The First Contact War

by 1Ragnarok1

In 2621 a Galactic Republic vessel is found in the Orion Arm, this springboards the United Earth Government into a galaxy at the start of the Clone Wars. A war that will test the 2nd UEG Expeditionary Force as well as the UEG finding out where it fits in this new galaxy, and their new neighbours.

13. Ryloth

The First Contact War

Chapter 13 Ryloth

2622 June 4th Earth Standard Calendar, Luke Sparrow onboard the OAG Terra in the Ryloth assault staging grounds with 501st, 212th and 187th Republic armies and 3rd Orion Arm army group and 5th Orion Arm Armored Division, Briefing room.

Luke sat around a round holo-projector with Dommel, Generals Terrance 3rd OAGA group, White 5th OAG armored Division and Jedi Generals Windu, Kenobi and Skywalker.

"General Skywalker will eliminate the orbital defenses before Generals Kenobi and Windu secure a landing zone with help from Delta Force led by Commander Sparrow. After the landing zone is secure the 3rd army and 5th Armored Division will land. The Republic will drive north to the capital while we will drive south to the more open areas were are more numerous armored forces will be most effective, It will end with the assault on Vasel. This is the city of Nabat, our orbital scans have shown it has the least Anti-Air defenses in the region. It is also guarded by a single battalion; this is where the Jedi will land. We will be making our landing via orbital assault" Explained Dommel.

"I like this plan, it plays to our strengths" Anakin said over the hologram.

"And it keeps you out of sight" Quipped Luke. receiving a hey from Anakin and chuckles from the other Jedi.

"Luke not that I don't enjoy your company but can you and Delta move to Skywalkers ship as I want you to infiltrate the planet before Kenobi arrives and find a suitable landing zone. Oh and take that pet project of yours with you" Said Dommel.

"Yes sir"

"Yeah I'll take you there when you get on board" Said Ahsoka.

2622 June 4th Earth Standard Calendar, Luke Sparrow Onboard the Resolute, Resolute's firing range.

Luke walked into the room behind Ahsoka and saw a few clones at the range shooting targets. Luke walked up to a booth and checked his M416. Raising it he loosed some shots at the droid shape targets. Looking at the target they mostly hit the kill zones, catching a clones attention.

"impressive shooting there"

"Thanks Hardcase"

"I see you met our company's crazy and our injury prone friend here. That's Hawk, Splicer and Kix and I'm Jesse"

"And he's Coric, the so called joker of the pack" The one named Kix sarcastically emphasised on the last part, getting a punch on the shoulder by the Coric clone.

"Nice to meet you all, I'm Luke Sparrow"

"So where you from Luke?" The tattooed faced one called Splicer asked him, a question no doubt he'll be getting more and more during his stay.

"I'm from destroyed cloning facility but I currently live in the United Kingdom or Britain on Earth" He tapped on the colours of his homeland, drawing the attention of the clones to the badge.

"What are the other two?"

"The first one is my unit's insignia the 2nd Orion Arm Expeditionary Force and of the other is the Delta Force insignia, it's the special forces unite I'm attached to." He explained to the others, another questions he'll be asked repeatedly, but didn't mind so much.

"Special Forces? have you done any special ops where you're from?" Another clone named Hawk pitched in with a question of his own.

"Perhaps but you'd have to understand I'm not going to entertain you with the details on duty"

"Fair enough. You see we're all from the same legion but some of us are of different branches. Hawk here is a pilot, Kix and Coric are medics and me and Splicer are the lucky troopers that do all the groundwork" Hardcase slapped his hand onto Splicer's shoulder after finishing his statement.

"You forget we're down there with you poodoo for brains. Patching you up every time you rush on a platoon of clankers" The bald headed, scarred clone pointed out, getting a round of laughter from the group.

"And don't forget who has to drop your sorry hides in each battle, with flak hitting you in all directions" Hawk intervened on his defence.

"You sound like the Warbird pilots, however they do have a point." Luke spoke up partially in defence of the pilot.

"Where do you lot come from exactly? You sound like a bunch of Aussies in high tech gear until somebody mentioned you were cloned"

"We're all from the planet Kamnio. We were cloned by the Kaminoans from a Mandalorian bounty hunter called Jango Fett. The long necks breed us, educate and train us for war. We have growth acceleration so it's quicker for us to be throw into combat." The other medic called Kix explained their cloning process. Luke kept his shock to himself at hearing how they were created.

"Wow, sounds like they treat you like crap"

"Most of the long necks see us as nothing more than droids to be wasted. Not everyone treats us with respect though. We're lucky to have the Jedi leading us in this war, especially with the likes of Generals Skywalker and Kenobi who have always treated us fairly and lead by example" Hardcase talked further on, bringing up the names of his interrogators from a few hours before.

"I've got an idea" That got all the clones groaning in response to the hyperactive trooper.

"No Hardcase, whatever it is no!" Jesse shook his head with a look of worry.

"Oh come on and have a competition to blow off some steam" The clone soldier tried coming off as innocent but the looks from all his clone brethren said otherwise.

"You always want to blow off steam you crazy kriff" Coric shook his head with an eye roll.

"Ah don't listen to these boring fools. So what do say?" Jake didn't take long to think over Hardcase's idea

"Yeah why not, sitting in a room all day can really drive you up the wall" The phrase was lost on them for second but Hardcase just shrugged.

"Anyone else?"

"Count me out, I want to make sure that have I least one leg operational" Jesse stood up placing the crutch under his arm

"I've got to finish off the reports from the last battle" Kix came up with his excuse.

"I haven't even started yet" Coric pipped in, his fellow medic shaking his head in disbelief.

"What about you Splicer, Hawk?"

"Nah I'm going to check on with the others down in the hangar bay. Our new friend here did a number on a few of our fighters" Hawk said.

"I'll join" Splicer got up from a bench followed by a cheerful Hardcase and Luke.

The armoury looked no different to the ones back home, the weapons were all neatly stacked up against the wall and came in different types and classes. The most common around the places was the gun he took off the guards in his escape attempt and amongst them were guns that were ridiculously long, reminding him of the old muskets used in the Napoleonic Wars. There was also what he guessed to be rocket launchers and weapons that had close resemblance to a minigun.

"Here Luke take this" He shifted around to see Hardcase holding out one of the common guns in the armoury to him. With his hand still hovering his own weapons, Luke glanced over at Ahsoka and took both the offered gun and his rifle with him as he followed the clones into the shooting range.

"What you are holding my friend is a DC-15S blaster. It can fire 100 shots a cartridge and contains both stun settings and a grappling cable. It's the standard issue blaster of all troops in the Grand Army of the Republic and most favoured. Doesn't pack the punch my Z-6 blaster cannon does but it's reliable." Hardcase finished giving the detailed description of the weapon in Luke's hand. It did sound pretty impressive, also answering why the thing had kept on firing in the skirmish down Christophsis for so long. He though silently regarded the gun, noting its similar appearance to the disused Sterling submachine gun and it's light weight compared to his rifle.

"What's that thing you got there?" Splicer pointed down to his own weapons.

"Oh this? It's a M416 assault rifle. It can fire up to 150 plasma rounds a magazine and fire over 1000 metres. attached to it is an EHD-33 telescopic sight, ergo grip, X2 magnifier and a lazersight. This can really bugger up your day" Luke spoke fondly of the weapon he had been using in various places around the Galaxy.

"It looks like a slug thrower? Pretty ancient piece of hardware" Came a mocking remark from Hardcase.

"It was when it was made but I had it modified" The marine bantered with the pair.

Ahsoka watched from the view window the exchange between Hardcase and the operator over the weapons in their possession. They were still comparing their blasters when she heard the door open behind her, in walking a familiar clone Captain.

"Hey Rex" She greeted him as he stopped beside her in his usual full kit armour.

"Commander, I heard from Jesse that Hardcase had brought Luke to the armoury." Captain Rex informed her, sounding reasonable curious at what he was told most likely from one of the other clones.

"It's fine Rex, I'm keeping an eye on them" She assured the worried clone officer. The pair watch the clone troopers and the marine talk and answer questions about each weapon respectively.

"Alright how about a competition? Twenty credits says you can't take out as many targets as I can in thirty seconds"

"Well I don't have any problem with that" He offered in exchange to the challenge.

"Good, very well everyone at the ready" Hardcase lined up in one of the booths and Luke stood in the one right to the clone, as Splicer stood in the left booth. Forgetting to ask what it was they were shooting at his answer came quickly, an image popping out from the side of the wall of a target. The whine of one of the blasters went off next to him and didn't take long to know it was Hardcase.

"Too slow my friend" He boasted, causing Jake to narrow his eyes a little then switched the M416 to semi auto setting. Keeping his eyes peeled for the next target, the Delta operative eyes scanned the range until another target popped up. Squeezing the trigger and his eyes piercing down the HD-33 optics, the familiar bark of the rifle echoed in his ears as the bullets shot out of the barrel and fired toward the target quicker than any of them could blink. The target went down and in the corner of his eye he could see both Hardcase and Splicer saw the shot hit dead centre, it still had a little bang sound that was louder than any Republic weapon.

"Kriff, that weapon is accurate? also it's going to make you go deaf" Splicer complained rubbing his ear from the loud

"Well that's what a weapon should do mate. Roar, not whine like some spoiled little brat" Luke said in jest, not keeping his eyes off the range. Grumbles from the clones meant that the competition was on a new level, more on pride rather than a money bet. The set clock counted down and different targets showed themselves from different angles and speeds, only to be quickly put down again by laser bolts or plasma rounds. Admittedly, he could see the drawback on his plasma round weapon in terms of rate of fire, its fully automatic mode could fire faster but wasn't as accurate and its semi auto was slower. About thirty targets had popped up. Luke and the clones stated firing away. Lucky for him the klaxon went off, signalling the end of their little competition.

"That was fun what did you get?" Hardcase asked with a grin.

"Seven, you?" Splicer gave his estimate, not sounding too pleased.

"Hah, twelve. So what about you Luke?" The smug look not fading at all from the crazy clone.

"Seventeen" Luke said in a straight face, struggling to suppress the smile that was threatening to break as the stunned clone smugness withered away.

"Oh come on tell the truth, you never got seventeen" Hardcase persisted clearly not wanting to admit defeat.

"One-seven mate" The marine shrugged as he switched on the safety and gripped on to the M416 handle bar, now grinning smugly.

"I don't believe you"

"He is telling the truth Hardcase" A new voice entered in the argument "I counted all to make sure none of you would cheat at the end" Turning to see the voice's owner, Luke saw Rex walk towards them.

"If you say so sir" Hardcase slumped in defeat "I'll pay you when we arrive on Coruscant" He said with little enthusiasm at paying up.

"Hey Jake, do you mind if I try out one of your M416?" Splicer requested.

"I don't see why not, just don't break her"

"Okay" Splicer said picking up the weapon and walking to the booth.

"General Skywalker would like to see you and commander Tano on the bridge"

"Let's not keep him waiting then"

Resolute's bridge

"General Skywalker"

"Commander Sparrow. We'll be arriving at Ryloth shortly and wanted to know what you'll be doing?"

"Simply put, when we arrive Delta and I will be on the Spectre and depart from the starboard hanger. From there we will cloak and proced to head to the planet's surface and scout out the primary landing zone for enemy positions"

"Okay, I will be leading the fleet while Ahsoka commands the fighters and tries to knock out the separatist blockade"

"That'll helpfully keep their attention from us landing as well, if you'll excuse me I need to retrieve my weapon from Splicer and prep my ship and men"

"Understood, Dismissed"

15 minutes later in Ryloth space

"This is the Spectre requesting permission to exit the hanger"

"Copy that Spectre, you are clear to leave, have fun out there"

The YT-1300 light freighter moved out of the hanger into space. Looking to the right Luke could see Ahsoka and a squadron of V-19 Torrent fighters move into attack formation.

