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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 18:50:02 GMT -6
Lucian On receiving permission, Flight Specialist Geenie said, "Black Squadron wing, you are cleared for launch. Transferring control, launch when ready." * * * Artus Artus was keeping his position behind Amy and paralell to Marcus all the while trying to make either heads or tails of the 'soup' outside his canopy. He thought to himself that it was probably best to keep as much attention on his scanner as possible. Then there was a small flicker at the edge of the screen.
"Captain," Artus called over the comm; "I seem to have movement on the edge of my scanner."
"What is it Artus?" Amy replied.
Artus double checked his scanner, but at this point could find nothing.
"It appears to be gone now. Maybe it was just a glitch."
Marcus cut in over the comm : "Well, they did tell us at the briefing to expect scanner problems.."
Artus found it quite hard to believe that only a short time before he had been playing Pyramid with Amy and Marcus and thinking mostly of.... Best not think about that now. Focus on the mission.
"You're right Marcus, " Artus replied ;"guess I'm just going to have to verify before I call out again." * * * Charybdis Sheba looked worried. We had to alter course to stay away from the Cylons and by doing this, we were basically losing our fix on the Gold squadron mission led by Major Brie.
"Aegina. Send scrambled message to Gold squadron with new coordinates. It's a gamble that the Cylons wont' pick it up with all this system interference, but it's the only chance we have to let Gold squadron know what we're up to."
I couldn't help but think of the consequences if either Brie and her team did not get the message OR the Cylons managed to pick it up instead. Brie and the rest were toast and the Cylons would be able to track right in on us and attack. I kept quiet. This was not my call...
Sheba spoke again. "Finky, have the fighters taken up positions as ordered?"
Finky checked the monitor and flight systems computer, "Yes, ma'am. At least, those that we can pick up on the scanner. But we're not getting much that we can see. If the Cylons come at us, we might not know it until it's too late." she raised her eyebrows as if it already was too late, but we would have to hope for the best and have to rely on those Warriors out there in their Vipers.
Just like always, they were our only line of defense.
The bridge door slid open when Major Lucian and Solon came in wheeling some awful-looking contraption. Sheba turned and said, "I hope there's a good explanation for why your bringing that thing onto the bridge."
Solon cracked a wry and aged smile as he looked over to Major Lucian... * * * Lucian Sheba was looking at Lucian and Solon as she said, "I hope there's a good explanation for why you’re bringing that thing onto the bridge." Lucian detected an emphasis on “thing.”
Seeing Solon smiling at him, Lucian replied, “Yes, Ma’am. It’s either a modulation enhancement device that will enhance our short-range sensors, or it’s a very expensive pile of junk. For purposes of speed, Solon and Fallel designed it using existing circuits from a variety of different devices around the ship. Rather than spend a lot of time making it pretty, they generally left the circuits in place or on their original board, disconnected the unneeded components, and linked it all together with fiber optic jumpers. Since all the sensors converge there, we want to hook it up in the central short-range sensor electronics room just off the bridge. With your permission, of course, Ma’am.” He held out the roughly drawn schematic for her.
She glanced at the circuit for a couple of moments, nodding silently and ever so slightly, then looked back at Lucian and asked, “Is this thing for real?”
Lucian arched his eyebrows slightly and gave a half nod, saying, “I believe so.”
Sheba nodded and the Science Lab officers were on their way to link it into the ship’s circuitry. As Lucian moved to get the latest flight update, she asked, “Major, why not add this on the sensors themselves? I would think that it would be much more effective at the source.”
“It was a matter of time and material, Commander. In this case, we’re short on both. If it works as anticipated, in the long-term, we’ll see about making this enhancement on each sensor device.”
“Carry on, Major.”
He moved to check on the current flight status of the Vipers and to make sure Geenie was ready to relay information to the Vipers, IF it came to that. * * * "Are all remaining Warriors currently without assigned Vipers on standby alert?" he asked.
"Yes, Major. With the exception of those currently on medical furlon, all flight capable Warriors have reported on status and location. We'll be able to shift them to take over incoming Vipers from Warriors who are either injured or have reached physical exhaustion," Lieutenant Finky replied.
"If it comes to that," Lucian said. "Order those not currently on duty to get some rest, just in case. Those filling non-critical functions are to do the same. Make a list of those currently assigned to critical functions and get me a list of potential replacements from those still aboard ship. It will be a while before the Blasanick "Outer" Gold team headed by Major Brie returns, and we're not sure when the long-range Silver Spar survey team will be back, so we may be here a while. If we need those pilots, they need to be rested. I'll review your lists in five centons after I check on the status of our Science Lab guys next door."
"You seem really interested in that thing they brought in here, Sir," commented Finky.
"That 'thing' has the potential to save many of our Warriors, IF it works, and IF it comes to that. Yes, I'm really interested in anything that gives us that advantage. Flight-ready Warriors are too valuable and too hard for us to replace for me not to be interested. Back in five."
* * *
Solon handed him the cable. With so many connections to make a so many precise locations, this was taking a while. He'd had two more Science Lab Techs join them to assist in keeping the parts of the device from shifting and coming loose. They were currently fabricating a frame from computer rack parts to hold everything steady. If all went well, it would not take too much longer. If....
The door slid open and Major Lucian walked into the room to check their status. In his gnarled hand, Solon gripped the gold ball of his cane more tightly. He thought, "Make that if all goes well and we don't get pestered too much!" * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 18:50:47 GMT -6
JustinB After being in position behind the Callisto, for what seemed like centars, I sent a short scrambled message to the Callisto.
"Callisto, Black Leader. Request permission to land half of Black Flight to re-arm and refuel. One viper needs repair of high engine. Once completed, relaunch flight then other half of flight re-arms and re-fuels. Please acknowledge."
I still had quite a decent amoount of fuel left due to me using the ram-scoop system earlier on in the piece. I hope that I would get a reply message soon. Sooner or later the cylons would return and I needed Black Squadron to be able to fight at a moments notice. * * * Lucian "Commander?" Geenie asked.
"Tell them to bring in the entire Wing of four Vipers. Once they are in, see if they need to be relieved by fresh Warriors," she said.
Geenie said, "Captain, bring in your flight to Beta Bay and proceed as requested. Someone will meet you there to determine status."
Commander Sheba called to Lucian who had just returned to the Bridge, again. "Any word on Solon's contraption?"
"They are testing the circuits now. It should be operational in ten centons, assuming there are no glitches," he said.
"Just about the time the Black Squadron Wing relaunches," said Lieutenant Finky, "if the Techs Beta Bay do the job they should."
"With the possible exception of the damaged Viper," said Sheba. "Keep me informed. Major, see if you can get Major BatGal down to Beta Bay to check on her Warriors. She may not be on flight status right now, but she can at least see if her Warriors need to be relieved after a long flight."
