CHAPTER 24—THE ORBITAL PLATFORM

[LucianG]

Skyler
Skyler watched Kiwi leave his office and went to finish the new assuagements. The intercom on his desk buzzed and he was informed that the new Ensign’s were here to see him. ‘New Ensign’s’ he thought. It just got better and better. Not only was he short handed, but also now he had wet behind the ear academy graduates to worry about getting killed on their first mission. How did Brie put up with it all…

“Send them in please Sgt.” Skyler responded.

Skyler sat a little straighter in his chair as the new Warriors entered and placed a transfer packet on his desk. He glanced at the names on the folders….

Ensign Wraith was about 5’11” and athletic. His brown hair was cut short and he carried himself as stiff as a first orbit cadet in his first inspection. He would have to loosen up a bit.

Ensign Ike had the same build, just a little stockier, but about the same height. He had a professional air about him. Something suggests prior service. The look in his eyes was one Skyler had seen before. He would bet cubits on it, Colonial Infantry. He didn’t even need to look at the folders.

“Ensign’s…” he spoke after looking them over. It didn’t seem possible, but they stiffened up even more. “Relax, I don’t bite……. Much.. You both just get off the shuttle from the Galactica.”

They answered YES SIR in unison. “I said loosen up. This is not the academy, or a classroom. I expect respect, but I can do with out the formality.” He could see their stance soften just a fraction “I take it the Galactica still has more Pilots than Vipers?”

“Yes Sir… we have rotated patrol duty, and engaged a few raiders, but nothing to really say we are Pilots.”

“So you think you can pop over here, fill in the gaps in the ranks and score a few quick kills and move up the ranks?” Skyler slid their folders to one side of his desk. “If this is your main reason to join my Squadron, to earn medals and fame, well, the shuttle leaves in 15 centons, if you run you can just make it.” He paused to let it sink in, and see if they went for the door. “Ike, what Infantry Unit did you serve with?”

“Sir, I was with 11th Recon.” The pride almost was radiating off him. “but sir, you didn’t look at the files, how did you know?”

“I started as a Ground Pounder, and you have it written all over you.”
* * *
IkeRapier
Sagan! That was unexpected! Here's another Colonial Infantryman, sprout wings. Didn't see that coming in this assignment, but it is good to see the XO can size up someone.

"I'll give only my best, Sir. I've earned my merits with the 11th Recon, and I've yet to bounce off any stars or get cooked by Raider fire on the patrols I've been on."

The hardest part of all of this is leaving the Gallactica... my home... my life. Before taking the shuttle, I ran my hand along the bulkhead, like I'd never see her again in the same way. Although yahrens ago, my father died on board her in the blasts and fires caused by a Cylon Death Squadron attack. Leaving the Gallactica is like leaving family. But, I'll adapt and overcome. This is my chance. As the dreams of youth, "If only..." and now realized... a Colonial Viper with my name on it.

"I'm glad to have the opportunity to serve. With wings or in ground pounding!"
* * *
Logan
LT. Logan walked briskly down the corridor towards Skyler's office. "Captain Skyler...Captain Skyler.", she kept repeating to herself. It was still taking some getting used to-Skyler being her Commanding Officer. She knew that he was giving her a break, allowing her time to acclimate herself to the new surroundings before putting her on active patrols, but she was itching to get out their in a Viper again. Logan also realized that Skyler was preoccupied with this insane mission that the Major had undertaken. Preoccupied to the extreme. Something funny was going on with Skyler and she intended to find out what it was. That and when she was going to be back in the cockpit again.
"This is probably really bad timing, what with the shuttles just launching, but I didn't come over here to sit around and wait," she thought.
Just as Logan turned the bend in the corridor where Skyler's office was, she slowed. There were two Warriors just entering the doorway to the office. "Frack," she thought irritably and started to turn to go back the way she came. At that moment she realized that they were familiar and couldn't believe what she had just seen as the door closed behind them. By the time she turned back to the doorway, they had disappeared.
Logan was hard to surprise, but she was now. "Was that Ike and Wraith?", she mumbled to herself. A tech walking by glanced at her curiously and she instantly regained her composure. She turned on her heel and strode down the corridor with purpose. "I definitely need a drink", she thought to herself. "Then I need to find out what the frack is going on around here."
* * *
IkeRapier
"Hey, Wraith... this round is gonna' be on me, buddy. At least we both left 'home' and came here at the same time."

As the two new arrivials from the Gallactica walked new corridors reminesecent of their beloved Battlestar, a sense of justification and purpose rallied through their veins in the welcome given by Capt. Skyler. As well, a need to relieve tension with a quick trip for a 'sip' is sure to help.

"You know I stink at triad, so I'm buying cause you'll just end up with my credits anyway."
* * *
Kiwi
As Kiwi left the office, he saw several new ensigns waiting outside to have their interview with the Squadron X.O. Fine, he thought. How many of the old faces are gone and how many new faces will he be encountering back in the crew room?
As he entered his bunk room, there were a couple of persons there, but he decided it was just better to go to his bunk - which he saw had his tote bag already placed on it, unpack his gear and simply sack out. Now that he was back in an operational unit, he would take heed of the old maxim: that you take what sack time you can get because it could be a while before you enjoy it again.
Despite wondering when, how, and with whom he would be going back into combat, he knew that the squadron would benefit from the new viper upgrades he had been responsible for. He only hoped that he wouldn't be one of the unlucky experienced squadron officers saddled with looking after the new rookies. At least he was out of the vindictive clutches of Flight Officer Hoxha, he thought as he drifted off to sleep.
* * *
IkeRapier
"Well, Wraith... the ambrosia is on me. Any other takers?"

No response, as if I had spoke without a voice recognized. I knew the drill, though. New grunts got as much with the Infantry, especially with Recon as we all knew a replacement only came in when a lost Warrior's place was being taken. I though to myself, "We're the fill-in pilots and 'extra' hands from onboard the Galactica. Could it be more than that in our being here? Have they lost any pilots or is there a mission where no returns are expected?" Second, thought... forget it. Shake it off! Don't want to think about it.

"Drink up, Wraith!"
* * *
Wraith
As the moment dragged on, Ike was starting to wonder about his freind, until he finally broke the thick silence. "What the hell," Wraith said, looking straight ahead towards the entrance to the Officer's club,"set em' up, Ike...let's see how many credits we can blow tonight."
* * *
...Entering the Officers Club, Wraith then turned to his old freind and smiled...his mood starting to lift. "Not too hot at the pyramid table, huh? That very interesting..."

[LucianG]

IkeRapier
As Ike and Wraith emptied their pockets, the sound of credits stirred the once-silent room into an activity gear toward taking advantage of the offer made.

I thought to myself, "Maybe there's just no big spenders around here."

As Ike and Wriath took lead in saluting their new comrades in arms, before the ambrosia made it to the back of their throats, almost causing a choke response... standing across the far side of the room in the door way... Ike shaking off the hit and clearing his eyes...

Wraith was the first to speak... "Logan? Ensign Logan!" He couldn't believe his eyes. It was as if both had just seen a ghost....
* * *
Logan
Logan sat at a table in the far corner of the O club, facing the door. She stared into the cup on the table, one hand casually resting around it. It was early. Second shift hadn't come on duty yet and there were only a dozen patrons in the club, mostly lined up at the bar.
She had almost convinced herself that the two warriors she had seen entering Skyler's office were not who they looked like. "Couldn't be," she thought. "Why would Ike and Wraith be here?"
Logan liked Ike on there first meeting. He'd come to their squadron from the Infantry. Confident and capable, he quickly earned the reputation of being an ace pilot. She met him when her patrol had come under heavy fire by a Cylon ambush behind a small moon. Her Viper took heavy damage, and Ike's squadron had escorted her back to the Galactica. They'd become friends after that. She owed him one and he always teased her about it.
But Ike wasn't what bothered Logan. They had always gotten along fine~~as friends and fellow warriors. It was
Wraith she had on her mind.
"If it was him, why would the Galactica have sent him over here?" She had heard rumors as she sat in the club; about the mission Brie was on. An imminent Cylon attack. Gold Squadron needing to be ready for launch at any time. And the most worrisome to her, the Galactica was transferring pilots to the Callisto to fill in the ranks left depleted by those Warriors gone on the mission.
As if in answer to her thoughts, the doors to the O club opened and in walked Ike and...yes, it was him...Wraith.
"Frack," she muttered to herself, "as if seeing Skyler again after all this time wasn't strange enough, now I have to face another memory. Dozens of emotions ran through her as she sat there watching them take seats at the bar. Surprise. Confusion. Guilt, and a little fear. Fear of facing her feelings. Feelings she had worked hard to supress, and had thought she'd put behind her. But now, seeing Wraith again so unexpectedly, she was forced to admit to herself that those so-called "resolved" feelings hadn't been resolved at all. They were back and stronger than ever.
Then something else occurred to her; "he has to know I'm here," she thought to herself. "After all, my transfer wasn't classified. And yet, knowing I would be aboard the Callisto, he still came...what does that mean?" She had no ready answer.
* * *
Kiwi
Kiwi was having a lot of trouble sleeping. Funny, he had always thought that if he ever got back to Gold Squadron, he would quickly get back into the swing of things. But for some reason, sleep eluded him.
Sighing, he got up and dressed. Perhaps if he had something to drink, it would relax him enough for him to be able to sleep. Now that he was back in the squadron, his self-imposed exile from the O-club had now come to an end. He wondered how many of the old faces would be there when he got there...
* * *
IkeRapier
"Last time I saw you, Logan, you were cursing your Viper's controls as felgercarb." [Full of smiles for Logan and giving a hug to an old friend]