"Activating cloaking device" Said Luke's Co-pilot Rick Sanders said. The sound of the cloak activating turning the ship invisible from all modes of detection. Manuvering the ship, the Spectre moved past the dogfights and the separatist's ships that were busy fighting each other to notice the disappearance of the light freighter. The ship entered through the atmosphere towards the city of Nabat.

6 hours later, 19BBY Obi wan Kenobi aboard LAAT gunship with Ghost company, moving towards the city of Nabat

"We need to remember why we're here, we came here to aid the Twi'leks not destroy their home. Cody"

"That means we'll be taking it back the hard way. Minimal destruction with blasters and droid poppers only, no rockets or detonators. Check your aim, keep an eye out for the locals, am I understood"

"Sir yes Sir"

"Uhh, if we're here to free the tail heads, the least they could do is get out of our way" A hologram showing master Windu appeared.

"We can't risk landing the larger transports until you take those guns"

"Pull back, we'll take care of it" The gunships continued on, one being shot down. As they approached the village the gunships doors opened and they began to descend. The two gunships touched down, He and the clones jumped off and ran towards the city outskirts moving in-between the trees. As he and the clones were a hundred metres from the city limits, the droids opened fire. He activated his lightsabre and the clones opened fire. The clones took cover behind trees while he ran forward deflecting the blaster bolts before stopping behind a tree next to Cody.

"That bunker is going to be a problem General"

"Leave the bunker to me, bring in your troopers on my signal" He and two clones set of towards the left flank towards where some large boulders were.

"Let's take them ou-" He was interrupted by a large explosion that completely destroyed the droids and their bunker. He and the clones looked around to see who or what could have done it. Then a voice rang out.

"Is this going to be how we always meet, one saving the other General Kenobi?" called down Luke standing on top of the ridge.

"I was wondering where you had gotten to" He replied standing up walking through the debris followed by the clones.

"I assume you have done some recon of the area?" He asked.

"Yes, about a battalion of droids using four proton cannons, we haven't seen any of the citizens. This is effectively a ghost town"

"Right. Cody"

"What remains of the wall is secure sir, are we moving onto the guns?"

"We need to know what the droids have install for us. Send your best men to scout ahead. I assume Delta will help?"

"Of course"

"Understood sir, Boil, Waxer come with me"

"I guess we're the best" Boil said to Waxer.

Time skip

"Buildings are just buildings, what really makes a city are the people that live in it" Said Cody as He, Waxer, Boil, Willie and Luke walked down the empty street, the buildings cut into the surrounding greyish-brown cliffs looking like ruins.

"So where are they?"

"As I said earlier, we assume that they are being held somewhere near the cannons as living shields"

"The sepi's would do that" replied Boil.

"We'll check the courtyard" Cody said pointing to Willie "you three check the south sector, be back at command by 0620"

"Yes sir" Waxer said as he and Boil walked left down the street.

"Sparrow, can you go with them?"

"Sure thing Cody, and just call me Luke in future. Sparrow is just to formal" Luke said walking away.

"Errr…. Sure thing…Luke?" Cody said sounding confused.

"He sure is strange"

Time skip

"Tell you what this is creepy, why do you think they took them rather than killed them?" Boil said walking down the deserted street.

"Well there no bodies, or blaster marks. If I had to guess, I'd say they were forced from their homes, I don't think they had a-" explained Luke but was interrupted by some noise of falling rocks, as if something had moved them. They all raised their weapons in the direction of the sound.

"don't think they had a what?"

"A choice" With that they continued down the street. After a few minutes of walking down abounded streets that really unsettled the three soldiers. They heard the same noise from earlier.

"I heard that sound come from just down the street on the alley to the right, I say we check it out and see what it is" Spoke up Luke. The two clones nodded and they advanced quickly up the street scanning for any enemy presence. As they reached the entrance of the alley the noise could be heard again. Leaning against the wall Luke signalled for them to move down the alley. In a few short paces they reached the turn in the alley. Guns raised, and they saw. A blue, little Twi'lek hiding behind some crates. She looked afraid.

"Ah it's just a little girl"

"Well what are we going to do with her?"

"whoa, whoa, whoa, why do we have to do anything we've got a mission to finish"

"We should do something"

"I agree; we can't just leave her here"

"I say we take her with us"

"you can't be serious, she… she'll only slow us down" The girl hid behind the crates further.

"Look she's afraid of us"

"Not us, hide!" Luke said as he heard and scout droid come along. They all hid behind the building out of sight until the droid had moved on.

"That was a recon unit, we'd better get move'in"

"we can't leave her here"

"uh, fine we'll take her" Boil said reaching down on one knee and reached out to the girl.

"Be careful"

"don't worry Waxer, I don't think she's armed" but boil got a bit to the finger for his efforts causing Luke and Waxer to chuckle.

"The little tail head bit me"

"Stop, stop, your scaring her. She probably thinks we're droids" Waxer said pulling Boil away and crouching, taking off his helmet.

"It's alright, see I'm flesh and blood. Like you" Luke took off is helmet as well.

"Poor thing looks half starved" Boil said reaching for a Republic MRE, passing it to Waxer.

"err here" The girl cautiously sniffed the MRE before grabbing it and spinning away from them eating it. Boil now took off his helmet as well.

"Mera, Mera, Mera" The girl said pointing at each of them.

"No I'm Waxer, He's Boil and he's Luke"

"Mera, Mera, Mera" Luke could only smile at this interaction, but was confused and the word 'mera'.

"ah look, you made a friend, mission accomplished, now can we get moving" Boil said.

"Come on kid, come on" But the girl was content with just eating the MRE.

"look Waxer she clearly is happy here so let's go"

"See ya kid" Waxer said waving goodbye as Luke did the same walking behind Waxer.

"You know Waxer you would make a good father" Luke said to Waxer causing the clone to laugh.

"Maybe when the war is over I will be"

"Good luck Waxer, you're going to need it" Boil jibbed at his brother receiving a 'hey' in response.

Time skip

"I think our little friend may be following us"

"Yeah, what do you think happened to her family?"

"Captured or dead, take your pick" Luke said noticing the girl run into an alley. Waxer and boil also turned around as well.

"Where did she go?" Asked Luke as he could no longer see her.

"Hay, there you are" said Waxer rubbing her head affectingly.

"How did she get in front of us?"

"Mera, Mera" the girl said enthusiastically.

"I think she wants us to follow her" With that the Girl took off down the street causing them to follow her down streets, around corners and under obstacles in their path.

"Where she going" Panted out Waxer still following her. After running through streets for a while, the girl led them to where she apparently lived, the house looked the same as all the others except it had some heavy duty doors. The girl opened the door revealing a shoddy interior that had seen better days. There was some furniture but not a lot. They all took off their helmets and set them down along with their weapons.

"This must have been her home, poor thing lost everything"

"That's war for you, destroys everything" Luke replied grimly. Waxer noticed the girl had begun to cry and spied a stuffed doll on the floor. Picking it up and dusting it off he handed it to her. She took it still crying and held it close to her.

"Do you think everything will be alright for her after we leave?" Waxer asked. Luke was about to reply when Boils comm went off.

"That's the commander, we were supposed to be back a while ago"

"What are we going to tell Him?"

"How about we ran into some trouble"

"Yeah, if we hurry back he may just buy it"

"And the droids jammed our communications… Yeah"

"Sounds like a plan" But opening the door revealed some very hungry looking armoured creatures. Luke raised his weapon and aimed at them.

"I think I know why she didn't come back"

"Is it me or do these things look hungry" Asked Luke. One opened its mouth and roared causing Luke and the clones to open fire but the bolts had little effect on the creatures, only making them angrier. They quickly headed back towards the building.

"Get back inside" With that they ran inside and quickly closed the doors and using their bodies to keep the door shut despite the creatures trying to get in, Luke's exosuit being very helpful giving him extra strength. The twi'lek girl ran to a tile of the floor and began to lift it with some difficulty until waxer started to help her.

"Quick down here!" Waxer yelled. Luke nodded to Boil who quickly followed Waxer and the girl down into the tunnel. Luke now ran towards the trap door. But one of the creatures jumped just in front of it from a hole in the wall, Luke slide underneath it and into the hole knocking the tile on his way in closing the entrance behind him to the animal's frustration.

"Well looks like we're off the menu" Luke said.

"Come on we need to get back to the HQ" Boil said before walking off down the tunnel. After walking for what seemed like an hour they heard the sound of battle.

"Quickly help me get this manhole cover off" Luke said hearing the sounds of battle die down. The cover was heavier than expected and took all of them a few seconds to get off. Luke pushed the cover to the left and poked his head out. Seeing the clones, he boost jumped out before helping the other three out.

"Waxer, Boil, Luke, where have you been?" Cody demanded.

"We can explain" Luke said.

"We got…." Started Waxer.

"Side-tracked" Finished Boil.

"I think I see what side-tracked you" Obi Wan said, "hello little one"

The girl hid behind Waxer's leg.

"She led us here through the tunnels, she knows pretty well"

"Lu nara qi jon wilo" Obi wan said pointing towards the separatist gun positions.

"Ou yana yana, wan mera, cumi mera" The girl nodded pulling on Waxers hand.

"The girl can lead us through the tunnels to where the prisoners are being held" Obi wan said, "Cody we're going to need a diversion.

"Delta will assist you with that" Luke said.

"About that, I haven't seen delta anywhere" Obi wan said as seventeen men and two women stood up along the cliff edges in full gear.

"Oh"

Time Skip

Obi wan motioned for Luke, Waxer and Boil to stay where they were as he walked out with the girl in his arm. Luke could hear a droid scrubing the floor.

"Yep, this is the worst job in the droid army" As obi wan killed it's two companions and trapped the droid in the cage as they walked past.

"In ben ku nina" The girl said pointing to the exit.

"I'll take care of this, you keep her here" Obi wan said handing the girl to Waxer and leaping up the steps and peering over the edge. He motioned for the three to move up and Waxer motioned for the girl to stay. The four ran out across the courtyard and taking cover next to where the prisoners where. The sound of the clones engaging the droids in the distance could be heard. Obi wan activated his lightsabre and killed two droids while the other three shot the remainder, then set about freeing the Twi'leks. Luke pulled out his Kukri a Ghurkha knife he had been given for saving one's life and cutting the restraints.

"watcha neil, watcha neil" Kenobi said motioning for the Twi'leks to follow them. Luke and the two clones set about covering the fleeing prisoners, Luke targeting two B1 battle droids.

"Waxer, Boil, Luke, cover me" Kenobi said after the last prisoner had gone in where they had infiltrated from.

"We're with you sir" Kenobi ran to one of the droid guns killing its crew and taking the operators place. Waxer and Boil set about loading the gun as Luke fired at any battle droid that aimed at them.

"Ready general" With that Kenobi fired and destroyed the first gun. Kenobi set about targeting the second gun while the two clones loaded a second shell. Firing the shell struck the droid cannon and it toppled over shooting a third. Suddenly a droid AAT tank fired at the cannon they were manning as they fled and destroyed it. Luke and the clones were knocked clear by the blast but the Jedi was blown in front of the tank. The Twi'lek girl ran to obi wan and helped him up.

"Ha, ha, ha, I win general Kenobi" said the command droid pointing the main gun at the Jedi. But was interrupted by the shouts of the angry Twi'leks who swarmed the tank and clambered up it before throwing the poor droid from its perch and viscously tore it apart to its screams of 'does not compute' while Kenobi was unsuccessfully covering the girl's eyes with his hand. He didn't notice an aqua coloured Twi'lek approaching until he was hugged.

"Thank you mera, thank you for freeing us"

"I was just doing… your welcome" Luke said changing what he was about to say, still confused at what 'mera' meant. The roar of engines could be heard as the two Acclamator transport ships flew overhead. After the Twi'leks had stopped thanking them Luke walked over to general Kenobi.

"Sir the people keep calling me 'mera' as the little girl did. What does 'mera' mean" Luke asked knowing the Jedi could speak their language.

