CHAPTER 20-u.c.

[LucianG]

Lucian

Much like when the Frodarians had come aboard the Callisto, there was already a new round of grousing by some of the less hospitable crew members upon the arrival of the survivors of the CQ. This time, however, despite the increase in the crowded conditions, relief was in sight, so most people seemed to be understanding and reasonably helpful. There were some long lines at the a few of the turbowashes, and the situation at the O-Club, where the Frodarians were temporarily being housed, was not good. Tables were temporarily attached to the wall in the corridor outside the O-Club, and a makeshift private entry through what was temporarily a cafeteria-only line was created by one of the engineering crews using link-poles and tarps.

Considering the quality and variety of the available items in the line, the temporary inconvenience was almost completely forgotten and forgiven. The cooks, on the other hand, were having a rough time....

* * *

Commander Sheba looked over the recommendations on the food shortage remediation. Some of the CQ survivors had reportedly had ideas of sources of food on the planet, including locations that were supposedly well away from the Reptiloids where they could be obtained. Sheba questioned this since if the survivors had known of such a location, she wondered why they hadn't moved there to get away from the Reptiloids in the first place.

"Have those with the requisite experience in food source identification and food production debriefed immediately. We want to leave this system as soon as possible. Have teams ready to go at a moments notice to collect as much food as is available," she said. As she continued to review reports and check the status of the "fleet's" progress across the system, she continued, "Also, get an update on Titon's progress on the CQ. We want to get those survivors and anyone else we can back to that ship to help relieve overcrowding here."

"Commander," said Lt. Aegina, "Captain Urdea of Fleet Security has requested a brief meeting with you."

"This better be what I think it is. Have him come at once."

"He's already on his way, Ma'am. He should be here any centon."

Within 45 microns, Captain Urdea reported to the Bridge to give Commander Sheba the report he carried in person. Since the initial disappearance almost a secton before, Urdea’s Fleet Security Officers had been combing the ship looking for the missing crewman to no avail. Commander Sheba had taken a personal interest in the situation since even a single missing crewman spelled trouble. This was especially true when it happened more than once in recent sectars.

“Captain, a Battlestar is a finite place. True, there are a great number of places one can hide, as evidenced by our recently deceased Noman stowaway, but for someone we know of who is actively being sought, your Officers should be able to find them. You were never able to turn up anything on the missing Ensign Erikhr, and now you are telling me that Crewman Quilonn is just gone, too?” Sheba looked very displeased to the former Warrior.

“Commander, if they are still aboard this ship, my Officers will find them,” said Urdea. “You know they have made a lot of progress in recent sectars, and something like this becomes a matter of pride for them. They are putting out an excellent effort because they now realize that they are part of this ship and its company, and without them acting their part, the operation of the ship will suffer. It took the recent events to prove that to them though I’ve been telling them that for yahrens. Now that we’re to that point, I will continue to push that and the requirement for excellence.”

Sheba softened slightly and said, “Captain Urdea, I understand. Do your best and solve this situation. Quickly.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he said and turned to go. As he approached the door, Commander Sheba received an incoming message.

“Commander, excuse me, Ma’am,” said Lieutenant Proteus, Urdea’s second in command in Fleet Security aboard the Callisto. “We have located a body that we believe was that of Crewman Quilonn.”

“Believe, Lieutenant? And just what is stopping you from identifying the body?” asked Commander Sheba in an increasingly irritated tone of voice. Urdea, who had approached the monitor was listening closely.

“Commander, for one, it’s completely desiccated. It doesn’t look like there’s a drop of moisture left in that husk we found. Second, it’s covered all over in little purplish black polka-dots with a little puncture mark in the middle of each.”

Urdea spoke up, saying, “Proteus, remember Officer Lolly? Does it look anything like that?”

Sheba looked sharply at Urdea, remembering the frantic search for the unknown poison that had killed the conspiratorial Security Officer. No source of the poison had ever been discovered.

Proteus said, “Yes, this looks sort of like what happened to him…times a thousand.”

* * *

Background Info for reader, but unknown to characters:

Description: The Garanno Disc-Crawl-on in its usual form is about one centimeter in diameter and resembles a spot of dried paint. It retracts its legs into its body "shell" and can vacuum seal itself to a surface making it difficult to be dislodged or crushed. When against a solid colored surface, the crawl-on can change its body color to be similar, but it is by no means a perfect match, allowing it to be seen if one knows what to seek. When hunting, it disengages itself, extends its legs increasing it's diameter to about 2 cm, and often spins around since its eyes are distributed around the perimeter rather than being placed on a head. Its attack is a bite from a needle-like probe centered under its body. Its poison leaves a blackish purple welt, and so far, there is no known antidote.

* * *

Captain Urdea was on his way to rally his officers. They still didn't know who, or more probably what, was behind this latest death, but if he, she, or it was here, he was determined that someone would find it. And soon!

* * *

The buzz around the Bridge was that someone had killed a crewman named Quilonn. Major Lucian, wearing the still uncomfortable blue uniform, was speaking with Geenie on flight launch protocols. She had just returned to the Bridge after her suspension, and the Lieutenant Colonel had instructed Lucian, as Flight Operations Officer, to keep a close eye on her for a while. The needed training review fell under his scope as well, so Lucian had spent a while reviewing the manual on the job since, before, he had had no idea what all was involved. Now they were discussing the job, and Lucian, starting to get the hang of it, started asking questions, including "what ifs?"

A little while later, Lucian took a lunch break, and found himself standing in the corriodor outside the O-Club since the tables along the side were all full. Two of the Security Officers walked by slowly, scanning the walls and other works. Lucian overheard one say to the other, "Yeah, if someone did it, they were pretty sick, but if something did it, it was pretty sick and pretty damn hungry!" On realizing that they were speaking of the dried-out Mr. Quilonn, Lucian's appetite took a hike. He chewed and forced down the remaining almost-tasteless rice cake, since food could not be wasted with the shortage, and he returned to the Bridge, wondering what was behind Quilonn's mysterious death.

* * *

Charybdis

With all the hoopla lately, the orders had almost been forgotten, but they had come through.

Core Command had announced that Konrad and Nefeteri (yes, Teri) have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Colonial Military.

Congratulations!!!!

<chorus of congratulatons!>

* * *

Artus

Artus could have kicked himself in the teeth. There he was, trying to make a good first impression, and he makes a complete idiot of himself in front of the first major he runs in to.
But then again, how was he to know that majors could be such fine looking women. If all the female officers aboard the Callisto were like that, Artus would be in for a good time.

He picked up the Fumarillo and put it back into his mouth. Stang! The thing had gone out again. Blast those cheap fumarillos. It was hard enough lighting them in the first place, but if those darn things just wouldn't stay lit.

Oh well, better get over into medlab to have my physical over with.
Absentmindedly Artus stares at a couple of mis-matched blotches of paint on the wall. You'd think they would take better care of the corridors near medlab, with all that hygiene felgercarb, but that just makes the entire place look like a dump. Artus shrugs and steps into medlab.

* * *

Lucian

Two crewman working nearby on a jambed valve saw an Ensign walking down the corridor.

"Holy frack! Did you see that? He's still got a real fumarillo!" said the first after the man was out of sight.

"Yeah! I'd give my eye teeth for one of those things," said the other. "The Commissary ran out of them, and most everything else, a couple of sectons ago. No reason to go in there now considering most of the shelves are bare."

"Think they'll find any smokeweed on that planet we're going by?"

"Fat chance, but we can only hope."

"Yeah. A real fumarillo. Lucky daggit!"

They went back to work, lubricating the valve, and soon had it back in operation. Giving each other a high five, they picked up their tool bags and went on their way to the next item on their maintenance list.

[LucianG]

Artus

As Artus stepped into the medlab one of the medtechs immediately approched him.

"Ensign, put that fumarillo out immediately!"

"Well, you see the thing is..." Artus started saying as he took it out of his mouth; "It's technically not a real fumarillo. It's a waste product that forms from the tylium we use to run our engines, and I've dried it and rolled it up so it appears like a fumarillo."

The medtech looked confused; "A tylium byproduct? Is that why it smells so terrible?"
"Yeah, and strangely enough it's dang hard to keep 'em lit."

"But ensign, isn't smoking that tylium waste incredibly bad for your health?"

Artus sighed.
"Naturally, but that's the whole point of smoking, isn't it?

* * *

Amy

The metal bird came to a rest inside the huge room. I sat up and took in the sight. Row upon row of metal birds lined the sides of the room, while people moved hurriedly in all directions.

I turned toward the one called 'Brie'. She looked back with the same concerned look that she had been giving me since I had first laid eyes on her. She smiled. "It's home, Amy", she said. "Do you recognize it?"

I could understand her words perfectly. The confused blend between the her language and the one of the leader was gone. I feared I might not even understand the leader if I ever heard his voice again.

Brie touched my arm, and asked me another question. "Amy, you said something before, while we were landing. You said, 'why this place again', or something like that. Why would you say that?"

I just looked back at her. I could feel the words forming. It felt so strange after not being able to really understand the language before. "I've been here before", I replied.

"Then you recognize it?" Brie asked excitedly.

I shook my head. "Just been here before", I said.

Brie popped the canopy, and I scrambled out as it raised up. I jumped out onto the deck, and it felt odd to be here and not be able to go through the decks like before. I spun around as Brie came up and took me by the arm.

She had a look of shock on her face. "Amy, you're bleeding again!" I brought a hand to my face, and came away with a good smear of blood. I looked at Brie, my face suddenly going blank. I began to shake again, and I dropped to my knees. "H-h-help me Brie" I pleaded, another spurt of blood spraying from my mouth.

And then things began to fade. Brie had been holding on to me, but suddenly her hands went right through me. "What in hades..." I heard her say, in a voice that sounded full of echoes. And then I was gone. One second I was there, in Brie's arms, and the next I wasn't there at all. Brie knelt on the deck alone.

* * *

Brie

If Brie had realized that Amy was bleeding again, she would have called for a medical emergency so she could have moved up in line. She cursed under her breath. Amy looked panic stricken. "H-h-help me Brie," she pleaded.

Brie held on to Amy once again. "Med tech!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Then suddenly, unexplainably, Amy wasn't there anymore.

"What's the problem, Ma'am," the med tech said to Brie. She didn't know how to answer.

* * *

Charybdis

The landing bay was such a bustle of activity, I had to physically grab Dr. BKJ and her team and haul them over to Brie's viper.

They had positioned her ship a few rows away, so it took just about a centon for us to get there.

When we came around the front of the ship, Major Brie was sort of kneeling on the deck with her arms down to the floor. She was alone. She looked almost in shock. She was screaming for a med tech.

Dr. BKJ rushed over as I knelt next to Brie. "Brie, Brie!!" I yelled. She looked over at me with the most incredible face I had ever seen on her. One of total disbelief.

"WHere's Amy?" I asked. The med techs jumped on the viper to look inside, thinking that maybe Amy was still inside, but they turned and indicated that no one was in there.

"Brie, what happened?" I asked.

She breathed heavily and finally got some words out. "She was right here. I was holding her and now..." she stopped for a micron, " she's gone. Just gone" her voice trailed off.

I didn't know what to make of it. All I know is that Amy was supposed to come in with Brie and now Amy is gone, one way or another. I didn't want to push Brie too much, how could you interpret what she was saying? She said that Amy was right there and now she's gone.

A chill went right down my spine. We had her back. We had her back, and now...what the frack was happening? People disappearing? Physically off the ship? It was starting to happen with alarming regularity. At least we had found the crewman Quilonn recently. But Erikhr had still not been found and with his talk of different dimensions, could he have been telling the truth? He had said some things about Amy, something about her being the key to saving the Callisto against evil forces.

My mind started getting the better of me. I had to control the situation.

I held Brie's arm and escorted her to the exit of the bay. "Brie, we need to see Commander Sheba and tell her about this. I dont' think it can wait. We need your full report right now."

She nodded as she took one last look back into the landing bay. She was looking for Amy. I couldn't help it, but I turned to look as well...

