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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:07:43 GMT -6
Charybdis "Lt. Aegina, where is Captain Amy's viper?" I hissed. A quick scan of the monitor brought a strange look on her face. "Uhhh..." she stammered. "Where is Cpt. Amy, Lieuetenant?" I asked again with a slight anger dripping in my voice. Aegina's eyes darted here and there, "uhhh, she's not anywhere, Colonel," came the response, finally. "Not anywhere? what the frack do you mean, Lieutenant?" I was getting increasingly impatient. "That's just it sir, her viper ID does not appear at all on the launch records or on any of the visual scans we have. She's not out there. She still could be onboard, though." "She could be? She could be? I suggest you find out, Lieutenant. Right now!" I yelled at her. Several of the other members of the bridge crew turned to look but quickly resumed what they were doing. They felt sorry for the young Lieutenant. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Warriors just don't disappear. But I immediately thought of Ensign Eirikhr. He DID just disappear! Into thin air. His missing status was never solved. I began to feel something, deep within my pyche. Something cold but still, calm. I remembered. I had felt like that a couple of yahrens ago when...when I was with the beings of light!!!!! What did this mean? Why was I feeling this way? And more importantly, where was AMY? "Put out a shipwide call for locating Cpt. Amy, NOW!!!!! Have her report immediately!" * * * THe Commander had come out of the war room when I issued my last order to Lt. Aegina. She saw that I was not well composed at the moment. "Colonel," she said. I quickly snapped to attention as her voice brought me back in a little. "Yes, ma'am," I responded. "May I have a word with you in the war room, please?" she said. I moved without hesitation into the room where Sheba followed close behind and closed the door once we were in. "What's wrong, Charybdis? I know you don't snap the heads off of our bridge personnel without good reason." "I'm sorry, Commander. We don't know..no one apparently knows the whereabouts of Captain Amy." Sheba looked disturbed a bit. "Sometimes lines of communication get broken down. We have Cylons in the area and there are a lot of pilots out there. I share your concern for any Warrior..." I knew that Sheba wanted to bring up the possibility of my reacting that way due to the fact of the relationship, what there was left of it, between Amy and I. I continued before she could, "Commander, I feel something strange..." "I know," came her response. Somehow, I knew that she knew as well. My thoughts came clear. Sheba had seen the beings of light too! Many yahrens before, her tale of that meeting along with Commander Apollo and Starbuck had us awestruck back then. Perhaps those who are in the presence of those beings feel the same things at the same time? But, why now? Did this have anything to do with Amy? I caught myself. No, it was probably due to overactive imagination and fearing the worst. "Don't worry, Charybdis," Sheba went on, "Amy will be fine. I hope." she added. Then what she said caught me totally off-guard, "you still love her don't you?" Sheba was the best. She could be a stern commander, but she could also be a trusting and dear friend. I lowered my head. "I had come to the conclusion that we were finished. In fact, before this last mission, I was just about to tell her that. So she could move on and not be torn with thoughts about us or me... But I realize now that I don't know what is happening to her, that yes, I do love her more than I let on. I proposed to her and she said yes. That means a lot to me, at least those memories do. I wish that all could be that way again..." my voice trailed off. Sheba walked up to me and put her hand on my shoulder. "Sometimes when people get on each other's nerves, it means they are really scared to tell each other the truth about how they really feel. You've gone the extra step with Amy once, perhaps it's time again?" Her words rung true. But first we had to find Amy... * * * Killjoy Killjoy stood in the bay with the two men who claimed to be Galactica pilots as they waited for the security team to arrive. He kept his hand on his weapon and closely watched the men. The older of the two, a lieutenant, spoke first. "What are we waiting on, shouldn’t we be talking to someone in charge by now buddy? In case you haven't noticed we're on the same team." Killjoy was frustrated enough and was eager to get back to JustinB and the others. He really didn’t want to be having this conversation. He pointed to his collar as he spoke. "Its Captain, not buddy. And as far as whose side you're on, well that’s yet remains to be seen now don’t it? Just because you're flying around in some older Vipers and wearing our uniforms, don’t mean you're the good guys. Far as I'm concerned your just POWs till the Colonel or Commander say different. Now shut up." The man stepped toward Killjoy and raised his voice. " Just who the frack do you think yo.... He was met by Killjoy's weapon under his chin. "I think I'm the man who seems to be in charge at the moment. Now why don’t you and you friend here just calm down before you make me do something rash." The man backed off and the escort arrived. Ensigns' Spacityman and Masonic, both from black squadron drew this detail. Noticing Killjoy's drawn weapon, Masonic followed suit and gave a half salute as he approached Killjoy and spoke. "There a problem Captain?" "No problem Masonic, where are you taking these two?" "War room Sir" "Ok, keep a close eye on them, if they so much a blink funny, shoot em." "Sir?" "Problem with that Ensign?" Masonic looked confused. "No Sir no problem, but…well Sir they are humans, Warriors even..." Killjoy sighed and spun to face Masonic. "Yes Ensign, they are human, but do you know them? Have you ever seen either of them before? Are you willing to put the lives of everyone on this ship at risk for strangers who claim to be on our side?" "No Sir when you put it like that Iguess not.." "Take them too the War room Ensign, they are to be treated as the enemy prisoners till someone in command says otherwise, understood?" "Yes Sir." Killjoy rushed back to his ship and notified launch control he was ready to go.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:10:18 GMT -6
Lucian Captain Killjoy was off to seek permission to launch. On arrival in the Black Squadron ready room, he was told by Captain Kris that Black Squadron was on standby, awaiting orders since the situation was changing so rapidly. Gold Squadron was believed to be in trouble, the Black rescue wing was too far away for Killjoy to catch without significant backup, and now Kris had heard a rumor that Killjoy had “captured” a pair of Colonial Warriors. “What’s up with that?” she asked.
* * *
Ensigns Spacecityman and Masonic were escorting the two humans, dressed as Colonial Warriors, to the Bridge. Masonic was leading the way, followed by the interlopers, with Spacecityman bringing up the rear. The two Warriors were clearly perturbed about being treated as prisoners, since in their opinions, they’d landed on the Callisto by choice rather than force, despite Captain Killjoy’s opinion. A few centons later, they marched onto the Bridge to the stares of all present. Sheba, having returned to the Bridge a short time earlier after her talk with Charybdis, motioned Spacemancity, Masonic, and the two unfamiliar Warriors toward her war room. In they went, with the Commander and Colonel Charybdis right behind. * * * Stargazor The medical team extracted Stargazor from his cockpit and began reanimation procedures right on the launchbay. They managed somehow to bring his life signs to a normal level and Stargazor came back to his normal selfe.
One of the emergency medcrew said "Glad to have you back Ensign Stargazor"!
Stargazor looked around and found himself in black squadron launchbay and said "Glad to be back home"!
He regained his strengt very fast and stood up. What the hell went wrong. He looked at his viper and could se a hole in the nose section just about to where the life suport unit would be located.
