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Post by Amy81 on Jun 29, 2006 5:49:16 GMT -6
They all headed down the corridor, the bronze warriors more or less hanging together in a loose group except for Weasel and Hush. They had stayed out of the confrontation, and their minds were on the challenges that lie ahead with the cylon computer network.
Janey walked next to Bulk-up. "Nice going" she said. "Got everyone in trouble. You really endeared us to them, didn't you."
"I did us all a favor" Bulk-up replied. "See how fast Logan turned on the insults? They have as much contempt for us as we have for them."
"You insulted her first!" Janey exclaimed.
"Still" he replied. "It was all right there. Do you think she'd stop to realize that the reason they get the job done is that they hog all the jobs to start with? That they don't sit around and whine cause they have no reason to? No one'd ever dare hand her a mop and bucket. Arrogant bunch of daggits. I'd like to take a mop and bucket and...."
"Are you through?" Janey interrupted.
Bulk-up stopped talking, looked down at her and smiled. He nodded. "Did us a favor" he repeated. "So, how about that wound-up tighter-than a-drum Captain Skyler? I'd say he's over compensating for something."
"Ooooh!" Janey errupted in frustration, moving away from Bulk-up. There was no talking to the guy sometimes. She'd known him once, knew what went on inside him, or thought she had known. It was so hard to tell sometimes. Some of it was genuine, what you see is what you get, but he was so much more than that, if he'd only let people see it.
She thought about the whole confrontation. The way she saw it, Bulk-up was right that Logan had dipped into the bag of insults pretty quickly. She thought about what Logan said. You're fracking right that Gold is arrogant. We can afford to be because we get the job done and we don't sit around wasting time whining.... Is that how they felt when the O-club conversation turned to Bronze squadron? Did any of them have a clue what it was like to continually be handed the mop instead of the mission?
Hey, I'm not out to cure the fleet's ills. Bulk-up egged her on. He wanted to put her in a bad light. Nice job. And she was right. We do whine. But none of them will ever understand what we go through. To hades with all of it! All I want is to get this mission done and get back in one piece.
She lagged back a little to match strides with Ally, who managed somehow to be walking alone within the sea of warriors. "Hey. You okay?"
Ally looked over and nodded. From where Janey was looking all she could see of Ally's face was the bruised side.
"You sure?" Janey asked again. "I thought maybe you'd be up ahead with Brik or..."
Ally rolled her eyes and let out a loud breath. "Just stay out of it Janey, okay?" She immediately saw the hurt look on her friend's face. What was Ally thinking, snapping like that? Cause nothing feels the same anymore. "Look, I love you to death Janey. I know you mean well. But leave it alone. Let's just focus on the mission, 'kay?"
Janey nodded and said nothing more. Ally reached over as they walked on, put an arm around Janey, and pulled her over in a friendly hug. Janey smiled but stayed silent.
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Post by Logan on Jun 29, 2006 9:43:42 GMT -6
Logan strode purposefully down the corridor with the rest of the team, Skyler at her side. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that Bronze was following, a few of them talking amongst themselves. From the few words she heard, Hush and Weasel were already talking about the computer core withdrawal issue. Neither of them had been involved in the confrontation in the Ready Room and Logan noted that both of them seemed to have their minds on the job at hand.
She hated doubting any of them. She didn't want to reinforce any images they had of Gold looking on them as inferior. She also thought that they may have a point. If she was honest with herself, until she had met Ally and they had been forced to work together due to circumstance, had she ever really given a thought to Bronze squadron? Sure, she knew that some other Warriors joked about them having cleanup duty, but they weren't the type of Warriors Logan associated with anyway.
As she glanced back again, she caught Bulk-Up's eye and he gave her a cocky grin. She kept her face expressionless and faced forward once more. But inwardly, she was fuming. Why did I let him get to me that way? Logan was coolheaded in most circumstances and not quick to jump down anyone's throat, unless there was a chance of a physical threat to herself or her friends. Or someone was trying to cheat in Pyramid.
Skyler spoke and brought her back to the moment, "You mind telling me what the frack happened back there?"
She looked at her friend. He knew she wouldn't pick a fight with another Warrior like that, especially not when there was a dangerous mission looming. "That Bulk-Up. I don't like him. There's something..." Her voice trailed off as she thought about the way Ally had flinched. She decided not to tell Skyler about that right now. There was enough going on and there wasn't time for speculation. But Logan knew that he had pushed her buttons and she didn't like anyone being able to do that. She liked being in control of herself and by the Lords, she wasn't about to let an arrogant...
