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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:04:56 GMT -6
Charybdis "To all members aboard the Callisto:
With high recommendations from their superior officers, Lts. Marcus and Artus are hereby given superior marks on their military service record for actions under fire on their recent mission to planet 'outer.'
At this time, however, the Golden Cluster will not be awarded.
The Colonial Warrior is to conduct himself with heroism and bravery at all times under trying conditions. Lts. Marcus and Artus have proven they are Warriors of the highest caliber and their actions should be seen as the standard example for all Warriors.
Congratulations to these two Warriors. It is an honor and a priveledge to serve with them.
Core Command" * * * Amy It was during a break in a very productive workout that my two warrior friends/informants Manatee and Grammit walked into the weight room. I sat drinking a little water when they walked past, seemingly intent not to say a word. Way too unusual, that would have been.
"Yo" I said, setting down the water and grabbing a towel.
"Captain", Grammit replied.
"What is it?" I asked. "The day you two aren't talking..."
Manatee winced. "Nothing Captain. Nothing at all."
I wasn't fooled. "Out with it. If it IS something, I'll find out later, then I'll really be upset."
Manatee handed me a piece of paper. I read it, my heart falling as I finished it. It was the results of my recommendation for Marcus and Artus. High commendation, but no medal. I could feel all the benefits of a good workout lifting from me.
"Is this why you two happened to be walking through here? To give me this?"
Grammit spoke after some hesitation. "We always have our ear out. Never hurts to have friends in higher places..."
"Yeah yeah yeah" I replied. "Get moving, unless you are hitting the weights." They left without another word.
I sat stewing it all over. '...their actions should be seen as the standard example for all Warriors', the memo from Charybdis had read. What in hades did that mean? With that kind of closed thinking, noone would ever be awarded a medal.
The thought struck me that maybe it had something to do with me. Because it was me that brought up the recommendation. Some sort of punishment for the way I had acted when he kicked me off the mission with Brie. He'd had trouble hiding his contempt of the second mission, and the whole thing was at the root of our arguement. But would he take it out on two other warriors just to prove a point with me?
An overwhelming urge came over me to march up to the bridge, or where ever he's squirreled himself away to, and demand an explanation. But I remained seated. It was going to take more than that to get a rise out of me. I could change, and I was determined to prove that to him. The part that really hurt was in having to explain to Marcus and Artus that their incredible heroism and unbelieveable resourcefulness was just routine. I guess that anything less might have cost them their rank, using the logic Charybdis was using. Maybe I shouldn't have gone for the Gold Cluster. Any of the lesser medals would have still been appropriate. At least we all hadn't got the Black Mark for wrecking a snowram. And a shuttle. I laughed a little to myself.
I shook my head, using my seething anger to begin another set of lifts. While I'd been working out, I'd been sorting through my personal life and already had made one decision. Maybe it was time to make it two. * * * Brie Colonel Charybdis:
I need your recommendations on how to handle the situation that occurred in the last system with Captain Stadia. As you know, when she returned with my flight she was taken to the sick bay with broken ribs. Without being medically released, she took a viper without flight clearance to return and guide the shuttle back to the Callisto. These infractions are serious, although a case could be made that since her original duty was to provide viper coverage for the shuttle, she was just following orders as she understood them.
It seems that lately people haven’t thought twice about taking a ship without clearance, or about leaving the sick bay without having been released. Captain Stadia did both. I’m not saying that I want to make an example of her, she’s a valuable member of Gold Squadron and I don’t want to lose her. I was proud to nominate Stadia for her promotion to captain and I still think that it was well deserved. That’s why I was so surprised by her actions. Handling this within Gold Squadron may not be the answer, since discipline has been a bit lax in both Gold and Black Squadrons lately.
I will await your response before taking any further action.
Major Brie Gold Squadron * * * Charybdis The memo came across the commvid unit in my quarters. Brie's realizations as to the lack of following orders was old news, but something had to be done. The time was now.
We had Ens. Stargazor confined to his quarters and he had not been given his promotion to Lieutenant due to his inability to follow orders.
We also had Lt. Najinn disobeying by taking an unauthorized viper to look for Cpt. Amy when he thought she was dead.
Now, we have newly promoted Cpt. Stadia leaving MedLab wihtout authorization and taking a viper with an unauthorized launch.
I made a mental note to discuss these cases with Commander Sheba to get her final disciplinary OK. I had some ideas as to what punishment each of these WArriors was to receive, but I just wanted to make sure she agreed with me.
I responded to Brie through the comm system:
Major Brie,
thank you for your concern over the lack of military duty to follow orders by some of our Warriors. Their cases are being studied and disciplinary action will be taken shortly. Congratulations on your successful mission under the most trying conditions. If only more of our Warriors would conduct themselves as you always do.
Sincerely,
Col. Charybdis * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:05:34 GMT -6
Brie Having finally finished her report, Major Brie put her head on her desk and closed her eyes for a micron. She opened them again with a start.
“Hey.” Standing in front of her, plain as day, was her husband Turner, who had been MIA for several yarhens.
“What are you doing here?” a surprised Brie asked. “I only dream about you when I’m having some sort of crisis.”
Turner frowned playfully, mock sadness all over his face. “I missed you. Can’t I just stop by and say hello?”
“Anytime.” Brie walked to where he stood and held him for several microns. “So what’s really going on?” she asked as she pulled away.
Turner looked at the floor. It was what he always did when he was about to say something that he knew Brie wouldn’t like. “I was just wondering, am I dead or alive these days?”
“You tell me,” Brie said quickly. “I haven’t seen you since you disappeared, how am I supposed to know?”
“It was a long time ago,” Turner said, “and Charybdis did hear me scream before I disappeared off the scanner. So why wasn’t I ever declared dead?”
“I won’t let them,” Brie said matter-of-factly. “They’ve delicately suggested it once or twice, but I just don’t see the point.”
“You could get on with you life...”
“I HAVE gotten on with my life,” Brie said loudly. She was starting to hate this dream. “I’ll have you know that I’m a major now, and I keep getting re-elected as Gold Squadron CO. Four yarhens running.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” Turner said softly.
