Chapter 26—Jump to Darjeelene

[LucianG]

Charybdis

She stepped in quicky with a look of panic etched in her face. She saw me lying on the floor on the other side of the room and she screeched, "Colonel!" She ran to me to help me. "Colonel, what's the matter? I heard you scream and I thought something had gone terribly wrong, so I used my bridge security code to come in."

I looked up at her. I must have looked like Hades. My hair was messed up, I had been sweating. And I had been in terror since Hawke had left...

"I...uuhh" I couldn't speak. When Finky grabbed at my arm to help me up, that's when the physical pain made itself known once again. My left arm streaked with pain as I grunted...

She helped me to lie down on my bed. I fell backwards and breathed heavily. I think she didn't know what to say since she had never seen me like this. "Colonel, are you alright?" she asked.

At least her distraction took my mind of things, off of horrible things. Would those images of Amy ever leave me? Would I ever be able to sleep again without thinking of what happened to her? Not knowing was the worst thing. Perhaps if there had been some survivors who could tell us what had happened. But with no one who lived, how would any of us know what truly happened to them??

I looked over at Finky. I regained some composure, "I'm alright, Lieutenant." I felt a bit foolish for her to see me this way. She must think that I'm going crazy.

"I think maybe the injuries are taking their toll on me. And the memorial service." I added to try and give her a plausible excuse.

"It has been tough for everyone, Colonel. Just because you're a high-ranking officer doesn't mean you can't just let it out...sir" she replied.

I looked at her. So young. Probably not more than a yahren's age difference from Amy...

She got up and went to my turboflush area and brought back a small glass of water. I took it and drank it in to see if it would cool my body. "Could you please turn down the rheostat for the temperature in here? I feel a bit warm" I said.

She looked over at the control panel and slowly walked over to it. She looked like she was shivering and probably was wondering why I wanted her to turn it down some more. Generally, I kept my quarters quite cool since I liked it that way.

Once she had done that, she came back and sat down next to me. "Are you sure you're alright, Colonel?" she asked again.

I regained control of my composure and said, "Yes, Lieutenant. I'm alright. I just need some rest. Thank you. That should be all," I tried to ease her mind without telling her to get out. She had been very nice afterall looking after me when I got injured.

She seemed a bit sad, "Umm, yes sir...If you need anything, anything at all, just let me know," she stammered out as she got up and headed for the door. She moved slowly, like there was something on her mind, but she didn't want to speak.

I figured the stress was getting to her as well so I didn't press the issue.

When she got to the door, it opened and she turned around. She looked at me one last time and gave me a sheepish smile, like a young school girl. She then nodded briefly and went out. The door shut behind her.

I fell back on the bed hoping that those visions would not return...
* * *
Brie
As Brie left the bridge the two cadets to whom she had given the message for Justin approached her. “We gave your note to Major JustinB,” one of them said. “He said...”

The other cadet elbowed the first. “He didn’t say anything, Ma’am,” he informed Brie. “He didn’t say a thing. Not one word. He read it and then said nothing. Nothing!”

“Thank you,” Brie said. The two cadets hurried off arguing with each other in hushed tones about cubits. Brie headed towards the room where she was to stay while on the Galactica.
* * *
Brie didn’t have any problem finding the room that Commander Apollo had told her about. She punched in the code and the door opened. He hadn’t been kidding, the room was small! There was a cot-type bed on the left, on the right was a chair and the smallest bureau that she had ever seen. On the top of it was a tray with some food. There was also a small bottle of pills with a note. “Major Brie, in case you change your mind. You can take two each cycle. Doctor Hubley.” In the back of the room, which was pretty close to the foot of the bed, was a bathroom with barely enough room for a turboflush, sink, and turbowash. There was also a tiny closet with a couple of towels and a clean uniform with a Callisto patch on the sleeve.

After looking around, which only took a micron, Brie did what she had wanted to do for what seemed like forever. She removed the sling from her right arm and threw it with great force across the room. She thought better of it, picked it up and put it on the bed. The idea of eating made her nauseous, so she decided to take a long turbowash instead. She carefully removed the chain with Skyler’s bronze cluster from around her neck and laid it on the bureau. It was supposed to have brought her luck, but somehow the last thing she felt was lucky. She glanced in the mirror, she noticed a few more grey hairs than when she had left the Callisto. Maybe she was getting old.

The turbowash didn’t have the desired effect, although using her arm made her elbow hurt more so she was pleased with that. Anything to spite Major Pierce. She dressed and after giving it a lot of thought decided to put the sling back on. She took a few bites of food but didn’t want to force it. She drank some water then sat down on the bed, the files on the new Gold Squadron members in her hands. There were three of them, Ensigns Ike and Wraith, and Lieutenant Logan. She read Logan’s file very closely. Skyler knew that Brie didn’t like secrets, how could he have kept this from her? What else had he hidden?

Knowing that her body was eventually going to force her to rest, Brie put the folders on the floor and lied down. It was hard to get comfortable with all the bruises and scrapes but she eventually curled up on her side. Without being able to stop them the tears finally started to flow. She cried silently. As she closed her eyes and started to drift off to sleep it wasn’t Amy’s face that appeared as she had feared. It was her mother’s.
* * *
Brie’s parents had died just a few centons apart in different areas of the same battle when she was just three yarhens old. She didn’t remember either of them all that well, a smile here, a word or two there. After they had died she was whisked away to a new, experimental orphanage that was run by the military for the children of fallen warriors. She was the only person from that orphanage who was still alive, a fact that bothered Brie more than she would admit.

Over the past couple of yarhens Brie had dreamed of her late husband, Turner, whenever she needed help to work something through in her head. She knew that she was dreaming, but somehow it still seemed to help. She wouldn’t have been surprised if he had appeared as she slept, but this she hadn’t expected. “Mom? Is that you?”

The dream woman in front of her smiled. It was strange to see her move. Brie had only one picture of her parents. The woman standing in front of her was quite a bit younger than Brie, having died when she was only 24. But her face was filled with unmistakable wisdom and love. “Of course it’s me, Honey. Who else would it be?”

“Well, um, it’s usually Turner.”

Her mother sat on the bed next to her. “This is too big for Turner to handle, Honey. Sometimes it’s just better to talk to your mother. So tell me what’s wrong.”

“I wish I was dead, Mom,” Brie said, tears in her eyes. “This was supposed to be my time, but it didn’t happen.”

“Then it WASN’T supposed to be your time,” her mother said. “Don’t rush things. You’re where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing. You’re doing a lot of good. No one was expected to survive this last mission, but you brought most of your team through. They never would have made it back without your leadership and courage. Without you the fleet never would have been able to escape.”

“Not everyone made it back,” Brie pointed out.

“People die, Brie. You can’t stop that. But those who died died as heroes. And those who lived are heroes as well, having been willing to die for the cause.”

“I’m no hero,” Brie said with a great deal of shame. “I took off out of that base, not willing to give Amy and the others a chance to make it back. Pierce is right, I did run.”

“I don’t believe that, and neither do you. You did everything you could, and if you had waited any longer none of you would have made it off the base. Reverse the positions, Brie. If you were the one still on the base, would you have wanted to risk everyone else’s life?”

“No,” Brie said quietly.

“Amy, Lazant and Deke would have felt the same way. They were willing to give up their lives so others could live. And they would understand.”

“Maybe,” Brie said. She didn’t want to talk about it anymore, not even in her dreams, so she brought up something else that had been bothering her. “Mom, I keep hurting myself. On purpose. I keep checking to make sure my arm is still bothering me. I can’t explain it.”