"I better report in, get me a new viper ready asap" Stargazor said as he went on his way towards the bridge. * * * Kris "What's up with that?" Captain Kris asked. Killjoy just flopped in a chair not too far from her. He just shrugged. "Not sure what to tell you at this point. Your guess is as good as mine." Kris could tell he was getting bored...and fast. "How bad is it out there Killjoy?" Just knowing they were on the edge of going out to help Gold out had her on pins and needles. She kept trying to hear all she could on both groups. She was worried about those from Black still out there, but she was also worried about Gold and one pilot in particular...Najinn. "Well there's definately a sense of mystery around all of this." He shrugged again. He just wanted to get back out there and Kris could tell. She had to admitt, she was getting anxious too. It was different sitting back and waiting, unsure of what is going on. "Do you think we are close to the Galactica? Do you really think we caught up with the fleet?" Hopes rose. Hopes she was afraid would get dashed too quickly. * * * Killjoy "Do you think we are close to the Galactica? Do you really think we caught up with the fleet?" Kris gave Killjoy a hopeful look.
"I don’t know Kris. All I can say is that other that those two guys, I didn’t see any thing to indicate the Galactica is anywhere near here. And if she is in this system, and our patrols haven't found her with all the scanning we have been doing, then Commander Apollo has her pretty well hid."
"Killjoy, if those two aren't from the Galactica, then where the frack did they come from? What are they doing out here?"
"Come on Kris, You and I both have run into old style Vipers running around in several sector sense we left the colonies. Bootleggers and pirates love those old birds, just like the two I brought in to our bay. I'm not saying those guys are not Galactica pilots, but till I see her with my own eyes……."
"You always been such a scenic Killjoy? Is there ever a bright side with you?"
Killjoy smiled as he stood up and started to pace the floor.
"I'm not a scenic Kris, just very cautious. And yea theirs is a bright side. Like today for instance, I didn't get dead." * * * Charybdis After our meeting with the two Warriors who had landed aboard the Callisto at Killjoy's insistence, my stomach started gurgling. I realized I hadn't eaten in quite awhile.
I asked the Commander if I could have the galley send up some grub to which she replied affirmatively.
I put in the call to see if they could send some food quickly. "Yes, Colonel, what would you and the commander like to eat?" the cook asked.
"Well, we're pretty famished. I think I would really like...a burger," I responded... * * * Core Command wishes to announce that Iberia has joined the Colonial Military and has been commissioned with the rank of Ensign.
He will serve under Major JustinB in Black squadron.
Welcome our newest Warrior!!! <chorus of voices> WELCOME! * * * Lucian “Commander! We’ve got a message from Silver Spar that some of Gold Squadron’s returning Vipers are some degrees off course from the Callisto, and that they are being pursued by a large number of Raiders, or at least, something that looks like Raiders.”
She asked, “What would their fuel situation be at this point?”
“They’d be short at best. Anyone who has leaned heavily on turbos would be getting desperate about now. Major Brie and Captain Skyler must be flying on fumes by now.”
Sheba looked at the report, and the images being relayed by the Silver Spar patrol. They were drawing short of fuel themselves, but they still asked to be allowed to intercept. Sheba declined and said, “Have Captain Kris take four wings of four Vipers from Black Squadron to intercept. They are to launch immediately, and use a spiral intercept that hopefully will keep the Raiders from discovering our exact position. It is imperative that none of them discover us.”
Moments later, the order was relayed to Captain Kris in Black Squadron. * * * Stargazor Stargazor stepped on to the bridge section. He looked around thing seemed tense as he looked at the bridge crew. Yet he couldn't find the Commander and Charybdis. They must be in the war room. In the corrodors he learned about the two viper pilots who escorted him back and that they wore warriors from the Galactica. Now Stargazor dind't tought much about the rumors. He went to the door leading towards the war room and pushed the button to notify the people inside that there was someone at the door.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:10:56 GMT -6
JustinB We plotted the new course and followed the plan. Once the engines were off, I placed the scanner on full scan. After about five centons, I saw on the edge of my scanner that made my jaw drop. Thirty ships appeared out of nowhere.
Jaz saw them as well and asked, "Sir what are we going to do now?"
I waited to see what direction the ships were going. They all turned ninety degrees to us except two, which were heading on an intercept course. Seeing an opportunity to vent some anger I finally replied, "Ensign, we are going to send those two ships to hades. We will run our engines using the ram-scoops until we are twenty microns from weapons range. Then we will have us some fun."
I had lost track of time. It wasn't until we were twenty five microns from weapons range that I got my sense of time back. Warbook tagged them as Colonial Vipers with human pilots. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Ensign Jaz, hold your fire until we can at least get a visual ID. Keep your trigger finger ready just in case, as I am going ahead."
I manoeuvred myself out of their sights. As they passed me on the port side I turned around sharply. What I didn't see was their counter manoeuvre. Before I could follow them I received a communiqué from the lead viper.
"Unidentified Vipers this is Blue Four. You are to follow myself and Blue Five immediately. There are cylons nearby and we need to get you out of harms way."
"Blue Four this is Black Alpha. CYLONS did you say. That cannot be possible." I replied.
"Believe it Black Alpha. From now on speak only when spoken to." Blue Four ordered.
Somehow, this situation sounded familiar. I signalled Ensign Jaz to follow me in. Thirty centons later a large grey warship emerged as if from nowhere. "By the Lords," I whispered, "It cannot be. Not after this length of time."
"Black Alpha, Blue Four. You and your wingman are to land in the Alpha Landing Bay. We will be right behind you." he said.
I extended the landing gear at the outer marker and glided my viper into the Landing Bay. I wondered what type of reception we would get, but I knew it was a welcome surprise. * * * I had just killed the engines when I thought I was hallucinating. I jumped out of the cockpit and I was greeted by four people I thought I would never see again. Randrius, Brotherjoe and Anubis were standing at the Landing Bay entrance. Rose was running towards me and I caught her as she jumped into my arms. In between Rose's kisses she told me how much she missed me. "Rose, I thought you and the others were dead. You don't know how much seeing you all alive means to me." We walked over to the others with Jaz and I shook their hands. After our little reunion, a young Lieutenant came over to our group. "Sir, the Commander would like to see you. He was going to talk to Captain Randrius, but since you are the senior officer he wants to talk with you." "I'll be with you in a micron Lieutenant," I replied. After giving Rose a parting kiss and hug I turned to Randrius, "Randrius you are quite welcome to join me if you want?" * * * After giving Rose a parting kiss and hug I turned to Randrius, "Randrius you are quite welcome to join me if you want?"
"Yes Major, I would like too," he replied.
The young Lieutenant asked us questions as he escorted us to Commander Apollo. As we walked down the various corridors, I imagined what it would have felt like back in the times of Commander Adama. The various techs on the Galactica had kept her in good shape. But every so often I saw the odd wall that looked like it needed another coat of paint. It was hard to believe the Galactica was hundreds of yahrens old.
Finally we made it too the bridge. It looked different to the bridge on the Callisto but that’s what you get with an old ship. The consoles looked more worn, some tattered. Over to my right, two techs were replacing some equipment.
Looking over to my left I saw a very beautiful woman in the Command Chair. "Lieutenant, is that who I think it is?" gesturing to the woman with the Lieutenant Colonel insignia.
"Yes it is Major. Lieutenant Colonel Athena is in command of the bridge at this time. Major I am sure you will get a chance to meet her but the Commander is waiting. I looked at Randrius and he was stricken with about the same amount of surprise as I was.