Brie started to laugh. “You mean I should DATE again? Hate to disappoint you, dear, but dead or alive you own my heart. And even if I knew for sure that you were dead, which I don’t, I still wouldn’t go through all that felgercarb again. Where is this coming from?”
“Sorry, honey, it’s your dream, not mine.”
“I honestly don’t know if I could do it again,” Brie said quietly, “even for you. I’m not strong enough.”
“You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known,” Turner commented.
“Easy for you to say. You weren’t here when you disappeared.” She started to laugh again. “You weren’t here when you disappeared, what a stupid sounding thing to say.” They both laughed out loud for close to a centon.
“It’s good to hear you laugh, you don’t do that much anymore,” Turner said at last.
“That’s because you’re not around to tell all your stupid jokes.”
“I wish I could be,” Turner said. “But since I’m not, I just wanted to say that if you found someone else who made you laugh...”
“I know what you’re trying to say,” Brie interrupted. “But there’s no one else for me. Period. End of story.” It was also the end of the dream, Brie sat up quickly. She didn’t dream about Turner very often anymore, and she was mad at herself that she had wasted a dream on something as stupid as having him declared dead. She would never allow that. Never. * * * Marcus After the talk with Amy I headed back to my bunk. I finally felt like I could get some sleep. After a few centars I fell asleep. I woke up and was back home working with my dad on a viper. My father spoke “Son what have you done. You went and damaged a shuttle. How could you do some thing like that?” “I am sorry father I will never do it again. I promise.” I said to him. My father replied “See that you don’t.” My mother was talking now “Son you have done well for your self gotten a good wife and two kids of your own. I am very proud of you.” I looked at my self and I was grown and in a dress uniform with the rank of Lt Commander. I said “Thank you mother I am glad you are here.” “I will leave you and my wife alone to talk.” As I started to look at my wife I woke up. What a dream. I did not understand that one. But I knew I needed to find out what went wrong with the shuttle and why it rolled. I needed to get to the sims and recreate the situation and see if I did anything wrong or not. I got dressed and headed to the sims. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:06:04 GMT -6
Killjoy Killjoy never did really sleep, just kind of drifted in and out of a light dream state. After a while he just lay there and looked at the ceiling. He thought about the strange dream he had just had but soon shook off the creepy feeling it gave him.
He still couldn’t figure out Major Brie and started to think of how he could get into her personnel files. He knew the best way was to use a terminal on the bridge, but given his rank he was sure that no one up there would give him access to a major's file. He thought about the few people he knew on the Callisto and who among them he could trust enough to get him in the system, but the officers he had met would want to know why and that was a question he wasn’t ready to answer. It had to be some one who knew their way around the computer but not an officer.
"Kaylib", he said ,"That old bird knows everything there is to know about this ship, and he's not in the military now".
One of the other pilots spoke up. " You talking to me Lieutenant?"
"Oh sorry …..No ensign, Just thinking out loud."
The young man spoke again. " Ya better be careful Sir, talking to yourself might get you a trip to Medlab for a mental evaluation."
"Ensign, do me a favor, never mention Medlab while I'm in the room."
"Yes sir, Sorry Sir."
Killjoy reached for his com and made a call to Kaylib's quarters.
"This better be important, You know what time it is?" Came Kaylib's response.
"Yea old-timer I know what time it is and I need your help with something."
Killjoy explained his situation, and a short time later was in a small room sitting at a little used computer terminal Kaylib had told him about. After a bit of finesse and using the command codes Kaylib had overheard somewhere he was into the system and located Major Brie's file.
As he looked over the file, he discovered that the Major had been in space her entire life. She was born on the Battlestar Columbia, of Caprican parents. She spent her child hood on military orphan ships and was around the same age as himself. They were both around 15 when the Colonies were lost.
He knew that she was married at one time but had no idea her husband was MIA for several yahren and never declared dead. He found this odd, due to the fact that most MIAs are declared dead within days because the fleet was always moving away from the area where the went missing. There were several gaps in the information that he couldn’t explain so he decided to dig a little deeper. Some details were filled in as he looked on but then he hit a wall.
A section of her file had been ordered sealed and given a classified tag, and a huge block of data was missing. He decided to give Kaylib another call.
"What is it now Killjoy?"
"Oh nothing big, I just need another set of command codes, for the classified archive area of a personnel file." Killjoy tried not to sound too serious.
"Are you crazy! You don’t want to play around in those files. They are sealed for a reason1"
"Yea I know, it’s the reason that makes them important. Can you help me or not?"
Kaylib gave him a set of codes to try and told Killjoy he wanted nothing more to do with his little adventure into the database, and not to ask his help with it again.
Killjoy input the codes and all hell broke loose, the system went to a total security lock out and the board lit up like a pulsar, so he quickly terminated the connection. Seems the codes he tried were just a little too far out of date. Killjoy wasn't sure if a security notice was sent to the bridge so he figured he had best get out of the area.
After he returned to his quarters he wondered if he had gotten away with it. Did he kill the connection before the system alerted the bridge to his presence in the system? Did the security scanners detect him in the room or corridor after the alert went up…. * * * Brie The comm buzzed yet again in Brie’s quarters. This time it was the Commander’s personal line, used only for one-on-one communications. It was usually used for squadron business, and hardly ever during the middle of a jump. “Commander Sheba, what can I do for you?” Brie asked, surprised.
“Major, are you alone?” Sheba inquired. It wasn’t that unusual of a question, often squadron business was confidential.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Brie replied.
“Good.” Sheba softened her tone a bit. “Brie, there’s something you need to know.” It was very rare that Sheba referred to Brie by her name without her rank. “Someone was trying to break into your personnel file just a few centons ago.”
“How far did they get?” Brie asked quickly.
“Just the general information,” Sheba assured her. “They tried to open the classified section using an outdated code, which was when I was alerted. Whoever it was had been using an almost forgotten terminal. I sent Security to check it out, but they didn’t see anyone.”
“Did you tell Security...”
