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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 10:56:17 GMT -6
Brie On her way to the Galactica’s bridge Brie felt the unmistakable vibrations of a warship entering a jump. That was it, the end of Amy’s last chance. Even if they had somehow survived they wouldn’t be able to rejoin the fleet without the jump coordinates.
In a room off of the bridge the debriefing began. It was filled with people who could be described as military greats, all legends since before the destruction of the colonies. The debriefing was led by Commander Apollo. Apollo had been against Brie’s transfer to the Callisto after Turner had disappeared. He had argued that Brie should instead be given a medical discharge. If it wasn’t for Charybdis’ faith and her and Sheba backing him up she never would have been assigned to the Callisto or Gold Squadron.
Brie gave every detail that she could think of, from Baltar’s manipulations, finding and destroying the real reactor, discovering the Pylos, sending Lazant to look for Amy, and leaving behind several members of her team. The room was silent for half a centon after giving that particular bit of information. “Tell me about finding Lieutenant Martinzi,” Commander Apollo said at last.
“I wasn’t involved with that,” Brie said. “You’ll need to talk to Corporal Straves, Corporal Lannis, or Private Nel. They were there with Captain Lazant. Straves can also tell you what happen when they left Lazant, Captain Amy, and Lieutenant Deke.”
“Tell us what you know about it,” Apollo requested.
“They were laying down cover for the rest of the team to escape,” Brie explained. “Something about some new type of Cylon. Lieutenants Kiwi and Thunderhawk were there as well, they can give you more information than I can. I didn’t have to deal with these Cylons first hand.”
“In your opinion, could Lazant, Amy and Deke still be alive?”
That was the question that Brie had been dreading. “We gave them an extra five centons. Lazant would have made it back in time, and Amy and Deke were both wounded. The base was all but totally destroyed, even if they were still alive and managed to find a ship they wouldn’t be able to open the airlock without power. We had to use a warhead to get it open. I doubt that they’re alive, but if they are they had no way off the base, and it wasn’t possible for us to try to get them without risking the other members of my team.”
“Thank you, Major,” Apollo said. “That will be all for now. Head directly to the med lab, you need to get that arm taken care of.”
“Yes, Sir,” Brie replied. “One question, if I may. Do you know anything about the fate of Gold Squadron?”
“We don’t have any information about the outcome of the battle,” Apollo informed her. “I can tell you this much, Captain Skyler made Captain Hawke acting SIC in your absence. And I’m glad you brought it up. I had copies of the files of the latest Gold Squadron transfers made for you.” He handed her three folders.
“Thank you, Sir.” With that, Brie left the room. She wasn’t satisfied with the way the debriefing had gone. Hearing it in her own words made her wonder if she had really done everything possible for Amy, Lazant and Deke. Then she thought about Skyler and a small smile crept over her lips. The idea of him working with Hawke almost cheered her up momentarily. * * * LucianG By human standards, Cylons do not become angry. Lucifer, the IL-4 robot in charge of Baltar’s former BaseShip sat in the command chair. The flashing lights inside Lucifer’s clear brainpan were dark in comparison to their usual color, and the scintillating sensor robe that he wore was uniform brownish red color. After what had happened in the past centar, by Cylon standards, Lucifer was very angry. In fact, even by human standards, one could say he was fit to be tied.
* * *
Lucifer felt the battle plan was nothing short of brilliant. The Battlestar Galactica was hemmed in by three Cylon BaseShips. All three had been involved in the fight and had expended significant fighter resources, though those that remained had been marshalled and were prepared for launch once more to take out the human vessel. The Commander of BaseShip Four, the ship that had been badly damaged by the Callisto, had requested the center position in the ranks, flanked by BaseShips One and Two, so that it would draw support from the other ships in case the Galactica concentrated on it. The three ships had taken up position to block the path to the jump point used by the rest of the fleet. The center Star, number Four, was positioned somewhat back, giving One and Two plenty of time to close on the Galactica if it made any sudden moves. Lucifer had positioned his ship behind BaseShip Four as backup; however, since Lucifer’s ship had been involved in repairs and upgrades, it was not fully operational. Since most of its Raiders had been pulled off the ship, Lucifer had little offensive weaponry available; however, the Cylon technicians were rapidly making repairs or completing installations, so Lucifer knew his ship would be ready to fight shortly.
Lucifer’s sensor robe flashed in multiple colors as the Gold Centurion advanced to his command station. “Centurion, report,” commanded Lucifer.
“It appears that the Galactica is slightly off course,” said the Gold Centurion.
“What do you mean?” questioned Lucifer.
“It is not heading directly toward the jump point used by the rest of the fleet,” he replied.
“Quickly, Centurion. Are there other possible jump points to nearby stars in this area?” asked Lucifer.
“Quickly, gather this information at once. The Galactica may be planning a different escape.”
* * *
And indeed, Lucifer was correct. Even as Lucifer was requesting more information, Commander Apollo aboard the Galactica had order the Battlestar to make a sudden course change shortly after the last Viper was aboard.
The Galactica’s new weapons, forward mounted twin mega-pulsar cannons, had recently been installed and fully tested. Following some modifications, they seemed to be working well, and so Apollo had put them to use by firing on the already damaged BaseShip Four. Because of the damage it had already sustained, its commander automatically pulled back, intent on allowing the other two BaseShips to close on the Galactica; however, as the Galactica had moved forward, Apollo had ordered it to accelerate toward the BaseShip, firing as fast as the cannons could recharge. As it had neared the BaseShip, other laser batteries had opened up on the ship, causing additional damage, forcing the Cylon commander to fall back even further.
* * *
On his ship, Lucifer had realized the humans’ intent. Three BaseShips, even if one was badly damaged, would be too much for a sustained fight with a Battlestar, especially one trailing another ship, so they must be about to jump from a jump point very near the current position. Quickly, he sent two very important orders.
* * *
On BaseShip Four, the Cylon commander, fearing for his ship, had ignored Lucifer’s sudden command to move forward.
As a result, the Galactica had made one last course change, bringing it directly to the jump point near Four, as all forward weaponry had tracked the BaseShip. With the other two BaseShips closing, the Galactica had entered into the jump after making one last salvo. It was already gone as the first of a series of explosions began to engulf BaseShip Four. The Cylon commander realized what had happened when it was already too late.
* * *
There was no big celebration aboard the Galactica because no one knew of the BaseShip’s destruction. Most of the Colonials were glad to have escaped with as few casualties as they had. Commander Apollo had moved to the debriefing….
* * *
On his BaseShip, Lucifer watched the nearby events from his command station. Following the jump by the Galactica, he had watched as the explosions aboard BaseShip Four started and then grew, until finally nothing remained but debris. The IL-3 in charge of the ship had not followed Lucifer’s command, and as a result, had been destroyed. If he’d been capable, Lucifer would have frowned at the ineptitude; however, since he could not, the flashing lights inside Lucifer’s clear brainpan darkened and the usually scintillating sensor robe turned a uniform brownish red color. * * * JustinB After landing on the Galactica, I did my best to find Major Brie. I tried the med lab as I thought she might have gone there first. After being informed of the debrief, I casually made my way there. As I arrived I heard Commander Apollo address Brie. “Thank you, Major,” Apollo said. “That will be all for now. Head directly to the med lab, you need to get that arm taken care of.”
I waited for Brie to come out. When she did she looked liked she had the fate of the colonies on her shoulders.
"Brie, what’s wrong?" I asked. Brie turned and looked back into the briefing room. She turned back around and tried to answer.
"Look Major, as I said before. You took the risks as well. Everyone knew they might not return. You have survived all this time. It wasn't your time to go. If you waited for the remaining three, everyone that survived would be dead as well." I could see the anger begin to well in Brie's eyes. "A warrior must do what they must. If that means giving his/her life so be it. It would be the same of a veteran like you giving up your life so others survive." This last comment seemed to fire Brie right up.
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 10:57:33 GMT -6
Brie As she was walking away from the debriefing, Brie took a brief glance at the folders that she had been given containing the basics on the new Gold Squadron members. On the top was the file for Lieutenant Logan. Brie knew the name, Logan was supposed to have transferred to Gold Squadron over two yarhens earlier, but it hadn’t happened because the Callisto had become separated from the fleet. As she glanced one bit of information popped out before Brie’s eyes. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Skyler,” she whispered, “why didn’t you tell me?” She took a couple more steps forward, feeling like everything that had ever mattered to her was crashing down.
"Brie, what’s wrong?" Brie hadn’t even seen Major Justin approaching her. She didn’t answer him, but turned her head towards the room where the debriefing had taken place. "Look Major,” he continued, “as I said before. You took the risks as well. Everyone knew they might not return. You have survived all this time. It wasn't your time to go. If you waited for the remaining three, everyone that survived would be dead as well." Brie remained silent, but was starting to get really annoyed with the leader of Black Squadron. She didn’t need a pep talk, she just wanted to be left alone. Justin obviously didn’t realize this. "A warrior must do what they must. If that means giving his/her life so be it. It would be the same of a veteran like you giving up your life so others survive."
“Veteran?” Brie repeated louder than she should have. “I realize that I’m older than you are, but I’m not quite ready for the Senior Ship yet!”
