CHAPTER 6-ON THE DEFENSE

[LucianG]

<Lucian>

The shuttle and the escorts were well over half way back to the Callisto from the planet. Again, Lieutenant Merak called Sick Bay to give an update on the condition of the patients. The two remaining miners and Lieutenant Ben, who had spent more time outside than the others, were in the worst shape. All three were currently unconscious, or maybe just in a very deep sleep. Lieutenant Najinn and Lieutenant Krissy appeared to be sleeping peacefully now that they could breathe again. Lieutenant Mossycat was nursing a drink in her seat, coughing occasionally. Lieutenant Cain had moved up to the front, just behind Titon and Merak, and was telling the others about the adventure, between rather frequent coughing spells. This particular nightmare was almost over.

* * *

Lieutenant Amy shifted her Viper again, ever so slightly. Something was definitely wrong. "CLANK!" Since sound does not travel through the depths of space, she knew that something must be hitting her Viper. She hit her comm to ask her fellow warriors for help.

* * *

The Silver Spar Warriors were winging toward the Callisto with turbo thrusters engaged. They would have to land and refuel. Flight Specialist Jenny on the bridge passed along orders for the flight to land in Landing Bay Beta on arrival. They were still almost a centar away.

A few meters away on the bridge, one of the bridge crew said, "Commander Sheba, Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis, we think you should see this. Long range scanner shows that the ion cloud, or at least it looks like part of it, is moving toward the Callisto at a rapid pace."

Commander Sheba looked at the scanner, and asked, "Is this maximum enhancement?" The crewman made a minor adjustment and said, looking at Commander Sheba, "That little change is the best we can do."

Sheba was not looking at the crewman. Staring intently at the screen, she said, "No, that is good enough." The "cloud" on the screen had coalesced into numerous blobs moving away from the ion cloud. Sheba continued, "Sound RED ALERT! We have many, many Cylons incoming!"

At the estimated speed that was quickly calculated, the Cylons were about 80 centons away. They would arrive before the Vipers from Silver Spar squadron, and only a few centons after the shuttle and Viper escort.

<Charybdis>

“All hands to battle stations!!!! All Viper pilots to landing bays!!!” said Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis via the ship’s intercom.

“We have a massive Cylon attack force moving this way. Prepare all shield defense systems and activate the laser batteries!!!”

To himself he said, “Holy Frack!!!! This is the last thing we needed!!!!

<Lucian>

In the Engineering Lab, Lieutenant Lucian was once again attempting to contact ForgeMaster Kharkarian, not knowing that the rest of the fleet had already left the system. Of course, once again, he was having no success. Calls to Assistant ForgeMaster Bodaca also went unanswered. As he was about to contact Security to find out what was happening, the red alert signal sounded, and he like everyone else aboard ship jumped and ran toward their battle stations. He'd talk to Kharkarian later after this current emergency, whatever it was, ended.

* * *

On the bridge, the officers were informed of the latest news. The Callisto could probably outrun the Cylon attack force, but only at the cost of the shuttle and the crew, since the Callisto was well past Shonada Delta by this time. The Cylons appeared to have broken into four main groups, each with an estimated 100 Raiders. At current, the Callisto could man just under 100 Vipers, including the few retired Warrior reserves, if the Silver Spar warriors arrived.

Commander Sheba said, "There are at least two Base-Stars in that cloud. They may be trying to pull us toward them, so that the rest of their forces can attack. Where is that shuttle? And what is the ETA for the Silver Spar warriors?"

<Wendy>

I’ve heard the claxon and am waiting for further orders. I am unable to get to the Rising Star for my drinks so I might as well get into my Viper and shoot some bad guys.

<Randrius>

Randrius curses as new information comes in about the situation. "Oh frack, this ain't good." Randrius began making adjustments to his own sensors, trying to get a reading on the Cylons himself. Unfortunately, his sensor lacked the power of the Callisto's. He received a distress call from Lieutenant Amy seconds later. "They had to pick a time like this for everything to go to hell, didn't they," he muttered to himself. To Amy, he said, "Your hearing clanking noises? Any power failure or anything?"
Her reply was a negative. "Well, you'll probably be fine for the moment, tell me if systems start blowin', ok? Something probably got knocked loose by the turbulence."

He sighed, "It get's better and better."

"Come on, let's get this piece of felgercarb we’re escorting home safe and sound, ok?"

<Lucian>

Commander Sheba asked, "Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis, what is the status of our Viper escort? Do they need to refuel, or can we send them directly into battle with the remainder of our force? And how quickly can we refuel and relaunch Silver Spar if we land half in each launch bay?"

After listening to his response, she signaled for ship wide broadcast. "Callisto Warriors, we face a large number of Cylons. We have not seen this many in one group in yahrens. We can defeat them, but only if we work together as a team. We will use attack plan Beta 7. Concentrate on the middle two groups, single pass straight through, turn, and head back toward the Callisto. Do not attack the plane high or low groups. Hopefully, most of the Raiders will have been ordered to attack this ship, so only a few will chase after you. You can pick off more from the rear as you chase us down. We will be accelerating away, since we have calculated a jump point nearby. Do NOT try to be a hero and go after ships to far away, to the rear, or after any Base-Stars that appear. Do what damage you can, and then head back here. This should buy us enough time to get Silver Spar Squadron on board and refueled. Good luck and may the Lords be with you all. Commander Sheba, out."

* * *

Lieutenant Lucian was strapped into his Viper with helmet on before he even realized that he was still on medical restriction for the sore shoulder. "What the heck?" he thought, "If I don't fly, then someone else may die because I wasn't there to cover their back." In his comm, he said, "Ensign BatGal--felgercarb! She's not here. Good luck, girl! Control, who is my wing on this little shindig?"

The flight officer responded, "Ensign Wendy will be your wingman if the formation breaks. Good luck, sir."

"Thanks!" Lucian replied. "Ensign Wendy, did you copy that? You'll be on my left. If our formation breaks, you'll stick to me like glue, understood? We use the cutting maneuvers here just like in simulation, and we'll cover each other. Remember though, here, you never ever let them hit you. If you do, you're dead, and so am I. We live, I'm buying the drinks. Questions? Good. Now just stay calm, and the launch order will come shortly."

* * *

In other Vipers throughout both launch bays, similar discussions were being held. It could probably be calculated that the Rising Star would need a new stock of ambrosia if everyone made it through.

* * *

Aboard Lieutenant Amy's Viper, another shift led to another clang from below. Amy asked the other Viper pilots, "Can one of you drop down and check the bottom of my Viper? I think my problem may be getting worse."

[LucianG]

<Skyler>

Skyler eased his stick over and slid under Lt Amy's Viper.

"Amy, one of your bolts failed to blow. The spray tank is just hanging there. Try blowing it again and see if it releases."

<Wendy>

“Lt Lucian, Ensign Wendy, ready to do her job. I am honored to be your Wingman Sir, on my first flight out. I won't let you down, as I am hanging out for that cup of Ambrosia on the Rising Star. I WILL STICK TO YOUR SIDE THROUGH THICK AND THIN.

<Charybdis>

Memo from Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis:

Ensign MaraJade has joined the Colonial Military (just in time too!!!) and has been assigned aboard the Battlestar Callisto. She will serve under Captain Brie in Gold Squadron. Also, Ensign Starsistatron has been assigned to serve under Captain Brie in Gold Squadron as well. Congratulations!!!

Now get to battle stations!!!

<Brie>

Captain Brie said, “Welcome you both to Gold Squadron! Stow your gear and report for duty!!!”

<Randrius>

“I'm stuck on a Viper out here, but welcome you two. We need all the help we can get right now. Get to your battlestations quick.”

<Lucian>
Ensigns MaraJade and Starsistatron: Welcome aboard! We can really use the reinforcements right now. Now, jump in those Vipers and be ready to launch. The Cylons are coming!

<Jarrynn>

MaraJade!!! Ha ha, got you to join in the middle of a crisis! Gotta love me sometimes!