“Relax,” Sheba said. “I just said someone was trying to obtain unauthorized information. Your name was never mentioned. I’m going to have the code changed on your file, just in case they try it again. Chances are it was just someone being curious, but I thought you’d want to know.”
“Thank you, Ma’am.” As Brie turned off her comm she wondered who would want to know what was in her file. Two names came to mind, Captain Lazant and Major Jorlan. Most people on the Callisto hated Lazant, but Brie had managed to form a friendship with him. He was ambitious and some people thought he was using Brie, but she really didn’t believe that. Everyone needed at least one friend.
That left Major Jorlan. Brie hadn’t seen him since his promotion. He hated Brie and held a grudge against her because of a mission that she hadn’t handled well. He also hated the idea of women in positions of authority. But she had also supposedly saved his life, although she had just done her duty. She wondered if he had renewed his desire to make her life miserable, and the information in that file could do just that. She decided that she needed to have a talk with Jorlan, see if she could find anything out. * * * Charybdis "yes, Commander. I'll get right on it, " I replied as the secure comm line was switched off.
Strange. Someone poking around in the files. I wondered if it had anything to do with the security personnel fiasco that had reared its ugly head awhile back. We had to fake Brie and Amy's deaths in order to flush them out, I wonder if all of them had been flushed out.
I quickly tapped the comm unit, "Urgent message. Security code Alpha 0-3-1-7. Cpt. Skyler."
Cpt. Skyler came on the comm unit, "Yes sir?"
I could trust Skyler with anything, just like Brie. "Skyler, come to my quarters. Please. And keep it quiet, if you don't mind?" I told him. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:06:33 GMT -6
Skyler "Skyler, come to my quarters. Please. And keep it quiet, if you don't mind?" I told him.
"On my way sir." Skyler turned off his comm link. Skyler grabbed his weapon and headed out the door.
What in the 12 colonies could be going on the justify such a high security coded message, while in the middle of a jump. A centon later Skyler was outside Charybdis's quarters, he reached up and keyed the chime to let him know he was there..................... Guess now I will find out.... * * * Charybdis "Skyler, we go way back. Right along with Brie" I told him.
He nodded in agreement but he had a worried look on his face. This was highly unusual, to say the least.
"What is it, Colonel?" he asked.
"I want to keep this real quiet. Official, but unofficial, if you know what I mean."
"Of course" he replied knowing what I meant.
"Someone has been snooping around Brie's files, classified stuff. They didn't get in, but it's sending up some red flags around the bridge. So far only Sheba knows and Brie. But as second in command of Gold squadron, I want you to keep your eyes and ears open. Stay close to Brie and see if anything looks suspicious. We might still have some trouble from those rebels from last yahren."
"So that's what this is."
"We don't know for sure, but it looks highly suspicious. No one is supposed to be poking around classified information. The fact that it's Brie is serious. NOt only that, but the old code that was used was military, not civilian, so we think it might be a Warrior, not Security. The last thing we need is Warriors going bad and we need to find it and stop it fast. AGain, keep your eyes open and do not discuss this with anyone. You are free to talk to Brie if you need to, since she knows what is going on. And take care." * * * Skyler "Colonel, you can count on me. If there is someone out to get Brie, er, I mean Major Brie, they will have to go through me first, and unless they have a couple of Basestars backing them up, I don't hold much hope for thier chances."
"Skyler, I know, that is why I called you, just keep the damage to the ship down. If you break it, you bought it, besides, the paperwork is a nightmare."
<smiling> "I have to agree with you on a Warrior being the only one with access to those codes, but they were old codes. Maybe we need to check the records for any Warriors that had access to those codes when they were in use. It might help to narrow the list down a bit. After all, there are not that many "Old" Warriors left." it hadn't been that long ago that he had enlisted into Colonial service, but he wouldn't be surprised to find his name on the list of Old Warriors. "Well, I am going to go find Brie and keep an eye on her. Besides, if she finds who ever it is first, I might have to prptect them from her." They both laughed at that and Skyler turned to leave.
"Skyler" Charybdis call to him before he left the room, "let Brie know that she also has to pay for any damamge..."
"Sure thing."
And Skyler was gone to look for Brie. * * * Stadia Stadia had come to the observation cubby hole to think about her life and to think about Marcus. SHe let her herself fall asleep on the deck. She dreamed a restless dream......
She woke to find herself streched like a rope in a tug of war game. On one side Selgin and on the other side.
"Well well Marcus. It seems our prized has awoken. Now she will have to chose."Selgin said as he begin to pull on his end of me.
"She will never be yours. You hurt her to much and then tried to kill her. She is mine." Said Marcus as he pulled back on his end.
Stadia grimaced and tried to pull away but they kept pulling until she exploded"
....Stadia sat straight up in the chair, grimacing as her sore ribs reminded her that they were still here. * * * Artus Artus sighed. Here he was stuck in Medbay, ordred to rest. Rest, for Sagan's sake. Like he could rest with all the things on his mind.
At least he had momentarily tasted his freedom in his joint escape with Killjoy. Boy did he feel bad for that guy. Like it's not bad enough to be felled by some kiddies disease, the doc also told him he couldn't drink alcohol. The poor guy doesn't seem to be getting any breaks. But the kiddies disease secret would be safe with Artus.
And that Stadia. After the whole mission went so well Artus was finally getting to warm up to her as a person, but this whole 'you little boys get back in there or I'll call the officers' routine had her back in contempt corner. The ice-queen was back in full swing.
Killjoy did however have a point about all the women outranking the two of them on board the Callisto. Back on the Rising Star it was different. He could just hit on any female in uniform, because he supposed he did have a thing for women in uniform, and it wouldn't matter.
Not really anyway. Except for the one that did shoot him. But that was just a minor laser burn and it healed.
So he couldn't sit down for a few days, so what?
But now there was the added problem of the military structure that he was now a part of. How do you handle relationships within a military structure?
The only thing he could come up with, is that he had better ask a superior officer. And it had better be a male superior officer, because with women he would only get in trouble. So he suddenly started to think about Colonel Charybdis.
