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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:48:11 GMT -6
JustinB We had been out in front of the Callisto, for what seemed like centars. Everyone had held up as I expected they would. I had a lot of confidence in my men. The long time being cramped up in a viper was starting to take its toll, not to mention the tiredness.
Looking over at Killjoy, I noticed he was starting to be constantly shifting in his seat to keep comfortable. Admitting to myself, I was beginning to feel the same as well. I decided to do something about it.
"Callisto, this is Black Lead. How do you copy?" I said. "Callisto, I was just wondering if it was possible if we can get update? I mean we have been flying for a long time without hearing a word. Please send instructions or further orders." Hopefully we would get a prompt reply. * * * Lucian "Read you, Black Lead. Stand by," said Geenie. "Major Lucian, Black Lead has just broken comm silence. He's asking for an update."
Lucian was observing the short range scanner. Its readout was being enhanced by Solon and Fallel's "contraption," and so far, he didn't like what he was seeing. Cylon Raiders periodically appeared on the limits of the scanner, but so far, none had ventured within engagement range. Commander Sheba was doing her best to avoid contact, since it was believed that there were three, four, or, as hard as it was to believe, even as many as seven Base-Ships in the area. Lucian was praying that most of those were reflections bounced off the gas in the system, but he wasn't ready to put any cubits on it.
He was about to step over to Geenie's station when he saw something that did not please him. He watched intently for a few moments, then said, "Geenie, I'll take it."
What he was about to do could mean instant death for at least four of his Warriors, his friends, but he could not take a chance of the Callisto being discovered. He gave a curt half-shake of his head, breathed a short, frustrated sigh, and said, "'B', this is 'G'. You've got three tin triads on near intersect. Adjust 10 right, 20 down, then power engines and lights down! Now! You must not be seen. Copy? Will contact shortly." * * * JustinB I knew in my heart I should not have broken radio silence. The only saving grace was that we were blind scanner wise and the fact we had not heard from the Callisto. I was beginning to wonder if I hade been heard when I got a reply.
"Read you, Black Lead. Stand by," said Geenie. After a short break came another voice.
"'B', this is 'G'. You've got three tin triads on near intersect. Adjust 10 right, 20 down, then power engines and lights down! Now! You must not be seen. Copy? Will contact shortly."
FRACK!! More cylons nearby. They don't even register on the scanners. I thought to myself.
I quickly relayed the information to the others via the secure channel, “Flight no time to explain. Adjust 10 right, 20 down, then power engines and lights down! Now!"
We performed the manoeuvre and shut down as one. I kept looking around constantly, hoping not see any cylons. For if we did encounter any, the Callisto would be forced to watch us battle for our lives while putting distance between her and us.
I could live with that and so could Randrius and RaycerX. Killjoy being on his first mission must be pretty nervous by now." ******************** One moment Killjoy was trying to stay comfortable, next thing he hears is a strong worded order from JustinB. He performed a sharp turning manoeuvre then shut down his engines and turned off all lights.
"I wonder what in the name that is holy is going on," he said. He saw Captain JustinB constantly scanning the space around him and then it dawned on him. CYLONS in the area, he thought to himself. He too then started scanning as well. * * * Randrius Randrius performed the required manuever without question and kept a shard eye out for Raiders. This was definitley not his favorite kind of flying conditions. In fact, he had rarely flown in worse. Of course that incident with his old group at that one nebula..... He shook his head and cleared his mind of such distracting thoughts. He closed his eyes and relaxed, sinking into the pilot chair, feeling the familiar contours of the ship. He could almost sense everything on his ship, by sound and feeling, he could tell that a power couplings was inproperly installed, his port engine was fluctuating very slightly, and there was a loose bolt near the main generator. He opened his eyes, and scanned the space around him once more. The tin-heads were out there, and he would get them. * * * Stargazor Stargazor was sitting in his courtiers. He was bored out of his mind, but his orders wore clear. To stay there till his court martial started, from what he remembered from his past, he disobeyed orders and went after a lost warrior. Everything that happened afterwards is still locked in his mind somewhere. And then there wore the changes his body went trough, his eyes turned blue and could focus very sharp. When he saved the doc from a crawlon attack energy from his hand killed the beast and his body seemed to be full of energy , he could train all day without even breaking a sweat. But he looked calm now as if his body was back under the control of his mind. Still there was something else, when he was in a coma, he saw this lady who spoke to him. She told him he still had a lot to do, dead itself had rejected him.
The doc wanted to do some more test on him, but Stargazor had this urge to go back on active duty. Besides he wasn’t sick, in fact he never felt better. * * * He decided to draw some idea’s he had for a new type of viper. It was clear to him that the viper needed some new type of lasers targeting system. He started was drawing the most complex technical drawings. Some warriors who came in took a look at his drawings and called an engineer to see them. When the engineer took a look at the drawings he was astound, could not believe the detailed specs. But Stargazor wasn’t stopping he was like obsessed to complete the new viper type. On the exterior the viper wasn’t that much different, the nose was a little wider because of the new targeting system inside. And the two side fins wore more sharper then the normal model. The cockpit sections was also altered a bit. The cockpit was made for one warrior, but behind the pilot there was enough space left to, if needed, place an additional seat or to place an additional fuel tank. When Stargazor was finished drawing his new viper he was summoning up what would be the vipers capabilities.
Seat: One (additional seat for second)
Speed: 1.5 times faster then the original viper
Turning ratio: Slide capability , turning rate improved by 0.5
Laser weapons: Four lasers with guided tracking system capability
Targeting system: Neural targeting system by warriors helmet and, Direct radar info system on h.u.d. display
Now he needed a name for this new type of Viper. He looked at the new improved systems and his mind dwelled upon a mythological beast called “dragon”! So he decided to call it for now the “Draco Viper”. He put the name on top of the bundle of drawings.
The engineer was asking him many questions when Stargazor was finished. So he said way don’t you sit down, just then Stargazor looked over to the time. He’d bin drawing for most of the day. Stargazor said to the engineer “So what do you think about the viper specs. “!
The engineer looked at the drawings and said “These plans look very detailed”! , “But to make this neural targeting system is very complex and daring”!
Stargazor answered “In the vipers we have today the targeting is made by stick”! “By the neural targeting system he only needs to look at the enemy in front of him and the lasers will automatically lock on and calculate the best point of fire”!
Engineer “And what about the turning ratio, with these improvements you are at the limit of structural break”! “The viper would not withstand such forces”!
Stargazor looked at the engineer for a few moments and then said “I am certain that it will withstand and do even more”! “The whole design is improved and the breakpoints should be higher because of the additional support units”!
Engineer “There’s only one way to find out if it will hold out, and do what its designed for”! “And that’s the problem”! “Because of you’re previous way of conduct, high command is going to court martial you”! “There’s no way they are going to listen to you, let alone build this highly experimental craft”! “Because of what you did, there aren’t many people left onboard who thrust you”!
Stargazor “But you do”!
Engineer “That’s because i can see the skill in the work”! * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:49:19 GMT -6
Amy As the Gold shuttle lifted off and sped down the launch bay, I sat wondering why I had just opened up like I did to Artus. I hardly knew him, yet I'd started pouring out my deepest fears and regrets to him. My thoughts were interupted by a call from up front.
