CHAPTER 19-u.c.

[LucianG]

Lucian

Cain and Skyler had sent three messages to the Callisto inside of a centar. First, someone, assumed to be the survivors of the Caprican Questar, had left a “note” asking for help. A short time later, the second message related the discovery of strange looking, clawed tracks only a short distance from the landing site. The third message said they had found evidence of a struggle, including burn marks consistent with laser pistol fire. There were a great many of the clawed footprints left in the damp soil, and they were the only ones that had been found leaving the area. To make matters worse, Cain reported that blood had been found.

Commander Sheba stood on the bridge reading the reports. There was too much going on in the Axcian system to be able to spare a large number of Warriors in what might be a fruitless search on Axces Gamma. The CQ was being towed by the shuttles to rendezvous with the Callisto. That would be much later in the cycle, though, and at the calculated tow rate, it would be a couple of cycles before they would close to the planet. Lieutenant Titon was heading up repairs on the CQ, which were scheduled to be complete in a secton. There’d be no help in that quarter. With the exception of Lieutenant Titon and Lieutenant Osh, all of the Black Squadron Warriors aboard the CQ and Captain Holodoc had completed their work aboard the CQ, and had just arrived back aboard the Callisto.

Major Brie and the band of Viper bandits were still missing. They hadn’t been heard from since shortly after landing on Gamma. Lieutenant Hawke had reported that Ensign Teri had disappeared as well, and now, Lieutenant Najinn, who’d relieved Lieutenant Ben on patrol duty a short time earlier, was now missing!

There were a couple of pieces of good news. The first group of water collection shuttles had finished loading. They were about to begin their return journey to the Callisto. In addition, the Silver Spar Warriors had located three potential jump points in their survey of the system. They hadn’t returned yet, but the information had been received via long range comm. signal.

With so many groups spread throughout the system, Commander Sheba had to make her decision. She recorded her orders for distribution and action by Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis.

· Callisto is to stay on present course, and rendezvous with the CQ on schedule. At that time, Silver Spar will take over all patrol duties.

· An armed assault team is to be dispatched to rescue those survivors of the CQ. Black Squadron is to send 8 Warriors and Gold is to send six, plus send Captain Holodoc, Nurse Jarrynn, and one squad of Colonial Troopers. Four shuttles are to be used, based on the calculations that a maximum of 65 people could have escaped from the CQ on its shuttles and lifeboats. Two of the Black Squadron Warriors will be flying Vipers, and everyone else is to be on board the shuttles. They are to get there, find those people, and bring them back.

· Lieutenant Hawke’s team is to dispatch at least a couple of his Warriors to help if they are needed. In the meantime, they are to locate their missing members.

· The Water Mission is to proceed with all possible haste. Shuttles are to be cycled immediately, with fresh crews, after they have discharged their cargo.

Charybdis read over the list, and Sheba asked, “Any questions, Colonel?”

* * *

Since Sheba wanted the team to leave immediately, Lucian pulled up his list of Warriors and made assignments. Most of his newer Warriors had recently gone through the ground warfare training, although according to Captain Hector, the leader of the Colonial Troopers, and Sergeant Brinfort, who had led the training, they’d only completed about half of the suggested “advanced” training.

Axces Gamma Assualt Team, in heavy assault armor, dispatched to the planet in two Shuttles, with two Colonial Troopers in each. In addition, Captain Holodoc will be in B-1, and Nurse Jarrynn will be in B-2.

Shuttle Black One:
Lieutenant JustinB, Team Leader, reporting to Captain Cain on Axces Gamma
Lieutenant Kris, Team Second in Command
Lieutenant Rose—Shuttle Black One Pilot
Lieutenant Phlandor—Shuttle Black One Co-Pilot
Captain Holodoc, Medical Team Commander
Colonial Troopers, 2

Shuttle Black Two:
Lieutenant Lusitan—Shuttle Black Two Pilot
Lieutenant Nylah—Shuttle Black Two Co-Pilot
Lieutenant Randrius
Ensign Ursiaon
Nurse Jarrynn, Medical Team
Colonial Troopers, 2

Back-Up Team, on stand-by in Black Squadron Ready Room—Vipers will be ready for immediate launch if necessary.

Lieutenant Anubis, Wing Leader
Lieutenant RaycerX, Wing Second in Command
Lieutenant Merak
Lieutenant Wendy

The ship intercom system sounded. Major Lucian’s voice boomed through the Battlestar, saying, “Attention Black Squadron Warriors: This is Major Lucian. New squadron orders have been issued. Report in immediately to Lieutenant BatGal in the Black Squadron Office for assignments. That is all.”

He checked with Black Squadron’s Mission Specialist, Phrynix, to see how preparations were coming.

“We’ll be finished in five centons, Sir, with all the weaponry you ordered, including the Rams. We’re going to beat those Gold—”

One of the Tech’s from the control room came running across the deck to the loading area. As he neared, he cried out, “Phrynix! Fenny’s asking how we’re doing. She said Gold Squadron’s shuttles are loaded and ready to go!”

Phrynix threw his hands up in the air and said to Lucian, “Frack! We’re going to beat her someday, Sir, I promise.”

“Be done when I said, get it right, and don’t give Fenmarnis another thought,” said Lucian. “Warriors will be reporting for launch in ten centons. Til’ then….”

Phrynix returned to re-checking the inventories and marking off the checklist. He thought to himself, “Someday, Miss Fenmarnis, I’m going to win!”

* * *

MedievalSong

Lt Kris had gotten her orders and went to her bunk area for a bit. She checked on Gallen and fed him. She picked him up and held him.

"Oh lil boy, you aren't so little anymore. I hoped to curl up with you but looks like I am heading out again. Will you miss me?" He headbutted her chin and Kris smiled. "Forgiving guy aren't ya? I just hope Nat is just as forgiving. I feel like I am neglecting the two most important guys in my life right now. But you know I am just keeping you safe right?" A purr resounded from her cat. "And plus we can get more food and water. And hopefully can find the rest of the fleet soon too. Now where's my note pad?" Gallen got up and walked over to where it was laying under her pillow. She sketched out a quick note to Nat and left it for him in the training room. Kris grabbed her gear and headed to the launch bay and caught up with Justin.
"Looks like you are stuck with me again." she teased.

* * *

JustinB

After getting a few centars worth of sleep, I woke up refreshed. I was looking forward to a break after the encounter with the Caprican Questar. After getting myself squared away, I thought I would try and find Rose.

Feeling hungry and a tad thirsty, I went to the O'Club. As I entered I saw Rose sitting all alone. I went over to her and punched her on the shoulder as I sat down. "Whats wrong Rose," I said.

"JustinB," Rose said, "I was just thinking about Hawke and me. We seem to be systems away from each other."

I didn't know what to say. Rose was a close friend. I placed my arms around her shoulder. "Once Hawkes mission is over, you two will sought it out." The next thing I knew, we were in an embrace. The embrace lasted for about ten microns. I could sense everyone staring at us. 'Man, I wonder what they are thinking.' I started to feel something inside of me. I didn't quite know what to make of it. Almost like I was seeing Rose more than a friend.

As I was about to say something to Rose, when the ship intercom sounded. "Attention Black Squadron Warriors: This is Major Lucian. New squadron orders have been issued. Report in immediately to Lieutenant BatGal in the Black Squadron Office for assignments. That is all.”

As I turned towards Rose she said, "Go on, I will be right behind you."

As I ran out out of the O'Club I realised I hadn't gotten anything to eat. Lieutenant BatGal had just put up the orders as I arrived. I then looked for mine.

Shuttle Black One:
Lieutenant JustinB, Team Leader, reporting to Captain Cain on Axces Gamma
Lieutenant Kris, Team Second in Command
Lieutenant Rose—Shuttle Black One Pilot
Lieutenant Phlandor—Shuttle Black One Co-Pilot
Captain Holodoc, Medical Team Commander
Colonial Troopers, 2

I then raced to get my Heavy Assault Armour. As I did so I ran into Rose. "Rose, get your heavy assault gear and report to Shuttle Black One. By the way you are also piloting the shuttle, with Lieutenant Phlandor as your Co-Pilot. See you onboard." I could see she wanted to discuss what had happened and I think she could see I wanted to talk about it too. But it would have to wait until we were on our way to Axces Gamma.

I was just about at the launch bay when I bumped into Kris. "Looks like you are stuck with me again." she teased.

"Looks like it. At least you don't have to worry about me taking risks this time," I replied. I waited at the hatch for the rest of my team. The two Colonial Troopers were already aboard.

Whatever happened, I was going to make sure I brought all my people home safely.

[LucianG]

Rose

Rose had meet JustinB in the corridor as she was heading towards Black Squadron Ready Room to see if she had been assigned to the mission. He told her that she would need Heavy Assault Armour and that she would be piloting the shuttle that was being sent out.

Rose just hoped that things went as well this time as they did before when she was piloting the shuttle to check out the ship that had been booby trapped in some area's. Rose headed off to the female Black Squadron's bunk area to get the items she would need for this current assignment.

Rose entered the bunk area and went over to her storage area and got out the items she was needing and then took off at a rush to get down to the landing bay where the shuttle was located that she would be piloting. Along the way Rose thought about the embrace she shared with JustinB down in the O'Club earlier and wondered what the others present thought about it since most of the people onboard knew that she was currently involved with Hawke. Rose just hoped that Hawke would not be to upset when he finds out about it. Then again, Rose thought, maybe making Hawke a little jealous would do him some good since she was getting the feeling again that he wasn't wanting to spend time with her again. Hopefully by the time everyone got back on board the Callisto, Rose would be able to find out for sure how Hawke really felt about her and if she still had a chance with him at all or if she should just move on with her life.