He had met the Colonel when he got briefed for his last mission on planet snowball, and the guy had seemed like a decent sort of fellah. Plus he had just heard that he had gotten a recomendation for this last mission, as well as Marcus, so perhaps now would be a good time to approach him.
So, he just thought to himself, if I just go up to Colonel Charybdis and explain the entire situattion to him, it should all work out. He probably knows Captain Amy even better than I do, so if I just expalin to him that I have fallen in love with her I'm sure the Colonel will be able to tell me how to best handle this situation.
Yes, Artus thought to himself, I guess I'll do that. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:07:10 GMT -6
JustinB After spending a few quiet centars alone with Rose, we emerged from our private place. As we walked pass the O'Club we could hear it was pretty full.
"JustinB, do you think we could stop off for one drink?" Rose asked with a bat of her eyelids.
"How can I resist you, " I said with a smile, "but just one. I should check in with Major BatGal and see if she needs anything done."
We entered the O’Club and I ordered ambrosia for Rose and ale for myself. Once we finished we headed to Major BatGal's office.
I entered Major BatGal's office with Rose behind me. BatGal was busy filling out some report.
"Hmm, Major. I was just wondering was there anything you needed done before I turn in for my sleep period," I asked standing at semi-attention."
"JustinB, you know it is just BatGal while in my office. Hi Rose, you look a lot better these days. Has it got anything to do with a certain Captain?" she asked with a smile. Not letting Rose reply she continued, "Yes there is JustinB. I have just received word that something has happened to Lieutenant Killjoy, but he was taken to the med-lab. What he did do was get caught trying to sneak out of there with a Gold Squadron member without being treated. He was treated of course and I can tell you only he has been placed on light duty for three days. I want you to find him and see how he is." Looking at Rose she said, "After that you can turn in for your sleep period."
Grabbing Rose by the arm we left the office and made our way to the Female barracks. After a long passionate kiss, I went to look for Killjoy. I hoped he wasn’t up to anything mischievous. * * * Amy After a full set of workouts in the weight room, I was pretty whipped and ready for some sleep. I cleaned up, grabbed my stuff, and was back in Gold Barracks in no time. I'd have rather continued rooming with Major Brie, but I guess I had to get used to the fact that I was just another warrior again. With a laugh I realized that I missed the perks that went with having your life threatened by a Borellian Noman.
I was asleep as my head hit the pillow, and soon began dreaming...
* * *
I was sitting in the O-club when I turned and noticed three Cylons walking in. It was strange, but I didn't think anything unusual about Cylons being there. I did reach down, and finger my blaster. Then I went back to my mug of grog.
I turned again to find the three Cylons standing behind me, waiting to speak to me. As I watched, the first Cylon spoke in a voice all too familar to me.
"Nah" it said, "there was nothing special in what those warriors did. It was routine as a matter of fact. Sub-standard, if you take into account that they wrecked a snowram plus a shuttle. Medals? Just because morale is low and an award ceremony might lift our people's spirits isn't any reason to do it. Remember Carrilon? What were those people thinking? Besides, I'm not about to award medals for a mission that I didn't think w---"
BAM!! I drew my blaster and the Cylon went down in a shower of sparks.
The second Cylon spoke now. "Hunny" he began. "Babe, sweetheart, it's just so good to see you. You know, there are those who believe that I could hug you here, as well as out there, somewhere beyond the heavens. Or in Brie's quarters.."
"What did you call me?" I asked him.
He hesitated, his red eye going back and forth quickly. "C-C-C.... Cutiepie?"
BAM! Down he went like a ton of Diridium. I turned to the third Cylon.
"Ehm" he began, "If you have problems, let me help. If you need time, take all the time you need." He seemed to be trying to jamb a fumarillo somewhere into it's face. "There's no rush, just one last thing to be done. How about that kiss..."
I felt the blaster jerk in my hand again as I woke up. What in hades was that? I shook my head and rolled over to get more comfortable. I'd already made my decisions, I told myself, so it couldn't be that. Maybe it was that I hadn't told anyone yet. Maybe that's what had me worked up. Well, tomorrow it would all be done with.
I slept peacefully the rest of the night. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:07:46 GMT -6
Brie Major Brie felt her mind spinning. First she had dreamed that stupid dream about her missing husband, and microns later someone was trying to break into the classified section of her file. Why do things always come back to haunt you? Maybe she should just let them declare Turner dead, it would close that chapter of her life. But it wasn’t a chapter that she ever really wanted closed.
Not knowing where to look for Major Jorlan, Brie decided to pay Captain Lazant a visit. She didn’t believe that he was behind the attempted look at her file, but she needed to make sure. Maybe it was because so many of her friends had told her not to trust Lazant, their voices seemed to be ringing in her ears.
Lazant was obviously surprised to see Brie. “Major, it’s been too long.”
“I’m sorry, Lazant,” Brie said. “I know that you’ve been in a lot of trouble since that last unofficial mission. I’m prepared to testify in your favor, if it will help you any.”
“Thank you,” Lazant said. He motioned for Brie to sit down. “I can use all the help I can get. But that’s not why you’re here. I know you well enough to see that something is bothering you.”
Brie stared past Lazant. “Just between you and me, someone tried to break into my personnel file tonight.”
“Surely you don’t think that I...”
“No,” Brie said truthfully. “I’m not really sure why I’m here. I would normally go to Charybdis, but he can be so patronizing, especially when it comes to...”
“What’s in the classified section?” Lazant finished for her.
“You know about that?” Brie asked.
It was Lazant’s turn to look away. “Brie, please don’t hate me. I used to have a pretty high security clearance. And you remember how I was, anything to get ahead. I had a copy of your file, just in case. But then we became friends, and I destroyed it. I promise you no one else ever saw it.”
“Frack,” Brie said quietly. “What’s in that file could ruin my career.”
“How?” Lazant asked. “Honestly, Brie, it’s not all that bad! Everyone has things that they regret. Look at Sheba, she was a close follower of Count Iblis and she’s now a Commander!”
“That’s different,” Brie said. “That was all out in the open. This has been hushed up for so long.”
