A/N: The first part below is very descriptive, just bare with me. I'll explain more at the bottom of the chapter. Thanks and please review...
"I believe it was only in only a few generations that human slaves learned more from the Rakata than the Rakata knew. It's believed that with the help of other enslaved species a resistance grew, unknown by their subjugators. They constructed a virus to annihilate the Rakata, inexplicably being helped by the very weapon which the Rakata had built so selfishly for themselves; the Star Forge." - Excerpt from Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn's Holocron, Jedi Archives
Location: Far Outer Rim, Planet Earth, Quantico Station, 41 days ABG, Earth year 2035, May, 25th, 2:56 pm:
Commander Owen Atkinson was a very proud Marine; though he wouldn't openly admit it. His men had just accomplished the impossible. In fifteen minutes of notice all nonessential personnel and civilians had been evacuated and they'd finished setting up four main rings of defense to protect Quantico Station from a possible air and ground invasion. From outer to inner the defenses were color coded for attack risk; Red, Orange, Yellow and Green respectively.
The Commander also had three smaller defensive rings set up called Gold, Indigo and Blue around Turner Field where the GARD Hangar was located; the same Hangar the Alien ship was in. Atkinson still found what he had been told, hard to believe, he'd seen the ship himself but still preferred to think of all of this as an elaborate training exercise. However, the evacuation of Washington D.C was real so he really had no choice but to accept what the President told him.
To prepare for the invasion, the President ordered the FAA to ground all flights both domestic and international. To help with this, Atkinson dispatched all of Quantico's Jetfighters; 106 of the Sixth Generation advanced Interceptor-class. The jets not escorting flights to the ground were securing US air space. Twenty of the Bases thirty CH-49 Chinook Helicopters were being used to evacuate Washington. The rest were evacuating government employees in the area. Only a handful of Quantico's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's), the RQ-10 Storm, were dispatched. UAV's were great for aerial surveillance and First Strike capabilities but they didn't come close to the manned Interceptor-class jetfighters for air to air combat. Atkinson hoped to use the UAV's for following the advance of the droid forces.
As to his men, they were all armed with the M5 Multi-use Assault Rifle System Carbine (MARS). This weapon replaced the older M4A1 Carbines adopted by the US army earlier in the century. The M5 Carbine had Grenade Launcher, Sniping Scope, and Bayonet attachments like its predecessor but unlike its predecessor it had several extra abilities making it a truly Multi-use weapon.
For instance, the Carbine took a standard issue 50 round magazine which included forty regular 5.56×44mm rounds (Regular) but also had ten 8.6×70mm rounds (Sniping). Built into the gun was a laser guidance system for grenades and bullets alike, a friendly fire prevention system and a size-changing chamber for the multi-caliber magazines. Three other important attachments complimented these systems. One, used with the sniping scope, increased the guns barrel length from 15 to 26 inches for sniping with the 8.6×70mm bullets. Another attachment increased the guns laser power. When used with the sniping scope, a soldier could detonate IED's or det's from afar and could disable enemy vehicles precisely without being noticed. The last attachment was a repelling gun, able to shoot 500 ft. of thin high strength carbon-fiber cable able to hold 1,000 pounds at full deployment.
Commander Atkinson planned to use the Bases Anti-Aircraft missile defense systems to drive the Separatist transports either north or south of the Base. This would force them into a ground based assault. He was taking somewhat of a chance relying on them to do this, but he had the Air Force to back him up if they should try any other attack.
Quantico Station is located several miles south of Washington D.C. along the Potomac River. The north side of the Base is bordered by Quantico Creek. The entire west side is bordered by Hwy 1, then farther west by Interstate 95. These two Hwy's parallel each other running from north to south. The southern border of Quantico is Chopawamsic Creek. Finally the Potomac River and Washington Metro's High Speed rail line form the eastern border. Atkinson used natural barriers such as the creeks and bridges to form his defenses of his Base. Since Turner Field is in the southeast corner of the Base, it was his fallback location. If they were overrun his men would fall back into the hangar and into waiting evac boats along the Potomac.