"Being on the Galactica has had me serving as a 'spare' pilot, stirring for a few patrols and a little escort duty. With you being here too, kinda' like old times. It is sure to be interesting! So, how has it been... scorching the heavens and flaming cylons so that even the Lords of Kobol personally watch after ya'?"
* * *
Logan
Logan still couldn't believe it. Ike was here. Wraith was here. She saw the recognition light up Ike's eyes across the room. In a few seconds she was on the receiving end of one of Ike's infamous bear hugs. She laughed and hugged him back. It was reassuring to have a friend here.
"So, how has it been... scorching the heavens and flaming cylons so that even the Lords of Kobol personally watch after ya'?" Ike said.
"Hasn't been any scorching going on since I got here. Still waiting for duty assignments. Oh and, Ike, I'm a Lieutenant now," Logan joked.
Ike looked a little embarrassed, but then laughed."I knew it. I was just thinking the other day that they should have promoted you after I had to come and save your butt from the tincans. Sir."
"Very funny, Ensign. Now what are you doing here?" Logan was very aware of the fact that Wraith was standing a few feet behind Ike, just staring at her. They made eye contact for an instant, but his face was set in stone. She noticed a slight twitch in his jaw that she knew meant he had something to say, but was holding back.
"Wraith, get over here so we can fill her in," Ike said good-naturedly over his shoulder.
* * *
IkeRapier
Ike turned to Wraith handing him another mug of ambrosa, grog, solium... whatever it was by this time in the midst of telling lies of Virgon and spending more cubits than he'd realized on everyone in the O-club.

"Wraith, you all right?" He was colorless and his teeth were like bars holding back words. Ike turned to Logan to find her starring right thru him... and she was... at Wraith.

Ike knew both, but separately. He came to know Wraith in pilot training and loosing to him in triad. He knew Logan a little better, as they often had friendly talks on tactics and the like. But, he was never one to get too close to anyone, friend or foe. Friends are an expense of the soul, while foes disappear with precision. But, it was new to him that Wraith and Logan had some kind of a relationship. He saw the look on both of their faces and knew it was time to give them some space.

As Ike turned back to Logan, "Well, I'm gonna take a stroll to a back table and stargaze for astralons. You two... mingle!" [said with a playing-it-dumb expression]

Logan replied, "See you around Ike. Glad that you are with us. We need people like you around here... to clean the galley, fix the turboflush... you know, Colonial Warrior type assignments!" [Logan responded with a half-effort grin that progressively turned into a smile]

"Wraith! Got your back!" Ike said as he walked backward and turned towards a table. Wraith, yet to speak, did give effort at motioning with his mug to Ike as he turned.

Whatever it was, Ike didn't want to be involved or in the middle. Relationships. War. Survival. He had hoped to seal a relationship once. He had a fiance, once. Once. For a mili-micron the Warrior's heart ached, just before it was diluted with a stiff taste of grog. "Time for a rest period," Ike thought as he rounded the table and headed out of the O-club, unnoticed by either Wraith or Logan.
* * *
Wraith
Wraith stood motionless, unsure at that instant how to deal with the awkwardness of the moment...with seeing her again so unexpectedly. "Hello Logan," he said finally, as he quickly regained his composure and moved towards her, his eyes once again fixed on hers, "It's been a long time...how have you been?" As Wraith approached her, their eyes were suddenly averted downward, almost shyly, which was unusual, for neither had a reputation for being shy or timid.
"I've been well, considering...and yes, it has been a long time."
By now, awkwardness was giving way to fond memory...being close to her now, he was able to muster the courage to once again reach for her hand and smile warmly.
"It's really good to see you again."

[LucianG]

Logan
Logan was in turmoil. The moment Wraith reached out and took her hand, she knew she was in trouble. He was smiling and standing much to close to her. She didn't know what to say.
"It's good to see you too," she managed to say and meant it. She suddenly realized people were staring at them in curiousity and came to her senses. She let go of his hand and took a step back, feeling that she couldn't trust herself to be that close to him. She needed to think clearly.She looked around to say something to Ike, but he was gone. She moved her hair out of her eyes, a habit she had when she was nervous or upset. Wraith noticed and smiled again.
"Do you want to sit," he asked her.
"Sure,"she replied and sat back down at her previous table, Wraith joining her.
Logan was feeling the need to get out of the O Club. She typically never ran from anything and she told herself she wasn't going to do it now. But Wraith was sitting next to her, smiling in that insufferable way he had. She could tell he wasn't saying something, he was holding back, but she wasn't at all sure she could hold back for much longer either.
"Why are you here?" she finally said. "You and Ike, I mean."
"Transfer,"Wraith said.
"Is it permanent?"She had to ask.
"As far as I know," Wraith said casually.
:Logan was thinking-'How can he sit there and be so casual about all this? After all they had been through. And now, he sat here, refusing to avert his gaze from her eyes. The temperature controls in here must be malfunctioning, she tried to rationalize to herself.
"Look, Wraith, about what happened on the Galactica..."
Wraith held up his hand to stop her from saying anymore, reached over and softly pushed the hair from in front of her eyes."We don't need to talk about that now."
Logan was stunned. She didn't know what surprised her more, what he had said or that he kept touching her."We don't?"
Wraith sat with his hands folded, resting on the table now. She waited to see what he would say or do next, with a clear path already mapped out in her mind for the door, just in case she needed to escape.
* * *
Kiwi
Kiwi had made his way up to the o-club. There were a few warriors present, including the ensigns he had seen waiting to enter Skyler's office after his meeting with them.
There were no other faces he knew in the o-club and at the moment, that suited him fine.
He requested something unremarkable from the servitor to drink and he was now sitting on an easy chair, cradling his tankard and wondering how long it had been since he waslast in here.
He did notice one warrior who he knew the name of. A female Lieutenant named Logan. He did not knowher personally. He knew her only by reputation as a good pilot. She was talking with the two new ensigns, and it was plain that she was not overly happy about it. That wasn't surprising as he was not impressed with what he had overheard the two of them talking about earlier. Coming here was not beginning to be a good idea, he thought sourly to himself...
* * *
Skyler
NOTE: I hope this post is taken in the context it is meant to be. Skyler, who is under alot of stress with the thoughts of losing his friends, and Brie, being thrown into command, when he rather be on a shuttle about to board a Cylon Platform, having to deal with members of his Squadron, who should be getting ready for an alert at any second. Non if this meant to hurt anyone else's feelings, or tick anyone off. I just wanted to say this to avoid those possibilities.
Brian

* * *

Skyler grabbed the new duty roster for the squadron and went to go post it in the ready room. On his way out the door he almost ran into Lt. Brik.

“Lt. Glad to see you, I have a couple of transfers from the Galactica that needs a wing. All of them are real high speed Warriors. A Lt. and two Ensigns, who if they keep working like their Galactica records indicate, should be Lt.’s in a couple of sectons.”

“Captain, do I get to pick the one I want?”

“Kinda Brik, you can choose between the two Ensigns, the Lt., they call her Logan, she will get the other one.”

“Understood Sir.”

“Knock that Sir stuff off. We have know each other too long for the nonsense.”

Before Brik could respond, Skyler comm link beeped. It was a text message from the O Club. Skyler just shook his head as he turned and headed that way.

“Brik, I have a few more things I want to go over with you, but something has come up that needs my attention. Take these and post them to the Ready Room board and then go pre-trip your Viper. We could launch at any Micron, and I don’t want any thing to go wrong. Our friends out there may need us real soon.” As Brik saluted and turned to leave, Skyler stopped him. “Make sure that flying scrap pile that you call a Viper is in top shape, these newbies brought their own Scarlett Class Vipers.”