"Yes, Commander," said Lucian. "Major Lucian to Major BatGal...." * * * Charybdis I couldn't help but wonder about Brie and her mission to the planet. We had not heard from her for quite awhile now, and specifically, since we had sent out our course correction.
If she did not receive the comminique, then she would have no way to find us in this soup.
I saw Major Lucian leave the bridge to help Solon with that contraption. I approached Commander Sheba with the intent to mention something about the Gold mission, but I thought better of it.
She knew. I didn't have to tell her anything, and besides, it would just cause more worry for everyone around.
These were the times I hated, waiting for some sign to let you know whether your friends were alive or dead... * * * Brie The hike up the mountain was difficult to say the least. Brie wondered if light gravity was worse than heavy gravity. More than once a member of her team stepped down too hard and almost fell. The envirosuits were making things even more difficult.
Brie had brought a long range communicator with them in case they needed to contact the Callisto. Something sounded like it was trying to come through, but after a micron there was just more static. Brie tried to increase the range, and up the mountain they continued. * * * JustinB Once all my flight was launched I said "Flight, before we head back to our previous location, we will conduct a small patrol to our front, then arc around to port until we hook up with Black Flight Two."
On my scanner, I picked up three solid blips. As soon as they became a solid blip, I consulted the warbook. It took only five microns for warbook to identify them as Colonial Vipers. I decided to check them out as it was strange for there to be a person without a wingman.
As my flight caught up to the lead viper I got on the Unicom. "Lead viper, this Black Leader is everything alright?
"Yes Black Leader why do you ask?" replied a very familiar voice. It was Amy.
"Nothing, it just it seems you seem to be short a viper that’s all." I said
"We are trying to find Stadia, that is if she is out here" was her reply. * * * Amy I was holding position, still worried about the fate of Major Brie's mission, when a voice stirred me back to attention.
"Captain," Artus called over the comm; "I seem to have movement on the edge of my scanner."
"What is it Artus?" Amy replied.
"It appears to be gone now. Maybe it was just a glitch."
Marcus cut in over the comm : "Well, they did tell us at the briefing to expect scanner problems.."
"You're right Marcus, " Artus replied, "guess I'm just going to have to verify before I call out again."
Just then I saw the blip on my scanner too, but it rapidly faded into the familiar shape of a colonial viper. Blip identified, I thought to myself.
A voice belonging to the blip came through my com. It was Captain JustinB of Black Squadron. "Lead viper, this Black Leader is everything alright?"
"Yes Black Leader why do you ask?" I replied.
"Nothing, it just it seems you seem to be short a viper that's all".
"We are trying to find Stadia, that is if she is out here", I said. I paused for a moment, then switched to shortwave ship-to-ship. Noone could tap into our conversation.
"JustinB, I am very worried. Major Brie's mission is long overdue for check in, and with our course change we could lose them for good. It's all I can do to just sit here and let crucial microns go by." I paused again. "I'm thinking of picking up their last heading. They could be in real trouble. In this soup, the Callisto wouldn't even know I've gone. I've got that feeling, you know? I've always acted on it, no matter the consequences." I sighed. "I've learned to trust that feeling. And knowing I should have been on that mission to start with doesn't make it any easier."
"What did you run into out there? Can you give me anything before I make a move?" I waited for JusitnB's reply, wondering if Marcus and Artus were up to some rule bending, should I decide to run it past them. * * * JustinB "JustinB, I am very worried. Major Brie's mission is long overdue for check in, and with our course change we could lose them for good. It's all I can do to just sit here and let crucial microns go by." Amy paused. "I'm thinking of picking up their last heading. They could be in real trouble. In this soup, the Callisto wouldn't even know I've gone. I've got that feeling, you know? I've always acted on it, no matter the consequences." Amy sighed "I've learned to trust that feeling. And knowing I should have been on that mission to start with doesn't make it any easier. What did you run into out there? Can you give me anything before I make a move?"
Sensing Amy's emotions I gave her my answer. "Amy, Major Brie is an experienced warrior. As for checking in, from what I could gather her mission was top-secret. If she got the course changes she would maintain radio silence as not to reveal her location. As Captain to Captain, friend to friend you can't go off on and try and reach her. We all know the dangers and the risks when we signed on to be warriors. There are an unknown amount of Cylons in this system. If there are any cylon baseships around, we are going to need all the Warriors we have. If we didn't have the Caprican Questar to take care of, I'd say go for it. Until something is done in reference to the Callisto's scanning abilities, we need all the eyes in the sky we can muster. Plus with warriors still suffering from Hex-I symptoms were are undermanned. What you do once I leave here is up to you. I hope you use your head instead of your feelings." I hoped with all hope she took my advice. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 18:51:35 GMT -6
Amy "...What you do once I leave here is up to you. I hope you use your head instead of your feelings."
I sat back, fingers drumming on the joystick, thinking about the advice JustinB had given me. I finally spoke into the com.
"Wow JustinB" I said with a little laugh, "Where were you all this time? If you'd been around to give me that kind of advice, I could have avoided tons of trouble!" I thought about the various rule-bending I'd done in the past. The Gastronovia thing, my ill-advised attempt to sneak out of sickbay.... I couldn't even sneak out of Brie's quarters for a burger without running into trouble!
And yet, the feeling was still there. I'd gone with my intuition even if it meant bending the rules because at the end of the secton I'd have to live with myself. Brie and her party were in trouble. I just knew it. I could easily get away and pick up her heading...
But I needed more information before I could act. "JustinB, where exactly did you run into Cylons?" I wondered if he'd even tell me. I was listening to him like a brick wall. Would he want to assist me in something he clearly thought was not the right thing to do?
And I thought again of Marcus and Artus. Would they come with me if I told them of my plans? * * * Randrius With the silence between Amy and Justin increasing by the second, he was beginning to suspect that they had went short-wave on them. Randrius thought about it, Stadia missing and the big long silence, he had detected a note of anxiety in Amy's voice when she spoke of the missing Viper, something was up Perhaps it had something to do with the Gold mission. He knew the course change could screw up the Gold's as far as finding there way back was concerned. Randrius short-waved Justin on ship-to-ship frequency, "Hey what's up, whats going on?" He awaited a reply. * * * JustinB I had the feeling that whatever I said, Amy would in the end choose whether to stay or go and Find Brie.
"JustinB, where exactly did you run into Cylons?" Amy said.
I wasn't going to tell her the location of the skirmish. But then it dawned to me that everyone must choose and accept any consequences.
I transmitted the co-ordinates and said, "Look Amy, if you are desperate to find Brie, at least ask for permission. You can tell the Callisto, my flight will be willing to take up your patrol station should you be granted permission."
