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Post by LucianG on Jan 28, 2007 17:53:50 GMT -6
“Major Lucian, I have orders for my team to debrief all of the survivors of the mission aboard the Cylon Base Star. We are to gather every possible bit of intel, no matter how small, so it’s critical that we get started right away before the team members forget anything important. You are to provide me with immediate access to all of them so we can get started at once,” said Flynt. Thumbing disgustedly at the Callisto’s intel chief, he continued, “Kotsalof here seemed to think that would might be a problem. I assured him it wouldn’t be. Now, I’m counting on YOU to prove my assertion.”
Lucian shook his head and said, “Colonel Flynt, I’m sorry, but Commander Sheba has already started the debriefing process with the Warrior that I believe you’ll agree were the critical team members. They’re recording preliminary statements and then getting some rest. They’ll all be available to you and your team tomorrow morning. You’ll have plenty of time during the jump to do all the questioning you’ll want.”
“Major, that’s not good enough. We need to start NOW,” said Flynt stretching himself up and over the desk that separated him from Lucian. Kotsalof’s eyes widened behind his thick glasses. His complexion almost matched the color of his gray hair.
“Colonel, I’m afraid that’s going to have to be good enough,” replied Lucian as calmly as he could, though he could feel the warmth as his face reddened. He knew he was starting to grow a bit angry at the impatient intelligence officer, but not nearly as angry it seemed as Flynt had become.
“NO! THAT’S NOT GOING TO HAVE TO BE GOOD ENOUGH, MAJOR! AS A RANKING OFFICER, I’M ORDERING YOU TO MAKE THEM AVAILABLE NOW. If you refuse that order, I'll have you clapped in the brig so fast it will make your head spin. Do I make myself perfectly clear, Major?”
Lucian shook his head to clear his ears and wiped what he suspected was spittle from his face. He stood up straight and then rocked forward to add a few more centimeters to his 1.73 meter height so his face was close to that of the Intel officer. He said, “Perfectly clear, Lietuentant Colonel Flynt; I won't refuse your order."
Flynt smiled for the first time in the entire conversation, but only momentarily as Lucian continued, "However, I am respectfully disregarding your order and am pretending that the previous part of this conversation has NOT taken place. As Officer of the Watch, this is my battlestar until I am relieved by Commander Sheba, Colonel Charybdis, or another more senior officer of this crew, or on direct orders from Fleet command. I read your orders prior to you coming onto my Bridge making a scene, and I see that you are here solely on temporary assignment, and that such orders were NOT included. Therefore Lieutenant Colonel, you have absolutely no authority to do any such thing as you have suggested. Unless you want me to contact Commander Apollo right now, YOU will back down, Lieutenant Colonel Flynt, and you WILL wait until tomorrow morning after we enter the jump to disturb those who have done their duty. I’ll make sure they are available to you at that time, but until then, you’ll march out that door and be escorted to your temporary quarters, either under your own free will or under armed security escort. Now, Colonel, DO I make MYSELF perfectly clear?”
Flynt stepped back slightly and paused momentarily before he said, “Tomorrow morning, as soon as the jump begins, I expect everyone involved to be ready. Major,” he said as he turned and exited the room.
As the door closed, Kotsalof wiped his brow and said quietly, "That could certainly have gone better."
Lucian grinned back at him as he said, "Oh, I suppose, Captain, but really, I think it went just fine as it was. Now, let's get back on the Bridge."
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Post by LucianG on Jan 28, 2007 19:00:18 GMT -6
Lieutenant Colonel Flynt rejoined his team members and said, "We're going to postpone start of debriefing until just after we enter the jump tomorrow morning. Everyone get a good rest."
"But, Sir, I thought you said we were going to get started tonight, come hades or high water. What happened?" asked one of the burly Intel officers.
"I've decided to make a tactical change in strategy regarding the debriefings," replied Flynt. "We're going to give these Warrior boys and girls a nice little rest...and then we'll squeeze every drop of useful info out of them...whether they enjoy it or not."