“Flying Scrap Pile?” Brik’s face was frozen in his best-shocked look. “SIR, if I remember right, your own Scrap Pile is older, and has more cobbled together felgercarb than the any of ours.”

“I know, but she always brings me home.” The two friends shared a smile and departed in opposite directions. As he approached the doors to the O-Club Skyler ran through the ways he should deal with this problem, and a milli-centon before the doors slid open, he decided….

“What in SAGAN’S SAKE is going on here.” Skyler said as he surveyed the room. Several members of Gold Squadron, including two of his transfers were sitting around like they were furlon, drinking their Ambrosa and joking. “I am sure all of you have something to do. If not, how about taking a few microns out of your busy social schedule and go check the ready room board, you might find something with your names on it.”

He turned his attention to Kiwi first, because he was the closest. “I believe we have several upgraded Vipers sitting around somewhere, do we not?” not giving Kiwi time to answer “I also believe we have some Warriors being assigned these ships that would benefit from you going over the systems with them.” Hardly enough time for the sounds of the words to travel from Skyler’s mouth to Kiwi’s ears…. “Well, what are you waiting for? Move, they are in Sim Room 2, unless you want to transfer back to the training command…….” Skyler spun on his heals as Kiwi scrambled to the door, almost tripping over a chair on his way. “Lt. Logan, Ensign Wraith…. Its been a while since I was on the Galactica, but I do not recall SOP being check in with the CO and then get drunk, especially with the High Alert status this Battlestar is operating under. Now, you two go find Ike, and anyone else you might bump into and strongly suggest they go check the duty board in the ready room.” They stood and went to salute him. “If you even make a motion like you are going to salute, I swear to the Lords I will gun you down myself.” You could almost see the dust as they departed the room. Scanning the room again, he saw several other Warriors sitting around, half of them looking around in fear, the others trying hide, all of them were from other Squadrons. “I am sure all of you have more important things to do as well.” As they too made for the door. When the bar was empty, except for him and the bar tender Skyler approached and sat on the nearest stool.

“Wanna drink?” was all that was said as the bartender sat an empty tankard in front of him.

“After what I just did….” Skyler stopped mid sentence “is that milk? I haven’t had milk in over a yarhen.”

“One Yarhen, four Sectons, 27 Cycles, that’s how long it has been since we ran out. Just got a shipment in from the Galactica. The entire ship is getting re-supplies, Milk, Vipers and parts, Fuel, Ammo, Ensigns….”

Skyler upended the tankard and downed the ice cold milk in one huge gulp. "That was somekind of good. I didn't realize I had missed it that much." he paused for a micron "of course you know I have to request you not serve...." he was cut off as the bartender cited a list..

"Ambrosa, Grog, Mead, and a host of other drinks that would hamper the abilities of our brave pilots. Consider it done."

Skyler headed for the door, looked back just before he exited the room.. "thanks for the message my friend..." and was gone...

[LucianG]

Kiwi
Kiwi was both annoyed and relieved. Annoyed that Skyler ran him out of the o-club to do this duty after first telling him to take it easy when he had first checked in. But he was relieved that he did not end up having to chew out the two new ensigns for conduct unbecoming officers and gentlemen. Their boorish cobnduct was really beginning to annoy him.
As his drink in the o-club was not alcoholic, he wasn't inhibited in any way as he entered Sim Room 2. The simulator operator gave him a thumbs-up as he entered the control booth, indicating that the specs for the 'K'-series vipers were loaded in.
"Are the rooks in their respective simulators, Sarge?" he asked the operator.
"Yes, Lieutenant", he replied, "They are all ready to start the sim".
"Give me the commlink, please", Kiwi directed. The sergeant handed it to him.
"Listen up, Rooks", Kiwi said into the sim-to-sim commlink, "The 'K'-series vipers have been fitted with upgraded sensor and targeting acquisition software, among other things. This should make your job somewhat easier, but don't get lulled by the extra technology. You still need to rely on your instincts. We'll be running you through a few introduction sims in order for you to work on the new warbook and sensor platform, then we'll run you through a few combat sims. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir", the simulator pilots replied.
With that, he nodded at the sergeant.
"Let's do it", he said.
* * *
Brik
Whew! It was really good to see ol' Skyler again. Although I'm an "experienced" pilot, my voluntary desk job for the last few yarens has me feeling VERY nervous about taking on the job of flying again, much less having new Ensigns to deal with. Well, like my old Training Officer Peete used to say..."NEVER let 'em see you sweat"! Then he would explain the rather bizarre methods available to MAKE SURE that no one knew you were sweating. Well...I guess that I should go ahead and post this paperwork in the Ready Room and then let Skyler know which Ensign I picked.
Lords...it's good to be a Lieutenant in a place that means something to me again!
* * *
Brie
There was still an air of nervous anticipation inside the first shuttle. After checking everything over one more time Brie was the last one to board. She took her seat as close to the cockpit as possible. She hated being a passenger, she would much rather be in the front. The plan was for the shuttles to launch five centons apart, with 2 vipers from Silver Spar Squadron escorting each shuttle, just in case they ran into Cylons.

As the shuttle launched the Callisto seemed to grow smaller and smaller. Brie knew that this might be the last time that she ever saw it. She glanced around at the other passengers and couldn’t help but wonder if any of them would survive. She knew her chances of returning weren’t great, it was considered by Commander Apollo to be a one-way mission, but the infantry members had even less of a chance. It was their job to make sure that Brie and her team stayed alive as long as possible, using whatever means necessary. It suddenly dawned on her what a lousy mission this actually was. She thought that there had to have been another way.

Just over five centons had passed since they had launched. “Shuttle number two should be clearing the Callisto,” she said to no one in particular.
* * *
Charybdis
I looked down at Flt. Spec. Geenie and gave her the nod.

She turned and spoke, "Shuttle Craft number 2, locking in coordinates. Transferring control. Launch when ready."

A small blip appeared on the scanner indicating that the ship was free from the Callisto. What lay ahead for all onboard those two ships?
* * *
Brie
“We just received word that the third shuttle has launched, Major,” the shuttle navigator informed Brie. “That means all three are on schedule. We thought you would like to know, Ma’am.”

“Thank you, Cadet,” Brie replied. She tried hard not to let the nervous young girl know that she had no idea what her name was, especially since she was sure that she had been introduced to her before. Brie was still amused when someone showed anxiety speaking with her, even though she was in a position of authority. It didn’t seen like that long ago when she was that age, but she didn’t ever remember being that nervous, except maybe the first time she met Commander Adama. “Please let me know when we’re half a centar before landing, or if anything unexpected happens.”

“Yes Ma’am.” The navigator stood there without moving.

“That is unless you’d like me to take over,” Brie said, grinning. “I haven’t flown one of these larger shuttles in a while, maybe there’s a thing or two that your crew could show me...”

“Oh, no, Ma’am,” she girl said quickly. “We’re fine. You just relax. You need it, especially since the mission you’re going on is...” she stopped for a micron, and Brie noticed a tear falling down the girl’s cheek. “I’d better get back up front. I’ll inform everyone of your instructions.”

As surprised as she was by the girl’s response, Brie was even more surprised to feel a hand touch her arm. She had almost forgotten that she was sitting next to Captain Lazant. “Her name is Holi,” he said, his voice not much more than a whisper. “She totally idolized you when she was in the academy. Looks like she still does.”

“Me?” Brie said, taken aback by what Lazant had just told her.

“You’re really that surprised?” Lazant replied. “They all do, especially the girls. You’re their hero, their role model, someone they hope they can someday be like.”

“I would have thought that they would emulate the commander. A woman running a battlestar....”

Lazant laughed. “You still kill Cylons. Commander Sheba has a desk job.”

“That’s some desk job,” Brie remarked. She paused. “Holi, huh?” Lazant nodded. “So how come she’s navigating a shuttle instead of training for viper pilot? She looks about the right age.”

“Her piloting skills are only fair,” Lazant explained, “but she’s one heck of a navigator. In the sims her reflexes were too slow to make viper pilot, she wouldn’t last in one battle against real Cylons. Instead of giving up, she heard that we needed shuttle navigators. From what I’ve heard, she doing really well.”

“We need navigators just as much as we need viper pilots,” Brie commented. “Every job within the fleet is important.” There were several microns where neither of them said anything. “Role model, huh?” Brie asked, smiling. Again Lazant nodded. “I’ll have to set her straight.”
* * *
Charybdis
I went into the war room to give my updated report to the Commander...

"How is it going so far, Colonel?" she asked matter of factly.