“I can. The pain in your arm helps lessen the pain in your heart.” She smiled again. “What you need to do now is be strong. Hold your head up high, live your life in memory of your friends, because that’s what they would want you to do. And stop picking on poor Justin. He’s really trying to help. The problem is that men just don’t understand women.” Her mother reached over and pulled Brie close. Once again the tears started to flow freely. Brie’s mother held her and stroked her hair. “It’s okay, Honey. Your father and I are always watching over you. People die, but love doesn’t.” For a few microns Brie felt like she was three yarhens old once again. It was a dream that she didn’t want to ever end.

[LucianG]

LucianG
Lucian looked at the schedule and the amount of work remaining before the Callisto arrived in the Darjeelene system. He shook his head sadly, and said, "You're right. Having to fabricate those parts has set us back, way back. We're going to have to work very hard and very efficiently to make it up."

"Thought so," said Solon. "It looked too close to Fallel and me. We can transfer a few Techs from this area to that one...."

A little while later, with new plan in hand, Lucian made his way toward the engine area once more. Five cycles were left before arrival at Darjeelene. He had no time for sleep, no time for dreams. He wondered if he would be able to get some tabs from Doc to help keep him awake that long.

* * *
Brie
Brie woke up with a start, even more exhausted than when she had fallen asleep. Try as she might, she couldn’t fall asleep again. She needed to think, but somehow she couldn’t do it in the room that she was in. She strapped on her laser, took the small flashlight out of a pocket in her jacket, and left. She knew exactly where she was going, somewhere that she hadn’t visited since before Turner’s death.
* * *
With no one bothering her along the way, Brie walked quickly to one of the Galactica’s many storage areas. Glancing around to make sure she wasn’t seen she opened a closet and closed the door behind her. She took a ladder and placed it in the far right corner. It almost looked as if it belonged there so hopefully no one would come along and notice. They hadn’t in the past. Brie climbed the ladder, which was more difficult than the last time she had been there because her right arm was in a sling. With her left hand she gently pushed the ceiling tile in the corner and it gave way. She pushed it up and in and climbed in through the hole.
* * *
Brie had discovered this area when she was an ensign and had been given the glamorous job of cleaning ceilings with a mop. She had at first been upset about the busywork, but when the tile moved her curiosity had gotten the best of her and she couldn’t help but explore. The first and only person she told about it had been Turner. Her discovery had been made less than a secton before they took the seal, and they spend many glorious centars there afterwards, even after they had finally received couple’s housing. It wasn’t really a room, Turner had guessed that it was either a forgotten storage area or a glitch in the plans when the Galactica had been designed. It wasn’t high enough to stand in, but there was plenty of room for two people in love, as long as they weren’t claustrophobic. With the exception of the one removable tile the floor, the wall, and the ceiling were made of strong, solid building material, causing Brie to believe that it was supposed to be a storage area instead of a design glitch.

Reaching into her pocket, Brie pulled out the flashlight and turned it on. There was something else in there as well, the bottle of pills from Doctor Hubley and his note. That was strange, Brie didn’t remember putting them there. She replaced the ceiling tile and looked around. Reaching over almost instinctively, her hand landed on what she thought would be long gone. It was a lantern, the only thing that she and Turner kept there. She was surprised to see that it still worked. It filled the compartment with a soft glow. Brie turned off the flashlight and sat back, leaning against the wall.

She had thought that it would be uncomfortable to return, but somehow she knew it was the right place for her to be. She was overcome by memories, but instead of crying she started to smile. She had tried to avoid the Galactica after her assignment to the Callisto, but she suddenly had the urge to stay there instead. After this lousy mission life on the Callisto would never be the same again. Skyler, her most trusted officer and friend, hadn’t been totally open with her even though he knew Brie always wanted to know anything that could affect the squadron. And Charybdis, how could she ever face him again? Her choices had led to the death of his beloved Amy. How could he forgive her?

She had been told more than once that she had done the only thing that she could do, although there were those who obviously didn’t believe that. SHE didn’t even really believe that. As she sat there, her mind fluctuating back and forth between a glorious past and a grim present, she noticed something to the side. It was small, metallic. She picked it up and read the inscription on the front. “Distinguished Service Award.” She flipped it over. “Presented to Lieutenant Turner.” Brie read it several times, she thought that the medal had been destroyed when Turner was killed. She remembered the ceremony and the circumstances so clearly. Turner had been on a mission where his wingman had been shot down, crashing on the nameless planet beneath them. Although the other two members of the flight thought that there wasn’t any hope, Turner flew down to the Cylon controlled planet and rescued his partner. He was wounded in the process. His wingman died a few centars later on the Galactica, but Turner had no regrets. He was rewarded with the Distinguished Service Award medal. Turner was always doing crazy, stupid, heroic things. Not too long after that he was promoted to captain.

Suddenly everything was clear to Brie. She was at fault, she never should have left Amy, Lazant and Deke behind. She should have gone looking for Amy’s team herself, broken elbow or not. When they didn’t return she should have waited. Everyone knew the chances they were taking, they were in this together and no possible survivor should have been left behind. She should have died trying to find them. Turner would be so ashamed of her. She was ashamed of herself.

She knew things couldn’t just continue. At the very least she had to resign, but that wasn’t enough. She stuck Turner’s medal in her pocket and took her laser out of its holster and laid in on the floor in front of her. She stared at her wrist, the scars of an earlier decision still visible in the dim light. It would be so easy. Since no one knew about this room they wouldn’t know what had happened to her for cycles. She wouldn’t have to face Charybdis or explain anything to anyone. Pierce would be glad, he would be proven right. Brie picked up the laser and held it in her right hand. She ran the fingers of her left hand over the end and stroked it a bit. It would be so easy. She took off the safety, took it by the handle with her left hand, and used the end to brush the hair out of her eyes. How she hated wearing her hair down! She scratched her head with the end of the laser. So easy.
* * *
The next few centons were a total blur to Brie. Next thing she knew, she was standing on the bridge of the Galactica looking for Commander Apollo. She was told that he had retired to his quarters. Without letting anyone check to see if it was all right, she headed there at a run.

Fortunately Apollo was working at his desk and not at all upset about being disturbed. Entering the office brought a whole new flood of memories pouring down on Brie. Last time had been there it was still Commander Adama’s quarters. Brie had just been reinstated and Adama was giving her instructions. Apollo had been there as well, not at all pleased about Brie returning to active duty.

“Major, please, sit down.” Seeing that she was out of breath Apollo got her a glass of water, which she drank quickly. “You should be sleeping, you’re obviously exhausted.”

“I tried that, Sir,” Brie replied. “It didn’t work very well.”

“What can I do for you, Major?” Apollo asked.

Brie unholstered her laser and held it up. She didn’t really remember putting it away, only remembered the feel of its tip against her face. “Sir, I need to surrender my sidearm.” She placed it on the desk in front of her.

“I hardly think that’s necessary, Brie,” Apollo told her. “As far as I know Major Pierce hasn’t even talked yet with Justin, and I doubt that he’d file charges against you for a misunderstanding.”

“It’s not that, Sir.” Brie bit her lip, trying to figure out how much information to give. “Commander, when Turner died, I attempted suicide. I don’t want there to be the appearance that something like that could happen again. I’d just feel better if I didn’t have it.”

“Okay, if that’s what you really want,” Apollo took the weapon and placed it in a desk drawer, “but only until we rejoin the fleet and you return to the Callisto. Is there anything else?”