"'Mera', it means friend"

2622 June 6th Earth Standard Calendar, Luke Sparrow on Ryloth staging grounds.

"Form up!" ordered Hovarth.

They all gathered around him, awaiting further direction. Jackson crouched beside Reiben, Mellish flanking him and Wade behind him. The Captain had yet to return.

"Where's Beasley?" Horvath demanded, and they all groaned.

"Hell if I know," Mellish said, visibly irritated.

Even Luke was rolling his eyes. Beasley was the kid who got on everyone's nerves, in spite of the fact that they know he meant well.

He was the translator, fully fluent in the language the Twi'leks spoke. He had proven useful after they had taken prisoners, and helped some of the bewildered native civilians find safe places to live after the OAG had arrived.

But other than that, they only tolerated him on rare occasions. He was always too cheerful, and had not gained Reiben or Mellish's respect, due to his kind treatment of the Separatist sympathizer prisoners. Luke didn't think too much of that fact, realizing that Wade had helped a few of the teenage Sepi's. At any rate, Beasley did annoy him, and he shared the squad's attitude toward him.

"Beasley!" the Sarge bellowed after spying him, "Get your scrawny ass over here!"

Rail-thin Beasley approached them, looking flushed. His bright red hair contrasted the muted colours of his uniform, and one could see it curling at his temples from under his helmet. Even though they had known him since Basic, the AC-160 rifle looked out of place in his hands. He tripped over a line of barbed wire in his haste to reach them.

"Take a knee. Where the hell have you been?" Mellish commanded, that all-too- familiar frown on his face.

"Probably out with his droid buddies," Reiben muttered to Mellish, who nodded. Both of them stifled laughs.

The Sarge rounded on them.

"What is so funny over here?"
Mellish shook his head, and Luke turned back to Beasley, who was fumbling for words.

"Uh, they needed more help down at the P.O.W. sector, sir," he stammered.

"I told you so," Reiben whispered.

Luke pursed his lips as the Sarge snapped at them again. They fell into respectful silence. Sergeant Horvath appeared to be satisfied with Beasley's excuse, but he still didn't look happy about it.

"So what's going on, Sarge?" Reiben quizzed him.

"Alright," the Sarge sighed, "I'm not going to sugar-coat anything, so let's get it over with. HQ has verified that there are cannons a few miles out from the beachhead," the squad flinched, obviously not thrilled with what they knew was coming. The sergeant continued. "It's our job to go and take 'em out. This isn't going to be easy, as you all might have guessed, but I'll guarantee you it won't be as bad as taking this goddamn beachhead"

They seemed to agree with him on that. Captain Miller came into view not long after, looking serious as he always did. He surveyed the young men before him, that familiar feeling of responsibility weighing down his shoulders. Beasley was the only one looking remotely horrified with the orders given. Miller gave him a small smile, and that seemed to reassure him.

"Sir, are we doing this by ourselves, or are we actually getting any back up?" asked Caparzo.

"We will be joined by a few squads from Charlie Company and a squad of Rangers from Baker. Hopefully, a few Titans will be there for moral support," Miller answered him.

They laughed at that, pleased with the prospect of having a couple tanks watching their back.

"Have we all been briefed accordingly?"

They nodded as one. Miller looked from each youthful face to the other, detecting an underlying fear of the mission at hand. But they wouldn't balk at the orders; that was what they were here to do. Miller was proud of every one of them.

"You have a half-hour to eat something, gear up- whatever it is you have to do. No more time than that. You're dismissed."

With that, they had all gone their separate ways. The Captain and the Sergeant watched them as they talked amongst each other and laughed and griped.

"Penny for your thoughts, sir?" Luke asked him.

"I don't know, Sparrow," he sighed, "But if this thing goes sour, I'm not sure I can keep doing this."

Luke wasn't sure if Miller was being serious or not. He'd been with the secondary expeditionary force since Teth and still didn't know how the guy worked.

"I have faith in these guys. They've had one hell of a crash course, and I think they'll be ready for whatever else the droids throw at us," he said.

"…I hope you're right, Sparrow; I really do…"

Miller instructed Luke to keep an eye on the squad. Luke sighed.

"Yes sir."

Reiben had cracked open a 'K' ration and was questioningly inspecting the food that was compacted into the small container. Jackson watched on, shoveling a wad of spam into his mouth. He had neglected to use the little spoon that had come with it, fully convinced of its uselessness. He, Reiben and Beasley had all decided to eat something before leaving.

"This isn't food," Reiben declared, dropping the ration into his lap, discouraged, "I don't know if I can eat this without believing I'm going to end up with a horrible sickness."

"Quit your griping. At least we get food, with cigarettes and toilet paper to boot," Luke told him, scraping up what was left of the spam with his fingers.

"You didn't wash your hands, Sparrow!" Reiben said to him with mock surprise.

"Well, you didn't wash out your mouth accordingly," the sharpshooter cracked.

That seemed to shut him up for the time being, but he still went on about the state of his ration. He sat on his helmet, the rifle propped up against the hill beside him.

"I mean, look at this! It's disgraceful. Does this look like a damn biscuit to you?"

The rifleman held up a morsel of light-coloured food as he spoke. Luke shrugged. He was halfway done with his ration by now. Reiben sighed, shaking his head in pity.

"You don't know what real food tastes like, do you?"

"Not true. I just know when to stop bitching and use my time wisely," Luke returned, mixing what was left of the spam with some eggs.

Beasley laughed at that. Reiben scowled at him. The three of them continued eating, watching the beach as they did so. Caparzo was off gathering extra ammunition as he had been told; Mellish was talking with a fellow Ranger, still looking for information in regards to the companies on the cliffs. Wade was restocking his supplies, treating those he could, talking to them gently as he healed their wounds. The Commander appeared, looking around for his helmet. Luke pointed to it, and he took it from the sand, plopping it back on his head. Reiben presented his ration to Luke and asked kindly,

"Would you like a serving of botulism, sir?"

Luke broke into laughter. Even the Commander smiled at that. Reiben was grinning himself, pleased with his work.

"Eat your food, Private Reiben. That is an order," Commander told him awkwardly.

Reiben saluted, continuing to pick at his ration, disheartened.

"Whatever you say, Commander…but I'd really like to see you eating this crap…"

Captain Miller arrived on time- thirty minutes later. Unfortunately, only Sparrow, Beasley and Wade were ready to leave. He had to shout for Caparzo and Mellish to join them. Both had been walking around, trying to scrounge a pack of cigarettes or gum from the other soldiers.

"Where's Reiben?" Miller asked, fearing the answer.

"I believe he's taking a piss, sir," replied Caparzo.

The Captain sighed, searching the faces of the soldiers nearest to him, looking for Reiben's unmistakable mug. He finally spotted him, standing a few feet away by one of the trenches, looking preoccupied.

"Private Reiben!"

The kid wheeled around, startled, recognizing the irritation in that voice. He scurried over to them soon after, heaving the rifle over his shoulder and dropping his helmet over his head.

"Sorry, sir," he panted, "It was a last-minute kinda thing."

Miller peered at the trooper disapprovingly, but decided to let it go. He sighed again, checking his watch.

"Alright. Right now, it's about…0400 hours. We'll be making good time if we get started," Miller pulled out a map and held it in his hands, tracing a line with his fingers. The map looked brand new, with crisp folds. "The guns should be a mile out from here or closer. The Droids are bringing some of them in from the fields to use against us on the Roads. If we don't get them all, then we can kiss this place good-bye."

His men looked amongst themselves, feeling that hesitation and adrenaline began each mission.

"This shouldn't be a walk in the park, but it's nothing we can't handle. We're Delta, remember that. That's why we got this mission."

They didn't need telling twice. They knew what was expected of them. Miller was just going through the motions. He looked from each man to the other, nodding.

"Commander Sparrow and I will take point. Wade-Beasley, you two are in the middle. Jackson, left flank; Reiben right flank; Mellish-Caparzo- take the rear. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir!" they said in unison.

"Alright, then. Let's lock and load"

He trudged through the sand, his men following close behind in the positions they had been assigned. Beasley looked nervous. The Captain's squad finally met up with a couple more from Charlie Company and the promised group from Baker. Together, they all left the safe haven of the beachhead, delving further into Ryloth; further into the danger.

Behind them, the familiar motors of the Titan tanks sounded, and they were somewhat comforted with the knowledge that they would have their support.

Miller's squad was up front, about a yard away from the second squad, led by a Lieutenant named Jones. A Corporal had originally been the head of one squad, due to the fact that all his officers had been killed. It was a disturbing fact that made them realize that death knew no rank.

Private Beasley was pale as he stepped cautiously through the fields of tall grass and poppies. Wade was beside him, though roughly three feet away; Miller had always stressed that they should not bunch up. Beasley was jumping at every noise, even the sound of Allied gunfire. Everything was loud and clear in the chilly air of the morning.

"Hey Beez," came Private Reiben's Brooklyn accent, "You doin' okay?"

Beasley nodded wordlessly, his wide eyes and ragged breathing betraying his statement.

"You've got nothing to worry about, Beez. We'll protect you; keep you safe."

Something about the way he was saying all this convinced Beasley not to believe a word he said. Reiben always sounded sarcastic.

"What are you afraid of anyway?"

The other members of the squad stared at the machine gunner, telling him it was completely obvious. The Sarge shook his head.

"I dunno, Reiben," Beasley stammered caustically, "Maybe it's the Droids I'm afraid of!"

"Ah, the Droids should be afraid of you," Reiben continued, "I mean, you've got the bangalores for Christ's sake."

Beasley was beginning to look sick. He had seemed to forget about the plastic explosive charges he carried on his back. Aside from being the squad's translator, Beasley had become the squad's makeshift demolitions man. He had learned quickly how to set and arm a C17 charge, but was in no way an expert. In all truth, Beasley didn't look like he wanted anything to do with the explosives.

Charlie Company, however, had at least two more explosives experts who had survived the landing. Private Talbot would be there to assist Miller's squad or anyone else's accordingly.

Talbot was an okay guy, but he got along better with Reiben, unfortunately for the rest of the Company. The only difference was Talbot was a native of the moon Boston Prime. He had dirty blond hair and a wide, toothy smile. A cigarette hung loosely from his lips. He looked no older than twenty-three.

Reiben continued to try and coax Beasley into talking, but the private wouldn't have it. His mouth remained firmly shut, his lips forming a straight line.

Luke had blotted out most of the conversation, staring at the horizon lines, looking for a glimpse of those artillery, straining his ears to hear the cough of mortars. His AC-160 rifle cradled in his hands, ready to do its dirty work.

He had already decided long ago that he hated Ryloth. He didn't want to come back ever again. Too many people had died; too many good people. Some of them he didn't even know, but he had loved them all like brothers. And he hated this place. He didn't like the long grass, or the sandy plains, or the rocky terrain. He didn't like how the bottle green fields reminded him of home, or the way the air was damp and cool. He hated all of it…. but no one would have guessed that looking at him.

Right now he was content with doing what he was used to. He continued to scan the horizon, taking in every detail he could. It was something the others weren't able to do; Jackson could tell what each line in their faces meant and how they looked before they said something. He could tell the nature of a conversation before anyone said anything. Most of the body language he'd learned from the Captain. Each member of his squad had a unique way of revealing themselves to him without a word.

They may have all looked the same in those light brown armour, but Luke could tell how different they were just by looking at the back of their heads. If someone coughed, he knew who it was. This fact tended to give him a 'spooky' quality that the others teased him for, but it was necessary to become as good a sharpshooter as Luke was.

Right then, he could tell that Private Reiben was really nervous, under all that bravado and smart-ass attitude. He could tell from the way his muscles were tensed, and the fact that the veins in his hands showed as he clutched the rifle firmly. Luke smirked knowingly to himself. So the private was human after all…

"Hey Beez, let's be serious. This is a routine mission; after that beach, this'll be a walk in the park," Reiben continued.

The others all sighed, marvelling at the private's inability to shut up.

"Reiben-" Wade began, but surprisingly, Beasley answered.

