CHAPTER 22--u.c.

[LucianG]

Charybdis
"romantic infatuation," there were those words...again.

And with a superior officer! Having something to do with Cpt. Amy!!! Oh no!!!!! Not again!!! Another lovestruck Liuetenant over Amy!!!!

It was obvious that the young Lt. had not been privy to anything that had occurred between Amy and myself or he would not be asking me this, nor even with the sometimes on and off again situation with Lt. Najinn. Was it possible that Artus was this in the dark?

I had better give him some good advice, but with my situation with Amy as well, any advice might come out all wrong. It might seem that I was telling Artus to get lost while protecting my status with Amy, whatever status that might be right now.

"Lieutenant, I..uh.." I stammered, not really knowing what to say. Should I clue him in on what has gone on in the past?

"Regulations are accepting of infatuations between members of the military, however, it can become very complicated when matters of differing rank are involved. Especially when in the same squadron even." I was trying to dissuade him as much as I could. I determined that I had to say something...if anything, Artus deserved the truth and should not be kept in the dark about Amy.

"Lieutenant, maybe I'm not the best person to speak with on this subject. But it's obvious that the object of your intentions is Cpt. Amy. I had better let you know something about the Captain, and myself...Awhile back, shortly after then-Lt. Amy came onboard the Callisto, she and I began a love affair that culminated in my asking her to be sealed more than a yahren ago."

At this news, Artus' eyes opened wide but he didn't say anything, yet. I swear I almost saw his mouth drop open.

I continued, "in the military, things aren't always easy. Amy had put up a lot of obstacles and then Lt. Najinn came onboard and, well, he showed her some affection as well. AMy and I sort of lost track of where we were going and Najinn was there to pick up the pieces. As it now stands, I really don't know what to expect anymore. Amy is a wonderful woman, but..." I let my voice trail off.

I quickly composed myself after losing my thoughts, "Anyway, I suggest you might want to just get better and focus on being the best Warrior you can. I don't want to be the jealous Warrior and tell you to forget about it, but I just thought I would let you know where it stands."

Artus finally spoke up, "Sir, do you still love her?"

It's funny, no one hardly had ever asked me that question. Brie and I talked about it a long time ago, but that was a long time ago.

I wondered if I should be so open, but he had to know. There was no denying it. "Yes, I do. I think I'll always love her no matter what happens. I guess she's just that type of person." I had said to much.

I stood there waiting for anything else Artus wanted to say...
* * *
Artus
Charibdys stood there waiting for anything else Artus wanted to say...

The only thing Artus could think of at that moment, was what a fool he had been. Of all the people he could talk to about this situation, he had picked just the person who seemed to be at the heart of the problems Amy was facing. He had already figured about Najinn, with him calling Amy 'hunny' and all things like that. But Charibdys? No, he would have never thought that.
But then again, this was exactly the third time in his life that he ever saw the man, so how was he to know.
He thought he'd better say something.

"Eh, well, ehm, sir..." he stammered.

Thoughts were racing through his head faster than the speed of light. So Amy was quite the little heartbraker. Well that was OK. Wasn't it? Artus had broken quite some hearts in his own time. But he never did think he would be on the other end. For a small moment there he felt a little jealous of Marcus. At least the Ice Queen didn't cause him as much problems as this.
At least Colonel Charibdys had been man enough to come and talk to Artus about this. Artus resolved to try to say someting.

"Ehm, well. Yes, thank you for pointing that out to me, sir..." he continued stammering.

At least now he really knew what kind of problems Amy had been dealing with. And he had just waltzed all over them in his usual blustering way. Like he always did. Usually he got women to sleep with him that way. But this time it might have ruined everything.

"Er, right, ehm, yes, as I was saying, sir..."

OK, Artus. Focus. What are you trying to say. Stop making a fool of yourself. If Amy doesn't want you, you move on, like you always do. What was it you ussed to say to yourself? So many women, so little time? Come on man, pull yourself together.

"Well, anyway, ehm, sir, you know,..."

But what if Amy does want him. What then? And what about the promise Artus had made when he joined the Colonial Military? Wasn't it about time he got up from underneath the sheats and started making a difference?

Maybe it was time for Artus to make a descision.

"Right, sir, as I was about to say..."

Charibdys certainly deserved some kind of medal for standing there through all that stammering.

"What I was about to say is this sir. First of all I would like to thank you for letting me know. It takes a brave man to bring something like this into the open, especially in a position you are in. It would seem that we both suffer from the fact that we don't know wich way the axe will swing. In a normal case I would say that I hope that the best man wins, but you must realise that I would like to win this one as well.
At least let me say this, sir, no matter what Captain Amy descides, you have gained my respect today, and I can only hope that one day I can aspire to be a man like you.
A woman's heart may be a fickle thing, but at least it is good to know that amongst men we at least know where we stand."

And with saying so Artus made an extreme effort to salute the Colonel, wich caused him to almost fall out of his bunk and ripped out one of the drain cables causing several medical monitors to starting an annoying whailing sound at the same time.
* * *
Charybdis
The sirens went off, totally killing anything Artus was trying to say.

"Nurse!" I yelled as Artus almost fell of the bed. Some tubes popped out of his arm and started spurting yellow liquid on to the floor.

Quickly, one of the nurse techs arrived and began helping the Lt.

Once I saw he was OK, I began to leave, but before I did, I had to say one more thing, something that bothered me about what Artus had said.

"Liuetenant, what you said about winning, I'd be careful if I were you, people's lives aren't a game." I walked out quickly before he could respond….
* * *

[LucianG]

Artus
Well that certainly could have gone better, Artus thought to himself. The Nurse had finally reattached all the tubes and she was giving him one of those looks.

Next time I must remember to simply draw my handgun and shoot myself in the head.

By the way the nurse looked she would probably agree with him. Well, once again Artus had succeeded in making a fine mess of things.

As the nurse walked away he started cleaning some of the yellow stuff off himself. What was this anyway?

What does he mean I shoudn't think of peoples lives as being games? I don't think of peoples lives as being games. Do I? It was just an expression, after all.
But Artus certainly felt put in his place. He thought Colonel Charibdys had just about left out the 'young man' at the end that would really have finished him off.

At that moment a message from Major Brie came through;

"Attention all members of Gold Squadron:

There will be a brief, MANDATORY meeting for ALL members of Gold Squadron in 10 centars. It will be held in the Gold Squadron Briefing Room. Everyone will be required to be there, no exceptions. (I’ve even made arrangements with Doc Bkj for Lieutenant Artus to temporarily leave sick bay, under the supervision of a med-tech.) If there are any problems see me immediately, but you’ll still be expected to be there.

