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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:07:46 GMT -6
Expatkiwi As Skyler watched Thunderhawk walk away, someone coughed behind him. Skyler turned and saw that it was one of the senior crew chiefs. The chief had a clipboard in his hand. "Hi, Chief", Skyler greeted him, "what's up?" "Hope I wasn't interrupting anything, Captain", the chief said, "I just wanted to give you the manifest of the six new upgraded vipers the squadron just took receipt of." Skyler nodded and took the offered clipboard. He had heard of the new refinements that had been done under the competent eye of Lieutenant Kiwi. He smiled as he saw that these vipers were designated 'K'-type (rhetoricaly wondering what that letter stood for). He read the improvements the new vipers had: enhanced Warbook with an improved IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) feature, a vastly improved targeting acquisition system, and with the laser generators tied into the turboes, a bigger punch with the lasers. He handed the clipboard back to the chief. "So, Kiwi has provided us with six of these new fighters. Looks like his being stuck in pergartory for the last several sectars has paid handsome dividends for us." "I just heard that Major Brie had requested that Lieutenant Kiwi be transferred back into Gold Squadron", the chief pointed out, "what with the new vipers now operational, the Major feels that Kiwi's expertise and knowledge of the new vipers would be better served in the squadron." Skyler nodded. That made sense, but Kiwi really made some powerful enemies. That's what got him kept in the training directorate for so long. "The Lieutenant is a fine warrior and excellent pilot, chief", Skyler answered quietly, "but he does have a tendency to let his mouth go out of control." "He has said nothing that wasn't already true, Captain", the Chief replied quietly, as he knew of the Core Command officer that Kiwi had badmouthed, "but he really should not have made his view so public." Both men chuckled. The chief had a point, Skyler agreed. Those chairborne warriors at Core Command can be a royal pain. "Well", Skyler concluded, "these new ships will give plenty of justification for the good lieutenant to be reassigned back to us, despite Core Command's objections. Thanks for the report, Chief." * * * Logan Logan waited for the crew chief to turn and retreat down the corridor. Skyler turned back to her and was surprised to find her smiling broadly. "What?", Skyler asked, confused. "I'm trying to decide what makes me happier- the fact that their are upgraded Vipers to test out or solving a mystery?", Logan said. "Mystery?" Skyler knew what she was talking about, but had to ask anyway. Logan never just handed out information when there was a possibility to make you squirm. "Ever since I arrived, you have seemed... for want of a better word, perplexed. Who is She?" Logan was really enjoying this. Skyler was trying to figure out why Logan was enjoying this so much. After everything they had been through, it seemed odd to him. "I don't know what you're talking about?", was all he could manage. Logan narrowed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest."Fine. I can wait." Skyler wasn't sure about talking to Logan about this. He was generally private when it came to relationships, even with those he knew he could trust. And he could trust Logan, couldn't he? Skyler shifted uncomfortably and Logan relaxed her posture. " OK," she said, "so tell me about this Kiwi person. He sounds very interesting." * * * Expatkiwi "Kiwi?", Skyler said, "He's one hell of an excellent pilot, a good tech, and an able tactician. He's been on TDY with the Training Directorate for the last several sectars". "From what the chief said", Logan ventured, "Kiwi wasn't there willingly". Skyler smirked. "'Willingly' would be an understatement. Kiwi is a military man through and through, but he doesn't suffer fools lightly, which means he speaks his mind too much for his own good". Logan's eyes widened. "I see what you mean. So what did he do to get stuck with the training pukes?". "He made a comment about the viper combat simulations being behind the times. The officer in charge told him to get the sims up to date if he do better. Kiwi did, and did it so well that the Training Officer asked for him to be temporarilly detached from Gold Squadron to work on the sims. That, plus the fact that Kiwi has test-piloting credentials made him the obvious choice to flight-test new machines and to have the simulators changed to relect the updates". "How come I haven't seen this guy in the o-club", Logan asked next. "Kiwi has a very strong sense of honor. Pilots detached from operations usually are detached because they either have a lack of moral fiber or are more a risk to themselves and their comrades than the enemy. As such, squadron warriors shun them. Kiwi's bravery and flight skills are beyond question, but his sense of honor demands that he not associate with us while he is on TDY", Skyler explained. Logan thought it over. It sounds like Kiwi has a strong sense of integrity. "So what about this dispute with Core Command?", Logan asked next. "Kiwi asked to be reassigned back to Gold Squadron a few sectars ago. The training directorate would not endorse the request, so he went over ther heads direct to Core Command. The officer there - a guy named Hoxha - rather gleefully told Kiwi to get lost. Kiwi, as I said, does not suffer fools lightly and he told Hoxha what he thought of him. The next thing that happened was that Kiwi was reprimanded for conduct unbecoming an officer and told to stay in the training directorate, or else resign his commission. Kiwi has stayed back there ever since", Skyler furnished. "He do well there?", Logan asked. Skyler nodded. "Very much so. As well as ferrying vipers over from the foundry ships, and flight-testing new vipers, he also works with the research directorate improving systems. The latest batch of improvements on the new vipers we have are largely due to his input". "So we have enhanced viper systems designed and built with the help of a warrior who knows what is needed", Logan answered. Skyler nodded. "Yep, but Kiwi is very unhappy about being stuck in pergatory. Until recently, Flight Officer Hoxha has made damn sure that Kiwi remained in the training directorate, but these new vipers have given the Major ammunition to use to get Kiwi back into Gold Squadron. Hopefully, once he returns to the squadron, Kiwi will have learned his lesson about expressing his views so openly", Skyler concluded with a smile. * * * Charybdis I made my way back to the bridge after seeing Brie one last time. I hoped it wasn'y my last.
Something was strange, though. No word yet from Black squadron... * * * Brie Brie couldn't help but notice the light-hearted manner of several people who were starting to gather in the ready room. It was ironic, being such a serious mission, but she understood, since she herself had never been so excited. Even Charybdis had seemed different in some way when she had talked to him.
It bothered Brie slightly that Agelastus had yet to join them. She still had some concerns about the untrained Breisis coming along.
She noticed out of the corner of her eye that Amy had entered the room. She needed to talk to Amy, wanted to make sure that Amy knew about her appointment as third officer. It was a strange appointment to make, leaving on such a somber mission, but it was also well deserved. Although still across the room, Brie knew Amy well enough to see that something was different about her as well. It was almost as if...no, Brie pushed that thought out of her mind.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:08:23 GMT -6
Amy I walked in, seeing Charybdis on the far side of the room with Major Brie, near the other door. I wasn't sure if he'd seen me or not, his back was turned and he seemed about to leave, but I walked toward the Major to report in.
The room had an odd lightness to it. It seemed strange considering the circumstances. It was almost as if the warriors here had made their peace and were ready for whatever fate awaited them on the upcoming mission.
"Hi Major" I said as I walked up to her. I looked around the room. "Almost seems like a party." With nothing else to do at the moment, several warriors had broken out the pyramid cards. My light expression darkened for a moment as I was reminded yet again of Artus, and that first game of pyramid we'd played with Marcus. I recovered quickly, at least externally. I didn't want the Major to see anything in me that might give her cause to keep me from going.
"How've you been?" I asked. "It seems like forever since we've talked. For a while we lived practically on top of each other, then nothing." I smiled at the memory of the days I spent rooming with Brie. They were fun times though dangerous ones with all the trouble that had been going on then.
I caught a glimpse of Charybdis again, and couldn't help but break out a tiny smile. Brie looked in the same direction, but I wasn't sure if she made any connection.
"So" I asked Brie, "is this party catered?" * * * Brie Brie couldn't help but notice the way that Amy looked at Charybdis. Everything clicked into place. Brie grew suddenly serious. "Sorry, Amy, but you're off the mission." * * * Amy I looked over at Brie in surprise, and then I started to smile. "Good one, Major" I said, "you had me going there for a micron." * * * Agelastus Killjoy and I were still silent as we reached the door of the Ready Room. I paused.
"Wait! Killjoy?" I said. "Whatever the past, I've always been a Warrior, just remember that."
"Whatever the future as well?" he asked quietly.
I nodded emphatically. "Just like you. Whatever the future as well."
I felt we'd needed to ease our tension a little - after all, we were soon to go on the mission of our lives. Perhaps the last mission of our lives, at that.
I hadn't been joking when I'd said that he'd soon have the opportunity to save my life to repay me for the times I'd saved his.
