|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:09:09 GMT -6
Lucian A few moments later, Lieutenant Finky reported, "Major, Captain Amy is off duty and asleep. Do you want me to have somebody wake her up?"
"No thank you, Lieutenant. Sleeping Warriors need their rest," Lucian replied. "Lieutenant Swensson," he called to the chief weapons officer, "begin preparations to fire the tag missile."
"Yes, Sir!" said Swensson. Checking the status board, he ordered, "All missile systems make final pre-launch report." Reports started coming in immediately. Moments later, he said, "Major, Commander, tag missile is ready and standing by."
Commander Sheba, who had approached Lucian, said quietly, "Captain Amy declined?"
"No, Commander. She was off duty and asleep. I instructed that she not be awaken."
"I knew that, Major, but I still felt it was appropriate for her to be offered the duty. Now, we are out of time," she whispered. Bypassing Lucian, she looked to Swensson and said, "Launch missile when ready, Lieutenant Swensson."
Several of those nearby noticed the hurt look on Major Lucian's face and the disappointed look on Commander Sheba's face. One of the nearby Tech's was heard to whisper, "Who died?" Glances in that direction from both Lieutenants Zeus and Finky put an end to further comments.
"Countdown commencing...now," said Swensson. "Launch in 100 microns...95 microns...90 microns.… * * * Charybdis The message had come through from Commander Sheba that I was to stay onboard the CQ until after the missile launch. I had spoken at length with Major Beullah about the situation onboard the old ship. He was wanting beefed up defenses, but we had what we had. Not much else could be done until we reached the fleet. Good thing we had not encountered too much resistance from the Cylons.
It had been nice getting back in touch with my sister, Arien. She was managing well, but I wished she would change her mind about staying on the CQ. I wanted her back onboard the Callisto with me. How do you make up 24 yahrens of lost time?
The last communique from the Callisto informed me that I had several waiting messages from Sgt. Pell. I could tell what she was wanting. In fact, maybe it was not so bad an idea that I had to stay on the CQ a little bit longer.
But, as all things, I would have to pay the piper once I shuttled back aboard. I would deal with that when the time came. Until then, I checked back in with Arien in her small quarters to continue the process of filling her in with everything the fleet had gone through for the past 24 yahrens. * * * Lucian "Seven microns, ignition, four, three, two, one, we have launch." Swensson's voice was heard across the bridge.
A single missile, in the silence of space, leapt forth from the Callisto's forward launch tube. In the nose cone sat the remains of the Cylon tracking device. With the base speed of the Callisto, and the additional thrust added by the missile, the tag device streaked directly toward the Vossar star where it and the missile would ultimately be consumed. No one on the Callisto watched the launch or the flight directly, since, due to the proximity to the star, the exterior viewscreens had to be closed to protect both the ship and the eyes of potential viewers.
With no remains of the tag device left aboard the Callisto, Commander Sheba said to the Chief Helmswoman, "Karia, change course to the jump point. We will rejoin the CQ there. ETA?"
Moments later, Karia, having made the course change, confirmed her earlier estimate of nine point six centars. Commander Sheba looked across the Bridge and said, "Well done, everyone. Those of you from First Shift," which had ended some centars earlier, "are relieved to get some rest. Second Shift personnel have the duty." * * * After being ordered bed, along with the rest of the First Shift personnel who had remained on the Bridge for the launch, Lucian was glad to oblige. It had been a very long cycle, and the next would would arrive before very many more centars had passed. As he prepared for bed, he recalled his date with Mar-nee'.
* * *
He had dressed in his freshly pressed Cadet uniform. He was hoping it would be appropriate. Of course, considering his options, it would have to do.
When the door off the utility corridor opened, he was still somewhat surprised to see the size of the room. It had probably been a small storage closet at one time, but like many spaces during the Exodus, it had been appropriated for living quarters. Two fold-down bunks were attached to the wall. The top one was occupied by a young lady with blonde hair. A small screen had been hung from the ceiling to block the light from the single fixture mounted on the adjacent wall amid a couple of full height lockers bracketing a small center chest. Based on the poor fit, it was obvious that these units were not part of the original space. The woman attempting to sleep rolled over, which in the narrow bunk appeared to be a feat of agility, and she placed a pillow over her head, growling something unintelligible. Lucian wondered how the woman had even accessed the bunk but he expected the handhold on the side of the far locker and the shiny spot where the paint was worn on one corner of the center chest explained it.
Even more surprising was Mar-nee', dressed in a slick black gown with a low back. Ducking around the corner of the upper bunk, she maneuvered Lucian backward and closed the door. A grunted "thank you" came from the top bunk as the door swished closed.
"You are as beautiful as I remember," he said after an effort.
Smiling, she said, "Well, Cadet, I don't know about the beautiful part, but we are fortunate that you have a memory. It was good enough to remember to find me anyway," she said jokingly.
They made their way slowly through the corridors of the Rising Star. Lucian wanted to know everything about her, but she kept deflecting his questions as easily as a bovine swats flying insects, and he ended up telling her much more about himself than he learned about her. He was so taken by her beauty that the time flew by. When they arrived at one of the dining rooms, she smiled at the greeter who immediately led them to a rear booth.
Seated together, he wanted to place an arm around her, but she had maneuvered herself just far enough away that such an exercise was impossible. The ambrosa that filled their glasses was refilled quickly by the friendly waiter who appeared to know Mar-nee'. "Just a benefit of working here," she explained. "When one of us who work here gets the rare opportunity to take advantage of the facilites, we always try to do our best to make it memorable for the lucky person."
"Tonight, I can't help but feel that I'm the lucky one," he said. She rolled her eyes at him, which made his heart race even faster than it already was.
Lucian started to ask her about herself again, but she leaned forward, putting a finger to his lips. "No, Cadet. I can't. What I will tell you is this. I did a little research and found something strange, which is one of the reasons that I agreed to meet you tonight."
Intrigued, Lucian looked at her and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Lucian, in light of all that has happened to our people over the last 25 or so yahrens, this is still hard to believe. Long ago, before your parents set out on the Odyssey Nine, they had lives on Caprica. When I looked up your name on the ship's computer, I thought I recognized your mother's name. A little more checking showed that I was right. When she was in academy, she was my mother's best friend. Mom's name is Enmyra."
Enmyra. He had heard his mother mention her friend Enmyra on a number of occasions as he was growing up. After the the O-9 learned of the Cylon attack, his mother's comments about returning home to see her friend eventually ended, but Lucian had never forgotten that name. Floored that Mar-nee' was practically an old family friend, Lucian began asking questions, which Mar-nee' answered as well as she could. A few centons later, he knew much more about his mother's, as well as his father's, past, since it seemed that there had been a number of members of their common social circle. Considering that both his parents had been killed in the Cylon's attack on the O-9, Lucian was amazed that there was still another link to his past. It was, he decided, fate.
"Mar-nee', I don't think chance brought us here together like this," he said. "Maybe it is my mother's spirit, or the Lords, or fate, but I feel like something has brought us together for a purpose. I know it's really early, but there's something special between us--"
"Lucian, no. You don't understand. There can't be anything between us."
"Why?" he asked incredulously. "You don't know me well enough to reject me yet," he said with a grin, "unless there was a lot more in that file than I thought. Seriously, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to rush you. We've can take all the time you want."
"No, Lucian, you don't understand," she said quietly, her eyes cast down. He could barely see a tear running down her cheek. When she looked up, she said, "You see, I'm already sealed." * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:09:42 GMT -6
Killjoy After Killjoy had received the codes taken from Major Brie’s office, He tried to figure out how to put them to use. He couldn’t go back to the terminal he used last time so he tried to come up with a new plan. As he walked along he found himself in front of MedLab, when it hit him.