* * *

Amy

I blinked my eyes, and in that space of time everything had changed. One moment I was cradled in the arms of Brie, and then suddenly everyone shimmered and was gone. Had they disappeared, or had I? Everything was still, and silent, and empty.

Suddenly everything was a mass of confusion. The room, this great bay for metal birds, was suddenly filled with people, but it was different. They hustled around, going this way and that, but all of them seemed transparent, as transparent as I was! More than once I saw myself pass by, oblivious to me. What had happened? It was like I was in no place in time, yet everyplace in time, all at once.

I spun around, looking for the leader, feeling he must be here someplace. I could feel his presence, yet I could not find him. I took a step, and realized I could float. So this WAS like the trip I had taken with the leader, yet this time I was alone. I began to feel frightened. Where was I supposed to go? How could I control this? How was this even possible?

I tried to remember how it was done, how the leader had taken me on the journey. Yet I was afraid to begin. At least here, on the ship called Callisto, I knew where I was. If I set out for somewhere, would I be able to stop when I wanted, or get back when I was ready? I knew I couldn’tstay here, where all of time was converging on itself. So I tried to recall what I felt in my mind when the leader took me from one period of time to another. And just like that, I was away.

Getting back was what was most on my mind, so back was the way I went. I flew up through the bulkheads and out of the Callisto, and headed off among the stars. Journeying through time and space, I once more came upon the Callisto, and I knew from the other ships surrounding it that I was in a different time. Calling on my experience with this strange and wonder form of travel, I found that I could stop when I wished. I flew inside the great ship, and let the winds of fate carry me to where I should go.

Floating on, I came to rest yet again on the deck of the great hangar where the metal birds are stored. As I stood unnoticed and transparent, I watched as a shuttle pulled into the bay and settled to a stop. There to greet the shuttle were a group of men in uniform. The shuttle opened up, and people began to disembark. I recognized myself as soon as I saw the young woman peek her head out the hatch. She, I mean I, was young, and a little bit wary. She clutched her pack like it contained all that she owned.

I flew up and closer to myself. The woman’shair was lightly colored, not the dark color that it was on me, yet it was me. I stayed close by her, studying her reactions. Halfway down the steps she paused, looking at someone. I looked too, and took in the sight of the handsome man that stood in command of the group greeting the shuttle. He was incredible, and I could see that the woman who was me was having the same reaction as I was now.

It was simple really, the way my mind made the connections. It was the first time that things really clicked for me. This man before me was the same man that I had seen on the bridge during my trips with the leader. I recognized him. And even before he began to speak, I knew his name. Charybdis.

“I’m Lt. Colonel Charybdis,” he spoke. “On behalf of the Colonial Military, I bid welcome aboard to all the new recruits. If you’ll step to one side as the rest of the passengers disembark, I can set you up for orientation.”

I watched my past self as she descended the steps and shuffled to one side, never taking her eyes off the Lt. Colonel. And I smiled as the memory of it all came flooding back. I had finally remembered one of the reasons I belonged on the Callisto. But, I began to wonder, could I ever find my way back?

* * *

Brie

As she left the landing bay with Charybdis, Major Brie kept staring at her hands. They were covered with blood, Amy’s blood. She couldn’t take her eyes off of them. She was silent for a while, still in shock. Charybdis had a million questions but wasn’t asking them yet. “It’s happening again, isn’t it,” Brie said quietly. It wasn’t a question.

“What?” Charybdis asked. He knew her better than just about anyone, and unlike most people on the Callisto knew her history as well. He suddenly realized that Brie was talking about her husband, and the consequences of his disappearance. “No, Brie, this is different. That’s all over with, and you and I are the only ones who know the whole story. But you need to focus, that’s the only way we’ll be able to figure out what happened to Amy.”

Brie nodded. She continued to stare at the blood on her hands. It was the only thing keeping her from thinking that she was losing her mind.

* * *

Amy

The more I observed, the more I seemed to remember. From this one brief but very important part of my life, the day I first set foot on the Callisto (and eyes on Charybdis), memories seemed to flow in both directions, gradually filling back up the emptiness in my mind. I continued to watch my past self as Charybdis gave his brief on-deck orientation, remembering and reliving that very momentous day. Floating, and invisible to them, I could get as close as I wanted without disturbing the past.

I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to get back to where it was I belonged, or if I even could, but just rediscovering who I was of more importance at this very moment. Wanting to rediscover more, I decided to go back further, so I hovered higher and still higher until I floated through the roof of the great hanger bay and out into space.

Instead of rushing headlong to a new place in my past, I went gently, nudging myself backward. I could actually see things in reverse now, and as I hovered out in space I could see the shuttle that had carried my past self to the Callisto was now flying backward out of the bay. Time was going backward, and I flew along with the shuttle as it retraced it's journey back to where it had come from.
* * *

Still on a journey of rediscovery, I now came upon the agro ship that I had grown up on. I watched as the shuttle completed it's backwards journey from the Callisto, and after a pause, after feeling time begin to flow forward again, I entered through the bulkhead and into the hanger bay of the ship.

Floating downward, I could see the bay, and felt more memories click back into place. It had been so long since I had seen my childhood home! But while this agro ship was of yahrens past, I remembered that in the future, in the time I belonged in, the agro ship and the fleet have been lost to us for quite a while now, it's fate unknown.

But for now I just enjoyed seeing it again, even if it was only a past version. I floated downward, finding myself among the large cargo crates and supplies, a lone passenger waiting to go aboard the shuttle that was preparing to leave. I was witnessing the moment I went through with my plan to leave the agro ship and my farming parents, and become a warrior trainee aboard the Callisto.

I watched my past self sitting there, clutching a pack of belongings, brushing away tears that wouldn't stop flowing. I remember now the fights I had had with my parents, and how much they disapproved of my career choice. As one of the lucky ones who's family was intact and not torn apart by the Cylons, they just couldn't understand why I would go looking for tragedy when I was needed on the agro ship, tending to the crops. In the end, they had refused to grant me any blessings, and didn't even come to watch me leave on my way to a new life.

I watched this sad scene play out, the feelings coming back loud and strong. The shuttle finally opened up, and I watched my past-self brush back her hair and the latest round of tears, and walk head-high up the plank and aboard the shuttle. It reved up it's engines moments later, and slowly left the deck, making it's way into space.

As I watched this piece of my history, I took in one last look around the hanger, and was suprised to noticed two people standing in the back. I was overcome with emotion as I floated in closer to these two people, and discovered them to be my parents! They had come after all, and I never had known it! Pride had kept them from standing with me, but they had come just the same, and as I hovered over them I could hear my mom speak. "May all the blessings of the Lords of Kobol go with you, Amy. Lords, protect my child." And then my mom began to cry.

I had never known that they had come to see me off. But even as I digested this lost fragment of my past, I felt the need to go forward now. The phrase 'Lords of Kobol' had somehow reminded me of Brie, and I knew that I must try to head back to where it was I belonged, and when I got there, I must try to break through and return home.

[LucianG]

Jarrynn

Jarrynn looked at her new recruits roster. Between all the emergancies and physicals, she was getting tired. She still wanted to take a moment and talk to Lucian about his eyes and his options. Plus she needed to do check ups on her other patients that have had the eye proceedures lately. Shaking her head, no that would have to wait.

She looked up as she saw a familiar face walking towards her. Rolling her eyes, she already opened the drawer.
"Am I getting that predictable?" Kris asked.
"Uh hello! Its the twin thing remember? And welcome back! By the way Galen took up residence on my pillow!" Trying to look disgusted.
"Yeah yeah whatever not like you don't have Furrybdis to fight over it with." Kris said waving her hand as she dug in Jarrynn's desk. Jarrynn watched as her things fall on the floor. She stopped her twin.
"Excuse me!What is it you are looking for? I put asprin in there so you should have found it! Besides are you going to go see Nat?" Kris nodded and smiled as she found what she was searching for and headed to the main door. She passed the new guy Ensign Artus and said hello. He looked at her as she walked out. He walked up to Jarrynn's desk.
"I was told to report to medbay for physical?" He looked at Jarrynn then back at the door. Jarrynn smiled. It never ceased to amaze her on the reactions to her and Kris.
"Yes Ensign there are two of us. Now for that physical."

* * *

Artus

Artus looked in disbelief at the woman he had just adressed. Was he really going space-happy? Or did he just see two of those?
He took the homegrown makeshift fumarillo out of his mouth and stared at it. Maybe they were even worse for you than he really thought.
Jarrynn started to get a little impatient.
"Look ensign, I have a lot of work to do, so if you could oblige me, we can get this physical over with."
Artus tried to regain his composture. He didn't quite succeed.
Nevertheless he attempted to lean seductively over the desk.
"Be gentle with me doc, it's my first time..."

* * *

Jarrynn

"be gentle with me, its my first time"

Jarrynn nearly lost it when he said that. Up til then she heard them all, so she swore. She picked up his homemade fumerello and looked at it and shook her head.
"first thing is to lay off of these to maybe one per cycle if that." Crinkling her nose. As she went to put something on her records for him, she noticed him still looking puzzled.
"Yes ensign? are you ok?" She saw the fingers moving like he was trying to figure something out. Jarrynn smiled. She knew what was going on. Placing a hand on his shoulder, "don't worry, I think Major Lucian still gets us confused at times. If they didn't know one worked in here and the other flies for Black, I would hate to see what would happen, though... " she smiled mischieviously.
"though?" He questioned.
"It might be fun sometime to wear a warriors uniform and walk around with her and see if we really get confused. I have always wanted to do that if we ever get any down time. But here lately that seems hard to come by. Maybe sometime soon. But shhhhhh don't tell anyone." Jarrynn smiled and winked at the new Ensign.
She backed away and did some writing on the chart.
"ok ensign now this is the fun part." Jarrynn tried to keep from smiling too much and from giggling. For some reason this ensign really made her cycle. It was going pretty bad then he came in and made her smile. What is it with these flyboys she thought? After it was over she sat there very serious looking as she scribbled on the charts. She could see him squirming. Wanting to get a second opinion she went out of the room and grabbed Holodoc. After filling her friend in on the "situation" both came back in the room and looked stone faced. Holodoc looked over the charts and back at Jarrynn and nodded.
"What!" he exclaimed! He was getting really edgey now.
"I am sorry ensign but I hate to inform you that .... well.... I don't know how to put this but.... "

after what seemed to be a life time of silence...

"you are cleared for active duty." Jarrynn busted out with a smile and tried not to laugh at his reaction. She hoped he wouldnt be too mad at her antics but it was just too easy and so much fun. "You are free to go join your squad now. And welcome to the fleet." Jarrynn said.

* * *

MedievalSong

Cpt Kris smiled as she came from the meblab. Seeing her sister was always a blast. Anytime she needed a smile she went there.
***************
Needless to say that after a mission like this last one was one to take a toll on a person-emotionally and physically. I hated losing anyone on a mission and the loss was almost too much to bear.
(come on pull yourself together, this is part of being a warrior) I chided at myself. (but its also part of being a human)I reminded myself. (does this ever get any easier?) I questioned silently as I headed carefully thru the halls. I didn't have to worry about Galen since he took up residence with his litter mate Furrybdis and I giggled to myself at the thought of them two fighting with Jarrynn over the bed.
I stopped shortly from the training room. I still had my "punishment" to serve, now that I was back. Sighing and shaking my head, I thought back on what put me in this position. I just had to let my heart sickened sister begged me to go get Najinn. Would I do it again? Yes I would. I would go after any fellow warrior, no matter which squad they served on. But I thought of JustinB and Rose. Was there something there between them? Plus I needed to congratulate him on his promotion. But I also needed to find Teri after my "sentence" was served and catch up with her.
(well here I go and oh please be in there Nat!) I whispered to myself. I walked in and looked around. I saw Nat getting the sims set up for the class. I cleared my throat and smiled at him. He looked up and smiled.
"I would hug you right now but we both know I am here to serve my punishment, though not hugging you and saying hi the way I want to is punishment enough. I have missed you so much Nat! Plus did you hear?" I tried to remain calm, but around him it was hard.
"Hear what?" Was he kidding with me? I wondered but went with it.
"I made Captain!" I busted out in a huge smile! I couldn't contain the excitement! I waited for his response.