The Ready Room was abuzz with pockets of conversation. Someone laughed, a little forced sounding in my opinion. Instinctively, I looked around for the Major. I saw her engrossed in conversation with Captain Amy. Behind her, Briseis and the others were edging over to join a sergeant I didn't know, the conversation already starting.
I guessed the Major would ask me about Briseis, and her combat training. Killjoy followed me as I edged around nearly to her line of sight and waited for her to finish with Amy. I wasn't about to initiate the inevitable conversation, however.
It was too late for doubt. The fun was about to start. * * * Brie "Sorry, Amy, but you're off the mission."
Amy looked over at Brie in surprise, and then she started to smile. "Good one, Major" Amy said, "you had me going there for a micron."
"I'm perfectly serious, Captain," Brie replied. She didn't pull rank on her friends often, but it seemed neccessary at the micron. "When you voluntered it was under the understanding that you no longer had any attachments. I know you both well enough to realize that on some level you and Charybdis have, um, re-attached. I'd rather be one person short than bring along someone who's distracted, someone who might have something to live for after all." Brie saw that Agelastus had entered the room. She wondered if he knew that he had received quite possibly the quickest promotion in the history of the Callisto. She needed to know about Briseis, but didn't really WANT to know. But first, she needed to hear what Amy had to say. * * * Amy "Now wait a minute, Major" I said, my voice shaking slightly as I tried to keep a lid on my sudden anger. "You know me. You know what I've been through trying to gain respect as a female warrior. You can't dismiss me from this mission on the basis of what I had or might have with Charybdis. My relationship with him has been one of my biggest hurdles- don't use it to kick me off!!"
I may have been overstepping my bounds, but I couldn't help it. At the moment I didn't care. "If you used these requirements each time a mission was planned, there isn't one warrior that you'd be able to send. Each mission can be a last one, and each person on board, even the orphaned ones, have attachments of some kind, and we all have something to live for. I became a warrior to defend our people in any situation that comes up, don't tell me now that I'm unfit because I dare to have a life in the face of what the Cylons are trying to do to us. I'd..." I stopped, noticing that Brie was looking slightly less than pleased. Still, I hoped I was getting through. I lowered my voice, which had been sort of rising. "...I'd have to rethink a lot of things if I'm unable to go on the mission for the reasons you are giving me." * * * Brie Brie pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. "Major," she read, "I'd like to volunteer for the mission. You might argue that I have too much to lose, but you are wrong. The fleet has been found, and my family is safe. I know this, and would not be left wondering. With the death of Artus, my personal life is in order. I've ended things with Najinn, and frankly I do not think there is anything left with Charybdis that is worth keeping me off the mission. I haven't had any indications to make me think otherwise. I took an oath to defend the fleet and it's people, and that is what I truly want to do, and it would be an honor to do so at your side, whatever the outcome may be. signed, Captain Amy." Brie looked at Amy. "Your situation has changed," she explained. "And don't give me that felgercarb about all missions being dangerous, I already know that. But this is the one that we're NOT coming back from. No matter how much we all say otherwise, I'm going to be dead in a few centars, and you will be too if you come along. Don't convince me, think about it yourself. Things have changed for you, do you really want to throw your life down the turboflush?" * * * Amy I was a bit surprised to see my note, which Brie pulled out and read back to me. I know what I what I had written, but I let the Major have her say. When she had finished, she asked if I really wanted to toss it all down the turboflush.
"Major" I replied, "It will all be down the flush if I DON'T go. Don't you see? If there's anything left between Charybdis and I, my not going will end it for sure. If my relationship with him is going to keep me from this mission, then I know for sure that I cannot have that relationship and still be a warrior. It's only by going, and trying like hades to make it back, that anything I have in my life will be worth anything to me."
"If you leave me off this mission, either my days as a warrior or my relationship with Charybdis will be over. Please don't make me have to make that choice. My place now is at your side. It's where I want to be. It's where I have to be." * * * Brie Brie thought for a moment. "Fine. I'll leave it up to you. But I know you, Amy. You're easily distracted, which is the LAST thing that I need. If your head won't be in this, let me know now. Be honest with yourself."
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:09:08 GMT -6
Amy Brie thought for a moment before she answered me. "Fine" she said, "I'll leave it up to you. But I know you, Amy. You're easily distracted, which is the LAST thing that I need. If your head won't be in this, let me know now. Be honest with yourself."
Her words confused and surprised me. I spoke without thinking about if I was being too forward or not. "Easily distracted? I know I'm headstrong, maybe a bit too eager to prove myself at times, and I've been known to make snap judgements that may run against orders. But I'm working on that. I wanted so bad when you ordered me to report back on our finding Cylons in this system to stay with you and fight, but I resisted those temptations and reported back to the Callisto as ordered. I don't do things on impulse anymore. But to say I'm easily distracted, that I just don't understand."
I looked the major in the eye. "What's going on, Brie? You used to be my biggest backer, the one who had faith in me even when I didn't. You've even promoted me to third officer. Have you suddenly lost faith in me now? I'm your friend as well as a fellow warrior. Whatever is going on, let me help you." * * * Brie "What's going on, Brie? You used to be my biggest backer, the one who had faith in me even when I didn't. You've even promoted me to third officer. Have you suddenly lost faith in me now? I'm your friend as well as a fellow warrior. Whatever is going on, let me help you."
Brie was starting to get slightly angry. "That's exactly what I'm talking about, Captain. You turned this whole thing around. Suddenly I'm the one who needs help? The facts here are that your situation has changed in the last couple of centars, which you have yet to deny. Yes, I have faith in you. But if you and Charybdis had still been involved before I chose my team, you never would have been on it. And of course we're friends, but never forget that I'm also you commanding officer." * * * Amy Brie was starting to get slightly angry. "That's exactly what I'm talking about, Captain. You turned this whole thing around. Suddenly I'm the one who needs help? The facts here are that your situation has changed in the last couple of centars, which you have yet to deny. Yes, I have faith in you. But if you and Charybdis had still been involved before I chose my team, you never would have been on it. And of course we're friends, but never forget that I'm also you commanding officer."
"Forgive me, Major" I replied, "but I don't think I've turned anything around. I think there's something going on with you that you don't want to get in to. But that's okay. But don't use it to drag me down. There's nothing for me to deny because as it stands right now nothing has changed for me! I'm beginning to wonder though if the fix is in again. I don't know what Charybdis has told you, but I'm tired of what I choose to do with my personal life getting in the way of my profession."
I took a deep breath. "I tell you what. Obviously my going on this thing is going against the grain somehow, and if it's going to be such a big distraction that my presense is going to affect the team, then you just tell me flat out that I'm either on or off." I was ready to hit something, or just bang my head against the walls. "On or off. And I won't say another word to you about it. If I have to be as lifeless as a Cylon just to go, then it's just not worth it, and I don't think I'm really sure what we are fighting for anymore if we can't have a life too. So kick me off, toss me in the brig, I don't care." I'd never been so upset, especially with a ranking officer. Well, maybe I'd had, with Charybdis... and maybe I was throwing all I'd worked for away, but at the moment I'd really had enough. And I was never too sure where the line between rank and friendship was with Brie, but I did hope I hadn't gone too far as to lose the friendship. * * * Charybdis According to the rules and procedures in Callisto elections, the CO of the squadron may make up to two recommendations for promotion immediately after the election.
Therefore, Hawke and Agelastus are hereby granted the commission of Captain in the Colonial Military with all rights and priveledges herewith...