"Well, Commander. Major Justin has informed us that the platform is secure. The capture of 3 Cylon Raiders should be quite a boost for us. And all three Gold squadron shuttles have launched. Nothing on the scanners and it seems that the fleet and the Galactica are safe...for the time being."

She was looking at some sort of printout in her hands. Without looking up, she ordered, "Just make sure to have all pilots on standby. If those Cylons know what we're up to, we'll need 'em."

"Yes, Commander." I wheeled around and returned to my position on the bridge...

[LucianG]

Brie
Used to the temperature aboard the Callisto, the heat in the shuttle felt almost unbearable to Brie. She knew it was a difference of only a few degrees but it seemed like a hundred. She was tempted to give the shuttle crew a hard time about it, especially Cadet Holi, but decided against it. They needed to concentrate on their jobs and on getting them there in one piece. Besides, maybe it wasn’t hotter inside the shuttle. Maybe Brie was just nervous. She didn’t think that she was nervous, but the future of the human race depended on the outcome of this mission, and Brie was in command. Maybe she SHOULD be nervous.

Instead of bothering the shuttle crew, Brie simply took off her flight jacket. Much to her surprise, something fell out of her pocket. She recognized it immediately, Skyler’s good luck charm.

“Is that a Bronze Cluster?” Captain Lazant asked Brie as she picked it up. “I don’t remember ever hearing that you...”

“It’s Skyler’s,” Brie interrupted. She decided not to mention that she had no idea when he had slipped it into her pocket. “It was awarded to him for bravery back when he was in the infantry. Instead of running for cover he held off a group of Cylons from the back of a burning landram while the rest of his men made it to safety. I don’t know all the details, it’s one of those things I had always meant to ask him about.”

“I’m surprised that Skyler isn’t a part of this mission,” Lazant commented.

“It’s not for lack of trying,” Brie said. “But he’s not with the infantry anymore, he’s Gold Squadron SIC, and I need to know that the squadron is in good hands. It was a choice between leaving him or Amy in charge, and she’s not ready for long-term command.”

“You two are pretty close, aren’t you,” Lazant observed.

Brie wasn’t sure if he meant Skyler or Amy, but the answer was the same for either one. “Yeah.”

“That’s good,” Lazant continued. “You need to know that you can trust your SIC.”

“It’s more than just that,” Brie said, careful not to reveal too much. Suicide mission or not, she couldn’t let anyone know that she had feelings for Skyler. “He knew that there was something in my file, but didn’t care in the least what it was. When I decided to share it with him he was non-judgmental.”

“It’s not that bad,” Lazant tried to tell her.

Brie laughed. “Most people, I tell them I went nuts when my husband disappeared, they never look at me the same way again. But it didn’t bother Skyler, he understood. Then when I finally had Turner legally declared dead...” Brie sighed. It was still hard for her to believe that she had asked them to close Turner’s file. “All I wanted to do was get drunk. But since I had tried to kill myself when he first disappeared, I was scared that the Commander of Doc Bkj would see it as another attempt. So I got drunk with Skyler, knowing full well that I could trust him and that I wouldn’t get lectured by him. I could let go, just for a little while, knowing that he understood and wouldn’t lose any respect for me as a friend or as his CO.” She laughed again. “Drowning my problems with ambrosia, how’s THAT for a role model?”

Lazant was quiet for several microns. Brie was worried that she had revealed too much. She trusted Lazant, but knew that no one else did. “That must be nice,” he said at last. “Having friends like that. Over the past several yarhens I’ve only had two real friends. You’re one of them, and the other, well...” Lazant’s voice trailed off. Brie knew exactly who Lazant was talking about. Everyone had lost someone because of this fracking war, but it was hard not to be affected by each and every death. Maybe that’s what made them human.

“Major Brie?” Glad for the interruption, Brie looked up at the nervous face of Cadet Holi. “We’ll be landing in half a centar. You had wanted me to let you know.”

“Thank you, Holi,” Brie said, purposely saying her name. The young cadet grinned from ear to ear. “Keep up the good work.”

Unbuckling her restraining device, Brie stood up. “I’d like everyone’s attention for a micron.” The shuttle quieted down. “We’ve got half a centar until we land. Make sure you’ve got all your gear put away and ready.” She grinned. “And since I’m sure the Cylons won’t have anything set up for us, this might be your last chance to use the turboflush for a LONG time.”
* * *
Agelastus
The turboflush on shuttle 2 was working fine.

Fortunate that, as we all seemed to have the urge to go. Nerves perhaps. Up front, the shuttle pilots were concentrating on their duties, perhaps made uncomfortable by the people in their cabin. After all, it's rare to be in the company of "dead men walking".

I have a bad habit of becoming overly morbid just before a mission.

"Are we going to finally see what's in that carryall?" the voice of Corporal Hecate broke through my introspection. Looking at the chronometer I saw we were half a centar from destination.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours..."

Hecate had a non-regulation carryall too, one that Killjoy, Janneche and myself were all carefully ignoring. Even demoliton experts had to follow the regulations, and we all privately suspected that the contents weren't exactly standard.

And could very likely send us all to meet the Lords of Kobol "up close and personal". Normally none of us would have allowed that to pass - but this time...if it could possibly give us an edge...and given how good she was...then the risk was worth taking.

Hecate sighed, "That is...a secret" she said, almost as if quoting someone.

I grinned. "Then all I can say is" and I paused for effect, nodding towards my carryall "that that is a secret to."
* * *
Brie
Unable to just sit there any longer, Brie finally gave in to her urge to visit the shuttle’s cockpit. She had spoken with the pilot before launch, a man who was a good 20 yarhens older than Brie named Captain Massy. Brie remembered hearing stories about his exploits when she was growing up, before he was injured and taken off active duty as a viper pilot. The co-pilot, a man named Lieutenant Jantos, was about Brie’s age. And then, of course, there was Cadet Holi. It seemed to be a diverse group, different ages and from different colonies. Brie couldn’t help but notice that Lieutenant Jantos mumbled to himself in what sounded like a Leonid dialect. “Everything’s on schedule, Major Brie,” Captain Massy informed her. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Brie liked the no nonsense nature of the pilot. “I was wondering if I could have a micron with your navigator. If that’s not a problem.”

“Cadet Holi? Would that be a problem?” Captain Massy asked.

“Everything is normal,” Cadet Holi informed him.

“You’ve got 5 centons,” Captain Massy said. “You can have some privacy over there.” He pointed towards a small area that closed by curtain. “Five centons,” Massy repeated. “Not a micron more.”

Brie suddenly realized that she was still holding Skyler’s bronze cluster in her hand. Since it was on a chain, she quietly slipped it around her neck. “You wanted to talk to me, Ma’am?” an anxious Holi asked.

“I need a favor, Holi,” Brie said.

“Anything.”

“I’d like you to deliver a message.” Holi grabbed a piece of paper that was nearby and a pen. “I need you to find Captain Skyler for me. He should probably be somewhere around the Gold Squadron barracks. When you find him, tell him that I said ‘thanks.’”

Holi waited for a micron, then looked up. “That’s it?”

“That’s it. He'll understand.”

Nervously, Holi began to speak again. “Why did you volunteer, Ma’am? For this mission?”

“A lot of reasons,” Brie explained. “I’ve got more leadership experience than any of the other squadron leaders on the Callisto, and this mission calls for it. Plus I couldn’t ask anything of my squadron that I wasn’t willing to do myself. If I don’t make it back, well, then I’ll die knowing that it wasn’t in vain. But WHEN I DO make it back, then I’ll just end up volunteering for the next fool mission.”

“If anybody can do this, it’s you, Major.” Brie noticed that once again, there was a tear running down Holi’s cheek.

“I’ll tell you what,” Brie said, smiling. “When I come back, I’m buying the first round. And none of this ‘major, cadet’ felgercarb. We’ll have a girls’ night out. To thank you for delivering the message. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“You’d better get back to work.” Brie lowered her voice. “I get the feeling that when Captain Massy says five centons, he really means three.”

[LucianG]

Brie
“That’s odd,” Captain Massy commented from the cockpit of shuttle number one.

“What’s odd?” Lieutenant Jantos, the co-pilot asked with concern.

“Just some of the readings that I’m getting,” Captain Massy explained. “Our intelligence had stated that the collection tubes would most likely be on, but they’re not. Lieutenant, scan for lifeforms.”

“There are humans, Sir,” Jantos said after a couple of microns. “Doesn’t seem to be anything else.”

“Of course with these scanners we wouldn’t be able to pick anything else up anyway,” Massy mumbled. “I’ve been after them for yarhens to update our equipment.”

“Shall I notify Major Brie, Captain?” Cadet Holi asked.

