Agent Theron Shan-Republic Strategic Information Service
10:31:15 ATC/ October 31st, 1968 - 08:45/8:45 PM
'Nope. He's a Spook.' Theron thought as he read a file on Alex Mason of the Central Intelligence Agency. The SIS operative believes that the attack on Tython and Korriban were than just a coincidence and the agent was determined to find out. Shan was especially suspicious of Colonel Darock and he wasn't sure how deep this went so Theron decided to get outside help and as he looks for two suitable candidates, his droid, T3-G2, beeped.
"What do you got?" He asked as the droid brought two files on a pair of Americans, namely individuals by the name of Jacob Meyer and Samuel Westbrook.
Theron selected to read the one on Meyer first. "Private First Class Jacob Meyer." The spy who had taken down the Ascendant Spear continued reading of someone from the sound of it was suspiciously in a black operations unit, one that Shan hadn't heard of in any recent debriefing. "Born and raised in Acton, Indiana...Officially became the first Earthling to engage Imperial forces during the 'United Nations incident'."
'Oh, that?' Shan shook his head. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of sympathy for the guy as the woman he was romantically involved with turned out to be an Imp who infiltrated SpecForce. "Was in something known as the 'Studies and Observations Group' for a few months in the Mekong Delta before requesting a transfer back to his original unit - details of the mission in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam remain classified and is now a Raider...Highly skilled in shooting with accomplishments nationally in sanctioned Director of Civilian Marksmanship events and is a 'Distinguished Marksman'." The man in the red jacked nodded his head in approval to his companion. "Excellent choice Tee-Three. I believe we have found our men."
Private First Class Jacob Gregory "Jake" Meyer - Fireteam Alpha, Second Squad, First Platoon, C/Charlie Company, Second Raider Battalion "Carlson's Raiders", Second Raider Regiment, Second Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps
11:01:15 ATC/ November 1st, 1968 - 07:01/7:01 AM
"Do what!?" Jake couldn't believe what he was hearing. Meyer wasn't sure if he heard his pal's announcement correctly. The Raider was in his barrack reading when Samuel brought the Leatherneck some unexpected news.
"Apparently some Republic Spook recruited us for a mission." Sam declared with disgust.
"Damn and to think we were both recruited for MACV-SOG by Agent Mason." Jake shook his head. "Thanks to him we had an encounter that reminded us why we shouldn't trust spies."
The two friends shuddered as memories of that mission came back to haunt them.
Private First Class Jacob Gregory "Jake" Meyer - Team Delaware 3-5, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG)
Location Classified - Somewhere in the Mekong Delta
Date and Time Unknown
"Goalpost? This is Cutthroat."
Private Jacob Meyer and Corporal Samuel Westbrook waited from their position as a detachment of NVA regulars passed them just feet away. The two Hoosiers and buddies since boyhood coincidentally assigned to the same SOG unit were granted a 'temporary assignment' to assist some United States Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and Force Recon Marines in a raid on a suspected North Vietnamese Army command center and Meyer was behind the rifle with Westbrook using the M49 Spotting Scope to observe splashes and provide any correction if needed.
"We read you Cutthroat."
"Apparently we have regulars in addition to Charlie." Meyer mentioned as he peered through the John Unertl Model 2" 36x Target Scope on his barely modified M14 rifle which also had a SIONICS suppressor attached in addition to the optic. "I repeat, we have some boys from Hanoi."
"Copy Cutthroat. We'll be ready for them."
Jake admitted that while the tiger stripes were cool, the Marine was annoyed that a Spook had the power to transfer him to some shitty part of nowhere. The Leatherneck watched as Sam reached for his weapon and cover their rear with his 'acquired' RPD but then there was a growl.
"SHIT!" Westbrook shouted as a leopard appeared. It seems like the Americans have unwittingly chosen a bad spot and now the mission was a failure.
Present...
"Damn cat came out of nowhere."