“Killjoy old boy, you’re a genius.” He said to him self.
Killjoy figured with everyone knowing he was frightened of Doctors and any thing associated with them that, they would never expect him to plan a computer attack from MedLab.
He opened the door knowing the Doc and her staff wouldn’t be around at this later centar with no one ill, but just to be safe he checked the corridor and yelled inside.
“Hey! Anyone home!?” No response. “DOC?!. Again nothing.
He secured the door and walked over to the terminal and began his work. He started with another visit into Brie’s file getting much more information than before, and then began to probe into ships systems. Crew compliment, weapons status, tactical, and security files were all at his fingertips,so he poked at all these trying to get a responce.When he didnt get it, he tried a more intence scan, and even coppied a few files.
As he probed the tactical sensors a second time an alarm sounded, and the terminal shut itself down.
“Well its about time!” he said aloud.
He gathered his data and started to the door. While leaving he thought about Brie and wondered if anyone had started asking questions as to her whereabouts. He also wondered how long it would be before JustinB’s curiosity got the best of him and comes looking for Killjoy.
How long could Killjoy move around like this and still avoid every major officer on this ship. * * * Charybdis The terminal that Killjoy was using shut down.
Far away, down in the bowels of the Callisto, tucked into a small dark room, a slender red-tipped finger typed in some information on a comm terminal.
"Well, Charybdis should find this interesting," Pell said. She had been monitoring the ship's systems ever since her encounter with the Colonel.
She was hoping that he would find her work pleasing.… * * * Lucian Because he had been up so late the night before with the firing of the tag missile, and because he had been awake most of the night after going to bed, Lucian skipped his usual workout routine and went to the O-Club for breakfast before the start of First Shift. The selection of breakfast foods was pretty poor, so he selected a bowl of porridge and a slice of redfruit. Seeing Major BatGal at one of the tables reading a report, he approached and said, “Excuse me, room enough for one more?”
BatGal looked up and said, “Lucian! Of course! Have a seat. Wait—you don’t look so good. Are you okay?”
“In a manner of speaking, yeah. Otherwise, yuck!” he said. “It was not one of my better nights of sleep.”
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Anything I can do to help?”
“It’s a combination of things. First, the Colonel was away, so while trying to fill in, I screwed up in front of Commander Sheba and she let me have it in front of half of the Bridge. My credibility is shot, and Captain Lazant may well be taking my place any moment now,” he replied.
“Tough break,” she said, “but I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think. At least, not from what I heard.”
“Oh great! The story is all over the ship,” he bemoaned.
“No, I don’t think so. I got a personal briefing from a certain Lieutenant who was trying to make sure her boss was okay. Lieutenant Finky’s made it sound much less serious than your description. But you said ‘combination.’ What else is wrong?”
“It goes back to our days at the academy aboard the Galactica. Remember when I took that trip to the Rising Star and then almost washed out when I returned?”
“That was hard to forget. You don’t see someone self-destructing like that from a first row seat every cycle. You never told me exactly what happened, but I take it that it had something to do with a female named Mar-nee’.”
He looked at her incredulously and asked, “How in the Nine Hells did you know that?”
“When we were in the coed barracks for a while, I heard you tossing and turning a number of nights, and that was the name you spoke in your sleep on several occasions. Since I knew you didn’t want to talk about it, considering the way you growled at me the time I asked, I let it go, figuring you’d tell me when you were ready. Is that now?”
Nodding, he gave her the brief version in five clipped sentences:
“I met and was attracted to a girl. Then, I couldn’t find her despite my best efforts. Finally the girl finds me, and I am stupid enough to fall in love with her. She reveals our families were old friends, so I think it’s destiny. She thinks I’m full of it and tells me she is already sealed so she can never see me again.” He took a bite of the redfruit.
BatGal looked at him and said, “Ouch! That’s sad. It explains a lot.”
“Yes,” he continued, “but that’s not the end of the story….”
“As you recall, I had a rough time when I returned to the Galactica. They came close to throwing me out of the program all because I couldn’t concentrate on anything but what I’d lost, been denied, or whatever. When I heard that she was sealed, I made up my mind that I would not be the cause of someone else’s problem, no matter how much I loved her. Over time, I made adjustments, and the kick in the pants that I got from Major Boomer was a big help. I figured out that I had to go on with my life; however, something that she said made me think. Our mothers had been good friends before the O-9 left Caprica, so maybe there were other old family friends in the fleet. I made it my task to look them up.”
“That sounds like a real undertaking, considering how poor many of the old records are,” said BatGal.
“True, but after 21 yahrens at the time, many of the people who were old enough had actually corrected errors in their files. I found the names of three people who had known my parents, but two of them had died over the yahrens, one from a Cylon attack, and one in an accident. The remaining person was a poor old fellow named Sudell, who had been a good friend of my father’s. I found him after several sectars of searching.”
BatGal looked at him questioningly. “You said ‘old.’ If he was a contemporary of your father, he would not have been that old. Ouch! Look at the time! I’ve got to get to my office. Can we continue this over lunch?”
“The Bridge is calling me, too," Lucian agreed. "See you at lunch.” * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:10:25 GMT -6
Killjoy Everything pointed to Killjoy. His repeated adventures in the ship's database were sure to get him hung eventually and now when folks find out Brie is missing, they will begin hunting him down. Killjoy tried only to move about on the lower decks and maintenance shafts, but there was no way he could stay hidden much longer and he knew it.
Lost in thought he made his way toward Brie’s office to use her terminal for his next cyber adventure in to the classified files of the ship’s computers. Killjoy figured this would really confuse anyone trying to track him in the system.
He released the latch and the panel fell to the floor with a rather loud bang. Killjoy tried to crawl out slowly when his boot hung on something and caused him to fall. He rolled over onto his back and was quite shocked at what he saw. Standing over him was JustinB. Killjoy had crawled into the wrong shaft and the wrong office.
“Killjoy! You mind telling me what the frack you’re doing in there? And for that matter where you have been the last few days?”
“Hi ya Captain, good to see ya. Doing in there? Uh…just helping a friend in the maintenance department for a couple of days that’s all. Needed something to do seeing how I’ve been relieved of duty and all.”
Killjoy tried to smile and sound believable. Apparently word was still not out on Brie’s disappearance. JustinB looked at him strangely, smiled back and spoke.
“Well at least you’re staying busy, that’s good. Have a seat I want to ask you about something.” Justin pointed to a chair and Killjoy sat down.
“We found a problem in the launch bay, with your Viper. Seems someone wrongly attached a couple of the energy cables. If you had launched it would have blown that ship apart. We hope it was a maintenance error but just in case, can you think of anyone who might want to harm you?”
Killjoy saw the chance to speed things along. Someone came and buzzed the office door, when JustinB moved to see who it was Killjoy stood, drew his small hidden weapon and held it at his side. The man who came in was Stargazor. He made a brief report about the Vipers and then JustinB turned to face Killjoy and his weapon.
“Killjoy have you lost you mind? What are you doing man?”
“Well JustinB, Im really sorry about this. The person, who damaged my Viper, was probably someone who doesn’t want me to leave this ship alive. Probably someone who knows Im still poking into the ship’s computers and that Major Brie has vanished. So that could be just about anyone on the Callisto. Im sorry but Ill have to ask you gentlemen for your weapons. JustinB hand me yours, belt and all, and Stargazor, throw yours down the refuse shoot please. ”
After doing as they were told Killjoy had the two men move to the other side of the room and slipped out the door. He paused long enough to fire one shot into the door's control panel to keep them inside for a while. Knowing the shot would alert security, Killjoy moved quickly away.