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Post by LucianG on Jan 29, 2007 7:46:33 GMT -6
Commander Sheba didn't actually return to the Callisto's Bridge as expected. Instead, shortly after Flynt had left, she contacted Lucian by comm. On the viewscreen in her Ready Room, Lucian saw that she looked near exhaustion. She said, "Lucian, I've reviewed the plans for the jump. It appears that you have everything in order. Let me know if you hit anything insurmountable."
Lucian shook his head slightly, "There won't be anything, Commander. Get some rest."
"I plan to, shortly. Next, I received word a little while ago from the Med Lab that Colonel Charybdis is on the road to recovery. His memory seems to have returned, so he should be able to return to duty soon. They've told him to get a good rest first so, I suspect, that they can monitor him for a bit and make sure that he doesn't have a relapse."
"That's excellent news! The engineering report showed that it was a freak accident that we were lucky wasn't a lot worse," responded Lucian.
"Quite true," yawned Sheba. "That leaves only one currently outstanding issue that needs to be addressed. I understand that a certain intel officer from the Galactica arrived recently. I'm sure he'll be on his way to see you soon. His name is Lieutenant Colonel Flynt--"
"Commander, please get some rest. Colonel Flynt and I have already had a very nice conversation, and he told me he's really looking forward to starting the debriefings in the morning. I think he wanted everyone involved to get a good night's sleep first."
Sheba stared at him, for several mircons actually, as if searching for a deeper truth in what Lucian had said. When Lucian's face didn't reveal what she was expecting, she said, "Very good, Major. I'm going to bed for a bit. I'll see you in four centars, if not sooner."
"Good night, Commander," replied Lucian as he ended the connection. A moment later, to the surprise of those nearby, he was actually whistling a happy little tune as he went back on the Bridge of the Battlestar Callisto.
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Post by Logan on Feb 4, 2007 10:16:52 GMT -6
*Continued from Ch. 36 T - The End of the Mission and After* ************************
Logan was restless. She had slept for while and now was sitting at a table in the Gold Squadron Ready Room, her eyes were focused on the door, but she wasn't expecting anyone to enter it this late. Even if someone had, she may not have noticed.
Her legs were stretched out in front of her and crossed, just like her arms. She was unconsciously biting her bottom lip. A sure sign to those closest to her that she was troubled.
She had filed her official report after talking with Commander Sheba in Med Lab and Lt. Baris had told her that all her tests had come back clear. He had given her a stern look, like he wasn't happy about giving her the all-clear just yet, but with the results in his hand and the determination in Logan's eyes to get out of there, he had little choice but to release her. He had softened his look at the last and smiled at her. She remembered being taken aback at his next words. If you need anything, I'll be here. And I hope you won't mind if I check in on you.
What did that mean? Logan was always second-guessing the motives of others. A survival instinct. Or so she told herself. But his concern had seemed genuine. She just wasn't used to men being nice to her. They either wanted something from her or were intimidated by her reputation. She's got ice in her, that one. She'd heard it often enough. But Baris seemed different.
You thought that about Hush too. If she was being honest with herself, she still thought that about him. He was in pain and suffering from the losses of the mission. They still didn't know if Ally and Janey would make it. Bronze Squadron had suffered heavily in the mission.
Hush had been watching her as she left Med Lab. She could feel it. But she was too stubborn to turn her head and look at him. She wanted him to have time to absorb what had happened. He resented her now. She knew it. Maybe someday they could be friends, reconnect. She wanted that more than she was comfortable admitting to herself.
Brik and Skyler were still in Med Lab. Probably giving Baris all Hades of a time. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly picturing their particular brand of harrassment. She wondered how long Baris would hold out in the face of that.
She had returned to the Ready Room and had dinner by herself. She was starving and had forgotten how long it had been since she had a decent meal. She had woken in a sweat to a quiet barracks, gotten up and slipped out to the Ready Room to mull things over. Things she wished she could have changed in her report. About Ally and Janey and Weasel. Things they could have done differently. And now I have to go over it again for the bigshot from the Galactica.
Stretching her arms up and over her head, she took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. Her hair hung back over the chair as she arched her back, attempting an old relaxation technique.