"He is a bit on the cocky side, but aren’t we all if you think of it. His record speaks for itself. If he hadn’t of been selected for the Colonial Warriors, he was sure to get picked up by the Colonial Infantry. He needs an attitude adjustment, but when the felgercarb hits the air turbine, you will be glad to see that big guy." Skyler looked at her with some concern as her face had become a bit red.
Logan took a breath to calm herself and and nodded. "I know he wouldn't be here if he wasn't a good Warrior. I'm just saying we should watch our backs. He has something to prove. Its no secret that most of Bronze has some resentment towards us for getting the better assignments. It hurts to be overlooked, especially when you're probably every bit as talented and skilled as the other guy. But, he has a resentment that could cause a hero complex. I just don't want his attitude to get somebody hurt or worse."
Skyler nodded. He knew after all these yahrens that Logan was an observer of people. She had good instincts and had the experience to back them up. "Agreed. We'll keep an eye on him. What about the others?"
"Hush is most interesting. He's quiet, but he, Weasel and Grease seem reliable. Grease and I were talking about the schematics. He's good, knows his felgercarb." Logan thought for a minute about Ho-Down before speaking. "Ho-Down, I like her. She'll do her job. I think she's grateful for the chance to do something besides looking for solium leaks, so she's eager."
Skyler was looking straight ahead, but there was something strange in his voice when he said, "And Ally...she's already proven herself in battle....but...."
Logan readjusted the pack on her shoulder and laid a hand on her friend's arm as they walked. "I know. She really looks like her, doesn't she?"
“Enough to make me do a double take. Even with that huge black eye.”
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Post by Amy81 on Jun 30, 2006 6:06:21 GMT -6
Ally hugged Janey as they walked on, before finally letting her go after a few moments. Grease nudged Janey a micron later. Janey drifted away from Ally and closer to Grease.
"How is she?" Grease asked, looking past Janey at Ally.
"I don't know" Janey admitted after a moment. "She's not letting me in."
"I mean her eye" Grease corrected her.
"Oh" Janey replied, understanding. "I guess it looks worse than it is. Way worse." She noticed something shiney in Grease's hands. "What's that?"
Grease held it up for her to see it better. "My good luck charm."
"I didn't know you had a good luck charm" Janey said, her eyes widening at the sight of it. It was a pendant of some sort, hanging from a gold chain, with what looked like a very precious stone set in the center of it. "Looks expensive."
"Priceless" Grease admitted. "It was my mom's. Actually my grandmother's first. She was a grand old Siress, or so I was told." He held it out to her.
Janey took it gently, then holding it by the chain she held it up to her chest. "How do I look?" she asked, smiling.
"Does nothing for you" Grease replied.
"Thanks a lot" Janey said, her face falling as she handed it back to him.
"You don't need any felgercarb" Grease explained. "You could be covered head to toe in heavyweight turbo grease and you'd still look radiant."
"Really?" Janey asked, surprised at the compliment. She recovered quickly. "Knowing you, I suppose that's how you'd like your women, right? Covered in turbo grease?"
Grease just laughed, putting the necklace back into a pocket of his vest.
"So how come I've never seen this good luck charm before?" Janey asked.
"Never had a reason to carry it before today" Grease admitted. "I've never needed luck to get me through a viper tune-up or a Solium leak inspection."
"Or kid's day presentations?" Janey added, smiling.
"Well" Grease said, "Some of those I could have used help with, now that I think about it." They both laughed for a moment as they continued down the corridor. "Today is different though. First that battle, now this mission. I figure I need all the help I can get."
"You already have it" Janey said, looking up and into his eyes. "Me."
Grease smiled. "Good to know." He sighed. "Plus we have that big guy Brik and the lovely Logan. What's up with her anyway? A real motherless female daggit from hades, isn't she?"
"Now don't you start" Janey said sternly. She lowered her voice a little. "And for your information, that 'big guy Brik' is the one Ally is sort of seeing."
"Really?" Grease asked, looking at Brik closer as he walked up ahead. "This mission just gets more interesting all the time, doesn't it?"
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Post by Brie on Jun 30, 2006 18:49:39 GMT -6
Lazant stayed towards the back of the group, people watching. As the head of the Callisto Training Academy he had probably had contact with the Bronze Squadron warriors before, but so many had come and gone in the time since that he didn’t remember much about most of them. The exception was Bulk-up. Even though it had been a couple of yahrens, Bulk-up was unforgettable.