The first outer Red Defense has a total of 4,040 Marines. It starts north where Quantico Creek empties into the Potomac River. Following the creek west through forest, Red Defense consists of camouflaged Marine's stationed every 10 meters. Where Quantico Creek crosses under both sides of Hwy 1, roadblocks were set up on the bridges. A little farther West and the I-95 bridges were also heavily fortified with Marines, M1A2 Abram tanks and portable Coldstinger Electromagnetic Railguns (CEMRG's). East of the Interstate, Red Defense curved south through the woods to Chopawamsic Creek. This eastern part consists of the same defenses as the Quantico Creek section with camouflaged Marines stationed every few meters. Red Defense then turns west following Chopawamsic Creek to the Potomac. The bridges for I-95 and Hwy 1 over this creek also have similar defenses as the northern bridges on Quantico Creek. The High Speed rail line along the Potomac was heavily guarded where it cross' both creeks as all four rings of defense share those sections. As to the Potomac itself, the U.S.S. Carter, a Zumwalt-class destroyer anchored itself off the Base. It would supplement the Bases AA-guns and prevent any possible water-based attacks.
Orange Defense is closer to the main Base with just 2,540 Marines. Two roads lead into Quantico; Fuller Rd. to the North and Russell Rd. to the south. Where these roads intersect with Hwy 1 roadblocks and barricades with Abrams tank compliments were set up. These roads are also the two main entrances to Quantico from Interstate I-95 but are also choke points. So Atkinson set up sniper teams to cover these areas as well. He figured if the droids made it past Red Defense they would be forced into these two deadly spots of entrance at Orange Defense.
The third ring; Yellow Defense, follows power pylons that run across the Base from north to south effectively halving it into two east and west sections. Yellow merges its northern and southern borders with Orange defense which follows the two creeks to the Potomac. Since Yellow Defense serves as a rallying point if the two outer defenses were breached it only has 750 Marines. Every survivor would make their way to this line of defense if their line falls so Atkinson expects its numbers would increase.
The last and inner most defense before the defenses around Taylor Airfield was Green Defense. Green surrounds the main Base itself and its facilities. Consisting of concrete Jersey barriers and sandbags; a rough wall follows the entire length of this last defense with Marines stationed every ten meters. All access roads including Fuller and Russell roads are blocked with funnel like garrisons to allow for maximum firing range. Abrams, CEMRG's and even landmines defended this last defense line.
Green Defense was where Atkinson found himself, busily giving out orders through his HUD and receiving updates from the ISA. Suited up in full special ops armor he had his M5 Carbine with his favorite Grenade launcher attachment attached. Looking west up Fuller road he couldn't help but think of the 8,600 some odd Marines he had defending his entire Base. In Green defense alone, he had 1,340. Around him at the Fuller road barricade two hundred armored Marines were ready to fight, their Carbines aimed down the road. Somewhere in the woods on either side of the road were his élite sniper units waiting for the perfect shot. While behind him were the massive Railguns and Tanks and even farther behind that his AA-missile defenses were set to fire at a moments notice. He smiled.
Whoever these aliens are, we'll show them what a mistake it was to attack the US mainland and what a fatal mistake it is to invade the home of the Marines, Semper Fi!
Location: Far Outer Rim, Planet Earth, White House, 2:58 pm:
"So, how'd your meeting go? I take it went well," James asked the President from across the table. They were stuck quickly hashing through the last of the Presidents address to the Nation and world. It was still a draft and unfortunately wouldn't be ready until the invasion began. The UN had considered taking control of all broadcasts both nationally and internationally to combat any panic through the spread of news, but it was decided that in itself would cause a lot more panic. Besides, they would also have to shut down the Internet to prevent the spread of news on social media. That drastic measure however wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
"Well, it was shorter and more to the point than I had intended," she smirked a little remembering Tens shocked look, "Unfortunately, the movies strike yet again in their accuracy, at least with regard to the clones. His flash-training took over and almost killed me but..."
James, at hearing this, jumped up, "He did what! Wha... Why wasn't Trevor or one of the other Marines around, I mean Jesus Christ Lisa you could have died! I told you they're not to be trusted..."
"Enough James!" Lisa sighed, he way to protective of her. Besides, she knew full well what the risks were when she'd decided to tell Tens, "I know, I know, but we can trust him."
"How are you so sure, you just said he..."
"Look... James, the fact that he didn't kill me, that he could control himself and did the right thing shows us he isn't blinded by his loyalty. He said he would consider what I said and I believe in the end he will do the right thing. We just need to keep him alive so he can."
James gave her an accusatory look, "You 'believe' he will? My gosh, you just put the fate of the entire galaxy in the hands of one of the worst actors, don't you remember what they do, what they carry out! Why don't we just tell the Jedi?"
"I do believe he will; we need something to believe in now more than ever. And have you ever considered what the Jedi might do if we just out right told them? Hearing it from a clone... I think it would help them."
"What, the clones? They're not the ones who need..."