* * *

Lucian

"Captain! That's wonderful!" he said as he squeezed her close. "I'd heard there was a promotion in Black Squadron, but we've been so busy here that I didn't even realize it was you being promoted!" He kissed her passionately, keeping his eyes open as he did so he wouldn't loose sight of her for even a moment. In his mind, it was almost unreal. Their surroundings dissolved into nothingness, and in all the universe, there was only Kris. The light from somewhere behind her highlighted her hair, making it seem that she was glowing--

The applause from the cadets entering the training room finally brought them back to reality. The hoots and catcalls got to be a little much, and both Captain Kris and Lieutenant Nat turned a few shades of red.

"Get into prelaunch--NOW!" commanded Nat. "Launch is in two centons. You'd best be ready!"

He pulled her into the Control Room where they could speak privately. "Are you free tonight? I'm off a little early since Captain Lazant is back starting this cycle. He had to track down one of our trainers that someone had stolen, so I've been doing double duty, timeshifting classes and all. I've only got another centon before class starts. Can we get together?"

* * *

Several centars later, the lights came up in the training room, and Lieutenant Nat ordered the cadets to gather around the screen. He was going to point out a few of the errors they'd made at various points in the mission that had resulted in the loss of the entire flight wing.

"Fortunately, it was just a simulation flight, or you'd all be DEAD!" said Nat.

"That's right," said Captain Kris. "If you think this is a game, then you're sadly mistaken, for in this you must learn what you need to do it for real against real enemies whose only desire is to kill you. You'll get no second chances against them. You blow something--"

Nat smiled to himself, especially at the thought that earlier in the cycle, he'd wondered if he'd ever get any help, and if he'd ever get to spend any time with Kris. Now, they'd been working closely together for several centars. He was happy...and was happy to have a combat Warrior telling the cadets what they needed to hear.

* * *

Charybdis

The debriefing went well, considering. What struck me as problematic was that Ensign, now Lt., Teri had to use the stun setting on Amy.

I wondered if this, combined with whatever Amy had in her system could have altered her memory in some way. Brie said that Amy was out of it since they had found her, but that still did not explain what had happened once Brie landed onboard the Callisto. Things were getting pretty spooky.

Sheba called me over to one side of the room where Brie could not hear us. "Charybdis, stay near Brie. You two go way back together, maybe you can find out more by talking to her in private. And see if you can ease her. It's not her fault. None of this is."

"Alright, Commander." I responded, "I will." Not really wanting to change the subject, I had to. The issue of the survivors had to be brought up. "Commander, when do you want to meet with the members of the CQ delegation?"

"See if you can find out who to meet with and schedule it for the start of the next cyle. They'll need a little time to get organized and cleaned up."

I moved back over to Brie where she sat in her chair. "Come on, Brie," I took her arm and motioned for her to follow.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To get you cleaned up and rested. You've been through a lot, I think it's time for a little pampering, what do you say?" I smiled as best as I could, but given all that was happening, it wasn't much.

She nodded her head slightly and walked out with me toward her quarters. There was always a good feeling about getting back home to your own quarters and your own bed. This time, I'm not so sure if Brie felt that way...

* * *

Amy

Leaving the agro ship, I headed out and forward through time. On the journey back to my own time, I stopped several times to revisit first hand the major moments of my life. Though I had pretty much full command of my memory, I could not resist the urge to look in on certain events.

Entering through the bulkhead unseen, I hovered in close to watch as two thugs dragged my past-self into a small engine compartment. I was unconscious, and being set up to be killed and framed as a saboteur. I watched as these two men set my body down roughly, one of them kicking me in the side for kicks. The other one produced a set of laser boles, the primary weapon of the Borellian Noman. He activated them, and the two ran out of the room.

I hovered in close, observing my past-self. I remembered the fighting I had been in, and remembered I had handled myself well, but I had been just too outnumbered. I had gotten in way over my head, and if it hadn’t been for:

Adrian.

I watched as the door flew open and he entered. Just seeing him again brought me an intense feeling of sadness. Whatever else he had been up to, in the end he had saved my life. As I watched I wanted to warn him, tell him to get away, but I knew I couldn’t stop what was unfolding. The laser boles howled louder and louder, and they grew brighter and brighter as I watched Adrian struggle with my limp body, trying to get me out of there. I saw the exact moment when the look crossed his face and he knew that he was out of time. He flung himself over my prone body just seconds before the laser boles exploded. The room was filled with a blinding flash, and even though I was just observing this scene the explosion was too much for me to remain.

I headed back out and into space, overcome with a renewed sense of grief.

* * *

Closer to my own time again, I hovered in close again to relive another big moment in time. I flew in close, and found my past self this time sitting on a sofa, and before me was Lt. Colonel Charybdis, on one knee, holding out the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. I watched my past-self’s expression, surprised to see that my eyes could grow so wide! Charybdis had just proposed that I take the seal with him, and I watched my past-self scream out “yes” with happiness, leaping suddenly off the sofa to tackle Charybdis to the floor. I remembered the joy again, how happy I had been at that moment. I wondered again at what exactly it was that made me give that necklace back so soon afterward.

It was another moment that I needed to revisit.

Journeying on, I again landed, this time in the hanger bay. Those metal birds, those Vipers, had been out in battle, and the one flown by Charybdis was coming in, trying to land under intense fire. I floated down onto the deck, and found my past-self there, preparing to launch a viper herself, my past-self who didn’t know that the viper crashing in was flown by her fiancee! Only giving it a glance, she climbed into her own viper, and in moments launched down the tube and into space.

Charybdis’s viper was a complete wreck, and I hovered in close to it, trying to see what I knew was the life-less body of the Lt. Colonel. As I grew close, I could feel something inside the cockpit. I couldn’t focus exactly on what it was, but it felt pure and good and—I pulled back suddenly, trying to understand what I had tapped into. He had died, I had been sure of it, but why did I sense such life coming from inside the cockpit? Afraid of the unknown, I left the hanger and that period of time, returning at the moment a few hours later when my past self returned from her mission.

I watched myself land the viper, and hop down, conversing with a flight attendant. I watched the look crossing over my face as I snapped around and looked at the wreck and began to walk purposely toward it. Brushing away some techs, my past-self began smashing at the window with a growing sense of grief, and I hovered in close. Was that feeling still there, the pureness and goodness and light? It was! Even as my past self jerked open the canopy I could feel it! It was there right up until the moment Charybdis’s eyes snapped open and scared the living felgercarb out of me.

I remembered the joy I had felt initially, followed by unease over knowing that the dead had just arisen. Shaken by my doubts about myself for questioning such a miracle, I had given back the necklace.

I wondered where Charybdis was right now, in the time I belonged in. Did he know about me, about how I had disappeared? And poor Brie, she was holding me when it happened!

I knew it was time for me to return to where I belonged, but was it even possible? I floated up and out of the hanger bay, setting out for the present time, the time I belonged in. I prayed to the Lords to help me find a way back.

[LucianG]

Lucian

Major Joey stood by the station, watching as Pell’s hands flew over the keyboard. She was still trying to download the information that was supposed to be on the disc that had been supplied by Frazeer, the CQ’s Third Officer. Unfortunately…

“Major, ordinarily, if there’s an accidental loss of data, the echo remains on the disc until it is overwritten. This contains only the very basics like name, age, home planet, and in some cases, occupation, but it’s basically nothing more than we collected from the CQ survivors as they came aboard. When I checked deeper to recover the echo to rebuild the missing data, I find NOTHING. There’s nothing here, so it was either never there, which I doubt, or there has been some type of unprecedented accident…or…someone has deliberately erased portions of the disc and overwritten it,” said the Programmer. She pulled the disc and extended it to Joey.

* * *

Rose

Rose's face was filled with surprise and also thought. She turned away at first, but she turned around and looked me in the eyes and said "JustinB,...

Rose stood there looking into JustinB's eyes unable to say what she wanted to say at that moment. She could get lost in his eyes, she wasn't sure what she should do. Here she was wanting so much to kiss JustinB, but how would she explain things should they get caught. Espicially since they were in a public location to an extent.

After a few centons pass by of just standing there thinking and looking to JustinB's eyes, Rose couldn't stand it any longer. She had to know what it was like to kiss JustinB & prayed that they wouldn't get busted.

Rose sat back down next to JustinB facing him some. She leaned towards him, gently touching the side of his face with one of her hands. As she drew closer to him, she could feel his breath on her face. Rose unconsciously wet her lips with her tongue as she continue leaning towards JustinB. Their lips inches from one another, Rose wets her lips again and as she does so, JustinB closes the distance between their lips tenderly kissing her.

Her mind now realing and her skin feeling tinglely all over, Rose continued kissing JustinB, seemingly unable to get enough. He was bringing things out in her that she didn't know was possible. Rose pulled back for a moment and looked into JustinB's eyes again. "I'm sorry JustinB," Rose quietly says, "I shouldn't of been so forward, but I just couldn't help myself any longer. I had to know what it would be like." JustinB smiled at Rose and replies, "don't be sorry, Rose. I wanted to kiss you as much as you wanted to kiss me." Rose leaned back in towards JustinB this time kissing him first lightly and then grew bolder with her kiss as she ran one of her hands up into his hair some.

* * *

JustinB

As my lips touched Roses, I feel like I have an electric current flowing through my body. Her lips were soft and her kiss ever so sweet. After a few centons, Rose pulled back for a moment and looked me in the eyes again.

"I'm sorry JustinB," Rose quietly says, "I shouldn't of been so forward, but I just couldn't help myself any longer. I had to know what it would be like."

I smiled at Rose and replied, "don't be sorry, Rose. I wanted to kiss you as much as you wanted to kiss me."

We leaned into each other and this time we grew bolder and more passionate. I had never felt like this before. The only love I had experienced were from my mother and father. Even that was short lived, since they were killed by the cylons when I was very young.

But now in the middle of nowhere, here I am falling in love with a beautiful woman who I have fought enemies with her by my side and shared many a laughs with. Finally, I am finding some happiness.

The pure ecstasy and passion running through our veins made us forget everything else. So much so, that I hear a suppressed giggle then a female voice saying, "Well, well. You two sure seem to have your hands full or should I say lips full."

* * *

Captain Kris was making her way down the corridor on an errand for Lieutenant Resonat. She kind of liked her punishment. As she came round a corner, she heard someone in the observation lounge.

When she looked in she saw two warriors in full embrace kissing each other. She first thought 'whoops wrong turn.' Then she noticed it was Lieutenant Rose and Captain JustinB. She walked right up to them unnoticed and said, ""Well, well. You two sure seem to have your hands full or should I say lips full."

Rose jumped out of JustinB's arms and stood up. Kris could see Rose's cheeks were bright red. Kris was giggled for a bit then said, "hey wait I thought" then pauses for a millacenton, "uhm never mind. Rose we need to talk later ok? Stop by the training room when you get the chance." With that she turned and left.

*********************

Getting sprung by Kris was the last thing on my mind, but I could see it was playing on Rose's. Her still red cheeks told the whole story. I just hope this wouldn't ruin what we had. We walked back to the Black Squadron barracks without a word being spoken. As I was about to leave to enter the barracks, Rose pulled me back.

"JustinB," she said, "just letting you now that's the best I have felt for a long time. I better go and find Kris and have a chat with her." With that she gave me a small kiss on the cheek. I went to my locker and grabbed a towel for I really needed a turbo wash. I thought about Rose and what had happened. What made it weird was that I was now a Captain. Also the battle I had Kra’a and the dream I had of him still haunted me. 'Well, lets chalk that one up to experience then' I thought to myself.