“It was all understandable, given the circumstances,” Lazant tried to assure her.
“It could jeopardize my squadron, make them doubt my ability to lead.”
“After four elections?” Lazant questioned. “I doubt it.”
“Thanks for trying,” Brie said, “but I know what would happen. There would be some ‘quiet inquiries,’ then next thing I know I’m doing paperwork on the bridge and Skyler is the new Gold Squadron CO.”
“If it makes you feel any better, the security is really tight on that file,” said Lazant. “Probably even more so after someone tried to open it. Look, are we okay? You don’t hate me now, do you?”
Brie smiled. “No, I don’t hate you. I appreciate your honesty, you didn't have to tell me. You’re a good man, Lazant, I wish more people realized that.” She stood and headed towards the door.
“If I hear anything, I’ll be sure to let you know,” Lazant promised. “What’s your next step?”
“There’s one person that I know of who hates me enough to try to destroy me,” Brie said. “I’m going to look for Major Jorlan.” * * * Brie didn’t know that Killjoy had confessed to Justin, or that someone else had been trying to look inside her file. All she knew was that she hadn’t seen Major Jorlan in a long time, and their meeting was overdue. He wasn’t difficult to find, he kept close to the Silver Spar barracks a lot of the time.
“Major, I wonder if I might have a word with you,” Brie said. Jorlan led her to his office, which was attached to his private quarters. There wasn’t much in the way of personal belongings in his office. Brie recognized the picture of his desk as Commander Tolar, Jorlan’s father. It was probably the only likeness of him that he had. She couldn’t help but wonder if Tolar was dead or alive. Suddenly she realized that aside from rank, she and Jorlan had something in common.
“What can I do for you, Major?” He spat her rank out as he said it. It was obvious to Brie that his feelings towards her hadn’t changed.
It suddenly dawned on Brie that she had nothing that she could say to Jorlan. She couldn’t come out and ask him if he’d tried to break into her file. If he hadn’t been the one, he might realize that there was something in there that she wanted to remain hidden, and then he just might do some snooping himself. “I wanted to congratulate you on your promotion,” Brie lied.
Jorlan stared at her. “I was promoted sectons ago,” he said. “And you choose this micron to mention it? What do you really want?”
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” Brie continued to fib, “and I thought that since we’re both of equal rank now, and both squadron commanders, we need to put the past behind us and start over. It’s bad for moral if our squadrons take on the personal problems that you and I have with each other.”
“You killed a friend of mine,” Jorlan said coldly. “I will never forgive you nor forget that. I will work with you, fight beside you, and do whatever the Commander says. But I will NEVER like you. So don’t ask me too. As far as squadron moral is concerned, Silver Spar will do their job, I hope I can expect the same from Gold Squadron. Is there anything else?”
“No,” Brie said. As she returned to her quarters she didn’t know why but she was sure of one thing, Major Jorlan wasn’t behind the security breach. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:08:11 GMT -6
Killjoy Killjoy found out his second day of light duty ment running the simulator for a bunch of first year cadets who were visiting the Callisto. Killjoy had heard to many wild rumors about the recent attempted security breech. Turns out some high ranking officers had been called in to look into it and of course when they started asking questions, rumors started forming all over they ship.
Being sort of a new guy no one really spoke with him directly, but he had over heard several conversations. Seems half the crew thought it was Cylon spies, and the other half thought it to be part of the mess with the Borrilians and Security. All Killjoy new is that it was all about to hit the fan and when it did it would be ugly.
He shook off the vision of his but in the sling as he rounded the corner and approached the door to Medlab. Taking a deep breath he placed his hand on the control and the door slid open. With out actually stepping inside he looked for Artus.
His partner in the "great escape" was lying on his back, propped up on his elbows and looking at something with great interest across the room. Killjoy followed his gaze and found the source of interest, seems a rather young and very attractive nurse was looking for something on a very low shelf. Killjoy was tempted to follow his partner's lead with the gauking, but had way too much on his mind.
He spoke in a whisper. "Hey Artus, How ya doing?"
"Killjoy, you come to spring me again? Come on in and talk with me a while, I'm board to tears here."
"Sure but before I come in there….um… is She around?"
"Is who around?"
"You know damn well who I'm talking about, that lil hellcat of a doctor. If she's around I'm outta….."
"Nah she went to grab something to eat, does it same time every day. Won't be back for at least a centar."
As he spoke he stepped into the room but only a few steps. "Good, So how ya feeling and when do you get out of this joint?"
"I'm doing good and they should cut me lose in a few days. Then we can get together for that drink we talke"……He stopped himself in mid-sentence. "Oh, I'm sorry I forgot you can't partake of the sprits just now, seem you’re a bit too young for it." Artus bust out with a laugh.
"Ya right, Keep it up the wise cracks funny man, and you'll may find yourself in here a while longer."
Killjoy had managed to build up the courage to move closer to the bed while they spoke. When the door opened. He looked up and the Doc stepped in, he became more than uncomfortable.
"Lieutenant Killjoy," she started. "You're not due back in here till tomorrow. I guess you just missed me." She turned to a small cart and picked up the largest and most intimidating instrument she could find and held it so it was in plane view of Killjoy. " Shall we start your next exam early?'
Killjoy went into full panic mode. He taped Artus on the shoulder and said,"See ya buddy, got somewhere I got to be!"
Killjoy barely gave the door time to open on his way out, in fact he hit his shoulder pretty hard but wasn’t about to let on.
The Doc spoke up trying not to laugh too loud. "Well, now he didn’t even say bye."
Some distance down the corridor Killjoy stopped to catch his breath. His fear had turned to anger and he cursed the doctor under his breath for several microns. Then he realized that what he was feeling was wrong. He had no right to mad at the doctor, far, as she knew he was just scared of any one who wore a lab coat, and used that info to play a joke on a crewmate. She had no idea of the torturous experiments and procedures he went through and witnessed as a child.
"Killjoy, you alright.
Killjoy was standing there with his hands on his knees, He looked up to see Capt. JustinB. The officer placed his hand on Killjoy's shoulder.
