CHAPTER 23--WHEN DRIFTING STARS COLLIDE

[LucianG]

Lucian

Major Lucian held the report on the Pangara system. The team briefings were about to begin, and the Warriors would be launching in just a few centars when the Callisto entered the Pangara system. Already, the stars that made up Pangara, so tiny and seemingly drifting just a few cycles earlier, were now steadily growing on the forward viewscreen.

He read the executive summary of the system report:

Pangara, a binary system with a large white star and a neighboring smaller yellowish-white star about 8 A.U. apart. The larger star (Pangara Prime, or Pangara Major) has five small planets (In order from the star, Pangara Major Alpha, P.Maj. Beta, P.Maj. Gamma, P.Maj. Delta, P.Maj. Epsilon), plus three gas giants (P.Maj. Zeta, P.Maj. Eta, and P.Maj. Theta), two of which, Zeta and Eta, are pulsing radio frequency types that locally interfere with communications, and the smaller star (Pangara Minor), which actually circles the larger star, has three small planets and one small gas giant (again in order, Pangara Minor Alpha, P.Min. Beta, P.Min. Gamma, and P.Min. Delta). There is also an asteroid belt between P.Maj. Eta and P.Maj. Theta that traverses all four quadrants of the system.

For the Callisto’s purposes, the system has been divided into four 90 degree wide sectors based on its alignment with the axis of the galaxy. The Callisto will arrive in the Gamma Sector, which on our clock would be between 6 and 9 o’clock on the dial. Alpha would be between 12 and 3 o’clock, Beta would be between 9 and 12 o’clock, and Delta would be between 3 and 6 o’clock.

There is no native life in the system due to the presence of the two suns and the seeming perpetual day during part of the planets orbits. Of the solid planets, only Pangara Major Beta, Pangara Major Delta, and Pangara Minor Gamma have real atmospheres, but all have extreme temperatures (hot, cold, and cold respectively) that are not conducive to life. When the Callisto arrives, the Beta sector receives light from both Pangara Major and Pangara Minor. Planets in this area are Pangara Major Alpha, Pangara Major Delta, plus Pangara Minor and its planets. This area of space is extremely bright, so there are few places to hide. Due to the relative brightness of Pangara Major, the rest of the system is relatively well lit as well. Delta Sector currently contains Pangara Major Zeta and Pangara Major Eta.

* * *

The large white star was now filling an ever larger portion of the central viewscreen. Its brightness was dampened electronically with the filters, but its size and obvious brightness were still impressive. Commander Sheba looked at the chrono counting down to the end of the jump. She saw Colonel Charybdis busy with one of the officers at a station so she approached Major Lucian, who was busy scribbling notes on a pad.

"Major, what is the status of our squadrons?" she asked.

Lucian looked up with a start, barely controlling the notepad. He said, "Commander, Warrior teams have been assigned, and team briefings have been conducted. The Mission Specialists have reported that Vipers are ready for launch as soon as the Warriors arrive. Warriors have been ordered to report to their Vipers ten centons prior to end of jump, which will be just a few centons from now. As soon as the Callisto emerges from the jump, we'll be ready."

Sheba glanced over the assignment lists and said, "Carry on, Major. Launch Viper Teams when ready."

Lucian nodded to Flight Specialist Geenie. She looked at the countdown clock and a couple of centons later, announced on the comm system, "Attention all Warriors: Jump to Pangara system ends in 15 centons. Assigned Viper team Warriors have five centons to report to launch bays. Countdown to primary mission launches, 14 centons, 85 microns."

* * *

walksallroads

Anubis heads from the briefing room to his Viper for a quick pre-launch check. He thinks back to his chat with Captain Kris and Holodoc, and wonders for a moment. He then flushes that from his mind as he prepares for action. Focusing on the assignment at hand, he readies himself, mentally preparing, and calling his body into a state of battle readiness. When one goes out in a Viper, one must always prepare for a fight, and not be caight unawares.

"Lt. Rose, I will expect a tight formation. We've flown before, I believe we have come to know what to expect from one another."

* * *

Lucian

In the outer reaches of a two star system, two ships suddenly appeared where nothing had been before. Reaching the end of their stellar jump, the ships reentered normal space in what the inhabitants had code named the Gamma Sector. Moments later, on the command deck of the Battlestar Callisto, Flight Specialist Geenie gave the same order to the primary teams from first Gold, then Black, and finally, Silver Spar.

“Viper team, launch when ready.”

* * *

Charybdis

The bridge was incredibly busy at times like these. People running about tending to who knows what. My major duties at this time were to compile all the incoming data from the forward sensors and stay abreast of anything out of the ordinary and report them to the Commander, as well as any last centon changes in ship operations.

I could see Major Joey in one section near the rear of the bridge close to the star maps that always had to be updated.

By the flight ops section was Major Lucian. His duties really kept him busy just before a mission. He took a lot of my duties off my shoulders when they assigned him as Director of Flight Ops and I was glad for it. Although I felt as if I didn't interact with the Warriors enough. It's true what they say, once you make it up to the higher ranks and especially the bridge of a warship, you lose touch with the 'common man.' I didn't see Major BatGal, but I'm sure she was around somewhere, probably near the launch bays. Most reassigned squadron leaders are kept close to their former squadron for a little while to ease the transition.

Sheba was standing by the main rail on the rotating section of the bridge and I walked up to her and stood by her side. "Well, Commander, here we go again," was all I could say.

She shook her head, "You said it, Colonel, you said it."

In a just a few microns, vipers would begin streaking out into the unknown for whatever fate awaited them...
* * *
Brie
Captain Stadia,

I have assigned two more warriors to the stand-by flight, Ensign Agelastus and Lieutenant Ben. I would prefer that Agelastus would be wingman for either you or Lieutenant Hawke, but it's your command and I trust your final decision.

Major Brie
* * *
Microns before Brie was to climb into her viper she received an urgent message. It seemed that Captain Stadia had fallen and was in the med lab, having hurt her hand. "Frack," Brie said louder than she had intended, "that puts Hawke in command." She sent a quick message to the ready room and to the bridge.

"There's been a change in plans. Lieutenant Hawke is in charge of the stand-by flight, Ensign Agelastus will be his wing. Lt. Artus is SIC, Lt. Najinn his wing.

Major Brie

[LucianG]

Amy
After the briefing I followed the rest of the team to the launch bay. We split up and headed to our individual vipers. I walked up the steps and took the helmet from the flight deck crewman who was readying my ship.

"All set, Captain" he said, "have a safe mission".

"Thanks" I said as I put the helmet on. "My old viper... I haven't flown it in ages."

"Good as new, Captain" the crewman replied. "You'll be happy the way it handles."