We were led into the War Room and what I saw made my stomach get butterflies. Standing tall with an aura around him was Commander Apollo himself. He was unusually in his blue command uniform. I had only ever seen pictures of him in the warriors’ combat uniform. Next to him, standing in his warriors combat uniform chewing an unlit fumarillo was undoubtedly Colonel Starbuck.
As the Lieutenant left both Randrius and I stood at attention. "Sirs, Major JustinB, Commanding Officer of Black Squadron, Battlestar Callisto reporting as ordered. * * * Randrius Randrius was not usually impressed easily by people, but this was different, these were the legends that he heard about in pirated transmissions while with his old group. The fore-front of the resistance, the names that everyone rallied behind againstthe Cylons. And here they were, arrayed in front of his eyes like a dream. Needless to say, Randrius was impressed. It was odd being impressed by men that were only a few years older than himself, as he was older than most in his squad. But he was just a pilot, these were living legends. He saw Justin out of the corner of his eye, the major had kept his composure, but he knew Justin. He was just as awed as Randrius was. "Sir, Captain Randrius, also reporting as commanded." He waited for one of them to speak. * * * Lucian He looked over the two men standing in front of him. "Gentlemen, I cannot tell you how good it is to see you. After more than two yahrens, there are some in the fleet--"
"And particularly a few on the Council," interrupted Starbuck, stabbing toward Apollo with his fumarillo.
Unpreturbed, Apollo continued, "--who persist in spreading the rumor that the Callisto was destroyed at Shonada, and that our circumstances here grow dimmer by the cycle. Where the first part appears to be false, the second part, unfortunately, is true. Therefore, straight to business. What's the word from the Callisto? Does Sheba have everything operating at top efficiency?--"
Wearing his customary brown Warrior's jacket, since he absolutely abhorred the Command blues, Starbuck hid the half frown on his face by deliberately wiping his nose on the sleeve. He'd watched Apollo loose her over the yahrens by always putting duty before heart, even when heart would do. Long ago, he had learned to live with the situation, but, even now, it still pained him to see that his best friend wouldn't allow himself to, well, live.
"--And what is the status of your squadrons?--"
Breaking in once more, this time motioning toward their Black Squadron guests, "Cause with what we've run into here at Pangara, we can use all the help we can get."
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:12:07 GMT -6
JustinB Still in awe of being in the same room as these living legends, I finally composed myself and began my report.
"Well Sir, the Callisto is, for the most part, operational. Unfortunately for the Callisto's forward pulsar cannons were fused as a result of our attack on a baseship in the Frodar system. We've been gradually been building up the squadrons, but we are faced with a severe shortage of spare parts and Vipers." After pausing for a breath I continued. "We have for some time been very short on food. Whilst we transversed the Axcian System hoping to replenish our food stocks, we also discovered a Colonial ship called the Caprican Questar. We had also found some survivors of the CQ as well. The CQ has also enhanced our firepower to a slight degree. Plus I do believe we have a supply of duridium." I was glad to finally finish, I just hoped I covered everything. * * * Brie Several blips had appeared on Brie’s screen. A quick count revealed eight more Raiders. Although her high engine was history, if she and Skyler just stayed where they were for a centon or so, enough to let the Cylons come to them, they would have a better chance. “Back in a flash,” Skyler said before Brie even had a chance to tell him to stay put.
Brie sat in her Viper, silently fuming. Skyler wasn’t disobeying orders, since she hadn’t given any, but he also wasn’t thinking logically. In the back of her mind she couldn’t help but think about how important he had become in her life. She had just allowed herself to admit that Turner was dead, she couldn’t face the idea of losing Skyler as well.
In just a centon or two all eight Raiders had been destroyed. “Hopefully that’s the last of them,” Skyler said calmly.
Before saying a word, Brie took a deep breath. No sense in letting her anger show at the moment. “How’s your fuel?”
“Almost dry.”
“Mine too.” She readjusted her scanner. “Good thing the Callisto is close.” She noticed several red blips moving away from the ship. “Looks like they’re launching more Vipers. Means we’re not needed around here any more, they can take care of any stragglers.” Brie remained silent until they were close enough to make preparations to land. Whether or not Skyler noticed her silence, Brie couldn’t tell. * * * Upon landing Brie and Skyler reported to the bridge. Since Commander Sheba and Colonel Charybdis were both busy, they gave their report to Major Joey. “There were at least 75 Raiders to start off with,” Brie explained. “Lieutenants Hawke and Najinn were supposed to see if they could follow a couple, to see if they could find their base star. Any reports on casualties?”
“None yet,” Joey answered. “They’re still too far out.”
“Thanks,” Brie said. “Skyler and I will stay close by, in case the Commander needs anything from us.”
Skyler looked surprised. “I was going to request permission to go back out there once my Viper has been refueled.”
“Permission denied, Captain,” Brie said a little louder than she had intended. “You’ve just returned from a draining mission, if your Viper is needed it will be temporarily reassigned to a fresh pilot.” Joey seemed to notice the tension in Brie’s voice, she returned to what she had been doing before the report.
Brie took a couple of steps, Skyler close behind. “Major,” he said, knowing that on the bridge things needed to stay official, “what’s wrong?”
“Not here,” Brie said. “Follow me.” They went to one of the smaller rooms on the side. She wasn’t sure, as she closed the door, what she was going to say. She wasn’t even sure what was wrong. She just knew that she was upset. * * * Agelastus Looking at stars tends to get boring after a while. I was spending a lot of time trying to refine my sensor data of the Cylon vessel I’d spotted, preparing a data squirt for the Callisto as soon as I entered range. I was starting to get an uncomfortable feeling about it. Almost the same feeling that I’d had the one time I met Count Iblis, all those yahrens ago.
I started slightly. Why had that thought come into my head? I hadn’t thought of Iblis in years, the meeting had been too brief to warrant attention. Although, come to think of it, that had been the first time I’d shared more than a single word or grunt with the Commander, Sheba.
A tone sounded from my panel, a pre-arranged signal that I was close enough to the Callisto’s projected position that my scanner should be able to pick it up. And, sure enough, there she was. Off my port flank it appeared that a group of Cylons had been intercepted by a flight newly launched from the Callisto. I glanced at my fuel indicator as I brought my engines up from standby, and winced. Barely enough to land, let alone engage in the fight.
“Callisto Core systems, this is Gold backup two. Request landing clearance and approach vector.” Almost as an afterthought I added, “Make it fast, please. I’m running a tad dry out here.”
From my com, a dulcet voice sounded. “Callisto core systems, acknowledged. You are cleared for landing in Alpha bay, approach vector one-six. We will guide you from the outer marker.”
“Confirmed, Callisto. I have a data package ready for evaluation, please acknowledge receipt,” as I pressed the transmit button.
“Receipt acknowledged, Gold backup two. Welcome back.”
My landing might have looked textbook from an observer’s point of view. In my Viper cockpit it was anything but. My high turbo gave up trying to burn vapour just past the outer marker, and most of the rest of my engine array was on the verge of misfiring as I crossed the Callisto’s atmosphere interface and slid to a halt in the bay proper. I breathed a sigh of relief that I hadn’t missed my approach, or, even worse, smashed into the Callisto’s hull in a suddenly non-responsive Viper.