"Yes Sir, I'm fine. Just had some one pull a nice lil prank that scared the pogees out of me. Just got to catch my breath." Killjoy took a deep breath and stuck out his hand. "Good to see ya Sir, what can I do for ya."
"Nothing really, Major BatGal ask me to check up on you now that you have been released from Medlab. How are you feeling?"
"Im Good Sir , thanks."
"Ok Killjoy I've got to ask. Why were you two trying to run out like that?"
"That’s a long story Sir, and to be honest, it's very personal and I cant get into it just now. Lets just say it was the wrong application of a good idea." Killjoy hoped this would end this line of questions, and it did.
"Well I'm glad your doing ok, we'll get you back into you Viper soon enough. Hey, did you hear about someone trying to break into the computer system? They were trying to steal the design for the cloaking device and new engines."
Killjoy couldn’t believe what he had just heard, with rumors flying about at this rate he'll soon be acused of trying to steal the Callisto right out from under Commander Sheba!
JustinB continued. "Yep, they even tried to send a coded message back in the Cylon's direction, but some one on the bridge intercepted it."
Killjoy had enough of this. It was getting way out of hand and something had to be said.
"Sir with all due respect you got it all wrong. There is no Cylon plot and no real security problem. Trust me everything is square on this."
"How can you know that Lt? You know something don’t you? Come on give it up, tell me what this is about?"
Killjoy just looked at him and realized he had just made a fatal error in judgment. * * * JustinB "Sir with all due respect you got it all wrong. There is no Cylon plot and no real security problem. Trust me everything is square on this."
"How can you know that Lt? You know something don’t you? Come on give it up, tell me what this is about?"
Killjoy just looked at me. The look in his face was one who had just realized he had just made a fatal error in judgment.
"Look Killjoy, if it was you who tried to tap into Major Brie's file you better come clean with me. I will find it easier to help you if you tell me the truth than if I find out from some other source. Plus I might be able to take the sting out of the bite you will get from Major BatGal. It's up too you." I said.
Killjoy just stood in silence. I wondered if he would tell me the truth or if he would try to and by some time.
"Well Lieutenant, what is your answer? Remember the oath you took when you became a warrior before you answer." * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:08:43 GMT -6
Killjoy Killjoy just stood in silence. He had no idea if he could really trust the Captain or not. Did they already know it was Killjoy and just send JustinB to try to get a confession.
"Well Lieutenant, what is your answer? Remember the oath you took when you became a warrior before you answer."
There was something in the captain's voice that made him sound like he was really concerned for Killjoy's situation. And against his better judgement Killjoy decided to let the man in on his little adventure.
"Sir, I think I may be in a lot of trouble. They way rumors are spreading around here, I may be in way over my head and beyond your help."
"Killjoy, are you telling me you were the one who stole that information and sent the signals? You are the one trying to get us all killed?"
"No Sir, I stole nothing and there was no signal sent by me to the Cylons or anyone else for that matter. I broke into the system and tried to gain access to a classified file, but that’s it, I just wanted a little information. Nothing more."
"Ok let me see if I got this right. You wanted information, you broke into a secure system, and you didn’t steal it or send a signal. That right?'
"Yes Sir" Killjoy had a bad feeling about this.
"It’s a bit hard to swallow Killjoy. Why don’t you tell me why you did it then, I can't wait to hear this so you better make it good."
"I wanted information on a girl Sir. That’s it, there's a girl, just cant get out of my head and I wanted to get to know more about her. So, I took a look at her personnel file, How was I to know she had a section of her file sealed, or that it was so well guarded."
"You must be out of you mind Killjoy, did it ever occur to you to just talk to the lady, you know, do this the old fashion way! Man you have really made a mess here! What were you thinking?"
"Apparently I wasn't Sir. I didn't approach her because, well to be honest she's a bit intimidating and a high-ranking officer. Her being a career Warrior and me being a life time screw up till the last few months I though that if I could find a common ground with her it would open a few doors, ya know?"
JustinB looked hard and deep at Killjoy, trying to figure out if he believed him or not. After a few microns he started to think out loud.
"Intimidating, High ranking, I assume she must be very attractive, Its not the Doc 'cause you scared to death of her. Than only leaves one other person it could be." The realization hits JustinB and he face gets a little flushed. 'Holly Frack Killjoy, It's not Major ………."
Killjoy cuts him off.
"Yes Sir, Major Brie, its her file I looked at"
"Well Lieutenant, I had my suspicions and this confirms it, your crazy, a fair pilot, a nice guy, but a certifiable nutjob. Don’t look surprised that I believe you, story is too crazy not to believe. Well, I can say this, you wont go to the prison barge, They'll never find all the pieces and parts of you when the Major finds out about this. Come on we better get too the Bridge and see if we can't find a way out of this mess."
Killjoy puts out a hand, something he's only done with his friend Artus till now.
"Thank you Sir."
"Don’t thank me yet, you still have to face Major Brie!" * * * Killjoy "Well Lieutenant, I had my suspicions and this confirms it, your crazy, a fair pilot, a nice guy, but a certifiable nutjob. Don’t look surprised that I believe you; the story is too crazy not to believe. Well, I can say this, you won’t go to the prison barge, and they’ll never find all the pieces and parts of you when the Major finds out about this. Come on we better get too the Bridge and see if we can't find a way out of this mess."
Killjoy offered his hand and something in the way he looked told me he was sincere. To Hades with it, I asked for the truth and I got it.
"Thank you Sir." Killjoy said after shaking hands.
"Don’t thank me yet, you still have to face Major Brie!"
We made our way to the Black Squadron Office. Killjoy was always at least a step behind me for the whole trip. I needed to inform Major BatGal of what Killjoy had done. I thought it prudent that she be on the bridge when I informed the Colonel of what I had learned.
After explaining what Killjoy had done, Major BatGal turned to Killjoy and said, "Lieutenant, don't you know that we females liked to be approached by you men rather than you look up our details on computer. Though we are warriors first, we are very much women second. Now wait outside at attention until Captain JustinB and I are ready to take your sorry butt to the Colonel."