Congratulations to Captains Hawke and Agelastus!! * * * Kiwi Floating in the zero-gee node in the arboretum, Kiwi was just beginning to relax again when his commlink beeped. Kiwi reached down and looked at the message box. The message read: "LT. KIWI DETACHED TRAINING DIRECTORATE AS OF THIS DATE. ORDERED TO REPORT 0800 TOMORROW TO GOLD SQUADRON COMMAND FOR OPERATIONAL DUTY ASSIGNMENT". Kiwi grinned as he absorbed, then acknowledged the message. His tenure in Training and Research was now officially over! Using a small jet can, he propelled himself over to the edge of the node and positioned himself appropriately. As he drifted out of the node, he effortlessly dropped to the floor. He had some packing to do, plus would need to schedule a medical flight-check, but it definitely was something for him to celebrate! * * * Kiwi Kiwi had finished packing his tote bag from the quarters he had occupied during his tenure at the Training directorate, and was now heading out to re-occupy his old quarters at the Strike Wing BOQ. Humming a quiet tune, Kiwi walked along the passageways down to Squadron Dispersal. He wanted to check on a couple of things first, before reporting in at the Squadron. "Hi, Chief", Kiwi said to the senior person present as he walked into the squadron maintenance office. "Hey, Lieutenant", the duty chief replied, "I heard you finally got out of the daggit-house. Congratulations". "Thanks, Chief", Kiwi acknowledged with a smile. Placing his tote bag down on a chair, Kiwi went over to a servatoir and poured himself a drink. He then went back and sat down. "What can I do for you, Lieutenant?", the chief asked. "Just wanting to know if the 'K'-series vipers got checked out okay", Kiwi answered, while sipping his liquid. "The first six have already been dispersed into the launch tubes", the chief replied, "and all of their systems check out okay. Those refinements that you worked on are going to be a great help to the squadron", the chief replied. "I have already delivered the mainifest to the C.O. and X.O.". Kiwi stood up, put down his tankard, and gestured to the chief. "So lets take a look", Kiwi suggested. With that, he grabbed his tote bag, then the two of them left the office and headed out to the launch tubes. ************************ "Your people have taken good care of them", Kiwi commented after looking them over. Kiwi gestured to the Gold Squadron crest that had been painted onto the new vipers. Kiwi also noticed that the six had been cleaned and polished so that they glittered in the dim light of the landing bay. All of them were sitting on their launch cradles, poised and ready to be deployed into space at a micron's notice. "If they fly as good as they look", the chief commented, "then Gold Squadron will really have something to brag about to the rest of the Strike Wing". "Oh, they fly very well", Kiwi answered, "after all, I was the primary test pilot for this series. True, I test-flew them from the HEPHAESTUS (foundry ship) and the (academy ship) INFINITY, rather than from the CALLISTO - and only for brief periods to check out the upgrades, but these new ships should do very nicely under operational conditions". "You going out in them anytime soon?", the chief asked. Kiwi shrugged. "That depends on the squadron operations folk and I haven't chatted with them yet". "Well, if you'll excuse me, Lieutenant", the chief said next, "I'd better get back to the office. It is good to have you back". With that, the chief left Kiwi and headed back to the Maintenance section. Kiwi watched him go, then dropped his tote bag. He walked on over to the nearest one of the new vipers and climbed on into the cockpit. He closed the canopy and powered on the systems (though being careful not to arm the engines). He ran a diagnostic program on the avionics and waited for it to complete. While it was going, Kiwi relaxed and let the feeling of being back in a fighter again wash over him. Even though he had flown this viper before, the fact that it was finally operational made him feel very proud of himself....
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:09:53 GMT -6
Lt. Kiwi's checking out of the new vipers had not gone unnoticed. Up on the bridge at Core Command, Flight Officer Hoxha had been monitoring the landing bay viewscreen. He silently seethed at the sight of Kiwi chatting with the Crew Chief and climbing into one of the new vipers. Hoxha was a person who neither forgave or forgot any insult, and Kiwi had - he thought - paid for the time he mouthed off at him with being stuck in the training directorate tinkering with the flight sims and liasing with the research techs. Now that he had seen the transfer confirmation reinstating Kiwi back onto flight status, he realized that his plan to keep Kiwi off operations and stay stuck in the training directorate - with the only opportunity for him to fly would be on ferry flights and test assessment flights - had come to naught. Hoxha switched off the view screen and settled back into his chair, pondering his next move. With the transfer approved at the highest levels of the CALLISTO's chain of command, successfully appealing the transfer would be futile. That, plus the fact that Major Brie didn't think much of him would bring unwelcome attention upon him from some pretty powerful figures, should he try any move to overturn the transfer. He could only hope that Kiwi would slip up somewhere, either in combat, or with the new vipers that he had a major part in the research and development of..... * * * Unaware of Hoxha watching him through the closed-circuit monitor, Lt. Kiwi relaxed in the viper cockpit while watching the readouts from the onboard systems diagnostic program. He smiled as the readouts showed that all of the instruments and refinements were at optimum. Nodding, he shut down the avionics and opened the canopy. Kiwi briskly climbed out of the viper and walked down the access ladder. Picking up his tote bag, he exited the landing bay and headed over to Gold Squadron administration. His flight testing and research sojurn now over, it was time to have a new beginning as a combat pilot and warrior in the CALLISTO's best squadron..... * * * JustinB Once the Refinery's defences had been knocked out of commission, I had Flight Two orbit the refinery to knock out any communication dishes.
While this happened I gave my orders to Flight One. "Flight One this is Black Lead. Make sure your envirosuits are secure because we are going in. Droidarr, RaycerX, Stargazor. We are in first. Anubis, Masonic, Brotherjoe and Iberia follow us in once I give you the word."
I guided my viper into the refinery's landing bay. As soon as my viper had stopped, I jumped out and took cover behind some metal crates. When the other pilots started to take cover, I called in the rest of my flight.
Once the landing bay was secured, I climbed into my viper. I hit the scrambler button to talk to the Callisto. "Callisto this is Black Lead."
After a few microns I received the reply. "Black Lead this is Callisto say you status."
"Landing Bay secured. About to make my way to the communications room. Will advise when compl.." Out of nowhere laser fire came from the direction we needed to take to get to the Communications room. After returning fire I said, "Will advise when mission complete, Black Lead Out."
Anubis, Masonic, Brotherjoe and Iberia landed right in the middle of a crossfire. Giving cover fire from their vipers, I managed to throw a couple of explosive grenades to push the attackers back.
"Let's get them and show them how good Black Squad are." I yelled as I advanced on the cylon positions. What happened in the next fewcentons would determine our success. * * * Lucian Major Lucian fought the urge to activate the short-range, ship-to-ship communicator. He wanted to check with Gataren to make sure all was well, but he’d given strict orders to maintain communications silence unless there was a real emergency. So far, Shuttle T2 was closely paralleling T1, the lead Frodarian shuttle. Lucian checked the viewscreen and zoomed in on Shuttle T2, confirming that the surface mounted tanks that had been hastily installed were all in place. From what he could see, all was well.
A whisper broke the relative silence, “Major, I may be mistaken, but you appear nervous about Chief Gataren’s ability. My understanding is that he was quite successful in his checkout on the Frodarian shuttle.” Fallel looked at Lucian questioningly.
“Fallel, Chief Gataren has been a mechanic, and an extremely good one, for the past 25 yahrens, but he hasn’t actually flown a shuttle in 15 yahrens, and has never actually flown one of these old Frodarian crates. SIM time is good, but—”
“Major, I understand that your in training to be a Colonial Warrior was extremely condensed because of significant training on the simulator on your old ship. While the Chief doesn’t have anything like that, he’s also not flying a ship that must be highly maneuverable or fast. What’s wrong?”
“That’s just it, Fallel. We hope we don’t have to be all that maneuverable or fast, but I remember seeing those Frodarian freighters filled with women and children being blown to bits by the Cylons as we evacuated Frodar Epsilon. Those were very experienced pilots who were unable to dodge old-style Raiders. If we attract the attention of the Cylons, we don’t stand a chance, and if we don’t get to that platform and transform that tanker as planned, the infiltration mission doesn’t stand a chance. Yes, I’m nervous, but not as much for Gataren as for our missions. If they don’t succeed, it may be the end of the human race.”
“Put that way….” Fallel trailed off, looking over the board.
Lucian looked back. Just before launch about a centar earlier, the Tanker Transformation Team had picked up four more members at Commander Sheba’s insistence. Captain Hector, the injured Colonial Trooper leader, had been responsible for three of the four, giving the team some needed muscle to help with the tanker transformation, and potentially needed protection aboard the platform. However, at the moment, he was interested in the fourth member who had hastily been outfitted with an enviro-suit. The helmet was strapped to the side of the seat. Lucian asked, “And how are you holding up?” * * * Stadia Stadia looked upto him. "I am doing fine SIr. Just trying to adjust to the suit."
Lucian looked at her. It had been awhille since their mishap in the med bay. He wondered if she was really okay. If her marriage to Marcus...That was none of his concern. Her reasons were her own.