Around me I could see tech’s swarming towards my bird. Popping my canopy, I breathed deeply of the marginally fresher, if still tainted, air of Alpha Bay. Then I coughed slightly as an errant breath of wind from the recyclers carried the tang of charred Viper paint to my nostrils. Leaning slightly out and forward as I prepared to exit, I could see that much of the paintwork of my forward section was charred black in great lurid stripes.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:12:56 GMT -6
Agelastus
“Hmm, definitely a little low,” I muttered as I climbed down and prepared to face the crew chief awaiting me. This man was clearly a grizzled veteran, an old hand at fixing the mistakes of the Warriors who flew his babies into combat. I knew him. Caledon, a veteran from the Galactica who had patched up more Vipers than I’d had bad dreams. Which made him something of a legend, in his own quiet way.
Not that he’d ever had a lot of time for me.
“Atmosphere skipping again, Ensign?” He also tended to use ranks rather than the more customary sirs or ma’ams. I always wondered if in my case he was using it as a club. I had been a lieutenant in the distant past on the Galactica.
“Just a little. Hazard of the job.”
“I thought you’d settled down a bit, Ensign.” I definitely caught a hint of sarcasm in Caledon’s voice that time! Moving around to the rear of my Viper, I studied the tanks. Strange. There was no obvious sign of damage, yet my fuel had been running down like a tipped tankard of ambrosa towards the end of my flight there.
“Caledon, my fuel usage seemed a little high, but I don’t see any damage to the tanks. Have a couple of your boys run a fuel consumption analysis, please. And check the tanks thoroughly too. I must have damaged them when I did my atmosphere skip.”
“Of course, Ensign.” If there was one thing Caledon hated, it was being told how to do his job. Which, of course, was precisely why I did it. I had no idea why he seemed to be especially hostile towards me, and, to be honest, I’d never felt inclined to try and find out. He never let his personal gripes affect his performance – and he was good.
Moving away from my Viper, I could see techs working on at least two other Gold squadron ships, one of them bearing the markings of the Major’s Viper. At least two of my colleagues had made it back in one piece.
Squaring my shoulders, I moved towards the lift that would take me up towards a cross route and into the heart of the Callisto. I might have transmitted my data, but I still had to report.
Besides, the loss of a fellow pilot had to be reported in person. That was a tradition among certain elements of the Warrior fraternity.
This was not going to be pleasant. * * * Skyler Brie had stormed into the empty room, and threw her helmet across the room, where it bounced off a wall and came to rest in the corner. She reached over and keyed in her security code to lock the door and turned to face Skyler. Skyler stood looking at her, waiting for her to unload onto him.
Brie walked over to him and punched him in the chest. He could of have blocked it, but he didn't, she hit him again, and again, the anger rapidly pouring out of her with each blow. When she was reduced to little more than light nudges, Skyler reached out and pulled her close and she let go of her barriers and broke down...
"Skyler, what kind of fool stunt do you think that was, taking off after those raiders alone, no matter your reason, you know you would have been killed. Do you have any idea how I would have felt watching you get vaped, and knowing you did it to save me, do you want to see me end up in the nut house again?"
"Major, I..."
"Skyler, cut the rank felgercarb, it’s just me and you in here. Skyler and Brie, that’s all, right now there is no major and captain.”
"Brie, I know how you felt, just like I couldn't leave you behind in a crippled ship, knowing you would be killed. It would have destroyed me as well." * * * Brie “So you get yourself killed, then I’m alone, no high engine, facing the raiders anyway. It wasn’t a good move, Skyler.” Brie’s anger had subsided, but she didn’t want him to know that she was still crying. She had always prided herself on being able to control her emotions, but lately she felt as all she did was cry.
“I’m sorry,” Skyler said quietly. “I didn’t think it through. Besides,” he said with a smile, “it was only eight raiders. You took on 12 by yourself earlier.”
“And lost my high engine,” Brie said. “I’m the one who should say that I’m sorry. I haven’t been acting very rationally when I’m around you lately.”
“Are you okay?” Skyler asked. If she only had a cubit for every time someone had asked her that lately...
“Being a widow after all this time is a lot tougher than I had expected,” Brie said. Once again, she was crying on his shoulder.
There was something so calming about being held by Skyler again. It was the only place anymore where she felt safe, protected, cared for. Taking a deep breath but not moving, she spoke quietly. “The thought of losing you like that...it just seems lately that everyone I love ends up dying too young. Turner, my parents, everyone I grew up with...”
“What did you say?” Skyler asked.
Brie immediately realized her mistake. “Everyone I grew up with,” she repeated. She didn’t move, she didn’t want to look at Skyler after what she had just admitted.
“Before that,” Skyler said.
“My parents?”
“Before that.”
“Turner?”
“Before that.”
Brie thought quickly. “I said everyone I’ve ever cared about has died.”
“That’s what I thought you said,” Skyler lied. * * * Skyler Much to Brie's delight, Skyler had let it drop. She could tell he had heard her the first time. Her emotions were to close to the surface, she should never had let that slip, or did she, deep down mean for it to slip out.
He had just heard Brie say she loved him... did he hear it right..? The word echoed around in his head, did she really love him, or had he misunderstood her? She was his Commanding Officer, and one of his closest friends. He knew he had feelings for her he had kept hidden, but did she feel the same? He looked down at her head resting on his chest, felt the warmth of her against him. He wanted to hold her forever, to protect her from harm. He wanted to look her in the eyes and tell her what he was feeling, but he knew he couldn't, he was afraid it would destroy what they had. No matter how big and brave he was, how many dangerous missions he faced, or how outnumbered he was in battle with odds Starbuck wouldn't even bet on, losing what he had with Brie scared him more than it all combined. The mere thought of losing her hurt him worse than when Mara left, or even when Kellie had died he finally confessed to himself......
Closing his eyes he focused his thoughts.... 'You are a Colonial Warrior, nothing more, never less....'
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:14:06 GMT -6
Skyler
Brie and Skyler stood there for centons, holding each other, neither wanting the moment to end, but knowing it had to before long. Brie was the first to move as she pulled away from Skyler. She looked up into his eyes as he looked at her. She had looked into his eyes numerous times and seen compassion, friendship, but this time she felt as if she were looking straight into his heart. At the very micron she knew, without a doubt that he had the same feelings for her.
Skyler stood looking into Brie's eyes, and at once knew he had heard her correctly. A warmth rushed over his body, he wanted to smile, but didn't dare give away the fact he knew something.
At that micron, it hit both of them like a run away Battlestar that their guards were down, and that the other was seeing what they were feeling and both turned their heads away.
"Um, Skyler, we have probably been in here long enough....." fixing her gaze on a display on the wall.
"Yeah, we should at least, um, check on the rest of the squadron, and....." staring at her discarded flight helmet.
"and see if our services are needed with....um...." taking a quick glance at him, hoping he wasn't looking
"With the battle or errr, whatever else is going on now..." cutting his eyes to look at her, also hoping she wouldn't notice it. * * * Agelastus I didn’t exactly hurry on my way to Command.