[LucianG]

Brie

“Yes, Sir,” Brie said slowly. “Although I still need to put it in writing, I want to inform you of my intent to resign from the Colonial Service.”

“Denied, Major,” Apollo said sternly. “Don’t even bother trying to put it in writing, I’ll just destroy it.”

“But Sir...”

“What would you do?” Apollo asked. “All you’ve ever known is military life. You were born on a battlestar, for Sagan’s sake! Brie, you can’t let one hard mission ruin your entire career.”

“It wasn’t just ‘one hard mission,’ Sir. The more I’ve thought about it the more I realize that I was wrong. I never should have left if there was even the slightest chance that any of them were still alive.”

“It happens, Brie,” Apollo reminded her. “We don’t like to think about it, but it happens. If you haven’t left the base when you did, what would the consequences have been? Not only would Sergeant Brinfort and maybe others now be dead, but your entire team would have been left. With base ships in the area we were very close to making the jump, with or without you. Part of Black Squadron would have been left behind as well. I know the Pylos has jump capabilities but without the coordinates none of you would have ever rejoined the fleet. Or the Galactica might have stayed and waited for you, and she would have been destroyed. Yes, you lost three people, but try to look at the bigger picture.”

“Turner refused to leave his dying wingman behind and was rewarded for it,” Brie said quietly.

Apollo smiled slightly, as if he suddenly understood. “This isn’t about Turner, Brie. He was a great warrior, brave, fearless, selfless, but he was also reckless. Ever notice that he was never given his own command?” Brie nodded. “That’s because in a case like this he wouldn’t have made the right decision. He looked more at the individual than at the whole. In this situation you can’t do that.” He sighed. “You need to get some rest, Major. No more talk about suicide, no more talk about resigning. If you want I’ll get Doctor Hubley to prescribe you something...”

“No,” Brie said quickly. “I’ll try, Sir.” They both stood and walked towards the door.

“If you need anything, come to me,” Apollo instructed her. “Don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Yes, Sir, and thank you.” The door in front of her opened. She turned and looked at Apollo. “Cook.”

“Excuse me?” he said.

“You asked what I would do if I resigned,” she reminded him. “I love to cook, but living on a battlestar and eating in the mess hall all the time I hardly ever get the chance. There’s always room in the fleet for a decent cook.”
* * *
JustinB
After numerous ales at the O'Club, I got up and decided to make my way to my allocated quarters. It took me longer than it should have, but the need to look sober meant I had to take it slow.

When the door opened, I saw what I had been allocated. There was a cot-type bed on the left; on the right was a chair and a small bureau. On the top of it was a tray with some food which seemed to be half eaten. I took of my jacket and boots. Looking twice at the turbo wash I decided to jump under for a quick wash.
Once I had dried myself off I climbed into the bed. The lack of sleep had finally taken its toll. Within centons I was fast asleep.
* * *
Brie
On her way to her assigned quarters Brie heard someone calling. “Major, hold up a centon.” Private Ophis and her husband Private Talls were hurrying behind her.

“Is everything okay?” Brie asked. “What did the doctors say?”

“We’re both fine, thanks,” Private Talls answered. “How about you, Ma’am?”

“Nothing drastic,” Brie replied. “I’m grounded until my arm heals, no big deal. Your quarters okay?”

“Yes, Ma’am, we’re staying with the Galactica’s infantry,” Ophis replied. “Ma’am, we need to thank you. If it wasn’t for you none of us would have made it. Especially Sergeant Brinfort. We hear he was only microns from death. Sarge is more than our CO, he’s like a father to all of us.”

“So we got you this,” Talls said. He pulled a large bottle of grog from behind his back and put it in Brie’s hands. “We wish it was ambrosia.”

“Thanks,” Brie said, surprised. “This really isn’t necessary.” She tried to hand it back to them, but they wouldn’t take it.

“You look tired, Major,” Ophis said. “We’ll see you later.”

Brie continued towards her assigned quarters, holding the bottle tightly in her hands.
* * *
As she opened the door to her assigned quarters Brie couldn’t help but notice the strong smell of stale ale. She brushed it off, thinking it was probably left over from its last occupant and she just hadn’t noticed it before. Keeping the lights off Brie removed the sling from her right arm, took off her empty holster and dumped them, along with the bottle of grog, on the bed. “Ow! What the frack?”

Brie took a step backwards, startled. She turned on the light. “Justin! I’m so sorry. They must have messed up on the room assignments. You go back to sleep, I’ll just stay in the barracks.” She picked her things up from where she had just thrown them and stepped towards the door.”

“No, Brie, wait,” Justin called, sitting up. “How are you?”

Brie leaned against the closed door. “Well, since we last saw each other I’ve been placed on medical leave for at least a secton, I’m under investigation for screwing up the mission, I could face charges because of our little altercation, and Commander Apollo won’t let me resign. How are you?”

“Tired,” Justin replied truthfully.

“I’ll let you get back to sleep,” Brie said. “Oh, and if a Major Pierce finds you, tell him whatever the frack you want. I really don’t care.”

“Wait,” Justin said again, “Who’s Major Pierce? Come here, sit down.”

Although there was a chair on the other side of the small room, Brie sat next to Justin. “Pierce is with Military Inquiries, and he doesn’t like me very much. I had left the service once before,” she paused a few microns, most people didn’t know her story, “for medical reasons, and he didn’t want me to be reinstated. He’s heading up the investigation for this current debacle, and wants to talk to you. Do me a favor, the next time I hit you, hit me back, okay?”

“Who says there’s going to be a next time?” Justin asked.

Brie smiled. “Just no more of this macho felgercarb. You’re male, I’m female, big fracking deal. You know, I am sorry about what happened. And I hope you didn’t pay those two cadets too much.”

“What do you mean?” Justin asked innocently.

“They tried just a little bit too hard to convince me that you didn’t say anything. Future entertainers they are not.”

“Are you supposed to take the sling off?” Justin asked, purposely changing the subject.
“No.” Without thinking Brie opened the bottle of grog and took a long drink. It was a lot stronger than ambrosia. She held the bottle out towards Justin. “You want a drink?”

[LucianG]

JustinB
Brie held the bottle out towards me. “You want a drink?” she asked.
"I shouldn't, but since it’s from you how can I resist." I replied. The way I said it, made Brie look at me. I took the bottle and gulped down a mouthful. "As for this Major Pierce, he can ask me anything he wants. Brie, you did the only thing you could and I will back you up to the point, that I will put my commission on the line. As a warrior and a commander, I would have done the same if I had been in your position. As for the altercation, I have forgotten it. I don't want to press any charges. As for wanting to resign Brie, you keep on with that felgercarb and I might just hit you for being selfish. Yes, you have been through a lot recently," I placed my hand on Brie's shoulder. "But you have friends and responsibilities here and now. If you resign now, you would be betraying the decision you made about leaving Amy and the others behind. Also, you would be betraying Turners memory. Plus I know I would miss you." Where that last bit had come from I didn't know. I stopped there and waited for a fist to come at me.
* * *
It seemed like a strange thing for Justin to say. They didn’t really know each other all that well. Sure, they attended the same meetings and they held the same position, (although Brie knew that she had better taste in squadrons). But she had never really thought of Justin as anything more than an acquaintance. A professional acquaintance at that. She decided to ignore his last sentence. “My decision was wrong,” she said, taking the bottle back deliberately with her right hand. She took another long drink, it burned as it went down her throat but she didn’t care. “I never should have left them.” She drank several more gulps. She wasn’t feeling drunk, but starting to feel numb, which was better than nothing.