Stadia turned away from the major, lost in her own thoughts. She wondered if coming on this missioon was such a smaart idea. With her carrying Marcus's chilld and him gone... * * * Brie “I don’t expect you to be as lifeless as a Cylon,” Brie said to Amy, her anger continuing to grow, “but I DO expect you to act like a warrior, especially a centar before a mission. I don’t know what it is about you and Charybdis. When the two of you are together...” Noticing that the room had become quite a bit quieter, Brie lowered her voice. “The two of you just don’t care about anyone else. The last time you were together he almost ended up in the brig, and now, the whole mission is compromised. You were supposed to be spending this time wrapping up loose ends and getting your head into the mission, a mission that we’re probably going to die on.” It dawned on Brie that maybe Charybdis was one of those ‘loose ends.’ “You can still come, it’s too late to find somebody else, but I’m really disappointed. In both of you.” * * * JustinB We made our way to the communications room. Along the way we encountered minimal resistance. Once the solonite charges were set, we made our way to the launch bay.
Splitting the team into four once more, my flight and I made our way carefully down the corridor. With the second flight giving covering fire we made it to the launch bay entrance. As we secured the entrance, the second group joined up on us.
Droidarr and I went in first. Carefully, we patrolled into the bay. What we saw surprised me.
"Major they have left at least five raiders here as well as the tanker." Droidarr said.
"Yes and now they are ours. Flight One stay with me and secure this bay." Turning to Anubis I said, "Anubis, you take your flight and guard our vipers. Better yet if you can mange it, let’s bring the vipers into the launch bay just in case."
Once all the vipers were in the bay I signalled to the Callisto to let them know the Refinery and the Tanker were secured.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:10:37 GMT -6
Charybdis The report was just what we had expected to hear. Major JustinB and his team had performed admirably to take the platform.
But this was just the first phase. Gold's mission was coming next.
Commander Sheba heard the report. She turned to me, "Get Gold squadron ready. Inform Major Brie and get her people to their ship"
"Aye, Commander" I responded and sent the message to Brie... * * * Kiwi Dropping his tote bag at the doorway, Lt. Kiwi entered the Gold Squadron Administration annex. The duty operator at the annex looked up from her desk when he walked in. "Welcome back, Lieutenant", the operator said with a smile. "Glad to be back, Sarge", Kiwi replied, "I take it that my orders reassigning me back have come in?". The operator nodded, "Absolutely, Lieutenant", she replied. She handed him a small piece of paper. It had written on it his bunk assignment. "I have to let you know that you are to report to the XO over in the ready room", the operator continued, "so if you like, I'll make sure that your effects are taken over to your bunk area". "Thanks, Sarge", Kiwi answered, gesturing to where he left his tote bag, "but why is it that Skyler wants to see me instead of the boss?", he asked. "Major Brie is about to head out on a sortie - and with those new vipers that you helped build, so the XO will be them acting CO for a while. He will have your duty assignments for you". Kiwi nodded and headed for the door. Just as he reached it, the operator called to him, "Glad to have you back in the squadron". Kiwi smiled and headed out the door. He had to report to Skyler. * * * Skyler Skyler sat at his desk going over the new assignments. Filling in the gaps was hard with so many going on the mission with Brie. He sent Capt Stadia a comm message asking her to report to him. Being the next senior officer, she had the job as his SIC. His thoughts were inturrupted by a knock on the door. He looked up and saw Lt. Kiwi standing there.
"Lt. Kiwi, glad to have you back in the squadron." Skyler motioned him to come in and take a seat... * * * Kiwi The first question out of Skyler's mouth was, "Now that you are seated, do you think that you can keep that mouth of yours under control?". Kiwi winced at the question, but Skyler was right. If he hadn't have first made a comment about the flight sims, then told Flight Officer Hoxha what he had thought of him, he wouldn't have been stuck in training and research for so long. "Let's just say that I had a long time to think about it, Captain", Kiwi finally replied. "I don't want to lose you again due to your opinions, Lieutenant", Skyler warned, "even though you what you said on both counts were not necessarilly inaccurate, you need to be able to show a little more subtlety at times". Kiwi nodded ruefully. Skyler looked at him for a few more microns, then continued. "Your upgraded vipers are going to be a great addition to the squadron, though they are going to be given another designation than 'K'-series, I'm afraid. Still, regardless of the new title, I'm confident that they will do well". "Thank you, Captain", Kiwi acknowledged. "It was good to have a combat pilot behind the upgrades, instead of an academic", Skyler said, "so I know that Major Brie and her flight contingent will be able to take full advantage of the new fighters. In any case, get yourself settled in and you'll soon be given your new flight and patrol assignments". Kiwi nodded, stood up, and headed out the door. Skyler watched him leave, then got back to looking at his reports. * * * Brie An announcement was made from the bridge into the Gold Squadron Ready Room:
"All Gold and Infintry mission personnel are to report to the launch bay in 15 centons. Black Squadron has completed their objective."
A happy cheer echoed through the room. Suddenly the arguement that Brie was having with Amy didn't seem quite so important. This was it, her last mission. * * * Hawke "Well, Captain, how would you like to go home?" Cassiopia asked me. "Woah..... wait a centon...Captain? Since when?" I said. "You mean you haven't heard? You've been promoted to Captain." she said. "On who's authority?" I asked. "Commanders Apollo AND Sheba. they both agreed that you deserve to be promoted." I just exhaled sharply. She proceeds to tell me what happened to me when I was brought in. I take it all in. "As for going home, I am home. I'd like to resume my duty protecting president Tigh. If at all possible." I said. "You'll have to talk to Commander Apollo about that, Hawke. I am officially releasing you from the Med Center. Report to Commander Apollo." she told me.
Great...2 sectars in the Med Center and I don't have any time off. I get into the uniform provided. I look at it in the mirror, it's one of those new red uniforms with a maroon jacket. I look at the captain's bars on the collar. It's going to take awhile to get used to it. I walk to the bridge and find Commander Apollo. "Commander. Lieu---- Errr..*Ahem*... Captain Hawke reporting as orderd." I salute him. "Well, Captain, you certainly look better now, than when you came in here. You and your viper were a mess. The reason you were told to report to me was that Sheba and I both agreed that you were doing an outstanding job on the Callisto. I want you to resume your duties in Gold Squadron. If you continue doing as outstanding of a job, I will put you up for a nomination as Squadron Leader." he said. "Commander, I've never been interested in leading a squadron, or becoming a Captain. I was happy working President Tigh. I'd like to formally request that I resume that duty, if possible." I said. "Request denied. Your orders are to resume your Gold Squadron duties as a viper pilot, abord the Callisto. Sheba says you are an invaluable resource. I will notify them you will be coming back. Dismissed." He salutes me and goes abouthis business. "But sir..." I started to protest. "DISMISSED.. Captain."
I grumble and start to turn away. "Oh, Captain, take one of our new Scarlett class vipers. It's yours as a welcome back present." Apollo said. * * * Brie An announcement was made from the bridge into the Gold Squadron Ready Room:
"All Gold and Infantry mission personnel are to report to the launch bay in 15 centons. Black Squadron has completed their objective."
A happy cheer echoed through the room. Suddenly the argument that Brie was having with Amy didn't seem quite so important. This was it, her last mission. Knowing that everyone was waiting for her, Brie made a quick call to the bridge. What had been announced was indeed true, it was time to go. She was also informed that Captain Hawke had been found by the Galactica, where he had been recovering in their sick bay. She couldn’t help but wonder if he realized that she was the one behind his promotion. It didn’t really matter, nothing but the mission mattered.
Although all eyes were already on her, Brie held up her hand and the room went instantly silent. “This is it, everybody. I want to thank all of you for volunteering. We all know how serious this assignment is, so if anyone is having second thoughts this is your last chance to back out. I’d rather head out understaffed than with someone who has changed his or her mind.” Brie glanced at Amy as she said that, but she also looked quickly at Briseis. She wondered how the training with Agelastus had gone, she still felt uneasy about having the young corporal join this party. “Otherwise, take a centon to make sure you have everything you need, then we’ll all head down to the launch bay, since we’re all in this together. Any last micron questions?” * * * Captain Lazant listened to Brie in awe. He couldn’t believe how much a single person had changed his life. He was known all over the Callisto as a man who cared about nothing other than getting ahead in his career, but suddenly that promotion that he had long felt was overdue didn’t matter to him in the least. He knew that in part he owed his career to Brie, she had to have spoken up for him after he “borrowed” a viper to chase after Stargazor, but Brie had never mentioned it. He was sure that he would be court-martialed because of it, but besides a few lectures and a black mark on his record nothing had happened. He was lucky to have a friend like her.