Hopefully she would at least do that. While I was waiting for Amy's answer, I received a short-waved communication from Randrius on the ship-to-ship frequency, "Hey what's up, what’s going on?"
"Randrius, just trying to sort out something in regards to Amy and her flight. So standby and I will get back to you in a centon or two. Until then stay alert." * * * Artus Artus opened up the comm channel.
"This is lieutenant Artus to captain Amy"
Artus did his best to emphasise the 'captain' as much as he could.
"We've been mulling through this soup for a while now, feeling just about as usefull as when we we're back playing Pyramid. And as anxious as I am to get shot, wich I have heard is quite an exhillerating experience, I will have to abide by the chain of command, so I can not do anything without you ordering me, sir."
Artus once again stressed 'chain of command' and 'ordering'.
"Anyway, " Artus continued; "while not trying to be to forward, captain, I have heard it said that silence is golden, but who ever said that never faced an invisible enemy without orders from a superior officer. So I guess what I'm saying, sir, is that a little instruction would be nice. I can vouch that I will obey your every order, no matter how suicidal it may seem. That's what we all signed up for, didn't we. To go out and get bravely killed in the cold of space. It was good enough for my dad, so it's good enough for me....." * * * Marcus I sat by and listened to the com traffic. Amy had to make a big decision to stay or go. What ever her decision I would be her wingman those were my orders.
I com linked to Amy “Amy I am on your wing whatever you decide to do.”
Artus sounded as impatient as I was feeling. I wanted to go and find out what happened to the mission team and see if they were ok. I would have to set and wait to see what would happen. I hated waiting. * * * Lucian Commander Sheba was busy, so Major Lucian approached Colonel Charybdis.
"Colonel, the short-range sensor enhancer is now on-line. We're picking up at least three and possibly five base-ships out there at the limits of our sensors. Commander Sheba has altered course slightly so we avoid the base-ships. To make matters worse, there is still no word from Major Brie's party. Knowing how hostile that little world is, I've asked that Mission Specialist Fenmarnas prepare the specialized equipment needed for a rescue mission, just in case," Lucian said. "Anyone who happened to go there unprepared would most likely soon be a permanent frozen addition to the landscape."
"What are you saying, Major," asked Charybdis.
"Well, Sir, I've heard that some of our Warriors are growing restless on the escort patrol, especially since we're moving ever further from Brie's location. We need to get her team back here soon, or it's possible that someone might try to go get them."
He paused for Charybdis' response. * * * Charybdis The worried faces around the bridge were not a pretty sight. My friend was out there right in the middle of something that no one knew about. We couldn't track them, we didn't know if they had even made it to their destination, we have changed course and there are confirmed Cylons in the system. How muc worse could it get?
What Major Lucian was insinuating would just add more to the fire by sending out more Warriors in that soup.
THis wasn't my call. The Commander had to make the decision on this one.
"Major, come with me. We're going to have a little talk with the Commander." * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 18:52:08 GMT -6
Lucian After hearing the facts, Commander Sheba said, "Major Brie's team effectively has no way of finding us without us broadcasting our location to the Cylons. The team is far overdue, and without her mission succeeding, we may never be able to rejoin the fleet to help protect our people." She briefly stared out the porthole into the murk that was Blasanick. Turning back, she said, "Colonel, we must go get the object, and if possible, get Brie and her team. Major Lucian, you said the equipment is ready. How quickly can a team be assembled?"
"If the Colonel agrees on the team members, we'll have them ready in less than half a centar."
"Do it. We'll avoid the Base-Ships and limit communications to avoid giving away our position." She turned to deal with the next problem.
* * *
"Captain Amy has the drive to do it, Sir, and she's already been overheard asking for info that leads me to believe she is ready. With your permission, Sir, we'll bring them in immediately, and send them on the way."
Charybdis looked torn, but he had no time. He said, "Major...." * * * Randrius Randrius sat back in his seat and drummed the console agitatedly at JustinB reply. He really did like and respect JustinB, both as a pilot and as a person, even though he had been promoted over Randrius. He didn't have any problem with this, even though he was the veteren of the two. The squadron felt he was better suited to second-in-command and they were probably right. But sometimes, JustinB really grinded his nerves with his occasionally superior attitude. And being told off like a trainee still wet beind the ears from the Academy didn't sit well with him, but he said nothing. Randrius sighed and shook his head, this was the least of his problems. Phantom base-ships and Raider patrols were his difficulty right now. * * * JustinB Once I had given the information over to Amy, I decided it was time to head back over to Rose.
"Amy, whatever happens Good Luck!!" I said as I gave her the thumbs up.
Turning to my flight I said, "Ok guys, we're heading back and rejoining with Rose and her flight." * * * Charybdis Core Command has approved the promotion for Killjoy.
He is hereby awarded the commission of Lieutenant in the Colonial Military. Congratulations!! <chorus of congratulations!!!> * * * Brie Brie and her party had made it to the top of the mountain. It was supposed to be easy, they were to locate a canister with the coordinates of the fleet. Although the climb had been rough it was a relief to finally make it to their destination. After digging and using all the electronic locating felgercarb that they had brought Brie came to one conclusion...the canister wasn't there. * * * Skyler Skyler shook his head inside his EVA suit. Turning to Brie he spoke into the built in comm system.
"Major, I am going to make a few adjustments to the scanners. The canister has got to be around here."
"Go ahead Captain. Let me know what you find. The rest of us will spread out a little bit and look around."
As Skyler changed the settings on the hand unit. He turned it back on and started sweeping the ground they had just covered. He picked up faint traces of metal. The scanners had not been calibrated to search for particles this small. Maybe this was the right spot after all. The canister was here, but now it was gone. As he widen his search area Brie came over the comm unit.
"Looks like there has been some kind of shift in the ice. The cannister must have been carried away with it."
"Major, I think I might have found something too." Skyler broke in. "Microscopic particles of metal matching those used in the canister. It was here alright. The range of these scanners, with the interferance in this system, is drastically limited. I will see if I can find out where it went."
"I think I might know where to start" said Lt. Thunderhawk pointing to a spot some distance away that looked like a Battlestar had landed. It must be where the glacier shifted to.
Not relishing another hike in the EVA suits Brie gave the order to move out. She switched over and tried to call the Callisto again, but still was not getting though. The quicker they found the canister, the sooner they could get off this rock, and back to the Callisto. * * * Amy JustinB waved to me, then veered off with his team to resume his position. I was still thinking over his advice, and the information he had given me about his encounter with the Cylons, when my com link buzzed me back to attention.
"Callisto bridge to Captain Amy" the voice said. I still had to get used to being called a captain. It sounded strange to me.