"And you wonder why I'm not a cat person?" Jake wily answered. "Cats are evil and the black ones cause bad luck."
"So says the Jarhead who dated a redhead." The man whose father was from Salem, Massachusetts smirked, to which his pal snorted.
"Yeah...A cheesecake-loving Space Brit. Don't remind me."
11:03:15 ATC/ November 3rd, 1968 - 06:22/6:22 PM
Jake and Sam walked into the rendezvous point, a bar of sorts, in order to get additional information regarding this operation. The two American servicemen knew that Republic and Earth-all of Earth- military doctrine was completely worlds apart as to best conduct a mission. The pair have witnessed it many times, seeing everything from generals from a religious order who happens to be commandos as well to fraternizing with the enemy in order to strike deals, the later of which would get a Earthling shot as a majority of Terran leaders wouldn't desire a repeat of the Christmas Truce.
"Ah, you must be our guests." Agent Shan noted.
"Okay buster, I sure as hell don't know why you drafted us for some suicide mission, but if I find out you're misappropriating us for some ill-gotten gain, Hell will be a luxury compared to what I'm willing to do."
"Whoa, take it easy. We're all friends here." Theron placated. "What's your problem?"
Sam shook his head "Jake. Clearly, your threats are not going to get us out of this mess."
"They aren't threats." Meyer declared as he glared at the spy. "They're promises. Alrighty then, Mister Red Jacket." Jake sneered "So why are we at this bar?
The agent shook his head and answered. "My contact from the Empire should be meeting us here soon."
Sam raised an eyebrow in suspicion at the comment. "Empire?"
"Yeah, something about the assaults on Korriban and Tython doesn't add up. We chose Manaan as it's a neutral world so we could compare notes in person. And that is also whe-"
The trio was interrupted by a rather attractive blonde woman in her early twenties. The Americans never understood why robes and capes were an essential fashion statement for the rest of the universe, but there were also some rather strange coincidences between Earth and the Intergalactic community in addition to the usual discernible differences.
"Theron, it's good to see you've made it." She greeted in an unmistakable Space British accent. But Jake has a slightly poleaxed expression at seeing the pretty blonde then notices her eyes, Sith yellow.
'I need a really stiff drink' Meyer thought.
Lana smiles at the stranger but notices how handsome he is and got lost in his eyes. "So...Theron?...I see you brought along friends."
Theron grins as he recognized her becoming smitten. "You're okay Lana...You're sweating a bit."
The flaxen-haired woman blushed harder. "Oh hush up."
However, the situation wasn't helped as 'Burning Love' by Elvis Presley begins to play in the cantina.
Lord Almighty,
I feel my temperature rising
Higher higher
It's burning through to my soul
Girl, girl, girl
You gonna set me on fire
My brain is flaming
I don't know which way to go
'Dammit!' Jake thought as he listened to the tune. 'Elvis is becoming strangely popular if aliens are playing it!'
Lana, unbeknownst to the Marine was sharing the same embarrassing sentiment as well as the song became more evident. 'Kriff!'
Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
Ooh, ooh, ooh,
I feel my temperature rising
Help me, I'm flaming
I must be a hundred and nine
Burning, burning, burning
And nothing can cool me
I just might turn into smoke
But I feel fine
Shan grins widen, enjoying the fact that he now has potential blackmail."So Lana, this is Jacob Meyer of the United States Marines. Jake, Lana Beniko-Sith Lord and head of Sith Intelligence."
"Umm...Nice to meet you Miss Beniko."
"The...Feeling is mutual...Jake." Then a thought occurred to the blonde. 'Wait a minute, did Sara mentioned that her boy...Ah, kriff.'
Theron smirked evilly. " I'll leave you two alone for a minute to get to know each other better."
"I think I need a beer." The paratrooper grinned mischievously as he agreed with the plan.
"Theron…"
"Sam..."
Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like a sweet song of a choir
And you light my morning sky
With burning love
It's coming closer
The flames are reaching my body
Please won't you help me
I feel like I'm slipping away
It's hard to breath
And my chest is a-heaving
Nevertheless, despite their best efforts Theron and Sam still leave their respective compatriots in the dust.
"I apologize for my friend's behavior...Theron enjoys causing mischief if he thinks he can get away with it."
"That's okay Miss Beniko. Sam is the same way so I know the feeling."
Lana smiles flirtatiously. "Please call me Lana, Jacob."
Lord Almighty,
I'm burning a hole where I lay
Cause your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love
With burning love
Ah, ah, burning love
I'm just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love
Jake smirks in response to the glow. "Only if you call me Jake."
'What in the name of the Force am I thinking...If this is the same Jacob Meyer Sara was in a relationship with!?'
'Well, I'm not sure if I'll see Sara again and the last time I saw her, I shot her accidentally on Korriban...Odds are slim.'
"So Jake..." Theron inquired cheekily. "What do you think of Lana?"
"Hmm...Well, I didn't think I'll run into the Head of Sith Intelligence herself and why would an SIS agent be friends with said head of enemy intelligence agency...Are you setting me up? As in patsy?"
"Oh, why of course not." Sam grinned evilly. "I believe he has good intentions."
Jake placed the beer down and placed his head on the table. "Shit. I'm screwed."
"So is it just me or doesn't Jake seem a bit flustered?"
The SIS agent smirked at the paratrooper. "He'll be fine, Sergeant." Shan gazed over at Beniko as she sheepishly passes the duo. "So how was your time with lover boy?"
"Not. One. Word." The Sith growled.
Westbrook shook his head as the blonde stormed off. "You realize that she could easily kill us both, right?"
"What can I say?" The agent defended. "Lana is...unique amongst their ranks. Pushing buttons is a hobby of mine."
"One of these days she might make you 'disappear'."
"Perhaps." Theron confessed casually. "But for now, I'm cocky enough to push my luck."
11:05:15 ATC/ November 5th, 1968 - 08:49/8:49 AM
Shan had to admit that the history of the Americans was proving themselves as they began to ponder over the best way to conduct the operation against the facility. The two traitors, Colonel Darok and Darth Arkous were both pouring funds into this one research lab, something that had to be more of just a mere coincidence.
"So can we count on reinforcements?"
Theron shook his head. "No, since this mission is ultrasensitive and time is of the essence." He then shrugged. "Then again, Lana might be pulling strings but she doesn't tell me everything for obvious reasons."
"Well, this will become a FUBAR op if we don't plan accordingly."
"FUBAR?" The agent inquired, unfamiliar with Earth terminology.
"Fucked up beyond any recognition." Samuel clarified. "Worse than SNAFU, Situation normal all fucked up."
"Ah." The spy grinned. Shan had to admit that the Terran had a rather colorful vocabulary of expressions to describe every event. "Luckily for you, I've acquired some typical civvie attire for this special party of ours."
"So we can get hung for spying just like Nathan Hale?" Jake grumbled. "Wonderful."
"Actually, it's typically either lightning or throwing a lightsaber."
"Still, we're not spies, Red Jacket." The Leatherneck reminded him. "If we get caught and die, I'll come back from the grave and strangle you." The Raider selected a dull gray and buff leather jacket for himself before handing an all black one to Sam. "You really have a strange sense in clothing."
"It's not my fault that Nerf leather is the current fad." Theron upholded. "And who would think that Earthlings would wear leather?"
Meyer rolled his eyes at the bravado. "If James Dean was still alive, he'll prove you wrong."
"Who?"
"Nevermind." Westbrook interceded. "Let's just get this over with."
11:05:15 ATC/ November 5th, 1968 - 11:24/11:24 AM
Jake and Sam continued to infiltrate the facility by using their experiences with stealth operations. So far, the two Americans -with assistance from their SIS handler- had managed to not to alert the security system for the installation but the duo knew that it was only a matter of time and as a result, attempted to make this mission a quick raid for Intel.
