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Post by Brie on Jun 4, 2005 11:45:04 GMT -6
“Turner!” Brie screamed his name, opening her eyes and lifting her head for the first time. At first she didn’t realize where she was.
Commander Apollo jumped in his chair, then quickly got up and opened the door, calling for a doctor. Smiling, he approached Brie. “I still dream of Serena all the time. She seems to come to me when I have things to work out in my head. I know that she’s not really there, but it somehow helps.”
Brie was slightly frantic. “Sir, it wasn’t their fault. Their ship had been invaded. They didn’t know who to trust. I don’t blame them for what happened to me.”
Apollo was confused. “Who?”
“The Agro Ship workers,” Brie replied. “They thought I was working with Pierce. But I wasn’t. I...” Brie noticed for the first time that her wrists were restrained, although it wasn’t tightly like when she had been in the Catharsis Center. She also spotted Enoch and Jared guarding the door. “I didn’t escape, Sir. Pierce broke me out. He drugged me, and...”
“I know, Major,” Apollo said quietly. “We need to talk. It’s time you heard the whole story.”
At that micron the door opened and the surgeon who had operated on Brie walked in. He was obviously surprised. “So THAT’S the color that your skin is supposed to be. I thought you were going to stay computer geek pale. I’m Doctor Ellis.” He stopped next to Brie’s bed. “You want to sit up some?” Brie nodded, and he raised the head of the bed. “Let’s see, your numbers all look good. How are you feeling?”
“I’m hungry,” Brie replied honestly. “Any chance of a veggie burger and some fries?”
Doctor Ellis laughed. “Let’s give it a couple of centars, and then maybe we’ll try some soup.”
“Cream of mushroom?” Brie asked hopefully.
“Plain bovine broth,” Ellis replied.
“No thanks,” Brie said. “I’m a vegetarian, I’d rather starve.”
“Okay, I’ll put you down for veggie broth. Maybe.” He took a step forward and reached down to the restraint on Brie’s wrist. “No need for these anymore,” he said, undoing one and then the other. “We couldn’t risk you waking up and messing up any of your tubes. Commander, please excuse us for a centon.” The surgeon pulled a screen around Brie, allowing for some privacy for the examination.
Although there was some minor discomfort Brie felt better than she had in a long time. “How did I get here, on the Galactica?” she asked.
“We’re on the Callisto,” Ellis replied while he worked. “Commander Apollo shuttled over to see you. What’s the last thing you remember?”
Brie thought for a micron. “I was talking to Justin on the Agro Ship, then everything went black. There was something about Amy tending bar, and then I woke up here.”
“Amy tending bar?” Ellis repeated. “We knew that you were dreaming. What happened was that you passed out on the Agro Ship, Major JustinB brought you back here in his viper, and you were rushed into surgery. Quite honestly I doubted that you would make it. One of your ribs was shattered, it’s amazing that you were even able to move, let alone keep walking after that happened. There were bone fragments everywhere, causing a lot of internal bleeding. All broken bones have been repaired or replaced, but I hope you weren’t too fond of your spleen.”
“Can I live without it?” Brie asked.
“You’ll be more susceptible to infections so we’ll have to keep a close eye on you but yes, you can live without it. But you’re a fighter. You’ve got a strong will to live. I could tell that from operating on you.”
“Why?”
“Your heart stopped twice during surgery,” Ellis informed her. “You shouldn’t have made it. But you did. It was after the surgery that your numbers started to go down. Made me wonder just what it was that you were dreaming about. I had no idea it was Amy as a bartender.”
“How is Amy?” Brie asked, concerned.
Doctor Ellis sighed. “Last I heard, she’s still physically alive but they were preparing to harvest her organs. At least some good will come out of her death.”
Brie wiped a tear from her face. As she returned her hand to her side, it brushed against something. She picked it up, it was a Black Squadron patch. “Justin was here,” she muttered to herself.
“We’re done for now,” Ellis said, pulling back the curtain. “Commander, she’s all yours. It looks like she’s going to be just fine.” Doctor Ellis left the room.
“Brie,” Apollo started slowly, “we really need to talk.”
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Post by Brie on Jun 6, 2005 11:57:39 GMT -6
"Brie," Commander Apollo started slowly, "we really need to talk."