"I might actually believe that…but we still have Wat-Tambor to worry about"

"Maybe not," Mellish piped up, "I heard that Dooku keeping his ass up at the Capital, waiting for the evacuation to begin"

"No kidding?" Luke asked.

The group members looked amongst each other, somewhat surprised. They continued to march through the terrain, awaiting further comments. As if sensing their eagerness to hear more, Miller commenced talking.

"We've really been talking loud, haven't we?" Mellish laughed.

"Ah, it's a good thing, Fish," Caparzo assured him, "I say, let the Droids know we're coming"

"Yeah, we've really got 'em shaking in their boots," Wade muttered.

Reiben actually smiled at that.

The sky had not gotten any lighter in the time they had been traveling. Crickets were chirping as they marched. Luke diverted his attention back to the horizon after the squad had quieted back down. He watched as the grass bent where he stepped, and could smell the smoke drifting from Caparzo's cigarette. It was then he saw it. His trained eyes caught it before everyone else's. He ran up to Beasley, grabbing the private by the collar of his uniform.

"Captain!" he shouted.

Miller, hearing the alarm in his voice, turned to look at the sky. It was then they all heard the high-pitched screech of the artillery shells.

"Screaming Meemies!" Reiben bellowed.

The soldiers scattered, sprinting through the fields as fast as they could. Luke still had Beasley by the collar. Both were screaming. The shells finally hit the ground, sending chunks of dirt and men flying. Luke and Beasley were forced off their feet, landing face-first in the mud.

"Beasley?!"

"I'm fine!" came a terrified voice.

Luke rolled to his feet and pulled his comrade along with him. All around them men were shouting different orders, scattered in every direction. The air was charged as they waited uncertainly for the next attack. The smell of cordite was thick in his nostrils as the sniper searched for his squad. There was a large crater in the area they'd all been standing in.

"Sparrow!" shouted a familiar voice, "Sparrow?!"

"Over here, Reiben! I'm here!"

The private ran up to him and Beasley, relief flashing in his eyes. His face was smeared with dirt and his assault jacket had been peppered with even more holes.

"This isn't over. They've gotta be at least five miles out."

"How the hell can you know that?!" Reiben snapped.

"Because I was the only one who paid attention in basic," Jackson shot back, "Where's Cap'n Miller?!"

Reiben shook his head. He actually looked vulnerable at that moment, and Jackson suddenly felt a pang of helplessness. If Reiben was going to lose it, then he didn't know what he would do. Beside them, Beasley was beginning to sob.

"We're gonna die…"

Reiben reached over and slapped him.

"Shut up!"

Beasley just stared at him. Luke hardly reacted. The screech came again, and they knew that it would be more accurate this time. Around them the men shouted and scattered. This time it was Reiben who snatched up Beasley and hauled him along. The shell hit only a few feet behind them once again, and they stumbled. Luke and Beasley kept their footing, and the latte running ahead. Reiben fell, crying out. Luke skidded to a halt as Beasley ran on.

"Come on, Reiben!" he shouted as another scream sounded above, "Come On!"

The trooper snatched his comrade's hand, and the sharpshooter heaved him to his feet. Together they ran across the remaining stretch of the field to the tree line, where several men had already collected.

Panting like dogs, they fell into the shrubs as the shell exploded farther out- exactly where they had been standing.

"Where you a sprinter back home, bumpkin?" Reiben gasped, flat on his back.

Luke managed a smile, shaking his head.

"Just born lucky is all," he answered.

Jackson slumped up against a tree, his lungs burning. His trembling fingers found his cross and he said,

"'Yea, though I should walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me…'"

Jackson kissed the cross.

"Commander!"

Both he and Reiben looked up at the same time to the Sergeant. They breathed sighs of relief.

"Am I glad to see your beautiful face, Sarge," Reiben told him.

"Oh, that's real sweet, Reiben," Horvath sneered, "I need you both to come with me"

Obediently, the two operators followed their sergeant along the line of trees. Reiben was clutching his forearm as they ran. Horvath took notice.

"I need Wade," said the private.

Horvath pursed his lips; he'd lost the medic in all the confusion. He looked back at Reiben's wound, noticing it was a large gash across his arm.

"Are you about to die from the pain, or can you live with it?" he asked.

"I'll be fine for right now."

Reiben glanced at Luke, reading the expression on his face. Something had happened to Wade.

"Sparrow, we need you up ahead, alright?" the private nodded. Sarge continued, "Miller was able to catch a glimpse of the Droid that's been scouting out our position, but he and I both know you'll be able to spot him better than us."

Horvath looked back at them gravely, then.

"We're not safe here."

At his words, they heard the coughing of the mortars in the distance, and a neat row of craters were made inside the trees. There were still men caught in the field, screaming for medics and their commanding officers. The Screaming Meemies went off once again. Reiben swore as they ran.

They came up to a denser part of the wood, where a haggard Captain Miller crouched. Surrounding him were a gaggle of scared and wounded men. Miller had that familiar calm expression on his face, but his eyes told Luke he was worried.

"We have to do something about that scout before we can get out of here," he said, "Sparrow, you're up"

"Go get 'em, bible boy," Reiben told him, smirking. He hit him on the shoulder.

Luke allowed himself a faint smile. He ran up to Miller, who grabbed him by the elbow and steered him away. More explosions sounded in the distance.

"Sir, have you seen the others?"

"…No Commander, I haven't, but I'm sure they're fine."

His voice was stilted, as if he were very irritated. Luke was surprised at how quickly the Captain moved. For an 'old man' he wasn't too slow…

"If I may say so, sir," panted Luke, "This whole thing is 'Fubar.'"

"I'll agree with you on that, private," Miller said with a wry smile.

They moved quickly through the trees, finally reaching a clearing in the branches. A Lieutenant was already there, scoping out the area with Miller's field glasses.

"Out of the way, Jones. I've got the secret weapon right here."

Jones frowned, looking the gangly private up and down. The rifle looked like a toy in his hands.

"Who is this?"

"He's the guy that can get us out of this mess," the Captain returned, "But he can do no such thing if you don't move your ass!"

The Lieutenant slid aside to let them look through the branches. Luke lay prone, and Miller flanked him on the left. He held out a hand for the field glasses, and Jones dropped them in his palm. Luke reached for the canister on his back, pulling out the special scope he'd hand-picked himself. He snapped it on the rifle, and peered through the crystal.

"Okay, look straight ahead, then pan slowly to the right," Miller instructed.

Luke did so, pushing his helmet to the top of his head. The Meemies went off again, blowing away more men and finally caught one of mortars that had been set up. The field lit up in a brilliant orange flame. But the Luke ignored it, looking for his target; that was all that mattered right now.

"He should be over by the far off bushes, near a couple of trees."

They both watched as the plasma rounds from their machine guns tore through the dark sky, putting on an eerily beautiful show. Luke was beginning to wonder how the Captain had managed to see the Droid, mainly because it was hard to see in this light. Even he was having a hard time locating the Droid.

Miller watched the sharpshooter work his magic, knowing that Luke would find the bastard.

"I see 'im, sir. He's a smart boy, I'll tell you what. He's all camouflaged. I wouldn't have found him if he hadn't made the wrong move."

"Have you got a shot?"

"Yes, sir."

"Take it."

Luke lined up the shot, starting to take calm, slow breaths. But Jones interrupted, grabbing the lanky boy by the shoulder. Miller swore at the Lieutenant, shoving him away.

"He's gonna lose the idiot! What is it that's so damn important?!" Jones fumbled for words, but Miller didn't give him the time to come up with something, "Get out of here!"

Jones looked bewildered for a moment, then finally caught the drift. He quickly went away and kept as many soldier from Miller and the kid as best he could.

The Captain could tell that Luke was frustrated, but he recovered quickly. The man was trying to drown out all the sounds; the screaming, shouting, explosions…

"O Lord, grant me strength," he whispered, "Many a man is counting on me…"

He exhaled, relaxing his muscles. The head of the droid was right in the crosshairs. Gently, he pulled the trigger. The muzzle flashed. The Droid fell in his sights before the distinctive, hallow sound echoed across the plains.

"Hell of a shot, son," Miller breathed, peering through the binoculars.

"He was a Commando, sir," replied Luke, "I could tell from the dark brown and yellow on the droid"

"You sure?" Miller's face was stern

Luke nodded, bringing the AC-160 closer to him. It was then the Captain felt the anger. Seeing his sniper's youthful face only reminded him of the lives being lost.

"This whole thing is fouled up! The damn Zero's were supposed to take care of all this!" he growled.

Luke had never seen the Captain look so frantic. He could tell from the way he gritted his teeth and the tensing of his muscles. He noticed Miller's hand was shaking again.

"Sir, we have to get out of this forest," Luke told him, and he seemed to snap out of it, "The Droids don't have a scout, but that doesn't mean it won't stop those things from launching."

The kid was right. Miller closed his eyes to gather his bearings. I can't send these kids up against the commando droids by themselves, he thought. It made him so angry that they were doing this. But they won't be going alone.

"Lieutenant!"

"Sir!"

"Get those soldiers over here, would ya'? I'm going to be taking a group through the field to take out the Meemies."

Jones gaped at him. It was the most insane idea he'd ever heard. But then again, that kid Sparrow was a crack shot…

"Go!" Miller shouted, "What are you waiting for?!"

Jones ran off to gather the required men. Luke was watching the end of the field, making sure no more Droids were running to get the scout. He didn't think they would….

Private Richard Reiben was spouting curses left and right. He was alongside fellow soldiers, helping to drag the wounded out of the field. He had managed to find Beasley, and the two of them were helping as best they could.

It wasn't until they took a weary pause in their task did Reiben realize that the Screaming Meemies had stopped. He laughed to himself, in disbelief over having lived through that. He had thought he'd heard Sparrow's rifle cracking overhead earlier.

His arm was still bleeding, and it stung, but he'd live. He still hadn't found Wade or the others. There had been a very frightening moment when he thought Mellish had gotten killed, but it turned out to be someone else.

The Rangers had suffered a savage beating. But Reiben realized this was only the eye of the storm.

"Private Reiben!" shouted the Sarge's voice, "Beasley!"

The two of them were on their feet, running to where they were needed. Relief washed over the gunner upon seeing Captain Miller, looking livid and ragged, but alive. Sparrow was beside him, and a cluster of Rangers were waiting patiently around him.

"You okay, Beez?" Sparrow asked.

The private nodded silently as Reiben said,

"He's fine, now"

Captain Miller spoke.

"Gentlemen, very soon you will all be crossing that field to get rid of those Meemies-"

"What happened to them Guns, Cap'n?" Reiben questioned him, the trace of a smile on his face.

"Well, I can guarantee they aren't here yet, Private, so we still have some time before they show up," Miller returned. He permitted them a quiet laugh at his dark humor, then continued. "A group from Charlie is going first. The group from Baker will come behind, but attack from the right flank. That means you will be going through the trees and around to the other side"

"With all due respect, Captain," the Lieutenant interjected, "We don't even know where the Tinnies are. They could be miles out- you know how far those shells can reach"

"Can't be too far- those guns were only supposed to be a mile out"

Lieutenant Jones did not look convinced, but he knew Miller was an experienced soldier. The Captain read the expression on his face.

"If we need to know where any of them are, I have CC Sparrow right here to help. This kid is the best, Phil. He could snipe a fly off Dooku's head if he wanted to"

"…I'd rather be aiming at Dooku, sir," Luke said.

The others laughed nervously around them. Lieutenant Jones appeared convinced. Miller addressed the Rangers once again. Now it was serious. No more joking around.

"Due to the fine planning by the Allied command, we still have our primary objective. Therefore, once we eliminate those Meemies, then we get the Cannons. I'll lead my squad through first. Baker circles over to our right flank. I want covering fire if we need it, is that understood?"

A chorus of 'yes sir's sounded around him. Miller nodded. He assembled his men- Reiben, Sparrow, Beasley, Horvath and Talbot. He knew he was still missing Wade, Mellish, and Caparzo, but they would have to do this without them.