"Captain Amy here. Go ahead bridge." I wondered what was up.
"New orders, Captain. Proceed to launch bay Alpha with your team."
When no more information was given, I shrugged and replied. "Proceeding to Alpha bay. Amy out." I then switched my com over, and spoke to Artus and Marcus. "Artus, Marcus. Follow me back to Alpha bay. We have a new assignment." I kicked in my turbos and made for Alpha bay, still wondering what was up. * * * While I completed the loop and backed off my turbos, I thought for a moment about Artus and Marcus. They both seemed like excellent warriors. Marcus seemed very capable, and was willing to follow me even when he knew what I was planning could have serious consequences once we got back. Or if we got back. I liked that. It was good to know we were both on the same page, as far as that kind of thinking went.
I wondered about Artus, and the things he had said while I was hashing things over with JustinB. "I can vouch that I will obey your every order", he had said, "no matter how suicidal it may seem. That's what we all signed up for, didn't we. To go out and get bravely killed in the cold of space. It was good enough for my dad, so it's good enough for me....."
The last part struck me hard. He seemed so carefree on the surface. A real charmer. But what had happened to his dad? With both my parents still alive on the agro ship, it was easy to forget the pain others carried with them. Thinking of Artus preoccupied me; I had an instinct to reach out to him, and even though I didn't have anything to say, I hit the com link anyway.
"Hey Artus" I said, "you wanted some orders. What is it they say about being careful what you wish for...." Including Marcus as well, I added: "What ever the assignment is, at least it's going to be legit." * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 18:52:48 GMT -6
Charybdis I could barely bring myself to nod my head slightly OKing the mission members. Amy was going to be leading one of the most dangerous missions we had encountered. One which Brie undertook a while ago and had not returned...yet.
I knew deep down that I did not want Amy to go. Her last mission had ended up so...well, let's say that based on that, if it were up to me, she would never go out there again.
But...
lived hung in the balance. She was the most senior flight leader and her position warranted her leading the mission.
It would have been a little easier to let someone else go. I know that sounds kind of callous, but then again, my heart wasn't involved with anyone else like it was with Amy.
I had no idea where we stood romantically anymore. Our dealing with each other was very formal, almost antagonistic lately. Especially after I played it by the book to keep her off Brie's mission in the first place.
I guess Amy will get her wish after all. She's going on the mission just like she wanted to in the first place.
Frack! * * * Marcus As I was setting and thinking about what was happing to the mission team Amy came over the com "Follow me back to Alpha bay. We have a new assignment."
I wondered what was up. I contacted Amy "Copy that, What’s up ?" She replied, "What ever the assignment is, at least it's going to be legit."
Hopefully they would send us to find Major Brie and the others. It sounded like that’s what they were doing. I hit the turbos and headed for Alpha bay. * * * Amy I completed my approach and flew into the landing bay. In this soupy space we were currently in, I couldn't hardly see the bay at all until it slowly appeared to me as if out of a mist. I kept my eyes on my instruments and readouts, and finished off a near perfect landing in spite of the conditions.
I pulled my viper to one side, popping the canopy as I parked. I climbed up and out, jumping down to the deck, turning to watch Artus and Marcus complete their landings. They too appeared to be coming out of a fog as they entered the bay. I pulled off my helmet and gave my hair a quick shake as they parked. A flight attendant came over to me as Artus and Marcus approached.
"Captain Amy?" the attendant asked.
"Yeah", I replied.
"Colonel wants you on the bridge".
"Okay" I said. I looked at Artus and Marcus. "Well" I said, "Guess I'll go find out what's up." I turned to go, then turned back. As the attendant walked away, I said in a low voice, "Thanks you too, for sticking with me." I meant it for more than just them being my wingmen. They both had been willing to follow me in any decision I made. It was worth all the cubits in the universe to know that.
I looked at both of them. Marcus, steady, dutiful, a good warrior. Artus, still giving off that charm even when he was just standing there, but what was going on beneath that carefree exterior? I found myself distracted, and wondered if it had shown on my face in the brief micron it took me to recover. I turned and headed for the turbolift.
My head was filled with many thoughts as I made for the bridge. Did this new assignment have anything to do with Major Brie? Was there trouble? Or was I in trouble? I was certain I was on a secure channel when I was talking with Captain JustinB. I hoped I hadn't gotten him into any mess by getting information out of him. In between these thoughts, Artus kept appearing. I shook my head to focus as I stepped out onto the bridge.
I looked around, and saw Colonel Charybdis up on the smaller second level of the bridge, looking intently at the readout screens. I swallowed, and walked toward him. Time to find out what was going on.
"Excuse me, Colonel" I said to get his attention. "Captain Amy reporting as ordered." * * * Charybdis I looked up to see her. Beautiful as ever. No wonder everyone she practically meets seems to have some sort of attraction for her.
Our eyes met. You could tell that there was something there, between us, more than just Warrior to Warrior. We had been through so much together over the past couple of yahrens.
But...now was not the time.
"Follow me. Commander wants to see you in the war room..."
We turned and headed off the bridge to where Sheba was waiting... * * * Amy I followed Colonel Charybdis as he made his way to the room off the bridge. As I entered, Commander Sheba was busy with some other business and didn't look up right away.
I just stood there, my eyes glancing around, falling now and again onto Charybdis. It was awkward, standing there, not being able to say anything about, well, anything. The last time I had seen him I was pretty angry with him about my getting bumped off the mission with Major Brie. I guess I was still mad, if I allowed myself to dwell on it all again.
My mind began to wander, and I found myself thinking of Artus again. That made me feel really awkward as I looked over and saw Charybdis looking right at me. I shifted my weight a little, and smoothed my hair a little with one hand, trying to look as presentable as possible for the commander. It's not easy to look crisp when you've just been cooped up for endless centons in a viper.
I realized that my thoughts were all over the place. Looking back at Charybdis, I started thinking about the two of us. He could be such a sweet guy, and really was. I felt myself ready to smile... but no. Still mad. Don't give in. You'd still like to wring his neck, Amy, remember?
Just then Sheba straightened up and turned to face us. Thank the lords. Lets hear it and let me out of here! * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 18:54:15 GMT -6
Artus "Okay" Amy said. She looked at Artus and Marcus. "Well" I said, "Guess I'll go find out what's up." I turned to go, then turned back. As the attendant walked away, I said in a low voice, "Thanks you too, for sticking with me."
Arus found his mind started wandering as he looked back at her. He tried to look his best for her, giving his warmest, carefree smile. He thought it might even have had some effect as Amy looked less tense, but only for a micron. Then she turned and headed for the microilift.
"Yep, there goes quite a lady " Artus said.