Reaching the shuttle landing bay, Rose walks inside and heads on over to the shuttle to wait for the rest of the warriors that would be going on this mission.

* * *

JustinB

Standing in the hatch I saw Rose come running around the corner. She almost took out Captain Holodoc, who was still loading her Field Med-kits.As she entered we locked eyes for a micron or two. Holodoc saw the eye contact and as she entered gave me a wink. Lieutenant Phlandor arrived soon after and we secured the hatch.

I went to Rose and asked, "Is Shuttle Black Two ready Rose?" "Yes, they have just reported to the bridge as Launch ready. Strap yourself in as we are about to launch." she replied.

I sat next to Holodoc and strapped myself in. Just as I got comfortable, the shuttle launched. Two centons into the flight, Holodoc tapped me on the shoulder. "Do you wanna tell me about it, or do I have to guess?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" I replied. "It seems to me by the way you and Rose looked at each other before boarding something is going on. So are you going to tell me?" she said with a mischievous smile.

"I will tell you once we complete this mission, I promise. Right now I have to focus. I hope you understand."

"Ok JustinB, just as long as you know you can talk to me about anything."

I then stood up and went over to Kris and the Colonial Troopers. I gave them a rough briefing of what our mission was. When I finished, I saw Rose get up and head over to Holodoc. They sat and talked for centons.

I couldn't wait until we reached Axces Gamma and got down to business. I wondered what job Captain Cain had install for us.

* * *

Shuttles Black One and Two finally made their decent into the atmosphere of Axces Gamma. Rose plotted a course that would take us directly to the landing site of Captain Cains Viper.

As soon as we landed, on my orders we exited the shuttles and took up defensive positions. Once the area was secured, I brought the teams in for a quick briefing.

"Once we make contact with Captain Cain, he will let me know what our objectives are. We will try and find any survivors from the Caprican Questar and Evac to the shuttles and then to the Callisto. Stay sharp and concentrate, as we don't know if there are any hostiles on this planet. Once we have the survivors onboard, both Captian Holodoc and Lieutenant Jarrynn will treat what they can. Should we meet any resistance, what survivors we have will be escorted back to the shuttles by the Colonial Troopers. Lieutenants Rose and Lustian. You will accompany the Troopers in case of an emergency extration is required. We have a backup team ready for launch should any hostiles exist. Any Questions?" As there were none we set out to find Captains Cain and Skyler.

I went over to our newest addition, Ensign Ursiaon and called Kris to join us. "Ensign, I want you to stay by Lieutenant Kris. She is a very experienced warrior and knows her stuff. You will be safe just as long you are with her." Uriason looking a bit more at ease gave a "Yes Sir."

I just hope we could find Cain and Skyler soon.

* * *

Randrius

Lt. Randrius exited the shuttle hauling a small pack, he had a combat belt clipped around his waist, and a much larger than regulation laser rifle.
Kris looked at him, "Do you really need that?"
He grinned, "Never hurts to be ready."
He hefted the rifle and they set off on there search.

* * *

JustinB

The Landrams had just been unloaded when Captains Cain and Skyler were spotted by Lieutenant Kris. I went over to Cain and said, "Lieutenant JustinB reporting with Black Squadron Asssault Team."

"As you were JustinB. Skyler and I have just completed a recon of the area. We have found tracks made by humans, but we have also found some larger unknown tracks. You can stay in charge of your team, but the the major decisions must go through me. Do you have a problem with JustinB?" Cain asked.

"No Cain, I don't have a problem with it at all. As far as I am concerned our two squadrons should work more closely anyway." I replied. "Ok everyone except for Lieutenant Randrius, in the Rams now. Randrius and I will take the first twenty centons at point."

Once everyone was in the Landrams, Randrius and I started following the track Cain talked about. Nineteen centons into the search, I noticed something about the human tracks. They were fresh and by the looks of them it belonged to two or three humans.

Randrius and I were about to change over with Kris and Ursiaon, when we both saw some movement in some bushes. Using field signals, I told him to wait while I went around and flanked them. I was about flank them when I saw Randrius get hit with a slingshot, when a spear came hurtling by just missing my head. Rushing them I knocked over the first one and was just about to do the same to the second, when I realised these were the humans we had been tracking. I looked over to the warriors who were exiting the rams and gave them the All-Clear.

It was hard to believe these were humans. Two of them had colonial laser pistols. They all had spears and slings. Holodoc came over to check the one I knocked over. Apart from a slight concussion he was alright.

"My name is Lieutenant JustinB from the Battlestar Callisto, we have come to rescue you."

* * *

Lusitan

Back in action! Time to catch back up.

* * *

Charybdis

Commander Sheba had issued the orders and I made the proper arrangements to dispurse them throughout the ship.

The following orders are hereby issued:

· Callisto is to stay on present course, and rendezvous with the CQ on schedule. At that time, Silver Spar will take over all patrol duties.

· Major Lucian and Lt. SiressEden: An armed assault team is to be dispatched to rescue those survivors of the CQ. Black Squadron is to send 8 Warriors and Gold is to send six, plus send Captain Holodoc, Nurse Jarrynn, and one squad of Colonial Troopers. Four shuttles are to be used, based on the calculations that a maximum of 65 people could have escaped from the CQ on its shuttles and lifeboats. Two of the Black Squadron Warriors will be flying Vipers, and everyone else is to be on board the shuttles. They are to get there, find those people, and bring them back.

· Transmission to Axces Gamma: Lieutenant Hawke’s team is to dispatch at least a couple of his Warriors to help if they are needed. In the meantime, they are to locate their missing Gold squadron members.

· The Water Mission is to proceed with all possible haste. Shuttles are to be cycled immediately, with fresh crews, after they have discharged their cargo.

* * *

Brie

Lt. SiressEden, who was acting Gold Squadron leader until the return of Major Brie, hating making assignments. Most of the Gold Squadron members who had enough leadership experience were already on assignment, and she didn't want to have to take responsibility for sending out someone who had never been in command before. There was one person in Gold Squadron who had led a mission before...but there was a slight problem. SiressEden sent a note to Lt. Stadia, asking her to report to the med lab immediately, to see if she could be given full clearance for active duty.

* * *

Charybdis

Commander Sheba had full control of her bridge now. After issuing the orders to the squadrons, she noticed that I looked wiped out.

I had been on the bridge since the missions began and had not had so much as a break. She noticed the strain on my face. I'm sure she also realized that I still had no clue as to Amy's whereabouts.

"Colonel, it looks like you need a little time to regroup." she said. "Why don't you take a few centares to get some rest. We'll need you when the ships return."

I appreciated the gesture, but I didn't want to leave the bridge just yet. I wanted answers. I didn't like so many Warriors out there, half of them on shuttles. We were so vulnerable...

"I'd prefer to stay here, with all due respect, Commander," I replied.

"Charybdis, I know how you feel, but I strongly recommend you get some rest, who knows what we're dealing with here, and if something else were to come up, then we would need you at the top of your game." Her eyes said it all. I would not be able to say no to her.

"You're right, Commander. I'll be back after a rest period. Thank you." I turned to take one step but stopped in my tracks.

"I'll notify you the micron we hear something," came the respose from Sheba before I could get anything out of my mouth.

A smile crossed my face for an instant. I left the bridge to head for my quarters. I had a date with my bed...

[LucianG]

Brie

Hoping that Lt. Stadia would be cleared, Lt. SiressEden chose the following warriors for the upcoming mission:

Lt. Stadia, in command,
Lt. Conan SIC
Lt. Bard
Lt. Butch
Lt. ThunderWarrior
Lt. Brik

Eden decided that if Stadia wasn't cleared by the medical staff she would take Stadia's place herself.

* * *

Stadia

Upon receiving the note with her order she made her way to med bay. She entered and talked to the doc for a bit before being escorted into an exam room.

After what seemed a lifetime and after a battery of tests, the doc cleared her for the upcoming mission.

She left med bay feeling tired but glad to be going on a mission.

* * *

Lucian

As Lucian approached the Bridge, he passed a very tired looking Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis. He said hello as they passed.

Moments later, he said, "Excuse me, Commander. May I have a word with you...in private?"

She looked at him questioningly, but then nodded. Major Lucian didn't ask for privacy very often.

"What is on your mind, Major?" she asked when they were in her war room.

"Commander, as you know, Black Squadron elections are approaching. I love my Squadron, and would love to always be a part of it. It's been my home since I joined the Callisto. Now, I have given this a lot of thought and would really like to run again, but, for the long-term growth of our squadron, I think new leadership is needed at this time. My departure from the Squadron will give some of our younger Black Squadron members a chance to spread their wings. I've tried to give many of them leadership assignments over the past few sectars, and some have shined as a result. I think some of them are ready for bigger things, Commander, and now it's up to the Squadron to decide who will lead them for the next yahren. Considering the staff shortage you've had in the Command structure since the Battle of Shonada, I'm sure there is something I can do to be useful, assuming you will accept my transfer."

Lucian grew silent, and Sheba looked at him intently.

"You're sure about this, Lucian?" she asked, calling him by his name for the first time in his recollection.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Very well, Major, don't worry. I suspect we'll find something for you to do."