Now it was 15 centons before the mission that would most likely end not only his career but his life as well. He had never been above putting his life on the line, but it was always for his advancement. He knew that some people would look at his volunteering as selfish, a way to make sure he would always be looked at as a hero. But it was nothing like that. When he had volunteered it had been because he was sure that he could be a help to the mission. Pure and simple.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:11:22 GMT -6
Agelastus "Any last micron questions?"
I glanced around. Nerves were obviously beginning to take their toll on a couple of people. I leaned over and reached into the carryall at my feet. Straightening up I looked at the Major.
"Just one Major! When we all get back, who has the honour of opening this" I said, as I plumped a bottle of vintage Ambrosa down on a random table. Four hundred year vintage Ambrosa.
I felt more than saw Killjoy start slightly. "It can't be..." he broke off.
I grinned. Loudly enough to be heard by others I answered his half-question.
"I'm not telling you where the other three are..." I drawled.
Time to Depart indeed. * * * Brie "Just one Major! When we all get back, who has the honour of opening this" Agelastus placed a bottle of ambrosia down on a table. The bottle looked older than most, but that didn't really mean anything. Brie heard Killjoy mutter something, but didn't know what. She knew that there was some sort of history between Killjoy and Agelastus, but at the micron she didn't care what it was.
"The honor can be all yours, Captain," Brie said, emphasizing Agelastus' new rank. "To celebrate your promotion as well. Of course, I'm surprised it went through, seeing how I can never spell your name correctly." She glanced around the room once more. "If there are no REAL questions, let's get this party started. We'll be taking three shuttles. Two warriors, eight or nine infantry members per shuttle. I'll be in shuttle one with Captain Lazant, Captain Amy and Lieutenant Thunderhawk in shuttle two, Major Curemode and Lieutenant Deke in shuttle three. Sergeant Brinfort will divide the infantry team. Enjoy the ride, my friends." With the Brie started towards the door. * * * Agelastus Sergeant Brinfort idly thumbed the pad he was holding as the infantry (real and “honorary”) followed Gold Squadron’s warriors out of the ready room. The warriors had been quick to drop in behind the Major. The infantry, even the “honorary” members, had waited for him to move.
On the pad, the assignments' list flickered a little as Brinfort’s hand moved slightly in time to his paces.
Squad Alpha. (Fire Team) Sergeant Brinfort Sergeant Castor Corporal Lannis Private Peterson Private Nel Private Aspen Private Kellander Private Horvam
Squad Beta. (Security Team) Sergeant Kale Corporal Straves Private Isis Private Talls Private Ophis Private Fallis
Squad Delta. (SpecOps) Captain Agelastus Captain Killjoy Corporal Briseis Corporal Hecate Corporal Janneche Private Caere
The people following him all knew their assignments. The list had been posted, although Brinfort had circulated during the wait, discussing assignments and objectives. Mostly with the two people at his side.
“Keep a tight rein on the warriors, Janneche,” he said. “Their rank doesn’t mean anything in the Squad. You’re in charge.”
”Don’t worry sir. I’ll keep them in hand.”
Brinfort continued. “Sorry to lumber you with that tech Corporal though. I can’t comprehend what the Major’s thinking of to allow her to come.”
“Don’t worry sir. She’ll be fine.” Janneche averred. Brinfort was surprised, but let it go. It was old news anyway, after all. To late to get her thrown off the mission. He mentally cursed the accident that Captain Hector had suffered.
“I’ll be on shuttle one with the Major. Kale, you and your Squad will be on Shuttle three. Janneche, your Squad has two. Peel off when we reach the Bay and do a final gear check.”
“Yes Sir,” the two chorused, and then dropped back to their respective groups.
Brinfort continued on, his face impassive. * * * Following along at the tail end of the procession were the members of Delta Squad. Special Operations, as we were designated. Mostly accurately, I knew.
After all, apart from two warriors who had wandered both sides of the sometimes gray line between the law and the criminal underworld the members included a demolitions expert who fit some of the stereotypes all to well, a tech corporal with no combat experience, and a sniper who hadn’t said a single word yet.
The last was private Caere. Brown hair, brown eyes, nondescript features and body. Someone who could vanish into a crowd almost at will.
She worried me slightly. At least the rest of the Squad, even Killjoy, had had a minor “team building” experience at the range. She was a totally unknown quantity. That’s not why she worried me though.
Poetically eyes are supposed to be the windows to the soul. Hers were shuttered. Dead eyes. And I couldn’t tell if that meant she was just cold, or if she was Darkeh N’esth, “Death shadowed”. Someone who if not actively looking to die wouldn’t try too hard to save herself, who wouldn’t mind if she did happen to get killed.
Even after all this time, the Fleet still had plenty of them. Even I’d never quite slipped into that kind of fatalistic mindset.
Briseis broke the silence. “Fire team? Security team?” she queried, expecting us to understand. We did, of course; it was a continuation of the conversation in the Ready Room. Briseis was getting a crash-course education. Unfortunately, so were some of her teachers. The infantry’s terminology had changed since the Holocaust, sometimes made up as people went along.
“In this case they mean that Brinfort will be leading the way, whereas Kale will be providing rear guard. Our job’s to get the Warriors to the target, so the two Squads are the two halves of the corset,” I said.
”Corset?” Hecate queried.
“Look it up when we get back.” I continued, glancing at Briseis to see if she was taking it in. “Whereas our squad might be described as the wild card in the pyramid. We’ll be between Brinfort and Kale backing up the warriors with our, er, special skills. Unless of course we get peeled off to do something else. Covering a flank, for example.” I nodded significantly at Hecate, whose job it would be to do this by dropping corridors with explosive charges.
Conversation trailed off slightly. I watched as Corporal Janneche dropped back to join us. She looked pensive. I wondered if it was because of the incongruity of a corporal giving orders to two captains. I thought I could handle it, newly minted as I was. I wasn’t so sure about Killjoy.
Actually, I wasn’t so sure about myself. Only time would tell. * * * Hawke A pilot is in a cold cell freezing his butt off. Two cylon centurions come in and take him somewhere. He's vaguely aware of them. He feels very groggy. Aparrently he's drugged. The two put him into a cortical reader. A gold centurion comes into the room. "What is your name and where are you from?" he droned. "Go to Hades." the pilot manages to slur out. "We will get the information from you one way or another." he says. "I doubt that!" he manages to say. "Lieutenant.." he hears a male voice. "Lieutenant!" he feels someone shaking his body. He gets racked with pain! "Lieutenant,where is the Galactica?" "Don't know....Please stop shaking me. It hurts..." the pilot gasps. He tries to open his eyes but he can't. All he sees is darkness. He hears the questioner whisper something to someone else. The pilot feels a jolt of electricity run through his body. He scream out loud.
I wake up to beeping. I stir and I awake instantly. I turn the wake up alarm off. "bad dreams." I mumble. I look on my scanner and see the Callisto is five centons out. "Callisto landing control,this is Lie... *ahem*.. CAPTAIN Hawke enroute from the Galactica requesting landing instructions.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:12:34 GMT -6
Lucian It had been a long several centars. As soon as Major JustinB had signaled that the platform was secure, both of the heavily loaded Frodarian shuttles had landed. The Silver Spar escorts had landed and the Warriors had taken up positions guarding the platform.
Lucian had ordered the gases in the second and third spheres from the front to be exhausted into the atmosphere. Moments later, they were empty, and Shop Tech Gruber, who had sat in the co-pilot’s seat with Gataren despite having no idea how to fly the ship, was arranging the plasma charge to cut the openings in the sides of the tanks. Fallel and Lucian headed to the automated control circuitry, where Fallel tapped into the system and began to check the programming. Seeing that there were no automated distress signals activated, he scanned the system, and nodded to Lucian.
“Chief, you have clearance. Fire when ready,” said Lucian to Gataren via the comm.
Gruber turned the switch, and the charges cut neatly through the sides of the tanks. With the lift arm, he moved the panels to the side. Moments later, Gataren and one of the Colonial Troopers began installation of the decompression vestibules in sphere two while Gruber installed the hinges and locking mechanisms on the makeshift hatches. In the light gravity on the platform, Captain Stadia and the other two Troopers began to haul the seats that had been removed from the Frodarian shuttles and place them just outside the sphere.