"Great" I said. I settled into the cockpit and lowered the canopy. I pressed the three turbo buttons and felt my pulse begin to quicken as the engines sprang to life. I looked over to see if Major Brie was ready. As I waited, I heard Geenie's voice over the comlink, giving us clearance to go.
* * *
I listened to the turbos rev to a peak then begin the cycle over again. The anticipation before launch was a rush unlike any other. To keep from bouncing off the cockpit walls I looked for something to do. I opened the little compartment, the one under the main control panels, where Charybdis had left me a violon so long ago. The box was empty now. About as empty as my life. I shut the compartment, and batted at the dice I had hanging to one side. Major Brie was cool, letting me hang those. I looked over her way, hoping that things were set and we could get underway.
* * *
Brie
After making a last centon change in the standby flight Brie climbed into her viper. It was one of her favorite places to be. Her whole life had been about becoming a viper pilot. Once inside her viper all other thoughts melted away. She was once again Major Brie, commanding officer of Gold Squadron serving the Battlestar Callisto. She glanced around quickly then heard what to her were words of comfort, “Gold Flight One, you may launch when ready.”
* * *
Agelastus
I learned of the roster changes for the back-up flight while standing in the launch bay watching the Vipers go through their final checks. The roar of the igniting turbos echoed around the cavernous chamber, masking the last micron calls and confirmations of the ground crews.

I had been unable to resist watching the launch before moving to wait in the Ready room. After too many centons off flight duty, and after the strees of my final check-up in the Life Center (traditionalist that I am), I was eager to get back behind the stick of a Viper. My assignment to serve with pilots who seemed to get much of the action filled me with both excitement and trepidation, the strange exhilaration of impending combat, the inevitable fear at the knowledge of another dance with death.

There had been to many long patrols, too many off-shift duties. This time I was determined to hold the rank of lieutenant, and finally make a name for myself out of the shadow of my old flying partners on the Galactica.

I turned to move away, and then remembered that there was one capstone in the deck.

Captain Killjoy.
* * *
Hawke
I was coming out of the turbowash after my meeting with Brie the night before, when I saw a couple of messages on my terminal. I quickly read through them. I was up for a standby flight for an exploration of the system we were going through and I was second in command. Ok. I could handle that. I cycled through my second message. Stadia had fallen and hurt her hand and was in medbay. I was surprised. That made me "the leader of the pack." I said to myself. My first real squadron command. The previous one was taken away from me before the Nomen incedent. But that was in the line of duty.

I read up on the mission. I reviewed who was all in my squadron.

I put on a clean uniform and my sidearm and made my way down to the launch bay. I saw 2 warriors standing there watching the launch of vipers. I didn't recognize one of them. huh. New recruit? But I did recognize Captain Killjoy. I casually came over and introduced myself.
* * *
Agelastus
Being in the launch bay before launch is inspiring.

Being in it during launch is not - there's a reason the ground crews tend to move behind blast shields, even if they have to be portable.

So I turned to go to the ready room. I didn't think it would be a good idea to get into trouble with my new partner this early, and being late to the ready room is not a brilliant start.

I'm reckless, but not quite that reckless!

And then I realised who was there, who had been looking in my direction as he spoke to Lt. Hawke, my new "best friend" (Your leader is always a wingman's "best friend", just as the reverse is always true. Back at Cimtar and Carillon, and later, I had seen far to many good pilots forget that. Too many of whom I never saw again.)

"Frak!"

It was fortunate that the noise of the activating turbos obscured my oath. If only for the techs sake. One of the less amusing accidents on the Galactica had been caused by a pilot saying that word at the wrong time. It seems one in three of us will automatically turn towards a swearer, which is not good when one is around a moving shuttle.

That was a messy time.

This was messier.

Killjoy!

Pasting a neutral expression on my face, I moved to meet my new "friends"......................and my old "friend".
* * *
Killjoy
After the briefing Killjoy stuck his head back into the briefing room door, "Hey Major, you gonna join us or are you going to stay here?"

"Killjoy, take the stand-by flight down to the launch bay ready room. I am going to be on the bridge for a few centons then I will join you." was the reply.”

“You want us to go ahead with the pre-flight Sir”

“No I want to be there when that’s done, I’ll be there soon as I can.”

Killjoy shrugged and looked toward Stargazor and the new man. “You heard the man boys, let’s get down there.”

He looked at the newest Warrior to be assigned to the Squadron and stuck out his hand. “Its Jaz isn’t it?”

“Yes Sir it is.” The man replied.

“Names Killjoy, you can drop all that ‘Sir’ stuff when the brass ain’t around.”

“Thank you Si…uh..Killjoy”

[LucianG]

After that Killjoy’s attention turned to Stargazor. He winked gesturing toward Jaz with his head. “I still can’t believe you missed me at that range, You should have had me.”

Stargazor picked up on the hint and smiled back at him. “Yea so I flinched a little when I pulled the trigger, but I didn’t exactly miss, that little limp you got there was a result of my shot ya know.”

Killjoy laughed. “ Good point. But if I were a Cylon that wouldn’t have hurt me at all.”

Stargazor hit his shoulder, “ Well you’re not and it did”

Jaz couldn’t quite get a grip on the conversation, and was not really sure of what he was hearing. “Excuse me guys, but am I understanding you correctly.” He pointed to Stargazor, “ You shot the Captain.?"

“Well yes, but he was only a lieutenant then……

Killjoy interrupted. “And let’s not forget the most wanted man on the ship at the time! What all was it, treason, Major napping, computer hacking and at one point murder?”

“True. You were a real pain for a while” Stargazor replied.

Jaz had a very confused and concerned look about him as he looked at Killjoy. “So you really did all that?’

“Sure he did, every bit of it, except the murder thing, why else would I shoot him?”

“Ya we haven’t had any Cylons to shoot at for so long we had to have something too do.” Killjoy chimed in. You’ll get used to it, that kinda stuff goes on around here all the time. Got to do something to liven things up now and then.”

Jaz stopped dead in his tracks and watched as the two continued walking. After a micron he started walking again but stayed back from the others a bit. Stargazor looked over his shoulder to see the very stressed look on the man’s face. When he turned back around, Killjoy spoke in a low voice.

“Did it work?”

“Well his face looks like a blank scanner, I’d say we just shorted out his brain.”

Both men laughed under their breath as they entered the ready room. Then Killjoy had a flash back of the conversation he had with JustinB about the sabotage to his Viper and questioned Stargazor about it.

Stargazor looked very surprised “You mean that wasn’t you trying to throw us all off again.”

“Uh-Uh, wasn’t me, we better go have a look at that ship.”

When the new man finally made it in the room Killjoy addressed him. “Jaz wait here for the Major, tell him Stargazor and I went ahead to take a look at my ship.”

The two went over every inch of the viper and found nothing.

“Killjoy maybe it was just a maintenance error after all. I know it’s not like our support crews to foul up, but it can happen.”

“Lets hope so, we better get back to the ‘newbie’, before he questions JustinB about our little adventure story.”
* * *
Killjoy and Stargazor returned to the ready room where they left Jaz some time before. With Jaz and Killjoy standing next to the door it wasn’t long before they were spotted by Lt. Hawke who walked over to talk.

“Captain Killjoy, good to see you again. Your wound fully recovered?”

“Not yet Hawke, but I managed to buff my way through the medical as always.”

“Who’s the new kid Captain?”

“Ensign Jaz, meet Lieutenant Hawk from gold squadron.”

The two shook hands. “ Good to meet you Ensign.”

“You too Sir.”

Killjoy noticed some movement out of the corner of his eye and glanced to see another “newbie” out on the flight deck. Even at this distance he could see the man was from Gold Squadron. And when he turned around Killjoy saw his face and couldn’t believe what his eyes were telling him.

“Hawke you guys get a new recruit as well?”

“Yea as a mater of fact we did, he’s been in the service a long time though. Served on the Galactica a while. Supposed to be the oldest Ensign on record. Name is Agelastus.”