"Captain" Marcus called out. "I think we have a situation out here."
I unbuckled my straps and walked up to him. "What's up?" I asked.
"Just got this over the comlink" Marcus replied. "I'll play it again for you." We both stood there listening to the message from the Callisto bridge: "'B', this is 'G'. You've got three tin triads on near intersect. Adjust 10 right, 20 down, then power engines and lights down! Now! You must not be seen. Copy? Will contact shortly."
I thought for a moment. The view out the window was completely useless due to the near zero visibility in this section of space. I looked at the scanner, and couldn't tell much. "I don't think that was for us" I said to Marcus. "Still, no sense taking chances." I flipped on the scanner enhancer, the gift from engineering. As I did, our main scanner readout clarified quite a lot, but still not totally sharp. Yet, the images of Cylon ships were clear enough now.
"Frack" I muttered, my heart starting to pound. Stuck in this boxey shuttle, I'd much rather be in a viper, where I could do something about the Cylons. But we needed to slip by unnoticed, not start making fireworks. I pointed to the flight plan, comparing it with the scanner readouts.
"How about veering right slightly" I mentioned to Marcus. "Take us this way, giving the Cylons plenty of room."
Marcus nodded. "I'll shut down all lights too, until we are clear. Better go buckle in again." I nodded and headed back to my seat. A moment later we were all in darkness, without even glistening starlight outside the windows for point of reference. My heart pounded still, as I tried to relax and let Marcus do his job. I hoped Captain Stadia was locked onto us, and would follow our path. * * * Stadia Stadia had heard the same news and adjusted her flight path so she veered to the right with the shuttle. She cursed to herself.
"Frack!"
That was all we needed. She doesnt want to be here.
Stadia checked her readouts. The tinheads were heading towards their last position. * * * Amy Silent running was the worst. Moving blindly through this foggy sector of space with only some rigged up scanners to give us any idea if we were going to run into something, or someone, it all set my nerves on edge. I wanted to go back up to Marcus, to lend a hand or something, but he didn't need the distraction. I'd be better off just letting him put his skills to use.
In the darkness I was keenly aware of Artus sitting next to me. He had a hand out on the armrest between us, and I put mine on top of his, trying to reassure him, and reassure myself as well. Nothing like living on the edge to get all sorts of emotions raging. He put his other hand on mine, and it felt strong and steady, something for me to focus on besides the danger we were in.
I heard a whisper from up front. "Captain", Marcus was calling. I could barely see him in the reflections from the instrument panel lights. He was motioning me to come forward. I slid my hand out from Artus's, unbuckled my belts, and made an unsteady trip in the dark to the front of the shuttle. "Yeah?" I asked as I reached him.
"Think we're in the clear" he said. He pointed to the scanner. "Look" he said. "Cylons must have made us when we first launched. They're heading in the general direction of where we were before we ran silent and switched our heading." He was right. The Cylons scanners weren't any better than ours, if not worse. They had picked up something, but we'd lost them by cutting the lights and changing course. "I've got to hand it to the engineers" Marcus said. "They really kicked felgercarb on that scanner contraption."
"By the lords" I said, patting Marcus on the shoulder, "An excellent job, Marcus!" I began to breathe easier. "How about Captain Stadia? Is she still with us?" I couldn't risk a radio call yet.
"Hard to tell" Marcus replied. "I could tell better in a few microns once we clear the area." I nodded. "Keep running silent until you're sure we're out of danger" I told him. "Great job" I added again.
I made my way carefully back to my seat. I sat down with a big sigh of relief, and buckled back in.
"What's happening?" Artus asked.
"Touch and go there for a few" I replied, "but we seem to be in the clear. Next stop: snowball planet."
As relief washed over me, I was looking to get my mind on anything else. "We seem to have some time, Artus. I'd like to hear about your dad, if you don't mind me asking. I grew up listening to stories about the great warriors of the fleet. It's what made me want to join up. I'd tell you about mine, but it's mostly a farm story. Not too exciting really." * * * Artus As relief washed over me, I was looking to get my mind on anything else. "We seem to have some time, Artus. I'd like to hear about your dad, if you don't mind me asking. I grew up listening to stories about the great warriors of the fleet. It's what made me want to join up. I'd tell you about mine, but it's mostly a farm story. Not too exciting really."
Artus sighed.
"Are you sure you want to hear this now? It's not like it's going to be good for morale..."
Amy tried to make out Artus' facial expression, but it was just too dark in the shuttle. His tone of voice seemed to be more serious than usual however. So she just softly said;
"Please"
"Well all right then, " Artus continued; "but don't say that I didn't warn you. You see if it were me I'd much rather sing you a version of 'the Cylons go marching one by one' to cheer everybody up, but if you really want to know about my father..."
There was a shout from the front of the shuttle;
"Oh, by the Lords of Kobol, will you just teel the story allready. And speak up, so I can hear it too."
Even though it was still dark inside the shuttle, Amy was sure she could see Artus smile after what Marcus had just said.
"Well, if you are going to put it like that, " Artus said; "as you may or may not know I was born back in the colonies...."
His voice was certainly louder and sounded almost cheerful when he started to turn grim once again.
"... my mother was a waitress, still is by the way, who managed to secure a position on the Rising Star. This was probably also due to the fact that my father was one of the Colonial Warriors stationed on the Galactica. He was actually a member of Blue Squadron and survived through most of the original fighting."
Amy's mouth fell open.
"Your father flew with Apollo and Starbuck?"
It came out before she realised she had said it. Artus seemed to harden up again.
"Eh, yes well he did, a couple of times. But anyway, when Blue Squadron was assigned to take out the guns on the ice planet known as Zero, my father was assigned escort duty to the shuttle that flew in the forces. As you all know the team made it and the Galactica survived. But my father's viper got shot down and he never came home again. Like I said, I hate ice planets. Well, end of sad story. Who wants to sing? * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:50:06 GMT -6
Amy I put my hand out and placed it on Artus's before I'd even realized I was doing so. I felt bad, bad for him for having lost his father in such a way. I also felt bad for me, for being such an idiot for forcing him into telling a story he'd obviously rather not have.
"Artus" I began hesitantly, "I'm sorry. I should never have pressed you like that."
Even so, I found myself wanting to press him more. His outer shell was always so cheery and amusing, yet inside there was obviously so much more going on. With me, it was what you see is what you got. I couldn't bury things like that, though sometimes I wished I could.
"I wish we'd find the fleet again" I said. "I miss my parents a lot. I bet you miss your mom too. What's she like? I've never been to the Rising Star. Wasn't of age yet, not that my parents would have ever let me go anyway. Then we got separated from the fleet..."
I laughed, trying to brighten things a little. "Maybe that's why I want to find the fleet again. I'm old enough now, and I'm anxious to lose all my savings in the casino!" * * * Stadia Stadia continued to monitor the cylon fighters. She was dismayed when she realized that they were heading for the exact location of the shuttle and her viper.
Stadia grabbed a food packet and tore it open. Ever since her battle with crystal, her appettite has been screwy. She was surprised that she hadn't blew up, she ate so much.
"FRACK!"