After the turbowash, I went and jumped in my bed. I would have liked to go to the O'Club, but the survivors from the CQ were lodging there until further notice. First thing in the morning, I would try and find Major BatGal and give her an account of our battle with the Reptiloids. Also, I would brief her on the performance of the warriors on the mission. There were areas I think we could improve on. Before I knew it I was fast asleep.

* * *

Stargazor

Somehow Stargazor found his way to the bridge section.
People wore working on various systems and so on.
But Stargazor’s attention went to the huge window in-front where thousands of stars wore in the sky.
Stargazor gazed at them en kind of felt sad and he just sat down and looked outward.
A small tear from his eyes ran from his cheek but he didn’t knew why.

People started to notice him sitting there and kept watching him with these concerned looks some even tried to call him by his name but he didn’t look at them.
Something was attracting his attention outward as if he was mesmerized.

With all the things going on, on the Callisto:
People vanishing into thin air and so on…

One of the bridge crew sounded an alert to command and medical crew.

* * *

Charybdis

Lt. Aegina buzzed the Commander's war room. Sheba stepped out onto the bridge to see the injured Ens. Stargazor gazing out into the star field (and planets) as if lost.

"Get security. And notify Med lab that they have one on the loose." she said.

"Make sure he's escorted back to Med Lab and kept there for his own good."

* * *

Stargazor

Suddenly Stargazor was pointing outward as if he mend something to say, he couldn’t form the words but kept pointing outward to a certain direction.
He wanted to go in that direction as if drawn to it…
The Commander stepped closer to Stargazor who turned his head to her.
He tried to form the proper words its was if he couldn’t speak the words, his face looked stressed and tears began to flow from his eyes.
The Commander was very concerned and she could clearly see that the ensign, was trying hard to make something clear to her.

But what?
Was he ill, or was something out there!
The med. Crew came running into the bridge section one of them tried to grab Stargazor but as he fought to get loose he took a pen from the man.

Stargazor stressed to the limit run around the bridge looking for something avoiding people who tried to calm or grab him.
Then he found what he was looking for a board to write on.

The Med. Crew tried to grab him as he started to do something on the board when Commander Sheba stopped them.

Stargazor was drawing something on the board, but kept getting these pains in his head he had to make it fast.
An image was forming, Something engraved into Stargazor’s head and every colonial warrior.

Something that would make it clear to everybody.

He almost finished as he got this terrible pain in his head and fell unconscious to the floor.
Sheba looked over him for a moment when a med. Crew member told her to watch the board.

As she turned her head her face grew concerned and fearful.
Her eyes transfixed on the drawing.

And there its was, in clear detail, a Cylon centurian head!

* * *

BatGal

As Maj. BatGal headed towards Landing Bay Alpha, she started thinking about her days in the Academy -- when she and the rest of the Cadets couldn't wait to finally pilot their very own vipers.

She started humming a familiar song...

FLY MY VIPER
(Inspired by The Doors’ “Light My Fire”)

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
I’ve never wanted to fly a viper.

Come on let me fly my viper
Come on let me fly my viper
Let me set the Cylons on fire.

The time to hesitate is through
No time for more flight simulation
Requests to launch have been approved
Warriors – to your battlestations!

Come on let me fly my viper
Come on let me fly my viper
Let me set the Cylons on fire.

The time to hesitate is through
No time for more flight simulation
Requests to launch have been approved
Warriors – to your battlestations!

Come on let me fly my viper
Come on let me fly my viper
Let me set the Cylons on fire., yeah

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
I’ve never wanted to fly a viper.

Come on let me fly my viper
Come on let me fly my viper
Let me set the Cylons on fire
Let me set the Cylons on fire
Let me set the Cylons on fire
Let me set the Cylons on fire

* * *

BatGal stepped off the lift and as she walked across the landing bay floor, she bent down to pick up a pen that someone must have dropped --- and in doing so, she noticed what looked like tiny droplets of oil on the floor...and upon further inspection, she saw that some these droplets were splattered on some of the walls -- but they were almost imperceptible. How on Caprica did oil spill in those areas?

She turned to the worker that was stationed nearby. "Crewman, could you please see to it that this oil leakage is thoroughly investigated and cleaned up afterwards?".

"Right away, Major." replied the crewman.

Little did BatGal know that those droppings WEREN'T caused by an oil leakage...

[LucianG]

Lucian

Phrynix, Black Squadron's Mission Specialist, wasn't pleased that some idiot had spilled precious lubricating oil on the deck and the walls near the lift. He was even more upset that Major BatGal had been the one to find it...and him. Fenmarnis over in Alpha Bay would never have had to deal with something stupid like this. Then again, she was the queen. One of these cycles, he was going to show her up, and...well, that would be the cycle!

He had rounded up four Techs with degreaser, capture sponges, and lubricant capture buckets, and he was going to make sure that things were back in tip top shape in Beta Bay. Major BatGal, while not in charge of Beta Bay proper, was in charge of the majority of the operations, along with Captain Buellah of Silver Spar Squadron that shared the Bay with Black, so it was his job to keep her happy.

"Spread out everyone. She said it was right around here somewhere. There were a few splatters on the deck and several more spatters on the wall. Get to it! I want it found and cleaned up...and if I find out who wasted that stuff, they'll be serving time and a half shifts for a secton!"

Ten centons later, they'd exhausted their search, but had found nothing. Phrynix went back to the Beta Bay Supply Room and dug out a scanning lamp, set the bulb to the prescribed setting for lubricating oil, and then played it over the area while wearing the scanning goggles. He shook his head in disbelief. Not only had someone cleaned up the oil, they'd done it so well that there wasn't even a trace left. Someone was sure trying to cover their tracks to keep from serving that time. The oil was almost a certain loss now, which was a loss to the Callisto since they currently had no replacement supply. Even in small quantities, it was valuable, and now someone had wasted it! Major BatGal was going to be very, very mad indeed.

"Let's scan for anything similar. She said she saw it, so there had to be something here. Someone's cleaned it up, so let's figure it out, and then we can figure out who did it."

A few meters away, there was an almost silent skittering of many very tiny feet. It was so quiet in fact that no one could possibly have heard it, even if there had been no air blowing through the air supply duct at the time.

* * *

"Major, I'm not sure what you saw, but our scans indicate that it was not any of the types of lubricating oil that we carry on the Callisto," said Phrynix. "We scanned for a bunch of other items as well, and there's not indication that anything was there at all. We even looked for residue of all the major types of cleaners, and what little we found wasn't fresh. I don't know what to tell you. If someone was trying to cover up this spill, they sure did a good job of it."

* * *

BatGal

"Thank you, Phrynix." said BatGal. "However, I'm not 100% certain that it was oil -- but it did look like it. It was almost the color of the landing bay floor, but with a sort of sheen to it. And you said you scanned for other things besides oil?"

He nodded.

Phrynix, relieved that she wasn't angry, was able to relax a little. "Major, whatever it was you saw, well, it's gone now."

BatGal said, "Well, please keep an eye open for any more strange spillage. We don't need any more mishaps around here with leaking engines and such. And, if it WAS oil, we simply can't afford to waste a single drop of it."

"Yes, Major." said Phrynix.

***

Meanwhile, the skittering of many very tiny feet continued...unnoticed.

* * *

Lucian

Phrynix was scheduled to eat lunch, if one could call it that, with Fenmarnas, Gold Squadron's chief Mission Specialist. Though he outwardly, and constantly, groused about the "queen," he secretly had a long standing crush on the woman who was several yahrens his senior. Of course, it was basically only "secret" to him, since most everyone on their teams, with the exception of Fenmarnas, had figured it out long before.

"Fennie, we had a wierd happening occur today that's got me stumped. Someone reported a spill, but when I showed up with a cleanup team, there was nothing there, and no sign that it ever had been. Some of our guys and gals are good at cleanup, but not that good. If it were just about anyone else, I'd chalk it up as bad eyesight--"

"And send them to Nurse Jarrynn?" laughed Fenmarnas.

"--or maybe a prank--"

"Send them to Captain Holodoc for lessons," she said.

"--but this was Major BatGal. I've heard she's got a good sense of humor, but she's not going to waste our time," he said. "Has anyone ever pulled a prank like this in Alpha Bay? I just don't think we have anyone assigned to Beta who could pull it off."

"Not that I know of," she said, taking another bite of the pressed veggie disk. "You know, if these things had any less taste, I think we'd starve to death even while we were eating them. Yuck!"

Fenmarnas made a mental note to ask around her crews to see if anyone had any ideas on how the effects of a spill could be erased so completely. Maybe someone would be able to shed some light on the issue.

* * *

Artus

"You are cleared for active duty" she had finally said. As if Artus had been fooled for a minute. But still, her getting Holodoc into the room as well had made Artus a little worried.
Nevermind. The Colonial Warrior Artus, zero defects. He had smiled, saluted and left medlab. At least she had been gracious enough to welcome him to the fleet. She also didn't look half bad, and that's an understatement. And there were two of those as well. Imagine what a capable colonial warrior, cleared for active duty, could do with two of those.
And then there's still that welcome drink I have to claim from major Batgal. Life is good, Artus thought while he lit up another of his home made fumarillos. Yes, they are bad for me, but as a viper pilot old age is the least of my worries.
He also noticed that the mismatched blotches of paint seemed to have been cleared away.
"Guess the cleanup crew is more efficient than I gave them credit for. Well, now I suppose I'd better go find someone who can give me some orders...."

* * *

Charybdis

Brie and I made it back to her quarters. She was feeling a little better and I'm sure she felt awkward that I was "escorting" her. I knew it too, if there was anyone who didn't need escorting, it was Brie. But she was beginning to wonder herself if one of those...episodes...was coming back. She hadn't gone through any of that since back when her husband Turner had disappeared. I secretly hoped that it wasn't happening again.

Amy was about as close to Brie as anyone, in fact, the only person I could really talk to about Amy was Brie. Funny, how here we were, two people intertwined with Amy so intimately, and Brie and I were both nervous wrecks! What was it about that girl? She sure could get a stranglehold on a person.

Brie went in to the turbowash to get cleaned up. She still had Amy's blood on her hands and uniform. It had been a long mission for Brie. I'm sure when she started out after the wayward Ens. Stargazor she never dreamed of what she would go through. At least she was back and safe. The same still couldn't be said for Amy.

I had told Brie that I was going to talk with some of the people from the CQ to get a picture of who was their leader and who the Commander needed to talk with. Brie went in the turbowash and I left her quarters. As soon as I was done, I would return to check in on her, just to make sure she was OK...

* * *

I checked in briefly with a communications station to check on the status of the CQ survivors and to get an updated printout of all the people's names, home planets, occupations, etc.

The sargeant handed me the list and I walked out into the corridor on my way to the O-Club. I was perusing the list which had all 43 of their names and any designation they had listed.

I began to search at the top of the page to go through the names alphabetically...Achaeus....Apopsis...and then, as if a lightning bolt shot from the sky and seared my inner being, a name that stopped me in my tracks: ARIEN. There was also a nickname listed by it, Ari'.

I was in the middle of the corridor, just standing there. A crewman passed and looked at me sort of strangely, he probably was wondering what the frack I was doing. I couldn't help it. It had to be just some mistake or a big coincidence, that's all. I had never heard that name used elsewhere, though. But, it just couldn't...no, I was dreaming of things, that was it.

I began my journey toward the O-Club convincing myself that there was nothing to it. But, secretly, there was one person I really wanted to meet from that list...

* * *

I entered the crowded O-Club. Sure enough, it looked like a refugee camp. By now, most of the people had had a chance to begin getting cleaned up and had been allotted a certain space in the main room or several adjoining rooms and corridors.

After inquiring with a few people and introducing myself, they pointed me in the direction of a small room in the back of the O-Club. It really was one of a series of storage rooms where boxes and crates of things were kept, mostly supplies, but it was also used for a berth now. I came over and buzzed the door. An older woman answered. She was whitehaired and wore a flowing white robe. In other circumstances, I would have taken her for a siress, but she had a nervous tick and a loose eye. I asked if this is where I could find Arien and if I could speak to her. The woman said yes and turned around to call out behind the door, "Ari, there's a Warrior here to see you."