When Killjoy heard the name he knew his eyes weren’t lying, he did know this guy and it wasn’t a pretty past.

“I was afraid that’s who it was. Look Major JustinB will be here any micron. You make sure someone keeps an eye on your new guy. I know him from way back, he makes me look like a choirboy.”

Hawke couldn’t help but grin. “ You mean to tell me there a guy on this ship who’s more reckless than you are? Hate too tell you this buddy, but he’s assigned too Gold Two on this mission.”

Killjoy raised a brow. “Who’s commanding that flight?”

“That would be me.” Hawke smiled. “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t really want to say right now, we’ll talk about it when we all get back. Just do me a favor and keep an eye on him Hawke.”

“Ok Killjoy, I watch him.” He shook Killjoy’s hand. You guys have a good flight. Be safe.”

“You too Hawke. Good hunting.”

As Hawke left the ready room Justin entered and Addressed Killjoy.

“Captain Killjoy, Just the guy I wanted to see.”

Killjoy didn’t know why but for some reason the phrase ‘Oh Frack” ran through his mind.
* * *
Randrius
Randrius watched Killjoy get snagged by Justin.
He glanced at Hawke, "Don't know why, but every time a superior says that I'm 'just the man he wants to see', my blood runs cold."
Hawke nodded, "Believe me, I know what you mean there."
He laughed, "Poor, poor Killjoy, wonder what he did now."
Randrius then noticed a face he didn't recognize.
"You must be the new guy, Captain Randrius of Black Squad, good to meet you," he exchanged a firm handshake with the ensign.
"Now, I'll you'lll kindly excuse me," Randrius turned his attention back to his bird and climbed into the cockpit.
* * *
JustinB
“Captain Killjoy, Just the guy I wanted to see.” I said. By addressing Killjoy this way I knew it would make him uneasy. I walked him to a quiet corner of the ready room.

"Is there a problem JustinB?" he asked.

"No. No problem at all, at least not yet. Killjoy I have to ask you two questions and I want them answered honestly. Firstly, I need to know that you still do not harbour any bad feeling towards me in reference to the Major Brie fiasco? Secondly which you can answer at a later date, I want to know what or who the Sorayama Organization is and are you still loyal to them?

I waited and wondered what the reply would be.

[LucianG]

Agelastus
I entered the ready room with a degree of trepidation - Killjoy and I hadn't spoken in a long time.

We'd both known the other was on the Callisto, or at least I had always assumed that was the case. Killjoy's expression, even from that distance, had hinted otherwise.

Somehow, pilots who've been around for a while tend to develop a sense for the atmosphere in certain rooms. Not all though, which I've always found strange since I've always felt it to be akin to the "feelings" felt by the best pilots.

Best in this case being those who survive their first furball. Often, this is not the pilots you expect.

Tense.

That's the best way to describe the ready room. Captain Killjoy had been taken into a corner by Major Justin. Killjoy looked uncomfortable, the major intent, inquisitorial almost.

That gave me a cold shiver, quickly suppressed. The others in the room were being obviously nonchalant, trying to appear not interested while surreptitiously straining to overhear.

Of course, that might just have been me.

My voice seemed steady. "Hi guys," I said to the room at large.

It seemed that my reunion with Killjoy would be delayed a few centons.
* * *
Killjoy
“Killjoy I have to ask you two questions and I want them answered honestly. Firstly, I need to know that you still do not harbor any bad feeling towards me in reference to the Major Brie fiasco? Secondly which you can answer at a later date, I want to know what or who the Sorayama Organization is and are you still loyal to them?

Killjoy was a bit stunned by both questions. He didn’t think the friendship he has with JustinB was affected by that incident in any way. And how did JustinB know about the Sorayama? As he started to speak Killjoy noticed Agelastus enter the room.

“Look Justin, you have been my friend sense I arrived on this tub. It’s going to take a lot more than a mess like that to frack it up. I was a little tight about the murder gag you pulled in Med-Lab. But I guess I had it coming. So the short answer would be, No. I have absolutely NO hard feeling about it with anyone, especially not you.”

Killjoy studied the floor for nearly a centon before he continued. He had to say this carefully. Agelastus and he hadn’t talked and Killjoy had no idea what kind of ties Agelastus still had among the Sorayama bunch. If Killjoy was going down over his past, he didn’t really want to take anyone with him, but he wasn’t going to lie to JustinB again.

“As for the organization, if you know it exist then you know what it is. I still have a few contacts as a result of my time with it. A couple of guys I still consider as friends, but that don’t mean I trust them.”

Killjoy pointed to the Squadron insignia on his shoulder.

“My loyalty? Im a Warrior now JustinB, Loyal only to the fleet, this ship and my crewmates.I don’t know how you found out about that part of my past but maybe its good you did. Keeping it to my self was starting to get in the way.”

Killjoy looked at JustinB and waited for the response.
* * *
JustinB
Slapping Killjoy on the shoulder I replied. "That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. The reason I had too ask is this. As soon as we complete this mission, I will be appointing you as the new Black Squadron Security Officer. I still need to clear it with the Colonel, but I don’t expect any opposition. Lieutenant Merak has done a superb job, but I need a fresh outlook in these times. You have proved that you have the skills necessary to do the job. As for the Sorayama Organization, I have only heard rumours about them. I was only interested if you still were loyal to them. So will accept this position or do I need to find someone else? Whatever the outcome once this mission is complete I believe you might owe me a drink or two.”
* * *
Randrius
Satisfied that all was well with his fighter, Randrius climbed into the cock-pit and dogged down the canopy. He donned his helm, which had served him so faithfully so many years.
Randrius looked around at the other fighter near him, "OK, Blacks, everyone set?" he got a chorus of affirmative for a reply.
"Launch control, this is Black One, requesting green for launch."
Geenie voice can over him comm, "You are go for launch, Black group."
As Randrius fighter was rotated into place in the launch tube, he recalled how many times he had jetted through this tunnel. With that thought, he let out a breath and thumbed the burners.
* * *
Agelastus
Watching Killjoy, even covertly, proved to be an unexpected pleasure during his conversation with the Major. Worry, followed by shock, and then a dose of stony faced determination. Succeeded by an almost comical expression of surprise at whatever the Major had just said.

They were still in their corner now, Major JustinB obviously awaiting some response from Killjoy. The Major looked as if he'd be willing to stand there for a full duty cycle, so still was he standing.

Not, of course, that in all this I minded in the least that Killjoy was so obviously off balance.

"Ensign!"

Startled, I turned to see Lieutenant Hawke, my new "best friend" standing behind me. From his amused if impatient expression I had the distinct feeling that he'd had to repeat himself to attract my attention. Beyond him I could see a Black squadron Viper in launch position, probably Captain Randrius'. I guessed that Hawke had seen me heading in the direction of the ready room and decided to turn back briefly to meet his new "best friend".

What bothered me most was that I hadn't registered his return to the ready room, nor that someone was standing behind me. It seems that my old senses have dulled over time, made quiescent by the regular routine I, at least, have known on the Callisto. A few yahrens ago that could have left me very dead.

Hopefully this didn't apply to my old "combat sense", otherwise I was unlikely to survive my next ship-to-ship dust-up. Maybe I'd spent a tad too long in the simulators...........