Major Brie "

Great, Artus thought to himself. So now things are being arranged for me behind my back. Plus I guess this also means that the doc doesn't think I'll be fit to leave sick bay for another few centars. Why don't they just take away my pilots liscence.

At that point the nurse walked in again, wheeling over a small cart that had several menacing looking instruments on it.

"Oh, no" thought Artus to himself.…
* * *
Stadia
Stadia sticks her head inside the doorway just as the nurse finishes up. "Safe to enter?"

The nurse mumbles something about being done as Artus chimes in, "Its always a good time. Trust me, its always a good time."

Stadia moves past the nursa as she leaves. "I hated this place when I was here. So when are the springing you from this place?"

"I have no clue. I hope it is soon."

"Well you have to get out of here soon. Not only do you have that meeting to attend to but you have to be there when Marcus and I are sealed."

Artus had to look at her twice before it registered. "You guys are getting sealed? Dont you think it is rather quick?"

Stadia frowned at him. "Not at all. Considering how easy it is to die, I dont think its to quick at all. I know that I have fallen in love with him and cant imagine him not in my life. There is one thing I have learned and that is to seize love when you get it because you will never know when it will be taken from you."
* * *
Artus
Artus looked puzzled for just a second.

"That's very deep, coming from you. But in a way I suppose that you are right. Then let me be the first to congratulate you two on this. I do hope you are going to be very happy. Marcus certainly seemed happy enough when I last saw him."

Stadia couldn't help but smile.

"You know it's really great when you do find true love." she said.

"Yeah, sure, tell me about it..." Artus grumbled.

"What was that?" was Stadia's reply.

"Oh, nothing, " Artus continued; "but just one thing, ehm, captain..."

"Yes lieutenant?"

"Let me get one thing straight, I know you outrank me and that I'm way out of line saying someting like this, but Marcus is my friend. And if you hurt his feelings I'm going to be coming after you."
* * *
Stadia
Stadia gets nose to nose with the Lt.

"It precisely that I care for Marcus that I dont dress you down for that comment. To show you that I love Marcus I am going to tell you this. The last guy I was to take the seal with turned out to be a crystal user and a dealer. It broke my heart so severely that I never dated anyone until now. He even tried to kill me. I dont give my feeling away to just anyone. The attraction had been there since he came aboard. Now if you will excuse e, I have work to do."

Stadia got up and walked out of his room into the hallway.
* * *
Artus
"Phew" Artus went as Stadia left the room; "I guess I sure as hades don't envy Marcus for that one. She seems to have her panties in a serious twist."

All he had done was try to be as good a friend to Marcus as he knew how to be. Because even though he did wish them both aal the happiness in the galaxy, he sure had a bad feeling about this. About all of this, really.

It was at moments like this that he really felt awfull about being stuck here in Medbay.
* * *
Stadia
Stadia hated that her life was in limbo. The time between assignments was the worse and now it was made worse my waiting for her punishment.

Stadia walked off the bridge having given up on finding the Col., she makes her way back to the barracks where she changes into her workout gear. She hated to work out but in this case felt it was the only sane way to deal with her aggression.

A short time later, she walked into the workout center. She walked up to treadmill setting her bag next to it. She climbed aboard and set it up for her to use. She turned it on and began to run.

She thought to herself, "Men! They sure have a way of sending your life spinning down the turbo flush. First there is Major Lucian who is so hooked on someone from the past that he can never have, he cant see the future laid out before him and then Selgin. I thought I had lost all feeling because of him. The hurt I went through. It almost crippled me. And then there is Marcus... Do I dare hope to have that dream?", she asks herself silently as she runs.
* * *
Finished running her 5 miles. Sliding off the treadmill she grabs her towel and wipes her face. She knew that Marcus truly cared for her already but was it enough to stake their futures on?

She reached a comm panel and sent a message to Marcus telling him to get his sorry butt over to their spot asap.
She missed him already.

"I wondered if I am going to fast", she thought to herself. She did enjoy his company and loved the security whe felt in his arms.
* * *

[LucianG]

Marcus
Marcus heard a beep indicating he had a message. He walked over to the comm panel and keyed in his code. He laughed. It was from Stadia. She wanted to meet him again in their special place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What was that?" Artus said.

"Oh, a message from Stadia," was Marcus' reply; "she wants to meet with me again."

"Oh boy,” was Artus swift response; "she sure keeps you on a short leash."

Marcus grinned.

"No seriously kid, "Artus said again; "it looks like the ice queen has got you whipped."


"Artus if you would do me a favor and not call her that. At least in front of me. I care for Stadia and that does not make me whipped as you put it." "I enjoy spending my time with someone that will at least care back. She has been the first woman that I can say has really cared for me and I won't let anything stand in the way of that."

"Well I am glad to see that you are ok Artus. Try to stay away from the nurse. I would hate to see you in worse shape form her doing something bad to you if you get her angry." I smiled and laughed. "I will check back in on you latter. Get well."

I headed out of med bay and for our spot. I entered the spot and saw Stadia. "Well hello gorgeous. Miss me?" I smiled at her and embraced her kissing her lips tenderly. "I am glad you called. I was already missing you."
* * *
I headed out of med bay and for our spot. I entered the spot and saw Stadia. "Well hello gorgeous. Miss me?" I smiled at her and embraced her kissing her lips tenderly. "I am glad you called. I was already missing you."

I would have to get back to that message from Amy. My duty cycle was not going to be starting for a couple more centars. So I had plenty of time to spend with Stadia.

I began to caress her hair between my fingers while kissing her lips.
* * *
Stadia
Pulled back from him with a perma grin on her face. "I have to know the answer to something before I can tell you what I want to tell you."

"Ok."

"what kind of future do you see for us? I mean do you see us together?"
* * *
Marcus
"Yes I do see us together. You are the first woman I can say I have truly given my heart and soul to. I know that may sound funny but it is true. I do love you. There is no denying it. As I told you before I would be there at your side what ever comes. I mean that with all my heart.”
* * *
Stadia
"That makes me feel good. I tried to imagine my life without you and it was a very short life. I dont want to ever go without feeling your arms around me or the love we feel for each other.", she paused to catch her breath.

Marcus looked at her, taking in her beauty.

"I guess what I am saying is that without realizing it, until now that is, I have fallen deeply in love with you. I want us to be together forever."
* * *
Marcus
I looked into her eyes "Stadia you have made me a very happy man. I feel as you do that I could not see my life with out you by my side."

I dropped down to one knee and looked into her eyes and let her look into mine letting her feel all of the love I could.