Poor Justin seemed taken aback. “I didn’t mean that, Brie,” he said more on the quiet side. “I’ve always admired the way that you choose to stay with the squadron instead of moving to the bridge.”
Without thinking about what she was doing, Brie slapped Justin across the face. “What I decide to do is none of your fracking business!” She was almost screaming. People were watching, but no one came over to see what the problem was.
Justin held a hand over his face where Brie had just slapped him. He continued to stay calm, which aggravated Brie even more. “You’ve taken everything I’ve said wrong, Brie. I didn’t mean to put you down. As I said, I’ve always admired you. You’re one of the most capable warriors that I’ve ever seen.”
“Capable? You want to see just how capable?” Without giving it a second thought, Brie punched Justin hard in the stomach. He doubled over in pain. Before he had totally comprehended what had happened Brie grabbed him by the arm and flipped him. He fell on his back on the floor. “Not bad for a one-armed old woman,” Brie said.
Finally someone came running over. “What the frack is going on over here?” the young man asked. Noticing her rank he added, “Ma’am.”
“Nothing,” Brie replied innocently. “Just a little bit of friendly squadron rivalry.” With that comment she left for the med lab, not even looking back to see if Justin was all right. * * * As she walked to the med lab Brie wasn’t even thinking about what had just taken place. It never dawned on her that she had just assaulted an officer, which could be the end of her career. She didn’t think about Justin, whether he was hurt or humiliated. It was almost as if the incident hadn’t happened.
Although she wanted to first visit the more severely injured members of her team, as soon as she stepped through the door to the med lab she was whisked away into an examining room. A bandage was quickly applied to her temple. “It’s not bad, but you’re going to have a scar,” the young doctor, Hubley, informed her. He looked to be about half Brie’s age.
“It won’t be the first, and probably won’t be the last,” Brie replied.
“Let me take a look at that arm.” After checking the x-rays Doc Hubley was quiet for a centon. “Well, we can fuse the break whole, but you’ve done a lot of extra damage to the muscle. That’s going to take time to heal.”
“How much time?” Brie asked.
“A secton in the very least,” Doc Hubley replied. “Probably two, maybe even three. You won’t heal as fast as when you were younger. The body doesn’t heal as fast at 41 as it did at, say, 21.”
Forty-one? When did she turn 41? It suddenly dawned on her that she had completely missed her last nova-yarhen. And why was everyone all of a sudden making comments about her age? It didn’t matter, she had other things on her mind. As she relaxed so the doctor could fuse the bone she was careful not to close her eyes. She didn’t want to see Amy’s face. To think about how she had tried to talk Amy out of the mission at the last micron, how different things could have been...
“There,” Doc Hubley said. “All done.” He grabbed a new sling and adjusted it how he wanted it. “Keep the muscles still if you want them to heal. You’ll be on full medical leave for at least a secton.”
“Aw, come on, Doc, don’t ground me,” Brie pleaded. “I can fly one handed.”
“You’ll be on full medical leave for at least a secton,” Doctor Hubley repeated. “And I’ll give you something for the pain.”
“No,” Brie said quickly, “I don’t want anything.”
“It must hurt like Hades,” the young doctor remarked. “And not just the muscles, you’ve got some pretty bad bruises on your right shoulder as well.”
“I like the pain,” Brie said truthfully. “It reminds me that I’m still alive. After what we just went through, that’s important.”
Doctor Hubley grew very serious. “Do you need to talk to someone, Brie? Someone who can...help you through what’s happened.”
Brie started to grow angry, but knew that this wouldn’t be a good time to lose her temper. “What do you mean, Doctor?” she asked as sweetly as possible.
“I’ve seen the shape of some of the survivors,” he replied. “I know that this was an impossibly hard mission. Plus I’ve heard some talk, bits and pieces about what happened. I thought you might like to talk to someone, especially considering your past.”
“My past?” Brie repeated. She sighed and shook her head. “You’ve obviously read my file. Just so you know, that was a LONG time ago, back when I would have healed faster. Things have been fine ever since, and I’ve actually become a respected leader. So no, thank you, I don’t need to talk to anyone. Are we all done here?”
“I think so,” the doctor said. Brie stood up to go. “Don’t take the sling off if you want it to heal,” he told her. “And when you’re back on the Callisto have someone change the dressing on that cut. I think that’s all.”
“Thanks for everything, Doc,” Brie said. She hoped that she would now be allowed to visit the other members of her party. * * * Following her own visit to the doctor, Brie was finally going to be allowed to visit the more seriously injured members of her team. Doctor Salik, who was working overtime as usual, spoke with her before she was allowed to go in. “There were a lot of cuts, bruises, broken bones like yours, as you can well imagine,” he explained. “Two amputations, which are always so hard to explain to the patient. There are still three people in critical but sable condition. By far the worst was Sergeant Brinfort. His heart stopped once on the shuttle and again once he was brought in. But he’s stable now. Another centon later and he wouldn’t have made it, it was that close. His sight is returning, and I’m expecting a full recovery. He’s been asking for you ever chance he gets.” Doctor Salik led Brie to a small, private room. Brinfort was hooked up to several monitors and there were tubes everywhere. “No more than five centons, Major,” Salik said as he closed the door.
“Major,” Brinfort said, trying to manage a smile. “I hear I have you to thank for saving my life.”
“Me?” Brie replied. “I didn’t do anything, except maybe keep some of those troops of yours from stepping on you in the hallway on the Pylos.”
“Some of those troops of mine have pretty big feet,” Brinfort said with a weak smile. Brie didn’t really know Brinfort all that well, but it was good to see that his sense of humor was still in tact. He squinted. “What’s that bandage on your face?” he asked.
“Oh that?” Brie replied casually. “It’s just a scratch.” They both laughed for a micron. “Listen, my friend, you need to get your rest. I’ll come see you again soon.” She turned to go.
“The Pylos,” Brinfort said quickly and with a lot of effort.
Brie turned back around. “What about it?”
“What happened to it?” he asked.
“It’s being towed by the Galactica,” she explained.
“I hope they don’t trust it. It was all just a little bit too easy.”
“I agree,” Brie said, “but they’ve got a team on her right now, going over everything on the entire ship. If there’s some sort of trap, they’ll find it.”
Sergeant Brinfort nodded slowly, closed his eyes and was soon fast asleep. * * * JustinB picked myself up and brushed myself off. I didn't expect that reaction from Brie. I knew she was still frustrated and feeling guilty, but I never in my wildest dreams thought a one armed woman warrior would slap me, punch me then flip me. As I looked around at the onlookers, they all looked away. I heard a few giggles and some not to flattering remarks. I would live with that though; I always made it policy never to hit a female, though that might have to change. Once everyone went back to their own business, I went to try and find my Squadron. Knowing my people as I did, I knew they would be in the O'Club. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 10:58:43 GMT -6
Brie Almost half of the surviving members of the infiltration team would be spending their time on the Galactica in the sick bay. Most of the injuries weren’t really serious, but there were a lot of burns and cuts that could lead to infection if not closely watched. The remaining infantry members would be bunking with the Galactica’s infantry, the warriors were given room with the Galactica’s squadrons. Brie felt a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of staying in the barracks, for the past several yarhens she had enjoyed either semi-private or private quarters, one of the perks of leadership. She kept thinking that if only Amy were here she wouldn’t feel so strange. If only...
After seeing every member of her team in sick bay Brie wasn’t sure what to do. She hated being grounded. She wasn’t hungry, even though she hadn’t eaten in Lords knows how long, and she didn’t want to sleep. She decided to just wander down the corridors, see if she still knew the layout of the Galactica. She hadn’t been there in so long, not since Turner had died and everything fell apart.
She couldn’t help but notice the stares that she was receiving. At first she had no idea what the problem was but then it dawned on her. Justin. She had forgotten all about the “incident.” She felt like an idiot. All he had been doing was trying to make her feel better. She didn’t know how she was ever going to face him again, but she had to do something.
Brie found a piece of paper and a writing instrument and jumbled down a quick message. “Major, I overreacted. I’m sorry. Brie.” Seeing two cadets in the hallway Brie approached them, and they snapped to attention. “At ease,” she said quickly. “Could one of you do me a favor?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” one of them said. They both looked so young, Brie figured that they must have lowered the age requirement.
“I need this message delivered to Major JustinB,” Brie said. The young cadets stared at her, not knowing who Justin was. “He’s the CO of Black Squadron, from the Callisto. He’s probably in the barracks, the mess hall or the Officers’ Club.”
“We’ll find him, Ma’am,” the other cadet said. They took the note and walked quickly down the hall.
Brie wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next. That problem was solved for her when she was approached by someone else. This time the cadet was a young woman. “Major Brie?” Brie nodded. “Commander Apollo asked me to have you report to the bridge in the next 15 centons, Ma’am.” * * * JustinB I had just downed my third tankard of ale when I saw two cadets enter the Officers Club. They were as if they were searching for someone. From my dark corner table, I ordered another ale. When I did so the two cadets approached me. "Excuse me Sir, are you Major JustinB the CO of Black Squadron?" the younger cadet asked.
"Yes I am cadet, what do you want?" I replied sternly.