The dynamics of this group are way off he thought to himself. Forget the Cylons, we’ll be lucky if we land on the baseship without murdering each other. What was Skyler thinking, mixing squadrons? Big mistake. He watched some more. If the situation wasn’t so serious he would have laughed. He knew it was possible to mix squadrons, Brie had done so successfully on the moon mission, and added in infantry members to boot. But Skyler was no Brie. His inexperience as a squadron leader was showing. His team needed to respect him, which they obviously didn’t since it took no more than a centon for an argument to break out after the briefing. A whole lot of respect there, even from his good friend Logan! Lazant had nothing against Logan, he knew very little about her and planned on keeping it that way. The one thing that he did know was that she didn’t always follow the rules. Breaking rules was the only way that she could have made it aboard the Agro Ship during the mutiny attempt. Her disobedience had been overlooked because of the outcome, but rules are there for a reason. A person who is too willing to overlook them can’t be trusted.
Skyler, Skyler, Skyler, you don't earn respect by yelling or by throwing around your so-called authority. Not only was most of your team late, they were together for a micron or two before they were at each others’ throats. A lot of respect for you there! You’re way too full of yourself. You’d replace me? I was there when Commander Sheba herself placed me on this mission. Sure, you go to her and tell her you don’t want me around. While you’re at it tell her you’re planning on stopping the Purple Cylons with slightly better weapons. Great plan there. When the heavy guns don't even slow them down maybe then you'll take my warnings seriously.
Lazant looked around. He still wasn’t sure which was Ike and which was Wraith. It didn’t matter. Assigning two Gold Squadron officers with Bulk-up and the chip on his shoulder hadn’t been a good idea. Once again, Skyler’s inexperience. Playing rear guard with these three would prove to be interesting. He made more mental notes. If we survive this mission it’s going to be one interesting report!
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Post by LucianG on Jul 1, 2006 9:51:44 GMT -6
In Beta Bay, Major Jorlan was preparing to lead the first patrol, or if needed, shipborne assault, around the orbitting but hopefully helpless Base Star. He was feeling very uneasy about splitting off some of his squadron members to help Gold Squadron. It wasn't that they'd been assigned to help, but the manner in which they'd been assigned, and even worse, the breakdown of the assignment. Still he had decided to accept it for the good of the squadron. As he was about to climb aboard his Viper, he saw Captain Darnoe, Bronze's SIC approaching.
Jorlan thought about his squadron's second-in-command, who had also been second-in-command of the half of Silver Spar that had originally been reassigned to the Callisto over five yahrens before. When the beat up remnant of Silver Spar was combined with the group of Frodarian Warriors, it took seemingly ages before the groups finally merged into a single command, and the problems still weren’t fully solved. The Silver Spar Warriors didn’t trust their new squadron mates, who had formerly flown primarily old style pod ships and who had no experience flying modern Vipers. The Frodarians, on the other hand, didn’t trust the new fangled Warriors who included women in their group. The prejudices of the two groups worked against each other for the longest time. Major Buellah, the leader of the Callisto’s Silver Spar contingent, made some progress on the various issues, but his medical problems weighed on his mind, and it was only after he accepted command of the Caprican Questar and Jorlan was elected to lead the group that significant progress had been made. Unfortunately, the ingrained “second class” attitude, developed over several yahrens, was tough to break, but Jorlan continued to chip at it, as he had largely conquered his own original prejudice against female Warriors and his Frodarian speech patterns. New recruits, fresh out of the Callisto’s branch of the Academy, were usually reluctant to join the squadron, and usually developed bad attitudes when assigned there over their objections. Even the original Silver Star Warriors, who had once served in that first-rate squadron, felt they had been demoted, and locked onto the “second class” attitude and refused to let it go. Captain Darnoe was one of those, but he was by far the most experienced of the original group, and was as skilled as any of them. Since he had served as Buellah’s SIC until the arrival of the Frodarians, Jorlan had kept him in the assignment, despite nagging doubts.
"Major," called Darnoe, "a word. I'm really worried about the situation that's developing. Our Warriors are being thrown in on Gold's mission without any crosstraining. There's no trust there, and I'm really afraid it could lead to someone getting killed. Maybe even a whole bunch of someones. I think we should go to the Commander and pull them out of this.”