"Stadia I would ask you to take the seal with me and be my wife if you would have me."
* * *
Stadia
She smiles and bends over wrapping her arms around his neck, she says, "yes." She kisses him deeply.
* * *
Marcus
I looked at Stadia in all of her beauty and waited for her to answer, my heart pounding for all it was worth.

I know I could make her happy and would do all that I could to make her a very happy woman.

I could still hear her say "I guess what I am saying is that without realizing it, until now that is, I have fallen deeply in love with you. I want us to be together forever."

Those words made me feel all the more in love with her.
* * *
I continue to kiss her with all of the love and passion I can give her. The world seems to explode into a million bright shinning stars. My heart has never felt such joy at the simple word of YES.

With tears in my eyes for all of the joy I felt at that moment "My love I am glad the lords have brought us together to this moment in our lives. I will give all I have to give to make you a very happy woman."

They continue to embrace each other letting each other feel the love between them each has for the other.
* * *
Stadia
Stadia pulled the blanket up over her shoulder as she stared deeply into his eyes.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I just realized I now have a ton of details to work out. Who is going to perform the ceremony, the flowers, the dress, the place and who is going to stand in place of my father. Things like that."

Marcus smiled at her and then started to kiss her softly on the neck trying to distract her.

"You know that ...." meeps quietly.
* * *

[LucianG]

Marcus
After several blissful moments together of unbridled passion "We also need to think about when?" "I think we should do it as soon as possible." "For the other things I think we can sort those out."

"I have a good idea. I am going to be on duty in a couple more centars and I could ask Captain Amy to help out if that is ok. As for performing the ceremony I think Commander Sheba would fit the role nicely."

"All the rest can wait until we go back on duty in a couple more centars from now." I kissed her lips softly and caressed her neck.
* * *
Stadia
"I suppose I will have to wait but I want to make this uniquely ours. I want it to be something will always remember. You know something we cal tell the grandkids about" She kisses him and then stands up to put her clothes on. "Hurry up and get dressed. Your going to be late."
* * *
Marcus
"I won’t make you wait to long my love. I have waited all of my life for someone like you to come along and enrich my life."

I got up and got dressed and kissed her gently on the lips. "After the meeting with Captain Amy we can do some more planning." "I will see you latter my love."

We headed out of our special place more together than before.

I headed for the sim room and the meeting with Amy with Stadia forever in my mind.
* * *
Lucian
The rest of the cycle was hectic, so Lucian had worked late into Second Shift. After a short nap, he was on his way to the Med Lab shortly after a few centons on the Bridge at the start of First Shift the following morning. After eating dinner with Captain JustinB in the O-Club, he’d been investigating the status of Ensign Stargazor’s situation.

“Major, he’s been on leave for several sectars now, ever since we left Axces Gamma. Can you check on where it stands?” Justin had asked.

“Personnel issues of this nature are really outside my jurisdiction…but, as Senior Flight Officer, the flight status of all Warriors is in my area of my responsibility, ” Lucian had replied after a few moments of thought. “He is supposed to be a flight-ready Warrior,” he’d said with a slight grin. “Let me check into it.”

In the Med Lab, he found Doc BKJ in her office. “Good morning, Doc. Got a moment? I need to check on the status of one of my Warriors, Ensign Stargazor. I need his case resolved so, hopefully, we can restore him to flight status. I understand from the file that you have been working with him.”

They talked for about twenty centons, but when he left, Lucian still wasn’t sure if he had the answers he was seeking. Since Stargazor was on administrative leave instead of in the brig, he’d probably be in the Black Squadron barracks, the Rec Center, the flight simulators, or Beta Bay. Lucian decided to start in the Black Squadron office with Major BatGal, and then head next door to the barracks if she didn’t know where Stargazor was. He was about to walk out of the Med Lab when he noticed that Lieutenant Artus’s name was still on the board. He turned around and walked over to Lieutenant Artus bed. “Good morning, Lieutenant. You know you are using valuable bed space there. I hope you plan to vacate it very soon,” he said with a chuckle. “Seriously, Artus, I wanted to thank you for your recent work, and see how you are doing."
* * *
Artus
That certainly put a smile on Artus' face

"Thank you, sir, that's a very nice thing to say. Even though I personally feel that all I did was my duty. But like I said, it's very nice to get recognised for that. I'm also hoping that Major Brie might just forget about that Snowram I lost. But the chances of that happening are probably astronomical....

But as for vacating this valuable bed space, if it were up to me, I'd be right out of here. I could think of millions of other things I would rather be doing right now. Not to mention people. However it would appear that our medical staff is just a little too busy doing all the stuff that they usually do, to come over here and clear me. I myself feel just about as fit as a Borellian Ploovark."
* * *
Lucian
“Artus, I’ll put a little bug in Doc’s ear to see if she can speed along your recovery. I’d love to stay and talk for a while, but unfortunately, duty calls,” said Lucian.

“I understand, Sir,” Artus replied.

Lucian showed his respect for the injured Warrior with salute, and then was on his way. As he went, he thought about the sacrifices that Colonial Warriors were sometimes called to make, and their willingness to make them. He was proud to be in such an august group.

A few centons later, he arrived in very familiar territory. He knocked on the jamb of the open door and said, “Got a moment, Major?”

“Lucian! What a surprise!” said Major BatGal. “Come on in. You know your way around.”

They both laughed at the little joke, since Lucian had vacated that very office when he transferred from Black Squadron to the Bridge. However, because he was due back on the Bridge before too long, he said, “We need to talk about one of our Warriors.”

“What’s up, Major?” BatGal asked matching Lucian’s seriousness.

Closing the door, Lucian said, “Ensign Stargazor’s status has been in limbo for quite some time now…”
* * *
Brie
Attention all members of Gold Squadron:

There will be a brief, MANDATORY meeting for ALL members of Gold Squadron in 10 centars. It will be held in the Gold Squadron Briefing Room. Everyone will be required to be there, no exceptions. (I’ve even made arrangements with Doc Bkj for Lieutenant Artus to temporarily leave sick bay, under the supervision of a med-tech.) If there are any problems see me immediately, but you’ll still be expected to be there.

Major Brie
* * *

[LucianG]

Hawke
I get a message on my terminal in my quarters:

Attention all members of Gold Squadron:

There will be a brief, MANDATORY meeting for ALL members of Gold Squadron in 10 centars. It will be held in the Gold Squadron Briefing Room. Everyone will be required to be there, no exceptions. (I’ve even made arrangements with Doc Bkj for Lieutenant Artus to temporarily leave sick bay, under the supervision of a med-tech.) If there are any problems see me immediately, but you’ll still be expected to be there.