"Bring back any memories rescuing POWs in Laos?" Westbrook asked in a whisper.
"Sure does." Meyer chuckled softly as he brought up a suppressed M1911A1 and fired, taking down a guard. "Didn't know what hit him."
"Because bullets are regarded as obsolete by the rest of the galaxy." The paratrooper reminded his friend cheekily as they proceed to drag the corpse out of sight.
"So the Republic and the representatives for BlasTech and Merr-Sonn, say." The Raider shrugs. "But I'm not going to deny results."
"Interesting," The voice of the spy interrupted the conversation over the com. "I'm seeing records of a prisoner here. Someone named Jakarro. I bet he could share some interesting stories with us…The Chief of Security's straight ahead."
The pair rounded the corner to find the chief and two riot control droids waiting. Along with a rather irate looking Bigfoot in a cage.
"I thought Sasquatch was in California?" Jake muttered as he aimed his rifle at the head of security, firing a shot.
"I'm no Sasquatch! I'm a Wookiee!"
Meyer rolled out of the way as one of the robots took a swing at the Leatherneck. Westbrook unleashed a hail of bullets at said bot and riddled it with holes. While the soldier was focusing on the first one, the other robot attempted to blast the paratrooper in the back, but the Raider shot the tincan in the head.
"It's our lucky day, droid! Convince these saps to let us out of here!"
The duo looked at the being and realized that the metallic skull wasn't decoration, but the head of a robot attached to crossed bandoliers. And the head seemed to be fully functional.
"Uh… Greetings! My master compliments your impressive skill, and would like to share his appreciation for this noble rescue!"
Jake raised an eyebrow and looked at the beast. "Jakarro, I presume? We're here to break you out… among other things."
"Fine, just release us and we can slaughter the rest of these backstabbers together!"
"Before we let you out, what are the two of you even doing here? You're logged as a prisoner, but why?"
The robot answer before the mammal. "My esteemed master is a specialist in discreet cargo delivery. I am his translator, C2 D4, former servant of her Imminence, Queen Lina of…"
"Does he ever shut up!" Sam groans from the console.
"No one cares, droid! Get to the point." His master growled.
"Uhm… yes, well, Jakarro was contracted by a Selkath geneticist, Gorima, to deliver certain medical equipment—perfectly legal! – to this facility." The droid told the duo. "But once the delivery was made, we were imprisoned and interrogated by two very unpleasant individuals!"
"Let me guess… a Republic officer and a Sith?"
"They wanted to know whether or not we had told others about the job. Insulting!" Jakarro replied.
"We were never introduced!" C2-D4 replied. "Very rude, to be perfectly honest. After the interrogation, they told Gorima to use us for fodder in some kind of experiment!"
Jake shook his head with disgust, the explanation reminding him of his father tales regarding encountering the Nazi's experimentation on some of the Holocaust victims after liberating a camp. "Sith don't usually take prisoners from what we heard, so this experiment must be a big deal."
"The possibilities are… troubling, to say the least." D4 commented.
Sam checked his com and asked their handler. "Theron, you getting all this?"
"Yeah, and their story checks out—just did a little digging on these two. Charges against them both for smuggling, disorderly conduct, assault…"
Soldier and Jarhead looked at each other, and the Leatherneck asked "Even the Robot?"
"Yeah." Theron replied, sounding confused."Why do you ask?"
"Nevermind."
"Well, whatever they may have done, Lana has a good feeling about them—thinks they might come in handy. Let's see if she's right." The field agent deadpanned.
Shan guided Westbrook as to how to open the cage and with a few simple keystrokes, the force field was down.
"All right." Sam told Jakarro as he leapt from the cage platform. "We're in this together, you understand."
"I will secure my weapons and meet you! Revenge will be ours!"
The beast turned and as he stalked off the duo overheard D4 shout at them. "Thank you!"