Of course, I wasn’t exactly dawdling either. I just tended to take the route that used the least number of lifts and the most number of ramps and ladders. It can be quite surprising how far one can actually walk on a battlestar to a newcomer.
As I walked, I noticed things in my depression that I’d missed before. From the flickering light on the main ramp up from Alpha Bay to the quarter-closed blast door two decks below Command there were too many malfunctions. Maintenance was starting to have too much to keep up with, onboard parts stores were running dry and recycling capacity was becoming overloaded. The Callisto had been absent from the fleet’s industrial base, limited as it was, for to long. We needed to find the Galactica soon before all these minor faults, certainly on the list for correction, developed into major problems.
Any sufficiently advanced industrial base would do, of course. Even cannibalising the derelict I’d spotted might turn up useful components.
Although the antiquity of its’ design hadn’t been a hopeful sign, of course.
I entered Command from the port side, using my walk towards the central dais to look around for senior officers. Not spying the Commander or the Colonel, I realised that it would have to be Major Lucian who received my report. Perhaps appropriately, given his responsibilities regarding flight operations.
He was moving from station to station, in the kind of calm, controlled fashion that fools no veteran as to the absence of nervousness. Muted, of course, and perhaps not even consciously felt. But this system had already revealed a full squadron of Raiders of mixed type, and the derelict remains of one larger vessel.
As I approached, I realised that the Major may even have been studying my data as he leaned over his fellow bridge officer’s station. Although glimpsed, I thought I recognised the cerulean flash of Delta’s chaotic clouds.
As I approached he turned and straightened. A shadow seemed to pass across his face as he registered my expression. Occasionally, I’ve been described as “grim death”. Today my face must have shown something along those lines.
“Welcome back, ensign,” he said. “I’m glad you made it back in one piece.”
His sentiment was probably genuine. As a warrior and officer he’d always been known for the care he awarded his men.
“Sir,” I saluted. No point in delaying the moment. “I regret to report the death in combat of Lieutenant Artus whilst I was serving as his wingman.”
The bridge officer at the console turned, a surprising if understandable breach of discipline.
“What happened?” the major asked quietly.
So I explained, the fight, the communications problems, the new assignments, my atmosphere skip……………Artus’ seeming death ride. My fault.
“You’re positive his Viper was destroyed?”
“It dropped straight off my scan sir. He was out of visual range, but I’ve no reason to doubt that it was a clean kill.” The major winced slightly at my choice of terminology. ”There was no unusual scan distortion at the time………….” I trailed off slightly, remembering that odd flicker, more subconsciously felt than observed. I wondered if the major had noticed my lapse into contemplation.
“And how do you rate your performance, ensign?” Major Lucian continued, more conversationally than inquisitorially. In a way he seemed just to be going through the motions. Artus’ reported death was affecting him deeply, but he was a Colonial warrior to the bone. Duty first. Duty last, Duty always.
I tensed, having been ready for this question. Ready with my answer too. Maybe guilt was making me even more reckless – or, for once, honest.
“Poor, sir.”
I felt no need for further elaboration. I’d allowed myself to be separated from the main group of warriors, I’d chosen a reckless course of action at least partially out of frustration at being forced to swap wingmen in combat, I’d ignored the dangers inherent in an atmosphere skip and this had most likely led to myself almost becoming a statistic. Ultimately, my failure to consider the implications of local communications conditions had resulted in the death of a fellow warrior – the warrior whose back I should have been guarding.
I awaited the major’s response tensely. He looked sombre….
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:14:46 GMT -6
Lucian “Sir, I regret to report the death in combat of Lieutenant Artus whilst I was serving as his wingman.”
It had only happened a few times in his tenure on the Bridge, but each time it was a heavy blow. Warriors, to other Warriors, were brothers and sisters, not just a name or number, no matter how well you knew them. In Artus’ case, Lucian barely knew him at all, but it still hurt. Still, there was always hope in a case like this, as long as positive identification hadn’t occurred. He asked the question, “You’re positive his Viper was destroyed?”
“It dropped straight off my scan sir….”
Lucian listened to the rest of the response, but that was pretty definitive. Another loss to the family of Warriors. Somewhere, he wondered whether Artus actually had blood family left. Unfortunately, though he’d studied the normally accessible files of all the Warriors aboard the Callisto, he really couldn’t remember.
Agelastus looked as if it was weighing heavily upon him. Lucian knew that would be the case, and that if he wasn’t careful, that “weight” would only increase. Then, there would, or course, be an investigation which would add to whatever Agelastus’ current feelings. Lucian decided to ask the telltale question directly, rather than put it off, since he had to know if Agelastus would be ready to fly again immediately if called.
“And how do you rate your performance, Ensign?”
“Poor, sir.”
Based on Agelastus’ expression, Lucian was almost expecting that response. Still, he had hoped….
“Ensign, I’d tell you to come with me for a walk, but unfortunately, we’re still in the midst of this little battle. I’m needed here, because this is my duty station. If I am out of pocket, someone has to step in for me, and then someone has to step in for that person, and so on. My action would affect far more than just myself. You’re situation is similar. You are a Warrior with an important job, and your ability to do that job, do it consistently, and do it well, is of paramount importance to our ship and our people. You say your performance was ‘poor,’ but that feeling is to be expected when your wingmate is killed. I wasn’t there, so I need your honest opinion, since we don’t have the time or personnel at the moment to allow us to sit down and hash this out. We’ll do that later when time allows. For now, the real question is this: was your performance ‘poor’ to the point that you feel you would endanger others if placed in similar circumstances now, or have you learned enough in the situation to allow you to carry on with your job in a satisfactory manner?”
While Lucian felt saddened by the loss of Lieutenant Artus, he hoped the fleet was not about to loose another Warrior as a result of the incident as well…. * * * Agelastus “……………real question is this: was your performance ‘poor’ to the point that you feel you would endanger others if placed in similar circumstances now, or have you learned enough in the situation to allow you to carry on with your job in a satisfactory manner?”
The major’s question was exactly as I’d expected. It had to be asked; my own hang-daggit expression and self-assessment had guaranteed it.
However, in a situation that guaranteed a post mission inquiry, a little obvious remorse and self-examination often went a long way – and I felt I was to bad an actor to risk anything less than total immersion in my role. Command always liked a pilot to at least appear to learn from his “mistakes”. Despite the litany that had run through my mind as I prepared that response, there was only one action I really regretted. My communications gaffe. That had been a newby mistake, a sign that I’d been absent from real combat situations for to long.
Actually, I was feeling angrier with Artus than sad that he was gone. After all, in all my time on the Callisto I couldn’t recall sharing more than a couple of words with him. However, with my record and with Killjoy reappearing in my life as a senior officer with a security attachment the inevitable inquiry into the loss of my wingman, normally little more than a formality, had the potential to be crippling.
Besides, back on the Callisto, my mind was racing. And walking up all those decks had given me time to think in a situation where I wasn’t in immediate danger of dying in cold and heat.
I’d realized that Artus’ actions had had a suicidal edge to them. After all, he’d last been seen attempting a one-on-one engagement with no support against a Cylon base-ship – and unlike Starbuck and Apollo, without exploding planets or rampaging legends around to help.
I needed to think. I needed to stay on flight duty. But mostly, I needed to be off the Command level.