"If not they could be killed, all of them," she interrupted then letting out a deep breath, she thought of a better way to explain it, "Think of it this way; if you're very existence was threatened by an enemy, and you had the chance to wipe them out before they could harm you, wouldn't you do it? I have a feeling the Jedi wouldn't hesitate to rid the galaxy of the clones if they saw them as an imminent threat. That's why it's important a clone tells them."
"I don't know. Do you think they would trust him anymore than if they'd found out the info by themselves?" James sounded unsure, then with conviction continued, "And yes, I would kill the enemy, that's what were going to do to the..."
"Yes, I know, were doing that very thing, but that's more of a statement. Besides, they're droids not living creatures in that ship!"
"I'd almost call it overkill but..." James paused as a sudden thought occurred to him, "Wait a sec! This is personal, isn't it? You're still upset about our own cloning program and its results. Look, Lisa, I admire your compassion, but you can't..."
"No!" she shouted, anger getting the better of her calm, cool and collected demeanor, "Our clones are in no different a situation than the ones in the Republic. The Chairman believes them to be inferior; you know how I feel about his views. It was started already when we gained office; I couldn't put a stop to it and kill all of them. We didn't treat them as Human... James, rather slaves, slaves of the US, just like the clones are slaves of the Republic. They all deserve better. Could you condemn millions of men to death? Because telling the Jedi directly will very well do that."
James sat back and rubbed his hair in frustration. Why did she have to be such a humanitarian? He had made such good progress in his argument until she'd gone there. I guess that's what I love about her, she actually cares, something few politicians can even do now a days. She's right of course, but I'm not giving up without a fight.
"Well no, I guess I couldn't, but tell me this, if Tens does tell his General, what makes you think his General wouldn't kill him when he learns the truth? How do you know you didn't just condemn to death the very clone you hope to save by telling him what we know?"
Lisa knew he was giving up the argument. She could tell by his posture and softening of voice, but that last question still hurt. In truth, as nice as General Kenobi seemed, there was the chance he might kill the clone to keep others from knowing that he'd been told. It was a chance though she was willing to take.
"I don't, but I have hope that he won't. Why do you think we asked for Kenobi to come down to us? We don't want Tens telling Skywalker, we all know what becomes of him and he would likely kill the clone in anger. What? I don't think it's inconceivable. Anyways, with Kenobi down here, we can keep him in check if Tens does tell him."
"What if he tells him back aboard one of their Star Destroyers?"
"Then, without sending Delta up with him, all we can do is hope for the best."
James was about to finally agree with her, but was stopped as an un-helmeted fully armored Marine entered the room from the West Wing. It was obvious by the Marines abrupt stop and quick looks around that he'd never been in the Oval Office before. After glancing at the two Secret Service agents standing by the door, he quickly composed himself, pulled out a hasty salute and delivered his report.
"Mrs. President, Mr. Vice President, the Separatist ship has arrived. I am to escort you back down to the command center immediately. Please follow me."
"I'm afraid we aren't leaving," Lisa stated calmly, she wouldn't be scared down into some bunker to give her address. No, she would give it from the White House Rose Garden as she'd done before to show solidarity and courage to the American people. Then maybe, she'd hurriedly enter the below ground levels.
"Sir?" The young Marine asked confused.
"That's an order I'm afraid, however, you can stay with us if you want. I need to run the speech off someone beforehand anyways."
The Marine stood, contemplation written across his face for a few seconds before a solid wall of resolve overtook his features.
"With all due respect Ma'am, your Secret Service detail, the Chairman, the ISA and myself included strongly disagree with that course of action. If you would just please..."
"Look, son," James interrupted, "I think you'll find that there's more than one way to serve your country. At this time, we will not hide from our enemies like cowards, we will stand strong and we will show these Separatist invaders that Humanities resolve has never been stronger. We will face this together, we are not afraid, you in the very least could help us in this endeavor." James stated this with such conviction that the Marine simply nodded and took a seat beside him in front of the President.
Lisa smiled, she liked this young Marine. She also had to give credit where credit was due. James was an inspiring and strong-willed leader when he wanted to be. It had been his speeches, his conviction that had helped her win office. Too bad almost all of his latest little speech to the Marine came directly from her international address draft he held in his hands.
Location: Coruscant, Senate Building, Office of the Supreme Chancellor, 41 days ABG, Earth year 2035:
Darth Sidious was in a dour mood, today more than most. His exploratory thoughts a few days before when he'd sent out two Republic and two Separatist ships to an unknown region of space was coming back to bite him in the rear. How was he to know that section of space was the one place in the galaxy outside of the Nine Corellian hells the Holo-net didn't reach?