Brie, watch out for her!!! I forgot to warn ya ... she is a prankster... she loves to "surprise" her roomies and flight crewman. so please watch out!

MaraJade, don’t you *dare* come back bloody... you know what will happen!! I will passout... so much for being in Sick Bay, huh??

<BatGal>

Welcome to the Callisto!!! Please join me for drinks on the Rising Star -- my treat!!! After we finish the Cylons!

<MaraJade>

Hearing the welcome then the orders from her new squad leader, MaraJade, stows her gear. Looking around the quarters, wondering if she will ever get to meet her roomies or will they come back? Shaking these thoughts from her head, and focusing on the important task ahead. Grabbing what she needed and heading for the launch bay, getting pumped from the adrenaline of the thought of getting into a spar on her first day. Jumping into a Viper, hoping to make it her own one day, MaraJade made an oath to make sure she came back in one piece as well as bring the others back too. But hey, she knows her friend Jarrynn is in the med bay. Oh wait! She passes out with blood, she chuckled. I still owe that one a prank, she thought. Once again the task at hand brought Mara back to the present.

"Ready to light this candle!! Brie, I won't let ya down!"

<BatGal>

Heading towards the Callisto in her Viper, Ensign BatGal looked at the rescue shuttle that was just slightly ahead of her. Then, she looked around at the other escort Vipers piloted by Lieutenants SiressEden, Amy, Skyler and Ensigns Randrius and Conan. (It felt strange flying in a formation that didn’t include Lieutenant Lucian!) She wondered what was going through their minds at that very moment.

She was thinking about her Academy days -- and how she and the other cadets couldn’t wait to finally fly a Viper!

The cadets’ mantra floated through her mind for a brief moment…


FLY MY VIPER
The Academy Cadet Mantra
(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

***

The memory of that crazy song made BatGal smile, but then…

*Blip*

“What the frack was that???!!!” BatGal said aloud, forgetting about the comm-link.

“I heard it too, BatGal,” said Randrius, “and we’d better get that shuttle back to the Callisto, NOW!”

<Charybdis>

“It appears that the scans have detected approximately 350 Cylon raiders moving in our direction. Estimated time of arrival at the Callisto is approximately 40 centons. The shuttle escort mission should get here right at about that time as well. Silver Spar will arrive in approximately 60 centons,” said Charybdis to the crew.

“That means we have to hold off the Cylons with the forces we have, land and reload the Vipers who were on the escort mission, AND land and refuel the Silver Spar squadron 20 centons later in the heat of the battle. All Gold and Black squadron pilots to their ships immediately!!!!!!

“We must hold them off as long as possible. Use hit and run tactics and don't let them get behind you!!!! We're used to these odds. You all can do it!!”

Geenie said, “Launch bays on red alert. Transferring control to all Vipers.

Launch when ready!!!!!!”

[LucianG]

<MaraJade>

"MaraJade ready to launch." Oh frack!

"Who is my wing? I didn't get that in the welcome!" Shaking her head. So much has happened in the first day on board she wasn't able to ask all the normal questions. Hoping to hear more orders, the feeling of the engines starting up shaking the Viper she was in. Suddenly MaraJade had a feeling of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear she will not get to meet everyone. Feeling this, she put it deep within her drawing upon the anger that these Cylons are keeping the shuttle from coming in. "Of all the low down dirty tricks" she muttered. Keeping with the anger, she started to get antsy to get up and out to take some of those cylons out. And not forgetting she still doesn't have her orders or who her wing is.

<Lucian>

After several failed attempts by Lieutenant Amy to blow the tank, Lieutenant Skyler moved his ship back into position under her Viper. From this even closer vantage point, Lieutenant Skyler could see that the explosive release bolt for the last strut on Lieutenant Amy's dispersion tank had indeed fired; however, it had only succeeded in shredding the end of the metal. The tank was now released, but the twisted metal was caught on the mounting hole in the Viper. It didn't look like it was going to come off without a fight, either.

Lieutenant Skyler winced. "Amy, we've got to talk. This is going to be more difficult than we thought." And the Cylons were still coming.

<Jarrynn>

"Well it's official! I am a nurse in Med Lab! I have a specialty in eyes, so should you need me...." *giggling* "but I must warn you I have a nasty habit of fainting if there is a lot of blood."*nervously giggling*

Walking around the med bay, getting myself familiar with it, I can't shake the thought of the shuttle coming in. "Oh please let them make it and the warriors too." *sighing*

Making rounds again, I walk over to Doc, who also is awaiting that shuttle. Knowing Holodoc, the headnurse, is out busy on another case, I know I will get to meet her later.

"Doc, a few questions? Should we get medical transports ready to get to the shuttle once it lands so we can get the injured in immediately? Do we know any of the conditions of them? And a selfish question, which I almost feel horrible to ask, but where do, I bunk up? Do I have any bunk mates?" Cringing from having to ask the last question but really getting nervous for the shuttle and those that it carries.

"Waiting always kills me," I said, cracking a nervous smile. But seeing Doc and from her earlier meeting with her, knowing I know I will be a welcomed addition. I know I can learn a lot from her.

<holodoc>

I am now back on duty in Med Lab to help treat the injured Warriors that come in. It will be a change of pace from my last tour.

Once everything calms back down & the Warriors are safe aboard the Callisto & their injuries seen to I would like to treat the doctor & new nurse to dinner.

<Cain>

To Jarrynn: You should have been advised by now that most of us who were on the planet have some serious eye burns. Med Lab will be very busy! *caugh caugh...squint*

Jarrynn also received the following note: You will receive a bunk in the Medical suite.

<Jarrynn>

Eye conditions already!! wow!! I guess I would need to know what kind of sytems you are having and what was the conditions on the planet. sorry just needing to know now so I can get the supplies ready. =) From what I was briefed on from the planet its not a hospitable one." *slapping head on forehead* (geez that sounded stupid) "but any info could and would be much helpful"
Turning to Holodoc, " I am glad to finally meet you! I hope to learn much from you and Doc!" *grinning* "and dinner will sound good once things calm down" *giggle* "but hey my old friend Mara is out there getting ready to launch so I am sure her and the other warriors will get that shuttle to us in one piece. Still any idea of what kind of eye problems I am looking at would be helpful," as I go digging in my bags looking for all my supplies thinking and planning for the worst.

still searching for stuff,
Ensign Jarrynn

<Brie>

Captain Brie was tired of sending out warriors from her squadron on dangerous missions while she stayed behind. She wasn't thrilled about sending out Black Squadron warriors either. She hated to make life and death decisions. But now the Cylons were coming, and she was soon to be back where she felt the most comfortable, in her Viper.

She tried not to think too hard about the upcoming battle. The recruitment campaign had worked well, and although there were now a lot of warriors there wasn't all that much experience. The loss of life could be tremendous. She prayed it wouldn't be.

Through the commotion, Brie was looking for someone. They had met only once, she hoped she would recognize the face. She stopped a technician as he tried to run by. "Have you seen Ensign MaraJade?" she asked. "Who?" was his reply. "One of the new ensigns, MaraJade," Brie said. "She's just arrived. She's supposed to be my wing, but I can't seem to find her." "Sorry," the tech replied as he walked off.

Brie continued to ask everyone she saw. Surely someone would find MaraJade and pass along her orders.

<MaraJade>

"Hey Captain Brie! I am already sitting in a Viper waiting for ya! I got a little cylon happy! Awaiting your orders and I am honored to be your wing! So let's light this candle and get our guys back safe and sound. Hey if I can take out some tin cans I will love that!"

MaraJade, feeling pretty confident now about the upcoming mission. (Note to self - make sure you do not jump the gun anymore also once we get back make sure to start practical jokes on roomies once I see where I am)
"Don't worry Captain-I am not that bad! I just like to keep things upbeat (smiling a devious grin) and hey it keeps morale up. Ready when you are!"

<Brie>

Glad to have you with us. Just stick close, listen to orders, and we'll make it out of this alive.