"Well Sir, we were given this," he handed me a handwritten note, "Major Brie asked for this to be delivered."
Reading the note, I smiled a little then hardened my face. "You tell Major Brie that you found me and delivered the letter. Tell her I read the letter and I didn’t say a thing," throwing a few cubits their way I said, "and here is something for your trouble."
My tankard of ale arrived and I did my best to drink it as fast as I could. I slammed the tankard hard on the table and ordered another. If I could not forget the incedent, maybe the ale would help a little. * * * LucianG After dealing with Wykglif’s little mutiny, Lucian questioned whether he’d done the right thing to let the Corporal off without even a reprimand or possibly even some time in the Brig. Considering that the Callisto needed Wykglif’s effort more than the man needed discipline, Lucian felt he’d done the right thing. Besides, despite the fact they’d agreed they’d not seen anything, many of Wykglif’s bunkmates would probably not allow him to forget the lesson he’d learned for a long time. Perhaps he would even be a better worker as a result. Lucian hoped so. If not, he’d have to finish the fight later, probably under worse circumstances.
A few centons later, Lucian entered the Bridge to report to the Commander. He noticed many of the Bridge Officers had tears on their cheeks, and Commander Sheba looked awful. There were no tears, but she did have a nasty bruise on the side of her face.
He approached Major BatGal, who upon seeing him, flung open her arms and gave him a hug. She too had tear stains on her cheeks.
“BatGal, what’s wrong?” asked Lucian.
“They died,” she said. “They all died. We just finished decoding the last scrambled FTL message received from the Galactica as we were jumping. The infiltration team didn’t make it out of the moon.” It was the outcome they had all been dreading, though all had hoped for better results. As an engineer who liked dealing with hard facts, Lucian sought verification.
“The decoded message?” Lucian asked Geenie at her station nearby.
“Here, Sir. It was so weak we couldn’t hear it, but with computer compression and enhancement and decoding, we can finally hear it.” Geenie handed Lucian a headset, which he placed over his ear. She started the message.
Despite the enhancement, it was very difficult to hear; however, the unmistakable words were: ““Gold Team…explosion destroyed...no…survivors.”
Lucian’s expression sank as he heard the news. “Geenie, you’re sure this is right?”
“There was a lot of garbage, Sir,” she replied, “but with the enhancement, these words can clearly be heard.”
Sheba said, “The Memorial Service goes on as planned for ALL of our lost Warriors, crewmates, and friends. Major Joey, in the Colonel’s temporary absence, issue word that Captain Skyler will be temporarily promoted to Major and be interim leader of Gold Squadron until they can arrange new elections and elect their own squadron leader.” Though she didn’t say it, many on the bridge thought the statement concluded with “to take Major Brie’s place.” * * * Charybdis I had come out of the turboflush and was glad to see Lt. Finky leave once she got me to my quarters. She's nice and all, but you just need some down time all by yourself once you get the chance...
I had changed into some comfortable civilian robes and sat on my bed. Right then, the buzzer chimed to my door.
"Come in," I said.
The door slid open and there appreard Commander Sheba. She looked a bit tired and sported a bit of a bruise on the side of her face. She walked in a bit, "Charybdis, I'm sorry to bother you, I know you need your rest."
"It's alright, Commander. My door is always open for you, regardless of what condition I'm in," I tried to chuckle but it made my eye and arm hurt all the more.
Sheba responded, "Well, we'll be needing you back on the bridge soon. I'm just glad we have some time now that we've entered the jump." She looked a bit nervous. It was very unlike her.
"Charybdis,...you need to see something." She turned very serious now. I did not like her demeanor at all.
"What is it, Commander?"
She walked over a bit closer. "Just before we entered the jump, we were able to receive a communique from the Galactica. It had some news about the Gold mission..." She paused. She knew that I had asked her about it. She knew I was dying for any information on the team.
She handed me the printout from the bridge computer. It simply had a time and date stamp, certain codes and then:
"““Gold Team…explosion destroyed...no…survivors.”
No survivors...no survivors...no survivors...
I couldn't feel anything at that moment. My whole body went numb. No pain in my eye. No pain in my arm. Just...nothing.
All of them? Had Commander Apollo been right? A total suicide mission? And they had volunteered for it???
I didn't even realize it, but I looked over at my good hand and the piece of paper was crushed in my fist. Brie, Deke, Brinfort, Curemode, Lazant and...Amy!
Dead?
Sheba could see the torment that wrestled inside of me. I couldn't show her what it was doing to me. I couldn't.
"Thank you, Commander," was all I could get out.
Sheba sat down next to me. "Charybdis, we're planning a memorial service. I want you to be there."
I just nodded silently staring into the carpet in my quarters.
Sheba knew she couldn't say anything more. "If you need someone, you know where to find me," she said as she slowly got up and left the room.
There was a tear that had formed in my eye, but it was hidden under my eye patch so Sheba had not seen it..
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 11:00:25 GMT -6
LucianG Lucian, thinking about the upcoming memorial service for those lost in the battle of Pangara Major, dreaded what was coming. The loss of life had been terrible, and the message that there were no survivors from the infiltration team had weighed even more heavily on his mind as he’d coordinated repairs for the past several centars. As he walked, his knee feeling slightly better, he thought about the words of an anonymous Colonial philosopher:
Respect
Respect--better earned than demanded, Best given freely, and not commanded.
There was much respect to be given those who had given their lives. They had earned it, and more.
Making rounds to check progress and help solve any problems with the repair effort, he stopped by Gataren’s group to check on its status. When he arrived, he was aware of a number of stares in his direction, but he ignored them. Gataren said his team members had been whispering quietly all morning after the arrival of Corporal Wykglif, but he reported good progress. Wykglif had seemed to be grumbling, but he’d been working diligently, and according to Gataren’s checks, had done a good job. Gataren then lowered his voice and said, “What was strange was when the swing shift crew came back on duty at 0500. Some of those guys were whispering to the others, and then everyone was staring at Wykglif. They had a good laugh about something, and I overheard your name. Based on the motion he gave them, I’m assuming the laugh was at Wykglif’s expense. After that, the crew’s seemed extremely happy ever since, and I’ve seen a couple of them even slap him on the back.”
Lucian was about to reply when two Techs stepped up in front of him. Both came to attention and gave him a sharp salute, and then returned to work.
“What the frack was that about?” questioned Gataren. “Did that have something to do with what happened with Wykglif? ”
Lucian smiled and said, “Why Gataren, nothing happened with Wykglif. Nothing at all.” He turned and headed to the service. * * * Brie Not knowing why she had been summoned, Brie headed to the Galactica’s bridge. Commander Apollo was waiting for her. He was standing in front of the same room where the debriefing had been held. She followed him into the room. He took a seat at the table and she did the same. “Just a couple of questions, Major, but we need to wait a micron or two.”
Brie was feeling EXTREMELY uncomfortable. Each micron felt like a centar. The reprimand that she was sure she was going to get for what had happened with Justin never came. “One question, Sir,” she said at last. “The Callisto. They don’t know that any of us made it, do they?”
“We sent them a message,” Apollo replied. “When we first found out about the Pylos. We didn’t have any details, but we wanted to make sure that they knew that there had been survivors.”
“Thank you, Sir.” The dreaded silence continued.
After several more uncomfortable microns Commander Apollo said, “I’m sure he’ll be here any time now.”
“Who are we waiting for, Sir?” Brie asked.
As if it were the answer to her question the door opened. Brie immediately recognized the man walking through it, and she wasn’t very happy to see him again. Major Pierce was a short, heavy, balding man with a thick moustache. His voice was deep and gruff. “Let me see,” he said, holding a paper at arm’s length in front of him. “It’s ‘Major’ now, is it? How did that ever happen?”
Brie smiled as politely as she could. “I keep getting re-elected as squadron leader. My squadron has a lot of confidence in my abilities.”
“I’m glad someone does,” Pierce mumbled. He took out a recording device and placed it in the middle of the table, then took a seat. “Let’s get this over with. Commander, you can leave if you want.”
“I’d prefer to stay,” Apollo replied. He glanced at Brie, a slight look of sympathy on his face. Brie had dealt with Major Pierce once before. He worked for Military Inquiries, an organization she had to go through before being allowed to return to active status after the fallout from Turner’s death. Brie knew first hand that Pierce hadn’t wanted her to be reinstated because he had told her so several times during their previous “interview.” At least this time she knew partly what to expect. She sat back in her chair and tried to mentally relax. The last thing that she needed was to lose her temper, which she had been doing way too much over the past few centars.
Pierce started the recording device. “I’m speaking with Major Brie, regarding the events on the Cylon moon and her leaving behind three members of the Colonial military. Tell me briefly what happened.”
At least Brie knew what was going on. She couldn’t help but wonder if it bothered Pierce that his rank was still Major, as it had been all those yarhens ago. “Where do you want me to start?”
Pierce looked disgusted. “How did you break up into two teams?”
“Before we even arrived on the moon I realized that there was no way that we’d make it out of there in the Cylon tanker,” Brie started. “It was too slow, we would have been destroyed before we even had cleared the base. So I appointed Captain Amy to take a small group with her to try to secure better transport. Once we landed we overheard that there was a human prisoner...”
