References

Quotes and References Many different quotes and references to other books, movies & TV shows and music occur in these novels. From 2001: A Space Odyssey to Top Gun. Click here for references to Books Click here for references to Movies / TV Shows Click here for references to Music

• Columbus Day
• Spec Ops
• Paradise
• Trouble on Paradise
• Black Ops
• Zero Hour
• Mavericks
• Renegades
• Homefront
• Deathtrap
• Armageddon
• Valkyrie
• Freefall
• Critical Mass
• Brushfire
• Breakaway
• Fallout
• Book 14
• Book 15

ExForce 1: Columbus Day Barney and Friends (1992-2010) Joe's nickname (and future Callsign) is "Barney" due to the painting of 'Barney the Dinosaur' on the side of the Super Softie Ice Cream Truck his improvised "Barney and the Smurfs" team used to capture the Ruhar, Fuzzy Face. Cheers (1982-1993) Skippy The Magnificent, with his semi-distingushed accent and obnoxious, arrogant attitude is somewhat modeled after the character of Fraiser Crane. (https://youtu.be/o5WNpPruVvs?t=15) Star Trek [The Original Series] (1966-1969) When Adams is wearing a "red shirt", Joe points it out to her. (https://youtu.be/5sQ4cylk-mE) In response to Joe pointing out that she's wearing a red shirt, Adams tells him that she will change out of it before they "beam down" anywhere. (https://youtu.be/HxKJyeCRVek) Star Wars (1977) Joe asks Skippy if the Thuranin, Kristang or Ruhar would be guarding the Goalpost wormhole entrance. When Skippy questions this, Joe says that he thought they would have a station like the Death Star, but with Kristang instead of storm troopers. The Odd Couple (1970-1975) Skippy tells Joe, "When you assume, you make an ass of u and me." This line is from the TV Show The Odd Couple in the 1973 Season 3, Episode 19 titled "My Strife In Court" when Felix Unger is defending himself from ticket scalping charges. (https://youtu.be/KEP1acj29-Y)

ExForce 2: Spec Ops Don't Stop Believin' (1981) (Performed by Journey) When Skippy is crunching numbers to find out how if he can adjust a wormhole, he goes silent and plays part of this song while he's thinking. (https://youtu.be/1k8craCGpgs) Grimm Fairy Tales (Fairy tales written by The Brothers Grimm) Goldilocks and the Three Bears While explaining to Joe about a planet being in the 'Goldilocks' zone, Skippy goes off on a tangent and says, "Although, when you think about it, Goldilocks was a bit of a dimwitted bee-atch. Who falls asleep in a house owned by bears? Why would they need to eat bland porridge, when they could eat her for dinner?". Jeopardy Theme (1963) (Composed by Merv Griffin) When asking Joe what the drawback of stealth field is, Skippy plays the theme while Joe is thinking how to answer. (https://youtu.be/0Wi8Fv0AJA4) Rocky (1976) While searching for a Comm Node to help Skippy communicate with the AI Collective, Joe asks Skippy about a rocky planets stating that they needn't be lifeless rocks like Mercury. Skippy responded, "Correct. 'Rocky' also does not mean it can beat up other planets in a fight." which is a nod to the main character, Rocky Balboa, who is a boxer. (https://youtu.be/_YYmfM2TfUA) Soul Finger (1967) (Performed by the Bar-Kays) While searching for a Comm Node to help Skippy communicate with the AI Collective, as Joe and a Spec Ops team are about to enter an abandoned Kristang Joe hears a trilling in his helmet speaker. He halts the Op and then pauses, recognizing the trilling as a song he had heard. Skippy was blasting the song in everyone's helmet. (https://youtu.be/pEjjKNyeGt0) Toy Story (1995) When the crew of the Dutchman are trying out a jump programmed by humans without Skippy's help, he says "To Bed, Bath and Beyond". In response to that, Joe says, "I think you mean 'to infinity and beyond', Skippy.", which is Buzz Lightyear's catch phrase. (https://youtu.be/N7ycqkT2hXo)

ExForce 3: Paradise Enter references...