“No reason to,” Massy snapped back. It was obvious that he didn’t like Holi’s suggestion. “There’s nothing wrong, it just struck me as strange. We’ll be landing in 10 centons, just like we planned.”
* * *
Amy
I alternated between keeping tabs on the progress of our shuttle pilot, and the mood of our shipload of anxious warriors. I noticed Agelastus and Hecate in discussion over something, and that Agelastus appeared to have an carryall that didn't look according to regs. Hecate had a non-regulation carryall too, one that Killjoy and Janneche were stealing glances at.

They weren't the only ones packing extra gear. I patted my own extra equip reassuringly. The odds were totally against us, so it wasn't like any of us would be facing any reprimands after this was over, unless it was from the lords of Kobol themselves.

I turned back and gazed out the front window at the stars. I'd lost Artus out here somewhere, and a part of me wondered if I'd come across him during the mission, that somehow, he'd survived. At the same time, somewhere behind us lay the Callisto, and Charybdis. I knew exactly where he was, but he was as good as lost to me as well. The chances of seeing either of them again was unlikely at best. For me, the mystery of Artus's fate and the mysteries of love seemed destined to remain unsolved.
* * *
Lucian
Note: This occurs just before the shuttles arrive.

The descending Cylon was causing the collection tube to oscillate more and more as it neared Lucian’s position. It was descending head first toward him, and seemed to be sliding down the tube using its shorter arms gripping the little rails. One “hand” seemed to be grasping the rail correctly, but the other appeared damaged and was sliding on the rail. Because of the oscillations, the damaged hand periodically separated from the rail, but the Cylon’s trailing base, riding on the rails on its track-like mechanism, caused it to slam back down on the rail after a micron or so, which in turn, caused the oscillations to continue. Whether it was because of the injury or the bumping and slamming action, it didn’t seemed to be slowing down as it drew nearer to Lucian. Based on the speed at which it was descending, it wouldn’t be long before it arrived.

Hanging from the crossbar as he was on a damaged line with an open hook, Lucian knew it wouldn’t take much more than a little tug or a fairly light tap from the Cylon as it passed to knock him off the bar and into what would be a fatal freefall. Lucian decided to swing sideways and try to grab the rails on an adjacent tube just before the Cylon arrived. He swung his feet against the side of the nearest tube and pushed off gently. As he did so, the sparking robot extended its longer arms outward to grab him as it passed.

“Well, buster, its just you and me,” gritted Lucian determinedly, despite the fact that he knew neither the approaching Cylon nor anyone else could hear him, “and I don’t appreciate your stupid one-eyed grin one little bit! And quite shaking the tube!”

The Cylon was about 20 meters away when it happened. The steady thrumming vibration from the collection pumps above suddenly stopped, and the thin walls of the collection tubes suddenly collapsed inward. The Cylon bounced against the side of the now flaccid tube and pushed inward against it, causing it to lose control. Its base unit swung out off the rails and it cartwheeled outward. It grabbed wildly for the tube with its long forward arms, and Lucian pushed off again with his feet at the same time. The collapsed tube gave less resistance than he’d anticipated, and he barely reached the opposite tube as the Cylon crashed into his crossbar and knocked it and his safety line loose. Lucian grasped the flexible rails on the sides of the collapsed tube as if they were ropes as the Cylon passed him. Seeing the robot grabbing for his flying safety line, he held on with one hand, hit the safety line release as it started to move downward, and then grabbed desperately onto the collapsed collection tube.

Still holding the now-released safety line, the Cylon crashed into the last crossbar, broke it loose, and then fell into the planet’s sky below. In a few moments, only the sparks were still visible, and in another micron or two, it disappeared entirely from Lucian’s view.

“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” said Lucian to himself. He was about to add more when he saw through the swirling mists a light approaching from above.
* * *
Brie
The first shuttle landed right on schedule. Since there was already quite a bit of leeway built into their timetable there was no hurry. They wouldn’t be leaving the shuttle until all three had landed. Brie gave instructions to Captain Massy to contact either Major Justin of Major Lucian. She wanted to wait until the last possible micron to put on her envirosuit, she hated those things.
* * *
“Major, I am unable to raise either Major Justin or Major Lucian,” Captain Massy informed Brie.

“Keep trying,” Brie instructed him. “Maybe they thought we’d wait until all three shuttles had landed. Or maybe they’re on a different channel. If you can’t reach either one of them, try Captain Kris or someone else from Black Squadron.”

“Yes, Major,” Captain Massy said. A few microns later he returned with a reply. “I spoke with Captain Kris. She said that they are aware that we’ve landed but are in the middle of something, and will radio us again in a few centons.”

“In the middle of what?” Brie asked.

“She didn’t say.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Brie said. “Let me know when she contacts you again.” A bad feeling came over Brie. What could they be in the middle of that would take precedence over a mission of this importance?
* * *
Amy
I felt the vibration as our shuttle made contact and settled to a stop. After the landing was complete I asked the pilot for our status.

"Unsure" the pilot replied. "I picked up something from shuttle one. Something they got from Captain Kris. She said that they are aware of our landing but are in the middle of something, and will radio them again in a few centons.”

I nodded, though I didn't understand what was happening. We were on standby, and I could feel the nervous tension trying to creep in on me. Soon, very soon, we'd be in action.
* * *
Brie
“The second shuttle has landed, Major,” Cadet Holi informed Brie. “The third one is about 5 centons away. Still no word from Major Justin, Major Lucian, Captain Kris or anyone else for that matter.”

[LucianG]

Lucian
The voice suddenly coming over the comm was near breathless. “Fallel to Command Shuttle. Come in.”

The pilot said, “Hold on Fallel. Major Brie will be back up here in just a moment.” As she stepped back up to the front of the shuttle, he said, “She’s here, Fallel. Go ahead.”

“Major Brie, there’s been a problem. Major Lucian has fallen. It happened just a couple of centons before you arrived, and Major Justin and some of the other Warriors have launched to—” Fallel almost choked as he said “—save him. No more info about this at this time. Captain Stadia’s starting to check out the life safety systems on the T now, and will be complete in just a few centons—Hold on! Be with you in just a moment!” he said to someone else, then back to the shuttle, “—Please stand by.”

* * *

Over the past centon or so, Lucian had, unwillingly, slid down the rails of the now more flexible tubes. While the shutdown of the intakes had saved him from the Cylon maintenance robot, the resulting fluttering of the tubes now threatened to throw him off and into a death spiral; however, he hoped that it wouldn’t be reactivated because it might suck him inside and into the pumps. He almost grinned to himself: at the moment, he had any number of really horrible ways to die. He glanced upward. The light he’d noticed a few moments before was circling the tubes and coming downward. Sweating profusely inside the envirosuit, he reset his jaw in determination to hold on and to survive. When he reached the last longitudinal crossbar, next to the transverse crossbar broken by the falling Cylon just a centon before, he threw a foot over it, and arrested his slide with an unplanned “ummph!” He was perched precariously on the system, but the pain in his injured arm and now the leg caused him to blink quickly to try to maintain conscious thought and his balance. As he feared he’d black out from the pain, the spotlight moved down to his position….
* * *
Ever so carefully, Lieutenant Droidarr maneuvered the shuttle below Lucian’s position. With the shuttle depressurized, Major JustinB popped the top hatch and climbed half way out of the opening after attaching his own safety harness to the clip on the shuttle’s ladder. He looked up at Lucian who seemed to have his eyes squeezed closed as if in pain. When Lucian raised his hand in front of his face, Justin realized that the upper spotlight must have been blinding him. “Droidarr,” he said to his enviro-suit’s comm unit, “reduce light intensity to 30 percent. He can’t see well enough to have a chance of hitting us.”

As the lighting level dropped, Lucian blinked several times and then gave the person below him in the enviro-suit a thumb up sign. Even with the reduced lighting, he couldn’t tell who it was, but he was extremely happy to see whoever it was. The person waved for him to come on down. Knowing that the shuttle pilot would have a hard time holding the ship in position, Lucian took a good grip on the “rails” and removed his leg from the crossbar when the shuttle looked to be fairly closely in line with the flapping tube. Positioning his legs against the side of the collection tube, he slid slowly, trying to control his impact on the top of the shuttle; hitting the top and bouncing off wouldn’t do anyone any good! Despite his effort, he was sliding downward more quickly than he’d hoped, and he couldn’t seem to get any more grip on the rails to slow himself. At the end of the rail, he saw a cross bar stop. His feet slid into the stop, braking his descent, but the jolt sent a spasm of pain through his body. He lost his grip on the rails, and toppled backward in freefall, but it was, fortunately, a short freefall to the roof of the shuttle. When he landed, he started sliding toward the side, he grabbed for something to grip, but felt nothing before something caught his foot. Looking toward his foot, he saw a single hand grasped around the boot. A helmeted head rose up slightly and through the faceplate, Lucian saw Justin’s face set in determination as he pulled Lucian toward the hatch. Moments later, both were inside, and Lieutenant Droidarr piloted the shuttle back toward the platform.