* * *

Brie

Mumbling to herself about how much she hated planets, Brie, with Lazant and Stargazor continued forward. All footprints, fibers and other signs had stopped. Brie was beginning to wonder if they were going in the wrong direction, and how long it would be until someone was looking for them.

Up ahead, she saw it. Smoke. It looked like it was coming out of a cave. "We'll check it out," Brie said, indicating to Lazant that with his hurt ankle he would stay behind. "Proceed with extreme caution," she whispered to Stargazor as the two of them walke slowly closer.

* * *

Stargazor

Stargazor and Brie slowly walked inside making shore every step they take was secured.
But the cave was going dangerously downward at an angle.
Suddenly an earth quake shook the cave, witch made it very hard to keep standing up.
Stargazor found a grip with his hands to hold on to but Brie as not that lucky she slipped and started to fall.
Just in time Stargazor grabbed her wrist and brought her up so she to could grab on to the handhold.
Some rock wore tumbling down and one of them hit the hand from Stargazor that was holding on.
With the pain he couldn’t hold on anymore and fell downward.

As he fell he hit his head hard and tumbled further unconscious and bleeding to what was the bottom.
Where he lie motionless on the floor.

* * *

Nefeteri

The smoke was billowing out of the cave. Someone or something should find them soon. Sooner the better. Teri and the unknown person stared at each other not knowing what to say. Teri smiled and the other person smiled back but came no closer. The only thing Teri hoped was that this person did not go back into the water. Teri didn't trust the blissfulness the water made one feel. It was as if it soaked in through the skin and made as ones senses go away.

Suddenly there was a commotion at the cave door. A man fell through the entranceway and hit a hard rock. He was dressed in warriors uniform but even Teri had not been that clumsly. Whatever he did, she did not want him to scare her partner. If it was Amy then perhaps someone in his group could identify her.

* * *

Brie

"Brie!" Captain Lazant had felt the ground shake, he knew something was wrong. Forgetting the pain in his ankle, he lept to his feet and ran to the cave, dragging the crutch behind him. He was relieved to see that Major Brie was alright, she had pulled herself out of the hole and was standing at the top. Ensign Stargazor wasn't as lucky. He was lying at the botom, not moving, and bleeding in several places.

"I'm okay," Brie said as soon as she saw Lazant. "At first I thought that it was a tremor, but now I'm pretty sure that it was boobytrapped." She opened the backpack and took out a rope. "I guess I'd better climb down there and see how he is."

Lazant chose his words carefully. He and Brie had held many conversations about rank, and she knew very well that he thought that he was overdue a promotion. Brie had finally received hers with the last Gold Squadron election, which meant that she clearly outranked him. He didn't want what he was about to say to be taken as anything but a suggestion. "Major, with all due respect, I think that I should be the one to go down there. Being the head of the Callisto's training Academy I've had more experience climbing than you have." He considered adding that as a man he was probably stronger than she was, but decided against it.

"Lazant," she said quietly, "you can barely walk."

"My fracking ankle is fine," he informed her. "I've been hurt worse than that. Besides, one of us needs to stay up here and hold the rope, I'd need both feet to do that as well."

Brie thought for a moment, and then nodded. She tied one end of the rope around her waist, Lazant did the same with the other end. Slowly, he climbed down into the hole. The rope was more as a precaution than anything, there were hand and footholds the whole way down. His ankle hurt like crazy, but he shook off the pain. At last he reached the bottom. "He's alive," he called up to Brie. "I think he's more knocked out than anything." He opened the medical kit that he had brought down with him. "I'll try to wake him up. Look around and see if there's anything we can use to pull him back up."

"Okay," Brie called down. She walked around the cave, more carefully this time. The smoke that they had noticed earlier was still puzzling her. She turned a corner. What she saw shocked her. "Ensign Teri?"

* * *

"Teri," Brie repeated. "What are you doing here?"

"I, um, did Lt. Col. Charybdis send you?" Teri asked. "I told him where I was."

"I don't have a comm unit," Brie replied. She noticed that woman sitting nervously near Ensign Teri. Although she looked very different Brie was certain who she was. "By the lords of Kobol," she exclaimed. "Amy, what happened to you?"

Amy didn't reply. She sat there, staring ahead nervously. "Are you sure she's Amy?" Teri asked. "She won't talk, and she doesn't seem to recognize me."

"That's Amy," Brie responded. "I don't know about the hair or her uniform, but that's Amy." Brie sat down next to her and stared into her friend's eyes. Amy stared back. There wasn't any recognition, but she didn't seem quite as scared. "Amy, it's me, Brie. What happened to you?" Brie wasn't an emotional person, but having one of her dearest friends not recognize her was difficult. She blinked back several tears. Amy reached over and touched one of them as it hit the ground.

"Major?" Teri said cautiously, "what happened before? With someone falling?"

"Oh," Brie replied. She had momentarily forgotten about Stargazor and Lazant. "Ensign Stargazor from Black Squadron fell into a pretty deep hole. We need to find something to try and lift him out. Captain Lazant is with him."

"Captain Lazant?" Teri asked. "What's he doing here?"

"That is a LONG story," Brie replied.

[LucianG]

Stargazor

Lazant checked Stargazor out and tried to wake him up.
But Stargazor was in a bad condition as Lazant noticed the back of his head.
It was bleeding heavy and he couldn’t wake him up.

Lazant used the med. kit to patch Stargazor’s wound as good as he could but he needed intensive medical care witch was only on the Callisto present.

But time was crucial if he had to survive.
How will they get him out of there…

* * *

Lucian

"I've put a collar on his neck, just in case he has any fractured or dislocated disks," called Lazant as he gingerly touched his swollen ankle. He'd repacked the small first aid kit after bandaging Stargazor's headwound as best he could. He'd been one of the first people to take Doc's First Aid for Warriors class a few sectars back since he'd felt it was important for him to set the example for the cadets in his charge. "Can you loop the rope around a rock so I can help pull him up?"

"Lazant, it's not long enough. With a bowline in it to go around his chest, it'll only reach a little more than half way back down to you."

"Well, that'll never work. As a dead weight, banging into the sides of this shaft, I don't think you'll ever be able to get him out by yourself. I'll tie it around him, and if you can loop it around that rock we saw up top, I'll climb up and we can use my weight as a counterweight to help pull him out."

Ensign Teri looked down into the hole. "Hello, Captain Lazant. I'll help, too."

Lazant's eyes widened on seeing Teri. He looked up questioningly at Brie, who replied, "Long, complicated story. Don't ask. Rope's ready, so let's get this over."

* * *

Amy

I sat near the fire in the cave entrance, just staring into the flames. I was aware of the woman next to me as she alternated between fussing with the burning pieces of wood and trying to talk with me. I was there, but way deep inside myself. To try and come out would bring back the sadness, and I couldn't feel that again. I concentrated on the sparks and glowing embers. How so opposite the water they were!

There was a commotion at the entrance to the cave, and I looked up to see what it was. The ground began to shake and a new stranger went sliding by and down a big hole. Two other strangers also appeared. As I gave them a glance, my eyes rested on one that for some reason gave me pause. I studied this woman, who was dressed like all the others, and watched as she glanced over at me. Her expression changed and she came over to me.

I couldn't understand the words, but being near her was soothing to me. After a few moments, this woman turned away to speak with another of the strangers. As she walked away, I got up and followed.

* * *

Stargazor

Stargazor was far from the cave and his friends.
(inside the mind)
He was floating in a peaceful black sea, with his eyes closed.
Around him there wore whispers , voices but none of them made any sense to him .
He kept questioning himself :Who was he, where was he, who wore these voices, what wore they saying.
But he wasn’t scared , in fact he felt very calm and at home, as if he was sheltered by something.

A warm bright light covered his body and he knew he was being watched by what he did not know.

* * *

Najinn

Najinn came too in his Vipers cockpit, or rather what was left of it.

Remind to learn how to crash he thought to himself. That was not how to land a Viper out of fuel!

He released his harness and fell out of the cockpit. Glad no one saw his uncerimonial exit from the cockpit he picked himself up and dusted himself down, arched his back and felt the pain of standing up right after crashing.

"nuts, that hurts!" His back clicked as he slowly regained the use of his legs!

He looked around in the cockpit to gather his stuff, he put his holster on and blaster, collected his survival back pack from the storage bin under the cockpit and stood back. He drew his blaster and shot out the controls of the ship so that no-one could use the computer.

"Just in case" he said to himself.

He got himself together and started out across the open stretch of ground that the Viper had raced across.

As he reached the other side he saw that jungle sloped upwards towards a hill, he followed a rough trail for about half a day and came to the top this hill.

At the top he could see the valley around him stretch off into the distance and on the far side he saw a series of rocky out crops along a ridge line and smoke. He could see smoke.

"Do I, Don't I?" "What the hell!"

He set off towards the ridge line hoping he would find people and maybe just maybe Amy.

* * *

Brie

Major Brie had gone back to the top of the hole. Ensign Teri had followed, but not as quickly as Amy. Although Amy didn't recognize Brie, she seemed to recognize that there was some sort of connection between them, at least that was something. Brie couldn't think about it at the moment, they needed to get Stargazor out of the hole and figure out some way to tend to his wounds.

With Teri's help they started to lift Stargazor up. After watching for a moment Amy started to pull as well. Brie realized that without Lazant Stargazor would never have had a chance. She would make sure that Commander Sheba would find that out.