<MaraJade>

"Roger that Captain. Just lead the way and I will bust up some tin cans...Oh yeah don't worry I got your back. Just say the word!"

All the adrenaline MaraJade was feeling earlier was flooding back again. (Wow! she though, I am flying with the Captain! Better not screw up this time - wait I haven't yet so what am I worried about?!) Shaking her head she followed Captain Brie out of launch bay.

"Let's end this rival party and get everyone back. I can't wait to meet everyone and someone named BatGal offered to buy a drink." Smiling at that last comment, MaraJade felt like she had a home finally.

"Awaiting your orders Captain Brie."

<Skyler>

Skyler's mind raced at light speed. How do we remove the tank, without removing the Viper from Amy. If I could just grab it an pull, yeah, thats it.

"SiressEden" Skyler spoke into his comm link "do you think we could pull that tank off with a tow line?"

Skyler waited for her command.

"I am in position to attach my tow line on your order." he added. Not wanting to waste to much time, knowing the Callisto just went to red alert.

[LucianG]

<Charybdis>

Lieutenant Skyler,

Upon hearing your voice transmissions about Lieutenant Amy's Viper, I believe that it is too dangerous a manouver to try and attach a tow line to the spreader tank at this time, especially with 350 Cylon raiders just 20 centons away!!!

Not only that, but we cannot ready the landing bays for an emergency landing for Lieutenant Amy since many of our Vipers will need to land and refuel during the battle. I'm afraid that you will have to stay out there for the duration.

I suggest you stick with Lieutenant Amy and get out of harm's way during the battle as much as possible.

Do not engage the enemy!!! Repeat, do not engage the enemy with Lieutenant Amy's Viper in its present condition. It will be the end of both of you!!!

<Wendy>

Don't worry Lt Amy,
we will keep them tin heads away from you, just keep your head down and we'll have a drink in the Rising Star very soon.

<Randrius>

“Don't worry, Amy, they'll get to you through my flaming Viper. I'll cover yah."
He powers up his weapons and await the first wave. "Come get some, you stupid wastes of tin."

<Amy>

Lieutenant Amy ran her system check again, and again things came back normal. Yet the joystick was still sluggish. Lucian may have been correct about the spreader tank failing to disengage, but he didn't know about the lightening that had struck her Viper during her spreading run at Shonada Delta, or the sickening freefall she fell into before her turbos had finally kicked in. The tank could account for some of the noise she heard, but not the whine she heard occasionally from somewhere inside the ship, or the other thumps that came with it.

I'm keeping that under my helmet, Amy thought. If there's an attack force coming, I'm not going off to hide from it.

That's ALL I need right now, with the way things have gone for me aboard the Callisto. If I duck this fight, I might as well join the Cylons for all the reception I'll get on board my own battlestar!

Lieutenant Amy hit her comlink, set for Viper to Viper. Time to talk to Skyler on a closed channel.

<Najinn>
Najinn lay awake on the shuttle, the treatment he had received from the rescue team had left him feeling much better. It still hurt to breath out but it wasn't half as bad as it had been.

He listened to the chatter of the cockpit and realized that Lt Cain was relaying a communication to Skyler and the escort Vipers. It was about Amy, she had problems, she was in trouble. As he gathered what was going on he realised how serious the damage to her Viper had been. She had to lose that spreader tank.

Najinn felt a lump in his throat, he just found it so ironic so bloody ironic, here was he and the away team mission rescued by the others and Amy was the one who wound up with the crippled Viper. Was this a Universe thing he thought just the Universe having a cruel joke. He was very very concered about Amy, but felt so helpless.

Then it was made clear that the Cylons were closing on the Callisto. Najinn just sat back, just sat back and thought what the hell else could go wrong, he stopped himself, that was tempting fate. He turned his attention back to Amy's plight, I so hope she gets back safely.

<Randrius>

Randrius watched the little pinpricks of light leap from the Callisto. The Cylons were now close enough even his personal Viper hyped-up sensors began to pick up the Cylon craft. He eyed his fuel indicator nervously and stayed on escort.

He listened in on the situation of Amy and decides to make a pass under Amy's Viper to see the situation himself. He winced as he saw what was going on. Skyler was right, only a strong physical pull was going to dislodge that thing.

He watches the Callisto steadily grow in his view. 'C'mon,' he thought, 'please let us have enough time to get in an refuel.'

<Lucian>

On receiving their orders, Vipers began to burst forth from the Battlestar Callisto. As Lieutenant Lucian took his turn, he felt his body slammed back against the seat, as if he was powerless to do anything. Moments later, however, a feeling of pure freedom shot through him as his Viper exited into the vastness of space. Millions of stars shined like crystals in the distance, but only for a moment, as he moved his stick to turn his ship back toward the star Shonada. Toward the rear of the Callisto, he flew, toward the incoming enemy, which lit up his scanner as four masses rather than as individual blips representing ships. Looking to left and right, he saw that his flight of Vipers had assembled. Ensign Wendy was there to his left, and slightly back. Lieutenant Ghazban and Ensign Dragonfire were just over from Ensign Wendy. Finally, Lieutenant Stadia and Lieutenant Starwing made up the rest of the flight, far to the left. Lieutenant ShebaApollo's flight was just a short distance away, and other flights were above and below. On command from flight control, ten wings of Vipers, in their planned positions, hit their turbothrusters, and blasted toward the advancing Cylons.

Lieutenant Lucian said through the scrambled commlink, "Black Ice, this is Ice Leader, lasers are hot. Repeat, lasers are hot. Make your shots count, folks. Let's stick together, cut through as we were briefed, and then come back up from their rear. Commander Sheba held us out in order to pull them toward the Callisto, so they probably won't break to chase us. That way, we'll cut down their numbers before all hades breaks loose. Happy hunting!"

* * *

In Sick Bay, Lieutenant Tracy was sitting on the side of her bunk. She was still feeling quite dizzy from the crash just over a cycle earlier, and her broken ribs hurt like crazy. Still, she slipped on her boots and slipped out of Sick Bay to go to the bridge. Although she couldn't fly, maybe she could relieve someone else who could.

* * *

To speed up the process, Lieutenant Skyler stayed with Lieutenant Amy, veering off away from the Callisto, while the remainder of the flight escorted the shuttle toward the Callisto. From this distance, maybe the Cylons would not notice them. Skyler was once again almost close enough to the remains of the dispersion tank to touch it, but doing so could be disasterous if the two Vipers' tracjectories were changed even by a tiny amount. Blasting it was out, and the Lieutenant Colonel had ordered them not to try anything fancy. Skyler again switched his comm to private ship to ship. "Amy, do you have any suggestions?"

* * *

Flight Specialist Geenie had handed her the list a few moments before. Sheba looked through the names. Gold Squadron was 46 warriors strong (deducting those being transferred to the new medical unit), but of those, Cain, Mossycat, Krissy, Ben, and Najinn were on the shuttle, Siress Eden, Skyler, Amy, and Conan were flying escort, and Lieutenant Tracy was in Sick Bay. That left six wings of six flying against the Cylons. In Black Squadron, 31 warriors strong, Captain Joey was on maternity leave and could not fly, Titon, the second in command was flying the shuttle, along with Lieutenant Merak, and two others, Ensigns BatGal and Randrius were flying escort. That left twenty-six Vipers in the initial attack group, one of whom was supposed to be on flight restrictions. Four bridge personnel had been pressed back into service to fly with Black Squadron. Altogether, the Callisto was sending out 66 Vipers to take on about 400 Raiders. The thirty Silver Spar warriors would be a welcome addition, along with any of the escorts that could continue to fly. The odds did not look good in her eyes.

"Laser batteries are active, Ma'am," said a crewman. "We'll make them eat a pile of hot plasma before we let them give us a bloody nose!"