"I know," Brie replied quickly, looking away. "Doctor Ellis told me that they're preparing to harvest Amy's organs. I know that's what she would have wanted."
"Brie..." Apollo said.
"And I know what that means for me," Brie continued. "The full sentence in the brig. That's okay, Sir. I was found guilty and I'm willing to accept my punishment."
"Brie!" Apollo repeated a little louder.
Brie just kept talking. "But Sir, I do have one favor to ask. If it's not too late, could I see Amy one more time before she dies?"
"I'll see what I can do," Apollo said.
"Thank you Sir. I just want a chance to say good-bye. Then I'll accept my sentence. I guess that ten yahrens won't be all that long, compared to..."
"Brie, will you please shut up for a micron?" Commander Apollo was immediately embarrassed by his outburst. He took a deep breath to regain his composure. "You won't be going back to the brig," he said calmly.
"What, the Prison Barge?" Brie asked. "Did Commander Sheba change her mind about keeping me here?" A thought dawned on her. "Was I hurt seriously enough to permanently lose my flight status?"
"No, Major, it's nothing like that," Apollo replied. "What I'm trying to tell you is that you're free. The changes against you, they were faked."
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Post by Brie on Jun 7, 2005 15:07:27 GMT -6
Brie was speechless for several microns. “How do you fake charges?” she asked at last.
“It wasn’t easy,” Commander Apollo explained. “Let me start at the beginning. Back when the Callisto was separated from the fleet, I started picking up some coded transmissions. I was able to figure out bits and pieces, just enough to realize that something sinister was going on. When the Callisto finally found us, Major Curemode contacted me. He had heard similar transmissions on the Callisto. We worked together to decode them, and discovered that there was a plot in the works to take over the fleet. It was also obvious that the head of this plan had something against ‘The Great Traitor and the Widow’, and had passed that hatred along to his followers.”
“Pierce,” Brie said plainly.
“Yes, but we didn’t know that yet.” Apollo continued. “It wasn’t until you returned from your mission that we were able to put it all together. Pierce approached Curemode about filing charges right before we decoded a message that stated ‘The Widow of the Great Traitor will finally pay, and then our time will come.’ Everything fell into place. Curemode agreed to file the charges, hoping that out of hatred, Pierce would make a mistake.”
“So then came the Tribunal,” Brie whispered, unable to speak any louder. “You used me as bait.”
“Yes,” Apollo admitted. “Boleman was always a part of the plan. Major Buellah was as well. He was able to convince the other tribune members to find you guilty without telling them everything, just that it was for the good of the fleet, and that you would be freed eventually. Sheba of course knew what was happening, as did Captain Urdea.”
“Colonel Charybdis?” Brie asked hopefully. A lot would be explained if Charybdis had been part of the plan.
“No,” Apollo replied. “We wanted as few people to know as possible. And then after you were convicted, activity picked up. There was a small transmitter sewn into the clothes that you were given to wear, but I promise the only conversations that were recorded were the ones with Pierce. We were hoping that he would give something away.”
“He had already done that,” Brie stated. “When I was waiting for the verdict. He paid off a couple of blackshirts and came into the room where I was waiting. He admitted that he had killed Turner. In fact, it was those two,” she said, pointing at Enoch and Jared. “They shouldn’t be trusted.”
Commander Apollo smiled. “Officers Jared and Enoch are two of Captain Urdea’s most trusted men. They’ve worked hard for their reputation that they’re ‘dirty,’ in order to keep a close eye on the Security ranks, since there have been problems before. They were told to accept any bribes that Pierce might have offered, but they were also paying close attention at the door, to make sure you weren’t in any danger.”
“I almost strangled Pierce,” Brie said.
“They never would have let that happen. And the money they took has been set aside in a special fund for you.”
“I don’t want it,” Brie said quickly. “I don’t want anything that has to do with Pierce. Give it to the Frodarian refugees or someone else who needs it.”
“We’ve got plenty of time to figure that out,” Apollo commented.
“So why are they here now?” Brie asked. “If I’m no longer in trouble...”
“For your own safety,” Apollo explained. “Although we’ve found Pierce’s followers dead all over the fleet, some might have survived.”