“Captain, since we became Bronze Squadron, we’ve made some real headway. Our Warriors are much more capable and better trained than they, or evidently, even you may believe, and there’s even a spark of squadron pride that wasn’t there before. True, it’s only a spark, and it’s till awfully small, but it’s there. If we do what you’ve suggested, we’ll undermine what little self respect we’ve been able to instill in our Warriors, and put that spark out forever before it becomes the flame that we need to sustain our squadron. Our Warriors need to understand that we’ve all trained hard, and much more capable are they than they may believe. This mission will help them become the Warriors they can be. I started to object when no Frodarians were selected for this mission, but when none of my fellow Frodarians complained, I kept my mouth shut. Instead, I think they’re cheering on their fellow Bronze Squadron mates who are getting a chance to go on a top mission, and they’re wanting them to do well. No, Captain Darnoe, we’re not going to pull the rug out from under our people. Unfortunately, it’s true, some of them may get killed, but in doing so, they’ll be strengthening our squadron’s spirit and resolve in the long run. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mission to fly.”
As he climbed in his Viper, he thought about what he said, and he felt much less uneasy about the situation. He was sure that Bronze Squadron's team members would do their best, which meant they would do just fine. Turning on his ship to ship comm, he said to the other members of his flight, "Bronze Squadron Warriors, before we launch, I want to let you know that I've been very pleased with our squadron's recent progress. I know you have been doing great, and today, we'll show that to the rest of the Fleet...."
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BRIK
Viper Pilot
Posts: 227
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Post by BRIK on Jul 3, 2006 10:26:19 GMT -6
Well, this had to be the most interesting briefing ever.
All looked busy with her squad-mates. Hmmnn...he wondered about tha Bulk-Ip fellow, he looked like a big mound of trouble looking for a place to start. Yes, he would bear watching, particularly in the way that he seemed to like to dominate his mates.
Seeing Skyler and Logan talking together, he decided to join them.
"Hey. So I'm sure that you two noticed the dynamics of Bronze Squadron. Skyler, this should be an interesting mission, to say the least. I just want you both to know that I'll be focused on the task at hand despite my new feelings for a certain beautiful warrior that saved my hide today. I'm going to get the rest of my gear stowed in the dropship. Keep your eyes open out there, ok? I can't afford to have to make any new friends and if either of you gets...well, let's just say that you need to stay in one piece"
He shook hands/forearms with Logan and Skyler at the same time, looking both of them in the eyes as he did so and added: "And watch that warrior called Bulk-Up. He's a loose cannon. Watch your six."
Wth that he walked away. His friends noted that he was headed toward Ally...
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Post by Amy81 on Jul 5, 2006 5:54:22 GMT -6
"Hey Grease" Janey asked after a moment, "Notice no Frodarians got picked for this mission? Wonder why?"
"Must be cause the six of us get along so well" Grease joked.
"I'm serious" Janey said.
Grease shrugged. "I don't know" he replied. "There's none in our unit maybe? They were flying patrol while we were in the ready rooms, maybe that's it. Does it matter?"
"I'll field this one, if you don't mind." It was Bulk-up, horning his way in on the conversation.
Janey rolled her eyes. "I mind, for one."
Bulk-up ignored her. "It's simple. All politics. Them Frodarians are a sensitive bunch. If one of them got fragged doing this, they'd rock the boat all the way to Sheba herself. Besides, with us six, when it comes time for IFB to make a movie about this mission, they won't be out of line when they select the usual attractive young cast...."
Janey slugged him in the shoulder. "Wrong and wrong, as usual. I suppose that supposedly explains why none of Silver Spar was picked too? Give me a break."
"Why all the concern?" Grease asked her.
Janey shrugged. "Just stuff I think about."
"You think?" Bulk-up asked in a shocked tone, "Now that's news!" Janey and Grease ignored him. When possible it was the best strategy when it came to the big guy.
"You can't please everyone I guess" Janey said. "And I'm not even sure I'm pleased right now." She looked over, noticing Brik drifting closer to Ally. Her instincts made her want to drift over as well, be there for her friend, but she looked away and kept walking.
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BRIK
Viper Pilot
Posts: 227
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Post by BRIK on Jul 5, 2006 15:45:03 GMT -6
Coming into conveersational range of his new...new what? Girlfriend? He hoped so but also knew that just before a crucial mission was not the time to iron that out, nor was this the place. Besides, he remembered the flak that came down from Amy and Charybdis having personal "relations" before her last mission and took it all as an example of what not to do.
"Ally."
She looked at him, waiting for him to speak.
"Look...I'm truly sorry about getting you in trouble on the flight deck, I should've known better. I..."
Despite remaining in full eye contact, it was obvious that the big man was a bit nervous and if any of his friends were preesent they would recognize that he was indeed nervous...and still quite lovestruck.