ExForce 3.5: Trouble on Paradise (Novella) The Fifth Element (1997) While explaining how the trigger on the booby trapped MASER Projector worked, Czajka tells Nert that it will be a "Big bada boom", which is what Korben Dallas says shortly after Leeloo crashes into his cab. (https://youtu.be/j8WLYzA0lCs?t=39)

ExForce 4: Black Ops Star Trek [The Original Series] (1966-1969) Col. Chang is said to compose himself as Capt. James T. Kirk would when Maj. Smythe's teams and most of the crew were on Kobamik. A Captain in the U.S. Navy is equivalent to Chang's PLA rank of Colonel. Star Wars (1977) A moon that previously contained an Elder base is dubbed the "Dead Star" by the Pirates after Adams points out its resemblance to the Death Star. Skippy's first hologram avatar is in a similar form to a Jedi Knight. The Fifth Element (1997) When Dr. Mark Friedlander is explaining to Joe what would happen if he didn't use the correct amount of oils to jump the Dutchman, the ship would go boom... a "Big bada boom", which is what Korben Dallas says shortly after Leeloo crashes into his cab. (https://youtu.be/j8WLYzA0lCs?t-39)

ExForce 5: Zero Hour 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Skippy scares Joe by saying "I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.", which is similar to the line "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." HAL 9000 says. (https://youtu.be/97b6FfQbibM?t=12) A number of monolith-looking slabs appear in the tunnels built by the Elders on Gingerbread. (https://youtu.be/cHWs3c3YNs4?t=36) (https://youtu.be/XnTrAjczpv0) Alien (1979) The Thuranin named "Liv-426" is a nod to the planet, LV-426, that the USCSS Nostromo found the Alien. Aliens (1986) While on Gingerbread, Joe makes a suggestion: "I say we nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure." in reference to the Thuranin on Gingerbread. This is very similar to a suggestion by Ellen Ripley, who said, "I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure." (https://youtu.be/tyyoaBa7DaE?t=31) Also Sprach Zarathustra Opus 30 (Composed by Richard Strauss) Upon the discovery (pun intended) of the monoliths on Gingerbread, Skippy starts tunelessly singing Daaah - - Daaaah - - Daaaah - - DA-DAAAAH (the beginning of Also Sprach Zarathusthra), which you might recognize as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey. (https://youtu.be/WufKsOhkTL8?t=41) Battlestar Galactica (2004-2008) When the Dutchman is evading the Thuranin, over a two day period, they have to jump every "thirty three minutes" to stay ahead of them. In the first episode of the new series, titled "33", the Galactica has to jump every 33 minutes in a period just over 5 days and 18 hours (238 jumps) in order to avoid the Cylons. (https://youtu.be/KHUVaqkBqhI) Cheers (1982-1993) The stealthed (hidden) gas giant planet, Vera, is named after the oft-mentioned, unseen, or hidden character of Vera Peterson (Norm Peterson's wife). (https://youtu.be/Sip6XkGXlNc) Grimm Fairy Tales (Fairy tales written by The Brothers Grimm) Hansel and Gretel When the Pirates are trapped in the Roach Motel, Lt. Williams suggests calling the planet "Gingerbread" after the witch's house that was made out of candy and gingerbread in the fairy tale. Star Trek [The Original Series] (1966-1969) While the Thuranin are investigating the stolen artifacts, the pilot of the Thuranin dropship is named "Nicc-1701", a clever nod to the USS Enterprise’s registration of NCC-1701. (https://youtu.be/FO7bShcL9Uc) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) When the Pirates jump close to a wormhole in Thuranin space (before Joe come up with the idea jump through a wormhole within a wormhole), Skippy says, "It's a trap" using Admiral Ackbar's voice, which is what Admiral Ackbar said when the Rebel Fleet came out of hyperspace near the Death Star 2. (https://youtu.be/4F4qzPbcFiA) THX-1138 (1971) The Thuranin named Thex-1138 is a nod to the George Lucas movie. (https://youtu.be/rO99j_Ty4Hc)