“Lieutenant Martinzi,” Pierce interrupted.
“Yes,” Brie continued, “but we didn’t know who at the time. Since our primary objective was to destroy the reactor core I gave Amy’s team the assignment of freeing the prisoner as well. My team destroyed the reactor and stumbled upon the Pylos. We were able to figure out from the computer where Amy was, and Captain Lazant took a couple of men and went to find her. I gave Lazant a time limit and he wasn’t back in time.” Brie realized immediately how cold that sounded.
“He didn’t make it back so you just left?” Pierce asked.
“It’s more complicated than that,” Brie explained. “There was no power in the bay so the airlock wouldn’t open. We planted a warhead on a timer on a Cylon shuttle, set the shuttle for autopilot, and were able to blow the airlock that way. Once the doors were open we had to go. We had given them longer than I had told Lazant, we waited as long as possible.”
“I see,” Pierce commented. He looked at Brie, his eyes narrowing. “Tell me, why was it that you gave this assignment to Captain Amy?”
“Amy is Gold Squadron’s third officer,” Brie said. “I needed Major Curemode and Captain Lazant with me to blow the reactor core, and Amy was the next in line as far as rank is concerned.”
“Did she achieve her objectives?”
Brie was scared that she knew where this was going. “No. She ran into Cylons.”
“She ran into Cylons on a Cylon base,” Pierce said sarcastically. “Imagine that.”
Commander Apollo spoke for the first time. “Major...”
“I didn’t really have any dealings with them,” Brie said, “so I can’t give you all the details, but apparently it was some type of ‘Super Cylon,’ with a purple eye instead of red. They were a lot more powerful than regular Cylons.”
“So who did Amy’s job for her?” Pierce asked, glancing at Apollo to see if he was going to receive another reprimand.
“I found the Pylos,” Brie said. “My team and I. Captain Lazant rescued Lieutenant Martinzi when he went to look for Amy.”
“And then you left him behind,” Pierce said.
“Lazant, Amy and Lieutenant Deke stayed behind, laying down cover for the other members of her team,” Brie explained. “And then we ran out of time.”
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 11:04:18 GMT -6
Brie
“Tell me about Captain Amy,” Major Pierce said. He looked at a file. “I see here she was promoted to captain on your recommendation, even though she’s younger than just about everyone in Gold Squadron.”
“Amy works hard,” Brie said. She realized that she still referred to Amy in the present tense. It was impossible to think that she might be dead. “She’s dedicated, loyal and has leadership potential if given the chance.”
“Dedicated?” Pierce repeated. “Hasn’t she made plans to retire more than once? She even had started the paperwork to be discharged. Let’s see, she’s Colonel Charybdis’ girlfriend, isn’t she?”
Brie wasn’t sure how to answer that. “Sometimes.” As soon as the word left her mouth she regretted it.
“Oh, so she can’t commit to Charybdis OR to the military,” Pierce remarked. “You and Amy were room-mates for a while, weren’t you? Why wasn’t she staying in the barracks?”
“We weren’t room-mates, exactly,” Brie clarified. “There had been a couple of attempts on her life, and we thought it safer if she stayed in a secure place like my quarters. The barracks are too open.”
“Who’s ‘we’?”
“Commander Sheba, Colonel Charybdis, Amy and myself,” Brie replied.
“This led to your own life being in danger,” Pierce said. “Your living quarters were destroyed.”
“And an internal problem was solved,” Brie added.
“That’s true,” Pierce agreed. “Was she trying to solve an internal problem when she snuck out of the med lab with Lieutenant Najinn? Or how about when she disregarded orders, stole a viper, and flew to Fro...” He held the paper a little bit further away. “Frodar Ep...what planet was it? I can’t read this here. Oh well, never mind, I CAN see that she was never punished for it.”
“I was off the Callisto when that happened,” Brie pointed out.
“Yes, it was you that she went looking for. So what we have here is a woman who has a blatant disrespect for authority, and is promoted for it!”
Brie took a deep breath. She knew that Major Pierce was baiting her. “Amy works harder than just about anyone I know, and deserved the promotion and any responsibilities that have gone with it.”
“Don’t you mean that everyone has to work harder around her?” Pierce asked. “Hasn’t she disappeared or needed to be rescued on just about every mission she’s ever gone on?”
“No,” Brie said coldly.
“Come on, now, Major,” Pierce continued. “She’s even disappeared on the Callisto!”
“Amy is one of the most capable warriors in Gold Squadron.”
“Capable?” Pierce repeated, not unlike the way that Brie had repeated the exact same word to Justin. “Didn’t she almost die because she couldn’t tell the difference between a turboflush and an airlock?”
Commander Apollo spoke up. “That’s enough, Major Pierce.” “You’re right, Commander,” Major Pierce agreed. “That’s plenty on Captain Amy. All right, Major Brie, let’s talk about Captain Lazant.”
“What about him?” Brie asked.
“We’ve already established that you and Captain Amy are good friends,” Pierce said. “And you are also very close to Colonel Charybdis, isn’t that correct?”
Brie nodded. “Charybdis is the closest thing that I have to family.”
Pierce grinned. “Aw, that’s what I thought. Captain Lazant and Colonel Charybdis don’t really like each other all that much, do they?”
“Charybdis and I don’t really spend a whole lot of time talking about who he likes and who he doesn’t like,” Brie responded.
“A few yarhens back Captain Lazant brought charges against Colonel Charybdis,” Pierce stated. “Charges that not only hurt Charybdis, but also brought his then secret relationship with the MUCH YOUNGER Amy out in the open. Your two good friends were both hurt by Lazant’s actions, even though Charybdis was eventually cleared of all charges. Isn’t that true?”
“I don’t see what any of this has to do with what happened on the Cylon base,” Brie commented.
“Captain Lazant could have ruined the lives of two of your closest friends,” Pierce said. “Isn’t there just a little part of you that’s glad he didn’t return? Don’t you hate him, just the smallest amount?”
Brie smiled her biggest smile since leaving the Callisto. “Captain Lazant and I happen to be very, very close friends. Yes, I know that he’s hurt other friends of mine, and I know that he’s the type of person that most others don’t like. But I don’t make decisions on people based on what others have to say. So no part of me is glad that he didn’t return. I’ll miss him more than you could ever imagine.”
Pierce didn’t seem too please with Brie’s answer. “One more thing about Captain Lazant, then we’ll move on. Why was he the one who went after Captain Amy?”
“He volunteered,” Brie told him. “I would have gone myself, but my elbow was broken. Lazant wasn’t injured at all.”
“He wasn’t even wounded, but he was left behind,” Pierce mumbled. “What a shame. Moving right along...” Major Pierce continued his questioning. “Lieutenant Deke. There’s only one word that comes to mind. Why?”
“Why what?” Brie asked.
“Why the frack would you ever even consider bringing someone like him along?” Pierce held another piece of paper at arm’s length in front of him. “His file is quite honestly one of the most boring that I’ve ever seen for a warrior. He had never been included on what could be considered a dangerous mission before, he had no leadership experience, very little ground experience, and he barely passed his physical each year. I repeat, why?”
“He wanted to go,” Brie answered. “When I was looking for volunteers for this mission I was very impressed with what he had to say. All of us knew that this could very well be one-way, I even referred to it as a suicide mission on several occasions.”
“You bring up an interesting point, Major Brie,” Pierce scowled. “You claim it was a suicide mission, but you had no problem turning tail and running, now did you?”
For the first time Brie raised her voice. “I did NOT turn tail and run!” Pierce’s smile made her realize that she needed to calm down. “I did not turn tail and run,” she repeated more quietly.
“That’s what I’m trying to determine,” Pierce reminded her. “Tell me, Major, how many people volunteered for this particular mission?”
“That information is between my squadron and me,” Brie said. “When I was looking for volunteers I told my squadron and everyone else who was there that I would never divulge who volunteered and who didn’t.”
“Fair enough,” Pierce said. “But I’m not asking for names. What percentage of Gold Squadron volunteered? Approximately.”
Brie glanced at Commander Apollo and he nodded. She knew she had to answer. “Over fifty percent.”
“So half your squadron wanted to go, and you chose Deke?” Pierce shook his head. “I’ll ask you again, why?”
“With Cylons in the area I needed to make sure the squadron was still well represented back on the Callisto, so a lot of qualified people weren’t chosen,” Brie explained. “For my volunteers there were certain criteria that needed to be met. I was looking for people without a lot of attachments. And what Deke said, well, it touched me.”
“What he said?” Pierce reiterated. “That’s the second time that you’ve mentioned this.”
Brie checked her pockets and pulled out a piece of paper. It was crumpled and torn, but the smeared words were still legible. She handed it to Pierce, who looked at it and squinted. “It’s too smudged, I can’t read that.”
Apollo took the note from Pierce. “You need to get your eyes checked, Major.” He read out loud:
“‘Major Brie,
I would like to volunteer. I know that I probably wouldn’t be your first choice, but if I’m assigned I promise I will make you proud. I have no family and few friends who would miss me for more than a secton or two. While you were describing what was required of your team I couldn’t help but thinking that this was what I was born to do. It would be an honor to serve with you. If you choose me I will do my best for the glory of Gold Squadron, the Battlestar Callisto, and the human race.