“You didn’t have a choice,” Justin told her yet again.

“Obviously I did, or I wouldn’t be under investigation.”

“What does Commander Apollo say?” Justin asked.

“The same load of felgercarb that you keep handing me,” Brie said. She took another drink, then handed the bottle back to Justin.

“Then it must not be felgercarb,” Justin said. He took a drink and handed the bottle back to Brie.

The situation reminded Brie of drinking with Skyler a yarhen earlier. She wondered briefly who in Gold Squadron was still alive. She changed the subject. “Do you believe in total disclosure from your squadron members?”

“What do you mean?”

Brie took another drink. “There’s someone in Gold, someone who has been there for a while, who kept something from me. It wasn’t a big deal, but it’s something that I would have wanted to know. I’ve trusted this person with my life for yarhens, and I’m pretty upset that he...or she,” she added quickly, “didn’t tell me.” She took yet another drink.

“Someone back on the Callisto?” Justin asked. Brie nodded while taking another drink. “I guess you’ll just have to talk to him when we get back.” Justin smiled. “Or her. Find out why he...or she, didn’t tell you.”

After taking another swig Brie handed the bottle back to Justin. She grew very serious. “I’ve already betrayed Turner’s memory. He never would have let if there was even the slightest chance of even one survivor. Never.”

“What would he have done?”

“He would have stayed,” Brie informed him, “until every member of the team had been accounted for.”

“What about the wounded?” Justin asked. “People like Brinfort, who needed immediate attention?”

“Turner still would have stayed,” Brie said. “Everyone knew the risks when they volunteered. Better for everyone to die than for one person to be captured by the Cylons.”

“Then Turner was a fool,” Justin said quietly.

Brie was furious. Without thinking she lifted her hand to slap Justin again.

[LucianG]

Amy
Baltar skillfully guided the cruiser back into the imperial bay. It seemed ironic to return to a place he’d been so desperate to leave just a short while ago. But things had changed in that short amount of time. The base was solidly in silver cylon hands, the enhanced cylons were destroyed, and the base was becoming operational again. He looked forward to contacting his baseship again, and talking to Lucifer. The conniving mechanical demon probably was making himself comfortable in the command chair, thinking Baltar was dead after all this time. Lucifer sure had a surprise coming.

The docking completed, the bay doors automatically began to close. Soon air would be pumped into the bay, and Baltar would see just exactly what he was taking over command of. Perhaps things would be farther along than he thought, and he’d still be able to put the resurrection of the base on his long list of accomplishments. That would be fine indeed.

He stood up, taking a step toward Amy, and was pleased to see her flinch. Good. Very good. The child had learned to fear him. Maybe even respect him. There weren’t any smart comments coming from her now. He chuckled as his eyes met hers and she looked away.

He walked to the door, checking some gauges. The oxygen levels were up, and in a micron he’d be able to open the door. On a view screen next to the door, the face of a centurion appeared. “By your command” it stated. Baltar hit the button to open the door, and as it slid open he was stunned to see the head of the centurion land at his feet. He jumped back in surprise.

When he looked up, he was staring into the business end of a cylon rifle.

“Lazant…” he managed to wheeze as the shock of it set in. Behind him, between coughing fits, Amy had started to laugh…
Baltar was lying face down on the floor with his hands behind his head. He was told to be quiet, and so far was obeying, still in a state of shock over the recent events. Lazant covered him with the rifle, looking like he really intended to shoot him.

Lazant was a mess. His uniform was torn and dirty, his face cut and coated with sweat and probably cylon oils as well. Still sitting on the floor, Amy was getting control of herself, also getting over the shocking turn of events. She allowed herself to relax a little for the first time in what seemed like a yahren. At the micron, she didn’t even care that her hands were still tied.

“Lazant” she asked, “how in hades did you manage to fool him like that?”

Lazant cracked a little smile, though he still stared at Baltar. “Just him?” he asked, “I didn’t fool you?”

Amy’s expression changed as she was flooded with emotion. “Yeah” she said weakly, her eyes watering. “You got me too.” Hades, she thought, I thought I was being taken here to die.

“I’m a quick study” Lazant replied, bending closer to the prone Baltar. “I learn quickly. All that stuff about manipulating a cylon head, I got that from you, Baltar!” He laughed loudly, nearly unhinged from his ordeal. “I also learn the traits of my enemies. Although I was a little slow with this guy, wasn’t I? Almost cost me.” He looked at Amy. “Almost cost us all.”

“You are evil!” Amy laughed suddenly. “I always knew it. But you just got the better of the most evil, vile…” She trailed off, lip quivering, emotions rising again. Not that long ago Baltar had her by the throat, hatred and rage pouring from his soul…

“If I learned one thing” Lazant said, “It’s that sometimes evil has to be taken out on it’s own level. I’ve also found that this guy has an ego the size of the 12 colonies! I knew if I just made it convincing enough, he’d buy the whole thing. And he did! Tell me the truth, Baltar. Did you hesitate at all? Even for one micron?”

“Nope” Amy said, breaking the silence as Baltar chose not to reply. “But how did you do it? And what happened to you? I went up to get the gold head, and the next thing I knew I was in here with Baltar.”

It was Lazant’s turn for his expression to weaken as he remembered breathing life into Amy, desperate for her to survive. There’d be time to tell her all of that later, and a part of him wondered if he’d say anything at all. For all his relief at her being still alive, it wasn’t anything more than saving a fellow warrior. He’d hate for her to read into it more than he’d want her to…

Amy interrupted the silence when he didn’t answer. “I remember a purple cylon grabbing me by the throat…”

“It’s a long story” Lazant said truthfully. “Plenty of time for that later. The question now is, can you fly this fracking crusier?”

Amy seemed surprised by the sudden question. “Me? Sure I can fly it. But…”

“Good” Lazant said, activating the rifle’s charging mechanism as he looked at Baltar. “Then we don’t need him.”

Amy’s heart began to pound and suddenly she minded very much her hands still being tied…
* * *
Lazant instructed Baltar to get to his knees, and as Baltar did so Amy voiced her objections. “Lazant, what do you mean? What are you going to do?” Lazant seemed wild-eyed, bursting with a rush of energy from his experience alone on the base, and from pulling one over on Baltar.

“Don’t be rash now, Captain” Baltar said, breaking his silence, his fear showing plainly in his voice.

“You said it yourself, Amy” Lazant said. “You can fly this cruiser. We don’t need Baltar anymore.”

“You aren’t going to shoot him…” Amy said, half as a statement rather than a question.

Lazant poked at Baltar with the rifle. “Nah. Lords know I should though. He’s just not coming with us.”

Amy squirmed, her hands still tied, and she silently cursed the lords. Lazant hadn’t untied her right away, and maybe this was why. “Listen Lazant” she said, trying to keep her voice calm and reasonable. “Baltar is the the greatest capture since the 12 colonies were lost. To bring him back with us…”

Lazant shook his head, but Amy kept on talking. “To bring him back”, she repeated, “would be a huge military advantage for us.”

“Yes” Baltar chimed in. “I know the cylons. Where they must go, what they must do…”

“You, shut up” Lazant said to Baltar. To Amy, he said “You are forgetting that with or without him, we may never get back. And as long as he’s along, we’re lowering our chances, risking our survival. It’s really not open to discussion, Amy.”

“Not open?” Amy stammered. “Listen Lazant, I’m a captain, same rank as you. I say you are making a big mistake! Do not leave Baltar behind!”

Lazant just shrugged. “So stop me.”