She reached down and flipped a switch. "Amy! We are in deep. The cylons are still heading for us. WE need to make haste toward our intended destination. We may have to screw silent running." * * * Amy Marcus called out to me from the front of the shuttle. "Captain, I'm getting ship to ship from Captain Stadia." I got up and was soon at his side. "Go ahead" I told him, and we both listened to the message: "Amy! We are in deep. The cylons are still heading for us. WE need to make haste toward our intended destination. We may have to screw silent running."
I looked at the enhanced scanner readouts. It looked like she was right. A trio of fighters seemed to have our heading figured out. I hit the intercom back to Stadia. "Read you Captain. Looks like we're going to have to punch it. If they increase speed also, you'll have to break cover and take them out."
I turned to Marcus. "Okay, Marcus. I need more of your fancy flying skill. Go to top speed, and fly an evasive course this way." I pointed to the flight plan, indicating the path I wanted to take. If the Cylons didn't pick us up, we'd be in the clear. If not, Captain Stadia's services would be needed a lot sooner than we'd expected. Either way, we had to get through. Failure wasn't an option.
"Hold on" Marcus said, and moments later I felt the lurch as the shuttle shifted to top speed. I kept my eyes on the scanner to see what would happen next. * * * Marcus Amy turned to Marcus. "Okay, Marcus. I need more of your fancy flying skill. Go to top speed, and fly an evasive course this way." She pointed to the flight plan, indicating the path she wanted to take. .
I told them to hold on this might get bumpy. "Hold on you two" and moments later the shuttle shifted to top speed. This was going to take some of the best flying I had in me. My instructors told me I was a good pilot and now I was going to find out how good I was.
I hoped Artus was strapped in and holding on tight. I hoped Stadia was also doing ok. I was going to have to rely on Amy and Stadia to help get us through. * * * Artus Marcus hoped Artus was strapped in and holding on tight. He also hoped Stadia was doing ok. Marcus was going to have to rely on Amy and Stadia to help get us through.
At that moment Artus made his way up to the front of the shuttle.
Amy frowned as she saw him walk up ; "Shouldn't you be strapped in back there?" she said.
"I'm happy to notice that you care so much captain," Artus said; "but I don't particularily like sitting restrained while everybody else has to take care of trouble. But if it will make you feel better you can hold me real tight, so you know I'll be safe."
Artus flashed his lopsided charming smile again and it seemed like all of the dark disposition was gone from him.
"Besides," he continued; "I've just had an idea. How far are we from Blasaneck or whatever that snowball is called?"
Marcus meanwhile frantically worked the controls ; "What does that have to do with anything?"
"I suddenly remembered," Artus said: "that most of the planet is covered in methane snow. This means that the entire etmosphere around Blasaneck probably also has a very high degree of methane in it. So therefore we only have to make it inside the atmosphere, because if those Cylon raiders fire upon us inside the atmosphere their guns will most probably set off the methane in the atmosphere around them and they'll nicely explode and we'll be rid of them."
Both Amy and Marcus looked surprised at Artus.
"Well, that is, " Artus continued ;"if the explosion doesn't take us with it. Wich reminds me, Amy, better warn the Icequeen out there not to fire her Viper's guns within the atmosphere." * * * Amy I considered what Artus had said about the methane as I checked the scanner again. It was looking good. Marcus was putting some distance between us and the Cylons Stadia had spotted. The Cylons simply didn’t have the scanner power we did, and just couldn’t dare go as fast as we were. Still, I wasn’t all that comfortable yet with our situation.
“Good points Artus†I said, “but we’d better maintain radio silence. Let’s hope the situation with the methane was included in Stadia’s briefing.†I wanted to radio Stadia, for it was hard not knowing her status on if she’d had to take on the Cylons or not, but we just couldn’t risk it now that we were so close to reaching our objective.
“Hold on†Marcus shouted a micron before the shuttle lurched, spilling Artus and me into a pile in the corner of the shuttle. It took me another micron to realize I was lying on top of him. I looked at him, and our eyes locked for the briefest of time. Even in such a dangerous time I could feel myself drawn toward him, toward something I’d not found in anyone before. As quickly as it had happened the moment was gone, and we ungracefully got back on our feet.
“What in hades was that?†I said, maybe a little louder than I should have as I smoothed back hair out of my eyes.
“Course correction†Marcus replied, his voice tinged with a bit of humor. “In case anyone’s interested, Outer is now dead ahead.â€
We all looked ahead, but nothing could be seen yet out the shuttle windows. Yet on the scanner it was showing up plain as anything. “One thing bugging me†Marcus continued. “Our approach is going to be all wrong. Fracking Cylons.â€
I understood what he meant. Our orders stipulated that we approach Outer on the same heading Major Brie and her party had taken. In case they were back in space, we’d have the best chance of encountering them, for they’d be taking the same heading back. But now we were heading in from another angle all together.
“It just gets better and better†I muttered. “By the fracking lords of Kobol.â€
The shuttle shook again, less violently than the last time. “Encountering gravity pull†Marcus announced. “Better strap in. We’re heading in a little faster than I’d like. If this were a viper it’d be no problem, but seeings it’s not….â€
“Can you pick up the landing coordinates of Major Brie’s party?†I asked.
“You want to land in one piece or not?†Marcus replied.
“Okay†I replied. “Just get us down in one piece.†Yes, it just gets better and better. The shuttle shook again as we entered the atmosphere. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:50:50 GMT -6
Amy I thought I could hear explosions from outside the shuttle, but with all the shaking going on I really couldn't be sure. We were in a deep descent, a little steeper and a little faster than we'd like to be with a shuttle, but the pursuing Cylons had forced us to speed up or else they would have caught us before we reached the planet.
From where I was sitting I could see the planet's surface, or what seemed to be the surface through the thick, clouded atmosphere out the shuttle window. Why had I been in such a hurry to get here again? Oh yeah, Major Brie and her team. The planet looked so inhospitable. A dozen different concerns and worries flashed through my mind. Some more shuttle vibrations broke my train of thought. I realized that without thinking I'd put my hand on Artus's again. He tried to look confident from the seat next to me.
"Now comes the fun part!" Marcus hollered from up front. He really was quite a pilot. Commander Sheba had picked well by including him in this mission. He'd displayed remarkable skill over and over in our journey.
The shuttle shook again. "I've got a clearing!" Marcus called out. "I'm going for it!"
The shuttle leveled off, and things steadied down and smoothed out. I was about to breathe easier when we shook like we were going to come apart. "Contact!" yelled Marcus. The shuttle hit the surface and skidded along the ice and snow as Marcus tried his best to brake us. The engines strained and protested as he hit reverse gears, and we began to slow. Several packs of equipment gave in and broke free from their restraining straps, spilling cargo accross the floor. I shut my eyes and held on.
Finally things were silent. I opened my eyes, and found Marcus walking toward us. "You two okay?" he asked. I nodded for myself. "Welcome to 'Outer'" he said with a smile. * * * Artus The shuttle shook again. "I've got a clearing!" Marcus called out. "I'm going for it!"
The shuttle leveled off, and things steadied down and smoothed out. I was about to breathe easier when we shook like we were going to come apart. "Contact!" yelled Marcus. The shuttle hit the surface and skidded along the ice and snow as Marcus tried his best to brake us. The engines strained and protested as he hit reverse gears, and we began to slow. Several packs of equipment gave in and broke free from their restraining straps, spilling cargo accross the floor. I shut my eyes and held on.