This had to be said carefully.
“Sir, I do not believe so. I’ve seen my fellow Warriors die before.” Too callous! “I believe my performance was not representative of my abilities. It appears that I have become, if I may use the term, “rusty” during my long spells off flight duty, and on uneventful patrols.” Better, but not by much! A warrior is supposed to be always at his peak. “My combat record speaks for itself – this is the first wingman I’ve lost.” Surprisingly enough, this was true. My combat record was good; in this respect, better than most other warriors. The rest of my record wasn’t as good, of course……..
I awaited the Major’s response.
Now, why was that flicker nagging at my mind? Somewhere…. * * * Lucian Lucian watched as Ensign Agelastus struggled with his answer, saying, “Sir, I do not believe so. I’ve seen my fellow Warriors die before. I believe my performance was not representative of my abilities. It appears that I have become, if I may use the term, ‘rusty’ during my long spells off flight duty, and on uneventful patrols. My combat record speaks for itself – this is the first wingman I’ve lost.”
Was that a hint of denial? People management, one of the primary responsibilities of Bridge Crew members, sometimes presented Lucian with difficulties. Having grown up and spent most of his adult life in the limited confines of the Odyssey 9, with its very limited staff, Lucian had been somewhat shocked at what he faced when he joined the fleet, first as a cadet aboard the Galactica, and then as an officer aboard the Callisto. His service as Squadron Leader had done much to get him ready for service on the Bridge, but he still had occasional doubts as to whether he could read people as well as he should. In Ensign Agelastus’ case, the more he thought about it, the more serious his doubts became, with the little warning klaxons sounding more insistently and ever louder in the confines of his mind.
Spotting what appeared to be potential trouble nearby, he said, “Ensign, stay right there. I will return in a couple of centons.” He went over to another station and conversed quietly with Lieutenant Swensson. While there, he accessed the adjacent station, and looked back and forth between the two monitors. Swensson, following the whispered order, studied his monitor intently, making no effort to see the other screen. Moments later, after studying the second screen, Lucian pointed to Swensson’s console and nodded. Swensson’s hands flew over the keyboard, and moments later, after exiting the program on the other monitor, Lucian returned to Ensign Agelastus.
“Problem, Sir?” the Ensign asked.
“It’s always something,” said Lucian dryly. “But now, it’s back to your situation. Ensign, we must come to a resolution. As we’ve discussed, there will be an investigation. The Techs will have downloaded your flight log by now. I am going to make a copy of this available to you for programming purposes. After you’ve confirmed the status of your Viper, sync your log to operate on the SIM. That will basically reproduce your flight so it can be shown on the SIM. Lieutenant Resonat, who is in charge of the SIM’s Training, can help you with that if you need it.” Agelastus knew Nat from his training period aboard the Callisto, so he nodded. “Then, when it’s ready and we’re out of this current situation, a senior officer will monitor the replay of the mission with you. By doing this, we might discover more about what happened so we can make any changes necessary. Now, Ensign, I have duties. You’re dismissed.”
After Agelastus’s parting words and departure, Lucian thought of what he’d seen on the monitor. He hoped he was making the right decision in trusting the honesty and judgment of this repeat ensign. Despite the fellow’s past record, which had been a big red flag since he was recommissioned after completing retraining, Lucian felt that there was a chance Agelastus would, eventually anyway, be a valuable member of the Callisto.
But just in case, he turned to another monitor. After adding yet another layer of top-secret encryption, he copied it to a disc that he discretely withdrew from the writer. He succeeded in placing it in his pocket without anyone seeing, and then moved on to check the status of the rest of the returning members of Gold Squadron.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:15:33 GMT -6
Brie Brie wasn’t embarrassed by what was happening with Skyler. She was confused, elated, upset, sad, thrilled and surprised, but not embarrassed. She realized that with the exception of her late husband, she felt more comfortable with Skyler than anyone she had ever known. The fact that he was feeling the same towards her was both wonderful and terrible at the same time. It made no difference whatsoever if they had feelings for each other. With their positions in the squadron, there was nothing they could do about it.
Making her way to the door, Brie made a simple statement. “I would hate to think that this was our last mission working together.”
“Me too.” Skyler understood.
Punching in her code to unlock the door, Brie waited for the familiar “whoosh” sound. It didn’t happen. She tried again. Still nothing. “Frack!”
“What’s wrong?” Skyler asked.
“Looks like we’re locked in here,” Brie said quietly. * * * Brie Not sure what else to do, Brie tried the comm unit. It was crackling badly, but she was able to speak with Major Joey. She explained the situation about the door. “We’ll send someone to work on it, but it will be a while. It’s probably electrical,” Joey explained through the noise for the second time. “You’d better make yourself comfortable.”
“Any news on Gold Squadron?” Brie asked.
“What? I didn’t copy.”
“Any news on Gold Squadron?” Brie asked again.
“Ensign Agelastus has been talking to Lucian, I assume he’s giving him a report,” was Joey’s reply.
“Is Artus with him?”
“I haven’t seen him,” Joey said.
“How about Hawke or Najinn?” Brie wondered.
“Not a word.”
Brie thought for a moment. “If you don’t hear from them in 10 centons you should probably list them as overdue, they should have been back by now. How about Amy or Marcus? Did they head back out?”
The silence from the other side caused Brie to repeat her question. “Um,” Joey started slowly, “Amy has disappeared. No one knows where she is. She had a viper assignment but never left the Callisto.”
“She disappeared?” Brie asked. As Joey started try to explain, there was a loud crack. Brie looked at Skyler and shook her head slowly. “Looks like the comm is dead now. I guess we’re stuck for the time being.” * * * Skyler Skyler stood thinking about how much his life had change in the last few cycles. He had fallen for the one person he cared the most for, but due to his position, wasn't allowed to be with. He had let his guard down, and now she knew it as well. The plus to it was he now knew she felt the same way, but how would it effect them. Would she ever be able to trust him again, to come to him if she was hurting? He was shaken from his thoughts.
. Frack!
What s wrong? Skyler asked.
Looks like we re locked in here, Brie said quietly
Skyler locked around the room for a micron as Brie pulled out her communicator. He pulled a small red handled knife his father had given him as a boy and used one of the tool attachments to open the access panel for the door controls. He traced wires and recheck the conections. Nothing, no power at all. He looked for another access panel, but there were none. He was hoping to be able to 'hot wire' it open, but with no power source, it wouldn't happen.
Brie looked at Skyler and shook her head slowly. Looks like the comm is dead now. I guess we re stuck for the time being.
"Major, the power is out along this wall, (Skyler ran the blade to his knife along a row of exposed conectors showing that there was nothing happening) it could be a blown circut in the relay box on the bridge, or in the main electronics room, or any number of places between there and here. They could have it fixed in a mater of centons, or it cold be next cycle." Skyler glanced around the room. "If you want me to Major, I can try to find another way out, perhaps a ventilation shaft?"
"Skyler, its okay. They will get us out soon enough."
"Yes Ma'am"
"Whats up with this Ma'am and Major felgercarb again, you don't have too..."
Skyler cut her off... "Yes I do. I let my military bearing slip, I feel things for you I am not allowed to. I do not want to loose what we have. I don't want you to loose your faith in me either. I cannot allow myself to slip again. I must....."