Miller led the group quickly into the field, where they maneuverer around the craters as best he could. An odd feeling had gripped him-the knowledge that he was responsible for each young life around him, including his own.

"Captain, sir?"

Miller suppressed a gasp of disbelief. That Brooklyn kid just couldn't shut up for anything.

"What, Private Reiben?" he asked through his teeth as they jogged.

"…Is it too late to apply for a furlough, sir?"

The Captain peered over at Horvath, a motion he was so used to it was almost second-nature. The Sergeant's eyes said the same thing, the nerve of this guy, huh?

"I'll set up the papers myself, Reiben," Miller answered him, "At least then you'd be out of my hair"

"You're too kind, Cap'n."

They jogged through the field, tripping over rocks and their own comrades. A few medics had taken advantage of the break in the fighting, and were working as fast as they could to get the wounded up and running again. One of these particular medics had the same baby-face each member of Miller's squad remembered clearly.

"Wade!" Sparrow hissed through the darkness.

A dark figure looked up, and what was left of the moonlight caught his face to reveal the medic they had needed. He looked happy at the sight of his comrades, but quickly hid it. He rose to his feet and addressed the Captain.

"Will you need me, sir?"

Miller took a moment, as if realizing for the first time what he was about to do. He nodded.

"Yes, a little extra help couldn't hurt."

Wade exchanged the news with his fellow aid men, then re-joined the squad, silently contented to have been reunited with them.

"Good to have you back, Doc," Beasley said as they continued.

"Don't suppose you could fix me up?" Reiben added, presenting his arm.

Wade treated him without any complaint.

Luke could tell that the Captain was more at ease now that he'd found where the medic had been, but his eyes gave him away. They were weary of the task at hand. Miller and Horvath still took point, looking over to their right flank every now and then to make sure the Baker squad was following.

Luke held the MR-T5 at the ready, his deep blue eyes set firmly on the horizon once again. He was a bit angry that the few tanks that had travelled with them did not fire on the Droids position, but a man in the Baker squad had a radio that could contact the Tanks if necessary.

They still travelled onward, maybe a half-mile or more away from their position in the woods, when Miller and Sarge stopped them. They all crouched in the grass, rifles at the ready. Luke heard the whine of the motors before anyone else did. At first he thought it was a speeder, but as it came closer, he understood that it was smaller than that. The Sarge practically strained his arm as he waved at Beasley furiously to get down. Luke snatched the private's arm and pulled him to a prone position. The others watched tensely as the vehicle came into view. It was two STAAP- a fast reconnaissance attack vehicle. Luke gulped; Beasley whimpered.

The vehicle roared past the squad and stopped a few feet away. Luke watched as the Captain mouthed a foul curse word. His men peered at him for direction, but he only put a finger to his lips. They nodded as one, watching the Germans like hawks.

They were talking very quickly. To Luke, it seemed as if they were bickering about something. Carefully, he inched his way up beside Beasley.

"What're they saying, Beez?" he whispered.

The private took a moment to listen, then turned back to him.

"They're confused on where we are. One guy says that the scout was killed by a sniper, and another says they sent a squad out this way."

Luke knew that the former was correct.

"They're looking for us," Beasley squeaked in his ear.

Luke watched as the two Droid commandos in the back argued on with the driver. He peered through the scope on his rifle to get a good look at them. The distinctive symbol of the commandos glared at him in the dim light.

He gently took a small pebble in his hand and tossed it so that it struck Miller on the leg. He whipped around to look at him. Luke signalled an 'CD' shape to him twice, and the Captain appeared to understand. He would have signalled something back, but the one of the Droids began sputtering loudly. He sounded agitated.

"He's really angry," Beasley explained under his breath, "He thinks the others are being stupid, because they want to head back and just use the Cannons" Luke felt a drop in his stomach, and his wide eyes met with Miller's. Beasley exclaimed, "Oh, no!"

"What?!"

"…L-look, Sparrow-!"

He did so, frowning. His breath caught in his throat at that moment. One of the Commando Droids had a rocket launcher on his back; an SMG was balanced across the knees of the driver.

"They're going to blow us all up back there," Beasley hissed frantically as the Droids spoke in apathetic tones.

"Sparrow, they'll be shooting any second!"

As he said this, the Droid on the back of the bike raised the barrels of his rocket launcherand took aim. Without even thinking, Luke lifted the Springfield and fired. One soldier slumped over, falling over the side of the MR-T5. The second, having been startled, fired off the shell, but it soared over their heads. A burst of light trailed over them and a deafening boom sounded, tearing a tree on their right flank in half. The squad stood up, firing at the occupants of the vehicle. The LMG-5 was roaring. When the loud pings of the AC-160 sounded, signalling they were out of ammo, silence finally fell over the fields once again. The Droids were dead. Luke was stuck in some kind of strange world, feeling as if he were in neither reality nor dream.

"Sound off if you're hit!"

"Hey…!"

Luke recognized the voice. Beasley…Wade was on duty within a few seconds, in spite of the fact his helmet had fallen off and a clump of grass stuck to his hair.

"Anyone else?" came the Sarge's voice.

No answer. Luke was expecting a snide remark from Reiben, but he said nothing.

"This is getting insane," the Captain snapped, "The commando droids arn't supposed to be here-just those dumbass Cannons!"

Luke pretended not to hear Miller's outburst, walking over to the droid and its dead occupants. He was more interested in the STAAP itself then the people surrounding it. He reached out and grabbed one of the handle bars, inspecting the vehicle with a frown.

"Hey, Li'l Abner, don't go thinking that's yours," Reiben said. The sarcasm had returned to his voice, but he still wasn't back to normal yet.

Luke ignored him, looking ahead at where the motorcycle had come. He was still frowning. By that time, Beasley had been all fixed up; he'd needed a shoulder bandage and a small head bandage, but he'd be alright.

"Dames love scars, Beez," said Reiben.

When Miller realized that the squad was alright, he prepared them to continue toward the outpost. Two more squads had joined them, including Lieutenant Jones' men.

"Is everyone alright?" he asked sternly.

As if to save the Captain from any sort of scrutiny, the Sarge spoke up.

"We're just fine, sir; couple scratches, that's all. We took care of it."

Jones nodded in approval. He gathered up his soldiers and readied them to travel on. Miller was once again at the front. Sparrow was still by the STAAP, deep in thought.

"Let's go, Sparrow," Miller told him.

Almost hesitantly, the Luke complied. The Rangers walked through the long grass, heading for that distant Cannon station. Sparrow made sure he was distanced from the others. A strange emotion reached him. He shuddered.

Reiben was a few feet away, and Talbot was ahead of them, the satchels of Composition B dangling from his shoulders. Luke was beginning to sense that something was wrong. It felt as if a fist had grabbed his stomach and was not about to let go…

"Cap'n?" he asked.

He barely got the word out before it happened. An explosion ripped the field apart, a large flame flashing above them, followed by a plume of greasy smoke. Luke threw himself to the ground. The others panicked as Sergeant Horvath and Jones began to scream for them. More explosions cracked through the air. Luke turned away, the scarlet-orange light illuminating his face. Talbot was laying one or two feet away from where he'd stepped on the mine. It didn't look like he would be getting up.

"STOP!" Miller screamed, "Don't move!"

A weary silence gripped the field. Luke lifted his head, his eyes searching the faces surrounding him for his squad mates. He found Wade bravely attending to Talbot, only to watch him shake his head in frustration. The Sarge saw this as well.

"Get away from there!"

Wade glared at him.

"He still might have a chance, sir!" he shouted back.

"But you won't! Get the hell out of there!"

Luke wasn't sure why the Sarge was being so adamant about this, until he realized the Comp. B was still in the satchels. With horror, he understood. He and the Rangers began shouting. But Wade was determined to save Talbot. Horvath swore.

"Take cover!" he bellowed as he went after Wade.

Jackson barely had enough time to watch as the Sarge seized the medic by the collar of his uniform, yanking him away before he hit the dirt. The Composition B blew apart, hurling pieces of shrapnel and dirt and everything else into the air. Luke buried his face, not wanting to see. A horrid rain could be heard, spattering the Ranger's uniforms and tapping on their helmets. The smell of cordite and smoke was strong in the air as Miller's squad trembled to upright positions Luke could hear Beasley whimpering Talbot was gone.

Miller was in a state of shell-shock, but he knew he had to do something about this. They'd walked right into a minefield. He watched the men in his company, all their faces caked with dirt and splotched with blood. They looked shocked, but still grimly determined. Only Reiben, Luke and Sergeant Horvath were not completely disoriented. Wade was in shock over what had almost happened to him, and the fact that the man he had tried to save was nowhere to be seen. His boots were stained a dark brown from the blood. He clung to Horvath like a scared child, which Miller understood he was. The Captain's eyes met with the Sergeant's, silently agreeing to press onward. He noticed that Luke was coming toward him, no longer appearing like the Happy-go lucky boy he usually was.

"Sir, I know how to get out of this minefield"

"Well, someone ought to know that," the Captain, snarled, "If Allied Command can't tell me, then you might as well!"

Luke paused, peering at his commanding officer with a brief look of sympathy. He could only imagine how absolutely frustrating this was for him. But he also knew they didn't have much time. Those Cannons would be up and running soon, not to mention the Meemies.

"When the STAAP came through, it only came in one direct path. They knew where the mines were placed, and drove through the safe zone."

Miller glanced over at the ruined vehicle of the CIS, heaving a sigh.

"It sounds good, doesn't it?" he said.

"Yes, sir"

Miller locked eyes with his young sniper.

"You had better be right about this, Commander."

"I have no reason to be wrong, Cap'n."

With that, the officer rose to his feet, once again addressing his men. They must have been getting sick of hearing him talk.

"We can get out of this if you all listen to me," he told them, "In a moment, you will be following me, Sergeant Horvath and Commander Sparrow, here. I want four men to go at a time. Hustle up!"

Miller turned to go the way Sparrow had discovered. He stopped when he realized the private was staying behind.

"Sir, I want to stay with Wade and the others…I'll be back here to give you cover if you need it."

The Captain nodded. Horvath smirked.

"I gotta put him up for Corporal…" he muttered.

Miller smiled in agreement.

CC Sparrow joined his comrades back at the STAAP. Wade appeared frightened now that the Sarge had gone. Reiben tapped him on the shoulder reassuringly. He did not come across as scared, either, but he was worried about his commanding officers. He noticed Sparrow and frowned.

"What're you doin' back here, bumpkin?" he questioned.

"Lookin' after the both of you," was the reply, "I'm not about to let you step on one of those things."

"I don't need to be looked after," Reiben assured him.

"Well I'm here none-the-less, city boy."

They stayed by the treaded motorcycle, watching as the others all filed out behind Miller and Horvath. Lieutenant Jones had acquired one of the radiomen, and ordered for a squad of engineers to come by and dispose of the mines.

All of this took roughly a half-hour, and by then, most of the soldiers had made it across the field without stepping on anything deadly. Reiben and Wade were sitting in the back of the STAAP; Luke was sitting in the driver's seat.

"How's come you get to drive?" Reiben complained sarcastically, "They don't have cars where you grew up"

Sparrow overlooked this statement, inspecting the Speeder as he sat on it.

"This has got to be the craziest thing I've ever sat on," Wade declared.

The gangly kid from Tennessee laughed at that. The three of them waited patiently for the men to make it across the path, still watching the sky for traces of artillery.

"I bet I can work this thing," Sparrow mused.

Reiben sputtered.

"It isn't a tractor, buddy. Don't get ahead of yours-"

BOOM.

They froze, exchanging wide-eyed glances. The others had heard it, too. Everyone had stopped. The screaming shell was soon upon them, and the men scattered, screaming. Lieutenant Jones was shouting for them to stay on the pathway, but they were too horrified to listen. The ground burst apart in a great shower of dirt and grass. It rained down on to the three Rangers of Charlie Company, and they shielded their eyes. Wade was screaming every swear he knew.
"Get this thing moving, Sparrow!" Reiben screamed, "GO! GO!"