Finally things were silent. I opened my eyes, and found Marcus walking toward us. "You two okay?" he asked. I nodded for myself. "Welcome to 'Outer'" he said with a smile.
"Excuse me captain, but eh, Ouch." Artus said calmly pointing with his left hand to his right hand that was currently still being firmly grasped by Amy.
"Oh, sorry, I guess." Amy said absentmindedly.
"You know you're really strong, " Artus continued, adding hesitantly ; "for a woman."
There was fire in Amy's eyes.
"For a woman?"
"Excuse me, " Marcus said; "I'd hate to be the one to break this up but we are on a hostile planet..." * * * Amy I had other things on my mind, but didn't want to let Artus's comment go without a response. I playfully shoved him in the shoulder. "Let's meet in the weight room sometime, flyboy. We'll see who has the strength then, regardless of gender."
I walked to the front of the shuttle. Visibility wasn't good at all. It already felt cold in the shuttle, though that was just my imagination hopefully. To be losing heat already would not bode well. I looked down at the scanner, and my heart sank. The readout had gone blank. "Frack" I muttered. Turning to the rigged up enchancer, the only thing that had helped us see where we were going, I found that it too had given up. It had taking too many bumps, and had brought down the main scanner with it.
After cursing this corner of the universe, damning it and it's murky, zero-visibilty space, and it's cold, methane enshrouded ice planets, I calmed down a little.
"Feeling better, Captain?" Marcus asked.
I smiled slightly. "Yeah" I said. "Do you have any idea where we are in relation to the coordinates of Major Brie's party?"
"Close to none, Captain" Marcus replied. "I really had my hands full bringing us in. We were off course to start with because of the Cylons, and coming in too fast. If I'd just had a little visibility... but we were flying blind since we launched due to the pea soup that passes for space around here."
I nodded. "Just so you know the stakes, our mission isn't just to find Major Brie and lead her back. There's a marker out here. Something left behind by the fleet, and finding it will give us directions to catch up to the fleet with." I looked at Artus and Marcus, seeing that they understood the importance of our task.
"Why on a ball of ice like this one, Captain?" Artus asked.
"Harder for the Cylons to stumble across it. But unfortunately, it's turning into a nearly impossible task for us as well. I wish I knew Brie's status. If only I could break radio silence. Fracking Cylons. I hope Stadia is okay, I can't even risk radioing her." I shook my head and walked off to think a moment.
"We'd best get started" I said, turning again to face them. "Artus, you've shown a knack at electronics. I need that scanner working again. See what you can do. Marcus, you and I will take out the snow sleds. Once clear of the vicinity of the shuttle we'll use the sled's scanners to try and pick up Brie's team. Let's suit up." * * * Artus "Why on a ball of ice like this one, Captain?" Artus asked.
"Harder for the Cylons to stumble across it. But unfortunately, it's turning into a nearly impossible task for us as well. I wish I knew Brie's status. If only I could break radio silence. Fracking Cylons. I hope Stadia is okay, I can't even risk radioing her." I shook my head and walked off to think a moment.
"We'd best get started" I said, turning again to face them. "Artus, you've shown a knack at electronics. I need that scanner working again. See what you can do. Marcus, you and I will take out the snow sleds. Once clear of the vicinity of the shuttle we'll use the sled's scanners to try and pick up Brie's team. Let's suit up."
"That's nice, " Artus said; "drag me all the way out here to this poor ice excuse for a planet, then you go play outside with Marcus and leave me here to clean up the mess."
"I'm sorry, " Amy said; "did I hurt your feelings?" she said with a mock sense of compassion in her voice; "Afraid you won't be able to fix it?"
"Don't you worry about me not being able to fix this. You'd better worry about not getting lost out there in the snow. With about zero visability and the scanner in here with me, if you wander too far I'm going to have a hard time trying to find the two of you, let alone Major Brie and her team." Artus answered.
"Oh, I didn't know you cared so much." was Amy's response.
"Just you remember, " Artus retorted; "that you were the one who brought up the subject of weight room. I for one know better than to talk to a woman on a matter where weight is concerned...." * * * Marcus Amy said "We'd best get started" I said, turning again to face them. "Artus, you've shown a knack at electronics. I need that scanner working again. See what you can do. Marcus, you and I will take out the snow sleds. Once clear of the vicinity of the shuttle we'll use the sled's scanners to try and pick up Brie's team. Let's suit up."
After getting suited up and the sleds unloaded from the shuttle Amy and I got ready to head out. “So Captain where do we go from here. I would suggest staying together for now and separate later if needed.” “Do we know the lading zone of Major Brie’s mission, or do we get to make a guess?” “We need to try to stay with in radar contact with the shuttle if we can while we search for the landing zone.” “ I hope Artus can get that scanner fixed or it is going to be fun getting back but I will do my best.”
“ So by the way are you and Artus ever going to go out on a date or keep teasing each other.?” “You two seem like you would make a good couple.” “Not that it is any of my business.” “Shall we get started?” “Also what do you know about Captain Stadia?” * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:52:09 GMT -6
Amy I looked at Marcus sharply as he asked about Artus and myself going on a date. "A date?" I asked, "please!" Still, I looked over at Artus, who'd gone back up front to check out the scanner, or what was left of it. I knew deep inside that the prospect of date with Artus wasn't that far fetched. With a sigh I walked up to him, my progress awkward since I was wearing the snow gear and oxygen tank.
I reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. He turned, and I thought I saw the flicker of, what? Something. A tiny flash of emotion behind his breezy exterior. I put my hand up to the side of his face.
"I know this isn't easy for you" I said softly. "Being on an ice planet, what it reminds you of. But I need you here. It's with the blessings of the Lords of Kobol that you are here, and have the knowledge to maybe get that scanner working again." I had something in my other hand, and brought it up with a smile. I was holding his converted blaster, now a hand warming device. "I have faith in you. I know you can do it." Even so, a look of doubt must have crossed my face as I looked at the broken scanner again. It did look hopeless, but neither Marcus or I had any experience with electronics.
"Why not take the snowram?" Artus asked. "We could all go then."
I shook my head. "Too slow. We don't know how much ground we need to cover. The sleds will cover a lot of ground more quickly. Once we can establish a fix on Brie's coordinates, we can come back for the 'Ram, or risk radioing you to bring it up."
"But for now, Marcus and I will have to maintain radio silence. If Stadia radios in, that probably will mean we're clear of Cylons and you can radio us then." I turned to Marcus. "Yes Marcus" I said, "you and I will stay together. No way we'll split up with that wind like it is."
We walked to the shuttle door. Before I put on my helmet, I spoke again. "Radio silence. If we need to speak, we'll have to stop and touch our helmets together. It's nasty out there, so watch your sled scanner. Staying within visual distance might not be possible. Once we're clear of the shuttle, we'll try to pick up Brie's coordinates. Try to get a directional fix so we can find which way is north, then we'll figure out a path to take from there."
We put on our helmets, and it got really quiet, a muffled quiet as all sound was eliminated. I tapped Marcus on the shoulder, motioning him to touch helmets with me. As we did, I could hear his breathing.
