'c having turned over the guard duty to one of the soldiers.

Wins, broke the silence. "Saint, what did you turn up?"

"Well gang, it appears we were on the right track. Blackbeard confirmed that a black robed human who is not native to the galaxy is managing the operation. He also revealed that there are around forty children being held in various cells in the basement. He didn't know why the children were there? However, he had observed them being led to a room filled with various machines." Saint pointed to a rough map. "The cells are located under the ruined temple. He also confirmed the presence of around two hundred battle droids and twenty destroyer droids."

Qui Gon took over from Saint. "We also learned that the 'Black Mage' is not pleased with his droid security force. In fact, he was overheard on many occasions begging his master for living beings who could show some initiative."

"So what do we do?" asked Daniel.

Qui Gon answered for Saint. "We wait until Anthony's friends arrive and get ready to move on a moment's notice." Pointing back at Wins, the Jedi continued. "Raymond will continued to get your SG1 members acquainted with this galaxy and I will continue Anthony's training in the Force."

+++

"Major Carter, we are being hailed on the frequency given to us by Lieutenant Christopher and Master Jinn! They claim to be Jedi knights."

Sam looked up from the laptop and saved the file she had been examining. While they had been waiting for reinforcements, Wins and Daniel had hooked up to various databases and uncovered some interesting information about the temple complex being used by the Black Mage. A recent archaeological expedition had revealed that it had been an ancient Sith temple. In fact, the Jedi archives had listed it as being one of the Sith's major temples when they had been a major threat to the Jedi. What really excited Sam was the site map from the archaeologist. It gave accurate locations and measurements to every room down to the square inch. Walking over to the com unit, she pressed the receive button. A holographic image of bald, black man appeared on the unit and introduced himself.

"This is Republic starship, Starseeker with a party of Jedi knights. To whom am I speaking to?"

"Major Samantha Carter, United States Air Force and second in command of SG1."

"Ah yes, Anthony mentioned you when he requested out aid."

"Hold on, I'm sending you landing coordinates. Follow them down and we'll be waiting."

"I am in you debt, dear lady. We will arrive shortly."

Saint, Qui Gon, Jack, and Daniel walked in as she finished her conversation with Mace Windu. Saint plopped into a chair next to the com unit.

"What's up?"

"Some of your friends will be arriving shortly. I believe they identified themselves as Jedi knights."

Saint turned to Qui Gon. "That would be Master Gallia and Obi Wan." The older Jedi nodded in acknowledgement. Any further conversation was interrupted by the flashing light on the com unit, indicating that a message was being received. Sam pressed the button again and the image of Captain Panaka appeared on the pad. He quickly identified himself and his ship's purpose.

"This is Captain Panaka of the Naboo Armed Forces with some requested aid. If I may, who am I speaking to?"

Sam repeated the introduction she had previously given to Mace Windu. He acknowledged receipt of the landing instructions. However, Sam was unprepared for the Nubian captain's next remark.

"I know he's there. Would you hand the communicator over to the INSANE, PSYCHOTIC, LIGHT-SABER WIELDING SMARTASS?"

"Captain Panaka, long time no see. Hows it hanging?"

"What is really going on down there? You did not really explain why you needed our help."

"I'll explain everything once you get here. Besides it'll be easier giving one briefing to everybody than saying the same thing over and over again."

"You better have a good one."

"Don't worry. Have I ever given a bad one?"

"Don't go there. I'll see you within thirty minutes. Panaka, Out."

Saint returned to the table, grabbed a stim drink, and looked back at the others.

"Now that all of the help has arrived. We can finalize the plans for taking down the bad guys. With any luck we'll be done by tomorrow night. Then, we can get on with finding a way back to Earth."

The others could only shake their heads in quiet resignation over the young man's enthusiasm.

+++

The Starseeker was the first ship to land near the farmhouse. Obi Wan Kenobi was first out of the ship. Walking down the ramp, he took in what were obviously newly constructed defensive positions near the walls. A group of people was walking up to the ship. Obi Wan immediately recognized his former master and friend. However, the other two were strangers.

Saint, Qui Gon, Jack, and Sam moved out to greet the new arrivals. A big smile appeared on Saint's face as he recognized the young man standing by the landing ramp. He went up to the young man and.

"Obi Wan! It's good to see you."

"I could say the same Anthony. Just what are you up to?"

"The usual. You know, protecting the innocent, defeating evil."

Obi Wan only shook his head. Any reply he was intending to make was interrupted by the arrival of Saint's companions and the two other Jedi leaving the ship. Jack walked up to Saint and asked him who they were. Saint looked at Qui Gon who motioned at him to make the introductions.

"Colonel O'Neill, this is Obi Wan Kenobi. He was Master Jinn's previous student and a close personal friend of mine." Pointing at the other two Jedi, Saint continued. "Standing behind Obi Wan are Masters Mace Windu and Adi Gallia. Both are master Jedi and members of the Jedi Council. Although I am surprised at Master Windu's appearance."

Mace Windu looked over to O'Neill. "I was in the communications center when Anthony asked Master Gallia and Jedi Kenobi for help. Due to my prior experience with Anthony, I decided to see what was going on for myself."

Saint turned back to Jack and grinned. "It's like watching an car accident. You know it's going to be bad, but you just can't turn away from watching it."

Mace nodded his head, understanding the reference. "It is something like that. Now, I recognize Master Jinn. Who are your other companions?"

"Starting with the gentleman to my right. This is Colonel Jack O'Neill of the United States Air Force. He is from my home planet, Earth and commander of SG1. I believe you have already been introduced to Colonel O'Neill's second-in-command, Major Samantha Carter."

The sound of multiple craft shattered the night air and twelve gunships landed near the Starseeker. The ships were obviously warships of some kind. They sprouted multiple gun positions and large doors on the sides. In fact, they appeared to be some kind of armed troop carriers. The Naboo markings on the side marked them as friendly.

Qui Gon and Jack were quietly discussing something and came to a agreement. Qui Gon cleared his throat, getting the other's attention.

"Now that the rest of Anthony's friends have arrived, I suggest that we retire to the farmhouse and make plans."







TBC