"Yes Ma'am," was his reply as he went outside her office.
"JustinB, what do you think of our young Lieutenant? Was it just pure hormones or do you think there is something sinister going on?" BatGal asked me.
"Major, to be honest, it all had to do with hormones. Killjoy hasn't intermingled much except for the botched escape from the Med-Lab. I guess he just needs someone to look up to and gain confidence from. I would also ask to be present on the bridge when the brass is told. I believe he needs to feel there are people in his squadron he can trust." I replied.
"Okay JustinB, permission granted. Just let me get Major Brie and Colonel Charybdis and have us a little get together. I hope that Killjoy doesn't expect to come unscathed from this."
"I don't think he does. I told him he wouldn't go to the prison barge, but the Med-techs will never find all the pieces and parts of him when the Major finds out about it," I said with a big grin.
BatGal laughed. "I'll be out in a centon once I have contacted Brie and Charybdis."
I then made my way to Killjoy and said, "I hope you are ready?" * * * Hawke After Commander Sheba denied my access to parts to make up a new Scarlett Class C.O.R.A. viper, I left the booth I was sitting in. I went down back to my quarters where I had a high priority scrambled message awaiting me. I put in my personal access code to bring it up and it has a file attatchment....
" Hawke, Here's the information you requested last yarhen on Major Brie's husband. You don't make things easy do you? You can access my account in the usual manner. My fee doubled for this job. I had to plain ol' hack some files. You're clear.
'V'"
I take a look at the file and just about fall out of my chair. "By the Lords Of Kobol!" I say. "Computer, print file." It prints out and I re-read the report. "Computer, access Colonial Military file, 'Brie, Rank:Major' Colonial Warrior service number 54654598." "This is a classified file. Access denied." "Computer, override classification, Security authorization Sagitaria Nine Three Six." I say. "Denied. Charybdis is being notified. Continued access will result in security being called." "FRACK!" I shut down my terminal and take the report with me. I need to find a way to verify this. * * * Charybdis The comm unit buzzed: Code Red Alert on Security Clearance. Computer files are being accessed by unauthorized parties.
I punched the button to bring up the Commander.
"It's happening Commander!" I yelled.
"Lock it down! Trace it fast!" she yelled.
The code was given immediately. The security system traced it to a certain terminal.
"Skyler! Alpha Deck! Terminal 357! Go now!!! We got another hacker!!!"
"Yes sir, I'm on my way!!!" came the response.... * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:09:12 GMT -6
Artus A short while later Charibdys personal communication device started buzzing. He answered in his usual manner.
The voice of lieutenant Artus sounded from the other side;
"Sir, I do hope that I'm not adressing you at an innapropriate moment?"
Charibdys thought to himself that the young lieutenant could not have picked a worse moment.
"Because sir, if you could possibly find the time in your busy schedual, and I do realise that this is rather unorthodox, I would like to speak to you on a rather personal matter. I'm sorry about this sir, I would normally have come to you, but I'm currently stuck in Medbay and under orders not to leave it. If you could in any way see a possibility to come by for a talk is all that I would request. Once again, I'm sorry sir, but you are probably the only one I can talk to about this, as it concerns my direct superior, Captain Amy." * * * Charybdis "I'm here, Colonel," came the response from Cpt. Skyler. He had immediately raced to the location of the computer terminal that was used in the hacking of Brie's file, but it was long shut down by the time Skyler got there.
"Frack. Is there any log in?" I asked.
"Just normal codes, other than the old log-in."
"Print it and bring it to the bridge. I'll meet you there with Sheba. Out."
Things were getting bad. This was serious and needed to be stopped and fast. Someone was after Brie and we needed to know fast. And, she needed to know too.
"Brie. Report to bridge immediately." I sent the message.
I quickly left for the bridge, but not before I made a quick response to Lt. Artus in Medlab. Seemed he needed to speak with me about something. I told him I'd be there when I could find the time. * * * Amy I felt great after a good, solid night's sleep. I got up, showered, and changed into my uniform. I had things sorted out, and it felt good. Today was the day I simplied my life.
As I was leaving the women's side of gold barracks, I noticed Lt. Najinn at his bunk on the men's side. After a quick look around to make sure everyone was decent, I approached him.
"Najinn" I said as he looked up. "There's something I need to say, so just let me say it." I sighed. Even though my mind was made up, it didn't make it any easier to do what I must.
"I want.. I need to end our relationship. The signs lately are just too clear to me that this just isn't going to work out. There is a fine line between our professional and personal lives, and it's getting blurred way too much."
"The way you acted on this last mission, it was so not like you. I don't understand where it's coming from, but I know it cannot continue if I'm going to be any kind of decent leader. The way you addressed me all during the mission, the way you disregarded the Major's order about the landing bays, you even followed me to Brie's quarters for personal business! I just can't deal with it."
"I'll always admire you. You were my inspiration to join up, and I never dreamed I'd actually be serving with you. It's been an honor, and I look forward to continuing to serve with you. But I need some distance, and some respect in that regard. If you find you cannot give that to me, I suggest you look at a transfer to another squadron or fleet security. But I hope that won't be necessary. I'd still like to be your friend."
"Well, that's all I came in to say. I hope we can continue to work together." I paused, thinking about how things could be. It was sad to have to do this, but I felt better for having laid things out. Well, that was one down. I wondered if I'd have a chance to take care of my other unfinished business before the day was over. * * * Najinn Najinn, sat back on his bunk. He was puzzled, he had never been one for orders, for doing the right thing in the right order, or for that matter obeying orders when a situation demanded different.
He was an affectionate open kind of man he thought, he knew that Amy was angry, he knew he had acted with a sense of familiarity, but then he thought....
Hang on a minute, why should he hide his feelings. He thought a lot about Amy, he totally respected her, infact so did everyone else so what the hell was she embarrassed about. She was one strong minded, forceful and honestly inspiring leader, she had earned the rank she had achieved and everyone knew that she was a 'Captain'.