Amy furiously struggled against her bonds as Lazant prodded Baltar to his feet and out the door. “You untie me right now Lazant!” she shouted. “LAZANT! You’re finished when we make it back! I’ll see you busted down to ensign! Lazant!” But it was no use, and Amy tried to settle down, to save her strength, but it was hard, very hard to do…

[LucianG]

Amy

“You may as well shoot me now” Baltar said as he stood once more in the Imperial bay, hands raised to shoulder height. “For I will get you for this, mark my words.”

“Yeah, well, I’ll have something to look forward to then” Lazant said. “Get on the lift. Does that sound familiar at all? It’s what you did to me. And right now it’s more than you deserve.”

Baltar studied Lazant’s face for a long moment. “Tell me, did you really learn all that manipulation stuff from just watching me? I must hand it to you, you did it well. And though I’d much rather have won, there is no shame in being beaten by the best, and you are among the best I’ve ever tangled with.”

“I’m not sure if I like the sound of that, coming from you. But you wrap it up any way that helps you live with it, because I did beat you.” Lazant laughed, shrugging his shoulders. “You had me. Had Amy too. Held all the cards. And lost.”

Well, it’s not over, thought Baltar, not while I’m still breathing. He grew curious. “So, Lazant, what do you do with this great victory of yours? Where do you think you are going to go?”

“I’ve got an idea. See, Baltar, you took the wrong prisoner. Amy wouldn’t have been able to give you anything useful. Between you and me, she probably wouldn’t have been able to beat you like I just did…”

Baltar’s face twitched as he pondered over what knowledge Lazant possessed. He hadn’t even considered it in his rush to maroon him on the base. “We both made mistakes”, he conceded painfully. “Just like you are now. You know, you should listen to the girl. She’s right, you are making a mistake. It makes no military sense at all to leave me here. Now who’s ego is getting in way, hmmm?”

“Don’t even try that routine on me” Lazant replied. “It makes perfect sense when the name of the game is survival. Taking you out of the equation increases our chances of making it. It’s as simple as that. Fortunes of war, remember?”

Baltar laughed. “We’re two of a kind, Lazant. Admit it or not, you are more like me than you’d ever want to be.”

“And you are wasting time, Baltar. Now get on the lift.” Lazant gestured with his rifle.

Baltar walked slowly over to the elevator. “One last thing, Lazant. What did you find while you were here alone? What works around here?”

“Nothing, Baltar. Aside from extremely short range radio communication, not a thing. In fact” Lazant paused as he started the elevator upwards, “I wrecked a few things that I did find still working. And I’d also get as far away from this bay as possible if I were you.” Baltar said something in reply, but it was lost in the rumble of the rising elevator…
* * *
Amy gave Lazant a cold stare as he entered the cruiser. “I won’t pilot this thing”, she said. “Where does that leave your little plans?”

Lazant laughed. “Be serious”, he said. “Where would that leave you?” He bent down behind her and started loosening the bonds around her wrists.

“Don’t you dare dismiss me”, she snapped. “I’m tired of being treated as inferior. I earned my rank. I’m an officer too. Leaving me tied up was a d**n dirty trick. And you were required to respect my opinions about our prisoner.” Her hands shifted as the bonds loosened. She felt uncomfortable, and the sooner Lazant stopped touching her the better.

“I considered what you said.”

“Save that feldgercarb for the tribunal.”

“Amy, Amy” Lazant said as he finally got her hands free. He stepped around in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders as he crouched back down. “Listen to you. Take a micron to remember our situation. We might never get back. If we had a sure path back to the fleet I’d say yes, bring him along. But we don’t. And he’d undermine our efforts just like he has all along. Plus use up a third of whatever supplies we have. So let’s not talk of tribunals, okay? Besides, there’s a lot you missed while you were unconscious.”

Amy brought up her hands and pushed him out of the way. “Well” she said, standing up, “There’s a lot you missed too while you weren’t around. Okay, I won’t talk of tribunals, but there will be one. This isn’t over.”

“Yeah, that seems to be a recurring theme today” Lazant sighed. “Fine, just remember that until we set foot on the Callisto we are on the same team, alright? He extended a hand, waiting for Amy to take it. “Alright, captain?” he repeated. Amy finally nodded, though she got up without his help. Satisfied anyway, Lazant turned toward the front of the cruiser. “Now can we put this base behind us for good?”

Amy stood there, rubbing her wrists, looking at the cruiser door. Slowly she turned away, walking past Lazant to the pilot’s seat. “Yeah. Let’s get the hades out of here.” She sat down to look them over. A look of concern slowly spread across her face. “I can’t fly this”, she said, turning to watch a look of severe dread overtake Lazant. After a long moment, she broke into a grin.

“Just kidding!” she said, pressing the buttons to fire up the engines. When Lazant started to laugh in relief she said, “Don’t get too comfortable, teammate. I still feel like kicking your ass.” Lazant’s smile was a weak one, and Amy enjoyed the feeling of knowing Lazant was fully dependant on her flying skills now. For the first time in a long while, she felt in charge again. She’d lost the battle over Baltar, but that was the last one she planned on losing for quite a while…
* * *
Brie
“Turner still would have stayed,” Brie said. “Everyone knew the risks when they volunteered. Better for everyone to die than for one person to be captured by the Cylons.”

“Then Turner was a fool,” Justin said quietly. Brie was furious. Without thinking she lifted her hand to slap Justin again. Justin was ready this time, he removed his hand from Brie’s shoulder and grabbed Brie’s wrist as her hand neared his face. “Not this time,” he said.

[LucianG]

Brie

With Justin still holding her wrist Brie held tightly to the bottle of grog with her other hand. For a micron she considered hitting Justin with it in the head, but instead took several more gulps. The bottle was 3/4 empty, and Brie was oblivious to the fact that she had never been quite so intoxicated before. “Turner was NOT a fool,” she said at last. “He was the bravest warrior I’ve ever known. And he was twice the man that you’d ever hope to be.” She forcefully pulled her hand out of his grasp.

Justin remained calm, which was infuriated Brie even more. “Believe it or not, I’m just trying to help.”

“Help?” Brie repeated. She knew her voice was way too loud but she didn’t care. “By insulting my dead husband?”

“I didn’t mean to insult him,” Justin tried to explain.

“Oh, you just go around calling everyone a fool. No offence meant. Is that it?”

“No.” Justin took a deep breath. Part of him was glad that Brie was taking her frustrations out on him, it was better than her keeping everything all bottled up inside. “But part of command is making difficult decisions. If we had worried about leaving people behind the night the colonies were destroyed then no one would have survived.”

Brie shook her head in disbelief. “What do you know about that night? What were you, five, six yarhens old? I was fifteen, on Taura, helping those who were CHOSEN to live board their assigned ships.”

“No one will ever forget that night, no matter how young they were at the time.”

Brie took another drink. She had purposely stopped handing the bottle to Justin. “Okay, I’ll give you that. So what’s your point?”

“My point,” Justin stated, “is that sometimes we have to making extremely difficult choices. You have to be a strong person in order to make those decisions.”

Brie had no idea why that comment bothered her so much. “Strong, huh? You want to see just how strong I can be?” She took one more long drink from the bottle, then threw it at the door, where it smashed into a hundred pieces. She was growing more angry by the micron, and she didn’t even really know why. Justin was just really bugging her. She considered leaving instead of continuing in this inane conversation, but she was pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to find the barracks, and she didn’t really want anyone to see her in her current condition.

“There’s no reason to get so upset,” Justin commented.

