Medic: (off screen) He's waking up.

Tucker opens his eyes and sees Felix and a New Republic medic staring at him

Felix: Woah woah woah, easy now. You've been knocked out for a while. Just take it easy, there's nothing to worry about. You're safe, Tucker.

Tucker: [blearily] Ugh...what?

Felix: You took a rock to the back of the head. Good news is, we made it back to base undetected.

Tucker: Back to base?

Felix: Welcome to the New Republic.

Camera pans up, revealing the New Republic's underground base

Tucker: Felix, what the fuck is going on...where is everyone?

Felix: Grif, Simmons, Ash, and Caboose are up in the main compound.

Tucker: Well what about everyone else? What about Sarge? What about Wash?

Medic: Umm... I'm gonna go.

The medic leaves.

Felix: Thanks, doc.

Tucker: Dude, do not fuck with me right now.

Felix: We had to leave them, Tucker.

Tucker: What?!

Felix: Look, the Feds were closing in. If we stayed any longer they would have taken you too.

Tucker: No! That's bullshit!

Felix: That's war, Tucker! Not everyone makes it back! You guys put up a good fight. I can see why Kimball wanted you.

Tucker: Who the fuck is Kimball?

Vanessa Kimball: I am. Vanessa Kimball, leader of the New Republic. I'm very glad to meet you. I wish it were under better circumstances.

Tucker: Uh, yeah.

Kimball: Your friends are waiting for you up near the mess hall. It's just north of here. Why don't you go catch up? We'll talk later.

Tucker: Yeah.

Tucker leaves

Kimball: You're not getting paid the full amount.

Felix: I know.

Kimball: You're lucky you're getting paid at all.

Felix: I know!

Kimball: Are they as good as we hoped?

Felix: I think so. Either that or they're just really lucky.

Kimball: Well they probably don't feel very lucky.

Kimball leaves. Cut to Caboose, Grif, Ash, and Simmons outside the closed mess hall.

"It's a small rebel army, Grif." Simmons says.

"It's poor customer service." Grif says.

"You were eating everything!" Simmons says.

"I'm an emotional eater, what can I say?"

"You could have left some for us!" Ash shouts.

"Tucker?" Caboose asks.

"Hey." Tucker greets.

"Sup." Grif greets back.

"Man, what the fuck is going on?"

"After you were knocked out we were taken to this huge cave somewhere beneath the jungle." Simmons explains.

"These guys live in a cave?" Tucker asks.

"They're rebels, of course they live in a cave. It's hidden."

"Nah, I'm with Tucker." Grif states. "I was expecting some badass snowbase or something."

"What? Why?" Simmons asks.

"That's what they had in Star Wars." 

"How is that even relevant?"

"Tell me this is not just like Star Wars." Grif says. "Tell me."

"Tucker does have a glowing sword." Caboose says. "And Ash has has a glowing person who follows him around."

"Tucker has a glowing sword, Simmons." Grif says. "And Ash has a glowing person."

"I'm starting to see it now." Ash says.

"Man... We're really all that made it?" Tucker asks.

The five grow silent, and lower their heads. Felix emerges from atop a boulder.

Felix: Hey, something's come up. Follow me.

Simmons, Ash, Caboose, Grif, and Tucker follow Felix. Cut to two soldiers

New Republic Soldier A: Dude, I'm telling you, it's them!

New Republic Soldier B: Woah, maybe we're not fucked.

Cut to Kimball speaking with the Reds and Blues

"Michael Caboose, Dexter Grif, Cyprus Ash, Richard Simmons, and Lavernius Tucker." Kimball says all five of their names.

"The five of you have traveled great distances, retrieved ancient artifacts, brought corrupt men to justice, and bested the most dangerous war criminals this galaxy has ever known." Kimball states.

"And now it seems fate has brought you to our doorstep." Kimball finishes.

"No pressure." Grif says.

"I'm aware that you've been informed of our situation." Kimball starts. "And I understand your reluctance to help fight a war that is not your own,  but we've just received word that the Federal Army has your friends alive and in captivity."

"They're okay?!" Tucker says.

Simmons: What's gonna happen to them?

Kimball: We're not sure. But, if they're alive, it means they can be rescued. And, it means this war may become yours after all.

Grif: Ah, shit.

"Here we go again." Ash says.

Kimball: So, I'm going to make you a promise. if you help us take back our planet, we'll help you take back your friends. And when it's all over, you can take our best ship, and fly as far away from this place as you want. I know it's not the best offer, but what do you say?

Grif: Look, lady. I don't know what you think we can do, but I seriously doubt we can actually do it.

Kimball: This war has gone on for too long. Too many people have died, and our remaining soldiers are young, inexperienced, and scared. But you give them hope. They've heard what you've done and they will look to you for guidance; they will run with you into battle, they will follow your orders, if you choose to lead them. I can't do this alone.

Simmons: Sarge is gone. Wash is gone. How the hell are we supposed to do this without them?

Tucker: Yeah, none of us have ever lead anyone before.

Caboose: Well, not for very long.

Kimball: I know, but...you just need to try.

Cut to Tucker's face. Cut to Tucker, Caboose, Grif, and Simmons walking out towards New Republic soldiers. The soldiers wait for their command.

Tucker: ...Alright. Let's run some drills.

Grif: Aww, man!

"This is going to be interesting." Ash says.

Xi appears on Ash's shoulder. "I-I-It sure will be."

Caboose: And break!

Credits roll. After the credits, camera fades in to reveal Locus speaking to his superior through a computer screen.

Locus: We searched Crash Site Bravo, Sir.

Computer: And?

Locus: The crate was recovered, intact and completely sealed.

Computer: Wonderful news.

Locus: However, it looks as if they tried to blast it open. Do you think they knew?

Computer: Highly unlikely. Report back to control as soon as possible, Locus.

Locus: Are you sure keeping them alive is the best course of action?

Computer: Do you feel threatened by the simulation troopers, Locus?

Locus: Of course not.

Computer: Then we will continue with our endeavors as previously discussed. Do I make myself clear?

Locus: (suspicious) Yes sir.

Cut to Carolina inside an unknown location.

Carolina: Good, I'll be there before you know it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

07-21-2022