Lieutenant Deke’”
Apollo handed the paper back to Brie.
“It touched me,” Brie said again. “His attitude was what I was looking for.”
“Attitude over skills,” Pierce commented. “I think this picture is starting to come together very clearly. Just a few more questions, and then we’re done.” “I have your report from the med lab right here in front of me,” Pierce informed Brie. “It says that you wouldn’t take any pain medicine. Why not?”
Brie thought that was just a stupid question. “I don’t like taking a lot of medicine.”
“But you did quite a bit of damage to your elbow,” Pierce continued. “And your medical report says that you have several bad bruises and cuts. It must hurt an awful lot.”
“No, not nearly as much as when it happened,” Brie explained. “This isn’t bad. And since I’m sure that Doctor Hubley put this in the report I’ll tell you what I told him. After a mission like this one, I like the pain.”
“Please explain,” Pierce said, a glint in his eye. He seemed to think that he was on to something.
“We weren’t expected to survive,” Brie reminded him. “A little bit of pain helps to remind me that I actually made it. I’m sure that Commander Apollo understands what I mean.”
Brie glanced at Apollo, hoping that he would back her up. He nodded. “I’ve felt the same way myself.”
“Besides,” Brie continued, “if the pain was bad enough I would take something. But it’s bearable.”
“Okay,” Pierce said, conceding the point, “next subject.” The glint reappeared. “Tell me why you assaulted Major JustinB.”
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 11:05:13 GMT -6
Brie
Brie knew that this was coming, although she had expected it earlier from Commander Apollo. “I wouldn’t say ‘assaulted,’ Major Pierce. It was just a little bit of friendly squadron rivalry.”
“Friendly? You left him lying on the floor! Do you realize that this could end your career AND put you in the brig?”
“Go ahead and find Justin,” Brie suggested. “Ask him if he wants to file charges.”
“Don’t think that I won’t,” Pierce scowled. He seemed to scowl a lot. “We’ve had several reports of an argument between you and Captain Amy in the Gold Squadron Ready Room before leaving the Callisto. Care to tell me what that was about?”
“Not really,” Brie said truthfully.
“Major Brie,” Apollo said as a warning.
“I was offering Amy the chance to get off of the mission if she wanted.”
“Ah-ha!” Pierce screamed. “So you KNEW that she wasn’t qualified!”
“Amy is more than qualified,” Brie said, “and I’ve been more than pleased to have her serve by my side for yarhens now. But she had some last centon changes in her personal life, and I thought that maybe she wouldn’t want to go anymore. She was upset with me, because she had meant it when she volunteered and believed that being a warrior came first.”
“What were these personal changes?” Pierce asked.
Brie shook her head, not really knowing how to word it. She hadn’t been told what had happened, but knowing how both Charybdis and Amy had been acting...it seemed so long ago. “She and Charybdis, um, they made up.”
“Next question,” Apollo interrupted. “Unless, of course, that’s all.”
“Just one more thing,” Pierce said, the glint returning. “Just one more thing,” Pierce said, the glint returning. “About a yarhen ago you allowed them to change your husband’s official status from ‘missing in action’ to ‘deceased.’ Why was that?”
“I don’t see what this has to do with the mission,” Brie objected.
“Just answer the question,” Pierce instructed.
Brie sighed. “I found out some information about Turner’s final mission that made it clear that he had probably died. It didn’t make sense to keep holding on.”
“What information did you find out?” Pierce asked.
Brie smiled. The next two words were going to give her a lot of pleasure. “It’s classified.”
“I see. Do you believe that your husband is dead?”
“Yes,” Brie said, “but not just because of what I found out a yarhen ago. There’s a report on the Pylos’ computer about Turner’s death.”
“Do you trust the Pylos’ computer?” Pierce asked. “It was in Cylon hands.”
“No I don’t trust it,” Brie said, “but I’m sure that there are some facts in with the other information that they were trying to feed us. Plus the information was given to me before we ever found the Pylos by Baltar himself.”
“Baltar?” Pierce repeated.
“It’s in the report from the debriefing,” Brie reminded him. “I believe it because he didn’t know who was coming, and even if he did how could he have known that Turner and I were sealed unless it was in the report?”
“Okay, so you believe your husband is dead,” Pierce said. “Let’s go back to that night a yarhen ago. After you had your husband declared dead, what did you do?”
Brie knew that this information was probably in her medical file only because she had chosen to share it with Doc Bkj. “I got drunk with Skyler,” she replied unashamedly.
“Skyler, as in Captain Skyler, your Second-in-Command?” Pierce questioned.
“Yes. I didn’t want to drink alone, and Skyler is a trusted friend.”
“Is this how you deal with your problems, Major Brie? By getting drunk?”
“No,” Brie replied. “It was a one-time only thing. You can ask anyone who knows me, I hardly ever drink.” She left out the part about having bought the bottle when Turner disappeared, having planned on sharing it with him. That was none of Pierce’s business. “I don’t understand what my getting drunk one time a yarhen ago has to do with this mission. I don’t see you questioning anyone else about their drinking habits.”
“That’s because unlike you, Major Brie, not everyone has a history of mental instability,” Pierce sneered. He seemed to really enjoy saying that.
Although the anger was swelling up inside of her, Brie knew that she needed to stay calm, especially after Pierce’s last comment. “I don’t have a HISTORY of mental instability. I had a nervous breakdown, just one, several yarhens ago under what were understandable circumstances. And as it says in my medical records, after having Turner declared dead I went willingly and spoke with Doc Bkj. She didn’t see a problem. There have been no signs of ‘mental instability’ as you put it, since I was reinstated and assigned to the Callisto. I’ve worked hard, become a respected leader, and haven’t even come close to another breakdown.”
“How are you going to deal with the fact that through your decision three people, three FRIENDS of yours, are either dead or in Cylon hands? Especially since if you had done things differently they never would have been left behind. How are you going to face your good buddy Charybdis, tell him that you left his girlfriend behind to die? How will you handle making him face the same uncertainties that you had with your own husband for yarhens?”
Brie leaned forward on the table, putting a little bit of pressure on her injured arm. Pain shot through it, which was the only thing that kept her anger in check. “I honestly don’t know.”
“So you’re admitting that you were negligent,” Pierce added quickly.
“No!” Brie said louder than she had intended. “If there was something else I could have done I would have!”
“I think we’ve had enough for one session, Major Pierce,” Commander Apollo said.
“I’m through here anyway,” Pierce informed them. He stood up and started towards the door. “I have all the information that I need. I think I’ll go look for Major JustinB.” He walked through the door.
“Try the Officer’s Club,” Brie called after him. “That’s where most of Black Squadron hangs out when they’re not on duty.” Apollo looked sympathetically at Brie. “I’m sorry about all that. I may be the Commander, but there are sometimes that my hands are still tied. Pierce didn’t want for you to be able to prepare.”
“I understand,” Brie replied. “What I don’t get is that most of the things that he brought up had nothing to do with the mission.”
“It’s personal,” Apollo informed her. “He thinks you’re unfit to lead Gold Squadron, so he’s using this as an excuse to review everything. He’s also upset because last time Military Inquires didn’t agree with his recommendation. As you well know he didn’t think that you should have been reinstated.”
“Neither did you,” Brie reminded him.
“I know.” Apollo looked Brie in the eyes. “I was wrong. My father had faith in you, and now I do as well. You’ve proven yourself time and time again.”
“Thanks, that means a lot.” Brie looked away. “So what happens now?”
“You wait. You’re already on medical leave so I don’t think that Pierce will push for a temporary suspension. I doubt he’d get it anyway. I’m sure that he’ll be looking for Major JustinB. That was not a smart move on your part, Brie.”
Brie nodded. “I know. But ever since he had landed on the Pylos Justin had been trying to cheer me up, when he really has no idea what I’m thinking. He’s a nice enough guy, but I couldn’t take it anymore.” She paused. “Sir, I’ve been going over everything time and time again in my head. Is there anything I could have done differently?”
Apollo thought for several microns. “That’s a question that only you can answer. But for what it’s worth, if you had waited I doubt that ANY of you would have survived. If I’m asked for my opinion, I’ll tell them that I think you did all you could.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“Now,” Apollo said slowly, starting to stand, “it’s time that you took care of yourself. I’ve arranged for you to stay in a small room near the med lab. It was a med tech's quarters, until she took the seal a couple of sectons ago, so it’s empty now. There’s not much to it, but it’s private. Here’s the number and the code for the door.” He handed Brie a piece of paper. “I want you to get some rest.”
“I’ll try, Sir,” she replied.
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 11:10:32 GMT -6
Hawke I wake up and take some rations out and eat. Something dawns on me as I'm eating. I need to properly test the cloaking device with my new modifications before I proceed with anything. I think back to when I first got it. It was approximately seven yarhen ago and I was still part of the CIS. I was to destroy a Cylon petro dump and given the cloaking device. Needless to say the higher-ups never told me to move slow or I'd get spotted. That's exactly what happened but I managed to blow up the petro dump and escape. I told my superior that the cloaking device was lost. But in reality I kept it.