She was hoping that Brik, Skyler, someone would show up so she could talk about all these things. She didn't casually share her thoughts with people, but her friends had heard it all. They kept her sane at times.
She wondered if Hush had been released yet. She had even toyed with the idea of going over to Bronze Squadron barracks but had quickly discarded the idea. Their emotions were running high, she had no doubt. And they had always had a rivalry with the other squadrons. They may see her attempts at comraderie and compassion as boasting about Gold making it through the mission fairly intact. The Fleet didn't need animosity among the squadrons.
The Warrior stood up and walked to the door, looking out across the Bay and wondering if the Chief would be around to discuss the status of her Viper. She had already checked on it once, but something was gnawing at her. A little voice in the corner of her mind telling her to be prepared for anything.
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Post by Logan on Feb 5, 2007 11:17:16 GMT -6
Logan's scattered thoughts came back to the here and now as her personal comm buzzed that she had a message. She clicked the device to stop the signal from sounding again and walked over to the wall comm station in the Ready Room.
Attention Gold Squadron. There should be no scheduled patrols until after the jump tomorrow morning. The first patrol that we're given will be for Captain Amy and Lieutenant Artus. On standby will be Lieutenant Logan and her new wingman, Ensign Persephone. THIS IS A CHANGE FROM EARLIER ORDERS! Remember that wings will change due to the situation, I don't assign permanent wingmen in Gold Squadron.
Ensign Shannon, you are to report to my office for an introductory meeting tomorrow, the time will be announced later. Gold Squadron, please make her feel welcome. Ensigns Persephone and Thorne, we also need to set up similar meetings.
A reminder, Captain Hawke is in charge of squadron business until the jump tomorrow morning. Any problems, see him directly.
Major Brie
Persephone. Logan didn't know the name...or a few of the others in the communique. The Academy must be cranking them out as fast as we lose them, she thought bitterly.
She didn't mind having a new wingman. Brie often changed things up and Logan appreciated it. In battle, you never knew who would have your six. It was a good skill to be adaptable and know all your squadmates.
She made a mental note to find Persephone first thing in the morning so they'd at least have a chance to size each other up before being thrown out into the black together on patrol. It would be good to have this past mission behind them.
Stretching once more, Logan walked back to her table and pulled out the chair. She still didn't think she could sleep anymore. She'd had plenty of that in Med Lab.
Taking her seat and resuming her legs and arms crossed in front of her position, she commenced biting her lip and thinking, something that had so often gotten her into trouble.
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Post by Col. Charybdis on Feb 16, 2007 12:28:04 GMT -6
Doc BKJ came in and began checking my chart. She came and felt the back of my head. "How is it, Doc?" I asked.
"The swelling has definitely gone down. How do you feel?"
"Well, a bit sore back there, but OK, given what happened. By the way, what did happen?"
"Well, from what we were able to ascertain, when you stepped out of the turbolift, a beam from the roof dislodged and fell on you. It hit you on the back of the head and knocked you unconscious. They tell me that if you would have been standing just a couple of inches further back, you would have been killed."
"Oh," was all I could respond. I felt a bit lucky, but since I didn't even know what had happened to me, it was all a blur.
"Listen, Doc. When can I get out of here?"
"Well, I tell you what. Stay here just a couple more centars and if all goes well, I'll release you to light duty. That sound good?"
"Sure."
Doc nodded and left my room.
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BRIK
Viper Pilot
Posts: 227
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Post by BRIK on Feb 19, 2007 1:32:09 GMT -6
"SKYLERLOGAN!"
The words came from the wounded Lt's lips as he rose, covered in sweat and with a fresh bandage around his left shoulder.
The last thing that Brik clearly remembered was trying to land a busted up and worthless (even before it was busted up) experimental Cylon Raider in the Callisto's landing bay.
He remembered Logan (perhaps his best friend in the fleet), Skyler (his OTHER best friend in the fleet), Janey and Hush all lying in various states of injury inside that busted up craft.