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Post by Brie on Jun 8, 2005 12:46:35 GMT -6
“How many people committed suicide?” Brie asked.
“So far over 200 have been reported,” Apollo replied. “It’s an incredible shame. And we’re not sure how he got the suicide order out to the other ships in the fleet, since communications with the Agro Ship were out. He might have had a special transmitter of some kind.”
“Are the agro workers okay?” Brie wanted to know.
“They seem to be,” Apollo told her. “Nothing but minor injuries. I’ve heard that Ange is quite the hero. I’m pretty sure he shuttled over here. I saw someone who looked like him going in to visit Amy earlier.”
“You know Ange?” Brie was surprised.
“He used to be a warrior,” Commander Apollo said. “Blew out his knee, or something like that. It was before your time. Anything else you need to know?”
“What about the Livestock Ship?” Brie asked. “What happened there?”
“Captain Skyler is there with several Gold Squadron members at this micron,” Apollo replied. “We’re awaiting word.”
“Oh, so that’s why he hasn’t, wait a centon, ‘Captain’ Skyler?”
Commander Apollo smiled again. “Of course. You won the last election. The charges were false, so the court martial was as well. You’re Commanding Officer of Gold Squadron once again, Major.”
Brie started to laugh, but it hurt too much. “So Skyler returns from a mission and finds out he’s been demoted?”
“Somehow I get the feeling that he won’t mind,” Commander Apollo replied. He stood up and took a couple of steps towards the door. “Your file is also going to be modified. Turner was murdered like you said, so you were never paranoid or delusional. That will all be gone. Pierce confessed to everything he did to you, so a lot of changes will be made.” He took another step. “This is plenty for you to digest right now. I’m going to be here for a couple of cycles, I’ll stop in before I head back to the Galactica to see if you have any questions. But until then, is there anything I can do for you?”
“Yeah, a couple of things,” Brie told him. “Since I’m once again officially Gold Squadron leader and Amy is still a member of the squadron, I’d like all visitors to her to have to get permission from me. Her mother being the exception, of course.”
“I’ll let the medical staff know,” Apollo replied. “What else?”
“I’d like to speak to Abby as soon as possible,” Brie said. “And also Major JustinB. If that’s not too much trouble, Sir.”
“After all that I’ve put you through, it’s no trouble at all,” was Apollo’s response. “Why don’t you try to get some sleep?”
“No, Sir,” Brie replied. “I’m never sleeping again.”
“Why not?”
Brie smiled. “The last two times I’ve woken up it’s been in a drastically different place and I’m wearing different clothes. Quite frankly, Sir, I’m getting a little bit sick of it.”
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Post by Brie on Jun 9, 2005 15:19:07 GMT -6
Not wanting to think about what she would say to Justin, Brie switched on the IFB. Much to her surprise her surgeon, Doctor Ellis, was being interviewed by Zerra. “The only word I can think of to describe her recovery is miraculous, and I’m not a religious man,” he was saying.
“What do you think made the difference?” Zerra asked.
Ellis sat back in his chair. “The quick thinking of Major JustinB played a huge role in Brie’s survival. He got her back to the Callisto as quickly as he could. If she had waited for a shuttle she would have bled to death. Of course what the Major did was also risky, Brie was riddled with bone fragments from a shattered rib, and if she had died we would probably be saying that Major JustinB had done a very foolish thing.”
“What’s former Major Brie’s prognosis?” Zerra asked.
“I expect a full recovery,” Ellis informed her.
“Thank you, Doctor Ellis,” Zerra replied. She paused for a micron, listening to something in her earpiece. She smiled. “I have just been informed that in exactly one centar Commander Apollo himself will be joining me, to speak of the events that have transpired. He also has a major announcement to make. We’ll be back, after these messages.”
Brie switched off the IFB. She was pretty sure that the announcement had to do with her, but wasn’t sure what the reaction of the fleet would be.
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Post by JustinB on Jun 10, 2005 8:34:17 GMT -6
I made it to the Officers Club without having to be stopped by someone asking about what happened on the Agro ship. If I could slip into the Officers Club quietly, I might be spared interrogation from fellow warriors. As I walked in luck was on my side. Everyones eyes were fixated on the IFB broadcast with Zerra.