Once he was back in hiding and away from the main decks, Killjoy caught his breath. He had just drawn a weapon on a superior officer who was also his friend, all but admitted to napping Brie, and confessed to the continued break-ins of the computer system. Maybe now this plan would start rolling forward a little.
He only hoped JustinB would fogive him when this all ended. * * * JustinB I couldn't believe what just happened. I turned to Stargazor and said, "That's the second time Killjoy has threatened to shoot me. I will make sure he spends a long time in the brig for this one."
"What's his malfunction? If I get him first, I am going to fire him down the launch tube." Was Stargazors reply.
"Stargazor, you call for help while I try and see if I can hotwire this door." I said.
Stargazor made the call for help, while I tried to hotwire the door. Three centons later I got the door open. Motioning for Stargazor to follow me, we left the office and made our way to Major BatGal's office.
Once there, I filled BatGal on what happened. She suggested that we try and find him before the Black Shirts did. I asked her to use Captain Kris to lead the search party for Killjoy. She first called Major Lucian and told him what had just occurred. Next she called for Captain Kris to attend her office. I was just about to leave when she asked, "What are you going to do?"
"Ma'am, Killjoy has now threatened me twice. Not to mention taken my weapon. It has now got personal. I am going to draw out another laser and I am going to hunt him down. I've got my communicator on me so I will be reached easily enough. Oh and by the way, Killjoy's viper was the only one with a technical fault. I'll bet one hundred cubits he did it himself to keep us busy. Don't worry Major, I will bring him back very much alive. You can count on it."
I drew another laser from the armoury. I also drew out a couple of stun grenades just in case. "Killjoy, I am out for some payback" I said out loud. * * * Randrius "I'm going too," Randrius said, stepping from around the corner, armed not only with his pistol but a massive laser rifle propped on his shoulder. Batgal eyed the rifle and glanced at Randrius with a raised eyebrow. Randrius faced was a stony, emotionless mask, as usual. He merely shrugged at her look, "It has a stun setting." Batgal shook her head, "Fine, Lt, get over here." Randrius looked at Justin solemnly and nodded, this clown had just drawn on a squadmate, as far as he was concerned, that was personal enough. He hefted his rifle and flip the setting to stun. Randrius heart ached, he was not going to enjoy this. * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:11:27 GMT -6
Lucian "Major BatGal to Major Lucian, come in, Lucian."
"Go ahead, Major. Don't tell me that my story bored you so much you're cancelling lunch," he said with a laugh.
"It's serious, Lucian. Lieutenant Killjoy has gone rogue, and is loose on the ship. He's armed and potentially dangerous. Black Squadron is being mobilized to find him. I'd like to keep Fleet Security out of this..."
"We're only about a centar from our rendezvous with the Colonel's shuttle and the jump. Under the circumstances, I'm going to contact Major Brie. Good luck, and be careful."
One, two, three, and four times he tried to contact Major Brie, with no success. Something looked wrong about the situation. He considered taking the situation to Commander Sheba, but decided first to contact Captain Skyler to mobilize Gold Squadron's Warriors. Maybe Skyler would have some idea where to find Brie. If not, he'd take it to Sheba then.
He keyed Captain Skyler's comm signal and said, "Major Lucian calling Captain Skyler. Come in, Skyler." * * * Hmmm, that's strange. Skyler's out of pocket, too, thought Lucian. Not available by communicator, or in the Gold Squadron Office, or in his quarters. Lucian sent a brief message for Skyler to report ASAP.
He pulled his laser pistol and checked the charge. Confirming that it was powered down to effectively stun rather than kill in most cases, he approached Commander Sheba.
"Commander Sheba, the situation with Lieutenant Killjoy has become critical, and I have been unable to contact Major Brie or Captain Skyler. With your permission, I will go find them and assist in the search for Lieutenant Killjoy."
Sheba looked around and saw that Charybdis had not yet returned from the CQ. Looking back at Lucian, she replied, "Permission denied, Major. You are needed here. Send a message to all the Warriors to join the search."
"Commander, I've sent that message to Gold Squadron, but I'm concerned that it is not being received. If I might have a few centons to verify that, I will return immediately."
"Major, are you questioning my orders? To make myself clear, you are to remain here and do your duty from this point. You have been, for almost a yahren now, a Bridge Officer, not a Warrior who has the option to go charging around this ship. Sometimes, one must stay still to lead."
"Commander, I understand, but it is my duty as an officer to point out potential problems and options."
She lowered her voice, looking him in the eyes, and said, "Thank you for your opinions and options, Major. Now, permission DENIED. Do your duty. Do I make myself clear, or will I have you escorted to the Brig?"
Stunned, Lucian replied, "Yes, Commander. Perfectly clear."
Perfectly clear. Yes, it was now perfectly obvious to him that Commander Sheba no longer trusted him for some unknown reason. The incident during the missile firing was NOT an isolated incident after all. As much as he hated to think about it, if the Callisto succeeded in rejoining the fleet in the near future as planned, his days on the Callisto might be numbered. * * * Brie Brie sat quietly in the dark, as she had for the last several centars. She wondered if anyone realized that she was missing. That thought unsettled her a bit. How long could you be gone before anyone ever figured out that something was wrong? She knew that Killjoy was going to get into really big trouble. Brie kept reminding herself that ultimately he had brought it on himself.
To her surprise, Brie’s thoughts turned to Captain Skyler. Her friendship with him had changed somewhere along the way. She trusted him more than anybody else, he was the only one that she shared her deepest secret with. He had listened and he understood. He didn’t judge, he didn’t think she was crazy, he just listened to her with a compassion and respect that she had never experienced before. There wasn’t a doubt in Brie’s mind that Skyler would do anything in the universe for her. She also knew that if anyone would get her out of this current mess, it would be Skyler. She would have to find a way to pay him back. * * * Killjoy Killjoy made his way through the maintenance shafts and back to where he was to meet Kaylib. After waiting around a while the old retired warrior made his appearance.
“Kaylib am I glad to see you, have you been monitoring the comm system?”
“Yea, and I hear your making quite a fuss on this tub. Half the warriors on the Callisto are looking for you now. Have you lost what little good sense you had?”
Killjoy couldn’t help but smile at the old man.
“Just part of the plan old timer, if they are all looking for me then you know who is free to do their part in this. Besides I’ve been in harder spots, half these guys have tried to catch me before when I used to make runs for the organization, they just don’t know it. Trick is in the Intel, and that’s where you come in, just keep listening to the Comm traffic and keep me informed of their movements so I can stay ahead of them a little longer.”
The old man frowned.
“Look kid, Ill keep my end up, but this Battlestar can get really small when you have a couple hundred crewmen looking for one man. You can’t hide from them forever, they will catch you in time, and when they do, they will all be armed and very agitated.”
Killjoy looked worried but in control of things. He thought for a moment before he spoke.
“I know the warriors wont start shooting right away and will at least give me a chance to surrender quietly. Maybe that will be enough to let me find an escape route or something. Their training will keep their emotions at bay as long as I don’t shoot first and we know that ain’t going to happen. JustinB is the only one who has me worried.”
“Yea, he’s the kinda guy who would take this pretty serious, and it might just make his trigger finger a bit itchy! I hope you know what your doing Kid.”
Killjoy busted out in a laugh.