* * *
Skyler
“Milk and Cookies sounds good right about now guys, but we have bigger issues to take care of first.” Skyler responded to the to junior officer’s invitation. Before they could respond a cry for medic drew their attention to Lt. Logan’s limp form laying on the other side of the flight deck. The three of them started in that direction when core command called Skyler on his comm unit. “You two make sure she gets to the life station, and assist them in anyway you can.”
Skyler took a quick survey of the landing bay, headed into his office in the ready room and placed a call to Flight Control for information on what vipers landed in the other bay. He knew already that the losses were going to be too high. They had been successful in their mission, the fleet had escaped, but how high would the cost be. When would the day come that the cost would be to high and they not recover from it. Flight Control responded with the information he requested, then he called the bridge.
“I am sorry Captain, Col. Charybdis has been injured and is in the life station.” There was a pause “No Captain, the Commander is there as well… No, she wasn’t hurt in the battle. It was Capt. Hawke he busted her across the jaw and knocked her out. Yes Captain, I will pass your readiness report on to Core Command.”
Skyler fell into the backwards into his chair and placed his face in his hands and exhaled heavily. The Callisto took a bad beating, and was limping with the fleet into the unknown, half his squadron was down, either with injuries or damaged vipers. His CO was Missing In Action with several members of the squadron as well as some of his old Infantry friends. His newly appointed SIC just slugged the Commander, the Col. was down… what else could go wrong…. At the moment the klaxons sounded, Skyler checked the display on the comm system and a ship wide man hunt was underway for Hawke, Armed and Considered Dangerous. “That’s just great…” Skyler muttered under his breath as he drew his weapon and placed it on its heaviest stun setting in case he bumped into Hawke first and left the ready room.
Skyler headed towards the life station to check in on his wounded. On his way there he bumped into Lt. Brik headed back to the flight deck with several med tech’s.
“Sir, just doing a last sweep of the Flight Deck for wounded.” Brik informed Skyler as they were passing. Skyler grabbed him by the armed and pulled him to one side.
“Brik, only take a micron. I was a little hasty in making my choices for SIC, TIC before….” Skyler paused watching his friends face “I should have done this from the start, I never trusted Hawke any farther than I could throw a load Land Ram, Brik, congrats, you are now acting SIC Gold Squadron, pending Major Brie’s return.”
The reaction was more shocked terror. Brik had expressed concern at the position of TIC. Skyler didn’t give him the chance to protest as he turned and headed towards the life station.
The scene in the life station was one of total chaos, but a controlled chaos. Doctors, Nurses and Med Tech’s worked franticly to save every life they could. He saw Logan over on a exam table, Ike and Wraith standing over her as a Tech ran a scanner over her head wound. It was a postive sign, only a tech meant she wasn’t in bad enough shape to warrant a doctor, or even a nurse. Skyler was getting ready to go over and check on them when his comm unit went off.
“Capt. Skyler, report to Commander Sheba in the War Room ASAP.” He turned on his heels and took out at a run. In just over a centon Skyler was knocking on the door to the War Room. * * *
Amy
Lazant opened the crusier hatch and found himself staring at the business end of a cylon rifle. Baltar stood there, smiling.
“What did you expect?” he asked. “Did you expect to see me scurrying away like some animal, trying to reach the elevator?”
Lazant was too surprised to speak at first. That WAS what he expected. He hadn’t even taken his blaster with him when he ran out the door. He’d just assumed, and with Baltar you just couldn’t do that. But that was one of the things that made Baltar so dangerous. He somehow lured others into letting down their guard.
“If you hadn’t opened the door just now” Baltar explained, “I was going to disable this cruiser. That’s right, you weren’t going to go anywhere.” His eyes widened as though a thought just struck him. “And you still aren’t.” He waved toward the lift with the rifle, Amy’s rifle. “Get on the lift Lazant. Or die where you stand.”
Lazant knew that his only hope right now was to be aboard the cruiser when it left. “Fine Baltar” Lazant said. “You win. We’ll go to your baseship.” He could not afford to be left behind. He could work out what to do later, but now, he just had to convince Baltar to let him come along. “You call all the shots now.”
Baltar chuckled. “Yes, I do. And you don’t figure into my plans. You would have left me stranded here on this dying base. Left to face whatever horrors exist here. It’s only fitting that I extend the same courtesy to you.” Lazant tried to speak but Baltar cut him off. “The more time passes, the more I lean toward just shooting you.”
Lazant glared at Baltar, but the rifle never wavered in the traitor’s hands. “What about Captain Amy?” he asked.
“She’ll make a good enough prisoner. It will be interesting to see if there really is a brain inside her somewhere.” He smiled. “I do love a challenge. Now move, Captain.”
Lazant could do nothing. If he tried to charge Baltar the distance was too great. Baltar would definitely get a shot off before he could reach him. He’d made a terrible tactical blunder, and the best he could hope for at this micron was to survive it. He slowly walked over to the lift, thinking that it might be better that he not go. He knew more than he should, about a lot of things, and if he was forced to talk it could mean disaster for the Callisto. In a way he was a victim of his own ambition. Yet there was Amy to think about. His blunder had just handed an officer over to the cylons. He’d made just one tiny slip, but Baltar had taken full advantage of it. “This isn’t over, Baltar” he said defiantly as his anger grew, “I swear it”.
Baltar still had the rifle pointed at him. “Whatever you say, captain. Now turn on the lift, then climb on. If it leaves without you, I will shoot.” Lazant did as instructed, getting on the rising platform as it began to move. He noticed his discarded cylon sword lying there, and he picked it up as he rose up and out of Baltar’s sight.
Satisfied, Baltar half walked, half crawled to the crusier. He shut the door, glancing briefly at Amy as he made his way to the controls. “Rest well, foolish girl”, he said aloud. “You’ll find out soon enough what it’s like to be in cylon hands. You’ll wish you didn’t just stay home and do the laundry.” He chuckled to himself as he brought the crusier to life and hit the controls to activate the bay doors.
Baltar was surprisingly skilled as he navigated the Imperial Cruiser out of it’s private bay. It glided out slowly, then picked up speed as it cleared the base and headed into space.
Baltar cursed not having his transmitter. One press of the button and his baseship would have been notified of where to find him. Now, he was afraid to use any of the standard frequencies. He wasn’t sure if the sector was secured or not. He half expected to see colonial vipers swooping in on him as he looked out the front portal. But there was nothing. No colonials, yet no cylons either.
He could see the debris of battle all around him, and was careful to avoid hitting any of it. It’d been a glorious fight, he was sure, and he regretted not seeing it. He imagined the Pylos was part of this debris field, and was surprised to feel a small tinge of regret at the passing of Major Brie. Now there was an interesting woman. Full of fire and intelligence. She would have made a much better prisoner than the pathetic girl captain he was bringing back. But, he thought with a sigh, those are the fortunes of war.
He placed the cruiser on a slow forward course, cautiously entering the sector. He set all the scanners forward, picking up a magnetic storm along with the various chunks of debris, and finally was pleased to make out a basestar. He wasn’t sure if it was his or not, but even if it wasn’t, his wouldn’t be far away. He kept communications off, still not willing to risk it, and set course for the basestar.
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 11:12:09 GMT -6
Amy
Baltar watched his scanner as the basestar grew bigger and bigger on the screen. He didn’t have a naked eye visual, but was confident that the scanner was accurate. He wondered if the basestar would have a fix on him yet. He doubted that, given the volume of debris. Besides, he grew more and more confident that the colonials had been defeated, and when the basestar did get a fix on his clearly cylon vessel, they’d open up communication. Since there was, however, a sliver of doubt, he kept his radio off.
He was still contemplating all of this when he heard the unmistakable whine of a blaster being activated very close behind him. Without turning, without betraying the slightest surprise, he calmly said, “Well well, if it isn’t the girl warrior, back from the dead.” After checking to see that the crusier was steady on course, he slowly spun in his chair, inwardly kicking himself for letting her slip his mind, or to at least see that she was unarmed.
Amy didn’t bother to correct him, that it was ‘Captain Amy’ and not ‘girl warrior’. He’d just be amused at her irritation. Instead, she kept the blaster steady on him. “Where’s Captain Lazant?” she asked.
Baltar gave another of those smirky grins, adding his trademark chuckle as well. “Look at you”, he said as he shook his head, “you look horrible. Your hair is a mess. Hardly regulation. That oversized jacket makes you look even younger than you are. And I didn’t think that was even possible.”
“Where’s Lazant?” Amy repeated.
“You don’t look well” Baltar observed. “You may even drop over any micron.”
“LAZANT!” Amy shouted this time. She swayed slightly on her feet. The daggit was right, she wasn’t well. In her mind the cabin seemed to pitch this way and that, causing her head and stomach to disagree greatly. She unconsciously fingered her neck, which was a nasty purple. It was the last thing she remembered: the enhanced cylon reaching out, grabbing her neck, Deke falling… Deke!
Baltar had been talking. “Are you even listening, my dear?”
“Just tell me where Lazant is.” Amy tried to concentrate, to clear the cobwebs from her mind.
“Back there” Baltar said. “Like I just told you. He didn’t make it off the base.”