"Good" I said with a smile as I looked through the face-plate at him. "It works. If you want my attention to talk, flash me like this." I pressed a button on the sleeve of my suit and I could see the reflection of the light flashing on inside his helmet. "And don't worry about Stadia. She's a good warrior. I know she's okay out there, where ever she is. She was here to protect us and get us landed safely. She's probably still up there, protecting our backs."
"Captain" Marcus asked, "Any chance of Cylon foot patrols?"
"I don't know" I replied truthfully. "Just keep a good eye on your scanner!" He nodded and we opened the door and quickly got out, shutting it again. After a moment of adjusting to a brief bout of snowblindness, we headed for our rides. The sleds were running, ready to go. We climbed on, and I pointed in the direction I wanted to start out in. It led to a rise, as best as I could tell, and from there we could try and get our bearings. * * * Artus Artus sighed to himself. How did he always get himself into these situations? Sure, Amy and Marcus were out there playing in the snow, but then again, should a Cylon patrol be out there and discover the shuttle, Artus would find himself in certain trouble.
"Didn't think of that one, did you captain."
Artus caught himself saying that out loud. Oh, well. Nevermind. He was alone in the shuttle anyway, so he might as well talk out loud. Keep himself some company.
All the while he kept fidgetting with the scanners wires.
"Can't for the life of me figure out why this thing isn't picking anything up."
He also discovered that he had a hard time concentrating. His thoughts kept drifting back to Amy. Maybe he was actually mad because they didn't get to finish their cardgame. Then again, Amy did fall on him for a couple of times during their shuttle ride. Because of the turbulence. Hm. He wondered.
Come to think of it, she had felt rather nice, on top of him. And that's saying a lot, Artus thought to himself. He usually liked to be on top.....
Okay, if I can just get this thing right here....
There, that should do it!
Turned the scanner on and...........
Nothing!
The scanner was just not picking up the cannister. Obviously there was something wrong with the scanner.
All Artus could figure out to do was simply start all over again and check every wire. If only he could concentrate better.
Hmmm.
Amy's legs.
Amy's legs wrapped around me.
No. Must concentate on the scanner. * * * Brie After more time than Major Brie would have liked, she and her group hiked to where it appeared the glacier had shifted. If they didn't find the canister soon, they would be out of luck. Already everyone was using their backup oxygen packs, and if they weren't in the right spot they had one more emergency unit with them that the four of them would have to share as they hiked back to their vipers for more supplies. She prayed that wouldn't happen.
"There appears to be something metal over in that area, Major," Captain Skyler said as he readjusted the scanner. "From the readout it might be the right size and shape."
Lieutenants Granfury and Thunderhawk hurried over to where Skyler indicated. It took half a centar, but they were able to dig the object out of the snow. Brie let out an audible sigh of relief when she realized that it was indeed the canister. Thunderhawk was holding in his hands the coordinates to the fleet. She took it from him and placed it in her backpack.
Knowing that they had only enough oxygen to make it back to their vipers, they started their last hike on this desolate world. Somehow their moods had all improved, and even the cold, the light gravity and the EVA suits didn't seem like such a bother anymore. * * * Major Brie was particularly happy when their vipers came into view. She hated planets in general, but this one was especially bad. She couldn't wait to get off of it, get out of the envirosuit and back into space.
As she placed her backpack behind her seat Brie felt a huge sense of responsibility. She alone had the coordinates to the fleet. If she didn't make it back to the Callisto for some reason, no one would ever see their loved ones again. Although she would trust the three men with her with her life, she felt as senior officer she needed to be the one carrying canister.
Visability was still poor, but taking off was easier than landing had been. Brie left the barren planet without a glance backwards, Lieutenant Granfury as her wingman and Lieutenant Tunderhawk with Captain Skyler. Little did they know that the Callisto had changed its position, or that an old enemy was in the area. * * * Pulling out of the atmosphere, Brie noticed some blips on her scanner. Due to the atmospheric conditions and static it was impossible to make out what they were, but they almost seemed to be in a pattern. They headed towards the planet and off of the scanner. “Captain Skyler,” she said quickly, “did you see that?”
“I sure did, Major,” Skyler replied. “Probably meteorites. Do you want to check it out?”
“Negative, Captain,” Brie replied. “Finishing our mission is more important than some fracking pieces of rock. And we’re late. If we’re not back soon they’ll send out a search party.” * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:53:17 GMT -6
Stadia The cylons ahd mae her and were running on an intercept course with her viper. She checked her navigation computer to be sure.
She peeled off from the shuttle knowing the mathane could provide her cover but she hoped to distract them long enough for the shuttle to get down safely. She hoped that they wouldnt consider the alternative that was bouncing in her head.
She looked down and to her right. "Frack!" The cylons were on her exhaust ports. She banked her viper to the right turning it on its side just in time to miss the straffing fire. She banked hard to the left and then swung her viper into the methane atmosphere.
As soon as her navigation computer showed they had followed her in and were tightly on her, she banked her viper downward. ..........
A few minutes later, stadia did another hard bank. This time flying upward until she could position her viper behind them. She lined them up her sights and fired, missing and igniting the methane around them.
With the cylon ships gone, she pulls out of the atmosphere and heads back to the last known coordinates of the shuttle. * * * Brie Taking a look at her watch, Brie realized for the first time that it was the day that Lieutenant Najin was supposed to return to active duty. He had been temporarily reassigned, although Brie had wanted him to remain active Commander Sheba had decided that the new assignment would do Najin some good, and hopefully help him to work on his temper. It would be good to have Najin back, he was one of Brie’s favorite people and that wasn’t just because he had saved her life, almost losing his own in the process. Najin would do anything for the people that he cared about. She wondered for a micron about Najin and Amy, if they would end up messing up her squadron again, and if Najin even knew that Amy had been promoted to Captain.
Although it had only been a few centons since they had left that ice ball of a planet, Brie was getting a bad feeling. She and her flight were heading to where they were supposed to rendezvous with Callisto, but there was nothing on her scanner. She switched to long-range, still nothing. No signs of any ships at all, only cold, barren space. She hoped that it was because of all the radiation and other annoyances in the system. Still, in the back of her mind she knew that she needed to maintain radio silence. * * * The closer they drew to the rendezvous point the more obvious it was becoming, the Callisto wasn’t there. Nothing had been left behind for them, no refueling tanks, no message pods, nothing. Growing increasingly concerned, Brie checked her navicomputer for information on the other planets in the area. None of the planets nearby had hospitable atmospheres, but a small moon not too far away seemed to. The scans told her that the moon wasn’t entirely stable, but Brie didn’t see what other choice they had. If they remained in space and searched for the Callisto they would undoubtedly run out of fuel. She changed her course, followed by Skyler, Granfury and Thunderhawk. Although they maintained radio silence, she could almost hear them asking out loud what she was doing. * * * Brie and her team landed on the small moon. She ran one last check of the atmosphere. "Frack," she muttered to herself, "more low gravity. At least the air is breathable." She climbed out of her viper, waiting for the questions that she knew that Skyler, Thunderhawk and Granfury would have. * * * Although the air was slightly thinner than what they were used to, Brie was happy to breathe without the help of any contraptions. It also felt good to move without the envirosuit. The temperature was comfortable, but the strong wind combined with the low gravity made Brie feel like she was going to get blown off of her feet. As Skyler, Thunderhawk, and Granfury climbed out of their vipers no one asked Brie any questions, much to her surprise. “Looks like the Callisto changed course,” she volunteered since no one was asking. “We’ll just make camp here, until someone comes looking for us. Lieutenant Thunderhawk, set up a portable scanner. We’ll be able to tell if any ships come into range.”