ExForce 6: Mavericks Galaxy Quest (1999) When the Bosphuraq are attacking the Ruh Tostella (Toaster), Bonsu says, "The red thingies are getting closer to the green thingy!", which is similar to when Guy Fleegman says. "Hey guys, there's a red-thingy moving toward the green-thingy." as Saris is attacking the NSEA Protector. (https://youtu.be/UAyNhy1bLew?t=65) Grimm Fairy Tales (Fairy tales written by The Brothers Grimm) Sleeping Beauty After Colter shot a protesting Keeper through the thigh with a maser rifle and kicked him in the chin and knocking him unconscious, he referred to the Keeper as "Sleeping Beauty" when directing others that he be brought aboard dropship. When Renee Giraud and his Spec Ops team were 'rescuing' Keepers from the Kristang destroyer Final Crushing Blow to the Enemy’s Spirit and the Keepers were rendered unconscious, Skippy asks Giraud how the "Sleeping Beauties" were. The Martian (2015) While trying to figured out a way to defeat the Energy Depleting Virus, Skippy says, "We’re gonna have to science the shit out of this.", which is what Mark Watney says when he tries to figure out how to stay alive on Mars. (https://youtu.be/L7CJrnaauHM)

ExForce 7: Renegades The Martian (2012) (Written by Andy Weir / Narrated by R.C. Bray) Joe mentions listening to the Audiobook "The Martian".

ExForce 7.5: Homefront (Audio Drama) Enter references...

Mavericks Book 1: Deathtrap Arisen (Arisen series written by Michael Stephen Fuchs and Glynn James) Surgun Jates mentions that one of the people he modeled his training persona on was Master Gunnery Sergeant Fick. Aliens (1986) Jates mentions that one of the people he modeled his training persona on was Sergeant Apone. (https://youtu.be/7R800jPPenI?t=47) Commune (Commune series written by Joshua Gayou) Jates mentions that one of the people he modeled his training persona on was Marine Staff Sergeant Blake Gibson. Full Metal Jacket (1987) Jates mentions that one of the people he modeled his training persona on was Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. (https://youtu.be/tHxf17yJsKs) Star Wars (1977) Admiral Tashallo turns toward his flagship’s captain with a mock scowl and says. "I find your lack of faith… disturbing.", which is what Darth Vader says to Admiral Motti in the Death Star Conference room. (https://youtu.be/m0XuKORufGk) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) When infiltrating a Swift Arrow clan base, the Alien Legion sends stolen clearance codes to the Kristang monitoring a safe flight corridor. When asked by his commanding officer, "Do they have a code clearance?" the warrior replies, "It's an older code, sir, but it checks out. I was about to clear them. Should I hold them?.", which is what Admiral Piett tells Darth Vader when the Rebel Ground forces are trying to get past the shield to get to the Forest Moon of Endor. (https://youtu.be/4HJ-Y8YTo8Q) Starship Troopers (1997) Jates mentions that one of the people he modeled his training persona on was Sergeant Roger Zim. (https://youtu.be/tK_XxbAcdy4) Stripes (1981) Jates mentions that one of the people he modeled his training persona on was Sergeant Hulka. (https://youtu.be/XEIEoyVBy_0)