Najinn heard Amy, he understood her, he was bowled over by her anger, he hadn't seen it coming, he recognised the mess they had been in for what it was. Starbuck or Apollo would have done no different.
In fact the more he thought about it the more he was confused, even by Major Brie's outburst at him. Had so much changed since he had been reassigned?
They were on a mission that demanded such sacrifices from everyone. They had been through so much, Najinn had been through so much. He had risen through the ranks of the Callisto after returning to the colonials.
At that moment Amy walked in, and she spoke....
Two minutes later, after she had walked off without giving him chance to reply, Najinn was still in shock......
Well, at least he knew now that she had thought they had a relationship, after the Charybdis episode he had no idea how she felt. Now he was even more confused, so she didn't love him anymore, but after that outburst he now knew that she did once. It was like all the revelations he needed to answer all his questions he had had for so long had been tinged with the pick axe of the heartwrenching comment ... 'its over'
Had it even begun he thought, Najinn had always been chasing Amy, he had really come to care about her. He knew that the difficult circumstances they had been under since the attack on the homeworlds had brought people closer and over the past months he had become closer to Amy. However here she had just pulled the rug from under him....
He honestly didn't know what to think...........
He stood up, he walked out of the bunk room and headed towards his favourite spot on the ship. Sat in the obs deck he looked up at the stars and tried to think through his now very confused feelings. What a come back, what a session, what a result, life can throw the most unexpected curve balls at you! * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 17, 2006 7:09:52 GMT -6
Amy I had finished what I had to say, and had just stood there, leaning against the doorframe, paused and thinking, waiting for some sort of response. When none came, I left with a sigh, feeling that I had done the right thing.
I felt pretty good, relieved in fact, that I'd done what I had decided to do. Some of the weight was lifted from me. I still had more to do, more people I had to see. It would be an amazing day if I took care of everything at once.
I thought about my up and down days with Najinn. From the first I'd heard of him as a wide-eyed teen aboard the agro ship, until the day I met him during the Gold Barracks expansion, I'd had a special place for him in my heart. That would never change.
We'd become friends, then it seemed it might become more. If I'd been completely free and sure of my heart, it might have happened. But it was better this way. In light of his recent behavior, it was just as well. I had a career that I'd fought hard to achieve against many obstacles and barriers, and I wasn't about to lose it and my dignity all for a relationship that may or may not have worked out.
Which brought my mind around to the next order of business, the next person on my list to see. I wondered if he was thinking about me at all, aside from shafting two warriors out of a medal just to snub me. I wasn't actively going to look for him, but if I bumped into him I'd shake some more of the weight off my shoulders. I'd returned from the mission how long now? Long enough, and not a peep. And here I'd kissed him goodbye, and thought of him during what could have been my last minutes of life as we closed in on landing bay Alpha...
I entered the mess hall, positively starved for breakfast. My appetite was healthier than it's been in a long time, a good sign that I was doing the right thing. I stood in line to get what looked like eggs of some sort. And was that bacon? It smelled heavenly! * * * Charybdis Core Command wishes to announce that Ensign Phoenix has joined the Colonial Military and has been assigned aboard the Battlestar Callisto.
He will serve under Major BatGal in Black Squadron.
Please welcome our newest Warrior! <chorus of voices> Welcome! * * * Stadia Stadia climbed from her secluded spot and made her down the corridor. She hadnt really thought about what was going to happen to her when the col. got a hold of her but she didnt care.
She continued walking toward the O club absent mindedly. She bumped into someone. She looked to stare into Marcus's eyes. She smiled.
"Just the man I was thinking of."
"Oh? I hope they were good thoughts."
"What else would they be?"
She wrapped her arms around his. "Yes, I am in the mood for fun and your the man I want to have fun with." She guided him into the O-club. * * * Marcus “That sounds good to me. Lets go.”
The flight sim would have to wait for a while. Now I was going to spend time with Stadia. After that dream it was a good time for fun with a beautiful woman.
“You’re in a good mood I am glad to see it.” “Let’s get some drinks.”
I grabbed us a couple of drinks and sat back down with Stadia.
"I hope you enjoyed last night Stadia?" * * * Stadia Stadia smiles as she watches Marcus for a moment. His words bringing her back to reality ________________________________________________________ “You’re in a good mood I am glad to see it.” “Let’s get some drinks.”
I grabbed us a couple of drinks and sat back down with Stadia.
"I hope you enjoyed last night Stadia?" ______________________________________________________
"Yes I am. I figure since I am already in trouble with the col., I might as well do something risky." She smiled as she took Marcus's hand and led him back upto the bar. He followed her with drinks in hand. She order a bottle of ambrosia and two glasses from the barkeep.
She led him along several corridors. He looked at her strangely but followed her anyways. He was curious.
She took him upto the observation deck which had been her only way to find solitude on this ship. She pushed a button and the windows opened to reveal the stars sliding by.
"I thought we could use some quiet time to talk or whatever else comes to mind." She smiled as she stood on her tippy toes kisses his lips tenderly. * * * Marcus I wrapped my arms around Stadia and brought her in close and continued the kiss more passionately. I kept her in my embrace for several centons caressing her hair and kissing her. I thought to my self I could love this woman for the rest of my life. I felt as she did to felgercarb with the rest of the universe. All I cared about was her.
Stadia melted in the embrace and they continued form there to explore each other passionately as they caressed each other and made love to the stars with out a care for anything else but each other. All of there cares seamed to melt away from both of them. * * * Stadia Stadia melted in the embrace and they continued form there to explore each other passionately as they caressed each other and made love to the stars with out a care for anything else but each other. All of there cares seamed to melt away from both of them.
Stadia laid her head upon his chest so she could listen to his heartbeat. She smiled as she listened. She pulled the blanket up around her chest as she snuggled close to him.
She lifted her head when he stirred. "That was so wonderful. I had actually thought I could never make love or be loved like that after Selgin."
Stadia climbed up so she straddled his waist.....
**************censored*********************
Stadia moved to his side and snuggled close. She didnt want the moment to end. She smiled as she felt him nibbling at her neck.
"Are you trying to get me started again?" * * *
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