* * *

"Black Squadron, this is Black Leader," said Lieutenant ShebaApollo, "we are going in. Fire on target and at will. NOW!!!" Turbolasers on 26 Vipers stabbed repeatedly into the mass of oncoming Raiders. Firey explosions, which were quickly extinguished as the released oxygen was consumed, began to light up the sky. The Cylons obligingly shot back, returning the favor.

Captain Marcona, a retired Viper pilot and now second shift bridge officer, was flying with Black Squadron. Despite not having had much flight time within the last few yahrens, he knew he could still outdo the Cylons. Squeezing off three shots in the volley style, he pulled the amazing feat of destroying two different Cylon ships; however, as he twisted to line up for the next shot, his lack of recent flight experience proved to be his undoing, as his ship took a direct hit from another Cylon Raider, which briefly lit up the sky. The first Warrior of the day had died.

Lieutenant Lucian yelled into the comm as he twisted his ship repeatedly to keep the Cylons from getting a lock, "Keeping going Black Ice, stay together as a team! It's just like practice! We'll be through in just another few microns! Stick with me Wendy!" Already some of the Cylons had broken off in various directions to pick up on the Colonial Warriors, although most seemed intent on going after the Callisto. Lucian fired at one almost dead on, noticing as he did that it was one of a few in the group with a little globe mounted on a frame in front of the ship. As the hot plasma from his blast hit the ship, he was about to cry out about getting another one, when to his astonishment, the burst disipated in an almost evil glow around the front of the Raider!

"HOLY FRACK!!! The bastards with the big balls have energy shields!" he exclaimed. "The entire front of the ship was protected from a dead-on hit! Watch it folks!"

[LucianG]

<Lucian>

Aboard the Callisto, flight control reeled from the news, but quickly isolated the problem. About thirty of the Raiders were giving off a slightly different energy signal than most. A warning was quickly issued to all Warriors.

* * *

The flights of Vipers slid through Raiders' ranks, and those that were not being pursued quickly came about breaking into two ship teams to begin their individual work. Lieutenant Lucian and Ensign Wendy were twisting their ships around when Lucian spotted one of the ball-toy Cylons coming around with two others in tow. Not waiting for the computer targeter to register, he fired off a quick volley at the lead Cylon. The first two shots missed wide, but the third lit the edge of the energy sphere, but slipped past to crash through the Raider. The resulting explosion was about three times larger than typical due to the massive energy stored in the shielding sphere. The blast knocked both of the escorting Cylons off course, where they were polished off by other Warriors. "Hit the shielded ones from the back end," Lucian called out to all. "That shield sphere goes off like a major solenite charge!"

* * *

The first group of Raiders had now closed on the Callisto. The front of the ship was in shadow cast by its own back end, but the firey lances in all directions lit up the sky, in conjunction with a few Raiders attacking the Callisto. Suddenly, four incoming escort Vipers let fly their response, destroying two Raiders. Most flew on, although a couple of others broke off, heading in the direction from which the escorts had just come.

* * *

On one of the Cylon Raiders, the navigation robot said, "Sensors detect two more Vipers ahead. Both are proceeding slowly, and do not appear to be attempting to engage or close with the Galactica."

"Go after them," deadpanned the Cylon commander. "We will destroy them all."

* * *

Moments later, Skyler said to Amy as his scanner sounded, "I think we're about to have company!"

* * *

Gold Squadron's Warriors were cutting their own brand of destruction through the midst of the Cylon horde. Still, there were far too many Cylons. The battle raged on!

Lieutenant Titon deftly slipped the shuttle into the Callisto's shadow, tracking close to the front of the ship. In the distance, all around the Callisto, Cylon Raiders were arriving from the remnants of the two inner groups of Raiders. The two outer groups were still several centons away, since they had swung out and up or down. Numerous Vipers chased the Cylons, picking off the tin-heads one at a time. Titon swung the shuttle under and around, moving as quickly as possible, with the intent of arriving in the landing bay quickly, and more importantly, in one piece!

* * *

Lieutenant Botwandar, formerly "retired" Viper pilot and now bridge officer, tracked closely to the side of Lieutenant Regis. Both the Black Squadron pilot and the assignee were making their shots count. Three incoming Cylons swept by, not realizing that their number had been reduced by two until moments later. A large group of Raiders came through from a sharp angle above, splitting the two Vipers. Moments later, Regis shouted, "HELP! Lightning Three! I've got some goons on my tail, and I can't shake them. Four, where are you?"

Botwandar yelled in reply, "Got ya! I'm trying! I've got a couple of my own! Ready for scissors cross, now!"

Both pilots relieved the other of one of their pursuers in brilliant flashes in the manuever, but Regis wasn't completely lucky. His second Raider ship shot through his right wing, sending his ship into a spin. As the ship destructed, Regis pulled the ejection lever, and his cockpit flew out into space, riding the wave of the explosion of his ship. Weakly, he called out, "Help. Lightning Three. Hurt. Need a pickup. Out."

* * *

Titon was now in the home stretch. As he came around toward the entrance to the landing bay, he saw numerous laser flashes from the nearby batteries. Merak, manning the shuttles limited armament, started firing frantically at an incoming flight. The shuttle took a glancing hit, knocking it off course, but Titon held on, manuevering the shuttle into the bay. Moments later, as the wounded shuttle settled onto the deck, Titon said, "Whew! Safe!!!" High fiving with Merak, they popped the hatch and started helping the wounded off the shuttle, and off to Sick Bay.

The four escort Vipers landed moments later. The service crews frantically refueled the Vipers, while the Warriors remained seated in their cockpits. They launched on command within two centons.

Outside, the battle raged on.

* * *

<Amy>

"Skyler!" Lieutenant Amy shouted as she checked her rear scanner, "We've been spotted! Looks like we'll have to fight!" Her rear scan showed three, then four Cylon Raiders altering course to pursue them. Frack, she thought, I guess it was too much to expect a little slack from these guys!

Skyler veered left, kicking in his turbos.

To her annoyance, Amy’s Viper was still sluggish, the sleek fighter’s turbos engaging seconds after she tried to kick them in. It was a lag time that could be deadly to her. As long as they keep kicking in, she thought, at least I have a chance. She could feel the impact as the hanging tank banged around beneath her, and the whining noise began to get a little bit louder.

Right away Amy could see a Cylon falling in behind Skyler, drawing a bead on him. From her position high above him, she swung she Viper into a dive. On her attack computer, the Cylon ship danced around the bullseye. He was proving tough to line up. Was it true, or was it another fault in her ship’s systems? Amy had no way to tell.

“Skyler! One on your tail!” Amy shouted, louder than really was needed, but her excitement was too much to be contained. “Yo”, Skyler replied, “Better hurry! I can’t shake him!”

Amy bore down on the Cylon. The attack computer still showed the alien craft to be eluding her attempts to line it up. Amy ignored the readout. She knew when she had one of these dirty tinheads lined up. She fired away, and followed the laser torpedo with her eyes as it descended toward the Cylon, still in hot pursuit of Skyler. A moment later, the enemy ship erupted in a glowing fireball, which was quickly snuffed out in the vaccum of space.

“Thank you!” shouted Skyler. “Sure thing”, Amy replied, but she already had swung her Viper into a roll, arcing away from Skyler. She kicked in the turbos, and after an agonizing heartbeat of delay, they responded. Amy shook her head in disgust, and with her free hand snapped off the attack computer. She had proved to herself that it wasn’t working right, and would have to go with her gut instincts.

<Randrius>

Randrius was about to enter the landing bay when he noticed Raiders coming in at Amy and Skyler.
"Oh no you don't, you bastards!"
He swung his Viper away and saw that one was now glued to Skyler's tail and Amy was trying to lock him up. He locked on after a few seconds and let loose a volley of scarlet boLieutenant He watched at least four shots hull the craft and it detonated.
"Told you I wouldn't let em get yah! Get your asses home, I'll cover yah."
He noticed a Raider attempting to get in on his rear.
"Catch me if you can, you little frack!" Randrius went into a complex, evasive corkscrew manuever and then dived suddenly and cut his turbos. The Raider was unable to match speeds in time and shot past, giving Randrius a perfect opportunity to light his up, which he did.
"HA! HA! Oh yeah! Payback sucks, don't it?!!"