Major Brie


Oh boy! The first official Gold Squadron meeting since I've been back. I started wondering why this meeting was taking place. A mission? Wanting to notify us about a computer hacking? I put the meeting out of my mind. I continue cross referencing the information I got from Brie's file,Turner's file,Ensign Cal's file & the report on Turner I recieved from my source.
I look at the chrono and it's 1 centar until the meeting. Where did the time go?
I get up & hide the reports, lockdown my term, and cleanup. I turbowash, put on a new uniform, and grab something to eat in the officer's mess. On the way I get a few "Welcome back,Hawke" comments, and a few dirty looks. Ehh.. Whatever. On the way to the Gold Squadron Briefing room,I look at the chrono 10 centons until the meeting.I walk into the room & find a seat. I anxiously await what's going to happen.
* * *
Marcus
I had just walked into the meeting and noticed that only one other person had gotten there it was Lieutenant Hawke.

I sat down and waited for the meeting to start.
* * *
Charybdis
Core Command wishes to announce that Starbuck has joined the Colonial Military and has been assigned aboard the Battlestar Callisto.

He is commissioned with the rank of Ensign.

He will serve under Maj. BatGal in Black squadron.

Welcome our newest warrior (with a very familiar name!
<chorus of welcomes!>
* * *
Stadia
Stadia walks down the corridor to the lab in a daze. She cant believe she is to be sealed to him.

So many details to work out. Where to have the ceremony. Who to invite? Flowers? The dress? How am I going to get everything done in time.
* * *
Marcus
I sent a message to Stadia. It read:

"My love I have asked Commander Sheba to perform the sealing ceremony for us and she has said she would be glad to do it." "I also ask Captain Amy to see if she would help out she has also said see would help." "Things are coming together." "I will see you at the meeting."

"My love always"
"Marcus"

I then headed to the meeting. My heart was filling with joy for I was going to be sealed to her. I almost skipped down the hall I felt so happy.
* * *
Brie
Having returned to her quarters, Brie sat at her desk, trying to prepare for the upcoming Gold Squadron meeting.

“Flight jacket, uniform, another uniform, dress uniform, don’t you have anything else in here?” Brie turned to see her missing husband going through her closet.

“My sealing gown is in the back,” she said. She didn’t know why she was seeing him, she didn’t think that she was asleep and dreaming.

“That doesn’t count,” Turner replied. “What do you wear when you want to go have some fun?”

“Fun?” Brie laughed. “Obviously you don’t remember me as well as I would have thought.”

“I just thought you’d have some real clothes in here, that’s all.” Turner closed the closet door and sat on Brie’s desk. “I hear someone has a crush on you,” he teased.

“Oh would you please shut up!” Brie said louder than she had intended. “And he’s just using that as a cover. He’s working with someone, there’s been more than one time that my file has been accessed and the second time Killjoy had an alibi.”

“Maybe two people have crushes on you,” Turner continued to tease.

“Or maybe they know,” Brie said seriously. “Turner, I’m scared that someone found out what happened before you disappeared. No one believed me back then. What if some of ‘them’ are on this ship, and they think that I know something? Or that Charybdis knows something?”

“Charybdis can take care of himself,” Turner said. “And so can you, for that matter. Just be careful, watch your back, and don’t do anything stupid.”

Brie ran her finger over an old scar that could barely be seen. “I won’t, not again. Even if they do get inside my file.”

“Maybe they just want to look in your file to see what good taste you have,” Turner joked. “I’m sure my picture must be in there somewhere.”

“That part, my love, isn’t classified.”
* * *
Brie opened her eyes and picked her head up off of her desk. She had been asleep after all. Sometime soon she'd get a full cycle sleep, but before that she had a meeting to prepare for.
* * *

[LucianG]

Skyler
Skyler had finished getting everything ready for the meeting, and wanted to see Brie before it started. He had a feeling it was something to do with the security breeches, and the info contained in Brie's sealed file. He approached Brie's door and pushed the door chime to let her know he was outside. Brie was finishing up getting her self ready for the meeting and called out, "Enter". Skyler pressed the key pad, and her door slid open. He stepped inside and saw her sitting at her desk, papers with squadron duty rosters etc covered the top. The light on her desk highlighted her natural beauty. He could understand the feelings Killjoy had confessed for Brie, she was a beautiful lady, she was also his Squadron CO, and one of his best friends in the entire fleet.

"Skyler, is everything set for the meeting?" Brie asked, bring his thoughts back to the reason he had come here.

"Yes ma'am" Skyler responded "I was wondering if I could have a word with you before the meeting, it will only take a micron, maybe two."
Brie smiled, "Skyler, please have a seat."
Skyler moved over and took the seat opposite her, and leaned over, placing his arms on the edge of her desk.

"Brie, we have know each other for two many yahrens to count. You are one of my best and closest friends in the Fleet. Sometimes we are not allowed to show it because of our positions in the Squadron and Military protocol and all, but we both know how close we are, and that we can count on each other, no matter the problem. This business with your file and the people trying to poke around in the sealed section, I know it is upsetting you. I do not know what is in that part of your file, and I don't care to know. Don't take that wrong, I care about you, and what happens, but it is private,and private for a reason, and if you want me to know, you will tell me. There is nothing in there that can lessen the way I feel about you, short of detailed plans on how to kill me, and even then, I would worry more that I had upset you bad enough to warrant you making the plans to start with." Brie cracked a faint smile, but Skyler could see the worried look in her eyes. "I think I can safely say, that the squadron isn't worried about it either. What ever it is, its history, your service to them has proven yourself to them. If you do not think so, wait till the next election."

Brie reached over and placed her hand on top of Skyler's

"Thank you Skyler, you do not know how much that means to me. I am afraid that if the information gets out, it could hurt my standing with the Squadron, and more important, the way my friends look at me. Knowing how you feel means alot. I know I can count on you."

"Brie, we will find who ever is behind this, and we will stop them. I just wanted to let you know I am behind you, no matter what. I will let you finish getting ready for the meeting now."

As Skyler went to stand up to leave, Brie reached over and took his hands and squeezed them, "Thanks again..." Skyler nodded his head and winked at her, turned, activated the door sensor, and left the room.
* * *
Marcus
As I headed down the hall to the simulators I kept thinking about what we were going to do for are sealing ceremony. I wanted it to be perfect for Stadia and me to start our life out right. "Well don’t think to hard or you will get lost." My father’s words came to me from long ago when I was just 5 and I was tring to figer out how to repair a broken part for him. I wish he could be here to see me sealed with Stadia.