Recollecting myself, I saw that Hawke was still waiting.

"Sorry, sir. I thought you'd left. I'm Ensign Agelastus, your wing. I'm looking forward to flying with you sir." I thought that combined admirable eagerness with just the right degree of "seen it, done it". After all, despite my current rank, in a way I had. Those of us who survived Cimtar all had that attitude to greater or lesser degree.

"Good to meet you too, Ensign. I'm sure we'll make a good team. I've been hearing some interesting things about you."

Suddenly, I detected what seemed to be a thread of wariness in his voice. Wingmen had to trust each other implicitly, and something had clearly set him on edge.

Or, I realised, someone.

Killjoy!

[LucianG]

Killjoy
“So will you accept this position or do I need to find someone else? Whatever the outcome once this mission is complete I believe you might owe me a drink or two.” Justin seemed to be waiting for an answer.

The conversation had defiantly taken an unexpected twist. Killjoy realized the look on his face must have been quite comical to anyone looking his way. But as if being promoted wasn’t enough of a shock, now he was being given an opportunity to be in charge of security for the squadron. He couldn’t help but chuckle to the irony of the situation, a former black marketer, gunrunner, and a bootlegger now in charge of squadron security!

“Looks like you found you man Major, I’ll be happy to take over squadron security. That will put me in a perfect position to find out what really happened to my Viper, and to check on a couple of new developments with the crew.” Killjoy glanced in Agelastus’ direction. “And when we get back drinks are on me.”

JustinB noticed the glance. “Someone you know?”

“Ya, but its been a while. We used to share a common interest or two. He’s a good pilot and we were kinda close at one time, but ………Haven’t seen him in a long time. Things and people change. If he is the guy I remember everything will be fine, if not……..Killjoy shook JustinB’s hand. “Thanks for the opportunity Jus…..uh Major.” Despite their friendship, Killjoy refrained from too much familiarity in front of the other officers and crew. “If you’ll excuse me a centon, I need to speak to an old ‘friend’.

“By all means Captain. Just be ready to go when word comes down.”

As Killjoy started away he looked back over his shoulder. “I’ve been ready, believe me I cant wait to get away from this ship a while.

Killjoy mentally braced him self as he walked up behind Agelastus and spoke. There was a slight hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Ensign Agelastus, good to see you again.”

Agelastus turned to see Killjoy’s hand extended toward him.
* * *
Agelastus
“Ensign Agelastus, good to see you again.”

Killjoy's voice, from right by my shoulder, startled me in the same way that Hawke's approach had. I'd been so busy trying to think exactly what the Captain could have told Lieutenant Hawke that I again didn't notice someone come up behind me!

This was most disconcerting.

I turned to face the Captain, seeing that his expression seemed to be locked in as deliberately bland a mask as that which I was trying to maintain.

"It's good to see you too captain," I replied, saluting briefly. Always be extra formal around those you are wary of, just in case they're looking for an excuse for something. "I hope we'll finally get the chance to fly together for real."

Killjoy actually smiled briefly at the veiled comment. We had met in person precisely three times, with our paths crossing on another two occasions.

The first had been a passing encounter in the launch bay of the Rising Star, notable only in that I had been looking for Tabor and had been a little brusque when I hadn't found him. Brusque mostly because I'd been in uniform, and hadn't realised Tabor had taken on a new hand.

Our second encounter had been as brief, a matter of microns when I took out a pair of Cylon raiders glued to the tail of a wildly gyrating civilian shuttle, notable only in the way I'd been impressed at the skill of a civilian in denying the Cylons a clear shot long enough for me to arrive. I didn't even know it had been Killjoy until I checked into the histories of some of my crewmates on the Callisto.

Our third encounter - well, that's another story. It was fairly brief, let us say.

Our fourth encounter had been more dramatic. It started with me saving his life (well, probably) and ended with the pair of us almost needing our stomachs pumped.

Our fifth meeting never occurred, a surfeit of ambrosa interrupting the show, and the course of my life into the bargain.

It seemed that Killjoy had learned of either our second encounter or our aborted fifth. I wondered which, while listening to his next words.

"Yes, it will be. I hear you're in Gold squadron now." Killjoy sounded friendly enough, with none of the overt wariness I suspected he had instilled in Lieutenant Hawke. But there was something else, something............almost satisfied.

"Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to it. I've heard a lot of good things about Major Brie and the others."

"Glad to hear it, Agelastus." To my mind, Killjoy seemed almost to be waiting for something. Like many pilots, who generally have little to talk about with other warriors outside of the select circle of their closest friends, I had expected Killjoy to share a couple of platitudes and then leave. We had known each other, but only as business acquaintances, not friends.

Maybe he saw it differently, so I tested the waters.

"So, Captain. How did the major manage to surprise you?" I jested in a friendly fashion. To my dismay I realised I'd stepped right into it, as Killjoy's face broke into a genuine grin.

"He offered me the post of Security Chief for Black squadron. Of course, I accepted."

"Congratulations sir."

It was all I could say. Killjoy as a part of security. Killjoy! It could only have been worse if he had become the Security Chief of the whole battlestar. I calmed down a little at this thought. I was in Gold Squadron, and Killjoy was in Black; unless I really stepped over the line, or got careless, the actual terms of his remit should keep me away from his gaze.

But still.

Killjoy!

By the Lords of Kobol, what next?
* * *
Brie
The Gold Team was on what was considered a routine mission, although Brie knew there was no such thing. Although she had had her doubts about taking a mission so soon after having her husband declared dead, she was glad that she had decided to go. There was something so peaceful about being in her viper amongst the stars. She was aware of those flying with her, it had been a long time since Amy had been her wing and it felt good. And she knew that the last thing that she needed to worry about were the other two members of her team. She had never flown with Marcus before, but all reports pointed to his being an excellent pilot. And then there was Skyler. She didn’t even have to check her radar screen to know where he was. They had been together on so many missions that they could easily anticipate each other’s moves. They were connected, somehow, and had been for a long time, although Brie hadn’t realized how connected until recently.

If she were to be honest with herself, Brie was looking forward to their survey of the Beta Sector. She was tired of artificial light, and the bright light from the two suns could prove to be interesting. The closer they grew to their destination the more excited she became. Maintaining communication’s silence for the time being, she wondered if everyone else felt the same way.

[LucianG]

Lucian
NOTE: Alpha Launch Bay is Gold's HQ, including the squadron ready room. Beta Launch Bay is split between Black and Silver Spar.

*********************************

"Any word from the Viper teams, Geenie?" asked Lieutenant Finky.

"Only a conversation overheard between Captain Darnoe and his wing," replied Geenie. Darnoe was Major Jorlan's second in command of Silver Spar Squadron and the leader of the short-range escort team. "His comment was that it was bright if you accidentally looked at or near one of the Pangara stars, but if you looked off center, space was as black as ever."

"As should be expected," said Major Lucian approaching the station. "With no significant dust in the system, there's little to reflect the light; however, as bright as Pangara Major is, the planets, moons, asteroids, and even nearby ships will really shine at the right angle. It will be difficult for the teams to see well if they get into a combat situation."

"Boss, then let's just hope they don't have to do that," said Finky with a grin. "That should solve that little problem. And if we do, we'll just whip whatever it is that wants to tangle with us and get it over with quick!"