[LucianG]

<Amy>

Lieutenant Amy had just begun an arcing loop when she heard a sickening thump. It was a sound she had heard before, when she had been spreading ions at Shonada Delta. Instead of the muffled sounds of the powerful turbo engines, she now heard nothing. She wiggled the stick and punched at some buttons on the console, but there was nothing. Suddenly she was without the boosters she desperately needed. Her Viper slowed to a crawl, and the joystick stiffened up considerably.

In the space of a heartbeat, she watched the Cylon fighter she had been about to pursue swing around and head toward her. Seconds stretched out into agonizing centuries as the ship loomed larger, rocking slightly as it locked in on her. Amy’s senses were heightened, and she could actually see the centurions inside the ship. The three cylons, their silver skins cast in a purple light, would be the last thing Lieutenant Amy would see. It was no use crying for help. It was too late.

Thousands of thoughts poured through Amy’s mind, as if they were trying to get through before oblivion came. Her days growing up on the agro ship, and the last time she had visited her parents there. The day she first set foot on the Callisto, and how proud she felt when she became a warrior. She thought of her good friend Brie, and how she had told the captain that she wouldn’t be sorry for sending her out. She thought of the friends she had grown to love, and the ones she had only begun to know. Her eyes fell on Najinn’s note, tucked securely to her console. “Goodbye” she whispered. Then she thought of Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis, and the way she had behaved the last time she saw him. Her last thought would be of him.

The Cylon was near point blank range, and it’s torpedoes flashed out toward her. The sky was filled with fire as suddenly the alien ship exploded into tiny fragments. Amy’s Viper was pushed sideways a second before the torpedoes would have found their mark. A second explosion of fire knocked Amy’s ship forward, the force of which delivered a sharp blow into her back, nearly knocking the wind from her. She passed through the fireball before her even as it dissipated in the airless void of space.

As if to make her survival more miraculous, her Viper awoke from it’s slumber. Lights and dials lit up, and with her thumb still pressed on the turbo button, the engines kicked in taking Amy away from the hot zone. Was it Skyler? It must have been! I have no idea why, she thought, but the lords are with me!

“Thank yoooou!” Amy cried out as her breath returned to her. Her heart was pumping madly. Just moments from death, she now never felt more alive.

She noticed as she swung her Viper around that the banging noise of the tank was gone! It had either been blown off, or was now bent at such an angle as to not be banging at the underside of her ship. Great for now, Amy thought. But what happens when it’s time to land? She looked at her fuel gauge. Not great, but not bad. If I can conserve the turbos, she thought, then laughed at herself. Conserve them! I can’t even count on them!

Two Cylons were down, two to go.

<Randrius>

Randrius whirls his ship around and give chase to another Raider. He scraped another off Skylers tail with a surgical kill, his fire going straight into the Raider cockpit and killing the crew, leaving the ship itself intact to drift for eternity.
"Oh man, that was beautiful."
"I can take this last one, you two head in and refuel, I'll join you in a minute."
He set off in pursuit of the last of the four Raiders.

<Brie>

"...Lieutenant Wackbag and Ensign Intimadator will fly together, as will Lieutenant Deke and Ensign Startsistatron. Ensign MaraJade will be my wing, as previously stated. All warriors to your Vipers!"

Captain Brie had given final orders to Gold Squadron, and it was time to launch. She was nervous, not for her own life but for the lives of others. There were so many new members! She had tried her best to pair off the warriors who had been with Gold Squadron for awhile with the new ensigns. She wished more than anything that Lieutenant Cain could be out there. She thanked the Lords that the shuttle was back, and that her friends were still alive.

As the members of Gold Squadron launched, Brie wondered how many of them would return. She knew that they could beat the odds, but at what cost? The news of front energy shields on the Cylon Raiders was terrible, their whole attack plan would be different from the last time they had engaged the Cylons.

Next thing she knew, they were in the middle of the battle. So far the ensigns had proved that they could fly, but could they fight? Two Raiders were headed towards Brie and MaraJade. Brie fied dead on...nothing. "Frack, it must be those energy shields. Mara, I'll try to keep their attention. You fly around behind, they're supposed to be vunerable back there." "But Captain," Mara protested, "you'll be an open target. That's suicide!" "Only if you miss," Brie said quickly. "If anything happens to me, Lieutenant Wackbag is in temporary command. Now orders, Ensign!" Brie could see Mara breaking off, and she tried her best to keep the Cylons attention. It seemed to be working. Brie realized that she could be dead within moments. She prayed that MaraJade was a good shot.

<MaraJade>

(Why would the captain make her go back and do the shooting? Shouldn't it be her so that the Captain could stay for the group. NO ! I can do this. I will NOT let her down!) MaraJaded was thinking.
Moving into position behind the first Raider, lining up on him making sure she wasn't going to shoot Brie instead. Taking a deep breath, MaraJade squeezed the fire button and let the lasers rip! Seeing the Raider hit and explode a sigh of relief passed through her as she yelled
"YaHoo!!! Got it Captain! Which ones next?" Seeing another one coming up from behind Brie, MaraJade moved into position again.
"Youhoo-I'll make ya famous," as she sent another volley of laser fire to make Brie's tail clear. Letting another sigh escape.
"Hey Captain, just so you know this is killing me seeing you put yourself in such dangers, but hey you ordered it. Now breathe Captain I am doing pretty good back here just don't let them sneak up on you like that! Its horrible for my nerves!" Trying to make a slight joke of the situation. No one told her it was going to be like this in the academy.

<Brie>

"Good job, Ensign!" Captain Brie told her wing. "Let's try it again." "Captain," MaraJade said cautiously, "shouldn't we switch postions?" "We'll stick with what works," Brie insisted. She was determined to risk her own life instead of the new recruit's. "There's three more coming up fast. Get into position, Ensign."

<MaraJade>

"Good job, Ensign!" Captain Brie told her wing. "Let's try it again." "Captain," MaraJade said cautiously, "shouldn't we switch postions?" "We'll stick with what works," Brie insisted. She was determined to risk her own life instead of the new recruit's. "There's three more coming up fast. Get into position, Ensign."

Moving into position only to see that one of the cylons took a shot at Brie. The first one missed. The second shot was too close to her Viper's nose.
"Captain!! Are you ok? Keep him busy!! I am still tied up with these other buggers. Hang on just a little longer!" (Please hang on a little longer) Mara whispered. Letting go of all control, she just let the volley of lasers go. One down then the other. Then intently focusing on the stubborn one still following Brie, who was up till now doing a real good job keeping from getting hit.

"Captain-I am right behind you again. Let's see if I can get the vermon off your tail." Just as she said that the cylons got a good hit on Brie's ship. MaraJade feeling like she just lost the Captain, let off the shots at the cylon ship blasting it to bits. Not seeing her ship immediately, Mara's heart sank. She had failed. Then a voice chirped in her head,
"MaraJade you sure like to take your time don't you?!" It was Captain Brie!
"Uh sorry about that Captain, it won't happen again. How bad is the damage?" Crossing her fingers that it's not too bad.
"Not too bad. I can still fight. Just got a little crispy that's all. Next time hurry it up!" Mara could almost see a smile on that last one.
"Is that an order Captain? No problem! Just one request, keep moving!"
MaraJade knew she found a Captain that she could really get along with.

<Randrius>

Randrius watched Skyler and Amy enter the relative safety of the landing bay and breathed a sigh of relief. He vectored in and landed.
Jumping out, he told a nearby tech, "Refuel this bird as fast as humanly possible, I need back out there."
The tech nodded and went to work.
He stared out the window, "I'll be there soon, Black squad, I won't let you down."