"I have to agree with you on that one." was the reply Marcus gave.
It was only now that Artus realised he had actually said that out loud. He immediately tried to recover his posture, but all he could manage was a muffled; "Uh, yeah, right."
"I've been meaning to ask you, " Marcus continued ; "not that I want to meddle in anything that's not my business, but what was going on in that cardgame before I walked in?"
Artus' reply was less than subtle.
"Eh, well, eh, yes, well, ehm. That was something that could be viewed as, ehm as, ehm classified. Yes that's it: classified."
Marcus raised his eyebrows ; "Classified?" he said unbelievingly.
Artus just grinned.
So Marcus continued; "If you don't mind me saying so, eh, sir, you seem a little distracted ever since we flew with the captain."
"well Marcus, first of all, don't call me sir. I'm not used to liking that. Anyway, I think we might be sent after Major Brie's team and while I am all for that, it's just...."
Artus fell silent.
"Just what?" Marcus asked
Artus sighed.
"It's just that I really hate getting cold." * * * Marcus As I finished the conversation with Artus I wanted to go and get a quick bite whil we waited for Amy to return. “Hey Artus do you want to and get a quick bite?”
Artus seemed taken with Amy I could not blame the guy she was a beautiful woman after all. If I were not interested in someone else I would not mind being with her. Oh well.
“Well Artus I will meet you at the mess hall if you want some food. If not I’ll get you something to eat.” As I headed off to get some chow I stiil kept thinking about Brie and the mission team I hoped they were allright there still had been no reply from them. * * * Artus “Well Artus I will meet you at the mess hall if you want some food. If not I’ll get you something to eat.” Marcus said as he headed off towards the mess hall.
Artus snapped back into reality from the daydream he just had.
"No, sure, I'll come with you Marcus"
He fell in just behind Marcus.
"So, ensign, why don't you tell me a little about yourself. We fly together, but we know almost next to nothing about each other's personal life. Tell you someting else though, maybe we'd better coma up with some call signs for this next mission, because Marcus and Artus might get a little confusing over the comm system. Did I ever tell you about the confusion over the comm that once happened to me while I was still a cadet? Oh, never mind about that, you were about to tell me your life story....."
Artus seemd to have recovered from his momentary lapse of reason and was back to his old babbeling self.... * * * Marcus Artus was saying “No, sure, I'll come with you Marcus"
"So, ensign, why don't you tell me a little about yourself. We fly together, but we know almost next to nothing about each other's personal life. Tell you something else though, maybe we'd better coma up with some call signs for this next mission, because Marcus and Artus might get a little confusing over the comm system. Did I ever tell you about the confusion over the comm that once happened to me while I was still a cadet? Oh, never mind about that, you were about to tell me your life story....."
“Well I was born on Caprica. My father worked on vipers in the repair department and my mother stayed at home. As I was growing up my father taught me how to work on the vipers. I got to be pretty good at it and started to help him when I could. At the time all I wanted to do was work and fly in the vipers. Then the cylons attacked and my father and I were the only ones to make it. After that I begin to study and learn as much as I could while I waited to become a warrior. Well that is about it.” “As for call signs I don’t know on that one.” “What sound good for you?”
“What about your self and your life Artus.” * * * A call came in over the com system “Ensign Marcus and Lt. Artus report to Alpha bay.” * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:41:05 GMT -6
Amy I stood waiting in the war room as Commander Sheba finished up with other pressing matters. I fidgeted, awkward in the silence hanging between Charybdis and me, yet unable to do anything about it. Of all places, this wasn’t the time to talk about personal matters. As my glance passed over Charybdis now and again, I still found myself thinking of Artus, which made things just that much more uncomfortable.
At last Sheba stood and turned to face us. To Charybdis she said, “Could we have a moment alone, Colonel?†Charybdis looked at me, then nodded to the Commander. I watched in surprise as he made for the door.
When he was gone, Sheba turned to me and asked, “Is there something you might want to tell me, Captain?â€
I looked back with a blank look. “I’m not sure I understand, Ma’amâ€.
“Sometimes ship to ship communication isn’t as secure as it’s cracked up to be.†Sheba leaned back on the big war room table, crossing her arms. I realized that she knew what I had been thinking of doing. Sheba spoke again. “Do you have any information about the classified mission of Gold Squadron?â€
“No Ma’am†I replied.
Sheba spoke in a softer voice. “You didn’t violate orders, Captain. Yet you were doing a little fact finding, shall we say. How would you have known where to go?â€
I swallowed. Busted! It was as if she could read my mind. “I noted the heading of Gold Squadron when they launched†I replied.
Sheba stood there looking me over for the longest time. She sighed at long last, perhaps deciding to move on, for she said, “Want to know where you are headed?â€
“Ma’am?â€
“I’m assigning you to follow up on the Gold mission. We don’t know their status, but we have to make course changes that will strand them with no way to get back to us. We’ve tried one communication attempt with no success. And with the recent discovery of Cylons in the area, more communications could be intercepted and compromise our safety.â€
“I understand.â€
“I honestly don’t think you do, Captain†she replied matter-of-factly. “Blasanick Outer, for want of a better name, is a small, rocky planet locked in perennial cold without an atmosphere breathable by humans. With gravity only 20 to 30 percent of standard, frozen methane snow covering much of the planet, and heavy radiation from the huge red star, it’s a truly inhospitable place. And that’s where you’ll be going as mission leader.†I didn’t say anything this time. Sheba hit a button, and buzzed for Colonel Charybdis to come back in. I caught his gaze for a moment as he entered. Then Sheba drew my attention again.
“Still feel like going?†she asked, though it really wasn’t an open invitation for me to say no.
“Yes Ma’amâ€.
“You’ll fly the shuttle, already outfitted with survival gear. Landram, snow sleds, mountain climbing gear and so on. Lt. Artus and Marcus will be assigned to the shuttle with you. You will have two vipers as escort, led by Captain Stadia. Your primary mission will be to make contact with the team lead by Major Brie, and to lead them back to our new co-ordinates.â€
“Is there a secondary mission, Commander?†I asked.
Sheba nodded. “Yes there is. Should you be unable to locate Major Brie’s team, or find it unable to complete its mission, you are to assume control as the primary mission team.â€
I swallowed. I didn’t like the implications of that. “And what exactly is the mission of Major Brie’s team, Commander?â€
“That†Sheba stated, “is classified. Under no circumstances is this to be repeated outside the members of your team.†I nodded that I understood. “If the circumstances require it, Captain, this is your mission.†I stepped up to the table to look at the information Sheba had spread before her.