“Dead?” Amy asked.
Baltar shrugged. “I’m not sure. He did save you though. I didn’t think it was worth dying for, but he apparently did.”
“You’re lying!” Amy snapped. “I can’t believe anything you say. I can’t trust you!”
“Well, my dear, I’m sorry you feel that way.” He’d been fighting the urge to check the controls, to see that they were still on course, and he finally did, risking turning his back on Amy. She took several halting steps closer, but stayed out of reach. No matter, Baltar thought, she’ll drop over soon enough. Just try not to piss her off.
“Where are we headed?” Amy asked.
“A baseship” Baltar said before he could stop himself. He knew it was coming, and began to brace for it, but the butt end of Amy’s blaster came down hard and knocked him out cold. Amy, dizzy with the effort, dropped to her knees and tried to keep from passing out herself.
The cruiser continued on undetected though the debris field, starting to drift slightly off course. Amy managed to reach out to the controls to stop the ship’s forward momentum before she gave out and crashed heavily to the floor…
* * *
Amy shook her head as she started to wake up. How long had it been? She wasn’t sure. She struggled to focus, and it was then that she realized that she couldn’t move. She was lying on the floor in the passenger area of the crusier, her hands tied tightly behind her back. She struggled silently to get into a sitting position as she kept her eyes on the front of the cabin.
Baltar was there, working the controls. He seemed to sense her movement, and turned around. “Ah, the girl warrior is back again” he said.
“Guess I didn’t hit you hard enough” Amy observed.
“And lucky you didn’t”, he replied, absentmindedly rubbing the back of his head where she had hit him. “Drifting through a debris field isn’t the best way to keep your ship in one piece. And I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable, but I couldn’t risk you doing that again.”
Amy didn’t bother to reply. If she could only have kept conscious, it would be Baltar lying on the floor, bound and helpless. And she be in command, heading not to a basestar, but to… “Are we still heading to your basestar?” she asked.
“No” Baltar said, his voice betraying his irritation. “You did manage to ruin that plan. The scanner array was damaged while we were both unconscious. I can’t pick up their trail, and I dare not use long-range communications.”
“Afraid we beat you? That humans control this sector now?” Amy asked tauntingly.
“Hardly, though there is that chance” Baltar replied casually. “Oh don’t worry, we’ll be joining up with my friends soon enough. I’ve picked up a signal from the base. It’s weak, but repairs are underway. It will be our safest destination for the time being.”
“Back there?” Amy asked in surprise. “We barely got away from there. What about the enhanced centurions? The structural damage?”
“The enhanced cylons were eliminated during the collapse of Beta bay. Cylons, true centurions answerable to me, are in command there now. Repairs are underway. As soon as I return and confirm that the colonials were defeated, I shall summon my baseship.” He noted Amy’s despondent look. “You never had a chance, my dear. There was no way you could win.”
“What about Lazant?” Amy asked.
“I left word that there was a renegade human loose on the base. They are on alert. He’ll be caught soon enough.”
Amy relaxed slightly. At least he’d confirmed that Lazant was still alive. “What about…” she started to ask.
“Please, no more questions. I must make course corrections for our final approach.” With that he turned back to the controls. Amy struggled against her bonds, but could only sit and watch helplessly as Baltar steered her closer and closer to cylon custody.
Amy worked her hands, trying to loosen the ropes. She imagined her hands becoming numb from being bound up, but in reality they weren’t tied all that tightly, just efficiently enough to keep her from getting loose. Realizing the futility of it, she just tried to sit as comfortable as she could. Between her aching back, her sore and bruised neck, and her tied hands, she wasn’t having much luck.
“I have another question” she said after a while had past, during which Baltar had manned the cruiser’s controls in silence.
Baltar half looked over his shoulder, sighing. “I knew the silence wouldn’t last. I suppose I could gag you.” He turned around to face her.
“Why?” Amy asked.
“Why?” Baltar chuckled. “To shut you up of course.”
Amy shook her head, strands of hair falling across her face. “That’s not what I meant. I mean, why? Why all of this? Working for the cylons, selling out your fellow man…”
Baltar chuckled again. “I’m not inclined to explain myself to anyone, especially a young woman who was no more than perhaps an infant when, well, you’ve read about it, hmm? How twisted has the truth become over the last 25 yahrens?”
“What, you selling out the fleet of battlestars? The 12 colonies? What should have been my home?” Amy searched Baltar with her eyes, looking for some clue, some meaning in all he had done.
Baltar looked ready to get upset, but then his features softened, and again he chuckled. “As I said, I’m not inclined.”
“What will happen to me once you turn me over?” she asked.
“Nothing you’d want to be worrying your pretty little head about” Baltar smiled. “Do you REALLY want to know?”
Amy shrugged. “It’s just not how I envisioned the end of my life”, she said simply.
Baltar seemed intrigued by this. “And how exactly did you envision it?”
Amy had a faraway look in her eyes. “We all have plans. Dreams. We dare to dream even with the way things are. I had a boyfriend. Well, more than one I guess. A fiancée even. I knew I could die each time I flew a viper, but I always thought I had time. That there would be time for those things. Taking the seal, raising a family…”
“Raise it where?” Baltar asked, snorting in derision. “On some hunk of metal in the middle of nowhere?”
“On Earth” Amy replied, ignoring his disapproval.
“Earth!” Baltar laughed. “You don’t mean to say you people are still looking for it?” He looked at her for signs of a put on. “That tale is the makings of half-drunken star voyagers! Thirteenth tribe and all that. I’d have thought Adama would have given up on that long ago.”
Amy looked at him. Did he know Adama was dead? She supposed his words could be taken two ways. She let it drop. “People need to believe. I know I need to believe in something. If not Earth, then a place where we can make a stand, make a life for our people. It’s out there, somewhere.”
“It’s a big universe, little girl”, Baltar said, speaking down to her. “You should have thought it over a little better before playing warrior. It’s for keeps out here. It’s not a game. And for you the dreams are over. I hope you gave your fiancée a proper goodbye.”
Amy felt her face flush as she thought back. Yes, she had done that. It might be the one thing that she could draw strength from if these truly were her final days.
Baltar smiled. “It’s been interesting, my dear. Really it has. But there’ll be plenty of time for questions later.” He chuckled again, that greasy, shifty trademark chuckle. “Nothing personal, you understand. Just the fortunes of war.” He turned back around, and Amy’s gaze slowly lowered to the floor, her thoughts a million miles away.
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 11:16:22 GMT -6
Amy
Baltar flew the crusier within range of the base. Outwardly there didn’t seem to be much change in the base’s operational status. But the centurion had said that repairs were underway. Since Baltar hadn’t been away from it all that long, he knew that progress would take some time.
He tried to raise the base on the frequency it had been broadcasting on as he put the cruiser into a holding position. After a moment, the screen flickered and the face of a centurion appeared. There was static and the image was far from clear, but Baltar could see that it was a centurion. A silver one! One that would obey him. As if on cue, the cylon said “By your command.”
Baltar assumed his best command voice. “Speak, centurion. How goes the progress?”
The centurion just looked at him for a long moment before replying. “Progressing” it finally said. “By your command.”
Baltar grew slightly irritated. This was like many of his conversations with Lucifer. Irritating. Frustrating. “I’ll expect a full report upon my arrival. Now, how do I get onto the base? Which bay is operational?”
Again the cylon paused, long enough for Baltar to almost snap, but then it spoke. “Imperial launch bay is operational.”
“What?” Baltar demanded, “Is that the only—“
“Imperial launch bay is operational”, the centurion repeated. “Enter the bay and wait for pressurization before disembarking.”
“If you’ve led me on, centurion, on the progress of repairs, you will regret it!” Baltar’s face screwed up in anger. His triumphant return maybe wouldn’t be so triumphant. He’d envisioned taking credit for returning the base to operational status, but now it seemed he may have to distance himself from the whole thing. But no matter, as long as he was able to return to his basestar. This was just a means to an end.
“By your command” the cylon said, and the screen went dark. Baltar sat in silence.
“What’s the matter, Baltar?” Amy called out. “Things still not going according to plan?”
Baltar snapped, coming out of his seat and reaching Amy in a split micron, even with his bad leg. She couldn’t move much, and Baltar’s hand was around her throat, squeezing it where it was the most bruised. Amy’s face contorted in pain. “I have patience” Baltar growled, “but only to a point. Don’t think for one micron that just because we’ve had a few conversations that I wouldn’t shove you out the airlock before we dock. Do you understand me?” Amy tried to lean backward, to ease the pressure on her neck, but there was nowhere to go. As best she could she nodded, and after a long micron Baltar let her go, walking back to the controls as Amy coughed and gasped, trying to catch her breath.
For the first time, the very first time, she’d had a glimpse into the true evil that lurked inside Baltar. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
* * *
LucianG
The memorial service was underway. Reverend Mars was officiating, having opened the ceremony by reading the list of known dead and missing. Lucian sadly shook his head at the list, which was continuing to grow. Another of the critically injured had died in the Med Lab shortly before the start of the service. Doc BKJ had reported that there were still a number of those whose fate was too close to call.