Sam walked up beside Jake and said. "They're friendly."
"I'm going to ascribe the lack of manners to the fact they'd been stuck in a cage." Jake replied as turned to eye the elevator which leads to the lab. "It's time to crash this party."
The descent felt like forever, and as the elevator doors opened, Theron's voice buzzed in the duo ears.
"Hold up a sec. I've been slicing the facility's files, and I keep finding references to the Order of Shasa, some type of Force-using Selkath. They aren't Jedi or Sith. I'm still not sure how they fit into this, so be careful."
"We will." Jake replied as Sam looked at him.
"Well, that's just nifty." He said wryly. "But on the other hand, Space Magicians have nothing over us."
"Ain't that right." Meyer snickered as he pulled back the charging handle of his M14. " So let's make mincemeat and shoot the fish in this barrel of theirs."
The Order of Shasa turned out to be extremely proficient fanatics but the two Americans were experienced enough with magicians to overtake them. Admittedly it was still challenging yet a couple well-placed shots from the gunpowder weapons and a few grenades here and there did wonders when it came to dealing with laser swords.
But now, Jake, Sam, and their two companions stood before a security door that, if the schematics the spy had found were accurate, led to Gorima's lab. And a new voice came over the com circuit, female with a clipped Dromund Kaas accent.
"I know we haven't talk much, but Theron asked me to contact you while he was busy with his scanning equipment." The Sith announced. "Apparently he's picking up powerful energy readings from Gorima's laboratory, readings consistent with Rakata technology. Theron and I agree this is a dangerous sign. Whatever is going on in that lab, please do your best to stop it."
"Understood, ma'am." Samuel acknowledged. "We're about to strike the place anyway."
Jake opened the door and stormed in first, pointing his weapon at the being.
"Are you Gorima?" Jake asked the alien who was leaning over the table operating on something.
"I am, and I'm never going to finish with so many interruptions! Go back to Darok and tell him to stop pestering me!" He replied absently, then looked up. "You aren't one of Darok's people. An intruder then. What do you want?"
"I don't understand what you're saying, Fishface." Jake growled at the aquatic researcher. "But I can one hundred percent guarantee you didn't expect for your magicians and robots to be taken down easily."
"Obviously you are not familiar with Selkaths."The mad scientist determined. "No matter, you will not escape this facility alive with my creation-"
"There you are!" Jakarro howled as he brought up his bowcaster. "Time to learn the cost for crossing Jakarro, eel!"
Gorima brought up both hands, either in defense or an attempt to placate Jakarro. "Please." He pleaded. "It was nothing personal! You have to understand—you're such an impressive specimen."
"What are you waiting for?" D4 asked. "Do it before he has a chance to betray us again!"
But Sam beat Jakarro to the deed and fired a burst from his M60 in order to end the mad inventor's waste of oxygen. "Rot in hell."
The extraterrestrial stumbled back as the projectiles opened a cavity in his chest, the bullets peppering his flesh and keeled over.
"Gorima wasn't the best employer really." The robot head confessed with a cheerful glee.
The conversation was cut off by the loud hiss, as an observation port opened in the far wall, and standing together were Arkous and Darok, the two traitors looking somewhat smug.
"Well." Darok said conversationally. "That explains the dead guards."
"Hmmm...I do wonder why I couldn't sense our intruders." The Sith mused. "Most peculiar."
"Obviously they're Earthlings." The Colonel quickly determined. "Judging by weaponry, the tactics, and their accent, I say Americans to be precise."
"Yes. I suppose that explains it." His companion conceded. "No matter, these forceless pests are going to learn that they're an anathema to everything we hold dear."
"I told Shan to let it go." Darok revealed to them. "You all did your parts—none of this concerns you."
"You think you can just stand there and relax without us shooting at you?" Meyer mocked, the former 5811 Military Policeman firing a warning shot "Surrender. This is your only warning."