I almost bumped into someone. I looked up to see Amy standing there. "Hello captain how are you today?" Smiling at her "Sorry I am a little late Captain I got a tied up"

"What did you need to see me about?"
* * *
"I have another question as well as a request for you. Would you please help Stadia out with some plans we are working on." "I know you two are friends." "So if you could help I would owe you one."

"I don't know if you have heard yet but if not I will tell you me and Stadia are to be sealed."

"We still have alot of details to work out and I know she would like the help."

I went over to the comm panel and punched in a message to Commander Sheba.

"To: Commander Sheba Form:Lt. Marcus. Need to speak with you regaurding a matter of importance. Would like to speak with you as soon as posible."

I noticed that I had a nother message from Major Brie regaurding a Gold Squardron metting. I turned to Amy "Well looks like we have a metting to go to in about eight more cetars. We better get moving on this porject."
* * *
Amy
It took me a moment for what he had said to sink in, and I'm sure I looked pretty dumb as I stood there looking at him. "Wow Marcus" I said finally, "that's great news".

"You don't sound too approving" Marcus replied.

"No, no" I said. "It's not that, though it is rather sudden." I sighed. "Don't let me bother you. I'm just dealing with some things. I am happy for you, and I'd love to help Stadia."

I fell silent for a moment as thoughts swirled through my head. I had a sharp recollection of the happiness I had felt when Charybdis and I decided to take the seal. Maybe I should have moved as quickly as Marcus and Stadia. Maybe I'd be happy right now, instead of confused and torn. I thought about Mara, and how happy she was to be sealed before it all fell apart. How silly we all are, trying to pursue normalcy and happiness in the middle of the most unhappy and un-normal circumstances.

I thought about my dream about the three Cylons. I wondered, had I kept dreaming, if I would have used a fourth shot on myself? That seemed like a good, quick way to solve my problems. Deciding what to do with Najinn caused enough pain, and I wasn't through with the rest of it yet.

"Look at this Marcus", I said, changing the subject. "I wanted you in on this, but I've gotten along pretty far on my own. Let me show you what I've found."

"This is a simulation of our landing" Marcus observed.

"Yes" I replied. "It's as detailed as I can get it. Fuel, Cargo and where it was stored, and I've taken into account the damage we took to the side from that Cylon torpedo." I hit the button, and ran the simulation.

As we both watched, the simulation ran with uncanny accuracy our approach and shut down. The shuttle coasted toward the bay, and completed a perfect touchdown, with minimal damage.

"That can't be right" Marcus said. "Where's the roll?"

I nodded. "I know. I've shifted cargo, and when it's all piled on one side, I get the roll. But it wasn't like that. All the cargo was tied and secure. We were even light, without the snowram."

"Then what happened?" Marcus wondered.

"We aren't going to find the answer in the sim. The answer is in the wreckage somewhere. It might be too damaged to find the truth, but I'm going to look." I stopped, checking the time. "After the Gold meeting I guess."

I put an arm on his shoulder. "I am happy for you Marcus. It is really great news. I hope you both find the happiness you are looking for."
* * *
Marcus
"Thank you Captain very much." I received another message. The message read.


TO: Lt. Marcus
From: Commander Sheba

Regarding your request for a meeting. I will have a few centons available to speak with you.

I turned to Amy "Captain if you will excuse me I need to go talk to the commander. I will meet you at the squadron meeting."

I headed out of the sim room for the bridge. I stepped onto the bridge looking for Commander Sheba. I went to her office. Knocking on the door, I heard her from inside "Come in"

I entered the office. She spoke "What can I do for you Lt. Marcus."

"Well mam I wanted to ask if you would perform a sealing ceremony for myself and captain Stadia" "We are still working on the when but we wanted to ask you to perform the ceremony for us."

Commander Sheba looked at Marcus "I would be delighted to perform the ceremony for you and Stadia. Let me know when and I will be there." "Is that all Lt?"

"Yes mam. Thank you."

I headed out of the office and for the meeting.
* **

[LucianG]

Killjoy
Killjoy and the sitter that Justin had assigned to him had just about had enough of each other. After several centars confined by the walls of Killjoy's room and not even a word exchanged between them, nerves were beginning to fray. Killjoy was frustrated by the fact that yet another officer had been brought in on this thing, at this rate the whole ship would know by the end of the day.

Killjoy figured he had better make the most of it. "Hey RaycerX what say we go grab a bite to eat? My belly is starting to think my throat is cut."

"Sound like a good idea to me, I could use a bite myself."

"Great but let me check for messages, then well go."

Killjoy picked up his com and retrieved his message the Doc had left when he started his nap. She had ordered him to Medlab at his earliest convenience.

"Well, looks like we got to go to the 'O-Club' via Meadlab", Killjoy started, "Doc wants to see me. Lets get it over with."

Killjoy with his escort in-tow made his way to see the Doc. When the Door opened Doc Bjk was standing just inside the door with a look on her face like her best friend had be hit by a landram. Killjoy felt his heart drop and wondered what kind of news she had for him now. Despite his better judgement he ask her what was so important.

"Lieutenant Killjoy I owe you an apology, I finally got around to looking into your medical files. I had no idea that you had such a phobia of…….." Killjoy interrupted by putting up his hand.

"Hang on a micron Doc." Killjoy looked to RaycerX

"RaycerX, um….would you mind waiting outside, this is kinda personal. Besides Im sure the Doc will keep an eye on me, after all she is a Major."

"Ok Killjoy, but please cut me some slack and don’t try anything!"

Doc spoke up. "Ill keep an eye on him Lieutenant, not to worry now please wait outside."

"Yes Maj….un Doc…. Ma'am"

The doc continued her talk with Killjoy after the officer had walked out.

"As I was saying Lieutenant, I had no idea your phobia of doctors was so severe, nor did I have any Idea you were one of the five orphans that those experime"…….again Killjoy stopped her."

"Look Doc I really don’t want to discus that, really its ok and Im fine, you had no way of knowing at the time."

"No Lieutenant, when you came into visit you friend, Lieutenant Artus, and I pulled that spanner off the table to frighten you out of here, I had no idea how afraid you would really be. Im so sorry."

"Look Doc, its ok, really. No need to apologize, I was being a jerk anyway. I deserved it. Now if you don’t mind my shadow out there and I were going to get something to eat."

Killjoy noticed the Doc had seen his empty holster. "And before you ask that’s something else I really don’t want to talk about, but what your thinking is right, Im in trouble."

He knew what her next question would be.

"Ill give you the abridged version Doc. Boy meets girl, Girl out ranks Boy, Boy does something incredibly stupid to get closer to girl, it includes breaking a few reg's, Boy gets busted, Girl finds out all Hades breaks loose in Boy's face. End Story."