That was enough for Brie. She stood up, somehow her anger helped her to be steady on her feet. “You want to know why I’m upset?” she screamed. She didn’t care if it was loud enough for everyone on the Galactica to hear. “You keep giving me all this felgercarb, ‘it’s the only thing you could have done,’ and ‘I understand what you’re going through.’ Well how the frack can you understand? When have you EVER left living members of your squadron behind? I’m not talking about someone dying in some fracking battle with the Cylons. That’s happened to every squadron leader. What I’m talking about here is playing God.”

“We ALL play God, every time we make a mission assignment,” Justin pointed out. “This is no different than any other time, except it didn’t have the outcome that you had wanted. We can’t always win, so stop being so hard on yourself for just doing your job.” That was proof to Brie that Justin had no idea what he was talking about. She lunged towards him, but he was ready and pushed her off. Loosing her balance, she flew across the small room and fell against the bureau, knocking off the leftover food and making it fly everywhere. Brie fell to the floor and just stayed there, motionless. “Brie, I’m sorry, are you all right?” Justin stood up and hurried over to check on her. As soon a he grew close enough, Brie grabbed Justin by the ankle and pulled him to the floor.
Brie pulled Justin to the ground and basically attacked him. It was more of a wrestling match than a fight. Justin found himself in the difficult position of defending himself while also trying not to do further damage to Brie’s injured arm. He didn’t fight back, even though Brie got in several good punches. The Gold Squadron files that Brie had left under the bed so many centars earlier got kicked and flew all over the room. Fortunately for Justin Brie was more inebriated than he was so he wasn’t being hurt at all. He also wasn’t going to let this continue.

After struggling with each other on the ground for several centons Justin was finally able to gain control. He maneuvered Brie onto her back, he was holding both of her wrists near her head and using some of his body weight to make sure she couldn’t move very much. She struggled for a micron or two, but was unable to get loose. “If I were full strength I could take you,” she said with confidence.

“We’ll plan a rematch when we’re back on the Callisto,” Justin suggested, not really knowing what else to say.

Brie started to laugh. “We could sell tickets. We could make so fracking much money that we’d both be able to quit the military.”

Justin cracked a smile but didn’t loosen his grip. “We’d just have to make sure we’re both sober first. This would be pathetic, everyone would ask for a refund.” They both laughed, Brie harder than Justin. “It’s good to see you smile. Does this mean you’re not mad at me anymore?”

“I never was mad at you,” Brie confessed. “Not really. You’re actually an incredible person, and you’ve been trying so hard to help. The problem is I don’t WANT your help. I want you to hate me as much as I hate myself at the moment.”

“I don’t hate you, Brie. I could never hate you.”
* * *
Major Pierce was in a very good mood. He had just finished interviewing the members of Amy’s former team. It had been quite enjoyable and informative. He needed to compile all the information before making his report, but this time Military Inquiries would have to agree.

He thought back several yarhens. It wasn’t that he had anything against Brie personally, but her first case was the only blemish on his record. He had advised that Brie not be allowed to return to active duty, but his recommendation was ignored when Commander Adama stood up for her. It had seemed that Adama had been right, until, of course, this most recent mission. Pierce didn’t want to tarnish the memory of their beloved late leader, but he still had a growing sense of satisfaction.

He continued to work on his report. He was slightly upset that he hadn’t found Major JustinB, but that didn’t really matter, enough people had witnessed Brie’s lapse in judgment. Very soon he would be able to prove that Brie was unfit as a warrior. She was unraveling before everyone’s eyes. With a little bit of luck she would make a few more mistakes before they rejoined the fleet.

[LucianG]

JustinB
Meanwhile, outside two the two cadets, who delivered notes between Majors Justin and Brie, were walking down the very same corridor as the Majors quarters.

"I wonder if Major Brie has bumped into Major JustinB?" he asked the other cadet.

"Who knows? You think those two were sealed or something the way they were acting," he said with a laugh.

"Yeh, just imagine. Thing is, who would wear the tunic in the relationship?" With that they burst out laughing.

As they neared Brie's assigned quarters they heard something which made them look at each other. The sound of furniture breaking and yelling sent them into a panic. They tried to open the door but it was locked.

The younger of the two placed his ear against the door. What he heard made his jaw drop. He turned to his friend and said, "You will not believe this. It sounds like Major Brie did bump into Major JustinB and now they are trying to kill each other."

"Frack, if that’s the case maybe we should get security and inform Major Pierce. I hear he is looking in Major Brie’s conduct." said the older cadet. They both made their way to call security."
* * *
Brie
The two cadets hurried to the Galactica’s security office. Barging in, they told the officer on duty what they thought they had heard. “Major Brie and Major JustinB are trying to kill each other!”

The officer looked at them like they were crazy. “How do you know that?”

“We overheard,” one of the cadets said. “I’m really good with voices, I know it was them. There was some yelling and something broke.”

“They’re trying to kill each other,” the second cadet said again.

“Major Brie and Major JustinB are both squadron leaders and respected officers,” the man on duty replied, brushing it off. “I don’t know either one of them myself, but I’m sure you misunderstood.”

“You need to do something, and you need to call Major Pierce,” the first cadet frantically said.

“Major Pierce?” the duty officer repeated with a slight amount of fear in his voice. “Why?”

“Don’t you know what’s going on?” the second cadet asked. “Pierce is investigating Brie because of the way she fracked up the mission. She just ran, leaving three people behind to die. JustinB would never have done that and has told her so, and so she’s been giving him a hard time ever since they boarded the Galactica. She even tried to beat him up on the bridge. Pierce has been looking for JustinB to get him to press charges, but it looks like Brie found him first. She’s going to kill him!”

“Okay, I’ll get a couple of other security officers, you contact Major Pierce,” the security officer said. “There’s another comm over there. Where did you say this is happening?”

“The empty room, that pretty brunette med tech’s old quarters,” the first cadet answered. “Just down the hall from the med lab.”

“Convenient, they’re going to need the med lab,” the second cadet remarked.
* * *
JustinB
“I don’t hate you, Brie. I could never hate you.” I said looking straight into her eyes. What I had said and how I said it, made Brie look at me strangely. "The thing is Brie, you do need my help. You might not admit it but you do. The only thing stopping you from asking is your pride as a leader."

I slowly released my grip on Brie. I then rested up against the bulkhead. Brie got up and sat next to me. I could see the pain and hurt, well up in her eyes. I reached out and softly clutched her hand. "Brie, you have so much going for you. Your people trust you. I trust you. Thing is, you have to trust yourself. To trust what you did, was the only solution you had and not be bound by what Turner might have done." The mention of Turner earned me another slap across the face.
The effects of the grog took most of the sting out of the slap. I grabbed Brie by the head and faced her towards me.

"Brie, you can hurt me as much as you want. It won't change how I feel about you right now." Brie looked away, as she did so I ran the back of my hand across her face and through her messed up hair. I so expected to be pushed away.

[LucianG]

Brie
Major Pierce was both confused and excited about the information he had just received. Excited, because it looked like Brie was doing his job for him. Confused, though, because he had been told that the alleged fight was taking place in Brie’s temporarily assigned quarters. He knew for a fact that those quarters had been assigned to Major JustinB, he had planned on speaking with him as soon as light cycle was over.