He had the Jedi breathing down his neck to send out a rescue party. At first he'd avoided that by simply assuring the egotistic Jedi Order the lost Jedi would do fine by themselves. Now just a few minutes ago he'd given the excuse that the Republic couldn't afford to divert anymore resources into finding the lost ships. Such was the game of politics. It was a lie, of course; he fully intended to send out his own search party, but one the Jedi wouldn't know about.
The sith now looked with gleaming eyes and an unfaltering frown at his apprentice, "This better be good."
"Master, it is about the two ships sent to find the Senate Representatives."
"What is it?"
"Admiral Gen Hugmar of the Trade Federation has not reported back in. It appears they have been followed by two Republic Destroyers. One of the Providence-class destroyers just returned but was, I'm afraid, severely damaged. Evidently they were ambushed. We lost contact with the other."
"What of the star system? Did this ship find anything of interest?"
Count Dooku looked confused by his master's question; he would have thought he would be more concerned about the escaping representatives than the characteristics of a star system.
"If I remember correctly Master, it was an ordinary star system, with nine or so planets. The ship did not get any good scans of the entire system so I do not know if any of them were inhabited. But what about the Representatives, they most surely have gotten away?"
Sidious smiled, an unknown and uninhabited system would be perfect for some of his more ambitious projects, "I'm afraid my information on the representatives was… mistaken, they were never onboard the original assault ship. It is a minor setback for now, but rest assured we will have better chances in the future."
"Indeed, that is most unfortunate. What do you wish for me to do about the remaining ship with the Admiral, he is a highly decorated officer, if the Republic has their forces there I should like to reinforce his position at..."
"It is unimportant; if he does not report back then you may send more ships to investigate. I must leave now, but I will contact you when I have more reliable information on the imminent Republic assault on Christophsis."
"Yes, Master."
As the Holo-projector flickered out, Sidious felt another ripple in the force, this time far stronger than the others. He realized then it was as he feared; the balance of the force was tilting away from the Dark Side. Each ripple lifted ever so slightly the dark veil he had so carefully weaved over the galaxy. He now knew where the ripples were emanating from; he would put a stop to it at once. After changing back to his Chancellor Robes and garbs, he pressed a few buttons on the Holo-projector. Captain Tarkin suddenly flickered onto the screen.
"Captain, it is good to see you again. I understand your awaiting your new Jedi General, Even Piell,"
"You're Excellency; it is a pleasure to see you again. And yes, I am still waiting."
"Well, I'm sure he will arrive soon enough, however before he does Captain, I have a very urgent mission for you. I think it is important we find out what happened to the Resolute and Negotiator. The Jedi Council has requested a search party be sent out at once. Please go to these coördinates and asses the situation. You know what to do, do not fail me."
"As you wish, my lord."
Location: Above Earth, Bridge of the CIS Providence-Class Destroyer, May 25th, 2:59 pm:
"Admiral, sir, we are just outside the planet's atmosphere as you requested, do you wish to deploy the transports and fighters?" The B1 Commander Droid asked looking up from its data-pad.
"What do our latest scans show? Is there any local resistance?" asked Admiral Hugmar. The Neimoidian was a patient one; he would get what he wanted in the end. One of the reasons Count Dooku had promoted him to Admiral for the Trade Federation, much to Nute Gunray's displeasure.
"Well, sir, our scanners show a substantial build up of ground forces around the cruiser. The scans show the city to the north is being evacuated. It also appears they have some sort of air force present. Shall we deploy the Vulture droids first, sir?"
"Hmm... Interesting, have you identified the species that lives on this planet? If we know what species they are then we can make some... assumptions on what type of weaponry and tactics they may use."
"Yes, sir, our onboard computer matched the characteristics of their cities as either belonging to a Human or a Humanoid species."
"Humans... very well Commander, we will split our forces. Send three of the six C-9979's to this northern city. Order these units to kill as many civilians in the city as they can, maximum casualties would be best. If this species is indeed human they will divert their forces to the city to protect them. When they do, send in the Hyena Bombers. We will make quick work of them before the Republic even has a chance to interfere. As for the other three transports, keep them on the original course but send all of our BX units with them."
"Yes, sir." With that the Commander Droid left the bridge for the lower hangar bay.
Issuing the Admirals new lethal orders, the droid quickly had the BX's loaded. After checking that all of their forces were ready the Commander boarded one of the transports that would head for the cruiser's location.
"Sir, we are ready to deploy, waiting for your orders."
"Very good commander, send out the fighters, I want those transports protected at all costs."
"Roger, Roger."