“Know what Im doing? I have no clue Kaylib, Im playing this all by ear. Making it up as I go along. My only real plan here is just not to shoot anyone. Even if they back me into a corner I wont actually fire on any of them, except maybe to keep their heads down long enough for me to scoot away.”
Kaylib placed his hand on his young friend's shoulder and smiled.
“Kid, you may just have what it takes to survive as a warrior after all. It takes a lot of nerve to go head to head against an armed mob that may very well try to kill you and still remember they are your friends. I hope you feel the same way when the shooting starts.”
Killjoy stood and started back into the maintenance shaft, but hesitated when he was halfway in. He yelled back at Kaylib.
“Kaylib,One More thing. Did you get a chance to hide that personal stuff of Brie’s in my locker?”
“Yea Kid, put it right where they can find it. Its sure to make them think you napped her. Now get going Kid. Dont worry about whats going to happen when this is over, just keep you mind on the task at hand and we'll do the damage control later."
Once in the maintenance tunnel Killjoy made his way to the forward section of the ship. He stopped when he was between the bulkheads behind the computer terminal in Colonel Charybdis’ quarters. Once there he pulled out a portable terminal and tapped directly into the data feed of the Colonel’s computer and began his latest assault on the computers. Again he targeted the tactical systems, crew deployment, and tinkered with life support on three decks. Nothing dangerous just increased the temperature to a less than comfortable range.
Once the alarm sounded and the data flow terminated, he crawled all the way to the bridge and stopped just short of the forward bulkhead. He was exhausted from all the crawling he done for the last several centars and figured the best place to hide and get some rest would be right under the nose of the bridge crew. He found a flat place in the tube and tried to relax. He looked around and wondered how he arrived in this situation. He spoke aloud to himself in a whisper.
“Let’s see, on the one hand you could have stolen a Viper and faced the hordes of Cylons alone. On the other you have the plan of a crazy woman. Frack I should have picked the Cylons.” * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:12:06 GMT -6
Charybdis She sat at the compter terminal with a host of readouts and digital analyses reports. But the clincher, was when Pell activated all the camera recorders around the ship and searched in the areas where the computer break-ins were occurring.
"Lt. Killjoy!" Pell whispered. "I have him now!" she said with glee. "Charybdis is going to love this." she purred as she stored the information away. She was going to make sure that the Colonel got an earful of how good a job she did.
According to the last report, Charybdis was not due back onboard the Callisto for another centar. SHe would make sure she would have a warm welcome for him... * * * Brie One of the most annoying things to Brie was sitting around and doing nothing. That’s just what she was doing, and it seemed like she had been doing it forever. All kinds of thoughts were running through her mind. Maybe the whole thing was a bad idea. Killjoy was obviously on the reckless side, she had known that all along. What if something went wrong? What if the other person who had been trying to break into her file knew the current situation was a setup? And why would Killjoy be willing to risk everything for her? * * * Killjoy After sleeping for who knows how long Killjoy finally stirred awake after hitting his head against the side of the maintenance shaft. He rubbed his head for a moment then started his long crawl back to the lower sections of the ship. He paused when he heard his name mentioned by someone outside the shaft, someone out on the bridge. He was positive he heard some one say something about him and they used the word ‘critical’.
He made his way back to Kaylib’s little hideaway near the main engine rooms.
Kaylib spotted him and was very relived to see the younger man.
“Hey Kid you were starting to worry me a little, How did it go?”
Killjoy extended his had to the old warrior.
“Went fine old-timer, just fine. What’s new on the comm system.”
Kaylib didn’t look happy.
“Hate to say it Kid but your done. They got folks from every section of the ship looking for you now, and us maintenance techs have been told to have all the fire doors in the maintenance shafts closed within the centar.”
Killjoy acted amused before speaking.
“That’s all that has you worried? Just give me the codes to open them up as I move through each section of the shaft, then I just keep on doing what I’m doing.”
“Don’t work like that Kid. You open one of those doors for any reason after its been sealed, you light up the security board on the bridge and they’ll be on you like a pack of daggits. Your best bet now is to just quit while you’re ahead, no need to get killed over this thing.”
“Kaylib I cant quit now, I don’t know if they have had enough time…….
Kaylib threw his hand over Killjoy’s mouth.
“Face it Kid. You have been cut off from every part of the ship now. There is now way you can make a move with out getting caught. There are people with weapons out in the corridors just waiting for you to show them something they can shoot off. The shafts are being sealed, and unless you can walk through walls your stuck right here.”
Killjoy studied his situation for a bit. If only he knew what the others had been up to while he was playing “surge of the fleet” for the last few days. He had to try to get a message to one of them and find out the status of things. But, witch one, and how? For that matter why has none of the others tried to get him a message? * * * JustinB With my subsiding anger, clarity returned to me. I remembered that Lieutenant Killjoy was a very resourceful warrior. At the next terminal I came too I sat down and logged myself in. After a few mistakes I brought up Killjoy's file. Going through his records something caught my eye. The words 'Sorayama Organization' sounded familiar. Whatever it was, it had given me a vital clue to where Killjoy would stay from time to time. Once I finished studying the schematics of Maintenance I logged off.
With Randrius and Stargazor, I made my way to the Maintenance Section. We were joined by RaycerX and Brotherjoe. Just short of Maintenance, someone tapped me on the shoulder.
"Captain," it was Stargazor, "Where are we going and what's the plan?"
"Lieutenant Killjoy is a very resourceful warrior. But like everyone else, he still has ties. There is a Maintenance Tech named Kaylib, who is a close friend of Killjoy. If there is anything to be learned from my time with Killjoy, is his loyalty. Pausing a little so the men could understand, I then continued. "The plan is to do a sweep of Maintenance. Randrius, you take lead of the squad. With the maintenance shafts about to be closed, I will place myself in a likely escape route Killjoy might take if he is here. At the very least I will force Killjoy to act by arresting Kaylib and having him charged with some transgressions which were allowed to slide. Good Luck men and May the Lords of Kobol be With You."
Heading down the corridor from which they had just came, turning down the first right; I made my way to the most unlikely route out of maintenance. Finding a small side room, I entered and wedged the door just enough so I could just see through it. Now it was all up too Randrius and the Squad. * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:12:39 GMT -6
Killjoy Killjoy was stretched out hidden, in an obscure corner of Kaylib’s little hide away trying to get some much-needed rest. He had been on the run for at least two cycles and had no idea what day it was. His mind was racing trying to figure out where to go and what to do next. In the midst of his thoughts he realized something JustinB had told him back in his office, right before Killjoy threatened to shoot him and Stargazor.
JustinB’s words were. “We found a problem in the launch bay, with your Viper. Seems someone wrongly attached a couple of the energy cables. If you had launched it would have blown that ship apart.”
Killjoy realized that his problems were a bit more ominous than he originally thought. No only were his crewmates trying to hunt him down, not only had he betrayed some of his friends trust, but someone wanted him dead as well. That someone tried to blow up his Viper and him up along with it. Killjoy’s mind went into survival mode and he tried desperately to figure out who it is who may want him killed.
He heard a sound from the door beside him. Kaylib had come back in and walked right passed him, but this time he was not alone. Stargazor was right behind him with his weapon pointed at the old mans back. Killjoy drew his weapon and stood up, and pointed it in their direction from behind Stargazor.
“That’s far enough Stargazor, we don’t want to do this. Now let him go!”
Realizing Killjoy had gotten the drop on him Stargazor lowered his weapon but Killjoy didn’t notice it was still in his hand.
“That’s good Stargazor now please don’t make me use this thing. Kaylib, get out of here, go to the other meeting place and wait for me there. Hurry!”