As Thunderhawk got to work on the scanner, Lieutenant Granfury asked the first question. “Major, forgive my asking, but why here? Why not just stay at the rendezvous point?”
“No reason to burn up our resources unnecessarily,” Brie explained. “I don’t like it either, but I don’t see what other choice we have.”
“Will they really come and find us?” Granfury asked again. He didn’t sound worried, but Brie noticed he was surveying their surroundings.
“They have to,” Brie said with more confidence than she felt. “We have the coordinates to the fleet.” She could think of no good explanation as to why the Callisto wasn’t there, so she didn’t try to offer one.
Quickly checking out the area, they discovered a small stream nearby. After analyzing the water it appeared drinkable, but Brie said to use the reserves they had brought with them only for the time being. There was some plant life on the moon but except for strange-looking fish in the stream there didn’t appear to be any animals. The wind seemed to be growing stronger all the time. Although she didn’t want to stay very long, it was definitely better than the planet that they had just left. “Why couldn’t they have left the canister here instead of that iceball?” Captain Skyler asked with a grin on his face.
“You know Commander Apollo,” Brie replied. “Always wants to make things as difficult as possible for us. I think he’s jealous because we’ve got the better battlestar.”
After setting up their camp they all sat down on the ground near the scanner. “Did you know that today’s the day Najinn returns to active duty?” Brie said mostly to Skyler.
“Really?” Skyler asked, grinning again. “It’s about time.”
“Najinn...” Granfury said slowly, “isn’t he the hothead who’s always getting into trouble?”
What seemed like yarhens earlier, Brie had been on a mission with Najinn and Skyler. She had botched it up badly, and the three of them were accused of being Cylon spies. Najinn had saved Brie’s life and was badly wounded in the process, and Brie had killed a man in self-defense, a man who still haunted her dreams. Although they rarely talked of that mission or its successful conclusion, it had bonded Brie with Najinn and Skyler in a way that she had never experienced before. “Yeah,” she said slowly, “that’s Najinn.”
With Granfury watching the scanner, Thunderhawk and Skyler decided to do a little bit of exploring. Brie climbed back into her viper for a good look at the canister. She wasn’t supposed to open it, but she decided to disobey her orders. Something told her she had better memorize the coordinates just in case she had to destroy them. * * * Stadia Stadias viper shot up as she came onto the farside of the moon catching a laser bolt in the engine. The engine broke momentarily into flames before the lack of fuel doused it.
"Frack!"
Stadi reached down to the stick and began landing procedures. She knew this was going to be a tough landing. She looked down at the moon trying to see what could be down there. Her viper began to show a glow as it entered the atmosphere.
Brie climbed into her viper to inspect the canister. As she did, she looked up and noticed a orange colored blob hurtling toward the ground. * * * Randrius Randrius sat calmly and patiently, scanning the cloudy space outside for any sign of Cylon ships. Nothing, absolutely nothing. A moment caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. There they were, barely visible phantoms slipping silently through space, he wasn't entirely sure if what he had seen was real, but he looked over and saw Killjoy had spotted the movement as well. Randrius hand sat poised over his controls; watching, waiting. But as suddenely as they had appeared, the Raiders looped around and disappered back into the clouds. Only a slight turbulence from the blast of their engines told that they had ever existed at all. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:56:35 GMT -6
JustinB As suddenly as they appeared, the more suddenly they flew by and disappeared. I was eager to lead my flight to safety, but I decided to wait for the Callisto to give us the all clear. In all the excitement, I had forgotten about the other Black Squadron flight under Rose. When I did remember I wondered what they were up to and if they had any close encounters. By now I was getting eager to destroy a few tin-heads. But the safety of the Callisto came first. Sooner or later I would get my chance. ********************* Back on the Callisto, Major BatGal monitored the close encounter part of her Squadron members just had. She wished she could of been out there, but the reaction she had to the Hex-I injection prevented that.
'Everyone has performed well,' she thought to herself. Just as she was about to make her way to the bridge, Ensign Stargazor walked into her office.
"Ma'am, I have finished the last of my tasked duties. Is there anything else you need done?" asked Ensign Stargazor.
"Negative Ensign," came her reply, "Your time is your own for the moment. I will call you if something comes up."
With that Major BatGal made her way to the bridge to talk with Colonel Charybdis. * * * Najinn Najinn lay in his bunk. Staring at the ceiling, miles away in his own deepest thoughts.
He had been on every kind of regular duty for so long, earning his spurs to get back with his squadron after being such a serious trouble maker.
It's amazing what love can push you too!! And in Najinn's case he never really needed much excuse to get himself into heaps of bother.
He was laying thinking of who else, Amy. So much had happened, he hadn't seen her in ages, and he so wanted to catch up.
Shortly after being released from medlab Najinn was assigned to a serious mission working in the navigation section and in the astrometrics laboratory. He had been charting all known planets and working on the sensor information provided by all the recent missions. It may have been a mundain activity, but challenging nontheless. The focus was on Najinn working off his bad reputation after the mess he had caused on the serious missions that led to Amy being trapped on that god forsaken planet.
Would he ever forgive himself for what happened to her. May be, may be not, he knew he would have to face her soon and that he hoped she might just hold a glimmer of affection for him, he hoped she still had feelings, but how could he know, he hadn't been around for so long.
He was looking forward to seeing his old squadron buddies. He had only been back a few hours, they were out on a mission, but his mind was racing.
His big question was, were they going to accept him back???
I guess he was going to find out. Would Major Brie tear him a strip a mile wide, would she welcome a flyboy back into the fold? * * * Najinn laying in his bunk day-dreaming about his favourite people nearly missed the bleeping of the comm.
He got up off his bunk and answered the call;
"Najinn, here."
Commander Sheba's voice came over the system, Najinn's back immediately stiffened to attention, then he realised she couldn't see him;
"Yes, Ma'am."
"We have lost contact with the rescue team sent after Major Brie. I can not afford to send out another patrol and risk losing more warriors, so I am sending out just one warrior with a specific mission. Do you think you are up to it, can I trust you."
"Well, always Ma'am, always ready for action, you know me. And yes you can trust me."
"Najinn, I think this mission suits your style, you can cause as much havoc as you like as long as you get the job done. It suits your particular skills!"
Najinn didn't really know how to take that;
"yes Ma'am",
What a lame answer he thought.
"Report to the flight bay, your mission will be updated to your Viper. Commander Sheba out."
Najinn grabbed his flight gear and reported to his Viper. Wow, back in the saddle, it had been so long since he last flew. This was as much a thrill as it was making him nervous.
He got to the flight deck to find the ground crew all over his Viper.
"Sir, she is as good as new, spent a lot time on her."