The woman excused herself politely and walked out into the O-Club to leave Arien and myself alone. As I tried to peer around the door, a young woman stood up and approached. As she stopped in front of me, I recognized her as the woman in the landing bay directing people to and fro. She was the woman I had laid eyes on and who held my attention unexplainably!!! She was now wearing a white robe, similar to the one the other lady wore. I must say, she looked simply stunning.

From what I could tell, she seemed to be around 30 yahrens old (actually, I forgot that the roster had listed her as 29 yahrens), and through all that these people had gone through, there was a spirit in her that I could almost see.

"May I help you, Colonel?" were the first words out of her mouth.

"Uh, I, yes," I stammered. I don't know why but I could hardly speak. There was something about this woman I could not understand. She made me tingle all over, but it was not in the usual way when a man sees a woman he loves, like when I would see Amy. But, something nevertheless. For a split micron I almost felt guilty. My mind thought about Amy and what she would think of this...

I finally recovered, "I'm here to see who are your people's leaders. Commander Sheba would like to extend all priveleges to you and your group and to begin planning how we can incorporate everyone into the flow of things, so to speak."

She smiled a bit and retired to a small cot that had been hastily placed in the room. She sat down and thought a moment, "That depends on who you talk to, Colonel. There were quite a few opinions amongst all of us as to who is qualified to lead us. I guess finding your ship sort of changes all that, huh?"

"Well, we would like to see the Questar remain under your group's supervision, of course, since it has been your home for all these yahrens." I continued. "But that's something we need to discuss. If there are several different factions, we can talk to them all. I'm sure we can work something out for everyone's benefit."

"Well, then I guess I'll be one of those you need to talk to. There were quite a few people who trusted me...who valued my take on things."

"I'll notify the Commander to that. We will be meeting at the start of the next cycle. If I may, I would be willing to escort you," I hoped that I had not overstepped my boundaries.

Arien looked down and smiled a bit, "I would like that very much, Colonel," she replied.

I continued one final time, "and if I can, I would very much like to talk more with you, if you don't mind. I would love to hear your story...of the past yahrens and how you came all this way."

Her eyes seemed far away at that moment. "There's so much to tell, Colonel. Have you got a couple of yahrens or so?" she joked.

I smiled. "In fact, about all we have here is time. How much of it, I dont' exactly know" I responded.

I quickly thought about Brie. She would be finishing her turbowash by now and I thought that I'd better get back to check on her.

"Well, I'd better be going I have to check on some things. I'll be back at the start of the next cycle. It was a pleasure meeting you, Arien. I hope I can get to know you...and your people, a little bit better."

"My pleasure, Colonel. By the way, I don't believe you told me your name," she inquired.

I stopped just inside the door and said, "I'm Lt. Col. Charybdis." I nodded and walked out to head back to Brie's quarters.

Arien stood there alone in her room as if a lightning bolt had shot from the sky and seared her inner being...

[LucianG]

Stargazor

As Stargazor came back to himself he could say only one word “Danger”!
His fear in his face was clear in view.
Commander Sheba was holding his head on her arm as the med. Crew started to get him on a stretcher.
She was thinking about all the things that wore going, and what was it, the Ensign was trying to say…
Or was he just still in chock.
She commanded the people back to work as Stargazor was being carried out.

Back at the medical deck Stargazor was calm again and he asked the nurse that was sitting next to him if he could talk to Lt. Batgal.
The Nurse said she would post an request on the board.

* * *

BatGal

BatGal was finally able to get to MedLab, quite a while after receiving the request from Ensign Stargazor. She checked in with Jarrynn to see what was happening. Stargazor was now in a deep coma-like sleep.

Because of his escape from MedLab as well as his outburst in front of the Commander, Jarrynn had been ordered to give him a heavy sedative and BatGal noticed that the ensign was now strapped to his bed.

"Isn't that uncomfortable for him?" BatGal asked.

Jarrynn shook her head. "No, actually, it's safer for him to be restrained like that, especially after the stunt he pulled -- he's been put on 'round-the-chronometer surveillance."

"Well, as long as everyone is OK. Thank you, Jarrynn."

"Oh, I almost forgot -- when you have a centon, would you please schedule an eye exam for me, ASAP? I think my eyes have been playing tricks on me lately."

* * *

Stargazor

Stargazor was there strapped on the bed, heavily sedated in a coma.
Yet somehow he was coming clear from all of it.
The nurse who was at his bed watched him closely, this time Stargazor was calm as if nothing happened.
His eyes however became different, the white of his eyes turned light blue, the nurse could see this and checked them out.
Somehow the accident on Axces gamma changed him but the alternation took his time.
Maybe the outburst previous was just his body and soul adjusting to these changes.
The Nurse called some one on the intercom.
Stargazor looked around he felt different yet not ill.
He could see everything more detailed, across the room there was this flower next to another patient, he could see the seeds inside the flower and count the easily.
He should be nerves, yet somehow he was dead calm, his inner peace was like a calm sea.
When he looked at the nurse he could see she was very nervous.

* * *

Lucian

Commander Sheba was disappointed that the information on the survivors was so sketchy, but she was going through what Joey had been able to pull together on the group’s “leaders.” She scanned the report.

Frazeer, the CQ’s Third Officer, was the surviving senior officer. He was in his 40’s, and had been with the CQ since before the Cylon’s attack on the homeworlds. According to the reports Joey had collected, he’d been the picture of organization, being very assertive since he’d come aboard the Callisto. He was obviously interested in taking command of the CQ. However, she’d received a comment from a Warrior on Axces Gamma that he’d seemed all too willing to abandon those who had been taken by the Reptiloids. It was possible that he had been trying to protect the remaining survivors or that he hadn’t known what had happened to the others, but Sheba wondered if there was more to it than that. The interview with Frazeer might give her a better feel for the man and his character…and possibly, his ambitions.

Dr. Connor James, the ship’s medical officer, had learned his craft onboard the ship. He was in his late 30’s, and had taken over as the ship’s doctor when the senior medical officer had died a few yahrens before. He’d spent much of the past cycle checking on patients and rebuilding a medical database on the survivors. The damaged data disc had contained the medical records, but they were now apparently lost. Dr. Connor had kept a coded paper copy hidden in the medical lab, but it had not been recovered by the repair teams. In addition, he had started providing information on food sources on the planet. According to the reports, he was working by the bed of a certain Warrior in the Med Lab, but he was now in desperate need of sleep. Leave it to those medicians, they always treat everyone else but neglect themselves.

Demetra, a woman well into her 50’s, was organizing the survivors, making sure they had what they needed. According to the rumors, she had been the wife of the ship’s First Officer or possibly Captain. Since she had some type of arthritic condition, she was having a hard time moving around, working instead through her young assistants, a younger woman by the name of Arien and her son Kralyth, the young man who had first encountered the Warriors. Before retiring to her makeshift quarters in O-Club, she’d spoken with a number of people from the Callisto, and had been quite protective of her people and their needs. Ari’ and Kralyth had become her administrators, seeking out those aboard the Callisto who would be able to help her people. Joey had added a brief personal note at the bottom that from what she’d heard, Ari’ and Kralyth didn’t get along that well. Kralyth had made several trips to the Med Lab to check on the recovery of his sister, Sirren, who had been wounded in the Reptiloid’s initial attack, and had given orders to the medical staff not to allow Ari’ to see Sirren. The quote from one of the medical staff was, “She is not our ‘real’ sister! Keep that witch away from MY sister.”

Sheba closed the file. This could be interesting.

* * *

Stadia

Dr. Connor James, the ship’s medical officer, had learned his craft onboard the ship. He was in his late 30’s, and had taken over as the ship’s doctor when the senior medical officer had died a few yahrens before. He’d spent much of the past cycle checking on patients and rebuilding a medical database on the survivors. The damaged data disc had contained the medical records, but they were now apparently lost. Dr. Connor had kept a coded paper copy hidden in the medical lab, but it had not been recovered by the repair teams. In addition, he had started providing information on food sources on the planet. According to the reports, he was working by the bed of a certain Warrior in the Med Lab, but he was now in desperate need of sleep. Leave it to those medicians, they always treat everyone else but neglect themselves.
________________________________________________________

He looks up as he hears her waking up. He smiles and rises from his chair. He looks into Stadia's eyes...

"Your awake. Was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up." he smiles.

Stadia reaches her hand upto her head and rubs her temples. She is having trouble focusing her eyes. She is glad the room is dark.

"How long have you been here? Have you gotten any sleep? You probaly wont get any for awhile if the Col. and Commander Sheba ..."

Connor holds his fingers upto her lips forcing her to fall silent. "I am glad your awake. How is the headache?"

"Not as bad as it was. You know they are going to want to know of any possible food sources."

"Yes, I have been working on that. There are several food sources that with some moderate preperation, can be used for food. The dangerous part is facing the reptiloids again."

Stadia collapses back onto the bed. She stares at the man before her. She wonders about his history. What did he do before being a physician?

* * *

Lucian

"Sirren, it's good to see you opening your eyes."

"Ari'! It's good to be...able to open...my eyes. Where am I? Did we make it...to the Warriors' ship?" Sirren asked groggily.

"Yes, we made it. Most of us, anyway. And it's not just a ship, it's a Battlestar!" whispered Ari'.

"Never thought...I'd live to see one...of those, if there were any...left," Sirren replied. "What happened to me? I hurt all over."

"You need to rest for now. No more talking. I've got to go before I get caught."

"Come back soon, my sister," said Sirren as she slid back into sleep.

* * *

Doc Connor was speaking with the horticulural crew about the plant life on Axces Gamma. He'd shown them some decent sketches he'd produced of species that the survivors had found to be edible during their stay on the planet.

Majors Joey and Lucian were sitting in the meeting as well. "What about the Reptiloids?" asked Lucian, thinking about how to allocate Viper cover for the food gathering mission.

"Well, we had a team that did some long range exploration of the planet shortly after we arrived. They didn't encounter what we then thought were 'ghosts' more than about 20 or 25 degrees north and south of the planet's equator. After being captured by them, I surmised that they were cold-blooded, and didn't like to be in the cooler climes. The planet life, though varied, was found to be similar with related species in the northern and southern areas. If we were to land at about the 40th parallel near one of the large bodies of water, there's a good chance we'd find food."

Joey was looking over the map of the planet. She pointed to a particular area far from the original landing locations and Lucian nodded. Within centons, the two Warriors were speaking with Commander Sheba, and within the centar, six shuttles, with Colonial Trooper support and cover provided by six Silver Spar Vipers, were on their way to collect what food could be found. Doc Connor had insisted on being allowed to go on the trip, but he'd been overruled by Major Joey, in her capacity as the Callisto's Personnel Officer.

Major Lucian hoped that the CQ doctor was correct about the Reptiloids range on the planet. He suspected that if the creatures were as intelligent as Connor had reported that they would have found some way of being able to go and live anywhere they wanted on the planet. Of course, Lucian hoped that those assigned to the mission would be lucky.

* * *

Frazeer got the report late that evening as he was preparing for his meeting with the Battlestar's Commander the next morning. She was supposedly the legendary Commander Cain's daughter, so he wasn't sure what to expect, but he wanted to make a good impression. The main thing was to meet with her one on one...

A younger man stuck his head into the Third Officer's temporary cloth-sided quarters in the O-Club. "Hey Frazeer. Did you hear what happened earlier? A Warrior Colonel came by to see Ari' and Demetra!"

"What?" Frazeer looked extremely upset. "Speak softly," he commanded in a whisper.

"Yeah, he evidently took Demetra by surprise and barely spoke to her, but he must have swept Ari' off her feet. She's staying in her quarters and won't talk to anyone!"

"Thank the Lords for small miracles! Any cork we can stuff in that woman's mouth is good, even if it's a Warrior Colonel. We've got to make sure she doesn't come to the meeting with this Commander...what's her name? Sheba...in the morning. Demetra will be bad enough, but Ari' could be a real problem. We've got to keep her and her wild stories out of the way if I'm to stand a chance of gaining control of the Questar..."