The private didn't need telling twice. He searched frantically for the ignition as a second shell hit in front of them, sending dirt and shrapnel all over.

"Where the hell is the damn ignition?!" Sparrow swore.

Reiben was momentarily stunned at this outburst, but ignored it.

"Kick it!" he bellowed.

Sparrow understood, stomping on the Speeder. It roared to life, shaking from side to side.

"We're surrounded!" Wade shrieked.

A third shell slammed the earth to their left. Gritting his teeth, Sparrow heaved the bike to the right, twisting the accelerator. The STAAP lurched forward, sending Reiben and the medic full-tilt into Sparrow. But the he hardly noticed. They tore off down the pass, the Guns still shooting after them.

"Faster!" Reiben hollered.

Sparrow hit the gas again, and the bike shot even further. The cannons were merciless, shells screeching through the air and detonating behind them in a flourish of dirt and shrapnel. Wade screamed at him.

"Watch the mines!"

They swerved, but not before grazing the edge. The mine went off, echoing through the air, but not as horrifying as the Cannons. The STAAP lurched sideways, tilting hard to the left. All three occupants screamed as they drove on one tread. The Speeder came crashing back to the ground, jarring them so badly their teeth rattled. The flak cannons still bombarded the clearing, almost as if they knew every move the bike was going to make. Sparrow was praying hurriedly, through the dirt and the smoke, his voice cracking in fear.

Reiben and Wade were equally surprised at how well the sharpshooter was manoeuvring. They clung to the steel of the Speeder, not daring to let go. They watched helplessly as yet another shell came bombing down on them, sending the vehicle lurching around in a great arc to avoid it. Reiben, who was not a very religious man himself, was silently praying that they would get out of this mess. Beside him, Wade was gasping through this sobs,

"Jesus- Mary- Joseph-!"

Luke's knuckles were white on the handle bars as he rammed the STAAP down and out a crater, sending his comrades flying around like rag dolls. They managed to keep their grip, as he could tell from their hysterical profanities. The vehicle had begun to groan under all the distress, but he took no notice of this fact. He twisted the accelerator again, standing up out of the seat, his eyes glued to the horizon, hunting for that puff of black smoke. When he saw it, he tugged the bike far to the right and it complied. The artillery shell tore up the ground just behind them. Sweat had blurred his vision, but he remained on course, heading for where the Captain and taken the others.

"MINES!"

Luke's eyes widened at Reiben's outburst, and he slammed the brakes, leaving a deep rut in the ground as the Speeder reeled to the right, almost tipping them over. The Suspension field grinded horribly and the gears whined, but still, the vehicle chugged on. Once again, they slammed back down on to the ground. The force was so great, Reiben's knees were shoved into his chest. Wade's grip was like iron on the sides of the speeder, so strong his palms had started to bleed. Luke knew they were almost safe, out of the range of any scouts. He gave the vehicle more gas, pushing it with his legs as if willing it to go faster. One more shell was shrieking toward them; Luke braked hard. The world exploded all around him. He could hear Wade and Reiben screaming in terror, hearing the thud of their bodies somewhere nearby. He hit the ground hard, feeling the air leave his lungs. He gasped. A shower of damp, grainy earth rained down on them, drumming into the steel of their helmets.

Luke, bleary-eyed and disoriented, struggled to his feet. Somehow finding his voice, he yelled for his companions. Faint cries answered him. His ears were ringing, and everything sounded distant. His body ached with pain and fatigue. Stumbling through field, he tore the long grass away from him and ran up to where he'd heard Wade's voice.

The familiar red cross symbol came into view, and he reached for the owner of the helmet, yanking him to his feet. With the medic leaning heavily on his shoulder, Luke screamed for Reiben to follow, hoping that he could. Somewhere through the fog of confusion, a Brooklyn accent returned. That was all Luke needed to hear. He sprinted through the remainder of the field, leaping over craters and tripping over people. He finally reached the haven of the trees, temporarily out of the Droid guns' line of fire. He unhooked Wade's arm from around his shoulders and slumped up against the trunk of a large tree, panting like a dog. Sweat poured down his face and slicked back his blond hair.

The Cannons were still hammering the meadow, as if they were angry now that they couldn't see the soldiers any longer. Great clouds of dirt and smoke drifted through the air, chunks of earth thudding back against the ground. The three Rangers lay in the small area just out the cannons' range, laughing hysterically to themselves.

Wade wiped tears shamefully from his eyes, feeling stupid at the way he had acted in front of his buddies. But neither of them seemed to care too much, due to the fact that they were just as scared as he was.

"I better be getting' something for all this," Reiben gasped, throwing his AC-160 aside, "Otherwise, I'm going to be very pissed."

Luke, who was flat on his back now, still trying to catch his breath, reached over and tapped the New Yorker on the knee.

"Y'all did good," he said between breaths.

The Cannons were still destroying the field before them, as if to make doubly sure they were dead. Luke was the first to roll to his feet, stumbling from the tremors the artillery shells created. From their position, he could see the flak cannons towering over the small cottages and hedgerows like three bad omens. He also saw a crowd of Rangers huddled in front of the hedges, screaming orders amongst themselves. They were trying desperately to get to the cannons.

"Reiben," said Luke, "We have to do something."

"Do what, bumpkin?"

Reiben had appeared at his shoulder, and was watching the chaos.

"What more help could be possibly be to them? Think about it; we're only three more guys."

Luke would have said something, but, amazingly, the Captain's voice sounded, causing them all to jump nearly five feet.

"Sparrow! Reiben! REPORT!"

The two soldires and the medic scrambled over to a fellow comrade, who had already left this world. The radio at his side was crackling with small arms fire and the rattling of submachine guns. Luke snatched up the device and spoke into it.

"Cap'n Miller, sir?! Luke here."

"Jesus!" Miller exclaimed. His men listened intently as scratching sounded over the line. The captain was addressing someone else. "They're alive, Mike!"

Luke could detect a second exclamation before Miller continued.

"Listen, boys, I need you to do something for me!"

"Why am I not surprised, sir?" Reiben cracked.

Luke gave him a warning stare, and the grin vanished from his face.

"We need you down here with that rifle" the Captain hollered, "Wade too!"

Reiben peered at Luke and Wade with a strange expression. Luke could tell that his heart wasn't in it. Wade looked ready to sprint down there himself. But the Captain was shouting again.

"Lock and Load, Reiben! Sparrow, give him and Wade cover fire until you can get your ass down here!"

"Yes, sir."

Miller would have said more, but he chattering of the weapons overwhelmed him, and nothing more was audible. Behind Luke, Reiben was searching around for his gear, throwing the heavy bandoleer around his shoulders. Wade was already waiting at the edge of the forest, bouncing on his heels, itching to leave. After the rifleman was finally situated, he joined the medic, and they prepared themselves to run. Luke leaned over his MR-T5, eye to the scope, scanning for a target. He noticed the machine gun posts flanking the first hedgerow, and he aimed right for the gunners.

"Go! Now!" he yelled to the others.

They leapt into action. Luke watched them go, silently praying as they went.

'Watch over them, Lord; let nothing harm them. Let the enemy see me, lest they find my friends first.' His eyes set on the machine gun nest. The men were tensed, waiting until the two came within range. Luke pulled the trigger just before they racked the slide on the machine gun. The hollow, foreboding sound of the MR-T5 echoed across the clearing, louder than popping of small-arms fire.

But the Droids had not given up. They dragged their comrade out of the way and grabbed for the machine gun once again Luke raked a second round into the chamber and fired again, the marksman rifle jerking back against him. He fired a third, the spent shells tinkling on to the ground at his feet. By then, the first nest had been cleared. He watched as Wade and Reiben were able to frog-leap their way up to where the Rangers had gathered. Through the scope, Luke could see Miller shouting for Reiben. Wade was already tending to the wounded, even before the Sarge directed him there. Jackson swung the rifle around toward the other position. The Cannon operators didn't appear to be all that worried about the oncoming OAG, fully convinced that their machine gunners would take care of them.

Luke hated staying there; he wanted to be fighting with his squad. He knew that wasn't what a sniper was supposed to do, but he felt the need to be down there just the same. The radio crackled behind him.

"Jackson!" blared the Captain's garbled voice, "Pick up!"

The lanky young man reached for the radio, gripping it tightly in his hands.

"I'm here, sir!"

He could hear the clattering of a second machine gun, followed by the responding volleys of Ranger weaponry. He turned to peer back down at the station, wincing as he watched two men jerk around from the blast of the machine gun.

"Thank-you for the previous help," Miller growled back into the radio, "But those bastards still have a position. We can't find it from here; it's camouflaged. I need you to find it for me, Sparrow. I need that machine gun suppressed so I can send the Baker squad over their right flank"

As the Captain was saying this, Luke was back at his MR-T5, staring through the scope. He swivelled left and right, his trained eyes hunting for the distinctive barrel of the separatist weapon. Gun fire sounded in its staccato rattle, echoing through the still air. Luke could hear the Rangers screaming and shouting for cover fire. It sounded even more terrifying through the radio.

"Sparrow! Do you hear me?!" cracked the Captain's voice.

But the Brit chose to ignore the officer's cries, those piercing blue eyes still examining the hedgerows for the machine gun. With another volley of rapid fire, he finally caught it. The nest was carefully placed just behind the Cannons, at the top of a gentle slope made deadly by the German's vantage point. Forcing the cries of the Captain and his comrades from his mind, Luke again took aim. This time, he was not sure exactly where his target was, but he had the exact image in his mind.

"O Lord, I ask for your guidance once again…"

Captain John Miller had given up trying to contact his sharpshooter via radio. He pressed himself back against the small stretch of concrete that had once been the fence to a farmer's pasture. The flak cannons still boomed above him, the Earth trembling violently. It was so bad that a few of his men had fallen to their knees. The Sarge was across the way, readying the Baker squad to charge the right flank. Miller was waiting to gear himself up before sending the next batch of young men up the slope. His eyes fell to Reiben and Beasley, the latter looking badly frightened. He didn't want to send them…

"You four! Next up!" he shouted.

The group included Beasley and Reiben. Across the way, Baker squad was ready. Horvath nodded to Miller. Reiben clenched the rifle firmly in his palms, whispering something. Beasley appeared near tears. The long pole charge was still on his back; Miller hoped that he would soon use it.

"On my signal!" he shouted, "Covering fire!"

The others all began to shoot, creating another horrid racket that was synonymous with death. Miller hardly noticed it anymore, and he readied himself as well. Suddenly, the familiar cracking of a MR-T5 rifle sounded above. The Captain held the men, exchanging a look of surprise with Sergeant Horvath. The machine gun silenced ahead of them. The flak cannons boomed, reminding them that they still had to be taken care of.

"It was Sparrow," Reiben declared, managing a wry smile, "The bastard's a crack shot."

The others appeared relieved. Miller sent the small group over, and this time he went with them. As they trudged up the incline, something was coming toward them. They tensed, pointing their weapons. Miller squinted curiously. Reiben was the first to notice what it was. He whistled admirably, directing his statement to the distant woods.

"One hell of shot that Sparrow-boy is! 'Jack of all trades!' Watch out, Dooku, Commander Sparrow's out to get ya!"

Reiben whooped, traveling onward. The men around him all let out small smiles. Miller nodded in agreement. At his feet was a lone droid head. A Plasma-Bullet hole was clearly visible, straight through the Blue and white CIS symbol. A classic 'Sparrow' shot.

MR-T5

From his perch amidst the weeds, the sniper from England watched his comrades moving up the hill. He was not sure if he'd hit the droids as he'd meant to, and he remained tensed, half-expecting to hear that awful staccato chattering once more. But they made it up the slope unscathed. The Captain was first, followed by Reiben (who was unmistakable even at this distance) and Beasley.

As if to prove his handiwork, Sergeant Horvath's voice buzzed through the radio.

"Nice shootin,' son!"