"...I just wanted to say that...that it's good to know that you're with us on this one, that makes me feel more confident about taking this mission on. Not only are you a great woman but you're a great warrior. And, uh...I want you to remember your responsibility to come back in one piece." He leaned closer but not as intimately here in front of everyone as he had earlier but close enought to be heard by her ears alone. "And, if you're still willing, you have a date to keep with me on the Rising Star."
While he didn't do anything so forward as kiss her cheek, his hand grazed hers quickly and obviously...
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Post by Amy81 on Jul 6, 2006 6:03:20 GMT -6
Ally looked up at Brik and smiled, wondering briefly as she felt a twinge of pain from her bruises if she looked radiant or gruesome. "I wouldn't miss it" she replied. It was the old Brik again, the shy and respectful one that had stolen her heart with his gallant behavior. She suddenly wished they weren't in a crowded hallway walking toward an uncertain future. She wanted to be back in the bay, staring at her name on his viper. Wasn't that always the way? You don't know what you've got until it's gone.
She was grateful for his restraint, for this whole thing had become a balancing act of sorts. So much, so quickly, between flying with Gold, meeting Brik, then finding some of her closest mates along with her on this mission. She felt watched. Just the blending of Gold and Bronze was enough to make things interesting, without adding to it her feelings for Brik, and the confused signals she was getting from Bulk-up.
"I'll even return the favor, and invite you to the first gala at the newly opened Starliner Alpha Casino" she added, stopping herself before adding anything about her family being there. He still didn't know about them, and she wasn't too anxious to tell him how lucky she was compared to the pain he had endured.
She spotted Janey stealing glances her way as they continued down the corridor. This feels like more than the last mile, Ally thought. She caught Janey's next glance and reached out, taking her by the hand and pulling her closer. "Brik, this here is my best bud Janey, otherwise known as Ho-down."
Janey smiled, half waving to him. She was a little surprised at the introduction after pretty much being told to mind her own business. On the other hand, this mission was everyone's business. And in that moment Janey finally understood the pressures Ally had to be feeling. "'Janey' will do fine" she said. "Pleased to meet you."
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Post by Logan on Jul 6, 2006 22:12:15 GMT -6
Logan and Skyler were the first ones to the drop ship. The techs were doing last minute checks on the systems and crews were overseeing the stowing of the team's gear. Skyler broke off from the group and went to speak with the crew in charge of loading several crates onto the ship. Logan assumed this was the special artillery that Skyler had mentioned in the briefing. She really hoped they wouldn't need it, but didn't count on that wish becoming a reality. She'd been on enough missions against the Cylons to know that things didn't always go as smoothly as they were laid out in a briefing room. Thats why she always tried to think ahead. Its what had kept her alive this far.
She stopped in the entrance to the ship and looked back, noting that Hush and Weasel were only a few feet away, the rest of the team exiting the corridor. Gold and Bronze, together. May the Lords be kind.
Hush was listening intently to Weasel as he discussed what he knew about access routes for Cylon computers and how best to establish a link to the system without triggering any nasty surprises the Cylons may have embedded in their system. No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Logan and Hush both said at the same time, "Not likely."
Hush did a doubletake in Logan's direction as if seeing her standing there for the first time. Weasel looked at both of the Warriors in turn and decided to address Logan first. "Lt.?"
Logan realized that she wasn't part of that aspect of the mission, but had involuntarily given her opinion anyway. "Well, Weasel, I don't think the Cylons would feel a need to employ booby traps on their primary computer core on a Base Ship. Why would they? Its not like a base that we could come across and try to retrieve information from. What humans would be crazy enough to try to board a fully-armed Cylon Base Ship? They would surely be killed before ever making it to such sensitive systems. I just don't think it likely, but its always good to be prepared."
Weasel thought about it for a micron, shook his head as if deep in thought and moved past Logan to deposit his gear onboard. Hush stood where he was for a moment and just looked at Logan in curiosity.
Frack, but he's quiet. Logan didn't know what to make of him. The others were now in the process of boarding and stowing gear. Bulk-Up made a point of giving Logan a smirk as he walked past. He seemed to walk a little closer than was necessary, but Logan refused to budge. He may be used to bullying the others, but that felgercarb won't work with me.
For a micron, Logan didn't realize that Hush was still standing there, calmly observing her. "I'm sorry I broke into your conversation like that. I have a bad habit of saying whats on my mind when I think of it. Sometimes it can get me in trouble. I'm sure you and Weasel have your job under control. I wasn't trying to undermine you." Why am I still talking? Why is he still standing there? Is he ever going to speak or should I just go ahead and get squared away on board? Oh for Sagan's sake, now I'm having a conversation with myself!
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