"Ensign Randrius to launch bay 7."
Randrius practically raced from the ready-room. After launching, he put his turbos to full-power. He headed towards the nearest fray, where three Black squad Vipers were engaged with five Raiders.
"Time to even the odds a little," he cut his turbos and locked on to an enemy Raider. His fire ripped the little ships rear to flaming pieces.
He looked into the distance and saw the pinpricks of explosions, lasers, and torpedoes. It was almost pretty, until he reminded himself that each of those flashes was fueled by a life, whether Cylon or human, they were lives nontheless.

[LucianG]

<Skyler>

Skyler jumps from his Viper as the tech hooks up the refueling line and rushes to Amy's Viper. He had just s few centons before he could relaunch.

"Amy, are you ok? I noticed your Viper died for a senton."
Amy tried to play it off, but Skyler knew better.

"Amy, you can not go fight if you can not count on this Viper. Grab another one ,or get the tech to start on it now. I don't want you out there to be a target for the tin cans. You are to good a warrior, and friend for that." Skyler steped down from her wing and climbed back into his Viper.

He knew he couldn't stop Amy from launching, well, he could report what he had seen to Col Chraybdis, but she was already in her Viper, and one kick of the turbos would hurl her back into the battle, if they fired at all. He knew this was something she had to decide for herself....

I was thinking Second and put senton. Hey's its close...

<Charybdis>

As soon as some of the members of the shuttle mission disembarked from their ships, I made my way to the landing bay to check on them. I had some bad news for some...

"Those of you who are OK to fly, get to your ships!!! Merak, Titon and the escort pilots need to get out there immmediately and join their squadrons!! Those who were on the shuttle mission need to get to sick bay on the double for decontamination!!!

As I was finishing my orders, I noticed that Lieutenant Amy had landed (with the tank dragging behind her Viper) and had begun to refuel.

I ran up to her as she was sitting in the cockpit. She looked a little shaky, but was in one piece. I was proud of her. I didn't want her on this mission and she had gotten way more than she bargained for. She had been through a lot today, but I could tell she was a Warrior!

I put my hand on her shoulder, "Amy, thank the Lords you're safe!! You can't go back out there. This Viper is in no condition to fly. The techs need time with it. Take some time to slow down. You've just gone through a heck of an ordeal."

I saw the look in her eyes. She was determined. I knew she wanted to go back out there. Amy replied, "I'm part of Gold Squadron and my squadron is out there fighting to the death. What you order for them, you order for me too."

I knew she was right. She had the same fire that Cmdr. Sheba had. I had spent a lot of time with the Commander, and I could see the same drive, the same determination. Amy could almost pass for Sheba' daughter! "Frack, I'm not going to be able to stop you, am I?"

Amy shook her head. I knew it. I took a long look down the launch tube where I could just peer out of the opening. Flashes of light burst around the aperture and every now and then a ship whizzed by. I felt so helpless. Ever since I moved to the bridge, the excitement had died down. I wanted to get back out there. I wanted to be part of Gold Squadron again! Besides, they could use my piloting expertise.

I turned to Amy, "Amy, follow me" She jumped out of the cockpit and followed me a short ways down the launch prep areas. There sat several Vipers belonging to some of those on the shuttle mission. They were fully loaded and ready for combat.

"Jump in battlestarben's ship," I told her and I found a flight helmet on the seat of Lieutenant Cain's Viper. I thought to myself, the commander's going to kill me for this!

I jumped in Cain's ship and prepared to launch. On the ship comm I tuned in Amy and told her," Amy, stick on my wing and we'll be alright. Prepare to launch!"

The cockpits closed as we powered up. I turned to look over at her ship. She was ready and she looked back at me. I nodded ever so slightly, her lip curled up in a slight smile that I could just make out.

"Launch!"

The Vipers roard to life and we shot out of the launch tubes. It felt great!!!!

<holodoc>

Head Nurse Lt Holodoc is ready & waiting for any injuries that might come into the Med Lab. Things should be a breeze with the new nurse on staff.

<Jarrynn>

Glad to help you in any way I can!

"is it always this stressful when they are out there like this? boy I sound like the newbie. while waiting anything I can learn from you and Doc, I would love to learn!"

i am still hoping the guys on the shuttle get here soon. hearing that there are eye problems gets me nervous. I mean we only have one set so time is essential. now where did those dark glasses go?? hhhhmmm still digging and searching. hoping to hear something soon. I hope to learn much from the head nurse. I hope I can help out as much as I can.

<holodoc>

It tends to get a little crazy around here when there are reports of injuries. This is the first time that I have had to deal with eye injuries. So I guess I better do a little brush up reading on it to be ready when the injuried warriors do arrive.

<Jarrynn>

"ensign jarrynn reporting to let you know that I just finished the eye exams on Najinn and Cain. No perm damage done just some minor burns and abrasions to the eye surface. I ordered them *still snikering* yes ma'am I did say ordered , them to wear the dark shades until I see them again in 7 cycles" -should we last that long I thought as I felt the hits on the calisto. please let our warriors end this cylon annoyance soon, but it seems we have more coming- "sorry ma'am just was getting nervous with the battle outside. I administered drops for the eyes and a heavy creamy drop for at night before they go to sleep and also a eye friendly burn relief cream. I wouldn't want them to claw at their eyes due to itching. that would defeat my purpose. I now turn them over to you for further review and possible release. unless I missed something that they aren't telling me *grinning and shaking head* you know how warriors can get during a battle and they are acking to get into. Awaiting further orders."
Feeling like I did a good job on my first real exam, and just praying that Najinn and Cain haven't missed telling me something about their eyes or injuries, I report to Headnurse Holodoc. I still can't get over how I told them "its an order..." about the shades. I try to hide my amusement on it. An ensign of all things trying to order! I know it sounds absurd but if needs be to show how serious I am I will get Holodoc or Doc to back up my prescription. Eye's have always been a fascination for me and I guess it was due to my mother being an eye specialist. guess it's in the genes. =) and it was good to have my knowledge tested and used to help someone else. -I just pray that they didn't miss telling me something.-
Ensign Jarrynn
Med Lab eye specialist
Battlestar Calisto

<Skyler>

Skyler was worried about Amy. He knew she wouldn't back down, and that she would fight, even with a busted up ship.

The flight crew had finished fueling his Viper, and pushed it in to launch position. He looked over his shoulder and saw the Col talking to her. He felt better, he knew he wouldn't let that Viper launch in its condition. He saw Amy climb out of her Viper and climb in a new one, and the Col climbed in the one beside her. He hadn't seen Charybdis in a Viper since Core Command had bumped him to a bridge officer. Seeing him in the cockpit brought back memories of when he first arrived on the Callisto and Charybdis was his CO. It seemed a lifetime ago....

"Transferring control to Vipers Lieutenant Skyler, launch when ready!!!"

Skyler was brought back to reality just as Amy's new Viper rocketed down the tube.

He pushed the turbo button and sped down the tube, and was spit into sapce, and the biggest battle since the fleet was destroyed 20 yarhen ago.

[LucianG]

<Lucian>

Twenty-four centons had passed since they had launched. During this time, the Colonial Warriors had destroyed just over 45 of the enemy ships, while losing two of their own. Lieutenant Regis might still be alive, but at this point, no one could be sure. So far, Commander Sheba thought, we have beaten the odds. A quick glance at the tactical station showed that things were about to get much worse, with the two other groups of Cylons arriving within the next two centons. Silver Spar Squadron would sweep in less than two centons after that, if there was anything left to visit. With about 200 more Cylon Raiders sweeping in from multiple directions, it was going to get much worse before it got better. She needed more reinforcements, and there was only one more place to find them. She had her aide call the Viper training staff.

Turning back to the front port, she asked, “And where is Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis? Have him report immediately.”

* * *

Lieutenant Botwandar continued his battle with the two pursuing Cylons. On losing Lieutenant Regis, he had twisted and jinked his Viper as quickly as he could, trying to escape from the Raiders on his tale. Now he called out, “Lightning Four—need help! I can’t seem to shake these guys!” Again, he danced his ship down just in time to miss being cremated by the Cylon blaze. Checking his position, he felt this was as good as any. He hit reverse thruster, and watched the first Cylon shoot past him. Suddenly, the Viper’s siren sounded. Just as his thumb jumped to the turbothrust button, less than two microns after the siren sounded, the second Cylon craft smashed into his ship, destroying both in a brilliant blast.