Location: The Negotiator passing the Planet Mars, ETA to Earth 9 Standard Minutes, 3:00 pm:
In one of the Negotiator's dull durasteel hallways two clones saluted their General as he walked swiftly past them to the main hangar bay lifts. Cody strode at his heels, knowing his Generals furled brows meant he wasn't in the mood to talk. Cody knew why, this planet and its people had thrown a wrench in a lot of things. Namely the belief that Humans had originated from the core.
As soon as they had entered the lifts Obi-wan wasted no time in making his thoughts known.
"How is this possible Cody? I was always told in the Temple that Humans, our species came from Coruscant, or at least a nearby world. My old master, Qui-Gon mentioned something of a passing doubt. What do you think?"
Great, the Generals asking me what I think about philosophical osik, yeah this will be interesting.
"Well, General, she did seem to say it with some conviction. And by the looks of our scans they're only just beginning to explore space. So, without any other explanation, I think she must be speaking the truth, sir."
"That's what concerns me. If this is indeed the original Homeworld of the Human species, how did we manage to spread throughout the galaxy from the core? How did Humans get from the outer rim to the core 25,000 years ago?"
"I don't know sir. But I think we should be focusing on the mission at hand."
Obi-wan sighed, "Your right, we should focus on helping these people now. Though I'm sure this is something the Jedi Council would be interested in later. Cody, are our men ready?"
Cody smiled, "Yes, sir!"
Location: CT-23-1549's Thoughts : )
I can't stop thinking about her! Why? Her face is beautiful but her eyes, they're so blue, I could just stare at them forever...
Wait! What are you doing soldier! You don't have time for women, your duty is to the Republic first and your brothers! You're not going soft on me now are you?
I know, I know, duty comes before self, got it, but I really can't stop thinking about her, did you see how she stared at me? I think she likes me.
I hate to break it to you boy but you're a clone! There's nothing special about you, even if she did like you, she'd probably have the same feelings towards the rest of your vode. You all look the same; well you and your precious brother by choice are barely indistinguishable, compared to the other two. Why do you guys insist upon keeping your standard fresh-off-the-mint look anyways? Shinies...
We don't, we just haven't decided how we want to change our looks. Once we earn our paint, then we'll change our styles. And your changing the topic you di'kut, your supposed to be thinking about the girl!
What girl? I don't recall anything about a girl. Besides, your older brothers probably have dibs on her anyways. Or are you planning on arguing that with them?
Tens, Right'eye? Yeah right, since when have they ever shown any interest in girls outside of what they show for each other? But I think they're more concerned with the current situation anyways.
So you're not concerned, not one bit, about any competition? Well, if you're so sure of yourself, why not tell her how you feel. Maybe then you'd stop thinking so much about it. I'm not sure how much more of this girl talk I can stand anyways. It's sickening, and not in a good way.
Right! Well yeah, I'll do it, just to show you I can! Umm... just one question, how?
Pathetic, very pathetic, and here I thought you were a confident little trooper. Well, who do you normally ask about such things?
They'll make fun of me.
Well then Riot, your stuck calibrating your deece over her for the rest of your life instead of actually firing off a few shots.
Hmm... Well put, I'll ask, but I'm telling you, they're going to laugh at me, like they normally do.
Someone's a bit sensitive aren't they? You better show more courage on the battlefield soldier, those clankers don't care if you're crying like a nerf herder during a fight. Good way to get yourself and brothers killed.
Yes, sir!
Important! Story Note: Sorry about the beginning, very descriptive and probably a bit confusing. All of Earths weapons are listed with descriptions in Ch 17 which is acting as a character guide. I highly recommend looking it over as I'll be referring to that information throughout the rest of the story.
I have a map, yeah a map I know, trust me, it helps. Since Quantico is a very real place I made a map of it with an overlay of all pertinent info. Under WAWL in my Profile there's a link to Deviant Art for it. And yes, What if I did use Google Earth and Microsoft Paint to make it? Still works in my book... By the way, I do not own Microsoft Paint or Google Earth... : )
Riot does not have Multiple Personality Disorder or Schizophrenia. He was in control of both sides of his thought process. He uses that method to pump himself up to do something he doesn't really want to do. He's pretty much playing Devils Advocate with himself. Poor guy, if he isn't given a hard time by his brothers than he's giving himself an even harder time. But what can I say he's a shinie and when Jumps isn't there to reassure him, then he has to do it by himself.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the update. With the amount of research I did on the beginning part and the list below I'm probably on some sort of government watch list. Heh, heh... heh, yeah... just kidding, just kidding. I don't own star wars... Please review and look at the list below!
-Sly