"Your ignorance to galactic affairs is none of our concern!" The Colonel declared as a projectile struck the glass and whiz by his head, the duo knowing that it was their cue to flee. "You don't even know what you're interfering with, you ignorant Earthlings!"
"Such a shame about Gorima." Darth Arkous lamented with surprising calmness as the Sith Lord reach out to press a button on the console in front of him, and the lab shuttered as the hatch to the observation port closed.
"That right cowards! You may run, but you can't hide!"
"Jake! We need to get outta here!"
"Your friend is right, Earthling! I'm not suited for aquatic environments!"
"I must agree with my master! We best get going!"
"Ah, shut up robot!"
"Robot? I'm C2-D4, a Protocol Droid formerly in service to Queen…"
"I said shut it, Rosey." The Marine snarled. "This ain't the Goddamn 'Jetsons'!"
"Out! Now!" Sam barked as an explosion tore through the facility and water came rushing in. The quartet were out in the hallways, heading toward the elevator at double time to the surface when Lana contacted the strike team.
"Hello again." She said, "I'm afraid all the emergency pods have been ejected and the hatches back to the facility's entrance sealed. Fortunately, a friend and I… procured a small watercraft for such an eventuality. The autopilot should have it docked at a hatch nearby shortly."
'Friend?' Jake asked himself, but shook the Leatherneck his head. The Marine needed to focus on surviving the waves first.
"'Shortly' might be a little bit long as far as we're concerned." Sam shouted over the rush of water.
"Their cyborg champion is after you!" Lana said, sounding slightly agitated. "I can feel its power from here. It's considerable."
"Fuck!" Jake shouted, firing at the prototype. "I need covering fire!"
"I'm on it!" Samuel began firing at the augmented creature, spreading lead in an attempt to slow the invention down.
"Sasquatch!" Meyer paused from shooting at the creation and beckoned to the former prisoner. "I need you to use that fancy crossbow of yours at the joists! With the water pressure, the ceiling should collapse right on top of him!"
"My master is not a fictional ape from Eart-"
"That's it droid! I'm shutting you down once we escape from this retrid place!"
"Please master! I'm just only translating!"
Jakarro huffed as he aimed his bowcaster at the designated target and caused the support beams to collapse right onto the cyborg. The creation arm was seen attempting to crawl its way out, but it eventually stopped, the fin twitching it last movements.
"Is it dead?" Westbrook asked, breathing heavily.
"I don't want to stay here and find out." Meyer determined. "Let's just get the Hell out of here."
The Paratrooper nodded and the comrades rushed towards the docking bay located at the corner of the hall.
"Apologies for the interruption, but both Lana and Agent Shan are currently occupied at the moment. Nevertheless, your two acquaintances thought they needed to have an extra hand in this mess, although I'm surprised that you didn't invite me to the raid, Jake."
"Sounds familiar?" Sam inquired regarding the identifiable clipped voice.
Jake pressed the button to his earpiece and asked the "Is that you, Sara?"
"Now is not the time." The Commando chastised. "You and Samuel need to 'haul ass' as you Americans say and 'get the hell of out of dodge'."
"Seems like we may have gone a bit overboard with the expressions, pal." Jake grumbled as he sprinted towards the docking bay.
"You think?"
The quartet came across a holoterminal and the figure of a female Imperial Commando flickered to life with the Sergeant busy tapping away at presumably the 'electrical typewriter feature' from Meyer's and Westbrook's perspective.
"So should I bring flowers and chocolate for the reunion?" The Leatherneck quipped, but Kelrein sighed at the antics.
"Look, we can catch up after you're out of the kriffing lab." The redhead promised as she continued to press buttons on her holopad. "There, the shuttle should be ready for your departure to the surface , unless you prefer to swim of course?"
11:06:15 ATC/ November 6th, 1968 - 15:24/3:24 PM
Ever since Lana met Jake, the blonde couldn't get her mind off of the handsome American.
For some reason, Beniko believes she's falling heads over heels whenever she sees him and yet Lana didn't want to put a friendship at risk.