In the shuttle, Lucian tapped the side of his helmet, indicating that his comm unit was not functioning. He leaned forward, touching his helmet's faceplate to Justin's faceplate and shouted so Justin could hear through the contact, "Thanks, buddy! I owe you a big one! Any word from the infiltration team?"
* * *
Brie
Brie received another communication from Fallel. “Captain Stadia has completed the first round of testing on the life safety systems. Everything seems to be fine, but she’s double checking a couple of things just to make sure. The third shuttle has just landed, so you might want to make any last centon preparations. I’ll inform the other two shuttles.”

“What about Major Lucian?” Brie asked, concerned.

“I don’t yet have all the details,” Fallel replied, “but he appears to be okay.”

“Thank the lords,” Brie said. “Major Brie out.” She returned to the passenger area of the shuttle. “Okay, kids, this is what we’ve been waiting for. Time to go those envirosuits on!”
* * *
JustinB
In the shuttle, Major Lucian tapped the side of his helmet, indicating that his comm unit was not functioning. He leaned forward, touching his helmet's faceplate to my faceplate and shouted so I could hear through the contact, "Thanks, buddy! I owe you a big one! Any word from the infiltration team?"

"Not a problem Major. I am just glad you are ok. As for the infiltration team, everything is on schedule. You just sit back and let me check you for injuries. By the way, how about you just buy a few rounds of drinks when we get back to the Callisto."

Lucian Smiled as he pulled away. After a few centons we landed back on the orbital platform. When we landed I pulled Major Lucian aside.

"Major, Now Black Squadrons Duty is just about over, I was wondering, once the shuttles are launched should I hit the selfdestruct button? Or do you want me to head back to the Callisto to refuel and Re-arm?"

Lucian ran his hands through his hair then responded. "The orbital platform was a secret base with very little communication with the main base for purposes of keeping it hidden from our prying Colonial eyes. The tankers were the only ships known to have taken the route, and that was most likely only because the Cylons had to have the gases refined on this platform. They had to risk getting them through without detection. Fortunately for us, we discovered them in time and tracked one of them back here. The Cylons probably wouldn't expect a communication, since Colonial Intelligence hasn't picked up anything transmitted between them, although that could be another mistake on their part. If we destroy it too early, the Cylons will likely detect it and know something's wrong, and they might be more suspicious of the approaching tanker that had departed at about the same time. I'd suggest leaving the platform operating normally, but have well hidden explosives with timers set to go off just after the tanker arrives at the hollow moon with our assault teams; however, Major, that's just my advice. You're in charge of this part of the mission, so it's your call."

"Thanks Major, I will think it through, but I will most likely take you advice, Thanks." I shook his hand and walked off to make sure everything was ready.
* * *
Hawke
"Callisto landing control,this is Lie... *ahem*.. CAPTAIN Hawke enroute from the Galactica requesting landing instructions." "Captain Hawke, this is Callisto Landing Control, please hold position. We are having activity on deck." "How long Callisto?" "Five centons." I grumble... Well, I've been gone for two sectons. Another five centons won't hurt. "Confirmed,Callisto...Five centons."
I circle around the Callisto putting my new viper through it's paces. "Too bad this thing doesn't have a C.O.R.A. system..." I say to myself. I test out the targeting system and target a gun turret without going hot. I draw a bead and mock fire. Direct hit. I still got it.
"Captain Hawke, Callisto Landing Control.. You are cleared to land in Beta bay. Welcome back." "Beta bay. Confirmed Callisto. And thanks."
I land and get out of my viper. I look around. Hmmm.. Nobody to meet me? "What kind of homecoming is this?" I say to myself. Must be on a mission.
I grab my stuff and make my way to my quarters. I toss my bag on my bed and check my messages. Some miscelanous messages.. Nothing important.
I make my way to the bridge. Commander Sheba, Col. Charybdis and some other people are there. I salute them. "Captain Hawke reporting in as ordered by Commander Apollo sirs."

[LucianG]

Kiwi
"No, No, No!", Kiwi shouted over the simulator commlink, "You're still relying too much on the sensor array. I gave it better range, but you still have to go in and verify it by your eyeballs".
He turned off his commlink and turned to the sergeant running the simulator program.
"Don't those instructors on the INFINITY teach these kids that technology is something to assist, and not something to totally rely on?", he asked in exasperation. The INFINITY was the fleet's academy training ship that trained warriors in basic flight skills before being assigned to a battlestar.
"Lieutenant", the sergeant replied, "They're fresh out of the academy and their ensign commissions still have wet ink on them. It's gonna take time".
"Not too much time I hope, Sarge", Kiwi commented, "Skyler gave me a butt-chewing for being off-duty when I thought I was supposed to be off-duty. I really don't need him chewing me out for not getting these rooks up to par".
* * *
IkeRapier
Ike was glad that he used the last of his free time in rest period for two resons. First, he didn't want to be the awkward third in Logan and Wraith's conversation. Second, through more years of experience than he'd cared to count anymore in the Infantry and Recon, he felt the tension here. Although Capt. Skyler gave no warnings to expect ringing claxons or immediate action, he knew he'd need to get rest when it was available. Plus, he heard that Skyler "cleaned house" not long after he left the scene. "Good timing has always been an ally," Ike thought to himself as he went to his next assignment.

It paid off coming into simulator training. Fresh in reflects took on new meaning in encountering the new sensors. Ike had heard the chatter in the o-club about new mods on the Vipers here and if life was any similar to the sims he was in, the enhancements will serve the fleet well.

Being called a rook came with the new territory. It was something that Ike liked to give a half-grin at. He hadn't been called that for 12 yahrens, till the Infinity, followed by the Galactica again. It was a "brief" badge he'd gladly wear to transfer into a Viper squadron.

Ike was not really the strong-silent-type, but the voice of experience demands attention and respect... especially when it comes to turbo lazers, Raiders, and survival. Ike was clearly impressed with the new modifications, as the sim he was in out performed any mission he had previously flown with the Galactica. There's no eating ion vapors here!
* * *
Although new mods, and he is sure they'll serve the Star Hound Pilots, "They are a little old school" thought Ike.

Prior to coming to the Callisto, he and Wraith had been assigned to two brand new Scarlet Class Vipers that came with them to the Callisto. Both Ensigns had passed the sim training on these with excellent marks. Having pulled previous duty on the Galactica in the antiquated Vipers, the Scarlets proved themselves quite effortlessly... speed, combat systems, sensors, rate of fire, and maneuverability.

It struck both Ike and Wraith odd that they were taking a step back in the sims, but it was a new assignment. After handling the Scarlets, it was not as easy to make the mark in a nostalgic sim. It could be useful training, though. "Guess Skyler hadn't filled in the training officer yet," Ike mused. Ensign doesn't always mean "rook."

An assignment is an assignment, so the simulator training continued... Wraith and Ike both knew it would help hone their skills even more.
* * *
Kiwi
"Sarge, get me the flight records for the rooks in sim vipers two and three", kiwi requested. The simulator sergeant quickly pulled up the requested specs on the pilots.
"Ensigns Ike and Wraith", Kiwi noted, "and just over from the GALACTICA and with some Scarlet-Class viper time under their belts. Well, time to tell them that they are not as good as they think they are". With that, he keyed the communicator to their specfic simulators.
"You ensigns think you know all the ropes", Kiwi said, "and you have some Scarlet-Class viper flight time too, but the 'K'-series vipers are an entirely new kettle of fish. You think it's just an older viper type with some advanced avionics and tie-ins to the weapons systems from the turboes, but each class of ship has to be treated differently".
"With all due respect, who is this and what do you know?", one of them asked, obviously miffed at his thinly veiled opinion of their flying ability.
"My name is Lt. Kiwi, and I'm not only a warrior with a lot more flight time than the both of you put together, I'm also the person responsible for the 'K'-series refinements", Kiwi replied.
"I'm not questioning your accomplishments in the technical field, Lieutenant", Ensign Wraith replied, "but we're not rooks".
"In equipment you haven't mastered, you are", Kiwi pointed out, "and you need to master the new refinements here before you can properly utilize them out there on patrol. When you have satisfied me that you have mastered the sim, and are given your qualification to fly in them, then I will stop calling you rooks, okay?", he asked, "Until then, we'll run through the simulations again".
* * *
IkeRapier
"Excuse me, sir," replied Ike. (Knowing it seems more than the training officer has been briefed) "We are not 'K-
Series' pilots nor will we utilize this sim training while on patrol. The Scarlet Class Vipers we flew over were not ferried over for someone else's use, as they have our names on them and our kill records."