* * *
After the briefing concluded, I saluted and walked toward the door. I heard Sheba say "You're dismissed too, Colonel, thank you", and Charybdis fell into step behind me as we both walked out of the war room. * * * Charybdis I followed Amy outside of the war room. She stopped and took a look at me. I couldn't really tell what she was thinking. She used to say that she could never read my face, but I was finding it increasingly harder to tell anything about hers as well.
We knew the danger of her mission. I looked into her eyes. I realized at that moment that I truly loved her...
but I could not continue like this. It had to come to another end, on my terms. Sometimes you have to let go for the sake of both of you. But now was not the time.
"You take care out there." It was all I could stammer out of my mouth. It sounded too routine, but it was heartfelt. * * * Amy Thoughts flooded through my mind as I stood on the bridge looking at Charybdis. This was one tough mission I was facing, my first as Captain, and the first time I've ever led a team. I asked for it though, through my actions, and now the consequences had to be faced. I deep down really wanted this assignment, for my concern for Major Brie and her team was very real. But now that I knew the entire mission, and what Brie right now was facing, I could feel the weight of responsibility bearing down on me.
I should have been with Brie right now. That thought had never left my mind since I had been bumped on what amounted to a medical technicality. I knew that I was at fault to some extent, but I still was upset at Charybdis for following the black and white of it. And now I was going anyway, but I had no desire now to throw that fact at him.
It dawned on me that I easily might not return from this mission. It was a feeling that closed in on me as I looked at him. He had said something once about seizing the moment, taking what you could while you had the time, and I began to think about all the time I had wasted. But everything has it's own timetable, and I couldn't rush the process of sorting through my deepest feelings and what truly lie in my heart. Maybe now events would never allow that process to run it's coarse. Maybe it was all too late...
It was on impulse, really, that I suddenly kissed him. It so quick I caught him by surprise when my arms were just around his neck and I was kissing him. Seize the moment, Amy. There might not be many left.
I just as quickly stepped back, but kept my hands on his shoulders. "I'll take care" I said. "You too." I let go of him and rubbed my eye, then ran a hand through my hair. Suddenly I wanted time, a lot of time, but for me it had run out. I had to go, and I had no idea if the feelings would be so strong when I got back. If I got back. "Guess I'd better get moving...." * * * Charybdis I was caught by the sudden kiss! She could be so free when she wanted to. It was what I loved about her. But this fracking war, these missions, were killing all of us slowly, in a way that we could never understand.
She turned to walk into the unknown. "Amy," I shouted after her.
She stopped for a moment to look back at me. "May the Lords of Kobol be with you."
She stared into my eyes. I perceived the slightest nod. She knew I wanted the best for her. She knew...
She turned and left...
I took a deep breath. I noticed all the activity on the bridge around me. Techs running, computers whining and pinging, the ship itself seemed alive.
Funny how all was silent when I was talking to Amy. I didn't notice any of that other stuff... * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:41:59 GMT -6
JustinB My flight and I had no sooner than rejoined with Lieutenant Rose's flight, when I saw Amy and her flight land in Alpha Landing Bay. This struck me as a little odd as Silver Spar Squadron was still yet to return. I hoped that they were alright.
"Randrius, we should take position in front of the Callisto where Amy was don't you think?" I asked.
"Yes," was his reply in a sort of mystified tone.
"Ok then, you take RaycerX on a port side sweep to co-ordinates and I will meet you there after Killjoy and I do a starboard sweep." I said as I inputted the co-ordinates, "Rose, you stay safe back here. I will meet up with you back on the Callisto once we are eventually relieved."
I was curious of why Amy and her flight was ordered to land. I had a nagging feeling that it had something to do with Gold Squadrons Secret Mission. Centons later we received a cryptic message from Flight Specialist Geenie.
"All vipers this is Callisto, we now have extended scanning capabilities. We will now be able to keep you apprised of any situation that develops."
"Well," I said to Killjoy, "that should make things easy for us. I wonder how they extended their scanner range?" * * * Randrius Randrius slid his Viper smoothly into the designated position and matched speeds with the Callisto. He saw Raycer slide around to a flanking position after a second. He had heard the news that the Callisto's long-range sensors had been extended and deotedly wondered how this had been managed. "Wonder how they managed to extend te sensors," he said to Raycer. "I have no clue, no I want it on my Viper." Randrius agreed whole-heartedly. * * * Stadia After moving her viper from the repair bay to where the shuttle was located, Stadia began to prepare it for long range flight. She stored the rations and emergency supplies and return to the deck to check on the engine and make sure the repairs were made.
She smiled as she rubs her hand across the wing of her viper. She thought, " oh god how great it felt to be back in flight." * * * Amy I left the bridge, my head swimming with thoughts of the mission, and of Charybdis. Who knew what lie ahead for me with both of them? I'd just have to concentrate like hades on my assignment, or nothing else would matter. Still, a part of me wondered if I'd ever see him again.
I reached the launch bay to find the shuttle already in place, pointed toward the huge opening at the far end of the hanger. As I approached I saw Captain Stadia nearby. I smiled. There she was!
"Hey Captain" I said as I walked up. "Good to see you." A flight attendant walked up, offering me an inventory of supplies. I took the readout, and scanned down the list. It all seemed in order...
I looked up, and noticed that Artus and Marcus weren't in the bay. "Could you have Lt. Marcus and Artus paged to Alpha bay?" I asked the attendant. He nodded and moved off.
I walked up to the shuttle. "I hate flying these things" I said to Stadia. "Big, boxey, bulky... I mean, I can do it, I just don't like to. Give me a viper any day over this." We were standing at the base of the on-ramp now. Time to see if the inventory sheet matched the actual load inside.
Inside the shuttle it was poorly lit, and I waited for my eyes to adjust. Several techs were in there, latching down some of the gear. Dominating the storage area was the big landram, outfitted for snow conditions.
"We all set here?" I asked the techs.
"Yes Ma'am" one of the techs replied. He turned and took the readout from my hand, and proceeded to begin going over the loaded supplies, matching each item on the sheet to an item on board.
I took a quick peek at my chrono. In less than an hour, we'd be on our way. * * * Marcus As me and Artus were eating A call came in over the com system “Ensign Marcus and Lt. Artus report to Alpha bay.” “Well Artus we better get going. It sound like Amy got out of the meeting and we will get to know what is going on. We better grab a quick bite for Amy as well.”
After we got a quick bite for Amy we headed for Alpha bay. We arrived in the bay and noticed Stadia was there by a shuttle along with Amy.
“What’s up Captain? What happened in the meeting? Are we in trouble?” "Glad to see you Stadia." * * * Amy Marcus had asked if we were in trouble. I laughed a little at the question. "That depends on how you define trouble, Marcus" I said with a little smile.