"Sara?"
"What is it Lana?" The redhead asked, head peeking up from a holonovel she's reading.
With a deep breath, Lana explained the situation. "I believe that I'm falling in love with Jake, but I know he already have someone who is dear to him and I do not want to put our friendship in jeopardy."
Sara blinked at Lana for a few moments, smirking. "Why am I not surprised." Kelrein declared, the answer Lana wasn't quite expecting. "Lana. He's a great guy and I know you long enough I you wouldn't risk our friendship. We have so much in common that I wouldn't be surprised that you have feelings for him too." Sara's smile turned into a sly grin. "Besides, I'm not the jealous type anyways."
"That's...good to hear."
"I wonder what he thinks?" Kelrein wickedly smiles before calling out. " Jake! Can Lana and I talk to you for a minute! It's important! "
11:06:15 ATC/ November 6th, 1968 - 15:30/3:30 PM
Jake was taken aback by the proposition. The Terran never expected for two ladies to be captivated by him and now he was in a rather awkward situation at the insinuation of being romantically involved with the enemy. This was either a dream come true or a perilous nightmare depending on one's point of view and he was conflicted reacquainting with one of them.
"Umm...So let me get this straight. You both desire to be in a relationship with me?"
"Well, if you're uncomfortable..." Lana mitigated herself, understanding his reluctance and hesitation regarding the concept.
"No, it's fine." He quickly declared. "It's just that I'm trying to wrap my head around it." Meyer sighs as he ponder as to what the best course of action is. "Look, I already had fallout over a certain spy, but the head of an enemy intelligence agency as well?"
"Sorry about that by the way." Sara muttered with sincerity. "I've never intended for you to get scrutinized."
"It's fine." Sighing and praying that he doesn't regret this, he nodded. "Okay then. I'm willing to give this a shot."
11:06:15 ATC/ November 6th, 1968 - 16:00/4:00 PM
"Lucky bastard." Samuel grumbled as he saw his friend being mesmerized by the blonde and the redhead.
"You were playing matchmaker, Sam." Sara cheekily pointed out. "Goes to show that women play the game better."
"Whatever, Space Limey."
Beniko and Kelrein glanced at one another and rolled their eyes. "Men."
"Okay, moving on." Theron intervened, changing the subject. "We now know that a certain ancestor of mine is planning an intergalactic powerplay."
"Understatement of the century." Jake interrupted.
"Yes, well, and we also know that he hasn't successfully recruited any Earthlings due to the planet being involved in the galaxy for only a year. As such, Earth hasn't cemented itself, unlike Alderaan or Chandrila."
"Thus we can discount encountering any Terran Revanites." Lana finished.
"Who cares!"Jakarro roared. "We're wasting our time!"
"Err...What did Sasquatch say?" The paratrooper inquired, regretting it only moments later.
"My master..."
"Way to go, Sam."
Rakata Prime
11:08:15 ATC/ November 8th, 1968 - 09:30/9:30 AM
"So this potential vacation hotspot is the origin of a race of cannibals?" Jake quipped he, Sam, and their handler sat on a crate discussing their next move. "I'm unimpressed."
"Well, then at least it's not Rishi." Theron interposed. "Intel place it as a hotspot for smugglers and gangsters despite being a tropical paradise."
"Pirates?" Sam questioned, clearly interested. "As in 'Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum'?"
Shan still wasn't sure what the Earthling was talking about but he recognized rum. "When you put it that way, piracy is surprisingly common in the galaxy."
"Sounds lovely. Magicians, Cultists, and now Pirates." Meyer scoffed. "What's next, an intergalactic apocalypse to wipe out all life?"
"Oh, give it a break, Jake." Kelrein interrupted as the commando and the others walked over to the men causually discussing strategy. "I'm sure you can ease off being melodramatic once you realize that reality of the galaxy is not going away anytime soon."
"I can even call up a few of my pirate friends!"