The Sarge looked at Kiwi as though he was insulted by his remarks to the "new" Ensigns. "Sir?" The Sgt. asked, "Did you not know these are seasoned pilots? Especially with kills in Scarlets?"

"I'm enjoying the time, though, Lt. Kiwi," Ike responded. "Hope that we can invite you to take some sim training with the Scarlet Class Vipers. I'd be glad to oversee it with you."

There was no reply from Kiwi. "Sir, don't get me wrong. This is useful for us to become familiar with your modification limitations, especially since our Scarlets will be flying with you."
* * *
Kiwi
"I'm well aware of the Scarlet-Class' abilities, Ensign", Kiwi replied, "As I do have test-pilot credentials, and I've had the pleasure of putting a few of them through their paces, but the problem is that not all warriors will be having the opportunity to flying those, and you may find yourself in that situation".
"How so?", Ike asked.
"A viper is a versatile craft, as you well know", Kiwi replied, "and the Scarlets are the best of the bunch. But since their numbers are still relatively small because of their complexity - that's why the HEPHAESTUS foundry ship still concentrates on the classic model - I had heard from reliable sources that the Scarlets are to be kept more-or-less in reserve for specialized tasks. However, pilots are not, which means that more often than not, you will be in the older type".
"I hope not, Lieutenant", Wraith replied.
"It's been made clear to me that I have to get all pilots up to par on all types. The 'K'-series were specifically developed to push the classic viper design to the limit, without having to build an entirely new fighter".
"You mean to provide new insides to an old exterior?", Ike asked.
"That's right. The 'K'-series is a development based on ecomomy. As a result, it keeps our squadrons equipped as best as we can and it will provide a bridge until such a time as the HEPHAESTUS can fully retool to the Scarlet configuration", Kiwi explained, "so if you think I'm insulting your intelligence, I'm actually trying to make you aware that you may have to fly a 'K', in which case, you have to stop thinking as a scarlet pilot. Understand?"

[LucianG]

Wraith
Wraith couldn't help but marvel in amusement at Lt. Kiwi and his stiff, mechanical, almost 'cartoony' arrogance towards the two of them, already seasoned Warriors, who were fully rated in their far-superior Scarlett Class Vipers, both of them with confirmed kills.

The steely eyed Ensign, hearing all he needed to, climbed out of the sim and began towards Kiwi, Ike following close behind, and did not stop until they were within arms length. Fighting to keep a smirk off his face, Wraith aimed his gaze downward for a moment, putting a hand to his chin; the other behind him, as if in a contemplative state, then feigning deference, finally spoke: "Begging the Lt's pardon, Sir...I can't help getting the impression that you don't have much confidence in the over all capabilities of myself, or my esteemed colleague here", Wraith gestured back to his old friend, Ike, who at this point knew what was coming, and ruefully propped one arm up with the other, placing his hand near his mouth, which was now begining to curl at one corner..."If I were the suspicious type, Lt., Sir, I'd almost be inclined to think that you just plain don't like us."

Lt. Kiwi could feel his weight shifting to his heels, suddenly taken aback by this ensign whom he hardly knew...at ALL, it seemed. As Kiwi struggled to remain stationary, Wraith came still nearer, slightly angled toward him now, and continued, With all due respect, Sir, seeing as the Lt. has such a low opinion of us, we would really appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate, at your convenience, of course...just what we're capable of...in, or out of the cock-pit."

Having spoken his piece, Wraith stood, unflinching, waiting for a response from the stunned Lt. Getting none, he took a step back, then gave the required salute..." 'Afternoon, Sir." And with that, he turned toward Ike, clenching a new fumarello in his teeth and reached for a light. Then they proceeded down the corridor. "C'mon, Ike...lets go check the duty assignments."
* * *
Skyler
Skyler had stepped through the doors to the upper level of the training room. He was just going to check up on the progress of the Warriors flying the new upgrades for the Starhound Viper. He had planned to slip back out, unnoticed and get back to his duties, but the scene infront of him was not what he had expected. Wraith and Ike were there, facing down Kiwi. There seemed to be some discussion over the Scarlett and "K" class Vipers. In the few microns it took him to understand why they were here to begin with, since they were not issued the modified Vipers, they had left the room. Skyler approached Kiwi....

"Lt. is there a problem?" Kiwi turned to face him.

"Just a couple of rooks that don't know their place."

"Lt., those rooks, while they don't have the stick time of some of us, are top of their classes. The Galactica wouldn't have sent them other wise."

"Sir, I know, but they are sniffing plant vapor if they think they are getting to hot dog those fancy Vipers on a daily basis. They are just too rare...."

Skyler cut him off. "Lt. alot has changed in the Fleet since we pulled our little rear guard a little over two Yarhen ago and were seperated. They have a surplus of Scarlet Class birds. If the stories I hear are true, Starbuck is one of the few pilots that still flys a Starhound, by choice. Must be some truth to it to, with the loads of parts we got when we rejoined the fleet." Skyler paused for a micron... "I have to agree with Starbuck, those new Scarlet's are sleek, and loaded to the hatch release with all kinds of fancy tech, your upgrades are also great, not quite to the level of a Scarlet, but working with limited materials in the Callisto labs and all, still top notch.... an take no offense, but I am sticking with my outdated Starhound. A real pilot depends on instincts, not a dash full of read outs.
The fancier you make all that Felgercarb, the easier it is to gum up the works."

"Understoood Sir... what are you going to do about those Ensigns, and the disrespect they showed."

"Lt. I am going to have a talk with them about it, don't you worry. I would suggest you give them a wide berth as well, the last thing any of you want is a problem that I have to handle in an official manner. Get the Warriors assigned to the K series up to speed, assist them in making sure their Vipers on the flight line are ready to launch, and then," Skyler glanced at his chrono for a micron "if we haven't launched by then, call me and I will see what is going on and where your skills are needed until we get the call."

"Yes Sir..." Kiwi called out as Skyler turned and left the room.....

Skyler turned.
* * *
Kiwi
Lt. Kiwi finished up the simulator series with the other rooks. Those persons had the good sense not to bring up his altercation with Ensigns Ike and Wraith. The sergeant shut down the sims, and after asking Kiwi if there was anything he could do - there was nothing more - left him alone in the control booth.
Kiwi sat there for a while and thought about Ensigns Ike and Wraith. Their records spoke for their piloting ability, but after seeing them earlier in the O-club with their bull-session, then seeing them with Lt. Logan, he had taken an instant dislike to them both. Frakk it all, he thought that male officers were supposed to behave like gentleman at all times, and they should have left Logan alone - everyone saw how uncomfortable whe was. Then shortly afterwards, when he noticed them in the sims, he decided to see how they would take a little constructive criticism. True, their runs on the 'K' sims were not up to his standard, but then he was a test pilot and was so intimately involved with the K's systems, it was like being a part of him whenever he flew it, so was it fair for him to expect those two to be as good as he was on it - particularly as it was the first time they had tried it out? He had flown the Scarlet-class viper as part of his test-piloting obligations, but those two had more flight time in that particular type, so could he truly claim to be better than them on it?
In all honesty, those two did a good job mastering the 'K', but remembering Logan's discomfort in the o-club had clouded his judgement. Both Brie and Skyler had repeatedly told him that he had to keep his feelings to himself - after all, it was telling a Core Command Officer what he thought of him that had him stuck in the training directorate for so long.
He remembered that there was an alert on, and that his place was to be on standby in the ready room, in the event that he be called upon to man his fighter, but as he stood, he wondered what can be done about those two ensigns.
Apologizing was out of the question, given their not-so-private challenging of his abilities in front of the others. Even if he had been in the wrong in questioning their abilities, their conduct in challenging him like that was borderline behavior unbecoming that of officers and gentlemen. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut, he asked himself as he stepped out of the sim room. One thing was certain: he and those two were not going to let this issue die, and that could spell trouble down the line.
* * *
Up in Core Command, Flight Officer Hoxha put his headset down on the console and sat back with a smug look on his face. He had been eavesdropping on the Sim room communicator circuit, and after hearing Kiwi's voice, swithed on the sim monitor in time to see two Ensigns making it clear what they had thought of him - and then seeing Captain Skyler rebuking him after that. It was a wonderful sight to behold, he told himself.
After all this time, he still smarted from what Kiwi had told him to his face at that time ago. That arrogant vermin had the affrontery to call him a tin-pot little dictator and chair-warmer, after he had told him he could not get back to operational duties. So, he had ensured that his original temporary detachment from Gold Squadron to the training and research directorates was stretched for as long as possible - he knew that the worst thing that he could do to a warrior was to keep him off combat operations.
So, when Major Brie had him recently reassigned back to Gold Squadron, he felt cheated. But now, after seeing what had just happened, it looked like Kiwi's mouth was going to land him in trouble again. Perhaps he could have a discrete chat with those two ensigns sometime and see if they could push Kiwi further.....