There was a sound outside the cave. Brie hoped that the ground wouldn't give way again. It didn't sound like that, though. It sounded more like someone climbing. Thinking that she must be imagining things, she continued to pull.

* * *

Stargazor

Deep inside the mind of Stargazor thing wore very mysterious.
As he floated trough this black sea he kept feeling calm and at peace.
Somehow the light shining upon him was very calming and the voices, he could not understand them yet they assured him he was safe.

He managed to open his eyes and saw these strange aliens or something like that.
He saw these aliens complete in white and in a crude human form.

One of them caressed his head softly and spoke this time in a voice he could understand, soft and kind of melodic.
Alien “Stay calm, you are safe, rest”!
“You’re time hasn’t come yet”, “You still have a lot to grow”!

Stargazor wanted to ask the alien a question but before the word came out of his mouth the alien already replied as if it could read his mind.

Alien “We are the guardians, we are”!

Stargazor then wanted to ask who he was…

The Alien again replied “The answer will come to you in time, you’re destiny is not yet complete”!
“Now rest”!

As the alien waved its hand over the eyes of Stargazor he fell asleep.

He kept seeing in his dreams familiar faces yet did not know who they wore.

* * *

Lucian

Brie and Teri started pulling on the rope from above, hoisting Stargazor's limp body up the shaft. Lazant helped lift as much as he could until the Ensign's body was out of his reach. Almost immediately, the injured man twisted around and banged into a rock.

"Frack!" whispered Lazant under his breath. "Knew that would happen."

Lazant slipped his boot off his "good" foot, and looped it onto his belt. He found a handhold and started upward, without a safety line. Climbing without using the injured ankle was difficult, since he was forced to cling with his fingers at times while he struggled to gain a toehold. Soon, he had reached Stargazor, and shifted his body around so the Warriors above could continue to pull him up.

His muscles were knotted as he continued to climb the shaft, pushing upward on Stargazor's limp body whenever possible. Lazant's could only think the Lords that all those centars of practice in the gym were paying off for something other than his swordplay.

"Brie, it looks like he's clear. You should have a straight shot up. Looks like it's only two to three meters more. I'm only a half meter or so from reaching the tailing rope."

Both women were straining, as Brie said, "PULL, Teri...We're almost...there!"

Lazant's right hand closed on the rope....

[LucianG]

Stargazor

Somehow Stargazor got a turn for the worse…
As Lazant checked the vitals of Stargazor he didn’t find any pulls and immediately started to do CPR on him.

The others could only watch and wait.

Brie got on her knee’s at Stargazor’s head and shouted “Fight, god… , fight ensign”!
“You need permission to die and i didn’t give it”!
“You’re not gonna leave us now”!

Lazant kept doing his CPR moves on the motionless body.
After another series of moves Lazant again looked for vital sign’s of Stargazor and fell a low heartbeat again.

With relief he said out loud “His heart beats again, he’s fighting but we don’t have much time left”!
“I don’t know how long he can keep this up”!

(With small tear’s in her eyes)
Teri looked at Stargazor for a moment then said “He’s one of us, he has to make it”!

The groups showed a sign of relief and started back on getting Stargazor out of the cave.

Back inside the mind of Stargazor it was very strange he was thinking he was captured by cylon centurion and being tortured by him.

The cylon kept asking him the same question over and over again in his mechanical voice:
Cylon “Give up, human , give up”!

Stargazor kept shouting back to the Cylon “Never, I’ll never give you the satisfaction “!

As each time he did the cylon put a electric rod to Stargazor’s head torturing him painful.
And each time he could see his friends being killed by the cylon’s seeing them screaming and die.
Witch made him more determent to fight back but each time he was tortured he got weakened.

* * *

Amy

I had started to pull on the rope like all the strangers were doing but my mind began to wander and I soon stopped. I couldn't seem to concentrate much on anything for very long. I got up and walked around the cave, settling down next to the fire again. From where I sat, through the flames, I could see the commotion as the one who fell down the hole was brought back out again. But within moments I was just staring blankly at the fire, absently playing with some of the beads in my hair.

* * *

Brie

Major Brie looked around. Amy was no longer at her side. Knowing that there was nothing she could do at the moment for Ensign Stargazor, she joined Amy next to the fire. Since it seemed to bother Amy when people talked to her Brie remained silent. She just sat there, next to the person who should have been her friend, trying to figure out what to do next.

There was another sound outside of the cave. Brie stood up, motioning for Amy to stay where she was. Amy didn't understand and stood up with her. Brie walked slowly, carefully, to the entrance of the cave, her weapon in her hand. She could see a shadow moving closer. Brie made sure that Amy was hidden behind her, set her laser for stun and held it up. Suddenly the shadow jumped closer, it was no longer a shadow at all. A laser was pointing near where she and Amy were.

"Najin," Brie shouted, "don't shoot! It's me, Brie."

* * *

Lucian

Lazant looked up from working on Stargazor to see Najinn entering the cave, but he had no time for pleasantries. "Brie, we've got to get him back to the Callisto quickly, or he will die. If my mapping was correct as we walked, our Vipers are approximately five to six kilometers away, since we were traveling in a sort of spiral away from our ships. If two of you can retrieve the Trainer, and possibly another Viper to fly cover, I'll fly the injured Ensign back to the Callisto. My ankle won't be a problem for that, and I won't slow the rest of you down recovering the other Viper...or Vipers," he said looking at Teri and Najinn.

* * *

Brie

Brie thought for a moment. Najin had already explained to her that he had crashed his viper. "Okay, here's what we'll do. Najin, Teri, you two will come with me, Amy too I don't want to leave her behind since she doesn't seem to be physically hurt. We'll get the recon, the trainer and my viper. Lazant, you stay here with Stargazor, we don't want to move him until the last possible micron. We'll fly back here, Lazant will take Stargazor back in the recon, since that's the fastest of the three ships. We'll have to place him behind the seat, the same way we did when Najin was injured. Then Amy will go with me, Najin will take my viper, and Teri will head back to wherever she's supposed to be."

"But Brie..." Lazant started to say.

"No arguements," Brie said. She looked at Teri and Najin. "Come on, we're wasting time." Brie, Teri and Najin headed towards the cave's entrance. Amy looked around, then quickly ran to Brie's side.

* * *

Stargazor

Stargazor was still unconscious and far from out of danger, he could still die.
His life still was in a balance between life and dead and his mind still was running wild.

This time he saw a woman who looked very beautiful and he was thinking she was an angel or something.
A bright light engulfed her and her voice was soft as silk.

The woman said “I am Triésta and you see me as a person you know from you’re past”!
“I’m here to answer any of you’re questions”!

Stargazor looked at the woman puzzeled but she understood.

She said “This form of someone you know, makes you more at ease”!
“She must mean something to you because she is very deep imprinted”!

Stargazor replied “Who, who is she “?

The woman answered “I don’t know but i believe she is out there in what you understand as the real world”!
“She’s there along with other people who care about you, see for yourself”!

She waves her hand and some sort of screen appears.
Stargazor can see himself being carried by some people.
One of them looks like the angel or women.

Stargazor said “They all seem worried”!

The woman answers “They all will become very close friends with you over time”!
“They hope that you’ll make it”!
“But that choice is only up to you, you have to want to live”!

* * *

Amy

I stood behind the woman named “Brie’ as yet another stranger entered the cave. He wore the same clothes as the rest, and seemed to know the others. They all began to discuss something in a language that should have seemed familiar but stayed just out of reach. I felt closest to the one called “Brie” so I stayed near her. As they all talked, I began to realize that there was one among them that I did not like.

He walked with a limp, and seemed to cause “Brie” some amount of aggravation. Though I could not understand his words, this gimpy geezer spoke with a tone unlike the others. And while the others looked at me, and through them I felt some measure of comfort, this lame male looked right through me like I wasn’t there. I began to feel a growing anger toward this person, and that’s when I felt something strange within me as I stared at the one called “Lazant.”

As I stared, an image of him appeared in my mind. It desolved into just an outline, but it was mapped out in such detail that it took over my entire mind in that moment. My body started to tingle, and the more I glared at him I began to feel a rising rush in my very blood. As the feeling reached it’s peak it was already starting to diminish, but something released from me out toward the lame male. He reacted like someone had slapped him in the back of the head! He glanced around to see what had happened, but the only one near him was the wounded one who had fallen into the hole. His eyes settled on me for the first time since he had entered the cave.

I didn’t know what power had come over me, but I did know that whatever it was, it was leaving me fast. It was a part the sadness, the things that were lost to me from far below. I did know that if I acted quickly I could maybe help these strangers. And I wanted to help the one called “Brie.”

She too had been looking at me after the gimpy one had been struck by nothing, but that didn’t matter any longer. I grabbed her by the hand, and took the one named “Teri” by the other, and pulled them along with me back outside the cave. I let go of their hands and after walking a few more paces I flopped down into the sand.

I began to concentrate on an image, one that the lame one had been thinking strongly about. They all had been at that moment. I crouched down into a ball, and began to channel the power that would soon be lost to me. The one named “Brie” came near with concern, but backed away because I was beginning to radiate some heat. I concentrated hard on the image, and a rumbling from beneath the ground began to start. From within the cave I could hear shouting, but I kept concentrating.