Brie inturrupted him this time.. "Skyler," stressing just his name, and not a rank " we need to talk." * * * Brie "Skyler," Brie said, stressing just his name, and not a rank "we need to talk."
“Yes, Ma’am,” Skyler replied, determined not to let his guard down again.
“Would you please stop calling me that?” Brie asked. “You’re making me feel old.”
“Sorry. I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable.”
Although the room was small, there was a table with four chairs around it in the middle. Brie sat down, Skyler took the chair to her left. Brie had no idea what she wanted to say. She only knew that their relationship had been unexpectedly strained in the last few centons, and that something had to be done to fix it. “Skyler,” she said, stressing just his name again, “we both know that because of our positions in the squadron, we can’t...” Brie paused. What was it that they were avoiding? Dating? An exclusive relationship? Becoming lovers? Taking the seal? It seemed so strange to be talking about it. She had planned on keeping her feelings for Skyler a secret until she died. “We can only be friends,” she continued, looking at her own hands instead of at Skyler. “But I don’t think I’ve ever told you just how much your friendship means to me. Somewhere along the way you became my best friend. You’re the person that I count on the most, and I trust you more than anybody I’ve ever known. Ever.”
“You’re supposed to trust your second-in-command,” Skyler pointed out.
“You never saw me show up at Cain’s door needing to get drunk when he was SIC,” Brie said quickly. “There’s no way I could have made it through that without you. That should have been one of the worst nights of my life but it wasn’t. And we weren’t Major and Captain then, we were just friends, that’s all. This life that we’ve chosen for ourselves is difficult, but knowing that you’re there when I need you has made it just a bit easier. I only wish that I could be there for you half as much as you have been for me.”
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:16:17 GMT -6
Skyler Skyler reached over and took Brie's hand. She turned to look at him, he had dropped his guard again, on purpose this time.
"Brie, you are there for me, every micron of every cycle. You are in my every thought. Everything I do, I do it for you. I know we can only be friends as long as things are the way they are." Skyler paused for a micron... "You do not know the number of times I have thought of a transfer back to the Infantry. I have even filled out the forms several times, but can not bring myself to do it. I couldn't stand being apart from you like that. We might be able to develop a traditional 'relationship' if I wasn't in the squadron, but I doubt I could ever be any closer to you than I am now. I know I wouldn't be able to be there for you like I am now, and that means to much to give up." Skyler stopped again. He took a deep breath. "Brie, I love you more than life itself. I can not believe I am telling you, but I do. You are my best friend in the entire fleet. I trust you more than anyone, and will do anything for you. I spend most of my cycle with you, and when we are apart I think of you. You already know I would die for you, and when I dream, I dream of you. Brie, we already have a relationship, one closer and stronger than anyone in the Fleet. When we are alone, like we are now, I can and will relax my guard, but in front of everyone else.... Well you know how it has to be.." * * * Charybdis Lt. Aegina, status report on all vipers still out there!" I asked for a quick update. So many pilots had gone out, but precious few had come back by now. I wanted a full accounting of where everyone was or at least, was last known to be.
And the situation with Amy was frustrating to say the least. Still no word from anyone as to her whereabouts. Frack! * * * Agelastus "........I am going to make a copy of this available to you for programming purposes. After you’ve confirmed the status of your Viper, sync your log to operate on the SIM........."
The major's words had not been reassuring, to say the least.
Maybe I'd made a mistake in agitating (quietly, of course) for a return to more "active" missions other than the "daggit-patrols" I'd been stuck on for the last two yahrens.
Still, orders were orders. My log I'd have to stop by the computer centre to get, since the techs would certainly have downloaded my Viper's memory core by now. My Viper's status, though, was likely only to be ascertainable from the crew in Alpha bay at this point, since it seemed that the major hadn't been able to access even a preliminary report at this point.
More exercise.... * * * Lucian Commander Apollo listened intently to Major JustinB’s report. The situation aboard the Callisto didn’t sound great, but then again, it didn’t sound too bad either. Sheba, being her usual intense, driven, and totally unapproachable self wouldn’t let it get too bad if it was in her power to change the situation. Even as Justin continued his report, Apollo’s attention turned to the situation with the fleet. It suddenly sounded a great deal better than it had in quite some time. Bringing the Callisto back into the fray might just allow the fleet to escape the current mess, he thought, with a little luck and the Lords’ blessings, that is.
As Justin closed his report, he mentioned duridium. Apollo and Starbuck glanced at each other quickly in surprise. Apollo nodded to Justin and said, “Major, thank you for your report. We are truly glad the situation, though tense, and probably intense, has been workable, and I cannot tell you how much the news of the Callisto’s return will encourage our people.”
“Yeah, I suspect that it is racing through the fleet at the speed of light about now,” said Starbuck, grinning. “Of course, if the Callisto isn’t right with us within the next centar or so, SOMEONE will probably be ranting that the return is a hoax, and that you don’t exist, and that ‘news’ will blaze through the fleet at the same speed as the first. So, enjoy ‘existence’ while you have it.”
Apollo nodded and said, “What the Colonel is telling you, in a roundabout way, is that President Tigh’s power is largely being usurped by the Council. He only has a couple of real allies, and a couple of others he can draw upon occasionally. He’s holding the Presidency by the lack of unity of his enemies, who seemingly hate each other slightly more than they hate him. But for now, he holds it.”
“Now, Major,” said Starbuck, “you said something about having some duridium? Just how much did you folks manage to find on your little adventure? You see duridium is what got us into this current mess.”
“I’m a Squadron Leader, Sir, not a forgemaster, but I’d suspect it’s enough to help, but not as much as you’d like,” said Justin.
Starbuck chuckled and said, “I’d say you’re probably right.” He paused for Apollo to continue the briefing.
“When we arrived in the Pangara system, we sent out our survey ships to locate a jump point for the Krestania system,” carried on Apollo. “Since we’ve been low on duridium for the majority of the time the Callisto’s been away, we’ve programmed our Viper scouts to look for duridium, too. Surprisingly, one of our scouts detected a large supply of what appeared to be refined duridium on the third moon of Delta, though there was no other sign of activity anywhere in the sector. This was clearly an anomalous reading in an uninhabited system, but the possibility that a freighter might have crashed on the planet had to be checked. We sent out a flight of Vipers….” His face had a pained expression as he paused to reflect.
Starbuck jumped back into the story. “But they didn’t come back,” he said grimly. “We knew something was up, but not exactly what, so we searched…and found nothing, so we prepared to leave the system. Departing for the jump point, we discovered that the system wasn’t quite as empty as we thought. There were two Cylon baseships bracketing our primary jump point.”
Starbuck paused upon seeing the surprised look on the faces of both the Callisto Warriors... * * * Rose Rose walked around there in the landing bay for a while there on the Galactica. She wasn't sure what she and the others were supposed to be doing while JustinB and Radurius were in a meeting with Cmdr Apollo. She was happy to see JustinB, for she thought that she would never see him again. While she was walking around a little there in the landing bay area, Rose wondered how things were going for JustinB during his meeting with Cmdr Apollo. She had heard things about the infamous Cmdr Apollo when he was still in command of one of the Squadrons, before taking over as Commander of the Galactica.