[LucianG]

Kiwi
Kiwi was still brooding over the recent 'troubles' in the sim-room when he entered the ready room. A number of the ensigns who had been there earlier were in there talking, he saw, but they fell silent as he entered.
He pretended not to notice and walked over to where his helmet and sidearm was located in order to make sure they were ready for his immediate use. The silence and the glances in his direction lasted until he went over to his day-bunk and lay down on it.
One of the ensigns started to snicker some and make a comment, but another pilot pulled on his arm and gestured for him to stop it. The look on Kiwi's face was enough for the older hands to realize that if he was pushed, it could end up getting pretty ugly and while on standby alert, that would amount to a lot of trouble.
Lt. Kiwi's 'flaws' were well known to the old hands. He was a capable pilot and an excellent flight engineer, but the reason why he was not a captain way before now was that he let his mouth run away from him too often. He had absolutely zero-tolerance for what he regarded as inappropriate behavior and it had gotten him into a lot of trouble. They wondered how Major Brie and Captain Skyler would be able to keep him in line.....
* * *
As Kiwi dropped off to sleep, a couple of the ensigns started talking quietly about their overhearing Kiwi's altercation with Ike and Wraith earlier in the sim room. As Ike and Wraith were not in the ready room at this time, they thought it would be safe to chat about it. One of the older pilots however stepped up to them and said, "I think you'd better change the subject, before he wakes up and hears you"
"What's he going to do, Lieutenant", one of the ensigns asked, "put me on report? He looks the chair-warming type".
"You don't know what you're talking about, Rook", the lieutenant replied, "Lt. Kiwi may be a hard person to know, but there is no other person I know who has more integrity and honor. People who hate his guts would still trust him with their money. For people like him, The Code is more than a way of life, it's the only rationale for his existance".
"The code?", another of the rooks asked.
"The Warriors code of conduct", the lieutenant clarified, "Kiwi is extremely narrow-minded about points of honor and those two Ensigns who questioned his capabilities in the sim room must have really crossed a red line earlier. I'm concerned that if they push him too hard, he will end up calling out their option".
"What's that?", the first rook asked.
"In this squadron, if a warrior calls out to another warrior for his option, it is actually a challenge. The challenger will leave the room for a small amount of time and the challenged party will need to give his option by the time he returns".
"What are these options?", the first rook asked.
"Option One is an agreement to disagree. In short, the challenged party leaves it there. Option Two is more physical. Both the challenger and the challenged go down to gym, remove their rank insignia, then it's Bare Knuckles until one of them gives up. Option Three is similar, but it deals with their actual piloting skills. The challenged and challenger would be 'temporarilly assigned' to each other on viper patrol, then once out of sight of the battlestat, attempt to out-fly the other", the lieutenant explained.
"What if the challenged person does not give an option?", the lieutenant was asked.
"A refusal would be tantamount to a declaration of cowardice", was the answer.
"With all due respect lieutenant", the first rook said, "Lt. Kiwi does not look the type to be able to prevail if options two or three are called".
"When he was on board the INFINITY as a flight cadet, Kiwi put another cadet in life station when that person crossed the line", the lieutenant said, "and he is also one of the better pilots on the CALLISTO, which means Option 3 would probably not be a wise move either. Let's just hope that nothing happens to force Kiwi to make the challenge, or else things will get ugly very fast. The botton line is that Kiwi would rather die than compromise The Code".
* * *
IkeRapier
Ike walked into the ready room heading towards his belongings to look through some personal things, particularly the pictoral reminders of what once was his family. He noticed a group of Ensigns and Officers talking, but they were only murmured voices to him. As he rose with the purpose of exiting and then re-placing the memorials in his Viper's cockpit, he looked up to see Lt. Kiwi in his day-bunk glaring towards those talking as if they had no respect for someone trying to get a micron of rest.

Being in a new environemt, it hit Ike that his responses of the day could have been better. Sharing the fun and footing the bill in the O-club and meeting new Warriors, seeing his friend Lt. Logan again, meeting Capt. Skyler... no changes at all. But... his seeing the pics reminded him that one thing in life is real... the time that we have.

He took the opportunity and walked over to the Lt.'s day-bunk. Ike coming into his vision, he responded by propping his torso up by his elbows with not quite a pleased facial expression.

Ike came to attention, saluted... "Lt., sir? My reaction earlier was uncalled for. Although assigned to a Scarlet, your providing the oversight of the sims with the K-series was a learning experience by the actual modifier and I should not have taken personal offense. After 12 Yahrens of ground-pounding and bleeding with the Colonial Infantry and then in Recon, I have served with honor. I did not give you the respect you deserve as an officer today. Sagan, forgive me, if I've insulted a fellow Warrior." Ike remained at attention, to the shocked looks from the faces seen in his periphery.
* * *
Kiwi
Kiwi blinked as he took in what Ike had said to him. As he realized that Ike was sincerely trying to heal the breach, he also noticed that the rest of the pilots in the ready room were looking intently at them both. Slowly he stood up and faced the ensign. As he did so, he also noticed out of the corner of his right eye that a couple of the older warriors were tensing just in case things got nasty.
"Ensign", Kiwi said, then hesitated. He was stubborn and did not take criticism well, but frakk it, he was also a warrior and the code of conduct could not be denied. Besides, everyone in this room had to depend upon each other. He took a deep breath, then spoke - in a clear tone so that everyone present could hear.
"You don't owe me an apology", Kiwi said in a clear voice so that everyone present could hear, "In fact, it is I who owe you, and your colleague one. I'm not the easiest person in the squadron to get along with, and I have been in trouble quite a few times for not keeping my feelings to myself. I'm proud of my abilities as a pilot, an engineer, and a warrior. But if I can't admit to my faults, then I have no business wearing the uniform. The Code is something I have always believed in, but it cuts both ways. I apologize for openly questioning your flying abilities in the simulator, and for questioning in my mind your right to wear that uniform".
Kiwi nearly choked on those last words from his mouth, but they were clear - just like the code of conduct was clear: Duty and Honor were traits that warriors had to enforce, but had also to endure. Red-faced, he nodded to Ike, the others, and headed out of the Ready Room.
* * *
It was while Lt. Kiwi had abruptly left the Ready Room to head down to the launch tubes - obstensively to check over his viper, though in reality to be alone and away from the other warriors that he felt that he had let down by being in the wrong earlier - that Flight Officer Hoxha had decided to see if he could take some time to have a little chat with the Ensigns that had pushed Kiwi's buttons. Had he known what had happened in the Ready Room, he would have thought twice about doing this, but his intense dislike for Kiwi drove him on to try and bring that warrior to contrition. He thought that he could find two willing accomplices in Ensigns Ike and Wraith. All it would take would be another emotional push for Kiwi to let his mouth run away from him again, and he was sure that Captain Skyler would hear of it and never let him fly again.
Hoxha wore the blue uniform of a bridge officer. While not as disliked as the black uniform of internal security, the few warriors who passed by him gave his a wide berth. Not for the uniform as honorable warriors did wear it, but Hoxha was a disliked figure by all who knew him, but Hoxha didn't notice the snubbing. All he wanted to do was to waylay Ike and/or Wraith and quietly suggest some ways to push Kiwi over the edge....
* * *
IkeRapier
Ike was surprised that the Lt. that had so easily went off on he and his friend in the sims, had now responded in a 180 degree turn. If need be, Ike was ready to rip through the man like a di-ethane storm and join the original sinners. He had sized him up, his infantry/recon experience, and that which is not spoke of, had taught him well to do so out of survival. But, through it all there is something there. Not sure what it is, but Ike hopes that this Warrior's 'honor' will prove itself when the time comes... in battle. Words are words. If it doesn't, and honor fails or life is risked without regard... it will not be the first time he has...

The thought was quickly blocked and Ike started out towards the door, meeting a puzzled expression on another Ensign's face that obviously was watching in hopes of an altercation... someone slightly familiar maybe or perhaps just one who knew his reputation, "Don't mean that I like the guy, just means that now we know where each of us stands," Ike blurted as he walked forward and the Warrior entering scurried to avoid his advance out to the corridor. He wasn't here to belittle or eliminate fellow humans, but to turn cylons to scrap. Or, at least that was the plan for now.