I sat in my usual seat in the dark corner. Zerra was now interviewing Doctor Ellis. I got Osh to deliver a tankard of ale. Just as I slipped him a cubit he pushed it back.
"This ones on me Major." Osh said with a smile. He retreated back to the bar. From the other side of the room I heard warrior talking about how Brie had awoken. Just my luck I guess. She might have punched me one had I been there. As quick as I arrived I left. I knew I was due for some sleep so I thought I'd pass by the Life Centre.
I stuck my head in and spoke to Holodoc, "So Doc, when did she come around?"
"Just after you left actually. She is going to recover one hundred percent. By the way she has asked to speak with you. I am sure she is still up, let me go in and see."
Before I could say not to worry about it, she was gone. I didn't know whether to stay or go as fast as I could.
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Post by Brie on Jun 10, 2005 12:50:00 GMT -6
Brie noticed that Enoch kept staring at her through the door. She motioned for him to come in. After speaking for a moment with Jared, he entered Brie’s room. “Major Brie,” he said with a slight quiver in his voice, “I just want you to know that we were just doing our job.”
“I understand,” Brie replied. “Commander Apollo filled me in. Although I do have one question.”
“What?”
Brie paused, trying hard to get the picture of Enoch accepting a bribe from Pierce out of her head. “In the brig there were locked doors, cameras in the cell, several guards...yet Pierce still managed to drug me and kidnap me. How is having a couple of guards at my door now going to make a difference? If someone wants me dead they’re going to try.”
“Pierce masterminded everything before,” Enoch replied. “And most of his followers are dead. Jared and I are just an added precaution, in case someone like Trula somehow manages to get out of her bed and go looking for you.”
“Trula’s here and not the brig?” Brie asked.
“From what I’ve been told she has a concussion,” Enoch said. “But I promise, she’s well guarded and restrained. She won’t get to you, and neither will anyone else.”
“Am I allowed visitors?” Brie asked.
“Now that you’re awake, yes,” Enoch told her. “We just need to get your permission.”
“Good,” Brie said. “Have you by any chance seen Major JustinB? I know he was here earlier. I really need to speak with him.”
“I saw him just a centon ago,” Enoch replied. “If he’s still here, I’ll send him right in.”
“Thanks,” was Brie’s reply. There was a lot she needed to say to Justin, if only he’d stay in the same room with her long enough to hear it.
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Post by JustinB on Jun 11, 2005 7:57:33 GMT -6
I decided to wait and see what would happen. I heard someone walking towards me. It was that no good Blackshirt Enoch. He stopped just short of the entrance.
"What do you want?"I asked.
"Major, theres no need for hostility here OK. Major Brie has asked me to ask you if you would come to see her. I saw Captain Holodoc on my way to you and she said you wanted to know about Major Brie. So are you coming or nor Sir?"
"Yeah OK then," I replied. I made may way to Brie's room with Enoch behind me. Something about him gave me the creeps.
I stopped at the room and paused. Did I want to see her? What did Brie want to see me about. My head spun and spun. 'Oh well better get it over with. I hesitated as I opened the door then opened it.
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Post by Brie on Jun 11, 2005 10:02:35 GMT -6
As Major JustinB entered the room, Brie’s mind went blank. All she could see was the hurt on his face. “You wanted to see me?” he said after several uncomfortable microns.
“Yeah,” Brie said, wishing he wouldn’t just stand next to the door. “I hear you saved my life. Thank you.”
“I was just doing my job,” Justin replied. “You would have done the same thing for me, or for anyone else.” There were several more microns of uneasy silence. “Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’ll let you get some rest.” He turned towards the door.
“Justin, I lied!” Brie said with so much exertion that it hurt. He turned back around. “If you’ll give me just five centons of your time, I’d like to tell you the real story. You need to hear it. But please, have a seat a little bit closer. I don’t have the energy to scream across the room.”
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Post by JustinB on Jun 12, 2005 3:42:15 GMT -6
Lied!!! About what I wondered. I looked at Brie in her weakened state but something about her said otherwise. I knew it would have been hard for her to thank me, as I knew she was a very proud person. I took a seat close to her and placed my hand on the bed and waited with baited breath to hear what she would tell me.
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