"We are going to Blasanick Outer" I told him. "To follow up on the mission of Major Brie and Gold squadron. I pointed to the load of gear inside the shuttle, all stuffed around the huge snow-equiped landram. "It's a cold, dead rock. No atmosphere to speak of. So I hope you like the cold."
"You, Artus, and I will be in the shuttle" I continued. "Stadia here will be flying viper support."
I noticed the food package in his hand. "Is that for me?" I asked. "I'd totally forgotten about eating anything. I'm starved." * * * Stadia I had to laugh at Amy. She, despite all that she had been through, managed to make men squirm.
The men looked at me as amy told them I would be flying viper. I looked them up and down wondering if they were upto the challenge of this mission. They didnt seem like they were.
"Captain if you will excuse me. I must finish prepping my viper for the flight." Amy nodded. Artus and Marcus smiled at her and then turned back to listen to Amy.
I returned to my viper and continued to check the repairs to my viper. I had been away to long. It took me awhile to screw my head back on. He had done a number on my head and on my heart.
I finished double checking the repairs and jumped down from the viper wing. I climbed up into the cabin and sat there gathering my thoughts about me. This is my first mission since all that garbage happen. I don’t know if I am up to this.
I hold my hand up its shaking . I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:42:42 GMT -6
Artus "Captain if you will excuse me. I must finish prepping my viper for the flight." Amy nodded. Artus and Marcus smiled at her and then turned back to listen to Amy. Artus took another look at Stadia walking away.
"You know Marcus, I get the feeling she doesn't like us very much. I might even add that with her entire ice-queen routine maybe captain Stadia would be more suited for the snowball part of the mission."
Amy could not help but grin.
"I see you are back to your old cheerfull self, Artus."
"Well, I was about to tell Marcus my life story, a truly inspiring tale, even though I do star in it myself. Unfortunately we were called away before I could even start." Artus replied with a great smile on his face.
Inside Artus was feeling incredibly miserable. He had a feeling of being sick in the stomach. And at the same time he was having these warm feelings for Amy. But he kept feeling that overwhelming sense of, well what was it? Fear? No, that couldn't be. But then again, this whole thing was just too much like Zero, the mission from wich his father did not return. Well, he always wanted to be like his father. Now he would even get to die like him. Great. But for now he would continue to do what hye always did; play the clown.
"Right captain, " he said to Amy; "Marcus and I were already discussing the particulars of the mission and we thought our names might be a little confusing over the comm system. But you can clear that up later."
Now it was Marcus' turn to smile.
Artus continued; "I do hope that they will issue us some extra underwear, because even though we have the inspiring view of our commanding officer to keep us warm, I do sincerely hate the cold…” * * * Marcus Amy was saying "We are going to Blasanick Outer". "To follow up on the mission of Major Brie and Gold squadron. She pointed to the load of gear inside the shuttle, all stuffed around the huge snow-equiped landram. "It's a cold, dead rock. No atmosphere to speak of. So I hope you like the cold."
"You, Artus, and I will be in the shuttle" I continued. "Stadia here will be flying viper support." I asked “Who gets to fly the shuttle?” “I don’t mind the cold.” “I am pretty good at driving the landram”
Artus was saying "You know Marcus, I get the feeling she doesn't like us very much. I might even add that with her entire ice-queen routine maybe captain Stadia would be more suited for the snowball part of the mission." I said “I agree with you, but she may have other problems to deal with for now we need to get ready to leave.” I headed into the shuttle to get ready to leave. * * * Artus Artus could not agree with Marcus more.
"One more thing, though" he said turning to Amy; "you know, cap, maybe we should bring one of those robot daggets. After all, isn't what a search and rescue mission in a hostile environment what those things were built for in the first place? Never hurts to bring a faithful dagget along, especially if we hang a keg filled with ambrosia from its neck. I don't pretend to know Major Brie or any of her party that well, but I have never met a warrior who could pass up ambrosia yet." * * * Amy "Pretty funny snowball joke" I said. "But don't you worry about Captain Stadia. She's a great warrior, and she'll be there when we need her."
Marcus asked who would be flying the shuttle. I turned to him. "Marcus, you are more than welcome to fly the shuttle out of the bay. We'll have to go over the flight plan together though. There have been Cylon sightings."
As far as our names were concerned... "Well" I said, "We could call you two Art and Marc. No that's no good. Tus and Cus? Not much better!" I laughed. "Since you two have a first initial that's part of my name, we could call ourselves A, M, and Y!" I laughed again. "Maybe it needs more thought." We all laughed.
"One more thing, though" Artus said; "you know, cap, maybe we should bring one of those robot daggets. After all, isn't what a search and rescue mission in a hostile environment what those things were built for in the first place?"
"Never hurts to bring a faithful dagget along, especially if we hang a keg filled with ambrosia from its neck. I don't pretend to know Major Brie or any of her party that well, but I have never met a warrior who could pass up ambrosia yet."
"Odd" I replied, "But I did know a warrior who could. Strange guy named Anubis. Good warrior, but no grog. Anyway, it's a good thought about the dagget, though I hope this mission never turns into a search and rescue one. But a dagget wouldn't hurt."
"Care to see if you can find one? We launch in thirty microns." * * * Lucian The red-headed woman with the bun walked up to the group at the shuttle, with a young dark haired man following. Captain Amy smiled slightly when she approached and asked, "Hi Fenmarnas," speaking to Gold Squadron's Mission Specialist, "is there anything else we need to know about the goodies you've packed for us?"
"Everything is on the data disc on the shuttle computer. Study it carefully before you land. It's our best educated guess about what you'll face on the snowball you're visiting."
Amy looked at the man behind her, wondering if Fenny should be speaking openly like this. She recognized the young man, who appeared to be in his early to mid 20's, as the Outlander from Frodar Epsilon Alpha, but she couldn't remember his name. From looking at his face, she could tell he wasn't happy about something.
"It's okay, Captain. Fallel, here, is briefed on a small portion of your mission. He and Solon in the Science Lab have cooked up another of those short range scanner enhancers. Since the Callisto may have to change course after you leave us if we run into any of the Cylons out there, this should give you a better chance of finding us when you return...." She didn't vocalize the rest of the sentence "with Major Brie." but both Amy and Fenny knew what she meant.
"You're launching in moments, Captain, so here's the info on the circuitry. If you bump it around very much, you may have to restore some connections since this thing is pretty fragile." Artus and Marcus frowned at each other when Fallel said that, so he added, "Don't worry. For ordinary takeoffs, landings, and maneuvering, it should be okay." He stressed the "should" a little more than Amy liked. Finally, Fallel concluded, "Captain, I hate to have to say this, but if anything happens to you, eat that paper. We sure don't want the Cylons to find it."