"We still can't understand you, Sasquatch."
"Jakarro is not Bigfoot." The blonde corrected."He's a Wookiee."
"A what?"
"My master species call themselves Wookiees and their homeworld is know…"
"Shut up droid." Sara glared at the head. "Can you see that you were being rude?"
"My apologies...Go ahead Miss Beniko."
Lana coughed and continued. "Anyway, Jakarro is a Wookiee and thanks to their biology, they can only communicate by using growls."
"So they speak through roars?"Sam noticed. "I guess this is why he strapped a robot to his chest."
"How many times do I have to you that I'm not a robot! I'm C2-D4, a Protocol Droid formerly in service to Queen…"
"Quiet down or I'll sell you for scrap! They're just misinformed!" The smuggler roared. "I hear there is a high demand for the C2 series lately on Tatooine!"
"Please don't master! It's just only a misunderstanding!"
It clicked for the Marine that one of the strike team hadn't show annoyance at the 'Protocol Droid' as of yet. "I'm surprised you haven't lashed out at it yet. Are you supposed to be driven on anger?"
"It takes more than this to annoy me." The Sith confessed. "I just find patience to be a virtue."
"Moving on, what do we know about the insane cultists?"
"The Order of Revan…A Cult that preaches the teaching of Revan, a famous or infamous figure depending upon one's point of view."
"And who is this Revan guy?" The paratrooper pressed.
Theron sighed. Maybe he should have contacted Havoc Squad for this operation. "Revan was a famous Jedi three hundred years ago who later went rogue, redeemed himself, and became a hero for the Republic once more...Look, I can send you a history file after the work is done."
"Three hundred years." Jake snorted. "Sam, do we know anyone who is over three centuries old and walks like a sack of bones?"
"The only living ancient man I know Jake is your Great-Great-Grandfather." Westbrook chuckled. "I'm sure he could tell us tales about his adventures in Dixie putting down the rebellion or his participation in the March to the Sea under Sherman."
"This is no joking matter." The spy groans. "Whether this is the actual Revan or an imposter, it doesn't matter. The Republic, Empire, Earth…He threatening to place the entire galaxy under an iron heel."
"Theron's right." Lana agreed with the assessment. "The madman desires to rule over the galaxy and strip every sentient being of their liberties."
The two Americans were about to comment about the hypocrisy of authoritarianism when the beast howled.
"All of this talk makes me thirst for blood! When are we going to storm the place!"
"Calm down. I'm sure that we'll learn in time and be home in time for Misses Meyer's cheesecake."
Sara ears perked up "Did someone say cheesecake?"
'Oh great.' Jake thought. "Umm…Sam, you know she's addicted to the dessert, remember?"
"Ah shit." The paratrooper facepalmed as he realized his error.
"Cheesec-ake?" Lana inquired with an awkward, yet curious tone.
"Cheesecake is the best thing ever! Cheesecake is amazing because…"
Whew... It sure has been a hectic few months with a healthy dose of writer's block mixed in as well but as you can clearly see the story has finally been updated.
Now I know that this feels a little rushed but if I have to depending upon reviews/reactions, I'll edit this chapter later. But moving on...
It seems like there is a bit of a cultural misunderstanding here regarding Wookiees and other sentient beings, not to mention different terminology but that is because of an understandable case of isolation to intergalactic affairs until rather recently plotwise.
And I also believe that Poor Jake is in a bit of a awkward dilemma here as well. A fortuitous situation to say the least, but nevertheless a Catch-22 as well. Only time will tell if this newfound relationship will be the end of him since no matter what, his plight will always remain the same: unfortunate and anathematized.
In the next chapter, Hanzo and Alexander along with Major Lane and the rest of Chaos Squad will be in the midst of a siege by Imperial forces at Kuat Drive Yards then its back to Rakata Prime.
And one final note, I would like to give credit to Squasher with assisting me while I was stuck. Thanks pal:)