Kaylib disappeared out another door and Stargazor spoke up.
“Lieutenant Killjoy, the others are on the way. I already called them and they know you’re here so just give it up before someone gets hurt.”
“Sorry friend but I can’t do that just yet. Just play nice and we’ll both live through this thing. I don’t want to hurt you or anyone else, but don’t push me OK. Believe me this isn’t how I wanted this to turn out.”
Killjoy moved in front of the man and started toward the same door that Kaylib had used. He kept Stargazor covered as he moved. When he reached the door he turned to exit the room, thus moving his weapon away from his point of aim on Stargazor. This gave Stargazor the split second he needed to raise his weapon and fire.
The shot missed Killjoy and struck the doorframe next to his left side. The weapon was obviously set on heavy stun, and had it hit Killjoy it would have only knocked him out for several centars. However the force of the blast as it hit the hardened metallic wall, created a small explosion that sent several pieces of metal through his hip just above the belt line, and also caused sever burns to his rib area.
Killjoy spun on his heels and returned fire as he fell backwards through the door. True to his word, his shots were only intended to make Stargazor head for cover. It worked. As Stargazor dove behind some equipment the door closed and Killjoy fired into the operating mechanism sealing it for at least o short time.
As he tried to move down the corridor, he heard voices behind him. It sound like other members of Black Squadron. He knew he had to get out of the open and formulated an escape rout to take him into an obscure corridor that would eventually lead him away from this section of the Callisto. His wound was bleeding heavily and the pain was overwhelming him to the point it was affecting his mobility. He had to stop and catch his breath.
When he no longer heard the voices he stopped to lean against a doorway. He rested there for several microns with his weapon in hand, scanning the corridor with the muzzle. So far it seemed they had not located him.
Without warring, the door he was leaning against opened, and Killjoy was again on the deck and on his back. His hand immediately garbed his wound to try to ease the intense pain. But keeping his head he scanned the room with his weapon and found the person who had opened the door.
Standing above him was JustinB. His weapon pointed directly at Killjoy. Likewise Killjoy’s weapon had also found point of aim on JustinB. The two warriors looked at each other for what seemed like centars. Each is trying to guess what the other was thinking. Finally JustinB spoke.
“Well, Lieutenant, we can do this two ways. You can lower your weapon and come with me voluntarily. Or we can start shooting and see who’s left when the smoke clears. But either way I promise you little rampage is over.”
Killjoy studied JustinB’s face. The man wasn’t kidding. Killjoy lowered his arm and placed his weapon at the Captain’s feet, and scooted his body away from it a little.
Killjoy sopke.
"Dont suppose it would help if I told you I had an explanation for my actions, but is all top secret, and capturing me may be a really big mistake that may put the life of someone else in danger."
Justin frounded at him.
"No it wouldnt, But nice try. Can you walk?"
"Yea, I think so." * * * Brie Captain JustinB, Lieutenant Killjoy has been working for me under my orders. He is not to be held accountable for ANY of his actions. Either Commander Sheba or myself will fill you in on the details when we have the chance. I don’t care what he has done, he is not to be held accountable. Please make sure that any search for him is called off. Thank you.
Major Brie Gold Squadron * * * Stargazor Stargazor was still outside when he heard Lt. Killjoy say he was protecting someone. he also heard JustinB say he dind't believe him. He had a conflict, on one hand he had to follow orders, but on the other hand Killjoy could be wright. He remembered that he saw the lady who always warns him of danger. But who was wright here JustinB or Killjoy? Stargazor walked in on the two, JustinB Was pointig his laser to Killjoy. Stargazor walked over to Killjoy and helped him to his feet. Just at that moment as he grabbed Killjoy something happend to him. Somehow Stargazor knew Killjoy was on the level. He had this strange feeling comming over him. He looked up to JustinB and said "Sir, shouldn't we better check out his story"? Justinb looked at ensign Stargazor and said "Ens. Stargazor do you know what charges are against the Lt. killjoy"! "Dont let youreself be overtalked by this criminal, besides you are still on probation you'reself"!
Stargazor looked at the Lt. Killjoy for a moment then back to JustinB. Stargazor said "Sir, what if he is telling the truth","We'd be indangering someone else"! "Remeber, it was Lt. Killjoy's Viper that was sabotaged"! "I doubt that it was the Lt. here who sabotaged his own viper"!
JustinB looked at the Ensign for a moment and realized the Esign could be wright after all. He said "Well how do we find out if he's telling the truth"! * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:13:24 GMT -6
JustinB "Well how do we find out if he's telling the truth?" Stargazor asked.
"The truth, whatever it is doesn't concern you Ensign. Inform Randrius he is to report to O'Club with the rest of the squad. I will be there in thirty centons to debrief you all." Looking at Killjoy then back to Stargazor I said, "That will be all. I have something to settle right here and now."
"But Sir,"
"No butts Stargazor follow my orders. If it makes you feel better, I swear on my parents' graves I will treat Killjoy in a militarily manner." I said. As soon as Stargazor left, still pointing my weapon at Killjoy I ordered him to get up. As he rose, I told him to face the wall, told him to place his hands on it and spread his legs. When he did, I began to search him. Straight away I found his concealed weapon.
"Well, well what do we have here?" Confiscating the weapon I continued the search, "Killjoy after all we have been through, you pulled your weapon on me for a second and a third time. I have enough evidence to make you a living hell for the rest of your life." Killjoy tried to say something but I continued, "The only saving grace you have is that I don't believe you come up with the idea all by yourself. BUT, if you ever pull another weapon at me EVER again you better use it. Now let's get your sorry hide to the Med-Lab. The Doc and Holodoc have been pretty bored so I know they would be all too happy to patch you up."
I holstered my weapon and escorted Killjoy to the Med-Lab. All the way he remained silent even though I could see he wanted to say something. By the time we arrived Killjoy was finding it a little difficult to walk.
Opening the Med-Lab door we were greeted by Holodoc. When she saw Killjoy's wounds she asked what happened. "Holodoc, I will tell you later," I said. "Just fix him up as good as new."
As Killjoy was attended to I went to the terminal to check on any messages and to inform Major BatGal of the arrest of Killjoy. When I checked for messages, there was on from Major Brie.
'Major Brie' I thought to myself 'was supposed to of been napped by Killjoy. Something in my gut tells me I won't be surprised.'
Captain JustinB, Lieutenant Killjoy has been working for me under my orders. He is not to be held accountable for ANY of his actions. Either Commander Sheba or myself will fill you in on the details when we have the chance. I don’t care what he has done, he is not to be held accountable. Please make sure that any search for him is called off. Thank you.
Major Brie Gold Squadron.
'To late for that, but not too late for making Killjoy confused. He doesn't know that I know so I thing I will have a little fun.' I thought.
When Killjoy came out of the cubicle, I approached him with anger in my eyes.
"Killjoy, apart from the other charges, you can add the Termination of Major Brie. Her body has been recovered and since you confessed to her kidnapping you will be charged" I waited to see his reaction. * * * Killjoy "Killjoy, apart from the other charges, you can add the Termination of Major Brie. Her body has been recovered and since you confessed to her kidnapping you will be charged."
Killjoy wasn’t sure he heard Justin right.
“What did you just say Captain?”
“I said your also going to be charged with the termination of Major Brie.”
Killjoy had heard right. Brie had been killed in this crazy plan of hers. Now he knew why it was taking so long for her to end this thing. She wasn’t there to end it.
“JustinB you know there is no way I’d harm Brie. Frack I haven’t seen her for at least two cycles. The napping thing was all part of the pl……”
Justin noticed the hesitation.