* * *

A short distance away, Lieutenant Aussie fired a blast at another Cylon. Luck had been mixed for Aussie today. So far, the lieutenant was still alive, indicating “good” luck, but not a single shot taken had scored against the tinheads (very bad!). This time the blast lit up the front of the oncoming Viper. “Felgercarb!” Aussie said. Lieutenant Aussie’s wingman, Lieutenant MacPaul fired again as well, again without success, and both began a twist to try to align themselves to take out the “Shield-lon” as it had been dubbed by Lieutenant Starwing.

As Aussie came about, a spinning chunk of metal ripped past the Viper. It hit the left turbo laser, setting off an alarm in the cockpit. The damaged weapon spewed plasma into space and made it difficult to steer the Viper. Lieutenant Aussie called to Lieutenant MacPaul, “I’ve got problems! I don’t think I can fire this thing without turning into ashes. I’m going to try to land on the Callisto and get this replaced. We’ve got a long way to go before this fight is over!”

* * *

In the Callisto Academy, four trainers were lecturing to the group of cadets about the battle raging outside the ship. Specific maneuvers picked up by the exterior monitors were displayed, analyzed, and critiqued, with the intent of giving the twelve cadets in the room some additional insight into ways of defeating the Cylons. The call from the bridge took Captain Lazant by surprise. On the monitor, Major CureMode said, “Captain Lazant, we must have additional reinforcements. Commander Sheba has ordered that you and your staff are to report to Launch Bay Beta with your four top cadets. These young warriors are to be commissioned as Ensigns, and will join the battle as your wingmen. Your Vipers will be ready on your arrival. Captain Lazant, your wing will launch when ready. Please congratulate the new Ensigns on their promotions on behalf of Commander Sheba and the entire crew of the Callisto. May the Lords be with you. CureMode out.”

* * *

In the battle raging outside the ship, the Vipers were slowly loosing ground to the pressing Raiders. Due to their superior numbers, more Raiders were beginning to slip away from the Vipers and begin attacks on the Callisto. The laser batteries were dealing their own particular brand of death and destruction to the Cylons, but it was far too little too late. Laser turret number 11 was first to feel the Cylons’ sting when a damaged Raider spun directly into it, blasting a major hole in the side of the ship. Bulkheads sealed quickly, but eight humans met their end in the explosion or in the sealed off area. The Cylon’s now had a target area.

A few moments later, the first of the two remaining Cylon waves arrived just after the last wave of Warriors from the Callisto arrived. Laser blasts lit space around the Callisto as both sides began their struggle in earnest.

<Brie>

The hit that Captain Brie had taken hadn't caused any major damage to her Viper. Her confidence in MaraJade was growing, she was beginning to really like the new ensign.

A group of Cylon Raiders had broken off from the main group, and were attacking the Callisto. Brie realized that they had provided her with a unique oportunity. She also knew that they only had one chance. "Deke, Wackbag, and your wings, come with me. You too, Mara. The rest of Gold Squadron, continue where you are." Brie led the group towards the Callisto. The Cylons were in front of them, making their front energy shields useless. Frack, there were a lot of them. "Okay, here's the plan. Deke, you and your wing hang back, clean up any that come after us. Keep us out of trouble. The rest of us will try to get as many as we can. This will have to be quick."

Brie was still worried about the ensigns. MaraJade had proven herself, Brie was alive because of her. She didn't know about the rest. It seemed an obvious thing to say, but she said it anyway, "Just make sure you DON'T hit the Callisto."

<MaraJade>

Hearing Cpt. Brie's new orders, Ensign MaraJade complied. Seeing all the cylons in front of her it was almost overwhelming.
"Yeesh there's a lot of them!" She didn't realize her com was on.
"Keep the chatter to a minimum. Let's just keep them off the Calisto." Brie had responded, bringing her back to the reality of it all.
"Sorry Captain. Well let's blow them back to the hole they crawled out of!" MaraJade proceeded to follow them with a vengance. She was not going to let them take away her new home or her new friends. Taking two out, she realized that she was being tailed.
"Uhm guys!!! Someone get this dirtbag off of me?!!! Soon would be nice!" Boy! Where did these things learn to fly? It was mimicking her every move. Then she heard Brie's voice on the com.
"When I say now pull up and pull hard! I got him!" Brie said then she yelled "NOW!" MaraJade pulled up as hard as she could, feeling the strain on her Viper, as it whined in protest. Cpt. Brie shot her pursuer and had one on her tail. MaraJade came in and picked it off. No way she would let the Captain go down with out a fight. Seeing another one going after the Calisto, she moved in to knock this one out. Boy it was getting to close. In her mind she heard the Cpt.'s orders in not hitting the Calisto, she chased as fast as she could. At this rate she may crash herself.(Here's hoping I was paying attention in class to pull this off). Coming up from behind, she took out the raider at a close proximity to the Calisto. Blinded by the fireblast, she lost her bearings as to where the Calisto was to her.
"Ensign! Pull up!!! Pull up!!!" MaraJade pulled the Viper up. Shaking her head to regain her bearings. "Ensign are you ok?"
"Yeah Captain! Just singed the bottom of the Viper, that's all." Marajade proceeded to fight. (Boy that was too close she thought) "Uh Captain? Thanks for well uh getting that one off of me."
"Let's call it even! And you are welcome now cut the chatter and get back to fighting." Brie smiled. Boy the Ensign's can get embarrassed easily when it comes to saving their butts.

<Najinn>

In the sick bay, Ensign Najinn was protesting his health,

“Look I'm ok, I can fly, I'm ok, come on clear me to fly.”

“Ensign, I will clear you as and when I am ready.” Replied Lt Holodoc.

The team had made it back to the Callisto, it was one hell of a mission, one dangerous roller coaster ride, but they were alive. Najinn caught a glimpse of Lt Amy as she was heading across the launch bay towards the teams Vipers with Charybdis, while he was being whisked off to sick bay. He was so relieved that she was safe, at least at the moment, but with the battle raging she would need all her experience and skills to get through it. He just wished he could be out there with her and the others.

The fight was being relayed throughout the ship as the crew rushed around their duties at full red alert. The Callisto was an impressive ship even more so when she was operating at battlestations. The crew knew their roles, they knew their lives depended on teamwork, on the well trained and executed professionalism. Any member of the fleet would desire to serve aboard her, which caused a bit of rivalry with the Galactica.

Most of the away team were walking wounded, Najinn and Cain were reasonably ok, exhausted, but Najinn thought he was able to fly. He wanted to fly, he was desperate to get out there with his crewmates. The question was would the med team clear him?

[LucianG]

<Wendy>

Meanwhile Black Squadron was still in the throes of battle with the new design Raiders, it was harder to shoot em down, but shoot them down they did. After seeing that gold squadron was safely back on the callisto, Lt Lucian was more determined to keep the cylons away from our home. Ensign Wendy stuck to his tail, ensuring that nothing came in between them, she was so pumped up with adrenalin,that sick bay could be stocked up for centuries. But she knew that she had to protect her colleagues and that she did, Lt Lucian began to realise that he could trust her to fight her way through, her upbringing in a tough area had made her tough and she could fight if she needed to. The cylons tried to make hole in Black Squadrons formations but they were so tight that they were finding it hard to break through, the group that had made to it the Callisto had gone round the back out of Black Squadrons view.

The Lt on seeing the attack ordered the Squadron to pull up on thier thrusters and to tail back to the Callisto, to defend her at any cost, on pulling around the group of warriors noticed the three Vipers coming out of the lauch bay, yippee Gold Squardron was beginning to relauch and help the weary worrior in the battle to defend the Battlestar.