The rumbling got louder and louder, closer and closer, but I could feel my powers fading even as the tip of metal broke the surface before me. It rose up as the others shouted with excitement over what they were seeing. Exhausted, and with my power nearly gone, the rumbling stopped.

As I knelt, trying to get my breath, I turned to look at them with satisfaction. They in turn looked at me with disbelief. Before them, protruding half out of the sand, was one of the things they had all been thinking of at that moment: a giant metal bird with the name of a snake. Viper.

[LucianG]

Stargazor

Stargazor started to have a high fever and mumbled some words the others could here.

Stargazor “Lost…, Amy…who am i, Cylon’s, darkness, help Teri”!
He kept shaking, and was getting worse by the centon.

“Battlestar…Danger”!

The other colonial warriors could here him speak these words but did they mean anything…

* * *

Charybdis

Lt. Aegina sat at her station below the bridge staring blankly at her monitor. Nothing much had changed over the last shift, but she noticed a small blip, then another, then another!

She perked up and began taking the incoming scans. The Callisto had moved close enough to the planet to begin taking rudimentary scans of all ships on the surface.

A quick check brought distrubing news: 2 vipers were entirely missing and one was in a stationary position far away from the others. Perhaps it had crashed?

Commander Sheba and the Colonel were not going to like that piece of news. 3 vipers were a lot to lose on a non-combative mission like this...

* * *

Ursiaon

after hearing the orders come over the com I hurriedly finish putting My blaster back together from cleaning it. and head to the squad office to find out what the orders are thats going to mark My fist mission.feeling My palms sweat a bit and shakeing them some to make sure that they are dry and ready.

* * *

Charybdis

Core Command hereby commissions BatGal with the rank of Major in the Colonial Military. She assumes all rights and priveledges associated with the rank and is hereby duly elected to the position of Black squadron leader. She is to assume the position immediately.

At soonest convenience, Major BatGal will forward to Core Command her nominee for Squadron Second in Command.

Congratulations to our new Black Squadron leader!!!

<chorus of congratulations>

* * *

Core Command wishes to announce that brotherjoe has joined the Colonial Military and has been commissioned with the rank of Ensign.

He will serve aboard the Battlestar Callisto under Major BatGal in Black squadron.

Welcome our newest Warrior!!

<Chorus of welcomes!>

* * *

Lucian

On seeing that the final election results were in, Major Lucian wrote a quick note for the new major.

MAJOR BatGal,

Congratulations! You go, girl! Take good care of our squadron like I know you will. If you have questions, you'll find me on the bridge.

Always on your wing,

Lucian

He sealed the note, wrote her name on the outside, and tucked it in the drawer of what would now be her desk. He straightened his uniform, and walked toward the door.

Just as he got there, Major BatGal entered. He smiled at her, gave her a salute, and said, "Major, do your duty."

"Major Lucian, I relieve you of command of Black Squadron," she said.

"Major, I stand relieved. The squadron is yours. Do well by her. Our peoples' fate is in your hands."

* * *

Major Lucian was not scheduled to report for his new duties until the following cycle, but he had one order of business to attend to on the Bridge.

He signed the last message electronically, and forwarded it to the Lieutenant Colonel for his action.

* * *

BatGal

Major BatGal entered the Black Squadron office. Major Lucian smiled at her, gave her a salute, and said, "Major, do your duty."

"Major Lucian, I relieve you of command of Black Squadron," she said.

"Major, I stand relieved. The squadron is yours. Do well by her. Our peoples' fate is in your hands." With that, he smiled and walked into the corridor.

Major BatGal walked to Major Lucian's er, uh...to her desk and pulled a stack of paperwork towards her. Looking for a writing implement, she opened the top drawer and saw a small envelope with her name written in very familiar writing. She opened the note inside...

***

MAJOR BatGal,

Congratulations! You go, girl! Take good care of our squadron like I know you will. If you have questions, you'll find me on the bridge.

Always on your wing,

Lucian

***

BatGal smiled but felt a twinge of sadness. She and Lucian had been through so much together -- from joining their beloved Black Squadron as Ensigns and then going on all those recruitment missions to the numerous (UNI)forums in the vast corners of (cyber)space. Oh, and let’s not forget the Gold Squadron Quarters Expansion/Removal-of-that-nightmare-bulkhead project! Talk about grunt work! But in all honesty, it had been fun. Having Lucian around made BatGal feel safe, as if her big brother was still alive. And the rest of the squadron made her feel like her entire family was always with her. Well, of course she felt that way…Black Squadron IS her family.

It was because of Lucian's spirited recruitment efforts that BatGal chose the Black Squadron family, and it was also thanks to Lucian that BatGal got up the courage to start writing songs again and singing on the Rising Star. Oh, and all those parties!

And, it was Lucian who trusted her enough to be his first wingman…and later, as the great leader of this elite squadron, his second-in-command. And now, he and the entire squadron were trusting her to lead them.

BatGal smiled and said softly to herself, “You can count on me.”

* * *

JustinB

It was hard to believe these were humans. Two of them had colonial laser pistols. They all had spears and slings. Holodoc came over to check the one I knocked over. Apart from a slight concussion he was alright.

"My name is Lieutenant JustinB from the Battlestar Callisto, we have come to rescue you."

***********

I sized up the three survivors we had run into. The first was very outspoken. He looked to be in his early twenties.

The second one, who was a female also looked to be in her early twenties stood close to the first.

The third was a powerfully built male and seemed to be in his mid thirties. He looked like a gentle giant, but could probaly take on a cylon foot patrol by himself.

The first one approached me. "I am Kralyth. This woman next to me is Sirren. My friend behind me is Sefano," he said in a loud tone. "Your presence here on this planet is a surprise but welcome."

I had a feeling that we were in for something big by the sounds of the last remark Kralyth made.

[LucianG]

Lucian

Kra’a laced his claw around the trigger. The weapons captured from the Ko-no-ne beasts were powerful, but the didn't fit his hand very well. He had carefully removed the trigger guard to allow him to even fire it.

The three Ko-no-nes they had been hunting would have made a fine capture, but now, they were joined by others in dark exoskeletons with what appeared to be even more advanced weaponry. Kraa signalled his men to hold position for his signal. Within moments, the tongue whip of those he could see indicated that they had received it and understood. He hoped that the wind would carry the message on to the last three. With this group of star invaders and the other group just a couple of hundred meters away, they needed more intelligence about these new ones, and possibly, more weapons. If they could manage this capture, their breeding program might be saved. Ko-no-ne beast meat might eventually become a staple instead of the rare delicacy that it was.

* * *

Although they suspected danger and were on alert, no one in the human group knew how close they really were to it.

* * *

On the opposite side of the Ko-no-ne party, Sma’ar thought of when he and Kra’a first discovered the Ko-no-nees. They had taken some of the small items the Ko-no-nees had carried, along with a couple of the beasts themselves, and in the process, a technological renaissance had begun. The brothers belonged to the Band of the Ancient Mysteries, a very secret and correspondingly very small group of The People dedicated to preserving, and one day resurrecting, the ancient knowledge abandoned by their ancestors over two thousand seasonal cylces earlier. Slipping into the dark recesses of the hidden caves, the Ancient members had soon figured out basically what the items were, how to use them, and how to keep them functional. In the process, they began manufacturing items other than rudimentary weapons for the first time since The People had migrated to what they had long called Newworld.

It had taken only a little time to convince others in their clan to join them. Time, that is, and the murder by Kra’a of the clan’s old leader, Gra’hal, using one of the newly captured energy weapons. Once Gra’hal was consumed by the group, Kra’a had begun to lead with a clenched claw, and other neighboring clans soon fell under the domination of another for the first time in memory. The other clans would have struggled more if it had not been for Kra’a’s other exciting gift to The People: a new source of food. When The People had migrated to Newworld, they had brought with them many types of creatures they used as food. The numbers of these creatures had grown over time, and many were eventually allowed to leave over time, giving them the chance to establish themselves on the planet. Soon, they had built up sustainable populations, but on a planet where land creatures had not existed before the coming of The People, new sources of food for carnivores was difficult to come by. Immediately after their first feast on Ko-no-ne beast meat, other clans became interested in joining the new confederation. The process of trying to build up a breeding stock was begun. Future captives went into the Pen rather than into their three stomachs.

In addition, Sma’ar had made one brilliant discovery that had advanced The People’s evolution by more in one seasonal cycle than would have otherwise occurred in perhaps 10,000 or more such cycles. By using a particular device that he had lifted from one of the Ko-no-nees, he and his people had learned to mask their heat signatures versus infrared and other scans. This was similar to the way their skin color could blend with a background when they were stationary. Sma’ar flicked his tongue inside his mouth, waiting for Kra’a’s signal and the capture, and the feast that might follow.

* * *

Kra’a stood perfectly and was about to send the signal to attack when the Land Rams arrived in the clearing. Those things looked like true prizes! He sent word to his people to withdraw without letting the Ko-no-ne beasts see them. With those mechanical monsters in the mix, additional assets would be required to capture them.

On receiving the revised signal, The People slowly and silently disengaged from around the Ko-on-nees. Kra’a, disappointed though he was, thought steadfastly, “Don’t worry, my delicious beasts. I’ll be back for you.”