Fallel said, "Good luck." He turned and left, the disappointment at not being allowed to accompany them on the mission washing over him. He was none too confident about how much jostling their oversized contraption could take, and if anything happened to it, he wished he could be with them to fix it. Maybe, for their sakes, it would be an easy trip. Maybe....
Fenmarnas, who was actually none too confident about the "rescue" mission herself, still did her usual fine job of encouraging those going on dangerous missions. She put a cheerful grin onto her face as she held out her hand to the group and said, "May the Lords be with you on your mission." * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:47:23 GMT -6
Stadia I hold my hand up its shaking. I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. _________________________________________________________
The nerves were hitting me. I began to doubt my abilities. What if the effects of the crystal hadn’t gone away? Oh by the Gods, Stadia! Your never going to know if you don’t go back out there.
Stadia looks down at the flight control and then looks out at Amy, Artus and Marcus, laughing slightly as she says their name to herself. Suddenly she stops laughing. She wishes she could let people in but she swore to herself she would not be hurt like that again.
Stadia turned back to the flight controls and started to flip switches to warm up her viper for flight. Her thoughts trailed to thoughts of the mission. This was a mission made more dangerous by the fact that was no concrete information on their destination and the threat of Cylons. * * * Amy The extra scanner equipment had been loaded onto the shuttle, and I watched with skeptical eyes as it was made as secure as possible. To try and keep it from getting bumped around seemed like the last possible thing we could do. If we had to land on Outer, with conditions as hard as we'd been told they were, I couldn't see the equipment surviving. Or if we ran into Cylons.... Well, I guess if the equipment tipped us off even a few millicentons earlier, it would have served it's purpose.
I took a final glance around the launch bay, looking for what, I didn't know. I'd already said my goodbyes to Charybdis. There wasn't a reason for him to be down here. Somewhere deep inside, I part of me was kind of hoping that there was a reason. I shook my head to snap out of it. This was no time for sentiment.
I turned around and nearly walked straight into Artus. I jumped, then backed up a step, and ran a nervous hand through my hair. "Guess there's no reason why we can't get started" I said. We both turned and headed into the shuttle. "Ever find us a dagget?" I asked as we entered. I noticed Marcus at the controls, waving me over.
As I walked up to him he asked, "I need those flight coordinates, Captain." I nodded, pulling out the flight plan part of my sealed orders. I'd need to go over all of it with them, but for now, we just needed to get into space. I spread the sheet out on the instrument panel, and leaned over next to him, pointing out the path to take, and where the hot spots of Cylon activity were, at least as far as we knew.
I stood back up, and looked at Artus, then back at Marcus. "Okay" I said. "Launch positions. We're out of here." I leaned forward, and hit ship to ship, radioing Captain Stadia in her viper. "Everything set, Captain?" I asked.
"Good to go" Stadia replied.
I nodded again to Marcus. "Let's go" I said as I turned and strapped myself in. Artus was already in the seat next to me.
From the front of the ship I could hear Marcus's voice. "Bridge, this is Gold Shuttle 2, requesting permission to launch."
A tinny sounding voice came back through the speaker. "Core systems transferring control to Gold Shuttle 2, and to Gold Viper support. Launch when ready..." * * * Artus "In response to your earlier question, captain, " Artus said to Amy as she sat next to him ; "I'm afraid I was unable to find us a dagget at such short notice. I did however manage to bring along some odd bits and pieces, just in case the little science project they encumbered us with isn't all its cracked up to be."
Artus could not help but notice the wonderfull smell of Amy's hair.
Amy looked at him with surprise in her eyes. "Something some of the greatest minds in the fleet thought up, and you call it a science project and even expect to be able to fix it?"
"Well, fix may be a big word. Turn it into something usefull perhaps."
Amy looked sceptical.
"Take a look at this one for instance. " Artus continued, while handing Amy something that looked like a Warrior's pistol with some extra bits added on to it.
Amy took it from him with growing apprehension.
"Now gently squeeze the trigger," Artus added; "don't worry, it's perfectly safe."
I hope, he thought to himself.
Amy did as he said, and she felt the gun grow warm in her hands.
"It's getting warm!" she said with surprise in her voice.
"Yes, it's supposed to!" Artus said gleefully; "I've turned a normal warrior's pistol into a hand held heating device. Very good to be able to warm your hands on an arctic planet like we are going to!"
Artus' smile stretched from ear to ear.
"Great," Amy said; "so how do I make it shoot again?"
"Shoot?" Artus replied; "Er, well, it doesn't shoot. Anymore."
Amy frowned.
Artus sighed and said ; "Well, it isn't perfect.." * * * Amy "Great," I said; "so how do I make it shoot again?"
"Shoot?" Artus replied; "Er, well, it doesn't shoot. Anymore."
I frowned.
Artus sighed and said ; "Well, it isn't perfect.."
"Well" I replied, "Just make sure you pull the right pistol if we have to shoot Cylons, or it won't just be your hands that will be red. You'll have a red face to go with it."
The thought of firing a hand warmer at a Cylon made me smile, then I started to laugh. I handed the warmer back to Artus. "It is very resourceful of you, Artus. I like it. I'm not a big fan of cold, so I'm sure we'll end up wrestling for your warmer if we have to land on Outer."
"Ever been on a snow planet?" Artus asked.
"Actually, I've only been on two planets in my life so far. One good one, and one horrible one, but no snow ones yet." I shuddered thinking about my last visit to a planet, and those Lizard Creatures and what they did to me. "I wished I'd known the home worlds. I hate the Cylons for robbing me of what was mine. I'll never really know what I've lost. Sort of leaves an empty spot inside, you know?"
I'd been born in space, on an Agro ship a few yahrens after the 12 worlds were destroyed. I would never know what it was like to live there. "Metal ships" I said forlornly. "It's all I've known. I feel sometimes like it's all I'll ever know." * * * Artus I'd been born in space, on an Agro ship a few yahrens after the 12 worlds were destroyed. I would never know what it was like to live there. "Metal ships" I said forlornly. "It's all I've known. I feel sometimes like it's all I'll ever know."
"Don't talk like that, " Artus said; "I'm sure we'll find earth someday, and then all this beating around the galaxy fighting cylons will be over."
Artus really had difficulty seeing Amy hurt like that.
"I was really young when we left the colonies, so I hardly remember them myself. I went with my mother aboard the Rising Star, while my father, being a colonial warrior, was stationed on the Galactica. So I've been mostly around metal ships as well. But look at it this way, it's a lot better than what the cylons have planned for us."
Amy looked surprised.
"I didn't know your father was in the colonial military as well."
Artus sighed; "It's a long story, maybe I'll tell you about it one day."
Marcus called out from the front of the cockpit; "Hold on, you two back there! We are lifting off!" * * *
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