“It’s ready, Sir,” said Gataren as Lucian wheeled one of the big cylinders that he’d removed from the side of the shuttle to the sphere. Lucian was still a little confused about why Commander Sheba would have assigned Captain Stadia on this mission. When he'd requested someone to assist with making sure the spheres were safe for habitation, he'd expected Sheba to send Captain Holodoc or someone else from the Med Bay. He'd been quite surprised when Stadia reported, but he wasn't going to question the decision, since help was help, and right now, he really needed it.
“Good. Install the foam insulation, the heating grid, and the atmospheric unit in this one, and then Captain Stadia will be ready to begin life safety checks." Lucian was concerned about the heat output. According to the specs, it should closely mirror the normal temperature of the loaded spheres so it would not be detectable by the Cylons, but the Warriors and Troopers in the sphere would still be solid icicles in short order if they didn't stay in their envirosuits during the trip. Still, it the Cylon detection equipment was better than expected....
"Stadia, you're up for life safety check on Sphere 2 in five centons! And Gruber, get those seats anchored in place in Sphere 2 as fast as you can after Stadia certifies it."
Gruber looked at Lucian and said, "Sir, dare's no way ta do it as fast as ye need, mon! We need more time!"
"I know Gruber, but we’re already over 30 centons behind schedule, and we’ve still go another sphere to outfit! Let's move it everyone!” * * * In the orangish glow of the thin gases, it had taken him a while to notice it. Now, he was peering at the toothed bar that stood just off the exterior face of each of the rectangular bars that enveloped the spheres. From the pocket of his envirosuit, he pulled a copy of the schematic of the tanker. Moments later, he was shaking his head. As he’d thought, the bar wasn’t shown on the drawing.
“Something wrong, Sir?” asked the Colonial Trooper passing nearby with a couple more seats for the third sphere.
It took a moment before Lucian recognized him as Trooper Tkacs. Lucian had never met him in person until just prior to the shuttle launch a few centars earlier. “Just something unexpected, Trooper. I’m checking it out. Carry on.”
“Yes, Sir,” replied Tkacs.
Reaching the front of the tanker, Lucian rubbed a black mark just above the toothed bar. There was another just below it. Peering around the corner so he could see the front of the tanker, he saw a near identical black mark above the toothed bar. He also confirmed that there was another bar on the lower rib. “Hmmm,” he breathed softly.
In the wispy atmosphere, Lucian felt the noise before he heard it. The vibrations from the platform started suddenly but softly, and then grew in intensity until it was such a roar that Lucian could hear it through the exterior mic and speaker in his helmet. Trooper Tkacs was running toward him with assault rifle drawn. “What is it, Major?” called Tkacs, ready to kill whatever “monster” was making the noise, as he searched frantically for a shot.
“Calm down, Trooper,” replied Lucian as he felt his weight steadily increasing. “Remember our briefing. The platform is in ultra-low orbit, skimming through the very top of the atmosphere of this giant, so it has to be boosted periodically. The boosters are firing as we speak. They’ll probably boost this platform between 10 and 20 kilometers, and when it drops that much again in a few centars, the cycle will start again.” Lucian had moved to the side of the platform and was looking down at the glow caused by the thrusters below.
“Gotcha, Major! Just trying to be safe, Sir,” said Trooper Tkacs with a grin. He was now glancing over the edge, too, as he shouldered his weapon and turned to go back to his work. Lucian turned as well. As he did, his helmet was suddenly covered splattered with what appeared to be a dark liquid, severely obscuring his field of view. “What in the nine hells?” he exclaimed. He turned toward Tkacs to try to see what had happened…. * * * Justin At the end of my message to the Callisto that the platform was secure, I added one last detail. "I require Captain Randrius and five other pilots from Black Or Gold Squadron to pilot three cylon raiders back to the Callisto. Send them over with Insertion Team."
While we waited for the Gold led insertion team to arrive we began wire the refinery platform with explosives. I found and managed to open the armoury and was surprised at the cache they had. After taking out a dozen cylon rifles, Ensign Droidarr planted two solonite charges amongst the rest of the weapons.
Upon completing his sector, Lieutenant RaycerX and Lieutenant Stargazor began to arm and fuel the three cylon raiders. The rest of Black Squadron began patrolling the refinery just to make sure all was secure for the arrival of the insertion team.
Several centars later the insertion team arrived. * * * Lucian Moments before, he had been concerned about the tanker and the upcoming arrival of the attack team. He'd spoken with Major Justin just a few minutes before regarding the platform demolition work, and everything seemed to be falling into place...until now.
Lucian raised his sleeve to wipe it off, but the unexpected liquid sprayed on his helmet had frozen within a micron. What little he was able to smear appeared to be a dark, reddish color. He adjusted the defrosting mechanism and turned his head sideways where he saw Tkacs sprawled sideways on the platform. “Tkacs! Are you okay?” He moved toward him, but a glint caused him to shift unexpectedly. The silver streak grazed the side of his helmet, knocking him sideways. Rolling back, he drew his laser pistol as he tried unsuccessfully to raise Tkacs on the comm. Bringing the pistol up, he saw another silver swirl through the liquid that clung to his faceplate. Realizing that it was blood, he scampered backward and wiped away what he could to at least partially clear his forward vision.
What he saw astounded him! The thin red glare shifted slowly from side to side and then stopped, obviously centered on him. It was some type of Cylon maintenance robot, at least two point five meters high, mounted on a tracked base that appeared to be about the same size as the marks on the bands around the tanker. The robot held a tool, one of which was shooting sparks as if some type of fusion device, in each of two small forward arms and a Cylon Centurion’s sword and a large pipe in the two longer, rear arms. Lucian scooted backward again, stopping when his back hit the guardrail. He drew his pistol and got off one shot before the pipe impacted his pistol, knocking it spinning from his grip and off the orbital platform. The impact jarred the entire right side of his body, but he was happy to see that his shot had blown the sword from the robot’s appendage. Rolling to the side, he grabbed the sword, and held it in front of him while trying to clear more of Tkacs’ blood from his enviro-suit’s faceplate. He tried to parry with the sword to ward off a sweeping blow from the pipe, but took another jarring jolt in the process, so he put both hands on the handle and said breathlessly, “Could use some help here! Cylon on the platform has me corn—”
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:13:25 GMT -6
Lucian The blow spun him around and he bumped the guardrail again, this time hard! Immediately, he was lifted bodily from the platform by robot’s empty long arm. He tried to bring the sword up against it, but one of the small arms had dropped its tool-weapon, and absorbed the blow. He was slowly turned so he was looking directly at the creature’s face. Despite the immovability of the Cylon’s face, when the red glare paused for a micron before the creature issuing the killing blow, Lucian could have sworn that it expressed a smug hatred for the helpless human. The fusion welder in the second small arm arced up toward him, taking out his comm unit. Then, it continued straight toward his faceplate when a fiery spark lit up the Cylon’s head and the creature began to fall sideways on its mobile base. Lucian saw Major Justin running toward them with his weapon drawn leading a couple of other Warriors. Lucian smiled, but even in the light gravity, he knew something was wrong. The falling continued as he was tossed bodily over the guardrail by the dying Cylon…and he hurtled headlong into the mists below. * * * Falling…twisting...compensating….
Lucian spun his body around so he could see the collection tubes trailing away below the platform even as he activated the emergency beacon on his enviro-suit. It might be a useless measure, but he was determined to take every measure possible before he turned into a crisped Colonial. As he dropped away from the platform, he left the protection of the forward protective electronic heat shield that deflected atmosphere from the platform. Even in the thin atmosphere at his current altitude, he already felt his suit heating from the friction of the wispy gases against it. His forward speed, matching that of the orbital platform from which he’d been thrown, was much higher than his vertical speed, but his vertical acceleration was increasing by the micron. He knew his only chance of survival was reaching those collection tubes.
They were large, black cylinders started downward vertically, but they arched slowly toward the rear of the platform. According to the database, Lucian knew they dropped many kilometers into the atmosphere. Because of their size and length, they were some type of extremely strong, lightweight, and heat resistant polymer material. They were bundled together in a rectangular grid after the initial drop from the platform, and then they were attached periodically for increased strength as they continued their downward arc. He knew that some dropped away periodically so the Cylons could collect gases from various altitudes in the atmosphere of the gas giant.