* * *

Randrius

Randrius was unsure of the people they had found, but as they spoke with them more, he began to feel more at ease.
Except, that is, for the last several minutes. His stomach had suddenly tightened and he felt many eyes on him. He looked around nervously and turned on his infrared sensor, but there was nothing.
'Maybe it's just my imagination,' he thought.
But he knew that his gut didn't lie, something was up.
"Uh...JustinB, something ain't right."
Lt. JustinB turned on his own infrared sensors and looked around, "There's nothing Randrius, relax."
Randrius saw something move out of the corner of his eye, but when he brought his gun around, there was nothing.

* * *

Lucian

The young man said, "I am Kralyth. This woman next to me is Sirren. My friend behind me is Sefano. Your presence here on this planet is a surprise but welcome."

Lieutenant JustinB replied, “You came here on a ship. What was its name?”

“My uncle’s ship was the Caprican Questar. It was damaged beyond repair in a particularly nasty asteroid field, and when we reached this system, we sought refuge here on this forsaken world.”

Randrius approached and spoke with JustinB. He suspected something, but couldn't put his finger on what it was.

"Randrius, keep a sharp watch. Tell Kris to move that the LandRam up to cover the front of the group, and have Rose man the laser cannon. Make sure Nylah and Ursiaon are ready in the back LandRam, too. Have Nylah get contact the Gold Team and let them know where we are so they can close with us."

Captain Cain approached and said, “You're Kralyth? I’m Captain Cain. Are there any others who survived?”

Kralyth nodded and said, “Some have survived including some against their wills. The fortunate ones are in our hidden camp or are dead. The others…well, we don’t talk about them.”

“Listen, son, I don’t know what in the nine hells you just said, but our orders are to find all of you and get you out of here. We don’t have long, so I’d appreciate it if you’d quit talking crap, and tell us what you know, whether or not you’d ordinarily talk about it. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir-rah!” Kralyth barked. “It’s just like this, Mr. Cain. There are ghosts in this tropical forest. They hunt, day and night, including creatures like us. There’s not much food on this world. We tried to live further to the north, outside the range of the ghost creatures, but all the major beasts, and most of the edible plants live within the zone twenty-five or so degrees above or below the equator, so if you try it, you starve. If you live here, you just have to learn to live with your losses.”

“These ‘ghosts’,” said JustinB, “what are they? Are they alive or are they really spirits of some type?”

“At first, we thought they were spirits, or perhaps, demons,” said Sirren. “They came out of nowhere, took what they wanted, including our people, and disappeared without a trace. One of the girls followed them once, and lived to tell the tal—”

“She spews rubbish!” said Kralyth. “She said the group she followed lives in a cave complex only a few kilometers from our own, yet she could not give a real description of the demons. She spread lies, since attention is what she wants.”

“What would your story be if she had not spurned your advances, brother?” asked Sirren.

Kralyth spat on the ground. “She told of ghost creatures who threw the captive into a pit in a cage. They looked like giant lizards walking on four legs, reared up with two arms up top. They became almost solid for a moment when they darted from point to point, but almost immediately blinked out of site again, as if they were some type of shifting computer monitor. According to her, she heard wailing, as if people were in the hole being tormented, and she even saw one of our dead members, suddenly alive again, clinging to the gate of the cage. I tell you it was all lies. I’d bet 50 cubits if I had any that she slipped into the forest, took a dip and a nap, and then came home with that stupid story. Even if she really did track the ghosts, the woman was a ghost as were the four leg “reptile beasts” she saw.”

Sirren glared at her brother and said, “I’ve never heard of ghosts who steal weapons to use on people. If Ari’ said they were Reptiloids, I’d stake my life on gurgle Gurgle!”

A fountain of blood spewed out of Sirren’s mouth. Cain caught her as she fell forward, and saw the short javelin sticking out of the upper part of her back. “HOLODOC!” he yelled. At the same instant, several laser pistol shots hit the area, driving everyone to quickly take what cover they could find.

* * *

Charybdis

I tossed and turned in my bed. I had been able to sleep some, but with not knowing anything as to what was happening down on the surface, it was a fitful sleep. Not very good at all.

I got up and went over to the vid unit in my quarters. Checking some of the latest reports, they listed some communication with Cpt. Cain and the Black squadron landram missions after they landed and set out looking for survivors. But that was it.

I couldn't sleep anymore anyway, so I decided to get dressed and head back to the bridge. If anything was going to happen, it would happen soon.

And still no word from Brie on what she was doing. They had been out of contact for too long. And of course, still no word about Amy...

[LucianG]

JustinB

I took cover behind a large boulder after the first laser pistol shot. I couldn't see who was firing upon us, but I knew a Colonial laser pistol was the weapon being used against us. Its times like this, you’re being fired upon, you cannot see the enemy, so the natural reaction is to fire blindly. This is what most of the warriors were doing. 'I guess this is what happens when you only have about half the training required' I thought to myself.

From the amount of firepower coming into our position, I estimated there were no more than four hostiles. I signalled the first landram to park itself between the incoming fire and Captain Cain. Due to the fighting Cain was cut off from Holodoc. By moving the Ram, Cain, Sirren and Kralyth would have cover, plus Holodoc could treat Sirren.
*********
Lieutenant Rose's heart was thumping like crazy. One minute she was ordered up into the Landrams laser turret, next thing she knows she is being fired upon. Seeing JustinB's signal for the Ram to provide cover she chose a ninety-degree arc and laid down cover fire. She felt kind of stupid because even with her infa-red goggles on she couldn't see anything, let alone aim at something. The next thing she sees is JustinB run towards the ram. "JustinB, I can't see anything to aim at."

"Ok, stop firing. What I need you to do is concentrate and listen to what I have to say. Keep an eye out and watch to see where the shots are coming from. When you get an idea where their position is just let loose for five microns and start again. I am going to get the other Ram to your left but behind. That way they can support you, but also cover our six."

Before Rose could reply, JustinB was already on his way to the other landram. Rose was scanning ahead when she saw to shots ring out from directly in front of her at a distance of approximately thirty-five metres. She aimed the laser turret and let out a five micron salvo. She thought she heard a shriek of pain, but she couldn't be sure. By this time the other Ram had taken its position and supported her fire.
*********
"Can you save her, you have to save her. She is the only family I have left," Kralyth said with grave concern.
"I will do what I can," Holodoc said, "but you have to give me some room. Mmmm, I looks like it may have pierced the right lung. It's repairable just a long as the fighting stops soon. Without the proper medical attention she will die.
*********
Seeing that we could use a hand it dawned on me. Somewhere close by should be Gold Squadron. I jumped into the nearest Ram and tried to raise the Gold Squadron contingent. "Gold Squadron Assault Team Leader this is Black One Leader come in," I waited but there was no reply, "Gold One leader, this is Black One Leader do you copy." Frustrated at the lack of communication I tried once again but gave our location and situation. I hoped they would come soon.

I helped Cain, Holodoc and Kralyth carry Sirren into the second Ram. Holodoc then went to work on Sirren. As I went to the front of the second landram. I saw some bushes move off to my right about ten metres away. Seeing that there was no wind, I fired five times in the bushes direction. An almighty blood curdling scream followed. I saw the bushes dripping with blood, but by the trail the creature that attacked us, had managed to get away.

* * *

Lucian

"Ghosts! They're ghosts come to kill us all," shouted Sefano, the burly man who had dived under cover at the first sound of firing. He had clasped an amulet he wore around his neck and was chanting something in a desperate attempt to keep the supernatural beasts at bay.

Captain Skyler rolled over and tried to direct his fire carefully at the spots where the blasts were originating. As he took another shot, he thought, "Hmm. I've never heard of ghosts firing laser pistols.”

* * *

Ursiaon

Sitting in the land ram thinking its been along time since I have been on a plannet at and here to find people on this strange planet. Looking out as the fire fight begins I know squatting here at the door of the landram i am in the wrong place to be much good so I decide to bail out and get to some moveable cover.fireing wild to cover Myself and anyone else needing it I dive for some rocks near by hunkering down and scanning the perimiter for incomeing fire. With no infered scanner Myself (it laying on the seat of the landram)I think of on My own to fire at any sign of incomeing fire.keeping an eye on as much as possible and scanning and fireing knowing I have to also watch My back in this situation I keep scanning behind Me hopeing that seeing as most of the fire is comeing from My left and front that there isnt a flankning manouver comeing at us anytime soon.(frack I wish I had another blaster I am going to have to start carrying one on these kinds of missions). Quickly looking around again for targets I shoot at a spot that I see fire comeing from only hearing a thud as I move on scanning for targets.

* * *

JustinB

Ahead of me I saw Ensign Ursiaon run from the cover of the Landram to a large pile of rocks. I didn't want anyone out on their own because of the creatures ability to blend in with the environment. After a quick run I was beside Ursiaon. "Ensign, no-one told you to move here. Especially by yourself. In case you haven't noticed, the creatures blend in with the surroundings."
All of a sudden the incoming fire increased. It was like a few more creatures had joined in the fray. They had us pinned down. Just as I was about to pop my head up to look around, a spear landed between Ursiaon and me. "This is why we should be by the Ram," I told green Ensign.

For the moment we had to cover each other.

* * *

Randrius

Randrius pumped off several more shots into the brush from the relative safety of the LandRam. He saw JustinB and an ensign make for an outcropping of rocks. He saw some shots fy from a location and shot off a couple of laser bolts there. He thought he hit something but wasn't sure.
"OK, enough of this," he pulled a blast grenade from his belt, armed it and threw it into the trees.
"Fire in the hole!!!"
The blast ripped out a good chunk of forest and he heard several creatures shriek.
He rose and blazed away at the blast area with a pistol in one hand and a rifle in the other.
A shot came out of the trees and took him in the shoulder, he cursed and dropped back into the LandRam.