No matter, Pierce grabbed an image-taker and ran down the hall. It didn’t take him long to reach the security office. After the cadets told him their story once again he, along with three black shirts, followed them towards the room. He told the black shirts to set their lasers on stun, just in case.
* * *
LucianG
The staff meeting of the senior Security officers was about to conclude. Instead of having Security Officers assist with the on-going repair effort as desired, since most Security Officers were cross-trained as either infantry, rescue, or repair personnel, they were wasting their time looking for the renegade Captain Hawke. With the revelation that Hawke had some type of personal cloaking device, Security Officers were generally working in groups of at least two. They’d scoured the ship several times already, but so far, there had been no luck. As proven by the case with the Noman a couple yahrens before, everyone knew there were many secret places aboard the Callisto.

Since Hawke reportedly had some type of cloaking field device, Security Captain Urdea had taken precautions to have the room swept for bugging devices prior to, and then during the previous meeting, and he’d had activated three special devices shortly after the meeting started. These three devices had been planted in the room long ago as a security precaution. He’d developed them with Doc BKJ’s help using a medical device he’d discovered during one of their past appointments where she examined the fit of his prosthetic leg. As such, the devices’ existence was unknown to anyone else, including Proteus, his most trusted aide. Using a rotating, one-time-use password, he activated them shortly before the main meeting had started, and then during the meeting, he carefully observed the screen. Scanning individual heartbeats, and then triangulating the location of each person in the room, Urdea was then able to ensure that Hawke was nowhere around. Urdea wished that the devices had longer range; then, he’d sweep the entire ship, and find Hawke so he could figure out what was happening in the younger man’s mind. Urdea liked Hawke, but things had gone too far, and it was now a priority that he be found and stopped. With the shielding and white noise around the room, in combination with the bug sweeps, there was no way for Hawke to be in or listen in on the conversation in the room.

“Okay, then, in summary, FIND HIM! We arrive in the Darjeelene system tomorrow, and Commander Sheba said we must have a flawless and fast run across this system. We're only supposted to be in system for four centars before the next, already planned jump, so we can't allow him to do anything else that endangers this ship or our fleet. Any questions? No, good. Dismissed!” Urdea ordered.

Most everyone left, but three officers remained in the room. Urdea stood looking at the lecture board. When puzzling over cases, he’d often drawn elaborate diagrams linking suspicions to facts to suspects, and more often than not, had solved them as a result. This one seemed pretty simple, on the surface. Lieutenants Proteus and Winculus, who had helped gather information, were there in the room as well.
* * *
“Winnie, right now, I need every officer we’ve got to be searching for Hawke, and I need someone to actually find him,” said Captain Urdea. “If he’s still on the loose when we arrive at Darjeelene tomorrow, there’s no telling what kind of mischief he could do with that blasted cloaking thing he’s got. Now, I know you’ve asked to be relieved from assignment on the Hawke case, but because of its importance, I can’t pull it off—not entirely, anyway. I’m pulling you in on this other case since we need to go ahead and ask some questions before it gets any colder than it already is. Experience shows that a female suspect will sometimes be more willing to talk to an understanding female interviewer than a male, so by assigning you to it, you don’t have to be directly involved in the investigation of Hawke, though I do expect you to continue to assist with the search.”

“Yes, Sir,” said Winnie. “That’s a help anyway. Hawke was my partner, and I thought he became something of a friend when we worked together, but…maybe I was wrong. I guess it just hurts me to see him acting this way when I thought I’d figured him out. Anyway, Sir, you said ‘female?’”

“We’ll get to that in a couple of moments, Winnie. For now, let’s look at what we know about the case,” said Urdea. “First, Major Lucian told us he was in the Med Lab when he contacted the Bridge at around 06:30. We’ve confirmed with Doc BKJ that she had given him a painkiller at 06:20, and that she had ordered him to remain in the Med Lab for observation for several centars. She wanted him to get some rest and to see if the swelling in his injured knee would subside with the treatment she had started. Proteus has found that the log shows a call was logged from the Med Lab to the Bridge at 06:28:89, and that it had lasted 42 microns. The log showed that this call was fielded on the Bridge rollover system—”

“Excuse me, Captain, but what’s that?” asked Winnie.

Proteus said, “I’ll take it, Captain. Winnie, when a call is placed to the Bridge, it’s routed to the Bridge Communications Officer who has not received a call in the longest period of time. The system does a decent job of tracking these calls to the Bridge Communications Center, but it doesn’t tell us at which terminal the call was received. Now, if you were to observe the communications staff for a few centons, then place a baseline call, and match it to a comm officer, you’d then be able to predict which comm. officer would receive the next incoming call. That is, you’d be able to able to track who’s next to receive a call and even predict the upcoming sequence of receivers, but that would only work as long as the incoming callers cooperated by keeping all their calls to a standard, set length. However, when things are busy, it turns out there’s a sort of “glitch” in the system. If all the Communications Officers are on calls, a call is simply rolled over to the first one available. In reality, it’s not a glitch at all, but it appears that way to the layperson, since he or she has gone the longest without being on a call. This still matches the system algorithm since it’s actually set up to transfer calls to the comm officer who has not been on a call in the longest time.”

Winnie shook her head, and said, “So for all that complicated explanation, in a treeseed shell, what you’re telling me is that there’s no way for us to track who received the calls.”

“Succinctly, yes,” said Proteus with a grin.

“So,” summarized Captain Urdea, “we’re back to some good old-fashioned police-work.”
* * *
Proteus explained that one of the six communications officers on duty at the time, based on a search of ship’s duty records, would have taken the call. Lucian had not recalled the person’s name, if it had even been given, but he had remembered the speaker being female, though Urdea didn’t trust this as being an absolute fact, but rather a belief, since Lucian was probably groggy at the time from the medicine he’d been administered. Assuming it was a “she” who received the call, there were three possibilities.

“Ah, the female bit,” she said nodding her head.

“Exactly. Now Winnie, since you asked to be pulled off the Hawke debacle, I want you to run with this one," said Captain Urdea. "At minimum, interview all three ladies before we arrive in Darjeelene. I’m assigning Officer Saul to be your partner on the case. In addition, the two of you will continue to assist in the ship search for Mr. Hawke.”

Winnie started to object to being assigned a partner, but Urdea raised a hand and continued, “I don’t want any of my people operating solo right now with Hawke running around like a maniac. Saul’s a good man, and I trust him as I trust you. You’ll work well together.”

“Understood, Captain,” she replied. “I just thought, since this is my first big investigative case—”

“It would be good to have an experienced hand backing you up?” he asked with a grin. “I know, you want to do this on your own, but like I said, we can’t take chances with Hawke. Besides, Saul will be a good sounding board for you.” She nodded in reply.

“Interview all three, see if any of them remember the call, and then follow up on any leads. You’ll coordinate with either Proteus or me. According to Commander Sheba, we need to solve this mess, and soon. An good officer’s career rests in the balance. ”

* * *

The two officers visited the first and second female comm officers just after they got off first shift. They had remembered nothing of the events, so Winnie checked the schedule to see when Officer Miri might be available. “Looks like we can catch her during Second Shift lunch break. Let’s go look for Hawke,” said Winnie.

“I don’t know Hawke,” said Saul. “I’d like to take a look at his personal effects, to see if I can get any idea of his mindset.”

“I think he was assigned a small room when he made Captain,” replied Winnie. “His things should be there. Let’s go take a look.”

[LucianG]

Charybdis
I had managed to get dressed in my blue command uniform, finally. I had started to feel better after I got some sleep.

Miraculously, the visions of how Amy could have died did not creep into my sleep. In fact, I had rested better than I had in a long time...

I went over to my desk and put in a call to Commander Sheba. "Charybdis, how are you doing?" she asked.