* * *

A short time later, Doc Connor returned to the Med Lab. He checked in on each of his patients, and then returned to the side of Stadia's bed. She was sleeping soundly so he sat down and took her hand in his. He glanced at the chrono he'd been issued. It was already half way into Second Shift. Despite his efforts, he fell into an uncomfortable sleep in just a few microns.

[LucianG]

Stadia

Stadia woke up to feel his hand holding hers. she looked at him and wondered how she could form a bond with at man she just met. They had talked about anything until he had to give her something for her headache and she fell asleep.
She knew very little about him.

She looked down as his head stirred. Sh carefuly pulled her hand from his. She carefully poked him until he woke.

"Why dont you share this bed with me. It has got to be more comfortable then the way you were sleeping." She smiles at him.

"I really should finish working on the medical files. Holodoc and the others will need them to treat the others."

Stadia shook her head no with a serious look washing over her face. She patted the bed and said...

"I dont care about them. If you dont take care of yourself, your going to make yourself sick. Besides, I dont take no for an answer."

Seeing the serious look on her face, Connor thought he had better listen to her. He sat down on the bed and slipped his shoes off. He jumped as he felt her arms caress his shoulders. He laid back so he could look into her eyes.

She smiled at him as she covered him in her blankets. She had been alone since well, Selgin. Major Lucian was just stemming from her loneliness. She watched him until he fell back to sleep and then layed her ear over his heart. She listened to his heart beat until she drifted off to sleep.

* * *

Lucian

Demetra rubbed her wrist gently as she flexed her hand. Hopefully, the effects of the medicine would be kicking in within another cycle or two. Doc Connor had synthesized the arthritis medicine aboard the CQ when the ingredients were available, so most of the time aboard ship, she had been protected from the worst effects of the disease, but on arriving on Axces Gamma, her drug supply had been lost. As the full effects of the disease overtook her, her ability to get around had been seriously degraded. Thereafter, she spent most of her time in their hideout, knitting whenever she had fibers to use and when her condition allowed, which only made the condition worse.

Her mother, who taught her about poise, bearing, and confidence, had raised her with hopes of Demetra becoming an important newscaster or spokesperson. Demetra had actually worked as a newsperson for a few yahrens, but eventually, she’d met a wonderful man during an interview, and had fallen in love with him. Sometime later, they had been sealed, and had had four children over the yahrens. Her husband, along with the two oldest children, had been lost in the Cylons’ attack. She had rushed her youngest at the time, Sirren, aboard a ship that arrived well after all the others had departed. She was pregnant at the time, but with only one child for whom to care, Demetra had “adopted” a couple of the orphan children aboard the ship, including Ari’, who was near the same age as Sirren. Her younger son Kralyth was born a few sectars later, and had been the proverbial “thorn” in his sisters’ sides ever since. She had raised the children, serving as their teacher and provider, even making their clothes from the fabric created by the ship’s fabric recombinizer. After the recombinizer finally burned out from overuse, she had used her talent knitting to make most of their clothing when her arthritis wasn’t flaring up so badly. She had taught many of the other children as well, and, as a result of her perceived leadership ability, she eventually became a matriarch-like figure among the CQ refugees. She often made them think about their potential courses of action much as she did with the children in her classes.

She sat in the chair wondering what Ari’ was so upset about. Demetra had not heard the conversation between that Warrior and her adopted daughter, but she knew Ari’ had been upset. When she left, she had said something about going to see Sirren and find a data terminal. Ari' had long loved to dig through the CQ's databanks for information, and had learned computer operations and science inside and out...as far as the CQ was concerned. Since they had not yet been given the privilege of using the Callisto's information systems, she hoped Ari’ wouldn’t get in trouble.

* * *

Nefeteri

After having been left behind what seemed a centon, Brie came skidding to a halt in her Viper. She had determined to paint on it's side "missing in action", She saw Brie and Charibdis walking up the gangplank.She followed them She felt as if she were walking into the lions den. One minute she had had Amy and then all of them were gone.

* * *

Amy

I floated gently on the breezes of time and space until once again the Callisto came into view. I was back in my proper time, but I was still invisible. I drifted up and through the bulkhead and back to the hanger bay where I had last seen Brie, and where I last was before I came unstuck in time.

What had caused me to become unstuck? I could only think back to when the leader was taking me on a journey such as this, and how abruptly it had ended as my body was taken off of Axces Gamma. The leader had specificly referred to fact that I was no longer on the planet as our journey came to a chaotic end. Perhaps somehow the trip was not concluded properly, and so I became unstuck? It was as good a possibility as any.

The good thing is that by becoming unstuck I was able to regain my memory, just as the leader had hoped. The bad news was I was on my own now, and had no idea how to become physical again. I needed to find where Brie was, or maybe Charybdis. Brie had been there when I became unstuck, so I'd begin by looking for her first.

Invisible to all on the Callisto, I began an ghostly journey toward her quarters.

* * *

Brie

The turbowash did nothing to help Brie relax. What had happened? Amy had been there, hadn’t she? Had anyone else seen her? How could someone just vanish?

Full of questions, Brie dressed. She had given her last piece of civilian clothes, her sealing gown, to Mara, so she grabbed a clean uniform. She was seriously doubting her sanity. She couldn’t help thinking about Turner, his disappearance. That was different. He had gone on a mission and never returned. Amy was there one micron, gone the next, physically gone. How? Was Brie losing it again?

Trying to take her mind off things, Brie turned to her paperwork. She noticed that a new ensign had joined Gold Squadron. She also noticed that Lt. SiressEden had just been appointed to assign his quarters and get him settled. The order had come from Commander Sheba herself. “Great,” she said out loud, “that’s the first step to relieving me of my duties. Can’t say I blame her, I doubt that I would believe my story if it had happened to someone else.”

There was a knock on the door. Charybdis was making it harder on her without meaning to. He had been there for her when Turner disappeared, but that wasn’t the same. He had known that she had partly faked her breakdown, he was the only one who knew. But now he didn’t seem to believe her, not fully. He looked at her with the same look of pity that she knew only too well. “Charybdis, I promise, I’m…oh.”

It wasn’t Charybdis. Standing at the door, favoring one foot, was Captain Lazant. “I’m sorry, Major,” he said, “I didn’t mean to startle you. I had heard that you were back.”

Brie almost smiled. “Come in, Lazant,” she said. “How’s your ankle?”

“Healing, not as quickly as I would like,” Lazant said. Brie grabbed a chair for him and he sat down. “Looks like they finally repaired your quarters.”

When Brie had left her quarters were still being repaired from the explosion that had been meant to kill her. She hadn’t even noticed that everything was back to normal. “Yeah. So, what happened when you got back? I’ve heard that Stargazor is going to be okay. Is everything all right for you?”

“Nothing I can’t handle,” Lazant replied. “But I’m not here to talk about that. I, um, heard…”

“That I’m losing my mind?” Brie interrupted. “I’m sure that’s what some people are saying.”

“Not the people who know you,” Lazant commented.

“Thanks,” Brie said. She waited a micron. “Amy was there, wasn’t she? You saw her?”

“She was there when I left,” Lazant said.

“Then where did she go?”

“Brie, you know as well as I do that there are more things we can’t explain in the universe than things we can. Something happened to Amy back down on that planet, something strange, but she’ll be back. I’m sure of it. Listen,” he said, standing, “I just wanted to say hello. If you need a friend, just let me know.”

“Thanks,” Brie said, walking him to the door. Although she was glad for the visit, she didn’t want him to be there when Charybdis returned. As she closed the door she felt a strange, cold chill run down her spine.

* * *
Charybdis

I turned the corner and buzzed Brie's quarters. "Did you forget something?" I heard her say as I entered.

"No, I just came back like I said I would," I responded.

Brie looked a bit startled and quickly said, "Oh, Charybdis. I was wondering when you'd be back."

She seemed a bit far off, way too distracted. But I guess anyone would under the circumstances.

"I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. Looks like the turbowash did the trick, huh?" I tried to make light of the situation.

"I feel better. No matter what happens out there, there's always paperwork in here, though." she said matter of factly pointing to her desk.

I could sense that something was wrong. She seemed to be preoccupied with something that she obviously wasn't willing to share with me. I guess I could take a hint. Well, she seemed better anyway. I had to get back to my quarters.

"Listen, Brie, if you need to talk. You know I'm here."

"I know. Thanks," came the reply.

I left, unsure of how she was really feeling. I needed to get to my quaarters for my own turbowash anyway. It had been awhile since I had one. ..

[LucianG]

Brie

Brie realized that Charybdis knew that she wasn’t being totally honest with him. She was holding back from herself, how could she open up to him? She suddenly was struck by the irony of the situation. Turner and Charybdis had been close friends, Turner disappeared, Charybdis comforted Brie. Now, Charybdis wanted to spend his life with Amy, who was Brie’s close friend. Amy disappeared, but Charybdis was still doing the comforting. It didn’t make sense, but then again, what did?

Another thought crossed Brie’s mind. She had actually felt more comfortable talking to Captain Lazant. She wondered what Amy and Charybdis would have thought about that. They both hated Lazant, and for good reason. But the Lazant of the tribunal so long ago wasn’t the Lazant that Brie now knew.

Starting on her pile of paperwork Brie heard a noise. “Amy?” she called out instinctively. She felt silly for calling her name, of course Amy wasn’t there. It was out of habit more than anything, Amy had left the Gold Squadron barracks and moved in with Brie when Amy’s life had been in danger. She turned back to the paperwork. She couldn’t concentrate, but she had to prove that she could do it. She wasn’t going to let Commander Sheba relieve her without a fight. She worked silently for a few centons, not getting much of anything done. Once again, she felt cold. She wondered if maybe she was coming down with something. She stepped out into the hall, it was fine out there. Seeing no one she returned and checked the thermostat. It read normal. She tapped it a few times. “Fracking thing must not be working,” she said out loud. She laughed. “Turner always told me that the first sign of someone loosing their mind is that they talk to themselves. I guess he must have been right.” She returned to her paperwork.

* * *

Charybdis

I made it back to my quarters for a bit of rest. I would need a little bit of time to prepare for the meetings with the CQ people. I wanted to get back a little early to talk with Arien a little more. There was so much more I wanted to ask her and to find out...

but that would have to wait. More important things loomed, like Amy. For the first time, I had been alone since she supposedly came back onboard. My mind starting thinking strange things. The foremost was the fact that no one had seen Brie and Amy together. Had Brie in fact actually brought Amy back with her? Oh, by the Lords, I had hoped that wasnt' true.

Could something have happened on that planet that Brie had to cover up? She did admit that they had to stun Amy, what else? I felt the sudden urge to speak with the only two other people who would know, Lt. Teri and Cpt. Lazant. I wanted to stay away from Lazant for the time being, at least until formal charges would be brought up against him, that meant I had to speak with Teri, just the person I need to see! I remembered how she pulled me off the bridge and fought with Ensign Finky. But it had to be done.

I got undressed and went into the turbowash. I looked into the mirror and wondered if I would ever truly be happy? the way Amy made me feel? and now, Amy...was gone. For the first time I really felt it. She had been so close, they had found her!!!! But, had they? what had happened to her? Why wasn't she here? Frack!!! I pounded on the wall in frustration and my eyes began to tear up a little.

"Amy...where are you?" I whispered hoping for an answer, but knowing I would get none.

* * *

Brie

Getting nowhere with the paperwork, Brie went over to her safe. The chill in the air had disappeared for the micron. She made a mental note to call a tech to have the thermostat checked, there must have been a short or something while they were fixing the room after the explosion.

Opening her safe, she took out the one possession that really mattered to her…a picture of her missing husband. “Turner, what do I do?” she asked out loud. She briefly wondered what he would have thought about Charybdis doubting her story. She stared at the picture for several microns. She tried to think of what he would advise for her to do. Brie had often been known for looking at things logically. Putting the image back, she decided that was what she needed to do.