He recalled the view (oh, the blessed view) of the landing bay. Then he recalled only severe pain...and one frack of a dream. No, let's be honest, that was a grade-A nightmare, a dark horse indeed, and one that he hoped never hosted him again. Somehow he doubted that he would be so lucky. Oh well, there was time to worry about post-battle psycho-trauma later, first things first.
Looking around revealed the plain (and downright beautiful) interior of a medlab recovery room. Well, he wasn't connected to any machines so he must not be very badly injured. The screaming pain from his left shoulder counted only as being hurt, not injured. And at least it wan't his primary blaster arm.
And there were his clothes. Ok, what was left of them. Hmm, what was that noise? Looking through the remains of his uniform, Brik found his comm:
Attention Gold Squadron. There should be no scheduled patrols until after the jump tomorrow morning. The first patrol that we're given will be for Captain Amy and Lieutenant Artus. On standby will be Lieutenant Logan and her new wingman, Ensign Persephone. THIS IS A CHANGE FROM EARLIER ORDERS! Remember that wings will change due to the situation, I don't assign permanent wingmen in Gold Squadron.
Ensign Shannon, you are to report to my office for an introductory meeting tomorrow, the time will be announced later. Gold Squadron, please make her feel welcome. Ensigns Persephone and Thorne, we also need to set up similar meetings.
A reminder, Captain Hawke is in charge of squadron business until the jump tomorrow morning. Any problems, see him directly.
Major Brie
Amy with regained flight status? Artus...why is that name familiar? Wait! He's missing! Ok, was missing, I guess. Well good for him. Now who the frack are Persephone, Shannon and Thorne?!?
Right, better get back to the squad area pronto! Ok, my pants and my boots look mostly intact and that's a good place to start. I see that someone was truly thoughtful enough to leave the remains of my jacket and shirt...I want to transfer the patches and insignia to my replacement garments.
Ok, pulling on the pants...
biting inside of cheek to avoid screaming while pulling on pants...
wiping sweat from face after pulling on pants...
brief rest...
Now the boots.
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BRIK
Viper Pilot
Posts: 227
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Post by BRIK on Feb 19, 2007 2:05:12 GMT -6
Luckily there were no guards posted outside of Brik's room and he left without fuss or trouble. He was certain that Lt. Baris would be a bit miffed but nothing serious.
Brik made his slow but steady way to the area of the battlestar reserved for colonial warriors, specifically those that were members of Gold Squadron. Gold Squadron. Reserved. If Ally (or Janey or Hush or...or Weasel) had heard that thought, they might be offended and might have said that it was an example of the conditioned thinking that kept Bronze squadron on the bottom, the cast-away sibling of Black and Gold squadrons. By the Lords, blessed Bronze squadron had earned their place in the halls of Legend and paid in their dearest blood. Frack, they may still be paying for all he knew. He'd find out as soon as he arrived at his destination.
If anyone found the sight of an injured, bandaged, shirtless, belt-holster-blaster-equipped, dark-skinned juggernaut of a Colonial Warrior lumbering through the halls of the Callisto to be a bit strange...no one was foolish enough to say anything until the man had passed (and perhaps gotten a corridor or two away).
Finally, the Gold Squadron ready room. Surely someone would be there. Surely. Please. By the Lords, the mission had beeen a costly one for everyone involved. What had happened to Logan and Skyler? They both looked pretty banged up when he last saw them. What about Wraith and Ike? What had happened to Ally? Captain Lazant? He even found himself hoping that Bulk-Up was alive. The reckoning could wait, possibly indefinitely. Maybe he'd find the Major in the ready room, or Captain Hawke. Well, there was the door. He activated the door's sensor and walked in, looking around.
Stretching once more, Logan walked back to her table and pulled out the chair. She still didn't think she could sleep anymore. She'd had plenty of that in Med Lab.
Taking her seat and resuming her legs and arms crossed in front of her position, she commenced biting her lip and thinking, something that had so often gotten her into trouble.
Hmm, there's Logan. Wait...there's Logan. There's LOGAN. Then his actual voice decided to join in.