Bjk studies the ranting Killjoy, she has now idea what he is talking about and not sure she really wants to know anymore.

"I'm very sorry to hear that, especially considering I just sent word to the bridge that I was releasing you from care and returning you to full flight status."

"Well that's the first good news I have had in a while Doc, too bad it does me no good at all. But at least when the jump is over I know that I can fly myself off this bird.

Bjk gave Killjoy a puzzled look. "Why would you leave the ship, where are they sending you after the jump?"

"Oh they're not sending me anywhere Doc, Im going to resign my commission, no one will take me serious when all this comes out. Not as a Warrior or a pilot. Look on the bright side, you won't be bothered with me either. Ya want to join me and the shadow out there for a meal?"

"Um no thank you Lieutenant, Tell me though do you have any one to defend you on this. Have they filed charges or anything?"

"JustinB is trying to help me get it all straight, and no charges yet, See ya Doc."

As Killjoy leaves Medlab Bjk decides Justin needs to know about Killjoy's plan for resignation and goes to the Com panel……..
* * *
Charybdis
Sheba saw the comm come across from MedLab. Lt. Killjoy had just been cleared for flight duty from Doc. BKJ herself.

"Hmm, too bad he's gotten himself into so much trouble he can't use that flight status," Sheba mused to herself.

The updated list of members who were hereby taken off flight status duty was passed along by the Commander:

To All Squadron leaders:

The following Warriors are hereby grounded from flight duty until further notice:

Cpt. Stadia
Lt. Najinn
Lt. Artus
Lt. Stargazor
* * *
JustinB
I had just started taking notes on what I had learned so far about Killjoys predicament. I was about to down a mug of ale when my comm went off. Finishing of the ale, I looked to see who left the message. I continued my work for another ten centons and was about to leave when Killjoy walked in followed closely by Lieutenant RaycerX. I motioned for the two of them to come over.

"RaycerX, considered yourself relieved. I will take it from here, " I said. Once RaycerX left I turned to Killjoy, "What can I do for you Killjoy?"
* * *
Brie
Brie looked at Hawke, unable to believe what she had just heard. “We had this conversation, or a friendlier version of it, a yarhen ago,” she said. “I told you then to leave it alone, and until you do, don’t talk to me about trust. Charybdis is looking into the hackers issue, and we’ve already had one person confess. And if you REALLY want to know what’s in my file, it was a medical problem, plain and simple. The only people who need to know the details are Commander Sheba, Colonel Charybdis, Doc Bkj and myself. It concerns no one else, especially members of my squadron.”

Brie left the room and slammed the door behind her. There was one more person who was about to find out what was in her file. She sent a message to Captain Skyler to meet her in her office in 15 centons. She was about to have a conversation that she had avoided for seemingly forever.
* * *

[LucianG]

Brie
I’d like to call this meeting to order. There are four things that I want to discuss, and then you can ask any questions that you may have. First, I want to officially announce that Captain Skyler has accepted the position of Gold Squadron Second-in-Command. I needed to make this change because Captain Cain has had health problems and is on medical leave. Cain has agreed to serve as Gold Squadron’s third officer, and he’ll be in charge of the squadron if Skyler and I are both off of the Callisto.

Second, there have been several instances lately where members of this very squadron have left the sick bay without permission. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. The next person who leaves sickbay without medical clearance will be grounded, without pay, for at least a secton. Our medical staff needs our respect, and I expect you to give it to them.

Third, you may have heard rumors about security breaches. These rumors are running wild, I’ve even heard that someone has contacted the Imperious Leader and given him our exact location. Don’t believe everything you hear. The situation is under control and it appears that it was just someone seeing how far they could get with old security codes. This isn’t even worth mentioning except for the fact that these rumors have been getting way out of hand, and I expect them to stop. The bridge staff and security can take care of this.

And finally, I need to talk to you about something rather personal...inter-squadron dating. I understand we have a lot of handsome men and beautiful women here, we’re the best-looking squadron in the fleet for Sagan’s sake. We live in close quarters, we work together, we eat together, we train together, it’s almost expected that relationships will form. But when this happens I’ve got to know about it. Believe me, I don’t really care who is dating whom except for how it affects the squadron. But there are decisions that I will have to make about missions and such, and I can’t have love and all that felgercarb changing the outcome of a mission. My husband and I weren’t even allowed to be in the same squadron, but I don’t think we need to go to that extreme. Also if you can’t work together, you’ll have to let me know that as well. We lost a good warrior a few sectars ago because she couldn’t handle her relationship ending. I don’t want that type of thing to happen again. And one more thought about relationships, remember, you’re a warrior first and foremost. If you can’t put your relationship second, then I want your resignation on my desk in a centar.

Now, are there any questions?
* * *
Hawke
"If there are no questions, dismissed." Was the last thing Brie had said. I needed to speak with Major Brie. "Major, a word please?" I said as she was putting away some papers. "Yes, Lieutenant?" "Major, with your permission, I'd like to dig a bit deeper into this 'hacking' as you call it. I've been hearing rumors that someone has been trying to access, shall we say, a specific classified file." I could see her stiffen conciderably. I must have hit a big time nerve. So she knew. But she didn't know who. "Rumors,huh? What kind of rumors?" Ahh, so the interrogation begins.. "Can we talk privately? Off the record?" I look around the room where there were still some people in the room who I didn't trust. I didn't trust anyone except my self. "Depends on what you have to tell me." She looks at me like she didn't know what to make of me. "Come with me." She took her papers and put them in a folder and we walked out of the room down the corridor into another ready room. The door closed and I pulled out a audio/video detector. "Where in hades hole did you get that?" she asked. "Shhh. Don't talk please." I sweep it over her and the room. It was clean. "Major, what I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room. NOBODY must know." I said. "Get to the point,Hawke." "Have a seat,Major." We sat. "It's not in my record,but I used to be a member of the Colonial Intelligence Service. The only person who knows is Commander Sheba,and now, you. She knew my background so we came up with a plan when the Nomen conspiracy happened. Nobody else knew what was going to happen. Even Charybdis was on a need to know basis." I said. "Why tell me this?" she asked. "Because, Major, you are one of the very few people I can trust. I don't trust people lightly. There are only 4 people in my life I trust and 3 of them are dead. My immediate family and myself. I know about your military file being hacked,Major. I know that part of it is classified. And it's in regards to your husband, Turner. I've told you a very personal secret of mine, Major. Please tell me yours."
* * *
Stadia
Stadia hadnt gotten to the meeting in time to hear the comments about dating. She smiled as she slipped her hand into Marcus's hand. She turned and listened to the rest of the meeting.
* * *
Stadia and Marcus walked out of the meeting holding hands. They got quizical looks from those who had no clue. Stadia turned to him and gave him a kiss on the check.