"Not too badly, Commander. I wanted to ask, as soon as we complete the first leg of this jump, might I have a bit of time to go over to the CQ to see my sister? We will have over four centars once we reach the Darjeleene system."

Sheba thought it over for a micron. "Well, since you're not cleared to return to duty yet, I suppose that it would be alright. But make sure you get back in time, I want you back onboard the Callisto before we make the next jump."

"Yes, Commander." I turned off the monitor and thought about my sister. I thought she was dead for almost 25 yahrens and yet, there she was. She had survived. In times like this, when I had just lost Amy, I wanted some good news. It would be good to see her again. It had been some time since I had gone over to visit with her. This fracking war!!!
* * *
Amy
As the cruiser cleared the Imperial bay, Lazant watched over Amy’s shoulder. He was still feeling the rush of having outwitted the most hated traitor in recorded history. “What kind of weaponry does this thing have?” he asked.

“Hmm?” Amy replied distractedly as she concentrated on the controls. Though she knew how to fly the cylon craft, she still needed to pay attention and concentrate. Simulation was one thing, this was something else entirely.

“Weapons” Lazant replied. “What do we have?”

Amy made a check. “Looks like standard forward cannons. Armed with fighter class ammo.”

Lazant smiled. “Bring the ship around. I made one last promise to Baltar that I’d really like to keep.”

Amy was going to say something but held back, preferring to pick the right times to challenge Lazant and his air of authority. She swung the cruiser around until it was facing back toward the base and the bay they’d just left.

“Cannons armed?” Lazant asked. Amy nodded, and Lazant smiled again. “Target the bay”, he said.

Amy tied in the automatic tracking and lined up the bay, and moments later the cruiser scored direct hits on it, taking out the base’s one remaining functional bay. “Did Baltar know enough to get clear?” she asked.

“A little late to be asking, but I told him” Lazant replied. “Of course, he was never very good at listening, so you never know.” He sighed, watching the flames flair out before being extinguished by the vacuum of space. “It’s over. Finally over. Let’s get the frack away from here.”

“Where to?” Amy replied, her hand ready to set the course.

“Good question” Lazant replied. “I have some good ideas of where to go, but we just need the means. Now where do you think we could get our hands on something with jump capability?”

Amy laughed. “Right here. This ship has it.”

Lazant’s eyes bulged and a look of sheer joy swept his face. Without thinking he reached out and wrapped his arms around Amy. Repulsed, Amy froze up, waiting for Lazant to come to his senses. He did moments later, even taking a step back in his embarrassment.

“Don’t get too excited” Amy said. “It’s good news bad news. And the bad is forward sensors got knocked out while I was out here with Baltar. I can set a jump course, but it would be, so to speak, a leap of faith.”

“Forward sensors are out?” Lazant said. “We could materialize light-yahrens off course. Into a star or planet…”

“Or right outside the Callisto’s landing bay” Amy added, “If we knew the coordinates and this ship holds the course.”

“No choice, huh?” Lazant asked flatly.

“No choice. Does that mean you know the coordinates?”

“More or less, speaking off the record.” Lazant replied.

Amy just looked at him, amazed. “How much do you get into that you have no business doing?” she asked.

Lazant just shot her a look with a wry smile. “Just be thankful.” He entered some codes as he leaned in close to Amy. She couldn’t see what he was doing, but figured it didn’t really matter. She couldn’t say if he was right or not about the course any more than she could guarantee that they wouldn’t end up jumping into the middle of a sun somewhere. Lazant straightened back up. “Ready went you are.”

“And the daggit throws the switch…” Amy said with a sigh, reaching out to activate the jump engines. The stars began to rush toward them at a dizzying speed as the cruiser entered jump space…
* * *
As the cruiser sailed through jump space, there was little Amy or Lazant could do. They were in it now, and with the sensors out they wouldn’t really know for sure where they would end up. Though both were a little tense over the situation, they sat back and tried to relax.

Amy squirmed uncomfortably in the stiff pilot’s chair, and after a moment of decision making she got up and sat down in one of the plushier seats back in the passenger section. Her back had stiffened considerably, and her neck was very sore. She sat in silence, staring at nothing in particular.

Lazant was more hesitant to leave the controls. It didn’t seem right, but there wasn’t anything he could really do since Amy knew more about it than he did. He didn’t like that feeling, that someone had something up on him. It ate at him, and he felt the need to bury that feeling, to get back on top, and there was only one person available to him. He got up, trying to seem casual, and he slowly walked back and sat opposite Amy, blocking whatever she had been staring at.

“You asked about what had happened to me” Lazant said to break the silence and establish a topic.

After a moment Amy seemed to come back from wherever it was her mind had taken her. “Yeah” she replied. “What did happen?”

“It was amazing” Lazant started, his voice becoming animated. “I was virtually alone on that base. Not a living soul anywhere! There was the occasional functioning centurion, but I took care of them with a sword until I got my hands on a rifle again! Can you believe those purple cylons wiped out all the normal ones? It’s fortunate that they were all taken out when Beta bay collapsed…”

He stopped talking, disappointed in Amy’s reaction, which really was no reaction at all. She sat there listening, but her expression didn’t change. She seemed worn out, and now that they were relatively safe for the moment her experiences seemed to be catching up with her. Lazant continued to talk, trying to pump Amy up with his excitement.

“I found a central control area” he went on, “a huge one! You would not believe the depths of the data I found there.” He produced a handful of discs from his pocket. “I downloaded as much as I could. See? We really had no reason to keep Baltar. It’s far better this way, for he has no idea the things we know about cylon operations now. I just hope we make it back.”

So you can get your hero’s welcome no doubt, Amy thought as she looked at him blankly. She wished he’d shut up, but somehow the droning was comforting. Annoying, but comforting because it was so human. So blandly, boringly human.

Lazant reached out and touched her knee gently. “You wouldn’t believe the classified information I found on OUR people. Names you might know. Turner…”

“Brie’s Turner?” Amy asked.

“Yes. A then Lt. Hawke…” Lazant went on.

“Our Hawke?” Amy interrupted. “From the Callisto?”

Lazant nodded. “Surprising to say the least. There are other names too. Some you might know, others maybe not, all either current or one time prisoners of the cylon empire. Ventis, Atwill, Astraea, Ezaya… their families will be so relieved to get their hands on this information after so many yahrens of not knowing….”

A beeping from the front of the ship caught their attention, and they both bolted to the front of the cruiser. “What is it?” Lazant asked as Amy slid into the pilot’s chair and began hitting some buttons.

“Not good” Amy said, “not good at all. The timer fracked up. We’re coming out of the jump too soon.”

“Can you override it?” Lazant suggested.

“Not safe to try it” Amy replied. “Not without the sensors. We’re going to have to let the ship come out of the jump. Lord knows where…”

Lazant tried to show some strength. He placed a hand on Amy’s shoulder. “Well, if this is it, if we’re done for, it’s been an honor to serve with you, captain.”

Amy managed a laugh through her concentration. “Your last thoughts should at least be truthful ones, Lazant…”

The ship suddenly rocked hard, and the stars reappeared, spinning wildly as the cruiser tumbled out of jump space. Amy fought against the spin, and gradually regained control as the engines whined and protested. Stable once more, Amy shut down the engines and held the ship in position. “Where the frack are we?” she muttered, and for once Lazant didn’t have a handy answer.

The view out the front window was mostly of a blood red space, with swirls of blackness. Distant stars dotted the vista, while closer some sort of black hole was sucking in matter. And in the middle of this totally alien spacescape was one very familiar object.

A cylon basestar. And it was launching fighters.