ExForce 8: Armageddon Everybody Have Fun Tonight (1986) (Performed by Wang Chang) Skippy woke Joe one night and told him that he wanted "Wang Chung tonight", which is a lyric from the song. (https://youtu.be/BoXu6QmxpJE) Grimm Fairy Tales (Fairy tales written by The Brothers Grimm) Sleeping Beauty The Elder wormhole near Earth that has been dormant for over 80 million years is named "Sleeping Beauty" by Joe. Kung Fu Fighting (1974) (Performed by Carl Douglas) When Skippy woke Joe up and told that he wanted to Wang Chung tonight, he also questioned whether "Everybody was kung fu fighting" in reference to the main line from the song. (https://youtu.be/bmfudW7rbG0) Serenity (2005) At the end of the book, Reed asks Joe "What do we do now?", to which he responds, “I don’t know about you, but I aim to misbehave.”. This is what Capt. Mal Reynolds says after they discover the truth about happened on Miranda. (https://youtu.be/1VR3Av9qfZc?t=67)

ExForce 9: Valkyrie Frasier (1993-2004) The stealthed (hidden) gas giant planet, Maris, is named after the oft-mentioned, unseen (hidden) character of Maris Crane (Niles Crane's wife). (https://youtu.be/mriU5oEko-A) John Wick (2014) In order to defeat the Maxolhx, Skippy suggests the Pirates "Get them to kill John Wick's dog", which is reference to what triggered John Wick to go ballistic on the Russian mafia. (https://youtu.be/NUgBmWt6L_c)

Mavericks Book 2: Freefall Grimm Fairy Tales (Fairy tales written by The Brothers Grimm) Goldilocks and the Three Bears After Czajka teases Colter about looking in the mirror, Colter says "I never said I was Goldi freakin’ locks.". Sleeping Beauty Colter says that he always gets the "Sleeping Beauty" and Snow White fairy tales mixed up. Snow White Czajka teases Colter saying, "No matter how many times you ask that mirror, you are not the fairest in the land." Colter says that he always gets the Sleeping Beauty and "Snow White" fairy tales mixed up. Starship Troopers (1997) After Captain Rennul of the Ruhar Assault Carrier, Big Mac, witnessed the Ruhar Assault Carrier, Dal Turnaden, get destroyed above Squidworld, she said, "Somebody made a mistake." And then, later, "Somebody made a BIG Goddamned mistake.", which is what Captain Deladier of the Corvette Rodger Young said after being hit by Bug Plasma while in low orbit of Planet P. (https://youtu.be/8Rx8_vjbXX4?t=135)

ExForce 10: Critical Mass Sesame Street (1969- ) The Maxolhx Joe names Elmo, Bert and Ernie are a nod to muppet characters in Sesame Street. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) While Valkyrie is running errands, Skippy tells Joe that all the jumping is straining the drives and Valkyrie will fly apart. And Joe responds with, "Fly her apart, then!", Which is an exact quote Capt. Sulu made in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country when the USS Excelsior was warping to join the USS Enterprise at Khitomer. (https://youtu.be/XSqCJ-UGYns?t=116) Star Wars (1977) When Joe offers another idea to escape, Skippy says "I have a very bad feeling about this.". Variations of which are mentioned in all of the Star Wars movies. (https://youtu.be/S74rvpc6W60?t=9) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) When the Flying Dutchman is trapped in the "Waterloo" system by the Sentinel, Skippy says he tried to order the Sentinel to stand down, to which Joe responds with "Do or do not. There is no try.", which is what Yoda tells Luke while training him. (https://youtu.be/8rkdYSRoqRM) Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) When Joe asks Skippy if he was sure he had the correct Elder AI authentication codes, Skippy assures him he does and says "Many Bothans died to bring us this information.", a direct quote by Mon Mothma. (https://youtu.be/350kq0anjq0) The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy series written by Douglas Adams) Skippy says, "Joe, I don’t want to say your homeworld is doomed, but the dolphins just said ‘Thanks for all the fish’.”, which is a reference to the fourth book in the trilogy, "So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish". The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (2005) Skippy says, "Joe, I don’t want to say your homeworld is doomed, but the dolphins just said ‘Thanks for all the fish’.”, which is a reference to the film's opening musical sequence. (https://youtu.be/_zfuU6uLwF8) The Princess Bride (1987) Skippy says "Inconceivable.", to which Joe responds, "You keep using that word. I do not think that word means what you think it means.", which is a direct quote mirroring the conversation between Vizzini and Inigo Montoya. (https://youtu.be/dTRKCXC0JFg) Chang says, "I am the Dread Pirate Roberts. There will be no survivors!", which is a direct quote from Fezzik. (https://youtu.be/MmVkNHFfSi0?t=73) Top Gun (1986) When the Dutchman is trapped in the "Waterloo" system by the Sentinel, Joe asks Skippy if can continue with his idea and Skippy responds with "Negative Ghostrider. The pattern is full.", which is a reference to the response Maverick (Pete Mitchell) receives from the tower when he requests a fly-by. (https://youtu.be/vdHBsWXaHN8?t=11)