"Thank you for asking Commander Sheba to perform the sealing and also thank you for asking Amy to help." She pulled him into a corner.

Stadia looked down at her feet before she looked up at him. She blurted out, "I want to resign as a warrior to have kids. I thought I could go back to being a biologist." Stadia stopped to catch her breath.
* * *
Marcus pulled her into an empty room so they could finish their conversation.

"Stadia, are you sure. I dont think you would be happy. I think we can have children and you still remain a pilot."

Stadia looked at him. "I am not sure I can handle the fact that our children have to grow up with two parents who are out battling Cylons. I dont know if its right is all."

Marcus pulled her close. "I know that things are going to change but we will face them together." He held her close for a moment longer.

"We will make sure we face the challenges together and when we do we will be better and stronger."
*
Marcus
As we walked out of the room and back into the meeting room I noticed Major Brie had just walked out of another room not looking mad. "Excuse me ma’am’ may we have a centon of your time."

Looking at Major Brie still holding Stadia’s hand I said "Major you had asked to be informed about squadron relationships. Well we are planning to take the seal and wanted to let you know as well as invite you to the ceremony." "I know it is short notice but you had said you wanted to be informed."
* * *
Marcus
"Let’s go my love" we headed to the officers club to plan the wedding. We walked holding hands and I could feel the love Stadia had for me coming off of her. I wanted to be with her so much I could feel every fiber of my being telling me so.

I could hear my father’s words come to me “son when you find something special in your life you have got to hold on to it and don’t let go.” I could still remember when he told me this while he was looking at my mother. I could remember the smile on her face when he said it and feel the love radiating from the both of them at that moment this is how I feel right now being with her next to me.
* * *
Stadia
Stadia pulls back from him. "I went to see Artus today. I figured I should. I think I surprised him."

Marcus pulled her back to him so he could put his arms around her waist. "How did you shock him?"

"I told him about our getting sealed. He seemed to think we were rushing it a bit and he did want to see you get hurt. I assured him or I should say I got all captain like and assured him that I was not playing games. I know that I love you and with the passage of time it only gets stronger and deeper."

He reached up and let his hand caress her cheek. He knew that he loved her and her happiness was the most important thing to him. She leans her hand into his.
* * *
Marcus
I hold her hand with tenderness and care knowing that whatever came we would be together. I looked into her eyes "We need to go and talk to Major Brie. Her meeting had included letting her know about squadron relationships. So we had better let her know and also to invite her to the sealing ceremony." I kissed her lips tenderly "I love you very much Stadia and I just want you to be happy."

Smiling at her "I would have loved to have been there when you got all captain like on Artus." "After we get done with the Major we need to finish planning for the ceremony." I held her hand as we headed to talk to Major Brie.
* * *

[LucianG]

Marcus
As we walked out of the room and back into the meeting room I noticed Major Brie had just walked out of another room not looking mad. "Excuse me ma’am’ may we have a centon of your time."

Looking at Major Brie still holding Stadia’s hand I said "Major you had asked to be informed about squadron relationships. Well we are planning to take the seal and wanted to let you know as well as invite you to the ceremony." "I know it is short notice but you had said you wanted to be informed."
* * *
Brie
Surprised didn’t cover how Brie felt at Marcus and Stadia’s engagement. They also didn’t realize that they caught her at a very bad time, her mood couldn’t have been worse. “Congratulations,” she said, “I didn’t even realize that you too knew each other that well. Of course I’ll attend the ceremony.” Stadia and Marcus both smiled. “And Captain,” Brie continued, “I noticed that you were late for the meeting. My orders were specific. You’ll be docked a secton’s pay.” Brie walked off, trying to prepare herself mentally for her meeting with Skyler.
* * *
Stadia
Stadia shouts to the major, "Thats ok.I am grounded anyways!" She turned back to Marcus, "Okay mister, we have a wedding to plan. Shall we retire to the officers club and chat?"
* * *
Stadia
Stadia and Marcus walked into the Officers club. Stadia slides on to a bench situated near an empty table. Marcus came back with two drinks and sat down across from her.

"I sometimes cant believe this is happening."

"Your not changing your mind are you?" Marcus asked.

"Not on your life buddy. I am forever glued to your hips. I was thinking of having it here with us saying our vows in front of the window. What do you think?" she asks as she bends forward kissing his lips softly.
* * *
Marcus
"That sounds wonderful to me. That way we can look out at the stars and remember our first night together" I smile at her.

"We will still need flowers and a dress for you."

"I wish my father was here I would ask him to stand in for your father. We could get Rev. Mars to stand in for your father. What do you think?"
* * *
Looking at Stadia's beauty I said "Oh no I just thought of something. You said you told Artus about the sealing?"

"Yes."

"Now he is going to probable want to throw a party for me. And you know how he is. Well at least it won’t be too easy with him still in med bay."

I held her hand caressing it gently "I am glad you have come into my life Stadia."
* * *
Stadia
"Dont worry about the dress. I think I have it covered. One of the few things I have left from my family." she smiled. She pauses for a moment and thinks out loud, "So all we need to figure out is flowers and the date which is important." She reaches over the table and kisses him deeply. "It had better be sooner rather than later though."

Stadia pulls back. "You know alot of people think we are going to quickly and it doesn seem like a whirlwind but I dont care. I know I love you. As for artus and any parties, he had better come to me for approval. I dont want any socialators ending up sharing a bed with you because you both had to much ambrosis."

Marcus smiled at her. "I doubt that would happen."
* * *
Marcus
"No worries about someone else sharring my bed. You are the ONLY one who will ever share my bed."

"As to the when. I would say before the end of the week. I don't think I could wait any longer than that." I smile at her as see looks into my blue eyes that shine with the light of a star for her.

"I don't care that the others think we are going to fast. In this unpredictable world you have to grab the time when it is right and the that time is right now. I have been in love with you for some time. I found my self carring for you shortly after I came aboard the Callisto. I will always love you no matter what happens in our lives. Nothing will change that."

I kiss her lips deeply "I am forever yours."
* * *
Stadia
"No worries about someone else sharring my bed. You are the ONLY one who will ever share my bed."

"As to the when. I would say before the end of the week. I don't think I could wait any longer than that." I smile at her as see looks into my blue eyes that shine with the light of a star for her.