"Absolutely correct," said Lucian with a grin in reply. He was always amazed by her take on things, often distilling complex situations into easily manageable pieces. "Finky, what is the status of the back-up teams?"

"Black is in place in the Black Squadron Ready Room in Beta Bay. Funny, but we haven't heard from Gold's back-up team. I'll check with Fenmarnis."

Moments later, Finky was back, saying, "Major, we've got a big problem. Part of Gold's team is missing! Fenmarnis said she's drafted a couple of Gold Warriors to sit in Gold's Ready Room in Alpha Bay with Lieutenants Artus and Najinn until the rest of the team shows, but she's sounds like she's probably about as red in the face right now as she is in the hair! Do you want to put out a call on ship's comm to find them?"

"Finky, please remind me, who's missing from Gold's team? If I remember correctly, it changed..."

"Lieutenant Hawke and Ensign Agelastus."

Lucian shook his head, knowing that a broadcast would only get the back-up team into further trouble, "No, tell Fenny we're working on it and will have her team in place shortly. Then, put in message to Lieutenant Hawke to get his team to Alpha Bay NOW. Also, get Major JustinB on the comm for me. I'll see if I can pull a favor and get him to have a couple of his Black Squadron Warriors track them down for us, discretely."

Lucian hoped they'd be found shortly and quietly. Otherwise, as Flight Operations Officer, he'd be in as much trouble with the Commander as the two missing Gold Warriors currently were with him.
* * *
JustinB
Now that the last of the Black squadron Vipers had left things started to become quiet. The only noises were the flight crews working on the standby Vipers. A sight that did puzzle me was that two Gold Squadron Warriors were in our launching bay.

I first checked over my viper thoroughly. Once I had confirmed everything was ok, I walked over to the two warriors. I knew Lieutenant Hawke but the other I didn't know. Killjoy seemed to know him though.

Extending my hand to Hawke I said, "Hi there Hawke, it's been a while." Turning to the other warrior, "Hi, I am Major JustinB and you are?"

"Ensign Agelastus Sir." he replied.

"I am pleased to meet you Ensign. Look gentlemen, it has come to my attention that you seem to be in the wrong Launch Bay. Are you guys lost or are planning to transfer over to Black Squadron?" I said ending with a smile.
* * *
Lucian
Major Lucian to Major JustinB. Come in Justin."

"Go ahead, Major."

Lucian said, "Justin, I've got a problem and I need some help. Two members of the Gold Squadron back-up team are missing and I was wonder--"

"Major, I think I just solved your problem..."
* * *
Stargazor
Stargazor was looking over his viper and then climb into his Viper.
As he sat down in the cockpit he noticed something in the small compartment.
It was a picture of an woman.
But he couldn't recal who she was yet when he looked at her he knew she ment something to him.
He placed back the picture in the small compartment and after checking every system he simply closed his eyes.
If an alarm would go of he would already be in his viper.
*****

His mind dwelled off.

He was dreaming that he was floating in the deep space and he felt as if he belonged there.

Suddenly he was awakend by a voice:
* * *
Agelastus
How I avoided blushing red I'll never know.

Maybe it was because I had tested the waters for a transfer to Black Squadron just a little while ago.

I'd got my new "best friend" and myself into trouble for the stupidest of reasons. Whereas the people who do the scouting missions, the high profile pilots who explore new areas, should and normally do tend to always launch from the same bay, those of us who do the "afters", the patrols just before we leave a system and the like, often end up in either bay almost, it sometimes feels, at a whim. That shuttle needs priority, he's low on fuel etc. Sometimes it happens to the hotshots I guess, but not often.

We're the afterthoughts...........and my last two patrols had been from Black Squadron's launch tubes. No excuse. Moreover, I knew Hawke had got into trouble solely because he'd turned back to meet me.

He was also a good fifty metrons further up the cross corridor, having realised how late he was just as Killjoy approached. It had been the Major's comment that had set me off like a shot, with a muttered "excuse me. sir."

We were only microns from the bay, but microns could and sometimes do make all the difference. I could just feel the demerit coming, and for once even I thought it was deserved.

Three times in one cycle...............three times in one cycle................

Oh, Felgercarb....

[LucianG]

Hawke
Ensign Agelastus & I get done watching the launch and talking,and we heard a page to report to Gold Squadron's Ready Room where Fenmarnis was boiling mad at us. "Where the frack were you two? We couldn't track you down!" "Calm down Fenmarnis, Agelastus and I were watching the launch." I said. "Calm down? Calm Down? Look you yahoo,I don't care where you were,but,when you're on backup duty you are HERE! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" We both saluted. "Yes,Ma'am!" We both said in unison. "And Hawke,if you screw this up, I'll PERSONALLY see to it you NEVER get another command again. You're lucky I don't pull this one out from under you." She leaves. "A rowdy one she is.." I say to Agelastus. He smiles at me but doesn't say a word.

I sit at the table and pull out a pyramid deck. "Ok,who wants to play?" I say.....
* * *
Agelastus
"A rowdy one she is.."

Lieutenant Hawke's attitude took me a little by surprise - it shouldn't have really. I felt that our little "excursion" into the senior officers bad books was entirely my fault. Irrational perhaps, but true. Still, the best officers at any level in the fleet were like that; a united front around superiors, with a private reaming out to follow.

All I could do was smile at his conversational sally. To a great extent caused by my being breathless and trying to hide it.....................

"Ok, who wants to play?"

Hawke, sitting down and beginning to shuffle a Pyramid deck, managed to break a lot of the remaining tension I felt.

Pyramid had been around as long as the Fleet. Unusually, I'd actually read some of the early pre-war regulations against gambling (and, incidentally, shipboard ambrosa consumption) and they'd been pretty Draconian. Not that this stopped the warriors of that time, of course. This attitude had changed as the War wore on and shipboard time increased and increased relative to the period spent in port or on leave. By now, the rules on gambling and ambrosa were simple, barring local exceptions made by certain commanders. With regard to gambling, the rule was "not more than you can afford" - whether playing for cubits or consumables or something more esoteric you had to be able to produce your losses on the spot, or shoudl you be on standby or about to fly, as soon as practicable, no more, no less. And until you did, no more Pyramid. Period.

This was fairly effective.

Pre-Holocaust Pyramid had almost solely been played for Cubits when warriors chose to gamble. After the Holocaust, with the general dearth of what could be called "consumer goods", this had changed too.

So, murmuring agreement and sitting at Hawke's invitation, my first clear words were.

"What stakes?"

I'd played against Starbuck - an education all of itself....
* * *
Amy
I stayed tight on Major Brie, her viper solid on my scanner. In the brightness it was easy to lose a visual on her. Just too bright to see sometimes. I flicked several switches, and ran through the various window tints until I got one that gave my eyes a little relief.

Pangara, huh? Another system, looking for yet another jump point. I sighed. The excitement of these missions was long gone. Where it used to feel like the fleet was just ahead, just around the next corner, now I didn't feel anything at all.

Radio silence too. It seemed like I was all alone in the big bad universe. But there was Major Brie's viper on my screen, and there was a job to be done. I kept my course steady and set up the scanners to probe beta sector. My finger on the switch, I flicked it, temporarily switching from my fix on Brie and focusing ahead on Pangara. And what secrets might you be hiding, I thought to myself as I looked out the tinted window at the system ahead.