ExForce 11: Brushfire Die Hard (1988) Shortly after Joe has the Valkyrie descend in Snowcone, he tells Bilby, "Hey, welcome to the party, pal." which is similar to a line that John McClain says. (https://youtu.be/vD94dVu8lqQ) Mom and Dad Save the World (1992) Todd the Missile thinks to itself, "Todd is a stupid name. How come Skippy calls himself The Magnificent, while I’m stuck with just 'Todd'? Why can’t I be Todd the Fierce, or something really cool like Todd the Destroyer?" This might be a reference to Jon Lovitz' character, Todd the Destroyer. (https://youtu.be/47B0Cj-fgb8) Stargate: Atlantis (2004-2009) The newly assigned pilot, Major Shepard may be a nod to a main character, Lieutenant Colonel (formerly Major) Sheppard. However, there is a slight difference in the spelling of the last name. (https://youtu.be/jfOOa-fNNPY) The Blues Brothers (1980) Major Shepard says, "It's a hundred and six lightyears to Ursa Major. We have a full tank of gas, half a pack of chewing gum, it’s dark, and I’m wearing sunglasses." Joe responds with "Hit it!", which is a reference to the Elwood (and Jake) Blues quote(s) in The Blue Brothers (1980), "It's a 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sun glasses." and "Hit it!". (https://youtu.be/TbF29c_FpV8) Top Gun (1986) When the Maxolhx are closing in on Valkyrie, Skippy says, "I’m gonna hit the brakes, they’ll fly right by us", which is very similar to what Maverick says when in a dogfight with Russian MIGs. (https://youtu.be/kUzvX7wj0Kg?t=36)