Najinn's techy had been with him for a long time now, they had become good friends, he relied on his skills to keep the rust bucket of his Viper in flying shape. But it had been so long that this was the first time he'd seen the old gal in an eon. He ran his hand down her wing and along the fuselage and along to the cockpit ladder.
"How is she." Najinn asked climbing into the cockpit
"She's fine Sir, she'll do her job."
Najinn noticed the paint job on the side of the forward panels. The marks for Cylon kills and her name painted carefully down the fuselage - "Aggi II"
He sat in the cockpit and pulled on his flight helmet and punched in his launch sequence. The computer responded in that friendly female voice. It was like riding an old mustang on Caprica, it was coming back to him slowly.
The cockpit closed and the flight deck lights went black as the flight crew left the bay. In front of him the launch tube lights lit up towards the vacuum of space. It was like a rite of passage, a return to were he knew he should be.
"Command, Red One ready to launch."
"Tranferring launch controls to you, launch when ready."
He punched in the coordinates of the mission, and sat back, he took hold of the stick and punched in the launch.
It was like a thrill of that first roller coaster ride, that first time!, It was all the hassle of his recent past blown away by the G forces of blasting down the launch tube into the dark yonder!
He emerged from the Callisto and pulled a sharp G turn and flew down her length, she was magnificent. She never looked better than now, and Najinn felt such a feeling of relief to be back in the seat!
He turned the stick again and pulled her round to the mission coordinates. He brought up the mission specs and sat back for the ride.
'Destination: the rescue mission. Job: rescue the rescue mission, deal with all circumstances and maintain secrecy of the Callisto's position. Protect all information and potential risks of disclosure and use all mean necessary to fulfil mission.'
He scanned the names of those on the rescue mission, his eyes stopped when the screen rolled to Amy. "Oh Boy"
"Hang on hun, I'm on my way!"
He punch his turbos and the Aggi increased her speed, time was a premium, and he had a job to do! * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 21:58:13 GMT -6
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Note: This tragic, real-life message was posted by Charybdis on 1/13/2003. Ladies and Gentlemen aboard the Callisto, I have just received some awful news. It appears that one of our own members was killed this past Friday. This was sent to me over the weekend: "Dear Lt. Col. Charybdis I am writing to you because one of the members of your role play group on this list, Don Johnson also knowen to your group as Ursiaon, was killed Friday, January 10th, 2003. I wanted to be sure you knew so that you can pass it on to others in your group that may have known him. If any of them wish to send a card or message to his family, they are welcome to post it to this address ( the_master_grizzly@yahoo.com ) or to visit the tribute page that was set up for him www.geocities.com/shae_anna/TributetoGrizz.html thank you much for your time and I appologise for such sorrowful information Jessi" The tribute page contains a link to an article which states that Don was crushed inbetween two trucks at a truck stop where he was spending the night. Another trucker pulled out in front of Don's truck and Don was crushed inbetween. Don was a member of the Callisto since April 19th, 2002. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that our hearts and prayers are with Don and his family. This is a terrible tragedy. With Condolences, Al Col. Charybdis * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 22:01:02 GMT -6
Stargazor Stargazor looked at the plans then he had a memory flash, back to the Battlestar Galactica . Back then he was just an engineer working on vipers and watching warriors launch into space. Most warriors respected his work on their vipers. Now he was a warrior, yet somehow he was different, his body was changed by a freak accident when he went a.w.a.l. Being a warrior was his dream, his roll model was back the Lt. Starbuck witch was in a way a lot like him. Lt. Starbuck teached him how to fly even before he went to the academy, but like Lt. Starbuck he had this way of always getting into trouble. Sometimes he stretched the rules so he could protect the fleet or the ones he loved. Stargazor did the same and ended up wounded in the process. Now he was an outcast amongst the crew, only a handful of people still talked to him. But he finally had found his goal, to protect the fleet and his fellow warriors, and for that he just created the best weapon a viper capable of doing the job in any extreme situations.
* * *
Amy Marcus and I cruised along in our snow sleds, eyes riveted to the scanner screen built into the console. It was nearly a white out, and we couldn't see much, but we could make out the rise I had indicated earlier, and we made our way up to it through the snow and ice. From the rise I was hoping to get a good scanner reading, and maybe find some indication of where Brie's team was.
Keeping radio silence, we could only talk by stopping and putting our helmets together. We could signal each other by a button on the sleeve of our envir-suit. Pushing the button would light up a light inside the others helmet, indicating that we needed to stop and talk.
As I topped the rise and slowed down, my mind drifted back to Artus, still inside the shuttle trying to fix the scanner. Was it right to leave him alone? Being on a snow planet, similar to the one his father died will approaching, had clearly depressed him though he'd tried to hide it. Yet he was the only one with any knowledge of electronics, so for the missions sake he had to stay behind. I'd just hoped that he was okay, and that he could concentrate.
Speak of concentration, I thought to myself! Better keep my mind on the task. It wasn't good to have my mind wandering back to Artus. Yet, what was it about him that kept me almost preoccupied with thoughts of him? I gave my head a quick shake to snap myself back to the job at hand. Yet I was still concerned for him, and for Stadia as well. We hadn't heard from her since before we landed, indicating to me that perhaps Cylons were still in the area. It was comforting to know it was Stadia watching our backs. She'd had her share of problems, but she'd bailed me out in the past, and I'd stake my life on her abilities anytime.
The light went on in my helmet. Marcus needed to talk. I slowed my sled and came to a stop. The wind blew snow in swirls around me. I brushed off my scanner screen. Now that we were clear of the shuttle we could get a decent scan of the area. I hit my scanner, and focusing it behind us I picked up our shuttle clear enough. Good. That meant it was working. Not as clearly as the enhanced scanner aboard the shuttle, but passable. I hoped it had the range to help us find Brie's team.
Marcus had more experience with the readouts, since he had flown the shuttle and knew what the readings meant more than I would. I'd rely on whatever interpretation of the readings he would give me. As I sat there, his snow sled came to a stop next to me. I gave him a thumbs up, and watched as he brushed his scanner screen clear and went to work.
After a moment or two, he motioned to me to come closer. I got off the sled, and came nearer to him, putting my helmet up against his so I could hear what he had to tell me. * * * Marcus We had reached the rise Amy had wanted to go to get a better reading on the scanner. We came to a stop close to each other and I brushed off my scanner screen clear and went to work. I could not get a reading on the canister at all, but I could pick up a small reading coming from the north east of us. It did not look to be very big but we needed to check it out.
I kept thinking about Stadia and what has happened to her. I hopped she was ok. I did not think I would have feeling like this for someone else. I need to get my mind back to work. At least I wasn’t the only one who was distracted, Amy seemed that way as well. Probably thinking about Artus.
After a moment or two, I motioned for Amy to come closer. She got off the sled, and came nearer to me , putting her helmet up against mine so she could hear what I had to tell her. “Captain I am not picking up the canister or the vipers, but I am getting a small reading from the north east not to far off. We might want to go check it out. It is metallic in nature.” * * * Amy Marcus relayed his information. "Captain I am not picking up the canister or the vipers, but I am getting a small reading from the north east not to far off. We might want to go check it out. It is metallic in nature." His voice sounded hollow and it was a little difficult to hear him with the wind whistling around, but I understood what he had to say.