After Reverend Mars concluded the main part of the service, he had invited Commander Sheba to say a few words. Lucian thought that she looked rougher than he had ever seen her. She’d applied a little makeup to the bruise, but it still peeked through angrily. After she finished her remarks, she revealed the plaque that would forever memorialize the Callisto's forces lost in the battle of Pangara. Lucian noted that there was still room at the bottom for additional names.
With the plaque on display, Reverend Mars opened up to the floor for anyone who wished to add to the memorial. Duty calling, Sheba excused herself, having kept her composure better than she’d feared she would. Since the renegade Captain Hawke was still on the run, her security escort fell in behind her as she moved toward the Bridge. A few meters down the corridor, another of the black-shirted guards moved from his position and led the group on their way.
Having lost a number of friends in the battle, Lucian considered getting up to speak, but, considering that he hadn’t had time to actually develop any notes, he concluded that his contribution in this case would be more of a detraction from the ceremony than an addition. With the break as someone walked toward the lectern, Lucian stood, bowed his head for a prayer, and then left the room just as the speaker began. As he left the room, his comm unit began to vibrate. Checking in, he was soon aware of the latest emergency, and was on his way to help.
* * *
Skyler
Skyler stepped to the podium next. In his hands he carried some yellowed pages, worn on the edges from excessive reading. He cleared his voice, and spoke….
“I do not trust myself to put my feelings into words. We suffered some great losses today, some we will be feeling for some time, and may never recover from. I have here several verses from times past. They can sum up some of what I feel, but even they don’t touch the hurt. The first was by a man named Bernard Howe, the second one by Roger W. Hanthingy.” Skyler read the poems off, hardly looking at the papers before him as he recalls the words from memory, fighting back tears the entire time.
*************************** Many warriors have died for us so we could live in peace. We honor you on this day as our pride will never cease.
You served your fleet proud and brought pride to us all. I thank the Lords for every one who answered their last call.
For some you may be gone now but you'll never be forgotten. As you lie there in the ground under that flag of woven cotton.
From the beginning of our time to the last battle we just fought. Your duty and your honor will never have been for naught.
For those of us still here and remember you this day. If it wasn't for you all there would be no way.
********************************
Fallen Servicemen, for country fought; liberty, freedom, the primary reason.
They gave themselves, that we be free
Fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers; our dearly departed, life for country given.
Families broken, for liberty.
Warriors who served, and lived to tell; the horrors, and risks, now sleep in peace.
Served their country, for our security.
Unknown Warrior, MIA, remembrance our way, to honor you as well, victims of a warriors hell
Served, now lost that, our lives be free.
Sleep now Sleep tight rest now, duty done, price paid in life or death. The vigilance now be ours.
“The last one is from a long dead author. It predates female Warriors, but its meaning is still timeless.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.”
Skyler stepped away from the podium and headed for the door clenching the papers in his fist as he left.
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Post by LucianG on Aug 2, 2004 16:39:08 GMT -6
Charybdis
I had forced myself with every fiber of my existence to go into that room to hear the Rev. Mars read the list of names.
It almost seemed as if a Cylon dagger tore through my heart at each and every one that I knew, especially when he got the mission leaders and commanders, Lazant, Amy, and Brie...
Cpt. Skyler finished his reading of beautiful poems and then I figured it was my turn. I had to say something. If not for the rest of those gathered, then at least, for me personally.
I walked over and took my place at the rostrum...
"We may say many words here that bring to mind the great sacrifices of all who have just passed on...but nothing we say here can ever bring them back. Such are the trials of war.
But, just as we believe that their spirits will be guarded by the Lords of Kobol, we too, can keep them alive within our hearts and minds...each time we say their names...each time we think of something they said...or each time we remember how they touched us in many wonderful and personal ways.
Many millions have died in this thousand yahren war against the Cylons. Our friends are just the latest to join the ranks of those who offered their lives so we may live on and continue the fight for freedom, for the very right to exist...
I call upon you all to remember them, to never forget them. Remember the names of Deke, Brinfort, Lazant...Amy and Brie and countless others.
That they may not have died in vain against some hopeless cause. They died for us so that we may live. They have become our heroes for our age.
Let us not let them down..."
I couldn't go on any more. I left the podium quickly...
* * *
Hawke
I get down from the celestial chamber and I turn on the personal cloaking device. One of the modifications I made to it was a slower draw off of the power source so it was usable longer. I pass the landing bay and notice that a memorial service was in session. The door opens and Commander Sheba comes out and I slip into the bay to watch the memorial service. Before I did though Sheba looks back and looks like she thought she saw something. But then she shakes her head and kept going.I smile to myself and I position myself at the back of the bay and watch for about two minutes. I notice Charybdis leaving the service. I follow him into his quarters. I watch him do some menial things. I watch him lie down on his bed. "Hello,Charybdis." I say. He sits straight up in bed and looks in my general direction. "Who's there?" I disengage the cloaking device. "Hawke." he whispers. He starts to call security I draw my sidearm and point it at him. "Ahh ahh ahh.. I wouldn't do that if I were you..." I tell him. He backs off. "Do you know there's a warrent out for your arrest?" he asks me. "No! Really?" I say sarcastically. "What do you want?" he asks. I think about it for a bit. What do I want? Right then I get a splitting headache. I double over in pain. Charybdis tries going for my sidearm. Before he can get to me I point it at him. He instantly stops. I visably wince as the headache continues. "Help..me.." I stammer out in pain. "I don't help people while they point a sidearm at me. Give it to me." he says. Then the headache stops. "Not a chance." I say. I re-engage the cloaking device and leave.
* * *
Charybdis
The door to my quarters slides back closed and I ponder what the frack just happened?
Hawke with some type of personal cloaking device?? How can that be? The military has not had anything like that in service, at least that I know of.
I put in a quick call to security and to Commander Sheba. I then remembered the trouble with Hawke and the Commander. I hadn't known the full story about what had happened, but Hawke was still at large and he was definitely dangerous.
I vowed that if I ever got my hands on that little miscreant, he would serve the rest of his life aboard the prison barge! How could Brie have ever promoted him? * * * Centars had passed and nothing. No word from the Galactica, no word about coming out of the jump. No word about the capture of Hawke...nothing.
The centars were excruciating. My mind raced back to when the ships launched on the mission. I had seen Amy getting aboard her shuttle through one of the launch bay monitors. It would be the last time I ever saw her.
My mind saw a dark corridor. Streaks of laser fire darting all around. Explosions lighting the interior of that dastardly place. I couldn't get it out of my thoughts. How did she die? Was she shot by a Cylon? Did she go up in a fiery explosion? Did she linger wounded for centars?
Beads of sweat began falling out of every pore of my body. My breathing was heavy. No survivors. That message played over and over in my mind. "Lord, no!" I cried out as if to relieve myself and my misery. But no help came. Only more thoughts, more morbid scenes of Amy's demise. Was she caught by the Cylons and executed? Was she tortured first?
I couldn't stand it. Another thought then came. Brie. What did she do? How did she die as well? If I knew her, it was probably gunning down Cylons to the very end trying her best to rescue her squad. Giving her life for every last person under her command. Frack! Why did that have to happen!!
The torture was very real. Although I was all alone in my quarters, the pain in my mind ran deep and swift through my entire body. If I thought my arm hurt, was I wrong! That was nothing compared to the mental agony.
The next vision was of a huge Cylon centurion standing over Amy and grasping her by the throat then putting the barrel of the gun up to her body below her ribs and pulling the trigger while she dangled in front of him! He then let her fall to the floor in a crumpled heap...
"No!" I felt the pain shoot through my body as I fell to the floor in a crumpled heap... * * * I was shaking. THe sweat dripping off my body. It was like my body was on fire, but this time, it was consuming me in a torment like I had never felt, except once, that night back on Caprica when the cylons attacked.
I thought of the last time I was with Amy. We had made love in the storage compartment, giving ourselves to each other without saying a word. I was also consumed by fire then, but it was so sweet and loving that I couldn't feel a thing, only happiness and fulfillment.
This fire that I was feeling now, was totally different. How could it be so torturous?
Another dark room, a corridor again. Amy was running along with several others. When they reached the end, they came into a large hangar bay. Across the floor were Cylons everywhere. They opened fire with hundreds of streaking red bolts which tore into Amy and the rest. Her body was sent flying backwards in a burned and twisted mess. She hit the ground hard and a gaping hole burned in her midsection, burning and sending a small spiral of smoke upwards into the stale air.
"No!" I screamed again and fell flat to the ground next to my bed. "Please, Lords, help me." I begged. "Please, help them!"
"Lift us all from this! Please...help us all!" * * * My eyes were closed. I did'nt want to open them, but all the time my eyes were closed, I would see these horrible situations where each and every time, Amy would get horribly wounded and die. Why was I doing this? Why was I torturing myself in this way? I had seen hundreds of Warriors die. Sometimes, right in front of my face, and I never reacted like this.
I had become cold to death. I did'nt react. Maybe that was the problem. But now, it all came crashing in. Now that the one person whom I loved was gone, it all came in on me.
As I yelled out, "No" once again, the door buzzed. It shattered my concentration. I could hear the code being punched in since the door was locked. All of a sudden, the door slip open to reveal: Lt. Finky!
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