Since he’d been at the front, orbital end of the platform, he spread his arms and legs to increase his body’s area, as he faced the rear and the bundle of the collection tubes. The increase in heat began immediately, but the move slowed him slightly and the tubes appeared to be closing rapidly on him.
“Frack! Too much!” he thought. He’d effectively braked too much, wasting too much forward speed, and now there was no way to get it back even if he was in a very tight ball. Still, as he fell, he changed the position of his arms and legs, pulling them in to at least get them in front of him to, hopefully, absorb the impact with the tubes. He pulled his safety harness strap out, but before he could do anything with it, he slammed into the center tube.
"OOOMMPPPHHHH!"
He slid downward and sideways around the tube…. * * * JustinB After I had talked to Major Lucian about platform demolition work, I decided to find a comfortable spot about 50 metrons away to take a small break. From where I was I saw that Major Lucian was working on something. I had just gotten myself relaxed when I saw the Major wipe something off his face. From out of nowhere a he produced his laser pistol and pointed it at something. It didn't take a genius what stood the other side of the Major. I hadn't seen a Cylon maintenance robot in the flesh. I had only pictures during my study at the academy. After only seconds from the beginning of the attack, I saw Lucian's laser pistol being knocked out of his hand and off the orbital platform. As I drew closer I could hear "Could use some help here! Cylon on the platform has me corn—." I tried to get off a shot but Lucian was in my way. I could hear footsteps behind me. Just as I saw Lucian smile, he was tossed over the guardrail. I shot the cylon and pushed it over the side as well. I knew then whatever action I took now, would decide Lucian's fate as I see him falling.
I grab Lieutenant Droidarr who had just arrived with some troopers and warriors. "Lieutenant, Can you fly a Frodarian Shuttle." I yelled at him as I dragged him to the launch bay.
"Why do you ask Sir?" he asked.
"Because Lieutenant you’re going to be flying the shuttle under this platform and we are going to try and find the Major." As I looked at Droidarr I could see he was going to say something negative. "Before you say anything, I now that the Major has a safety harness on and if has able to deploy it he is waiting for us to rescue him."
We jumped in the shuttle and launched. 'Hang on Major, we are on our way' I thought to myself. * * * Just as we launched, I realized I didn't have a plan. That is if Major Lucian was still alive. 'What am I thinking, of course the Major is still alive' I thought to myself. As we made our way under the orbital refinery platform I got a glimpse of what we were up against. The collection tubes were still operating.
If Lucian was to have a chance I had to shut it down. "Kris this is JustinB" I said over the comm.
"Yes Major, what can I do for you?"
"I need you to go the central control station and shut off these collectors ASAP. Have all patrol teams be on the look out for any Maintenance Cylons that might be on the prowl."
"Yes Sir."
We circled the bottom of the refinery effortlessly. But no matter how close we got, we still couldn't see the Major. ************ Back on the station, Kris and Rose were making their way to the central control station. After looking for the off switch they finally found it. The moment Kris hit the off switch, from a side compartment two Maintenance Cylons came towards wielding their fusion device and centurion swords. Reacting quickly, both Kris and Rose fired their laser pistols at the closest cylon.
"Flight Two this is Captain Kris. I need you in the cental control centre. Flight One, keep on your toes." ************ Relief swept over me as the collectors ceased to operate. Now all I had to do was find Major Lucian. * * * Lucian The impact took his breath and he struggled to clear his vision. Before he could do so, he’d slid down the collection tube and crashed into one of the crossbars, but it only served to spin him sideways, though it did slow his fall somewhat. He grabbed at the face of the tube, sliding his finger-spread hand down the side of the tube. A moment later, he grabbed another of the crossbars connecting the collection tubes. He seemed to catch for an instant, but his speed was too great and it ripped from his arms. His right arm felt as if it had been pulled from his shoulder socket. The pain ripped through his body and he had to blink his eyes to clear the mounting tears.
Still, in passing two of the crossbars, Lucian believed that he’d dissipated a good bit of his downward velocity. As he fell, he saw another crossbar seeming to speed toward him. Rather than try to grab it like the last one, he lowered his hands, grabbed the bar briefly, and as he fell past it, he let go just as his arms fully extended. Immediately, he slammed a hand into each of the adjacent collection tubes and slid downward. He wanted to use his legs as well, but he knew that shifting them in that manner would cause him to spin out of control and loose any chance at catching himself. At the next crossbar, and the next, he repeated the procedure. Looking downward, he saw that the rear tubes died away after just a few more crossbars. It was now or never!
Just before he hit the second to last crossbar, he grabbed his safety line, set it to “open” to serve as a grapple instead of closed link, and held it in his right hand. He grabbed the crossbar with his left hand, and slammed the safety hook onto the crossbar with the other. He was still going too fast, and his hand slipped off the bar. He couldn’t get it with his right hand and he continued downward...but only for a moment! The hook was secured on the crossbar, and the line snapped taut….
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:14:23 GMT -6
Charybdis Sheba did not look up...at first. I entered the War Room where she was stationed during this mission.
"Commander," I quickly spoke up.
She immediately looked up. She could tell something was wrong with my voice. "What is it, Colonel?"
I took a deep breath. "We've been monitoring what we can through the transmissions from our away teams and...it appears something has gone wrong. At least with Major Lucian."
"What is it?" she asked.
"From some of the garbled transmissions, there are apparently some type of Cylon repair drones that are causing some havoc. Major Lucian may have been hit by one of these drones. We don't know exactly what is going on, but he seems involved and it isn't good."
Sheba just thought to herself for a moment. Lucian was a good man. Way too important to lose to a Cylon drone. He had been increasingly relied upon for scientific and technological systems on the Callisto since coming to the bridge and I had heard some scuttlebut around that he might even be up for a promotion to the Science and Tech division. But all that would be moot...if he didn't make it back... * * * Lucian The hook caught on the crossbar, and the line snapped taut, snapping him completely upright and knocking the breath from his lungs. For microns, he struggled to breathe, but seemed unable to suck in any air. Between the fire in his chest and the possible damage to his enviro-suit, he wasn’t sure if he was actually getting air from his pack or if the suit had torn and he was breathing in the rarified atmosphere of planet. It actually took several more microns before he realized that if his suit had been seriously damaged, the extremely low pressure near the edge of the atmosphere would have caused him far worse problems! Realizing this as he finally caught a gasp of air, he started to evaluate his situation.
He’d been knocked off the platform less than a centon before. His comm unit was broken, and he wasn’t sure if his emergency beacon was working. He had to be several thousand meters below the platform and was hanging by a safety line that had to have just taken a jolt that was several times its rated capacity. In fact, he was concerned that it might snap at any time. To make matters worse, for some reason, the collection tubes were swaying. Looking up, with his chest and neck in agony as he did, he saw the hook appeared secure on the crossbar approximately four meters above his head. As he looked upward, he noticed the twin protrusions, similar to rails, sticking out from each quadrant of the collection tubes, between the perpendicular crossbars. If he could reach one of those….
The swaying was growing worse. Looking up once more, he saw something coming toward him down the side of the collection tube. As it drew nearer, it became clearer in the swirling mist, the chrome throwing off strange reflections. A Cylon maintenance robot! Then, as he saw a streaky, weak red glow in the center of its face, and sparks flying from the side of its head, Lucian realize that it was HIS maintenance robot, badly damaged by Justin’s shot, but still intent even in its death throes to come to finish off the job it had started on the platform…. * * * Brie Once in the launch bay Brie asked Lazant, Thunderhawk and Deke to check and make sure the shuttles were loaded and to run through the checklist for each one. Noticing that Skyler was there, she approached him. “I need to speak with you, Captain. Last centon squadron business.” Brie walked to a small maintenance room on the far side of the launch area. As Skyler followed her in, she closed the door behind them. The room was dark, with only one overhead light and no windows. It was obvious that it wasn’t used very often.
“What’s up?” Skyler asked, not looking Brie in the eye. She could feel how upset he still was at her leaving on such a dangerous mission.
“I just wanted to prove to you that I’m coming back,” Brie explained.
Skyler looked up. “How?”
Without saying another word, Brie kissed Skyler. It was short, only a couple of microns long, but there were a lot of emotions behind it. Brie smiled at the look of surprise that crossed Skyler’s face. “There’s your proof.”
“But,” Skyler said slowly, trying to find the correct words, “that doesn’t prove a thing. We both know that there can’t be anything between us, not now at least.”