“All part of what Killjoy? Why don’t you just tell me what’s going on?”
“Im sorry Captain I cant do that, but I will tell you I did not and would have never harmed Major Brie. * * * JustinB “All part of what Killjoy? Why don’t you just tell me what’s going on?”
“I’m sorry Captain I cant do that, but I will tell you I did not and would have never harmed Major Brie."
Seeing that I had got my own back and also because Killjoy was starting to panic a little, I started to smile.
This confused the hades out of Killjoy. "JustinB, you tell me that I am being charged with the murder of Major Brie and now you are smiling. I am innocent, I never touched her. How could she be dead?"
The smile turned into a laugh. I hadn't had such a good laugh for a long time. Seeing the hesitation I had to tell him the truth, "Killjoy, I am real sorry," Tears were welling in my eyes and my sides were aching from the laughter, "Brie is very much alive. While you were being treated, I received a message from her. I thought even though you were acting under her orders, you still pulled your weapon on me. I felt I owed you a little payback."
Anticipating a violent reaction, I was ready for the punch Killjoy tried to deliver. Moving slightly to my left I ducked the punch, grabbed his arm, dropped and wrestled him to the ground.
"How could you? How could you make me believe she was dead and then telling me I was being charged with her termination?"
"I could ask you the same question. How could you knowing how I felt the first time about you drew a weapon on me do it two more times? I understand the notion of "Need to Know", but surely you could have found some other way of causing trouble without involving me personally." I released him and stepped back. "So if you shake my hand now, I'll call it even if you will, its up too you. If so, let’s go to the O'Club and debrief the others. Once again sorry for leading you on."
As he stood up I offered my hand in friendship. Whether he took it remained to be seen. I hoped so because he was one hell of a warrior. * * * "Not a problem Killjoy, I'll see you around." I made my way to the O'Club for I really needed a drink. I passed Randrius, RaycerX and Brotherjoe on the way to the O'Club.
Before they could say anything, I told them that Killjoy was alright and gave them a brief rundown on what had transpired. I told them to stand-down and be at the ready room at the beginning of the next shift for their assignments.
I finally made it to the O'Club. I sat at the bar and a server asked me for my order. I desperately wanted an ale or three, but I was still technically on duty. I asked for anything that would quench my thirst. I went over what I would place in my report. It sure would be interesting. * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:14:04 GMT -6
Hawke I finished my workcycle and headed to my quarters. I turbowashed and put on some civies. I checked my messages. I had one. I opened it and it said:
"Brie's dissappeared again. Be very careful. You know somethin's up when she disappears. By the way, I hear Skyler's got your bug that was in Brie's office. That is if you haven't already gotten it. I know how good you can be (ha ha)....
S "
Damn! The bug. I almost forgot about it. Oh brother. If he manages to trace that bug back to me, I'll be in deep daggit drivel.
I take my sidearm incase there's trouble. I put it on. I think about taking my bug sweeper, but think better of it. I head out to Skyler's quarters. I use a forged security code to get into there. All is dark and seems quiet. I make a quick scan of the quarters with my eyes. Nothing out of the ordinary. I start searching meticulously through the quarters.
"Looking for something, Lieutenant?" a female voice asks. I draw my pistol and point it at the voice. There's a figure in the shadows. I can tell there's a Colonial sidearm pointed at me. "I would put that down if I were you,Hawke" the voice speaks again. I don't do as she says. "Come out where I can see you then,MAYBE I'll put my gun down." I say. She steps out of the shadows. It's.... "Brie?" I say astonished. "PUT...THE...GUN...DOWN...NOW ....LIEUTENANT!" She says in a slowly measured voice. Something in her voice told me she wasn't kidding. I didn't like the way she emphasized my rank either. I slowly and reluctantly did as she said. "Give me your sidearm." she commanded me. I reluctantly did so. "And any other gadgets you managed to bring along."she said. "Don't worry,I'm clean." I said. "You'll have to forgive me if I don't believe you." She proceeded to frisk me very thouroghly. After she was satisfied she said,"Have a seat,Hawke. I want to have a little chat with you." She pointed to where I was to sit. She ephasized the point by wavering her gun at me. "But first I want to invite a few friends." She smiled sweetly at me. She thumbed the intercom on while keeping her weapon trained on me. "Skyler, we have a visitor. If you don't mind, can you report to your quarters? You're not going to believe who it is. And bring the Commander with you."
I nervously awaited my destiny. * * * Lucian In the Security Office, Sergeant Whitcher noticed something strange on the board. Someone remote had accessed the Callisto's security camera system. Since the incident with the hidden Noman about a yahren before, Commander Sheba had agreed to have the Shops section fabricate numerous security cameras that were now positioned around the ship. Lieutenant Proteus had been in charge of the installation program, and Sergeant Pell in programming had assisted him with a small amount of the systems programming. When Proteus responded to Whitcher's call a few centons later, he accessed the log and ran several quick checks.
"I'm not sure who is doing this. The access point is masked. Therefore, we're going to activate a little something that I added after everything completed." He smiled confidently, typed a series of phrases, and then activated his worm program. Moments later, the screen read, "Worm rejected//Run again?"
"Frack! Whoever is doing this is good! Real good! And that's good to know since it really limits the number of possibilities," said Proteus. Moments later, he entered Captain Urdea's office.
* * *
"Captain, thank you for your concern. Take no action on this at the moment, and order anyone who is aware of this not to mention it to anyone. If necessary, Fleet Security will be activated." The Commander's image, with her war room in the background, was visible in the screen.
"Commander, one other question," said Urdea, "your previous order was to hold on the search for Lieutenant Killjoy, so the Warriors could take him into custody without incident. Is there any progress on that front, and if not, am I allowed to put my forces into the search?"
"I'm sorry Captain, but at this time, Fleet Security is to remain out of this situation as well. Again, if the situation changes, I will contact you immediately. Sheba, out."
Urdea looked to Lieutenant Proteus. "Lieutenant, you heard the Commander. We are to stay out of both situations at the moment. Does this sound as suspicious to you as it does to me?"
Proteus nodded and said, "It sure does, Captain. She said for us to stay out of the situations. Since that's the case and our officers aren't busy, might I suggest that we activate that drill we've been discussing? You know, the live fire drill?"
"Let's move to the preliminary stage of that drill. Order Sergeant Whitcher to open the Security armory and issue laser pistols to all on duty personnel. Each Sergeant will take his or her squad to the target range for target practice. Have Whitcher set up the rotation."
Proteus said, "Yes, Sir!"
"Also, all laser pistols are to be set to low power. Officers armed in this manner will be in buddy pairs. Anyone armed without a buddy in site will take an extended tour of the Brig. I don't even care if they are in the facilities, they better have a buddy with them...."
* * *
On the Bridge, Major Lucian felt as if his hands were tied. Over the past 75 centons, he'd probably checked his chrono about 20 or 30 times, and now with the Colonel set to return in about 25 more centons, he couldn't wait to take a short break where he could contact BatGal and JustinB, if to do nothing else than to tell them that there was something suspicious about the situation. Commander Sheba had entered and left her war room several times, and had been checking a nearby monitor fairly frequently. As he was watching, he saw her look up from her conversation with Lieutenant Aegina. She looked him right in the eyes and nodded to him in recognition that she had observed him. Turning back to Aegina, she said something, and then Aegina walked over to him.
"Major, Commander Sheba wants you to take a look at these jump engine calculations. She said that something looks suspicious to her."
"Lieutenant, doesn't it seem strange to you that Commander Sheba would order the Flight Operations Officer to look over this rather than the Engineering staff?"