The tints had transformed the vista into a whole new array of colors and light. It was compelling, and I felt drawn in by the beauty, but I was determined to keep myself detached and concentrated on the scanner with extra effort.
* * *
I sifted though the data on the nearest planet, Pangara Major Alpha, as I switched my scanner back to lock on Major Brie. I imagined I might call her Major Alpha by mistake before this mission was over. I suppose that might be considered a 'major' mistake.

I looked through the data, looking for the signs that would indicate that the possible jump point was in this area. It didn't look promising, but perhaps a trip around it's equator was in order. Had I been in command, I would probably had already been on my way, but I forced myself to relax and await Brie's orders. It was just my nature to be quick to action, something that I needed to tame if I wanted to be something other than a captain all my life.

Frack, it was bright. Even with the tints activated in the windows it was still squint central. With disgust I reached around to the emergency land gear and brought out the goggles with the special tints. By popping the core goggles out of the bulky extreme-weather frame, they were no more that a pair of tinted glasses now. Perfect. I tried on my
newly created glasses, and found them to be much better. Bet I looked cool too. Too bad there wasn't a mirror handy.

I sent the data though the auto-sift, letting it double check my analysis in case I missed anything. Turns out I did, but nothing extreme. Still, it cried out for a fly by before we moved on.

Ever the handy one, I figured I'd buzz Brie and volunteer to do the pass. Chances are by now she'd have gone over the same data and maybe reached the same conclusions. I flicked on my comlink.

"Captain Amy to Major A...uh, Brie." Whew, almost called her Alpha. "I've completed my scan of Pangara Major Brie, I mean Major Alpha." Whoops! I cleared my throat and kept talking. "Got a couple of spikes in the data, worth a look if you want me to give it a pass by. Over." I waited for a reply.
* * *
Brie
"Captain Alpha, I mean Amy," Brie said, slipping up on purpose, "go ahead and take a look. If you see anything interesting try to record it. Be careful, you never know how the light is going to bounce around here. We should have painted our vipers black. Major Brie out."
* * *
Amy
"Not sure that would be such a good idea, Major Beta" I replied, "I mean Brie. Black vipers would be too confusing. I might forget what squadron I'm in." I laughed. "Checking out Pangara Alpha, back in a flash."

I hit my turbos and was off. The planet loomed up ahead of me, and I set a course for one orbit around the equator. The reflections from it's surface were intense and distracting as I set up the scanner to kick in once orbit was achieved. Scanning the space around the planet more than it's surface, I just wanted to find evidence of a jump point and call it a flight. Cool sunglasses or no, this mission was a snooze so far.

What was interesting was the effect the light was causing all around the region. I had to admit this was outside my experience. I'd seen some strange things in my career, but this was new to me. Light reflected and reflected again, sending beams and rainbow effects in all directions as my viper continually changed my angle of view. Ghostly images seemed to form and then vanish back into nothing. I shook my head, knowing it was just imagination. As rotten as they were, the mechanical eye of a Cylon would look at this same vista and only see planets and suns.

Halfway through my orbit I realized that the promising indicators on the long range scan were worthless, harmless echos and false readings. There was nothing around Alpha to indicate a jump point in this area. I shook my head again, this time in disappointment. Looks like the mission wouldn't be ending early.

I came out the other side of the planet, back into contact range of Major Brie. "Major, Captain Amy here. There is nothing here indicating a jump point. Guess we move on to planet Delta. I'll be back with you in a micron."

[LucianG]

Brie
Brie was more than happy to stay in the background and let Amy do the actual work. After all, Brie had yarhens more experience than Amy did, and this seemed like it would be good practice for the young Captain.

All in all, Brie was sick of planets. She had never liked them, never thought that she would. She had spent her entire life living on various ships, even though she had been born 15 yarhens before the holocaust. She doubted the existence of Earth, something that she had not ever told anyone, not even Turner.

Turner. It was the first time that she had thought about him since the mission had started. She was usually pretty good at blocking out all other thoughts except the current assignment when she was in her viper, but this current mission was actually pretty boring. Making sure that Amy got experience was not exactly something to write about in her journal, if she kept one. She let out an audible sigh as she thought about her late husband. Had she done the right thing in closing his file? Part of her still didn’t believe that he was dead, and she knew that she would never know for sure. She had held on to an illusion of what might have happened to Turner and Cal, and Hawke had killed it by showing her that report. Hawke had killed her hope.

Brie realized that she didn’t want to be thinking about Hawke. He was a good warrior and she had wanted so badly to like him, but she didn't feel that way anymore. It wasn’t hatred that she felt for him either. It was...nothing. She didn’t care about him one way or another. She hoped that everything back on the Callisto was okay. She had some huge misgivings about leaving Hawke in command of the stand-by flight, simply because she didn’t trust him. But Sheba DID trust him, something that Brie would never understand. If all was going like it was supposed to, Hawke was back in the Gold Squadron Ready Room, with the new ensign (she couldn’t even remember his name), Lt. Artus and Lt. Najinn.

Not wanting to think about anything but the current mission Brie turned her attention to the lights. They were strange, they bounced off of her viper in different directions. The colors were magnificent. They hurt her eyes somewhat but not as badly as she had imagined. The filters that she had brought along helped to cut down somewhat on the glare. She decided to just enjoy the show while waiting for Amy to report on planet Delta.
* * *
Amy
I pulled back up even with Major Brie's viper, and looked over at her. I was starting to wonder if she was okay. Granted we shouldn't be cluttering up the comlink with idle chatter but she was more quiet than that. Something in the tone of her voice. We hadn't seen much of each other in a while, and I realized I was losing touch with Brie-the-friend. I'd have to set aside good time after this hunt and peck mission was done, and hang with her if she wanted.

I'd also have to set aside good time for my other 'friends', something I both wanted and feared doing. While I'd had to cut off whatever relationship I'd had with Najinn, and with good justification, both Charybdis and Artus had done nothing but treat me with respect and the dignity befitting an officer, walking a fine line between professional and personal lives that was difficult to do. So which heart do I finally break? I had a feeling it would be mine.

Suddenly feeling gloomy I set my scanners for Delta planet. I hadn't accomplished much with Alpha planet except to cross it off the list. I hoped Delta would work out better so we could wrap this snooze-a-thon up.

"Scanning Delta" I said into the comlink. Looking over I could see Brie nodding and holding up a thumb, yet she said nothing. After a long moment I turned back to my screen.

My eyes widened as I saw the peaks in the readouts as they came through. This was interesting! I looked out ahead, trying to see with the naked eye, yet the ghost shapes and shifting light patterns made what I thought I could see unreliable and deceptive. I ran the data through the auto-sift, but mostly got a lot of unanswered questions.

"Major" I said, deciding to leave off her name entirely to avoid messing it up again, "I'm getting some weird stuff from Delta."

"Define weird, Captain" Brie responded, sounding like she didn't approve of my less than scientific description of my scanner results. I couldn't blame her. I'd said 'stuff' too!

"I'm not sure" I replied. "I've got readings that indicate a jump point, right next to readings that indicate the opposite, and other readings that, well, make no sense in an uninhabited system."

"Scanner malfunction?" Brie asked.