“I know,” agreed Brie. “But if I wasn’t coming back, I would have kissed you in front of everyone, so the whole Callisto would know how I feel about you. Plus it would have been a kiss that made your toes curl.”
“Who said they didn’t,” Skyler mumbled.
“What?”
“Nothing,” Skyler said quickly.
“I’ve got to go, it’s time to board,” Brie said. “But I’ll be back, I promise.”
“I know you will,” Skyler added. As worried as he was about the mission, he knew that it anyone could pull it off, it would be Brie and her team. Brie opened the door, and without looking back walked towards the first shuttle. * * * Charybdis Commander Sheba had me scheduled to work on the bridge throughout the whole mission, so there was no way I could get down to the ready rooms to see Gold Squadron off. To see Amy off...
I would just get in the way and Amy would need her full attention to the task at hand. Besides, we had said all we needed to, in words and our bodies...
I couldn't help but think of those who might not be coming back. Most of all, Brie was in that mix as well as Amy. I really don't know what I would do if I lost them both...
I talked with Lt. Aegina who was monitoring the launch of all shuttles and vipers associated with the mission. Not much to do right now, just sit and wait... * * * Agelastus The bay was a familiar hive of activity.
At the loading area for shuttle 3, the members of Beta were running through final equipment checks.
“Any last words, sir?” Isis said, seemingly out of the blue.
Sergeant Kale was somewhat taken aback. He had been feeling a little morose, a little fatalistic himself, but this seemed to go a little far. Then he realized Isis had meant a pep talk as he saw that she was waiting intently, a small smile playing across her lips.
“A little late for speeches, I think, private. I’m sure corporal Straves and private Fallis here would agree.”
“Yes sir,” the two chorused from where they were jointly checking the med-tech’s surprisingly well-stocked gear.
“Besides, Isis” he said, dropping rank, “it seems most of the Squad are already doing there own thing.” He gestured, taking in both the pair checking the medical supplies and Talls and Ophis who were kneeling by a pallet loaded with spare laseron crystals and other components. Not that they seemed to be checking it, as they should.
“Isis, that’s Gemonese, isn’t it?” Kale said, listening to the strangely atonal language being…chanted?
“Yes sir,” Isis said, listening without appearing to listen. “A prayer, I think, although it’s been yahrens since I heard any of the Gemonese dialects spoken.”
Isis turned back to inventorying the ration packs, few as they were, before dividing them among the squad. Kale continued to watch the two Gemonese for a few more microns.
“I still don’t understand why a sealed pair would volunteer,” he murmured, before shaking his head slightly and boarding the shuttle.
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Post by LucianG on Apr 24, 2005 15:15:14 GMT -6
Agelastus The loading area for shuttle 1 was the site for a similar maelstrom of activity, although this was lessening as most of the gear had already been stowed. No one wanted to get on Major Brie’s bad side by making the shuttle take off even a micron late.
“I’m surprised to that the captain’s not here to see us off.” Sergeant Brinfort said, looking around the bay with a slight air of puzzlement.
Castor glanced at his chronometer. “He’s probably unconscious still from the second operation on his leg.”
“Second,” Brinfort inquired. “I thought bone setting was virtually instantaneous these days.”
“Bone setting yes, but not nerve and muscle repair. Captain Hector managed to bang himself up comprehensively.”
“I see…Corporal Lannis! Was that a fumarello case I saw you stowing there?”
Corporal Lannis turned slowly towards his friend who had interrupted his boarding. Gesturing privates Aspen and Horvam to continue to their seats, he walked back towards Brinfort, easing the carryall on his shoulders slightly.
Saluting, he said. “For the trip back sir! Should I have put one in for you to?”
Brinfort shuddered. “Of course not. I was just checking it was within the mass limits for the mission.” Sergeant Brinfort regretted his impulse to call Lannis on the non-regulation equipment. Fumarellos weren’t forbidden, and his hastily thought up excuse was lame.
Strangely, Lannis didn’t call him on it. “We’re well within mass sir. I checked it myself.” Saluting, he moved back to the shuttle.
Hearing a muffled cough from the direction of Castor, Brinfort turned irritably.
“What are you laughing at?”
* * * * * * * * *
Around shuttle 2 similar last minute preparations were taking place.
Briseis was excited, her hands almost quivering with the tension. She was still calm enough to check her gear though with a thoroughness that would have earned her nothing but praise from Sergeant Brinfort had he known of it. Hearing a familiar voice she glanced up.
Caledon was there, supervising a last micron check on the shuttle’s port side thruster pod. Briseis stood, stretching imperceptibly to ease the strain in her legs from crouching in the same position for so long. Caledon had supported her when she wanted to volunteer for the mission (or at least, had not blocked her) so she felt she ought to take the chance to thank him before the mission started.
Before she could really even start to move, she saw Captain Agelastus walk up to her Caledon’s side, blocking her chance. ‘Strange’, she thought, noting the direction of Agelastus’ eyes, ‘it’s almost as if he’s checking the work’.
She couldn’t here what the two were saying, but their stance and expressions were…odd. Very odd given that Caledon had suggested she approach Agelastus with her outrageous request. She’d thought it was because the two were friends, but now…
Unconsciously vocalizing, she spoke. “It’s almost as if they were...enemies.”
“Yes, it is, isn’t it”, came the unexpected reply. Captain Killjoy’s voice, from right behind her where it seemed that he had been observing the confrontation as well.
Briseis’ surprise magnified at Killjoy’s almost predatory tone. She had heard that the two captains didn’t get along, but when she turned it seemed as if his eyes were focused more on Caledon than Agelastus. Then she realized that Caledon and Agelastus had stopped talking and were looking in her direction.
For long microns the strange tableau remained, as the four participants seemed to freeze. Then the shouted commands of Corporal Janneche to board the shuttle (although more bluntly delivered) broke them out of their introspection. Reaching down Briseis grabbed her pack and double-timed for the shuttle’s ramp. * * * While running a final inventory of the contents of my “unofficial” kit (I’d already checked my “official” mission kit, and stowed it in my pack) I observed the others.
Briseis was clearly nervous. She was triple checking all her gear in an excessive display of zeal. Not that triple checks were bad, but it was too late to fix anything faulty now. If something didn’t work, or even felt a little iffy, it got dumped and a replacement supplied. Even if the feeling of wrongness with the device was just that, a feeling rather than a testable certainty.
Captain Killjoy appeared ready, and had been so for some time. He was idly scanning the launch bay while exchanging occasional words with passing techs and the two warriors from Brie’s team going with us on this shuttle.
Caere and Tyche had already boarded, either because they were done and wanted to sit in comfort to wait, or because they were doing last checks in private. Both were protective, even jealous, of the specialized items associated with their respective skills.
I’d been amused to hear Private Caere almost bite off Killjoy’s head when he offered to assist her with a last calibration check on her rifle.
Corporal Janneche seemed to be everywhere, running through her own and everybody else’s list of things to do. I didn’t envy her, even though the effect almost made it seem as if she was avoiding us.
Suddenly I registered a familiar voice from the direction of the shuttle. Looking over, I saw Caledon directing a pair of techs testing one of the shuttle’s drive pods. Without conscious volition, my legs moved me towards him; obviously my subconscious was more paranoid at the moment than normal.
Although even I didn’t really think that anyone would try sabotage now – the mission to the Cylon base was too important to risk.
“Caledon!” I said as I drew near. Not really looking at him, I was to busy trying to visually check the pod’s exposed circuitry without being rumbled.
“What can I do for you...sir?” The pause before the final word and the drawling way he spoke proving that the hostility was still there. I ignored it, even though my newly minted rank tabs gave me more than enough authority to slap him down for insubordination. Still, now I had the opportunity to ask him about Briseis.
“I’d like to thank you for sending Corporal Briseis to me. I think she’ll be an asset, but I’m surprised you’d let such a good tech go.”
“She wanted to do it.” I waited, expecting Caledon to continue.
When he didn’t I asked again. “But why?”
“I thought she might be...useful.” Caledon’s hesitation before the last word made me pause. What did he mean by that? Useful to whom? Before I could question him further I realized he was no longer looking at me. Following his gaze I saw Killjoy and Briseis standing side by side, looking at us. My sense of unease grew.
Our stillness was interrupted by the voice of corporal Janneche summoning us to board the shuttle in traditional Fleet infantry style.
“Hey, slackers! Get your lazy butts in here! It’s nearly time to launch.”
Not very dignified...but effective, all the same.
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