“Okay,” she said to herself, “people don’t just disappear. So the only logical thing is that Amy wasn’t there.” She continued to think things out, sometimes vocalizing it. The person on the planet wasn’t Amy, she couldn’t have been. She didn’t even look like Amy, except for the remains of a colonial uniform. Maybe the one woman had been part of the group that was now on board, a descendant of the breeding program who had escaped. Brie realized that Teri hadn’t recognized the woman as Amy until Brie had insisted. So where was Amy? Probably still on the planet.

That still left the problem of the woman disappearing. She must have somehow ejected right before takeoff. Teri and Najinn were getting to the other viper, they might not have seen her, and it was her blood that Brie had been covered with. So Amy was still on the planet and the woman with the dark hair and beads was still on the planet. So far it was almost making sense.

That left only one thing. Why had Brie thought that Amy was in the viper with her? That was actually the easy part. Brie was loosing her mind. After a lifetime of loss and grief, not being able to find Amy had finally pushed her mind over the edge. She knew quite a bit about insanity, although she had for the most part faked her first mental breakdown to protect Charybdis and herself. Realizing that her mind was no longer functioning properly was almost a relief to Brie, it was easier than thinking that Amy had somehow disappeared right out of her arms. But she couldn’t let anyone know that she had come to this conclusion. If she had been able to convincingly fake insanity before, she would have to now try to fake sanity. She decided that she needed to talk to Commander Sheba, to make sure that she retained command of her squadron. And if she ran into a technician, she would have someone check her thermostat.

* * *

Amy

I had floated invisibly through the halls of the Callisto, feeling just a little homesick. I was home again, but not really there. No one could see me, and it fueled my desire to seek some help to end what was becoming a nightmarish situation. Now that I had my memory back, I was more than ready to return to my life.

Inside Brie's quarters I could see that the repair work had gone rather well since the explosion that had ripped things apart. I had a funny sensation, feeling for a brief moment like I had really died in that explosion, and that I had returned as a ghost. I hovered around the room as Brie had conversations with Lazant and Charybdis. I had gotten really close to them, yet they all could not see me.

Brie was alone now, and as I looked at her I smiled despite myself. She couldn’t see me, but it was great to see her again. She looked very despondent, and I felt really bad for her. What had happened to me, vanishing from her very arms, must have been very traumatic for her. Instinctively I floated over to her to give her a hug.

As I wrapped my phantom-like arms around her, I was surprised to see Brie shiver a little. I pulled back, wondering for a moment about this. I set a hand on Brie’s shoulder, and pulled back as Brie shivered again and rubbed where I had touched her. Was it possible? Could I somehow let Brie know I was here? Though it was futile, I began shouting at Brie. “I’m here, I’m here Brie!” I shouted, touching her on the shoulders and staring into her face. Yet she only mumbled something about the thermostat, and rubbed her shoulders where I had touched her. She had mumbled about this before, but I hadn't realized that I might have been the cause!

I began a ghostly pace around the room. How can I make her notice me? I flew faster and faster, hoping to somehow make some kind of paranormal occurrence that Brie would notice. But nothing happened and I soon gave up. As I floated around and around the room, I kept passing the mirror on one wall, and finally I stopped to look at it. It was unsettling to look into one and see nothing of yourself in the reflection. With growing frustration I struck out at the mirror, knowing full well it wasn’t going to break. But what did happen made my eyes grow wide.

The mirror frosted over where I had touched it! I pulled my hand away, and the frost dissolved to nothing in a matter of seconds. I touched it again, and again the mirror frosted over. The longer I made contact, the more frost appeared. Yet as soon as I pulled away, it was gone in virtually no time at all. I began touching other things, but the only thing that seemed to frost over was the mirror. Back at the mirror, I touched it again, letting it frost up good as I looked back at Brie. But she wasn’t looking toward the mirror. Why would she? In frustration I pulled back from the mirror, and as the frost faded I took an angry swipe at it.

I was shocked to see lines appear briefly in the frost where I had touched it!

Getting excited I did it again, and again. Each time I was able to scribble, draw lines, anything in the frost for the few moments it existed. Perhaps somehow the frost was a byproduct of the state I was in, like my useless ability to make Brie shiver. If anything I suppose I could begin a new career as an air conditioner. No! There must be a way to make contact!

It struck me in a flash. I have to get Brie up and moving around. Maybe then she might by chance look in the mirror and I could try to spell out something to let her know I was there! Not even considering how frightening this might be to someone, I went over to Brie to give her another chill, as many as it took to get her moving around her quarters.

* * *

Brie

Growing tired of the breeze that now seemed to be blowing through her quarters, Brie left. It was so cold that she thought she saw frost on the mirror! She shook it off as a part of her ever-growing insanity. Luckily, she saw a technician not too far away. “Listen,” she said, “my quarters are wonderful, but I think something is wrong with the thermostat. It’s getting cold in there.”

“I’ll check it out right away, Ma’am,” the tech said.

Brie continued to the bridge, going over her story in her mind. She had finally figured out the last bit of information that would make her story sound almost believable. She practiced it over and over again. She knew that Charybdis would be disappointed in the change in her story, but since she seriously doubted that he believed her anyway.

Finding Commander Sheba, Brie asked for a moment alone. They entered one of the rooms around the perimeter of bridge. “Commander, I think I know what happened,” Brie started. She had Sheba’s undivided attention. She told the Commander her theory, that it wasn’t really Amy they had found, just someone the same age and build. Amy must still be on the planet. She continued that the woman must have slipped out right before takeoff.

“Then why did you think you had her with you?” Sheba asked.

“The water,” Brie lied. She wasn’t going to tell Sheba the truth, that she was loosing her mind. “Lt. Teri had told me that there was something strange about the water in an underground lake. It had caused her to loose some of her memories. I brought back a sample, some of it spilled on me right after I entered the viper. When I turned to clean it up, the woman must slipped out. I’m guessing that the hallucinogenic powers of the water would work when absorbed through the skin. That’s why I thought that Amy was there.”

Sheba stared at Brie for a micron. “Makes sense,” she said at last. “I want you to have that water sample analyzed.”

“Already done,” Brie informed her.

“Good,” said Sheba. “You get some rest. I’ll send for you if something major happens, otherwise Lt. SiressEden can take care of things in Gold Squadron for the next cycle.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Brie said.

She headed back to her quarters. She hated lying to the commander, but what she believed to be the truth wouldn’t work. As she entered her quarters the technician was leaving. “Everything checks out, Ma’am,” he informed her.

“Did you notice the draft?” Brie asked.

“What draft?” the tech replied as he left.

“Thanks,” Brie said. She was still cold. She took the blanket off of her bed and wrapped it around her shoulders. The draft was growing worse. No matter where she moved she felt it. She glanced at the mirror once again, wondering if the frost was still there.

[LucianG]

Amy

I was getting nowhere with Brie. I must have overdid the chill thing, because she promptly got up and left her quarters. I followed her into the hall, where she talked with a tech, chalking the whole thing up to a bad thermostat or something. I floated with Brie a ways until I saw she was headed for the bridge. Veering off, I decided to head for Charybdis’s quarters.

When I reached his door, I paused again. In the old days I would have gone right in. Now things were different, and I hesitated just like I always seemed to lately when it came to the Lt. Colonel. But now, at this very moment, all I wanted was to feel his warm embrace.

I slowly entered, floating through the door, and with luck found him at a mirror! I even heard him whisper “Amy, where are you?” as he stared forlornly at his reflection. I heaped praise upon the lords as I floated over to the mirror, and tried my frosting trick on it. Charybdis was startled and I quickly pulled my hand away. The frost disappeared quickly, but I didn’t want to lose my audience so I frosted it up again, and held it there.

Charybdis stood there looking at the mirror, and like usual I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. He brought up one hand haltingly toward the mirror. Come on, you big lug! I pulled away from the mirror, and as the frost melted I embraced Charybdis with my icy chill. It was strange to me to feel nothing when I used to feel so much from being near him. And instead of a warm response, Charybdis just shivered, but I hoped he was beginning to realize something was happening. I just couldn’t tell. He might just be chalking it up to imagination.

I decided to go for it before I lost him or frightened him or….

Again I frosted the mirror, and pulled away to write on it. In the fading frost I franticly scribbled the only words I could think of that could say so much from so little. The same words I had used so long ago when I had returned his engagement necklace. Back then I had left it on his desk, with a simple note. I watched and hoped Charybdis would recognize these words in the frost that faded as quickly as breath on glass.

“I love you” were the words I wrote.

For a moment I waited, unsure if he had even seen them or not.

* * *

Charybdis

I was standing there just about to finish my turbo-shave. Sometimes, I wondered if I could continue in all of this. I had been one of the lucky ones to escape the exodus. My parents were alive and well back on the Medical ship in the fleet. What did I need all this for? All this loss and despair?

I suddenly felt a chill. I had been a bit sick recently, some interstellar bug I guess I had caught. Doc BKJ and Nurse holodoc said it was nothing and I hadn't thought about it much, but this strange chill. Maybe I was working too hard. I was worrying too much over Amy, but what was I to do? The only person I ever could talk to, Brie, was hardly speaking anymore and she seemed about ready to crack as well.

The mirror frosted up a bit which I thought was a bit odd since I had not turned on the turbowash yet. "What the?" was all I could say as I saw the strange frost appear and quickly disappear. I felt the chill again and wondered if my thermostat had gone bad or if there was some sort of draft in my room. I generally like my quarters a bit cool, but not to the point of frost appearing on the mirror!

I wiped it away and it disappeared just as quickly. I breathed heavily and washed off my face. I guess I was just plain tired. I walked over to the main room where I checked the thermostat, it read what it always read so I went back to the turbowash to get in the shower.

I pulled at my waist to let my towel fall to the floor when I suddenly felt that strange icy chill again. I guess since I was standing totally naked I must have felt a draft, but suddenly out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of the mirror again. For a fraction of a second, that peculiar frost appeared and what I thought I saw froze me in my tracks. I swear that I saw, "I Love You" written in the frost!!

I went over to the mirror and touched it and it was all clean again. Not a trace. I gathered myself and rubbed my eyes. It was the strain. Plain and simple. The ordeal with Amy and her disappearance was playing tricks with my mind and my eyes.

"Amy..." was all my mind could think of. I was doing it, I was letting her get to me and influence my every thought. I was afraid that if I lost her for good, I would never be the same again. I also wondered if it was possible to go crazy over something like this. I thought I was strong, but maybe...

I made up my mind right then and there. If Amy was never found, I was going to resign from the service and enter civilian life aboard the Medical ship and help my parents. I had lost too much over the yahrens. It was about time that I devoted myself to what I had. I'm sure my parents would honor my decision...

* * *

Amy

I began to lose faith that I’d be able to make contact with anyone this way. Aside from the advantage of being the proverbial fly on the wall as Charybdis prepared for his turbowash, nothing good was to be made of my being in Charybdis’s quarters. I was close to breaking through, I could see that now, but I failed to see what good it would do. It seemed to be causing more harm than good, toying with people’s sanity like this. As he fired up the turbo wash and steam clouded the mirror I left his quarters for what I feared might be the last time.

Heading back to Brie’s quarters, I contemplated my course of action. Charybdis had always been a rock of sorts, very solid and stable at least outwardly. But I had seen the cracks as I tried to contact him. Brie on the other hand was obviously in a delicate state. If I was able to get her to see my messages in the mirror, would it put her over the edge?

I entered her quarters to find that she had returned from her trip to the bridge. “Oh Brie,” I said softly as I looked at my good friend, “I’m right here. Right here.” I got close to her, causing another chill. I backed off instinctively, knowing that I couldn’t try to contact her this way again. Even so, I found myself close to the mirror again. I touched it forlornly, watching it frost over.

Heading upward, I gave Brie one last look. “Goodbye,” I said, in a voice as unheard as I was unseen. Leaving the Callisto for what could be the last time, I knew that my answers did not lie there. I headed out into space, tasting the bitter irony of finally knowing again where I belonged but being unable to reach that place.