ExForce 12: Breakaway Battlestar Galactica miniseries (2003) After finding out that the crew had named the Maxolhx Semi-Automated Servicing Station 17, "Ragnar Anchorage", he says, "So say we all", which is a rallying cry that Commander Adama uses at the Memorial Ceremony. (https://youtu.be/EisvM8F_5PE?t=50) "Ragnar Anchorage (aka "Ragnar Station")" is a direct reference to Ragnar Anchorage (aka "Ragnar Station" or "Ragnar Station Ammunition Reserve") that the Galactica visited in order to re-arm themselves. (https://youtu.be/PqV2Ncxe8Ak) Enemy Mine (1985) Jates, while conducting training on FOB Jaguar, counsels Specialist "Will Davidge". Willis E. Davidge is Dennis Quaid's character. (https://youtu.be/q3QHAcPURPA?t=78) Foundation (Foundation series by Issac Asimov) Joe asks Skippy is he had a predictive model he could use to guess how the Maxolhx would react to a given action. Skippy responds by saing that he didn't have a "psycho-historical" model. Psychohistory (the amalgam of psychology and history), created by Hari Seldon, depends on the idea that the laws of statistics as applied to large groups of people could predict the general flow of future events. Guantanamera (1966) (Performed by The Sand Pipers) After Joe wakes up from a dream, he calls for Skippy. Skippy appears, but swaying like he was kind of drunk and started singing "One ton of mayo, I can’t eat one ton of mayo. One ton of mayo, that’s too much may-oh-nais-oh-", which is a parody of the song. (https://youtu.be/Jm1anurhbeg) I Am The Walrus (1967) (Performed by The Beatles) After Joe wakes up from a dream, Skippy blurts out "I am the walrus", which is a reference to the song (or a line in the song of the same name). (https://youtu.be/5Q6qx97GC4I) Impractical Jokers (2011- ) When the Skippy is explaining to Joe how to hack directly into a validation subroutine, he uses the name "Larry" as part of the example. Skippy yells LARRY every time he says the name. Larry is a fictional friend of Joseph "Joe" Gatto He is mostly mentioned in Season One. He is an unseen character. In the Season Three Impractical Jokers intro, Joe is seen running for Larry. (https://youtu.be/hlwDQ0EY2vs) Les Miserables (2012) Skippy says he is "Agog and aghast" which are a reference to two lines ("I am agog. I am aghast") in the song "ABC Cafe / Red and Black". (https://youtu.be/cjp-Gyo5tNM?t=47) Planetside / Spaceside / Colonyside (Planetside series written by Michael Mammay) Valkyrie's new Gunnery Officer, Colonel Mammay, is named after the author. Sesame Street (1969- ) Skippy makes references to several characters such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Oscar the Grouch. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) The Engineer, Singh, is a reference to Assistant Chief Engineer (Lieutenant Junior Grade) Singh from Season 1, Episode 7, "Lonely Among Us". (https://youtu.be/fKxo2tU473k?t=178) Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999) Most of the ships in the UNN First Fleet are all named for major rivers on Earth. In particular, the UNS Ganges, UNS Yangtze, UNS Volga, UNS Danube, UNS Orinoco and UNS Yukon are names of Runabouts (although, in DS9, it's the Yangtze Kiang). (https://youtu.be/MRYh8y6qtJw) Star Wars (1977) When the Pirates jumped in near the Wurgalan pkanet with the museum that contained Elder Wormhole Controller Modules, there are two moons in orbit. Skippy tells Joe, "Joe, that's no moon.", which is what Obi-Wan Kenobi said as the Millennium Falcon first approached the Death Star. (https://youtu.be/i7eqjiRRIqg) Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) While dealing with Captain Scorandum on the transfer of the ships stolen from Mardasta, Joe tells him, "I am altering the deal. Pray I do not alter it any further." which is what Darth Vader tells Lando Calrissian in reference to deal he made about Princess Leia and Chewbacca. (https://youtu.be/jsW9MlYu31g) The Fifth Element (1997) While negotiating a surrender at Klopeth and after the forty fragments of the relativistic darts disabled all but two Maxolhx ships and one Rindhalu ship, Joe asks, Anyone else want to negotiate? which is a direct quote from Korben Dallas after he killed the Mangalore leader, who was holding Brother Vito Cornelius hostage. (https://youtu.be/9TyxxLHfBwE) The Godfather (1972) While dealing with Captain Scorandum on the transfer of the ships stolen from Mardasta, Joe Bishop tells him, "We can make you an offer you can't refuse." which a reference to a line that Michael Corleone says. (https://youtu.be/tL7TYCT9PGE) The Little Engine That Could (Children's book written by Wally Piper) Skippy uses the story as an example of how children's books are not preparing human children for the realities of real life. He says that his first book would be "The Little Engine That Said 'Screw It!'". We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse series written by Dennis E. Taylor) Three of the UNN First Fleet's Support Ships (Mario, Marvin and Milo) are named for replicant Bob clones. Whomp! There It Is (Performed by Tag Team) When Valkyrie was waiting for the senior species to arrive for negotiations and the Rindhalu appear, Joe says, "Oop! There it is", which may be a reference to the song. (https://youtu.be/gbGfhT1yehw)

ExForce 13: Fallout (Tentatively Due for Release in December 2021)

ExForce Book 14 (Tentatively Due for Release in June 2022)

ExForce Book 15 (Final book of the series) (Tentatively Due for Release in December 2022)

References