"L O G A N ! ! ! !" he cried out as he rushed to where she sat, knelt in front of her, and hugged his dear friend for all he was worth, completely immersed in the joy of knowing that she was alright.
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Post by Logan on Mar 1, 2007 7:32:13 GMT -6
Brik collapsed at Logan's feet and wrapped his arms around her as he shouted her name.
"Brik!" Logan exclaimed in surprise. She sat up as much as her friend's bulk allowed and placed her hands on his shoulders in a vain attempt to push him back enough to see his face.
Several thoughts rushed from her mouth at once. "Thank the Gods you're alright...when did you get released...where is your shirt?"
Brik looked up at her with a broad grin on his face. One she'd seen so many times before.
She returned his gaze steadily and a frown crossed her features. He had seen that look many times as well. And he knew a hell storm of a tongue-lashing was on the way.
"What the frack do you think you're doing?" Her hand on his bandaged shoulder, she pushed him away with a strength that surprised even him. She took in his appearance and looked at his face for the truth. "You just left Med Lab, didn't you? How'd you get past Baris?"
Logan understood that Brik didn't want to be left in Med Lab when there were duties to attend to. She also knew he was just as stubborn as she was and she was in for a fight if she tried to force him back.
"Brik, we're going to be jumping in the morning. We have an inquiry from the Galactica to face and answer to about what happened on the Baseship mission. We all need clear heads. You can't be running all over the ship like that...where's your shirt?"
She almost smiled, but bit her lip to stop it. She knew that in Brik's place she would have left given the first opportunity, but concern for her friend's injuries overrode all her compassion at the micron.
Brik opened his mouth to speak, but Logan overrode him with her own voice. Something he and every Warrior in Gold had been subjected to at one time or another. He knew there would be no talking to her until she had said her piece.
"Brik. We need you to be cleared by Baris. We have had so many losses. You won't be another one. You could've bled to death down some corridor running around like this. Skyler would never forgive you if you got yourself killed in such a stupid way while he was in charge of Gold."
"Skyler?" Brik began to ask.
"He's fine. took some shrapnel. Sleeping in Med Lab as we speak."
The relief that she saw in Brik's face made her grin a little, but she became serious again almost at once. "Hush is alright too. Not very happy with Gold at the moment, but who could blame him. Bronze didn't fare so well. Janey was in surgery the last I heard and Ally..." This was the hard part. Logan knew that Brik and Ally had bonded, shared a mutual interest in each other. Much like Logan felt she and Hush had begun to do, until the mission ended. Now she wasn't sure if Hush would ever speak to her again.
"Ally has been moved to another ship. With her family. I don't know her status, but it didn't sound good. Baris promised to let me know when he was given the ok to release the information."
Logan could feel herself becoming emotional at the costs of the mission. The team that had worked so well together. the new friends that she had planned to share drinks with in the O Club on the return from the Cylon Baseship. Janey. Ally. Weasel. Hush.
She just looked at Brik then. Their eyes locked in understanding and regret. It was a rare moment between Warriors and she tried to both gain and extend strength from their locked gaze. She reminded herself that these moments were what they were fighting for. Moments of humanity and shared experiences. Sometimes she wondered whether it was enough. Seeing the look in Brik's eyes at this micron, she knew it was. And more.
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Post by Col. Charybdis on Mar 2, 2007 11:57:09 GMT -6
A couple of more centars passed and I was feeling so much better. The medicine that Doc BKJ had given to me had done the trick and my head was feeling rather normal again. I tried mental exercises trying to remember all that had gone on recently, with some memories coming back so vividly, I had to stop thinking about them!
Just then, Doc came back in. "Charybdis, how are you feeling?" She checked my blood pressure.
"I'm feeling good. Can I get out of here now?" I asked impatiently.
"Well, seeing as to how everything seems back to normal. I'll OK it and recommend light duty for the next two cycles just to make sure you don't stress yourself out too much. Get your things together and you can leave when you want. And uh..watch out for falling beams next time?"
"Right," I said. I quickly got up and began gathering my things. Once that was done, I left, checked out of Med Lab and made my way back to the bridge being a little extra careful every time I got out of the turbolift...
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