Luke allowed himself a smile.

"I heard that, Sarge. Orders?"

"Get down here now! We could do good with that MR-T5."

Luke didn't need telling twice. He sprang to his feet, sprinting through the grass. He quickened his pace as the Cannons echoed yet again, this time flinging their shells toward the beachhead. We have to get rid of those damn things…

Luke reached Horvath's position within a few more seconds. The Sarge peered at him as if he was looking at something out of the ordinary. But he shouted to the kid as he did all of them.

"I'm holding this Baker squad until Miller gets up all the way an' clears the area. You're coming with me, understood?"

Luke nodded his reply, adjusting the helmet over his head. Wade appeared at his shoulder, his fingers damp from tending to wounds.

"We're finished here, sir. I'll be going where ever you are"

"Alright," the Sarge agreed, "Jackson, you watch him"

"Gotcha, Sarge"

Horvath glanced over the lip of the concrete barrier, the bang of the Flack cannons resounding through the pasture. The popping of gun fire sounded above, but the cannons still crashed. A faint cry sounded.

"Clear Up!"

Horvath stood, then, Baker squad mimicking him. He waved his arm, shouting,

"Move out!"

The Orion soldiers jogged up the hill, the ground trembling beneath their boots. If he squinted through the screen of trees, Luke could see the barrels of the flak guns towering over them.

"Must be dug in pretty good," he mused.

He met eyes with Wade, whose face had whitened. The medic managed a tiny, weary grin. Sarge was taking point, encouraging them to run faster, but they were already set on their objective. They rendezvoused with Captain Miller and the remnants of the Charlie Company squads after a few minutes.

"What's the situation, sir?" questioned Sarge.

"I don't know for sure, but I think we've got 'em by surprise." As the two commanders talked, the others stood gazing at the Guns' with a growing sense of doom. Luke noticed Beasley looked about ready to throw up. His eyes left him and landed on Reiben, who noticed. He grinned and laughed quietly, nodding. Luke smirked knowingly; Nice shot, bumpkin…

"Baker is still going over to the right," Miller's voice sounded, "the first one is on the left; it's the closest. I'll split up what's left of Charlie and send 'em to the other two."

Reiben couldn't resist the opportunity to put in his opinion.

"Let's not get too hasty, sir. Let a couple of fly boys take out those damn things."

The others seemed to agree. Luke found himself nodding as well.

"As much as I would love to do that, Reiben, I can't, seeing as how it's an J-1's job to shoot planes out of the sky!" the Captain retorted.

A collective wave of snickering rippled throughout the group. Miller shook his head, as if in disbelief. Horvath was frowning in thought.

"What about them Titan boys?" Luke piped up, referring to the tanks they'd left behind, "Get them off their butts and up here"

"In any other situation, I'd do that, but Command neglected to tell me that two possible minefields turned out to be a single giant one!"

Luke sighed.

"Jus' thinkin' aloud is all…sir," he muttered.

It was apparent that Captain Miller was nearing his wit's end. Nothing had gone right the whole time they'd been on Ryloth.

"He might have something there, Captain," Horvath said. The cannons boomed yet again, and the forest shook from the concussion. "We can radio the tanks to shoot up here."

"They can't, Mike. They're stuck back behind minefield, outta range. They're no doubt sunning themselves by now."

There was a brief moment of silence as the soldiers all ran possible solutions through their heads. The shrieking of the Screaming Meemies blended with the sharp bang of the flak cannons. Miller seemed to have had something. He spoke.

"Those droids up there obviously don't realize that we're all alive and well. Being the arrogant bastards they are, I wouldn't expect them to send anyone down here to make sure." Miller paused, studying the faces of his Rangers. They were all grim-faced; determined. He continued. "We can do this thing-we'll just have to trick 'em. We'll split up as usual. The riflemen that we have are staying here with me. I'll bring in that LMG-5 and use it against them. That should be enough to get their attention, don't you think?"

The others weren't on board with this plan just yet, but Horvath was nodding his head.

"That'll be the distraction, then," he concluded, "I can take a group to the first J-1; you'll be here to distract the squad that's guarding the one on the right-"

"-And we'll sneak in a group to circle around the one in the middle, through the forest. We could use the Meemies too, if we can get if for ourselves," Miller was grinning, now, knowing that this could actually work. "Someone get me that damn LMG-5"

Beasley and Reiben jogged off to do so. Miller caught Luke's eye as Horvath began to split the Baker squad in two.

"What can I do ya for, Cap'n?" Luke inquired.

"See that tree over there- waaaay back there?" the officer pointed.

Jackson spotted the said tree and nodded. Miller clapped him on the shoulder.

"Think you can make that home for a while? Give us what protection you can?"

The sharpshooter grinned. It was just crazy enough to work.

"I can manage that, sir."

"Good. I'll be sending you with the group taking the rear. They'll be in front of you once you're in the tree- just do your best."

"Shucks, Cap. No need to state the obvious…"

Miller actually smiled at that.

Reiben and Beasley had hauled the machine gun up the hill, and were setting it up as Luke passed them.

"Where you off to?" Reiben demanded.

"To see the Wizard," Luke answered him.

He even skipped a little. Reiben laughed, and Beasley did too.

"You're getting better at that crap," the Brooklyn kid told him, "Maybe I'm a bad influence on you."

Luke raised his eye brows. "Yeah, maybe."

"…Watch out up there, Sparrow," Beasley said.

"I will, Beez. You take care, yourself."

The sharpshooter just looked at Reiben, who still had that stupid grin on his face.

"You all be careful now, you all hear me now?" he sputtered in a fake Southern British accent.

Luke shook his head.

"Needs more work. You're getting there"

Reiben reluctantly agreed. Miller called for Luke, and he began to walk toward the waiting group.

"Good luck, Sparrow," Reiben said.

The sniper nodded. Miller had nothing to really say to them, except things they already knew.
"Keep it simple. Nobody plays hero. Just get in, do your job. A sniper will be backing you up; Runners get all the grenades. We'll be distracting them with the rapid fire here, and a flame unit will be coming within a matter seconds." One of the J-1s ripped through the sky above, reminding them of the task at hand. But Miller spoke over it. "Good luck, lock and load."

He tapped a few of them on their backs. The Southern sharpshooter passed by him, and he clapped him on the helmet, watching as the group of Rangers trudged through the woods and out of sight.

Luke was at the front of the group, checking the horizon for any more surprises. They eased past the third J-1s as the Droids scrambled around for another shell, tilting the massive cannon up ever so slightly. The guarding squad of Commando droids stood impressively at the corners of the small bunker that was underneath the J-1. Luke and the others moved silently past them, hardly making a sound. They didn't look back twice at the station, just visible through the screen of foliage. They travelled on for a while longer, then stopped, crouching in the bushes. Luke went farther on, to the tree Miller had pointed out for him. The others watched as he climbed the branches, distant memories of home flashing through their minds.

Luke climbed as high as he dared, then was able position himself comfortably. He reached for the MR-T5, setting the crosshairs on the distant J-1 station. The shells boomed again, only now he could hear the large, spent canisters clanging against the concrete. He gently rested the end of the rifle on a branch, then sucked in a breath and waited.

Captain John Miller was waiting as well. Reiben and a second rifle trooper were tensed, preparing for orders. Wade was behind Horvath, crouched and out of sight as Miller had instructed. Binoculars in hand, the Captain scoped out the area.

"On my mark…"

Reiben and the second rifleman, Private Williams, tensed in anticipation. The others at the machine gun did so as well. Captain Miller leveled his AC-30; the Sarge kept his Carbine raised, his finger hovering over the trigger.

"Now!"

The LMG-5 roared, tearing the bushes apart in front of them. The droids began to shout hurriedly, trying to take a defensive position. Miller screamed over the din of the weapons,

"Group one, left flank!"

Sarge left the machine gun outpost, taking the first squad with him. Miller watched them go over his shoulder. They made it all the way up to the first station, and the volley of gun-fire that sounded from there was drowned out by the deafening chatter of the machine gun.

"So far so good, sir," Reiben shouted, firing the AC-160 "They're taking the bait."

Miller fired the carbine again in short bursts, watching as the droids scrambled around through the forest. So far so good…

Sergeant Horvath and his group had finished clearing out the first J-1 nest, but the bunker beneath it was still a thorn in their side. Leaving the safety of the small crater he'd lead the men into, he ran in a crouch over to the wall, where two privates and corporal had taken cover. laser thudded into the concrete as Horvath slammed his back to the wall, just ahead of the droids.

"Bastards know what they're doing," he panted.

"You were expecting what, Sarge?"

Half-supposing Reiben to have said that, Horvath was remotely surprised to find it had been Beasley with the barbed sentence. But he chose not to react. He shouted down the line to the Corporal.

"Fox! Get the Reaper over here!"

Corporal Fox nodded, bullets still cracking into the wall behind them. He had to duck, waiting for the gunfire to pass before shouting for the man named 'Reaper' to reach them. Horvath watched, shouting,

"Cover fire! Cover fire!"

His men responded without complaint; the private with a flamethrower slung over his shoulders darted up to them through the death zone. He clanked himself against the wall. Hot lead above pounded into the concrete, sending a fine dust floating down on them. Private Beasley turned to look at this man called Reaper, having never seen him before.

The Sarge had to look up at this guy, which meant that the private was well over six feet tall. He had dark eyes and a scraggly beard, making him stand out from the baby-faces of the other Rangers. He held the flamethrower loosely in his hands, and wore black leather gloves. A black bandanna was around his head, just visible from underneath his scarred helmet. Painted on the back of the flame unit was a small image of a pissed-off Mickey Mouse, appropriately giving the finger.

"Reaper," said Sarge, "I need you to-"

"I know what I've gotta do," he replied in a gravelly voice, "I need a man with a carbine and whoever is going to be blowing up that damn thing."

He jerked his head above them toward the looming J-1.

Beasley noticed a skull and cross bones had also been painted on the back of his helmet. He gulped; this guy was hardcore. His steely gaze fell to Beasley.

"You. You're coming."

Beasley wondered with growing horror why, until he remembered he was still carrying the C-17 on his back. He looked over at the Sarge, as if for approval. He nodded. Sarge ordered Corporal Fox to go as well. The three Rangers crouched at the corner of the concrete barrier, waiting for their cover fire. Fallon went first, then Reaper, with Beasley bringing up the rear. Horvath watched them, hoping they would make it up there…

Beasley was no longer scared. Right then, he was in a state of numbness, his training having taken over all thought process. The droids came at them, but not before they were mowed down by the carbine and Beasley's rifle. He aimed up at the J-1 operators, who were presently pulling out their pistols. Beasley fired on them until he heard the ping, signalling he was out of ammo. Fox stood in the center of the station, awaiting possible reinforcements; Beasley hurriedly reloaded as the Corporal shouted,

"Torch it!"

Reaper didn't need telling twice. He marched in front of the entrance, an indifferent expression across his face. Beasley watched him as the black barrel belched flame, the light playing on his face as if he were watching fireworks. The droids remaining inside the bunker screamed in agony, flailing around. A few of them leaned out of the mouth of the bunker, falling within sight of Horvath and the others, watching on intently. All Beasley could do was stare. It was Corporal Fox who snapped him out of a daze.

"Get up there, Beasley! Blow that sonovabitch to Timbuktu!"

The private leaped into action, charging up the small staircase that lead up to the flak cannon. Tripping over bodies, he managed to catch hold of the gun, still hot from firing the shells. He climbed on to it like a monkey, arming the C-17 that had been strapped around him for so long. He shoved the charge down the J-1's mouth, then slid off of it. His boots thudded against the dirt and he ran like hell for cover. The cannon finally exploded, behind him, steel bending as if it were rubber.

Sergeant Horvath and the others had all seen this, and they smiled in relief. Horvath was especially proud of the Beasley kid, thankful for having him finally snap out of his wimpy state.

Private Stephen Beasley was crumpled at his comrade's feet, panting as if he'd run three miles. Fox and Reaper stood to judge his work, the former whistling.