Rose walked back over towards her Viper to look it over. Not sure what else to do, Rose thought she might as well check over her Viper to see if there was anything that she could pick up on that might be in need of being fixed before she flying again. She figured she might as well do something useful while waiting to hear from JustinB and Randrius on how things went and what they would be doing next. * * * JustinB Hearing of the fleets encounter with two baseships, backtracking to their primary jump point surprised me.
"Commander, just how in Hades would have the Cylons known where to begin backtracking you flight path," I asked. "Is it possible there is a Spy in the fleet? It is very inpractible but could they have intercepted your communications?"
Commander Apollo and Colonel Starbuck looked at each other nervously. It was as if they knew something but wondering whether they should share it.
"One more question Sirs, and has it anything to do with why was the fleet going to Krestania?"
Once again Commander Apollo and Colonel Starbuck looked at each other. “Captain Randrius, would you excuse us for a few centons and wait on the bridge.” Once the door shut, Commander Apollo continued,”Major, this is off the record and for Commander Sheba’s ears only. President Tigh and I believe that there may be a traitor on the Quorum of Twelve, not so much to help the Cylons, but possibly to force the Galactica into one particular route or another. There is a feeling that many people just want to escape and settle on a planet somewhere, far away from the Cylons. Make sure Commander Sheba is given this information. I am counting on you Major.”
Finding out there might be a spy among the elected Quorum of Twelve, sent chills down spine. Looking at the Commander I said, “Sirs, first of all I am honored just being in your presence. Secondly, everyone thought we would be far from the Cylons in the Pangara system, too, so where would they find this supposedly safe planet this side of Earth? Also Sir an unusual request, I was wondering would you consider trading my viper for the newest the Galactica has to prove to Commander Sheba that the Galactica is back in town?”
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Post by LucianG on Apr 30, 2005 7:17:09 GMT -6
Lucian “Thank you, Major JustinB, but remember, we’re all doing our jobs, all Warriors. If you’re going to honor anything, all our Warriors deserve it. Now, as far as the rest, very good questions, Major. Where’s a safe planet? We’ll find one someday, but we have to get far enough away from the Cylons to let us choose our route without their knowledge. Why would anyone want to push us in one particular direction? Starbuck suspects that there’s a big pile of cubits driving this, but he’s not sure whose cubits or where.”
“Somebody always wants to make a killing on a deal,” said Starbuck with a smile, but then his smile faded and his face became deadly serious, “and, unfortunately, if there’s enough to be made, KILLING, as in the real thing, won’t deter some people from going after it.”
“We’re not sure yet, but there is some evidence that points to the traitor and supports Starbuck’s contention. We’re continuing to investigate from our end, but so far, have come up short on real evidence. Tell Sheba, but no one else. I’ll talk to her soon to give her more details.”
“Yes, Sir,” said Justin.
“Now, let’s bring Captain Randrius back in here to hear the rest of this,” said Apollo, motioning to Starbuck. The map shifted as Randrius walked back into the room.
Starbuck indicated the symbol of a Cylon baseship on the map. “We’ve also detected a third baseship near our fleet, which currently orbits in low orbit around Pangara Major Epsilon, fifth planet from the star, at the border between the Delta and Alpha Sectors. It flits in and out as if it knows where the Galactica is, so we haven’t been able to nail it...yet. We've picked up communications that make it sound as if there's a fourth one, somewhere near here." He pointed to Pangara Major Delta, far across the system in the Beta sector. This one may be Count Baltar's ship, but we haven't been able to verify that. It's in communication with something else in that same area. From what we can tell, it must be the biggest base this side of the Cylon homeworld, and it's on or near PM Delta. Most of the ships there are about 100 yahrens out of date, but we’ve found recently that they have newer ships, too, though those may have come from the Baseship. We believe it is a manufacturing facility, since we’ve since found, and destroyed, several Cylon freighters and their escorts. Still, these guys are harrying us like trained daggits, taking turns coming in when we’re tied up with another one. That’s why the Callisto’s presence must be the talk of the fleet.”
“Yes,” said Apollo. “We can break this deadlock and get out of here. Or perhaps,” and as Apollo continued, the look of dread spread across Starbuck’s face since Apollo was voicing his earlier thought, “we can have the Callisto find and destroy that base while we continue to protect the fleet, and maybe pick up that duridium in the process. We’re preparing an encrypted data disc for Commander Sheba since we don’t want to risk long-range communications within this system. The disc should be ready any moment. It contains everything we know on the base, along with our new IFF codes.”
Starbuck continued, “Yeah, as you probably know, our old codes were compromised by someone a few sectars ago, and the Cylons have been pretending to be Vipers. All of the Galactica’s ships have been changed, but you’ll need to get those on the Callisto updated as soon as you get back. We don’t want any trouble if the Galactica’s Warriors run into Callisto’s Warriors and somebody’s asleep at the stick.”
A soft buzz came from Apollo’s monitor. He glanced down then said, “Your Vipers are ready when you are.”
Justin was about to ask his question again, when Starbuck said, “We’re sending a brand new Scarlet Viper and the data disc with Major JustinB to back up his story. We’ll you’re your old Viper overhauled and will return it when we meet again. Captain Randrius, I understand that your Viper has been extensively modified, so we didn’t outfit a Scarlet Viper for you since we don’t have time to transfer any of your modifications to it. If all goes well, we’ll be sending some to the Callisto very soon, and we’re hoping we can relieve you of that duridium you mentioned.”
Apollo stood up. “Now, before your prepare to depart for the Callisto, do you have any questions?”
* * *
Far from the Galactica, in an area totally unexpected by the Commander of the Galactica, a figure flanked by two Centurion's entered the Command Chamber. The IL's scintillating colors played off their armor as they walked.
The command tower rotated, and from the top came a raspy voice, with a bit of mechanical twang, "Lucifer, what news?" * * * JustinB "Nothing comes to mind Commander, except I was wondering before our return to Callisto, if I might grab something to eat. It has been centars since I had anything." I asked.
"Permission granted Major, just be as quick as you can. I need Sheba to have that information on that data disk ASAP, not to mention the Callisto and all her warriors. Major, Captain, May the Lords of Kobol Be with You." he replied.
As we walked out of the War Room, I turned to Randrius. "Randrius, while I get some rations for our officers, see if you the Galactica has picked up the Callisto on Long Range Scans. I doubt she stayed put with cylons in the system. Hopefully she is looking for us right now. I will meet you in the Launch Bay with the rest of the flight."
"Yes JustinB, I will get right on it." Randrius replied. As I was about to leave the bridge, I looked towards the War Room and then at Lt Colonel Athena. What a tale we will be able to tell when we arrive back on the Callisto. * * * Stadia Stadia stared out the observation window thinking of Marcus. She was wishing he was here so she could tell him the news. They were going to have a little Marcus running around.
She knew that she was grounded indefinitely but it didnt stop her from wishing she was out there with Marcus. She wondered how he was doing. if he was still aliive.
Stadia shook the thought out of her head. She had to believe he was coming back to her and there child.
Stadia walked out of the officers club and headed to the bridge to see if there was anything she could do to help. The situation was tense and she didnt want to be by herself.
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