"Yes, Major, but orders are orders. Sometimes, superior officers have there reasons."
"Yes, Lieutenant, that was my thought exactly."
He glanced at the calibration numbers, and within moments, agreed that something looked strange. Suspecting a problem, he began an indepth study, pitching out those that appeared correct, focusing his attention on a few sequences that he considered suspect.
Since he was busy, he didn't notice when the Commander's attention snapped to the monitor a few centons later. She turned to Major Joey and said, "Major, you have the Bridge until Colonel Charybdis returns. Jump is to be delayed until Major Lucian completes his study of the jump calculations. I have something to which I must attend." * * * Brie Brie stared at Hawke incredulously. She had wanted so badly for it to be someone else. She pulled something out of her pocket and handed it to Hawke. “I believe this is yours,” she said, giving him the bug. It was now in two pieces. Hawke took it from her but didn’t say a word. “Just tell me one thing,” Brie continued. “Why didn’t you just blow me up last yarhen when you had the chance?”
“Why would I want to blow you up?” Hawke asked.
“Why would you want to ruin my life?” Brie quickly replied. “What did I EVER do to you?”
“Things aren’t always what they seem,’ was all that Hawke would say.
Brie turned on the comm unit and heard bits and pieces. She was able to pick up this much, Killjoy was in a lot of trouble. She sent an urgent message to Captain JustinB, then continued to wait for Skyler and Sheba. She was relieved when Skyler’s door opened. Skyler entered and turned on the lights, followed closely by the Commander. It was obvious that Skyler was surprised, but Sheba was closed to stunned. “Lieutenant Hawke?” she exclaimed. “Why didn’t you just come to me if you needed information?”
Brie was surprised by Sheba’s comments. “Okay, Hawke, everyone’s here,” she said. “Now, would you mind telling us what the frack is going on?” * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:14:37 GMT -6
Lucian Lucian opened the note addressed to "Major Lucian" in Commander Sheba's handwriting. It read:
"Major Lucian,
This is top secret, your eyes only. Do not discuss this with anyone or utilize the Callisto's computer. I suspect that someone has tampered with the calculation for our upcoming jump. Please check this output. Do not access the base program on the computer since I suspect it has been compromised. Report to me only.
Commander Sheba"
Lucian's first thought was "saboteur," and his second thought was that this could not be the work of Lieutenant Killjoy; however, circumstantial evidence could be used to point the crime toward him IF there was indeed a crime involved.
He walked into his office, pulled his comp pad, and began checking through the numbers. Since Sheba had ordered him to not use the ship's computer, this would take a while.
* * *
Fortunately for Lucian, he had run jump calculations on the O-9 on more occasions than he could remember. Captain Rostammer had required him to do it by hand with only a comp pad, time after time, until it became like second nature to him, and then check it by computer. It soon became obvious to Lucian that the output was indeed corrupt. The Callisto's mass in the input was off by a factor of ten, and the approach vector in the output varied from the input by 0.0003 radians. Still, the other numbers appeared correct based on the correct mass and the correct approach vector. This was indeed sabotage; someone had deliberately altered those two numbers, meaning that it was very crude sabotage, but something that could have had devastating results to the Battlestar if it had not been discovered. Circling the two bad numbers with a red pen and then closing the folder containing the calculations, he walked back out on the Bridge. * * * Hawke "Okay, Hawke, everyone’s here,” Brie said. “Now, would you mind telling us what the frack is going on?”
"One word,Turner." I said as I looked directly at Brie. She let her face slipfor just a micron and I could see she was just as startled as I was a couple of centons ago. But she quickly recovered. "Turner? What's that supposed to mean?" I could hear Sheba groan "Hawwwwwke..." "Look,Major,I have something you should read. But,Commander, I need this to be as buried deeper in classification as anything you've got access to. Concidering all the factors involved here." I said. "Depends on what it is." Sheba says. "Then, maybe you should read my report first before anyone else does. Skyler, with your permission, could I use your computer terminal?" "Be my guest." He points to where the terminal is. I go and sit down to it. I hear Brie ask Sheba what this is all about. "Just wait. I'm sure he has a good reason."she says. "Computer,access the terminal of Lieutenant Hawke."I say. "Access code?" "Aries Three Two Two One Nine Seven One." "Acees granted." "Computer, pull up file: Hawke Nine One Three Alpha" "Ready." "Commander? If you will." Sheba studies the screen. It takes her a good 5 centons to read my report. "You've got it. But not for the reasons you think." Sheba says. "What do you mean?" I ask. "Let her read it first. Then I'll explain." I eye Sheba suspiciously. "Major, be my guest." I get up and Brie sits down. I can only wonder what's going through her mind at this micron. * * * Brie Sitting down in front of Skyler’s computer, Brie knew she wasn’t going to want to read Hawke’s report. She knew what it was going to say before she even read the first word. She sat there for several centons, just staring at the screen. After what seemed like ages Skyler came over and put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asked without having seen the what was on the screen.
Brie turned and looked directly at Hawke. “I thought I had asked you to leave it alone,” was all she could say. * * * Hawke "Please just keep reading the report, Major." I said. The report: From: Lieutenant Hawke, member of Gold Squadron To: Major Brie, Gold Squadron Leader CC: Commander Sheba, Commander of Battlestar Callisto Re: The disappearance of Captain Turner
Major,
First of all I want to explain my motives behind this. After the Nomen disaster, I wanted to do you a big favor in trying to find your missing husband Turner. I felt so guilty about the way I treated you, I felt I had to do something to help you. I would like to think of you as a friend. Despite you telling me (not ordering me) to drop it, I went into a self imposed exilefor a yarhen and started my research. This is what I found (The following are relavant clips from various reports I dug up under alot of classified maaterial):
Time period: The battlestar Callisto was being built and still in drydock at Planet Gamoray. Official Events: Ensign Cal (Colonial Service Number 4865742210) and Captain Turner (CSN 5500145632) are assigned to go on patrol by Commander Apollo of the battlestar Galactica to investigate some Cylon transmissions in Quadrant Epsilon. This was Ensign Cal's first mission. Twenty centons into the mission,Captain Turner communicated to Galactica that they picked up a possible transmission that could be Cylon in origin. Five centons later there was a scream and all transmissions ceased. Every effort was made to search for Captain Turner and Ensign Cal. The patrols searched for two sectons. The only thing that was found was a high engine that was confirmed later to be from a Colonial viper. Evidence was inconclusive to who's viper it was.
Unofficial events: Twentyfour centars after the last transmission was recieved by the Galactica, a random report by an Arien trader was recieved by the Galactica that a Colonial Viper was taken to a Cylon salvage yard in the Epsilon Quadrant where a pilot was found inside unconscience and bleeding. This pilot was taken to Baltar's basestar. Baltar's personal doctor took care of the pilot and restored him to health. Unfortunately, he was tortured for sectons for information that there were reports of a new battlestar being built. They wanted to know the specifications and location of this battlestar. Baltar personally headed the interrigation. The pilot died during questioning by Baltar's hand. The body was taken back to Cylon and presented to Imperious Leader as a trophy upon Baltar's order. Upon arriving there the warrior was dissected for study.
End report
"By the Lords of Kobol! No...." Brie said. She started to break down into tears. "Ok, Commander what's the deal with the classification?" I asked. "We got a report seventytwo centars after the events described in the report. It wasn't Turner. It was Ensign Cal. It was his scream we recieved on the bridge of the Galactica. I was there. I saw the whole thing. If you would have come to me and asked I would have told you." I looked at Brie and said "I'm so sorry Major. I didn't know. And you were so standoffish about it when I asked you about it."