* * *

Brie

Brie had turned up the thermostat several degrees, she was actually starting to feel quite warm. Then suddenly, she felt cold once again, just for a micron. She glanced around the room. The mirror frosted up another time. Brie blinked, realizing that what she had just seen was impossible. Then again, so was someone disappearing from her arms. A great sadness flooded over her as the frost melted from the mirror, a great sense of loss. She wasn’t sure it was because she missed Amy or her sanity, maybe a combination of both.

She had been told by Sheba to get some sleep. What a wonderful idea, she hadn’t slept in her own bed in what felt like yarhens. She lied down and closed her eyes. She opened then again. Frack, it was hot in there! She got up, turned down the temperature, and returned to bed. She wondered what Charybdis was feeling, if he had yet heard her modified version of what had happened. She decided to talk to him in the morning. What she would say she didn’t know. She drifted off, hoping that she wouldn’t dream.

* * *

Ursaion

Being back on board and having gone through the debriefing as short and uneventful as it was was good. Going back into the Black Squadron barracks I take and pull out my laser and start cleaning it thinking of my small trunk in the storage area. I am going to have to retrieve it with Granpas extra weapons in it soon. If it hadn’t of been for what’s in that trunk, I would have never made it off of Cancera alive. Even in the hands of a child at that time, the lasers and other weapons in there are all that kept me from being killed by the cylons. I need to get myself cleaned up some and go get it but I bet they throw a fit at me for having them onboard without having told anyone before about their existence. Even if they don’t have any energy charges with them? Hmm, probably going to get chewed out for it to like I did for doing the smart thing down on the planet. Oh well, frack, how could he have expected me to get back into the landram anyways. I was mostly out of it when the fire fight started anyways. I would have probably broken my neck if I had tried or even thought about trying something like that. Frack, its a good thing grandpa and the instructors always said act and react let the instincts, flow because if you think in a fight, you’re dead. Let the training guide you and you will make it through all right. By the lords, I wish I had a fumarillo but there aren’t really any to be had anywhere. Finishing cleaning my laser and other equipment, I stow it in my locker. I strip down out of my uniform and put on my turbowash robe, grab my kit, and head to the turbo wash to get me clean now. Lords it feels good to be getting that planet’s dirt off of me. It would be funny to see though if the cylons ever found that planet and had to deal with those strange reptiloid things. That would be a fight I would pay a whole yarhens pay to see, but from one long distance. Would serve both of them right in my book. Leaving the turbo wash and getting a clean uniform on and strapping on my laser and feeling right its time to get something to eat and then go get my trunk. If there are any more missions like this coming up sometime soon, I am going to need everything in it.

* * *

Stargazor

Stargazor was there strapped on the bed, heavily sedated in a coma.
Yet somehow he was coming clear from all of it.
The nurse who was at his bed watched him closely, this time Stargazor was calm as if nothing happened.
His eyes however became different, the white of his eyes turned light blue, the nurse could see this and checked them out.
Somehow the accident on Axces gamma changed him but the alternation took his time.
Maybe the outburst previous was just his body and soul adjusting to these changes.
The Nurse called some one on the intercom.
Stargazor looked around he felt different yet not ill.
He could see everything more detailed, across the room there was this flower next to another patient, he could see the seeds inside the flower and count the easily.
He should be nerves, yet somehow he was dead calm, his inner peace was like a calm sea.
When he looked at the nurse he could see she was very nervous.

[LucianG]

Lucian

It had been a wonderful evening, but it was far too late. They continued their embrace in the observation lounge, but some one entering caused them to head out. They were so caught up in the moment, with the dim lighting in the room that they didn’t even notice the group of small discs that had been moving toward them.

Nat was so glad to have had the time together with the “captain” of his heart, but it would be time to get up and back to the training center, with Kris as his assistant, in just a few centars, so he walked her back to the Black Squadron Barracks. He kissed her goodnight, several times, then returned to his quarters, humming a happy tune as he went.

* * *

Ari’ slipped out of the Med Lab after her quick visit with Sirren, and headed to a data terminal. She’d located it near the O-Club where most of the CQ survivors were being housed on her way to the Med Lab, and when she returned, the hair she’d carefully draped over the keyboard was still there, so she suspected that it wouldn’t be used that much during second shift. She sat down and started trying to figure out how to get into the system without being caught. She kept a finger poised near the “clear” button, just in case.

* * *

At the same time, in the canvas walled quarters she was currently sharing with Demetra, the older woman lay in bed asleep. She felt a tickle on her arm, so she brushed it away subconsciously. When it continued moments later, she swept at it again….

* * *

Lazant wasn’t able to do his usual two handed fencing workout because of his ankle, so he had used weights as best he could, and done a number of chin and pull ups. He’d even strapped on an ankle stabilization brace to allow him to do a number of leg exercises, but he wasn’t sure that it had helped all that much. His ankle was screaming in pain when he completed the workout, so he was limping back to his quarters.

He didn’t see the small spot on the deck, but when he put his good foot down on it, he heard a small cracking noise. His foot lid out unexpectedly, and because he was off balance, he fell. Protecting himself as he’d taught many times in hand to hand combat classes, he ended up on the deck, staring at a purple, black, red, and green smear from whatever he’d squashed. He looked at the bottom of his boot, and found the remains of some ‘goop.’ It looked like some type of unusual lubricating pellet. He scraped it off his boot, and continued on his way back to his quarters. He left word for maintenance to clean up the mess and make sure their Techs were careful with their work.

* * *

Commander Sheba was up early. She was reviewing current status, and preparing to meet with the "leaders" of the Caprican Questar. Based on what she'd seen so far, the choice of the new captain for the ship would not be easy.

* * *

Ari’ had just found what she was seeking. Apprehension was high—

“Ari’!” said the unexpected voice.

In surprise, she hit “clear” without looking at the results on the screen. Glancing around, she saw a haggard-looking Demetra in a nightgown accompanied by a small girl of about 5 or 6 yahrens.

“Demetra! Zillian! What are the two of you doing here?” she asked in surprise.

“Looking for you. Zillian woke me because her dad’s gone. One of the others said he’d gone for a walk, but that was centars ago, and no one has seen him since then. Can you help her, honey? I can’t go much further.”

“Sure. Zillian, we’ll find your dad. Do you have any idea where he might have gone?”

“Ari’, he likes stars. He said he wanted to find a window to look at them.”

Demetra and Ari’ looked at each other and said, “Observation lounge?” Nodding, Ari continued, “Zillian, you go back to bed with Demetra, and I’ll track down you dad, okay?”

* * *

A few centons later, there was a scream in the observation lounge. Captain Urdea, upon receiving the call, dispatched several officers, then slipped on his prosthesis, and headed that way.

* * *

BatGal

Maj. BatGal and Lt. Randrius were on their way to the Black Squadron office. They were discussing the latest flight sim program created by Maj. Lucian designed to help the newer warriors get up to speed with the rest of the squadron. They were going to schedule a time to meet with Lt. Rose and Captains Kris and Justin as well.

"Remember the first time we all got together in flight sim way back when we were in that special 'Black Ice' operation?" Randrius asked.

BatGal smiled. "Yes, most of us were brand-new ensigns back then, and were still a little bit gun-shy, so to speak."

Randrius said, "And remember how full of ourselves we were -- we thought we superwarriors just because we shot down a few raiders here and there and somehow managed not to crash into nearby planets. But HOLY FRACK...when Lusitan surprised us out of nowhere with that Base Star...I thought I was going to pass out right there and then!"

BatGal sighed. "Well, remember that back in those days, none of us had ever actually seen anything even remotely Cylon for yahrens..."

BatGal's train of thought was suddenly interrupted by a bloodcurdling scream.

* * *

Lucian

There had been a report of a scream. Sergeant Winnie, stuck on second shift again, had been nearby, so she was the first security officer on the scene. There was a young woman crying. Winnie didn’t recognize her so she immediately suspected she was from the Caprican Questar, though it was possible that she was one of the Frodarians that Winnie hadn’t encountered. She was about Winnie’s age, so lovers quarrel jumped to the top of her list of suspected problems. That moved up another couple of notches a moment later when she saw the body nearby. Winnie looked for a weapon, but saw none, so she steered the young woman away and said, “I’m Winnie. What’s your name, and what happened here?”

“I’m Ari, and I was searching for Zillian’s dad. I found him there, lying on the deck. When I moved forward to see what was wrong with him, part of his skin seemed to slough off and sort of scurry across the floor into that ventilation shaft! That’s when I screamed. It was such a surprise it scared me half to death. The Reptiloids were nothing compared to whatever that thing was!”

Winnie looked at her, labeling her as CQ, and wondering if she was telling the truth, or if she was trying to cover up a crime. For some reason, Winnie was leaning toward truth. “That thing?” someone asked. “You said it was his skin.”

Winnie looked back to see Major BatGal and a Warrior she thought was known as Randrius. They, along with several other people, had arrived early enough to hear most of the discussion. Winnie had been trying to control the scene and felt extremely frustrated with herself that she had let people move so close. Winnie asked for them all to stay back, away from the crime scene, and Major BatGal and Lieutenant Randrius, moved up to enforce Winnie’s request.

Ari’ dabbed her eyes with the handkerchief that Winnie had given her, then said, “It looked like it was his skin when it came off, but it was in pieces, like little dots, rushing across the floor. The farther it got from him, the grayer and less skin-like the dots became. Then, when I looked back at Auctolymus, I saw he was covered with little purplish-black splotches. I don’t know for sure that it did that,” she said, pointing to Auctolymus’ body, “but until you can tell me otherwise, I’m assuming it was whatever it was I saw, and I’m assuming that it isn’t friendly.”

Winnie stepped forward to move closer to the body. Sure enough, it was indeed covered with a large number of purplish-black welts. She immediately thought of Crewman Quilonn. Within microns, she had paged Captain Urdea.

* * *

MedievalSong

It had been a wonderful evening, but it was far too late. They continued their embrace in the observation lounge, but some one entering caused them to head out. They were so caught up in the moment, with the dim lighting in the room that they didn’t even notice the group of small discs that had been moving toward them.

Nat was so glad to have had the time together with the “captain” of his heart, but it would be time to get up and back to the training center, with Kris as his assistant, in just a few centars, so he walked her back to the Black Squadron Barracks. He kissed her goodnight, several times, then returned to his quarters, humming a happy tune as he went.
**********************

I swear my feet didn't touch the ground as I walked to my bed. I sat down and Galen hissed his disapproval that I woke him up.
"Oh can it your worship." I said as I rolled my eyes. Galen yawned as he stretched and looked up at expecting to tell him play by play of my day. "Oh Galen, I swear I am in complete love!" Falling back on my bed with the goofiest look on my face. "I have never felt this way with anyone before! I mean I hate being away from him. All I can think about is coming back to him."
"mmmrrrrrrrph." Galen growled his protest as cats like to do. I grabbed him and held him, must to his dismay.
"And you too Galen! I miss you too while I am away. Trust me you and Nat are my number one men in my life." Galen struggled and squirmed and got free from my arms. I laughed at the look of disgust from him. He preened himself as if to tell me "Hey mom watch the hair!"
"Cats, I swear where would we be without them!"

I headed over and started to grab my sleepwear, as Galen started to cat-growl at something and hiss. The hair on his back raised as he arched. He was not happy about something. I sat down on my bed and started to take off my boots. I looked very puzzled at my strange irratic cat. I couldn't see anything but it was obvious he did. Rolling my eyes I grabbed my boot and chucked it nearby where he was having a fit. Galen jumped back and looked at me as if to say "uh mom that was too close to me."
"Sorry Galen. Next time don't stand in the way of my locker you crazy cat. And what's your problem?" I got up and walked over to where he was sniffing and looking puzzled. I picked up my boot and found a smear of some sort on the floor. Shrugging I went back to getting ready for bed. Galen, however, stayed on alert for what ever it was he thought he saw.