* * *

Ursiaon

Glanceing at the Lt I tell him real quick as both My grandfarthers used to say one a Colonial viber pilot and one a mud Marine if you cant move you cant fight.pointing real quick to the land ram I cant move in that thing.likeing what I saw with the granade I pull one off of My belt staying low glanceing around the side of the bolders just off the ground I check for any possible target areas. seeing one to My right in the trees I throw one of the granades into that area yelling fire in the hole to the right.hearing some howling and other noises from that area I smiles briefly.tossing the spear aside that is just in the way.I start to look over at the Lt and say something but I see a warbaleing in the grass and trees seeing some movement that shouldnt be there I fire quickly at its center of Mass fireing off three fast slightly spread shots.glanceing at the Lt again I think its time to move to another hidey hole where they arent expecting us.staying low and moveing fast I head over and dive under the other landram not worrying about grace or style but looking something like a crouching duck as I run and dive.rolling up under the landram I bang hastily on the bottom of it and yell that I am down here as I throw in a fresh power cartrdge into My blaster and keep fireing.

* * *

Lucian

Kra'a heard the start of the fight, and quickly climbed into a tree to get a better view of what was happening. His anger boiled as he realized that it was his fighters who had started the battle. He released a burst of anger that spread through the area on the wind, giving fury to his warriors, and increasing their will to fight. Since they were stupid enough to obey his order, he would at least learn about how these Ko-no-nees fought. Rage, People! Rage!

He watched as the fight developed. They had the exploding balls. He watched as a couple went flying, and nodded in understanding. Where one could play, two could play, too, he thought. Then, as his eyes swivelled, he saw the blasts coming from one of the two mechanical beasts.

"Nice. I think one of those would be very, very nice." He slid from his perch and dropped to the forest floor unseen.

* * *

JustinB

I couldn’t believe my eyes, no sooner had the incoming fire stopped, and Ensign Ursiaon heads back to the landram. I was just getting over the lecture on combat I was given. I knew all about combat and I wasn’t impressed with his attitude. What is the use of firing and changing position when you cannot even see the enemy. Something for me to sought out at a later date.

I put in a fresh power cell and made my way back to the nearest Landram. Rose was exhausted, so I took her place on the laser turret. As I did I could hear something close by. It sounded very familiar. A few microns later, I saw the laser turret of a landram. Finally Gold Squadron had arrived. With their arrival the attack ceased.
I approached the landram as soon as it stopped. I opened up the door and I was surprised to see Lieutenant Stadia. “Stadia, it is good to see you up and about. I am glad you showed up, but I think you scared the creatures away.”

“Creatures, what are you talking you about?” she asked.

“I will get Lieutenant Kris to fill you in . I gotta check for any wounded. Can you please have someone man the turret?”

Without waiting for a reply I went to check over my warriors. I talked to Kris and told her to give Stadia an update. Kris said that Randrius had taken a hit, but was being attended to by Jarrynn. Captains Cain and Skyler seeing the Gold Squadron members arrive, went over to join them

I saw Ensign Ursiaon, so I decided to have that chat now rather then later. “Ensign, I respect the fact that you had relatives that were warriors. What you did out there was brave but foolish. We didn’t know where the enemy was. By taking cover by the rock pile, might have lead to your death had their been a creature there. From what we have seen today, they can blend in with any type of vegetation. The landram provided enough cover, plus it gave us ample fields of fire. Most of all, we are a team. I want you live and become a great warrior Ursiaon. In future, let someone know what you are planning to do.” I could sense he was not happy so I left him to think about what was said.

I saw Holodoc stretching by the landrams. “Holodoc, how is you patient?”

“She is going to be alright. The spear penetrated the right lung. The sooner we can get her back to the Callisto, the better.” replied Holodoc, “and from what Jarrynn tells me, Randrius is still fit for duty.”

I contacted the Callisto and submitted a situation report. I also asked for two vipers to be placed on patrol, in case we ran into more trouble. With Sirren well enough for travel, Kralyth guided us to the cave that the survivors of the CQ called home.
*****************
Kra'a wanted one of the mechanical beasts. A third beast came out as from nowhere. He signalled for his fighters to withdraw. Four of his fighters came to him, dragging the dead bodies of two of their kind. Kra'a knew they didn’t die in vane. Anyway, they would be the main course for the evening meal.

[LucianG]

Lucian

There had been a renewed burst of fire just a few microns before the third vehicle had arrived. Sma'ar had heard the call to renew the attack, and then, almost immediately, the recall. He flicked his tongue in agreement, and thought about what he had learned. In comparison to what had been only moments before, silence reigned, except, of course, for the frentic calls of the Ko-no-nes in the clearing.

Sma'ar thought about what he had witnessed after returning to the fight area. These new Ko-no-nes had the throwing devices the mysteries had identified as hand mines. The People had captured a number of these devices from the original group of Ko-no-nes, but had only just now learned how to use them properly.

Javelins worked well against the Ko-no-nes, but those in the dark exo-skeletons were generally protected. He'd seen two throws bounce right off the false-skin armor worn by the Ko-no-nes. The energy weapons had worked well, but they would work much better in a coordinated attack rather than a free for all like this skirmish. It would be important to try to draw the Ko-no-nes out to make them more easily targeted. If the second Ko-no-ne had not run to the aid of the first behind the rocks, it was probable that Kra'a's force would have been able to pick it off. Next time, he thought, our forces will be ready.

As he went his own way, he considered what he thought were armored ground vehicles. The mysteries said that these vehicles, when providing protection versus light arms, could sometimes turn the tide of battle. He'd seen that illustrated just now, to good effect. What the mysteries also said was that versus heavy arms, armored ground vehicles could be deathtraps.

Sma'ar thought about the cache of the Band of Ancient Mysteries. As he whisked through the tropical forest, in his mind, he started picking out devices that he'd like to see tried versus the Ko-no-nes' ground vehicles. If none of those worked, they would use the newly restored knowledge to create their own devices that would.

* * *

Kra'a had dispatched his fighters to their fortress with the bodies of their fallen brother and sister. As for himself, he had another errand to accomplish before returning home.

* * *

Ursiaon

Looking at the Lt knowing he is justly concerned about those under him. also knowing he has forgoten that with those small doors anyone who trys to fire out of them is just putting a bullseye on themselves.while only moveing eight to ten feet is a good way to make the enemy miss you. especially when you move fast random and unexpectedly and most importantly staying low to the ground.now as for not being able to see them well the spearchuckers I understand but those useing blasters well they were giveing themselves away as anyone that was overconfident would do.one thing is for certin they were over confident in thier abiltiys and thier lil inviso thingys.looking around though and checking the treeline wondering what that smell was that came through dureing the fight what a stink though it was faint it was something that about made My eyes water.thinking about it I ask around to see if anyone else smelled anything strange.wondering if it might have just been Me and My extra sensitive nose from ten yahrens of growing up in the forests on Cancera and learning the animals and thier ways. the air here is alot clearer then that of the Calisto or anyother ship and that smell though faint was there something ferrel and violent.keeping my eyes tuned to the trees though watchingwhere I am going also walking around the landrams I wonder(are My ears as atuned as they once were I may be almost 31 yahrns old but they should still be fairly tuned?).looking at Lt Justin I ask you(do you want to check the treeline and in some for any possiblity of tracks it might tell us some more about these gosts and thier styles of doing things?)

* * *

Randrius

After Holodoc cleared him, he went to see Justin.
"Do we know what those bastards were yet?"
Justin shook his head, "Not for sure, I'm leaning towards there," he gestured to the three survivors,"giant lizard story. How's the shoulder?"
"Fine," he moved it around a little bit, feeling a twinge of pain in the process, "So, what do we do now?"

* * *

JustinB

We had been on the go for less than a centar when Kralyth told Rose to stop the landram. He jumped out and I followed. I turned my back to ask Randrius to join me. When I turned around, Kralyth had disappeared. Fearing the worst I started to get a small team together to go and look for. When from around a large boulder, Kralyth appeared.

"I had to let the other know we brought friends. For if we continued on any further they would of attacked." he said.

"Thanks for that," I said. Turning to Randrius I said, "Randrius, pass the word to the others. We have reached the cave of the survivors. I want you and Ensign Ursiaon to man the second landram. Also utilise the Colonial Troopers. Also, ask Jarrynn to join up with me and Kris."

"Yes JustinB, I get onto that now. I will escort Nurse Jarrynn back here myself."

With Lieutenants Rose and Phlandor manning the first landram, I went to greet the survivors with Kris, Holodoc Jarrynn and Lieutenants Lusitan and Nylah. We waited at the caves entrance until Captains Cain and Skyler and their warriors arrived. Just by the smell coming out of the cave I could tell how lucky we were on the Callisto.

As we entered we were greeted by twenty five faces with smiles on every one of them.

* * *

Amy

The viper sat, half-buried in the sand, not far from the mouth of the cave. As I knelt down, recovering from the energy I channeled, the one called 'Teri' went over to check it out. I hoped that it would be a help to them, and even as they watched it began to rise even further, but this time I had nothing to do with it. I knew that it was the ones that were lost to me, the ones down below that were doing it this time. It was their way of saying goodbye. A gift of friendship, though I was the only one that knew that meaning.