Metallic, yet not the cannister, or Brie's vipers. Hmm, I wondered. What could it possibly be? I leaned in close to him again so that our helmets touched. I could see him through the window of our helmets. He looked like I felt. Rather be someplace warm! I'd never take heat for granted ever again.
"Marcus" I said, "Let's head in the direction of what you've picked up. You stay locked on whatever it is, and I'll lock on and follow you. Keep scanning, and signal me when you have any more information."
He nodded, and I gave him another thumbs up, then climbed back onto my sled. The snow had already built up on it, and I brushed most of it off with a gloved hand. I checked my coordinates, and got a fix on the location of our shuttle. We'd be heading away from it now, and without the coordinates we'd never be able to find it again.
I signaled Marcus again with a thumbs up, indicating that I was ready to follow him. He started off, and almost immediately faded from sight. I could see him on my scanner though, and concentrated on it as I gave the sled some gas and began to follow him. I thought again of what it might be that he'd picked up. Something was better than nothing, and if it was metallic, that probably meant it was not native to this iceball. I wished I knew more, and was happy Marcus was on the task. * * * Stadia Stadia tried to guide her viper to the safest spot she could visually pick out but found it was difficult. She had a dead stick which allowed her very little control.
She tucked her head down as far as she could in order to prepare for impact. She felt the viper hit the ground feeling it bounce once or twice until it came to a stop.
After a few seconds to catch her breath, she raised her head up wincing in pain. Damn, she must of broke her ribs. * * *
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Post by LucianG on Nov 19, 2006 22:02:31 GMT -6
Amy The snow sled bobbed along, and I stood slightly, bending my knees a little to absorb the little dips and rises as I followed Marcus through the icy surface of Outer. It was snowing, so I kept my eyes mostly on the scanner to keep track of him.
I could feel the vibrations of the sled and see the snow blowing around, but I couldn't hear the engines or the wind blowing from inside my enviro-suit. The only thing I could hear was my own breathing. It all seemed so alien, and I felt like I was in some sort of dream. A strange, very cold dream!
I found myself wishing for the light to flash on in my helmet. It would indicate Marcus wanted to talk, but it would also break the strange spell this ice world was casting over me. Though Marcus wasn't far away, I felt like I was the only living thing in the universe. It was a very isolating, unnerving feeling.
"Brrrr" I said to myself. "Suit or no suit, I feel like I'm freezing my ass!!!" * * * Artus "Frag!"
"Frag! Frag! Frag!"
Artus kept feeling worse about the scanner all the time. Everytime he thought he finnally thought he had the thing going something else decided to malfunction. He was just about getting fed up with this whole situation. Only thinking about Amy seemed to warm him up a little.
"By the Lords of Kobol, why won't this fracking machine work!"
Artus was starting to wonder if it was his imagination, or was it really getting colder.
And then suddenly after Artus welded the last diode into place a whiiring noise came from the scanner. He checked it, double checked it, and finally came to the conclusion that he had actually got it to work.
"It works! It works! It's unbelievable, it works!"
Artus lept up and did a little victory dance.
"I did it! I am the greatest! Watch out Cylons, the greatest mechanic in the universe is now a warrior and has come to kick your ass. The Callisto loves Artus. Thank you and goodnight!" * * * Amy We'd cruised along in the snow for quite a distance now, and I was beginning to realize how far we'd gone. I needed an update from Marcus before I could consider going much further. He was a very skilled warrior, and I didn't doubt his abilities one bit. I just needed to know what our status was, and if he had determined what it was his sled scanner had picked up.
I pressed the button on my sleeve to signal Marcus that I wanted to talk. I eased up and slowed my sled down. The wind was still blowing and visibility still wasn't good. Even from inside the relative warmth of the envirosuit I shivered as I sat on my motionless sled, waiting for Marcus to pull up beside me.
My mind momentarily drifted to Artus, back there in the shuttle. I wondered how his work on the scanner was coming.
Ahead I could make out some motion, and could see Marcus coming closer. * * * Marcus As we headed to the spot my scanner indicate the metallic object I kept getting a bad feeling that something was not right. Amy signaled me. I pulled up along side of her sled and got close to her to let her know what was up. “Amy we are almost on top of the spot just there” As I pointed two feet away from are current location. “The object is small but with the adjustment to my scanner I am able to get a fix on it.” “I would like to go check it out” "Are you ok you seem a little distarcted. Is it Artus? He will be ok."
I headed over to see what the reading was. I had to use the hand scanner once I got to the spot. Well we did find some of the canister only pieces of it anyway, but also found foot prints leading away from the spot. I signaled Amy to give her the news. As I got close to her to tell her the news that feeling came back. “Amy we have found pieces of the canister only small ones not enough to have been destroyed and I also found foot prints leading away from this spot towards the north east. Looks like Brie and her team found the canister. I still do not pick up the vipers or any other life forms with in my scanner range. So do we head back or try to find the team?” “ I don’t believe the team to be here anymore and think we should head back to the shuttle before we get to much further from it.” * * * Amy It was with great anticipation that I got off my sled and met Marcus halfway to hear his report on what he had picked up on. We touched helmets so I could hear him.
"Amy" he said, "we have found pieces of the canister only small ones not enough to have been destroyed." His voice sounded tinny but I understood him clearly. "I also found foot prints leading away from this spot towards the north east. Looks like Brie and her team found the canister. I still do not pick up the vipers or any other life forms with in my scanner range." He looked around, and seemed to shrug his shoulders. "So do we head back or try to find the team? I don t believe the team to be here anymore and think we should head back to the shuttle before we get to much further from it."
It was my turn to look around. The evidence was clear enough, even with the swirling wind and snow that tried to cover things up. Brie and her team had been here. Right here! It was frustrating. The trail of their footsteps led off in a completely different direction than the one we approached by. I took a few steps that way, as if maybe I could see them somehow just by walking that way a little. The trail led down steeply. They must have used climbing gear.
Marcus tapped me on the shoulder. If it wasn't for the heavy suit, I would have jumped. I turned and he touched helmets with me again. "Captain, they aren't here."
I gave a look of resignation. "Then our mission is a failure. Not only do we not find them, we can't lead them back to the proper coordinates of the Callisto. And if they're in space, they could meet up with Cylons."
"What worries me is we might too." Marcus said. "Meet Cylons. Since they picked up our coming here, they might have sent teams as well."
"Absolutely" I replied. "We'd better get back. We've gone as far out as we could go with our sleds anyway. Fuel might be a problem soon, and with the lack of good lighting around here our solar batteries won't be of much use."
"Should we radio Marcus? Have him bring up the snow ram?"
"We'd never get through with all this interference. Besides, if Cylons are around, things could get complicated. Best we keep radio silence."
We turned and headed back to our sleds to brush them off. Already nearly an inch had formed on them. I picked up a little, and found it to be good packing. Making a ball I lobbed it at Marcus. It landed on the seat he had just cleaned off. He turned and smiled.
Turning my back, I climbed onto my sled. Inside, I was very worried. Brie, where are you? I pray to the lords of Kobol that you are safe. I revved my sled a little, checking the fuel indicator. A little less than half remained. We really had gone a long way, and it'd take a little time getting back. I thought of Brie, then of Artus. I hoped he was doing alright back at the shuttle. * * *
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