I awaited Brie's response anxiously. * * * Brie “Charybdis was there too,” Brie said slowly, trying to piece everything together. “He was Turner’s best friend, for Sagan’s sake, he knew what he heard.” She shook her head slowly. “I don’t understand, Hawke, why you think you need to pay me back. The Nomen fiasco wasn’t your fault, and without your help Amy would probably be dead. I actually ADMIRED you, the way you put your life and your reputation on the line to end an internal problem. If you hadn’t taken the leave of absence you would have been promoted to Captain after the last Gold Squadron election. You don’t owe me anything.” She took a deep breath. “But there are a couple of things that I just don’t understand. Why did you decide to try to dig all this up when I asked you not to? I’m assuming that you know what is really in my file, how I tried to commit suicide and had a nervous breakdown. I made peace with the situation in my mind a long time ago, why do I have to go through all of this again? And if we know what happened to Cal, what about Turner? Is he dead, alive, still missing or what?” * * *
|
|
|
Post by LucianG on Nov 18, 2006 8:15:07 GMT -6
Hawke Skyler chimes in "And how did you get access to classified material? What's your relationship to Commander Sheba?" I look at Sheba and gave her an "it's your call" look. "Skyler, what I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room,and will be buried so deep Hawke won't be able to find it." She give me a coy smile. "Meet the only known living person on this ship that was a former member of the Colonial Intelligence Services and my personal secret ops officer. Outside of myself, nobody knew about it. As for rank, Major, he could care less about rank. Before the Callisto embarked on it's little voyage, Hawke was personal aide to President Tigh of the Council of The Twelve. I was looking for an aide originally, and President Tigh told me that he had someone in mind that was very good at Secret Ops. I put him as a Lieutenant, put him in a viper and that was that. Hawke, is a, shall we say, pet project of mine..." Sheba said. "And all I care about is being a viper pilot. I am the best viper pilot next to Starbuck & Apollo & Boomer.. It's debatable.... Anyway,Gold Squadron had the best performance rating of the two on this tub, that's why I chose Gold. Gold is my heart & soul. And,Commander, Major Brie knew about my background. I told her. It was need to know. I got around the Callisto info bases using my CIS access codes, some forged Colonial Warrior codes, and some plain old stolen codes. I have contacts all over the place on this tub, but it helps knowing the boss." I said, looking at Sheba. "But what about Turner?" Brie asked. "Until a few centons ago, I thought the pilot in question WAS Turner. I'm sorry Brie, I don't know where he is or what happened to him. I was planning on coming to you personally about this,keeping this extremely quiet. I didn't mean for anyone else to find out about this. As for bringing up emotional baggage, I didn't think that through. I know all about emotional baggage. I gave up a relationship to hunt this information out. Honestly, I am sorry. I could continue hunting for him, if you'd like..." I awaited Brie's answer... * * * Brie Brie paused before giving Hawke her answer. She believed him, she knew that he had done this for her, even though she had asked him not to. She thought that maybe Hawke had dug into her past because he had wanted her to be able to know the truth, one way or another. The thing that Hawke didn’t realize was that Brie didn’t want to know the truth. She wasn’t stupid, she knew that Turner was probably dead but if he had somehow survived she would never see him again. “No,” she said slowly, “there’s no reason to continue. I know that your intentions were good, and you put a lot on the line for me. Thank you for that.”
“If everything is okay here,” Sheba said, “I need to return to the bridge.”
“Can you check on Killjoy?” Brie asked. “I sent a message to JustinB, saying that Killjoy was working on my orders but I didn’t give any details. I don’t know whether or not JustinB has received it yet.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Sheba said. She left the room.
Hawke took a step towards the door. “One more micron, please Hawke,” Brie said. He stopped. “I’m assuming that you overheard my conversation, when I shared my file with Skyler.” Hawke looked a little bit embarrassed, but nodded. “I just want to make sure you realize that the three of us here in this room are the only people who know the whole story." Brie glanced quickly at Skyler before continuing. "No one else, not even Sheba or Charybdis, knows that I faked my breakdown. There was a conspiracy behind Turner’s disappearance, and if this gets out then we’re going to have another internal problem, not to mention people’s lives will be in danger.” * * * Skyler Skyler looked at Brie before turning to Hawk. "Brie is right, if it got out there would be internal problems and lives in danger. IF anything comes out that hurts Brie, I can promise you that the first internal problem would be me, and your life would be the first in danger."
"Understood sir, it was never my intention to harm anyone, I had hoped to be helping the Major......"
Skyler cut Hawke off.."You can best help the Major by respecting her wishes, she asked you to leave it alone, and you continued to..."
"Skyler..." Brie cut in. " what is done is done. Hawke, I hope I can trust you to follow my wishes now, and drop this entire thing?"
"Yes Major, again, I am sorry, I never knew it would come to this..."
"Understood Hawke" Brie cut him off "and if it happens again...well, I am not responsible for Skyler's actions the next time....you may go now...."
Hawke nodded his head, and left Skyler's quarters...
Brie stood facing the spot he had stood. Not moving, not trusting herself to move. Her emotions had drained her energy. She didn't know what to do or which way to turn next. At that moment she felt Skyler place a hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him, her eyes red from a combination of crying, and anger. She wanted to talk but didn't trust herself to with out bursting into tears again. Skyler must have felt it also. He just placed his arms around her and pulled her close to him. She buried her face into his chest and began to cry again. The tears quickly soaking his uniform. She felt his hand gently touch the back of her head, and more felt his voice in his chest than heard it as he spoke and tried to comfort her.......... A feeling of safety overcame her. A feeling she hadn't felt since Turner disappeared..... * * * Brie Brie let Skyler hold her long after the tears had stopped flowing, partly because it felt good to let her guard down and partly because she was dreading what she knew she had to do. She had no idea how much time had passed when she finally pulled away. “Thanks,” she said, slightly embarrassed. She looked up at Skyler and expected to see pity in his eyes. Instead, she saw compassion. “I’d better go, I have something I need to take care of that’s long overdue.” She headed towards the door.
“Are you going to be okay?” Skyler asked.
“Yeah,” Brie said unconvincingly.
“If you need me, I’ll be right here,” Skyler said.
“I just might take you up on that,” Brie said. “Thanks for letting me hide out here, and for, well, thanks again.”
“Anytime.” From the tone of his voice Brie knew that he meant it. Brie walked down the corridor a short distance to her own quarters and the hardest decision she had ever had to make. * * * Skyler The door slid shut after Brie walked out of Skyler's quarters. He sat down at his desk and placed his head in his hands. He knew the pain she was feeling. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was going to have Turner's file closed. Letting go of hope is one of the hardest thing to do, and the most painful. He knew Brie was letting go of her hope that Turner was still alive.
He stood up, walked over to the corner and opened a locked trunk. Inside was a collection of memories. A stack of letters and a couple of pictures of Kellie, his dead fiancé, his Colonial Infantry awards and dress uniform, notes from Mara along with a picture of her. Pictures of long deceased family and friends etc. He removed his uniform shirt and ran his fingers over the quickly drying spot Brie's tears had formed. He folded the shirt and placed it on top of the pile. It would be a painful, sad memory, but not one he wanted to forget. Every time he saw that shirt he would think back to this moment. The moment Brie really needed him, and he was there for her.
He grabbed one of his PT shirts from his wall locker pulled it on, and flopped backwards on his bunk. Staring at the ceiling he quietly asked the Lords to help ease her pain...... * * *
|
|