"I don't care that the others think we are going to fast. In this unpredictable world you have to grab the time when it is right and the that time is right now. I have been in love with you for some time. I found my self carring for you shortly after I came aboard the Callisto. I will always love you no matter what happens in our lives. Nothing will change that."

I kiss her lips deeply "I am forever yours."

"I think you should were your dress uniform. I think Artus should stand up with you. I think I have someone in mind to stand in my fathers place." she smiles, "So has does meating me back here in three cycles?"
* * *
"I almost forgot. Will you talk to Brie about getting us some quarters? I dont think our bunkmates want to hears us...well you know. Speaking of you know what..." She grabbed his hand and headed out of the o club to the nearest dark and quiet corner she could find.
* * *
Marcus
"I will talk to Brie about the quarters for us and I agree with you about the dress uniform and about Artus. I will ask him as soon as I can. As for meeting you back in the officers club I would not miss it for anything.
As for the rest it can wait a little while at least until we our done with…"

* * *

After a few blissful moments together "We need to get the rest of the details finished. I need to get to Major Brie about the quarters and Artus and you need to get the stand in for your father and we both need to get the invites sent out and get ready for our big day."

I looked at her and felt like I could not be any happier, but I now there was more happiness to come. I kissed her upon the lips tenderly.

We got dressed and headed out of the dark place and for our projects that needed to get done. I turned to Stadia "I will see you back at the officers club in three cycles my beloved Stadia."
* * *

[LucianG]

Lucian
Having returned to the Bridge after his investigative tour earlier in the cycle, Lucian had received word that there would be a meeting of senior Bridge personnel at the beginning of Second Shift. Lucian had taken a few moments to stare out the front viewscreen, looking at the star that was slowly increasing in size in the center of the view port. Near the edges, tiny stars in the distance appeared to slowly move toward the sides until they disappeared at the sides.

At 09:00, Commander Sheba, Colonel Charybdis, and Majors CureMode, Joey, and Lucian gathered in Sheba’s war room. CureMode was standing in front of the group next to the screen, with a laser pointer in his hand.

“In just under two cycles, we’ll have concluded our jump from Blasannic to Voosaria. Our long-range study of the system indicates that it is a smallish system with no planets, moons, or other objects of any size. Because of this, we’ve already done pre-calcs for the next jump, which was necessitated by the message broadcast earlier in this jump. Instead of heading to our actual destination, we are taking a detour to the Pangara system—here—and then doubling back to join the fleet here. This maneuver should throw off any Cylons who might be pursuing us, since Pangara has been chosen at random from the list of possible jump nodes. If all goes as expected, we’ll be in and out of the Vossarian system in just a few centars, then to Pangara, and then on to catch the fleet…
* * *
Amy
The Gold Squadron meeting ended pretty abruptly, and I saw Major Brie walk from the room with another warrior. It was okay, I had things to get back to anyway. I had things to tell the Major about my personal life that she'd need to know, but since I didn't have everything squared away, I supposed it could wait.

I'd been investigating the landing of my shuttle, and it's mysterious rolling that occurred before we'd reached the landing bay. I'd run a sim, and hadn't found the answers there. I'd hoped for more input from Marcus, but he was in another world over his sealing plans. Not that I blamed him, but the mystery of why the shuttle rolled was nagging at me, and I guess as captain of the mission it was up to me to investigate and try to find out why. Marcus wasn't under my command at the moment, so what he did was totally up to him. I was happy for him though. We needed all the
happiness we could get around here.

I reached the landing bay, and met two techs who were waiting to take me to the wreck of the shuttle. It was a twisted mess, caused by us crashing into the ceiling of the bay as we entered at a bad angle due to the roll. A hard slam to the deck had finished the job.

"What are you hoping to find, Captain?" one of the techs asked. "It's a twisted pile of scrap. You'll never find anything here."

The other tech concurred. "We downloaded all the data we could, and I've heard the computer sim proved nothing. What else can we do?"

"What sort of tests have you run on what's left here?" I asked.

"Tests? What tests?" asked the first tech. "You had a bouncer. Be happy you walked away."

"I'm never happy" I replied without elaborating. "Something caused this shuttle to roll, and the computer says it shouldn't have happened. Give me a hand scanner."

"For what?" asked the tech. I gave him an icy stare, and he relented and brought me a scanner. I took it from him, and set it up.

"Something caused this thing to be unbalanced" I said as I concentrated on the scanner. "It was nothing internal, so I'm betting it was external." I began to sweep the side of the shuttle, the side that would have had to be heavier in order for the roll to begin. As I scanned, the readouts suddenly flashed red. Red for what? It began beeping.

The tech took the scanner from me. "What did you..." he began, then he took a sharp intake of breath. "By the lords, of all that's holy..."

"What?" I asked, my heart beginning to thump.

"Cylon metals" he whispered. "Here, and here" he said as he waved the scanner closer. "You were tagged, Captain. Somehow, during your trip back here, a Cylon tagged you."

"Tagged?"

"A becon. A homing transmitter. They didn't count on you coming in without power. If you'd landed normally, we'd never have known it was there. With it's added weight, you began to roll after you shut down at the outer marker."

"Is it functioning?"

"No way to be sure. Might have been transmitting the whole time, or set to transmit after we jumped. It's smeared into a million pieces, so there's no way to be sure now. If it was on the whole time, the Cylons could find our departure point and determine our heading."

"Weren't the Cylons led away by the other shuttle with the dummy beacon?"

The tech shook his head. "That might have fooled the fighters. But this could have alerted the baseships, if it was on. Of course, if it was set to transmit after the jump, we're okay. It broke up on contact when you crashed."

"The bridge should know" I said, and I trotted over to the nearest comlink.

"Captain Amy to the bridge. Urgent! I'm in landing bay Alpha. We've made a discovery you should be aware of. Gold Shuttle two was tagged by a Cylon transmitter. No way to be sure if it gave us away or not. You might want to send someone down here to check this out. We might not have shaken the Cylons after all."
* * *
Charybdis
The message was patched in quickly to the war room where most of the top brass was collected, including all the squadron leaders. It was from Amy...

"Gold Shuttle two was tagged by a Cylon transmitter. No way to be sure if it gave us away or not. You might want to send someone down here to check this out. We might not have shaken the Cylons after all."

You could hear a pin drop as every eye went to every other eye in the room. This was not good.

Immediately, Sheba barked out, "Dr. Curemode, let's get down there. Colonel, you have the bridge." She and Dr. Curemode left immediately and headed for the landing bay.

As my gaze turned to Majors Brie, Lucian, Joey, and BatGal, all I could say was, "Holy frack!"
* * *