"Nice job, Beez."

The private struggled to his feet, brushing damp red bangs from his eyes.

"Was nuthin'," he replied breathlessly.

Beasley glanced over at the guy known only as Reaper. He was nodding appreciatively.

"Not bad for a first-timer," said Reaper, "But I think you can do better, kid."

They began walking back to where the Sarge waited. He sent some of the men back to Miller, still directing the distracting fire.

"Just wait 'til the next one," Beasley told them, excited now, "We'll kick some serious ass, then!"

Private Daniel Jackson watched from the corner of his eye as Private Beasley set the charge on the first cannon. The explosion resonated through the forest. The thick tree that served as his perch trembled from the sound waves. A few leaves floated down gently in front of him. Got one; two to go…

Captain Miller, Reiben and a few others were still directing fire toward the center, but the droids knew what had happened. Jackson watched intently through the scope as half the Baker squad and a group of Company A men made their way over to the second J-1, still thundering above. The Screaming Meemie, the simple cannon that had caused so much trouble, was now out of commission, the six barrels still smoking. The men Luke had travelled with were waiting patiently for their attack. They needed his signal.

The sharpshooter could tell that the droids were angry as they scurried around in his sights like grey, metal ants. The men at the cannon closest to him were hurrying to get off as many shots as they could before the LMG-5 came closer. Luke knew that every one of those shells was either directed at those still stuck by the minefield or on the beaches. He also knew how damn good the clankers were with those things; they would put a shell in your pocket if they could.

His attention was directed to the left J-1, which the Rangers were now over-whelming. The droids had begun to attack that position from all fronts, so this had to be quick. Luke had already picked out a man in his crosshairs- a tall Droid, who appeared to be an officer of some sort. He knew where the rangers were and was relaying the information to his comrades. Luke's grip tightened on the rifle, and he exhaled to calm himself.

"Grant me strength, Lord; let me not be ashamed…"

Private Richard Reiben heard that unmistakable sound, and flashed a quick look over at Wade. Their eyes met. I heard it, too.

"Cap'n," Reiben shouted, "We should be moving up. We have to give them as much help as we can- they're moving on to the third cannon!"

Miller, still firing his carbine at the attacking droids, agreed.

"Alright, let's move it on up!"

He assigned two privates to carry the red-hot machine gun up the pass as he and Reiben gave them suppressing fire. They set up within a few seconds and resumed firing. The MR-T5 cracked above once again. Miller watched as the second bunker went up in flames, and he knew they could do this. Come on, boys; just one more left…

Luke had sent the droids into a frenzy. They scrambled around, looking for where the shots had come from, trying to set up a defensive perimeter. The Rangers had poured in after Luke had fired the first shot, and they were swarming over the J-1 site. Three of the droids had managed to get a hold of a machine gun, but were subdued by Luke's plasma bullet.

Not too far away, the right bunker went up in a ball of scarlet and orange flame, signalling Reaper had done his job. Luke continued to give his comrades back up, shooting the Droids that they'd missed, simultaneously saving the lives of two people.

He watched through the scope as the other Rangers began to make their way toward the J-1. He fired on the droids that were blocking their way, saving yet more lives. When the group arrived at the station, Luke relaxed, an eerie calm falling over the woods. He made sure that there were no more enemies coming, then slung the MR-T5 over his back and slid down from the tree. Original text

Private Beasley and Corporal Fox stepped uneasily into the J-1 outpost, careful not to tread on the dead CIS soldiers. This had been no easy task, but had taken merely ten minutes. The Rangers from Able Company and a few from Baker were waiting for them to arrive, showing no expression to speak of. Beasley felt his stomach turn at the sight of a German officer who had been shot in the back of the head. But Captain Miller's voice sounded, almost a relief.

"Clear Down!"

"Clear Up!" his men answered together.

Miller appeared through the smoke, Privates Reiben and Williams in tow, along with a few others. Wade ran ahead of him, immediately tending to the men severely wounded.

The man called Reaper appeared, and his eyes met with the Captain's.

"Clear it out, soldier," Miller said.

Beasley's wide eyes watched as the private with the flamethrower stepped before the bunker, readying himself to burn it. His eyes were dark as ever, his lips formed in a straight line. The Mickey Mouse came into view. Beasley smiled faintly, but he caught himself. Reaper reached back and clicked a valve on; a small hissing sound was audible, signaling that more fuel had been let into the tube. Beasley took a few steps back, and Corporal Fox mimicked him.

Before them, the bunker was painted with flames, reducing whatever was inside to ashes. Beasley and a few other watched on, the former with the same silent awe he'd displayed previously. Captain Miller had turned away from this spectacle, having already seen it countless times. He looked over at Sergeant Horvath, saying,

"Mike…I'll see if I can reach the Titans from here"

"Captain Miller to Titans; please respond."

The radio hissed for a few seconds before a nasal, mid-western voice answered.

"Sorry Cap'n, sir, but I can't do much back here. Our cannons can't reach that far"

"My men and I just finished taking out the damn J-1s!" Miller snapped.

Luke had appeared at the edge of the clearing, just catching the end of his Captain's distressed sentence. He looked up at him and the Sarge, frowning.

"I'm sorry, sir," the tank operator's voice fizzed, "We're pretty much stuck back here"

"Well, you better find a way around it, because if Droid reinforcements end up coming this way, you'll be responsible for the death of Charlie Company! We cannot continue on like this unsupported!"

Luke winced. He watched as Wade moved to a second soldier who had fallen at the base of a great oak tree. A layer of grey smoke had descended around them, bringing a ghostly look to the once peaceful forest. Luke peered over at Beasley, who noticed him, flashing the 'thumb's up' sign. The sniper understood, returning the gesture.

"I want at least one of those damn tanks through that field within the next fifteen minutes, do you understand?!" Miller was saying, not really shouting, but still angry.

Reiben was walking around in a lazy circle, waiting impatiently for orders. He hugged the rifle in his arms like a father comforting his child.

Luke was watching the flames licking the sides of the bunker, picking twigs and leaves from his helmet. He made sure that the MR-T5 had a bullet in the chamber, assuming they would be moving out shortly. Pursing his lips, he slung the rifle back over his shoulder and waited.

The man named Reaper was also watching the bunker smoulder and blacken before him, frowning as the Captain still spoke into the radio irritably. He shook his head.

"Just talk to him like you talk to us, Cap'n," sugguested Reaper as Miller's radio picked up a batch of static.

"If I did that, Reaper, I'd be relieved of command."

The soldier grunted a non-laugh, turning around to glance back at the others in the forest.

"That's the problem with the rest of this Army…a lot of 'em are a bunch of-"

What the rest of the Army was, nobody would ever know. Reaper pitched forward, the cracking of a firearm breaking the silence. Beasley cried out, and everyone spun around at his voice. But Reaper was already staggering forward, his eyes to the sky, as if he knew exactly where he was destined.

Wade was already running toward the wounded Ranger, but Reiben latched on to his arm, his eyes having caught the spark. The flame unit on Reaper's back burst into a plume of yellow and crimson, catching Beasley and two other privates in its deadly grasp.

The rest of the soldiers all covered their faces from the flames, Miller shouting at them to back away as quickly as they could.

Private Jackson just stared, smelling the horrible odor of burnt flesh and gasoline. He peered over at his commanding officers, not surprised at the troubled expressions on their faces. Miller's eyes met with the sharpshooter's, as if asking if it were an enemy sniper. Jackson shook his head; the Captain understood. That was no sniper rifle.

"Everybody get the hell away from there!" he shouted, "Let the flames die down!"

"Cap'n!"

The tortured voice belonged to Wade, obviously desperate to help those who had been badly burned. But his cries went unanswered; Miller was keeping him right where he could see him. They all watched the flames spiral around the bunker in grim silence. Miller felt his stomach twist into a knot. His eyes had found the remaining 88 ammunition.

"Sergeant Horvath-"

"Yes, sir?"

A strange look had appeared across the Captain's face. This troubled the Sarge; he'd seen that look at Anzio, just before…

Both Miller and Horvath screamed at their men,

"Get out! Move! GET OUTTA THERE!"

The Rangers scrambled, but it was too late. The greedy flames had spread to the 88 shells and a fuel drum behind the sandbags. With an odd spark, the ammunition went up in flames. The entire hillside exploded, hurling chunks of dirt, concrete and steel into the air. More than half of the Rangers near the hill had been caught in the blast, shredded by the shrapnel and consumed by the flames. Those who had survived were flung backwards into the mud, as if some invisible force had snatched them up and threw them rudely aside.

Private Jackson could feel the wind in his hair as he watched his boots leave the ground, the explosion crashing all around him. He felt the intense heat as he finally came back to the earth, falling heavily on his side. Needles of pain shot up the length of his body, and he screamed. A strange torrent of dirt, shrapnel and shreds of clothing fell on him and the forest, darkening his uniform with disturbing splotches. The coppery taste of blood was in his mouth, but he wasn't sure if it was his or someone else's. Jackson just lay there for a brief moment, and, for the second time in two days, found himself resentful of his military service.

Captain Miller led the survivors away from the flames, skidding to a halt at the edge of the wood. Reiben spoke up between gasps for air.

"I hate to be the one to speak out of line, sir, but why the hell did you stop?!"

Miller looked back at his rifleman, noticing his face had been blackened from the soot and mud. His uniform was similarly caked with grime, concealing his military markings and the 'Brooklyn, N.Y.C.' scrawled on the back of his jacket.

For that brief moment, the Captain felt his age, almost believing he'd been playing soldier for too long. Another twenty or so men had just lost their lives- under his command. His green eyes, darkened with fatigue and emotion, scanned the flaming hillside as he made his next decision. The confused cries of the Rangers surrounded him, covered from head to foot in filth and blood.

Private Reiben, obviously not patient enough to wait around for what his Captain had to say, looked around wildly. He only focused on the spreading fire briefly, his mind firmly set on his friends. He shouted,

"Wade! Where's Wade?!"

The fact that no one answered scared him. Reiben left Miller's side, searching around for the medic.

"Wade! Wade!"

"Here!" a pained voice answered him. Reiben hustled over to the big oak tree the medic had been near prior to the blast. It turned out he'd been thrown roughly eight feet, his helmet at Reiben's boots. The comrade he'd been tending to laid a stone's throw away, his eyes glazed. Reiben appeared at Wade's side within seconds, but the medic stopped him, batting his helping hand away.

"My shoulder- it's dislocated…" he groaned between breaths, "I can tell; hurts like no tomorrow-" Reiben moved to lay a hand on it, but the medic yelped, "DON'T!"

"Well how the hell am I supposed to help you?!" the rifleman snapped, scowling.

Wade reached for him with his good hand, and Reiben pulled him to a standing position. The medic whimpered, grimacing in pain. His face was pale, and sweat had beaded on his forehead. His grip was strong on Reiben's shoulder as they walked hurriedly back to where the Captain was standing.

"Wade-?" he began, but the medic shook his head.

"I'll be fine, sir," Wade answered feebly.

His arm hung heavily, and he was leaning on Reiben's shoulder. Captain Miller did not look convinced.

"I'll be fine, sir," he repeated, this time with more force.

"Are we gonna get the hell out of here or what?" demanded Reiben, all military formality aside.

Miller could feel the irritation in the private's voice, but he also knew the rest had no reason to doubt him. He spoke loudly, due to the fact that his ears -and everyone else's- were ringing.

"We're going back through the minefield- the safe route. We'll have to get a dozer down here and clear all this crap out," his next statement was directed at Sergeant Horvath, "Keep them at the edge of the wood, but hidden. I have a feeling if any more Droids are coming, they'll be going around that fire and into the fields. I'll go out first, just in case; Reiben- you're coming with me."

The gunner complied, leaving Wade in the care of the Sarge. As he fell into step beside his Captain, Reiben uttered only one word.

"Fubar…"

Miller just smirked.

Luke turned to wade "Next stop, Vasel"