"Scanner checks out" I answered. After a moment I answered the question she hadn't asked. "I'm sure I didn't do anything wrong. Should I run them again?"

"We have the time" Brie said.

"Okay Major" I said. "Stand by." I was sure I'd run them properly, but maybe I didn't. I'd run jump scans before, but this was all new due to the conditions. I concentrated on the steps this time, clearing and resetting the scanners. As the scan began again I stared out the cockpit window, again trying to make out what the scanners seemed to have indicated.
* * *
Kris
Kris sat in the beta briefing room. She had seen the roster for the flights. She knew that if the back up group went out she would need to get another "back up" group ready. She prayed it wouldn't come to that. But sitting around was eating her alive! She got up and paced. The other pilots lounged and played pyramids or were smart -taking a quick cat nap. Some of the warriors had headed to the work out room nearby.
"I guess I am not the only one that gets antsy around here." Kris thought as she got up and headed to the work out room. She changed into her work out gear and pulled her hair back in a pony tail. She wrapped her hands and started to spar with a punching bag. She went pretty lightly at first, then the frustration of being sick and being out of the loop caught up with her and she started to punch harder and harder. A voice from behind her caught her attention.

"Hey! What did that bag do to you?" Najinn grinned. Kris stopped and looked at him as she breathed heavy.
"Nothing, just frustrated." she blurted. He took up a hand bag and slipped them on. He motioned for her to take up hitting them. Reluctantly she complied.

"Frustrated huh? I know that feeling" He kept an even voice though his hands were jerking from her hits. "You aren't the only one that is."

"Ever since I got sick, it just feels strange. Like I am out of control of everything around me. Like I am the stranger here." Again the hits were getting more intense. Najinn stopped her and put gloves on her and put some on himself.

"Feel like a round? Perhaps to clear the mind?" He taunted her. Kris looked at him.

"You want to spar with me?" she looked at him like he was insane!

"Why not?" He danced from side to side, egging her on. Kris rolled her eyes and stepped in closer and started to spar. The hits were light and like she really wasn't trying. Najinn stopped and stood straight, hands on his hips. "Come on! You aren't even trying. Or is this all you got?"

[LucianG]

Those words got Kris' attention. She took it more seriously. They dodged blows, took some hits. All she saw was all the time that passed by that had caused her to feel this way, taking the form of Najinn. She didn't see him anymore, she just saw everything that was building up inside of her. She fought like she hadn't fought in a while, taking it all out on Najinn. He backed up to keep his balance. She was letting it all out and he knew she needed this, so did he but he couldn't admitt it to himself. Step by step he took backwards, but he didn't see the weight behind him and he toppled backwards. Kris, in her blind rage swung and hit empty air and fell forwards. Together they fell to the mat. Najinn had cushioned her fall by wrapping his arms around her to keep her in front of him. Kris lay on him, catching her breath and her bearings.

"You alright?" Najinn asked with genuine concern in his voice. Kris just nodded as she tried to regulate her breathing.

"I think so. You?"

"Fine. Pretty good round wouldn't you say?" He chuckled which made his eyes dance. Kris couldn't help but notice. She had never really noticed him like this before. She always had known that Najinn had belonged to someone else but was set free and now he was hurting. She watched him laugh and smile, then he stopped. He looked at her in a way she hadn't seen in a while. She couldn't fight the urge anymore. Kris leaned down and lightly put her lips on his. Sensing no protest, she kissed Najinn. He held her tight and returned the kiss. Moments passed, it was fleeting but to her - it felt like forever passed. Suddenly aware of the situation she scrambled to her feet. Najinn was right behind her. She grabbed her towel and headed out of the gym, Najinn was hot on her heels.

"Wait!" Kris stopped. Slowly she turned and looked at him. She couldn't explain what happened or what was happening. She went with an urge and now she was left with the consequences. "Why are you running? What's going on?" He was puzzled. Her mind raced as she looked for answers, instead she kissed him again! She pulled away and Najinn looked confused again.

"I am sorry Najinn. I can't explain it. I ...just thought... I don't know what I was thinking. I am sorry." She started to walk away. Then she stopped and walked back to where he stood. "No wait... I am not sorry. For some reason I feel like you need me and I need you. I know you have been hurt in the past. So have I. But I am not from your past and your aren't from mine. This could be great but you have to let me in and not judge me with the past. The choice is yours. I need to clean up and get back to beta. You know where to find me." (dear lords don't let me have lost my already screwed up mind) She turned and walked to the barricks to clean up. With her battle uniform back on, she headed back to the beta room, wondering what Najinn was thinking and wondering what orders JustinB would have for her next.
* * *
Najinn
Najinn was left with a real puzzled look on his face. On the one hand he couldn't quite believe what had just happened, and on the other he was feeling happy.

He had not felt happy in so long. He had been so down, so cut up that he had not been worth a lot to anyone, even himself. Life can be cruel, and it can be so good, and the last few minutes had been very good. Life was full of extremes!

Stuff can come right out of the blue and hit you square on the lips!

He pulled his mind together and set off after Kris, he was determined to see what all of that was about, and at the same time as feeling intrigued, he felt very attracted!

He set off to find Kris....
* * *
Kris
Kris walked along the cooridor, back to the beta room. Her mind was racing over everything that just happened. She couldn't believe she did what she did but she wasn't sorry. So much had happened lately and she felt like she couldn't keep up. But since she was able to come out of the medlab, she had noticed Najinn around. She felt like there was something she needed to do for him, for herself. Up till now she had never thought of Najinn like this. He was with Amy, and she was Nat.

Reaching the beta room, she took a seat and propped her feet up on the empty chair beside her. She watched the rest of the squad talking, sleeping or playing pyramids. Her mind went back to the work out room. Unconsciously her fingers touched her lips as she remembered the kiss. Kris replayed the kiss, the feel of it and how he didn't push her away. She remembered the way his eyes danced when he laughed and how his smile brightened his face. She hadn't been looking for anyone and yet she found him or did he find her? Or was it fate throwing them together? Could there be something between them? Could it work? More importantly what was he thinking right now? Mumbling got her attention and she looked towards the door. One of the black squad members was pointing her way and there beside him stood Najinn. Kris looked around her once to make sure he wasn't looking for someone else. She got up and walked over to where he stood in the doorway. She walked outside the door with Najinn. Fear bubbled inside of her. Was he here to scold her for kissing him? Was he here to take her up on the oh so impromtu offer?

"Can I ask what that was all about earlier?" His confusion was evident.

"You can ask but I don't have any answers." Her voice waivered. Her heart raced and she started to fidget with the buckles on her jacket. He looked disappointed and started to head off. She leaned against the wall and kept talking. "Ever since I had that reaction, everything was ripped from me. Friends, family, my life. When I woke up, everything was different. I was different. I felt alone."

Najinn had stopped and turned back around and looked at her. She took a few steps towards him, she still fidgetted with her buckles. Still she continued.

"I know that you had gone through something simuliar. Your heart was broken like mine was. I know why now? Why us? I had seen you around lately and something kept telling me I needed to go to you, talk to you. Then in the work out room, it just felt right. I know this must sound weird. I wouldn't blame you for turning around and walking away and never talk to me again but like I said before I am not sorry for my actions in there and I would do it again if given the chance."