That's when it dawned on me what these strangers wanted metal birds like this one for. They wanted to take me away from here. That wasn't right. I didn't belong with them, I belonged here, and in time I knew I could rejoin my friends beneath the ground. I just knew I could.

While their attention was on the spectacle of the ship rising from it's tomb of rock and sand, I got up and slowly backed away. Using some of the shifty talents given to me from below, I slipped around a tall dune and headed off.

* * *

Brie

Brie watched, amazed, as Amy's viper rose from out of nowhere. Brie knew that somehow Amy was connected to what was happening, but how? Brie told Teri to check it out, Teri reported back that it seemed to be in working order.

"Okay, Captain," Brie said to Lazant, "this should buy us a little bit of time. You take the viper, fly back to where we landed, and bring back the recon viper. Our first priority is getting Stargazor back to the Callisto."

"But what about the rest of you?" Lazant asked.

"We'll then just do what we were planning on doing before, walk to the vipers then head back ourselves," Brie replied. "After you get back. Don't worry, we'll keep him as comfortable as we can," she said, referring to Stargazor.

Lazant nodded and walked off, limping ever so slightly. Stargazor didn't appear to be doing well. He was feverish. Brie took off her jacket and placed it under his head.

As Lazant fired up Amy's viper Brie looked around. "Frack!" she said, "where's Amy?" Neither Najin nor Teri knew. "Teri," Brie said, "you stay here with Stargazor. Najin and I will find Amy."

Brie wasn't sure if Amy had any idea who Najin was, how important he was to her. But she knew Najin well enough to know that no matter what she said, Najin was going to look for Amy. She pulled him over to the side. "Keep in mind," she said, "she doesn't remember anything, she doesn't even seem to understand us. I don't know what's happened to her, we'll figure it all out back on the Callisto. We've just got to get her back."

"Okay, boss," Najin said. He started to the right, Brie to the left.

"Najin," Brie called quietly, "set your laser to stun...just in case."

* * *

Having Amy's viper appear had been a stroke of luck for Ensign Stargazor. It took almost no time at all for Lazant to fly to where they had left the vipers and return with the recon viper. Brie stopped searching for Amy for a few centons so she could help with Ensign Stargazor.

"The Callisto should be close by now," she said to Lazant as they carefully placed Stargazor in the back of the viper. It wasn't meant for passengers, but the recon was the fastest and they were running out of time. It didn't seem like long ago when they were doing the exact same thing for Lt. Najin. "Contact them as soon as you can. Tell them to make sure that Doc Bkj is waiting, that Stargazor is critical."

"What do you want me to say about Amy?" Lazant asked.

Brie sighed. "Tell Charybdis that we found her, but don't give him any of the details. She's alive, she's not hurt, that's all you're to tell him. If he pushes it your silence is under my orders. I want to break this to him myself."

"Okay, Major," Lazant said. He hadn't noticed that neither Najin nor Amy was there at the moment, Brie wasn't about to tell him that Amy was missing again.

"And take care of that ankle," Brie called as Lazant lowered the canopy. She watched as he and Stargazor took off and disappeared out of sight. It was time to continue looking for Amy, and now Teri could join in the search.

[LucianG]

Nefeteri

Teri watched as the Viper took off on the horizon then she looked into Brie's perplexed eyes.
"What's the matter?" Teri asked, the water had not worn totally off.
"Amy has slipped away again," Brie was much brusquer than she meant to be. She realized Teri had not come out of this totally unscathed. It would be Medlab for this one too.
"I thought I saw her slip around one of these immense rocks," Teri pointed. "She can't have gotten far."
"All right we'll head out that way then. First, we can fill up our cans on water in that cave bed."
"NO!" Teri shouted. "That water is bad. It makes you forget things."
Brie backed up at the adamant shout Teri had never made before. She was ususally docile but this was belligerent, almost frightful.
"You wanted to find Amy. I suggest we forget the water. Let's go now, Sir" Teri's mind seemed clearer the farther away she got from the water.

* * *

Brie

Major Brie thought for a moment about what Teri had said. There was something about the water. Brie took a sample, they would need to have it analyzed back on the Callisto. Maybe it would help explain Amy's strange behavior.

* * *

Stargazor

As Lazant was bringing Stargazor back to the Callisto while he meanwhile was getting worse by the canton.

Inside his mind, there was a lot going on only in fragments and with Stargazor not remembering Who he was or what the things he was seeing mend , wasn’t doing any good to him.

He was standing in the streets on caprica when the cylon raiders attacked.
He saw horror and dead everywhere, people dying, buildings burning and so on.

Then everything went black and a beautiful female figure appeared but the face kept in the dark.
She said in this soft voice “Keep on fighting, live”, “They still need you”!

As Stargazor tried to come closer to the women she faded out in smoke till she was gone.

Stargazor kept shouting “Where am I, where am I”!

* * *

Brie

Captain Lazant had kicked in his turbos and was trying to make it back to the Callisto as fast as possible. He himself didn't want to go back, not yet, but he knew that every micron would make a difference to Ensign Stargazor.

At first Lazant was slightly surprised that he was the one that Brie had chosen to return with the wounded ensign. She might have done it herself, or sent that hotheaded, uncontrolable Lt. Najin. Najin certainly had more recent flying experience under extreme circumstances. Lazant had been an excellent pilot, but since he was no longer part of a squadron he was no longer used to this type of thing. After further thought Lazant realized why Brie had chosen him. It wasn't because of his ankle, although that would make a good excuse should anyone ask. No, it was because of Amy. That little brat of a girl didn't remember anything, but she knew for some reason that she didn't like him. It was just the type of luck that he had experienced recently. And as much as he actually liked Brie, she was going to put Amy ahead of him. He could excuse her for that, since Amy was part of Brie's squadron.

Knowing that he was nearing communications range, Lazant tried to contact the Callisto. "This is Captain Lazant to the Callisto bridge." No response. "This is Captain Lazant to the Callisto bridge." Still nothing. "This is Captain Lazant to the Callisto bridge, do you copy?"

"Captain, this is Major Joey. Go ahead."

"Major, I'm heading back with the recon viper," Lazant said. "We have a medical emergency. Please have Doc Bkj standing by ready upon my landing."

"Captain," Joey replied, "can you give me any details? Is it Amy?"

"No," Lazant said quickly, "it's Ensign Stargazor. He took a bad fall, he's been in and out of consciousness. Also, Tell Lt. Col. Charybdis that we did find Amy, she's not injured. Major Brie will be contacting him as soon as she gets back to her viper. Captain Lazant out." Lazant hoped that Joey would just deliver the message and that he wouldn't have to talk to Charybdis. That was one conversation that he wanted to put off as long as possible.

* * *

Charybdis

"Commander, Colonel!!" came the shout from Major Joey. She had taken up position near one of the scanning monitors and had taken in some pretty hot news.

Sheba came over and I stood by her side. "Cpt. Lazant has radiod in. He's bringing back one wounded Warrior and needs emergency care in the landing bay"

Shebe and I looked at each other, she asked, "Who is it?"

"Ensign Stargazor."

"Get Doc BKJ and her team down to the bay at once! Medical emergency!!" yelled Sheba. She was as calm as anything.

"Any other news, Major?" she asked.

"Yes maam. The Captain said that Major Brie's team had found Lt. Amy and she was uninjured!"

Could it be? Did I hear right? Did she say that they had found Lt. Amy and she was uninjured? By the Lords, I knew she would be alright. I just knew it!

My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to talk to Brie. But I had to deal with Lazant first. I definitely wanted to hear his story...

* * *

Stargazor

As Lazant entered the Landing bay from the Callisto, Stargazor shook violently for a moment then stopped also sudden.
He stopped breathing and was starting to die.

If he was to survive he needed medical attention fast.

* * *

Charybdis

Core Command has received and approved promotions for the following Warriors:

JustinB
Kris

They are hereby promoted and commissioned with the rank of Captain in the Colonial Military. They assume all rights and priveledges associated with their rank.

Congratulations to our newest Captains!!

<chorus of congratulations! Note that this was not relayed to the planet due to communications issues!>

* * *

Core Command has accepted and approved the following orders from Major BatGal for Black squadron:

Cpt. Kris is appointed Black squadron SIC

Cpt. JustinB is appointed Black squadron 3rd Officer


Congratulations to these fine Warriors in their new duties!

<and another chorus of congratulations!!!>

* * *

Charybdis

The training viper made a smooth landing. Anything rough and Stargazor might have had it. I remembered not too long ago when Cpt. Skyler was in the same position bringing back a severely injured Najinn. He made it...I wasn't so lucky. But that was another time.

Right now, Lazant brought in the injured Ensign. When the ship stopped, Doc BKJ and her team were on it in a micron. They slowly pulled Stargazor out of the ship and put him on the med gurney. He didn't look good. But right now, Doc had him.

My intention was to get at Lazant. As he stood aside, he pulled off his flight helmet only to see me approach. He could tell he's met his match and then some.

He started first, "He needed immediate attention, Colonel. It was the only way to save his life."

I had my orders direct from Commander Sheba. "Follow me to the bridge...Captain." I spoke coldly with the emphasis on the rank. If it was any of my doing, he was going to be a Captain for the rest of his miserable career.

He swallowed hard and knew that he was in trouble. But, he quickly filed in step behind me. It was the longest walk to the bridge. Commander Sheba awaited us both...