She took his hand lightly and waited for his response. Suddenly she felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff.
* * *
Najinn
Najinn took Kris's hand, he leant forward and kissed her. He held her to him and kissed her slowly, he meant every inch of what he and she felt. He pulled away yet held her hand;

"Kris, this is happening fast, I don't want to hurt, but then this feels good. I like you Kriss, but you know what Brie said earlier, we had a real talking too!"

She smiled, she knew exactly what he was saying.

"I know Najinn, I know."

"Kriss, you know every so often you get thrown together in circumstances. Lords know I've been there time enough. But this feels good."

He put his arm around her and they walked down the corridor. Two people, both in the right place at the right time, in the right circumstances. Life could be strange at the best of times, but it could be good! After Amy's bombshell had blown Najinn clean out of the water, he hadnt felt this good in a long time. Kris made him feel good.
* * *
JustinB
Sitting down in the Beta Launch Bay Ready Room, I couldn't help thinking that I had forgotten something. FRACK!! I had forgotten to pass on some orders to my Third in Charge Captain Kris.

I went to the comm panel and tried to raise Kris. Having no luck, I left her the following orders:

Captain Kris,
Sorry for the late orders, but your duties are as follows;
In my absence should I have to launch, you are to take command of Black Squadron. After my launch you are to gather all available warriors and make sure they are in Standby mode either in the Beta Launch Bay Ready Room or the Black Squadron Ready Room. If you have any problems before my launch, you know where I am. Good Luck.

Major JustinB


I hoped that she received those orders soon. I had not seen Captain Kris for a long time, but once the mission was over I would have to get together with my Senior Staff and let them know the confidence I had in them.

[LucianG]

Randrius
'One, two, three... who the hell are we missing?' thought Randrius as Black squad formed up. Finally, almost a minute later, Killjoy's Viper shot out of the launch tube.
"Where the hell were you, Killjoy?" Randrius asked.
"Sorry, Ran....er...Captain, I got distracted," Killjoy's voice came over the comm in explanation.
"OK, well were behind schedule, we got Delta sector, lets go."
In unison, the four Vipers hit their burners.
* * *
JustinB
Amidst the vast area of the Delta Sector, the only planetary bodies the vipers could pick up were Pangara Major Zeta and Pangara Major Eta. Captain Randrius noting the effects from these two large pulsing gas giants brings his flight closer together.

"Black Flight, this is Black One. Just as a precaution I want everyone to keep an eye out for each other, as we get deeper into this sector."

After receiving acknowledgements from everyone Randrius hit the ship to ship button to speak privately with Ensign Brotherjoe. "Ensign, just making sure you're alright since this is your first mission."

"I am doing fine thanks sir. It's a far cry from the simulators, but I cannot feel more than I am at home inside the real thing," was Ensign Brotherjoe's reply.

"Just stay on my wing and everything will be ok," said Randrius.

Not too far away, Lieutenant Anubis was enjoying being back in the cockpit. It had been a while but he was relishing the opportunity. Lieutenant Rose who was on Anubis's right had other things on her mind. She and Major JustinB had just made a commitment to take their relationship to the next level. She wondered how far it would go, because she felt in her heart that he was the one she wanted to be sealed too. JustinB had told her that he had spoken to Major Lucian not long before the arrival in this system. She would do anything to have him, but would she have to transfer squadrons to do so was another question.

Seeing that they were equal distances between both gas giants, Captain Randrius decided to check out Pangara Major Zeta first. "Black Flight this is Black One. We are going to first survey the area around Pangara Major Zeta. Stay Alert and follow me."
* * *
Back on the Callisto, Captain Killjoy broke out the pyramid deck and asked all those in the Stand by flight if they wanted a game. They all agreed, but had to wait for Major JustinB who had just received information that two new Ensigns had been transferred into the Squadron.
* * *
Charybdis
Core Command wishes to announce that Droidarr and Masonic have joined the Colonial Military and have been commissioned with the rank of Ensign.

They have been assigned to the Battlestar Callisto and will serve under Major JustinB in Black squadron.

Welcome!
<chorus of voices>
WELCOME!
* * *
JustinB
I glanced over the files for the new Ensigns Droidarr and Masonic. At the same time I was monitoring Captain Randrius's and his team’s progress. Killjoy broke out his pyramid deck and asked who wanted to play. I went over to the comm. panel and left a message for Captain Kris to take care of our new warriors. As I looked at the display screen, the survey team began to round Pangara Major Zeta.

"Black Flight once we have scanned Pangara Major Zeta we will break formation and head to Pangara Major Eta." ordered Captain Randrius. The four vipers in fingertip formation began its trip around the equator of Pangara Major Zeta. Once they had completed circling the gas giant they then broke formation to increase their scanning range. On route to Pangara Major Eta Randrius sent off the preliminary reports of the survey. As it was transmitted, he was quite sure if it would be received due to the interference. To make sure it was, he had Lieutenant Rose send it as well.

As the transmission made its way to the Callisto, tiny particles of energy from the gas giants played intertwined itself within it.
* * *
The survey team under Captain Randrius were just finishing their scan around Pangara Major Eta when Lieutenant Rose made a discovery.

"Black One this is Black Four."

"Go ahead Black Four"

"Sir we have lost all contact with the Callisto."

"There is nothing to worry about Lieutenant, once we have finished scanning around Major Eta we will be heading home. There is nothing of interest in this sector."

"That’s not true Sir," interrupted Lieutenant Anubis. "I am detecting something on Long Range Scanners near Pangara Major Gamma. I think it is worth investigating sir."

"That it is Black Three. Black Flight, let's go and see what is near Major Gamma."

The flight of vipers turned hard about and kicked in their turbos to see what Anubis had picked up.
* * *
Amy
I waited as the re-scanning of planet Pangara Major Delta ran toward it's conclusion. Staring ahead into the swirling colors and reflected light, I thought I could make certain things out, but the naked eye was unreliable in this sector.

The scans complete, I ran through the data, then ran it again through the auto-sift. It was like I had scanned a completely different planet this time! All the indicators, the things I had seen on the first scan were all gone? Had I messed up that badly, or was I on to something?

"Major" I said at last into my comlink.

"Go ahead Captain" was Brie's reply.

I sighed. Best to just come out with it. "Re-scan complete. I have nothing to report on Delta planet."

"What happened to the 'weird stuff'?" she asked in reference to my report after the first scan. I had picked up strange readings indicating a jump point along with data that contradicted those readings, and also results that seemed to indicate some kind of activity! Now, nothing.

"I'm at a loss, Major" I said simply. "Honestly I can't believe I messed up that first scan so badly. I have done this before, though under less severe conditions. Could it be that something might be out there, covering up what I had picked up the first time?"

"I understand, Captain" Brie replied. "But the Callisto indicated this sector was uninhabited. Plus, after your first report I also ran a scan, and I've found nothing as well. I'm afraid there is nothing more sinister here than a jump point, which I'd like to find as soon as possible."

Frack! "I'm sorry Major. It won't happen again."

"Forget about it. Now stay tight. We're moving on to the next planet. Kicking in turbos."

Brie's viper sprang to life, and I kicked in my turbos and followed her course. Behind us lay Pangara planet Delta, and whatever mysteries it might hold, either real or imagined, would have to remain unknown. Brie was right, that I'd just screwed it up. I shook my head as Gold squadron plunged deeper into Beta sector.