<Randrius>

Randrius had just caught back up to Black squad watch them circle back towards the Callisto. He fell in formation with them and hit his turbos.
He smiled, being among a squadron again brought back memories, both good and bad. He had never been in this large of a squad, his old group, at their height of power, had had a mere eight Vipers.
He shook himself from his memories and focused on the battle once more.

<Lucian>

Commander Sheba watched the news of the battle. With 159 laser turrets firing, she had to hope that her warriors would remember to stay far enough away to allow the laser batteries to be effective. Now, the first of the two remaining Cylon forces was attacking, and the Viper forces were doing what they could to reduce the threat. Still, there were over 330 Raiders left, and if her suspicions were correct, there would likely be more before too long. She knew that she did not have enough Vipers to deal with this threat alone.

"Major CureMode, bring us around, 130 mark 50," Commander Sheba said.

CureMode looked at her with an 'are you sure?' look, but immediately issued the order. With a grin, he continued, "Heading directly toward 100 incoming Cylons, I'm sure the Commander will want all forward laser cannons powered, as well as the laser turrets. Commander, what about missle banks?"

Sheba hesitated for only a moment before answering, "Activate ALL laser cannons, on alternating sequence, 2/3 front, 1/3 rear, so we don't draw down our power reserves. We'll be drawing some of the current group with us from behind, pulling them away from our Viper forces. Activate missle banks 1 through 4, 10 missles each, and banks 11 and 12, 6 missles each." She continued giving orders for a full centon before stopping. The bridge hummed with activity as the orders were dispensed. The sleeping giant known as the Callisto was going to WAR!

* * *

From Launch Bay Beta, a C.O.R.A. unmanned rescue/recon drone suddenly burst out into space. The computerized artificial intelligence immediately activated enhanced turbos, blasting it through the battlezone in microns. Its tracking mechanism began to home in on the beacon in Lieutenant Regis' ejected cockpit. Moments later, the C.O.R.A. fired retros and nav thrusters in the precise sequence necessary to bring the drone. It's grapple system engaged the cockpit module and locked in place. The enhanced turbos fired again, and the drone and its precious cargo were heading home.

* * *

Captain Buellah, Commander, Silver Spar Squadron, watched in the distance as the Callisto turned, as rapidly as a battlestar can turn, to align with the next incoming group of Cylons. Into his comm, Captain Buellah said, "Silver Spar, this is Spar Leader. You heard the orders. We don't have to like them, we just have to follow them. We fight till our fuel is exhausted if necessary, but we must protect that ship. If I have my guess, by the time we finish one or two sweeps, she'll be back to get us. Let's do it.

Moments later, Silver Spar Squadron shot straight through the swirling mass of fighting machines. Nine more Cylons exploded in the process. As they were starting to make their first turn, another group of Raiders swept in from far below, and the first two Silver Spar Vipers exploded in reply. Captain Buellah thought to himself as he squeezed off another volley of shots, the battle is now fully joined. I hope.

* * *

Commander Sheba was having almost identical thoughts on the bridge of the Battlestar Callisto. The order to brace had been given, and the first ranks of oncoming Cylons had started to fire their lasers. As they got closer, Sheba waited, waited, and finally said, "NOW! FIRE all forward weapons!" Death and Destruction, the twin destroyers, leapt from the Callisto into the midst of the oncoming Cylons. The surviving Cylon ships were suddenly veering off in multiple directions, to escape the wrath of the human leviathon.

Even as the cheer surged through the bridge, the Callisto was once again altering course to return to the main battle to rescue her children. An ashen-faced Major CureMode placed a ripped printout in Commander Sheba's hand.

She looked down at the paper.

///SCANTRON///

Update///09:87:09

Quantity (200) incoming bogeys, presumed Cylon Raiders, based on origin within ion cloud. ETA: 35 centons.

Quantity (2) Cylon Base-Stars, following bogeys. ETA: 45 centons.

END OF REPORT///

<Jarrynn>

"Ok you two! I know you want to fight but I can't permit that until I know how bad your eyes really are so sit still. The sooner we get this over with the sooner Head nurse Holodoc or Doc can release you." Ensign Jarrynn said with a sigh. -boy warriors can be such babies at times- Jarrynn thought. -but I wonder how many more will be coming in.-Thinking of the raging battle put my mind back where it needs to be. "Now I am going to put some drops in your eyes to make them dialate so I can see if there is any permanent damage. It may sting a little but DON'T rub them!" Putting the drops in and seeing the guys flinch. "i warned you it would sting! now I am going to use this black light to see if there are any perm damages to your corneas and optic nerve. so please look straight ahead." -i want to make a quick exam but again I know that the eyes are the only ones you have and from what they explained I want to make sure that there are no long term problems.- Looking in the darkness into both Najinn's and Cain's eyes, trying to remain calm on the inside. -could they tell this was my first real exam? please let me do a good job- Seeing on Najinn there was no real perm damage just some minor external burns and abrasions to the eye. some drops and heavier drops at night would help with that. also some burn oinment that is friendly to the eyes would help with the minor burns.
"Najinn and Cain, ok here's your report to take to Holodoc or Doc. You have no perm damage however you do have some minor burns and some abrasions so here are the drops and creams for you to use and trust me I will know if you are using them or not. Also right now you do need to wear some dark shades to help with the sensitivity to the lights. It will go with time. I can't officially clear you, you must go to Doc or Holodoc for that. But even if they clear you, you must wear the shades. they will attach to the helmets to make it easier for you see. If we get out of this I want to see you both in 7 cycles. and you have better wear those shades, its uhm an *pausing as I thought how silly this will sound since one of them out ranks me* its an order *feeling more confident after saying it*. if needs be I will get Doc to order it as well. should you have anymore problems with your sight or pain report back immediately!" Jarrynn smiled as she realized she just made it thru her first exam. -wow this was better than I thought! I hope they will listen to me-
"now you need to go to Holodoc or Doc for release, unless I missed something?"

Ensign Jarrynn
Med Lab eye specialist
Battlestar Calisto

[LucianG]

<Lucian>

Lieutenant Cain barely succeeded in suppressing another cough. Dark glasses or no, he knew he was needed in the battle just outside the ship. If Ensign Jarrynn found out how much of that noxious gas he'd actually breathed in the shuttle, she wouldn't let him out of Sick Bay for a sentar! To stretch the air supply in their envirosuit tanks, the shuttle crew had turned their filters to maximum, and pulled every bit of oxygen possible out of the cabin. Most of the dizziness had subsided since being rescued, but he had a feeling the nausea would last for a long while. Still, if he could fight it off, Nurse Holodoc might clear him, and he would go help his fellow warriors.

Lieutenant Mossycat lay on the next bunk, sleeping. She coughed periodically, as if her lungs were just testing that it really was oxygen she was breathing. Mossy was obviously exhausted, as was Cain, but so far, he at least had resisted the urge to sleep.

Lieutenant Krissy, Lieutenant Battlestar Ben, and the two miners had the worst cases of the gas poisoning. Nurse Holodoc had hooked all four up to oxygen canulas to assist them with their breathing. Ben had already vomited a couple of times, so now there was little remaining on his stomach. An IV was set up, giving him some much needed fluids.

Ensign Najinn, like Cain, was ready to walk out of Sick Bay. When the door to Sick Bay flew open, he saw Doc rush in with an emergency cart. A burn victim from the damaged area of the ship, Najinn suspected. Supressing a cough as best he could, he quickly grabbed his jacket and exited Sick Bay. Considering the fight going on at the moment, he suspected that the flight crews would not be checking medical release status all that closely. As he exited the room, he caught Cain's eyes. Cain nodded, saw it was clear, and quickly followed.

As the two warriors began to run down the corridor to get to Launch Bay Alpha, they were passed by a couple of crew members pushing another emergency cart. Cain barely recognized the battered and burned form of Lieutenant Regis of Black Squadron, who had been returned to the Callisto by a C.O.R.A. drone only a few moments before. Cain mentally saluted the brave warrior as he started to run, slowly due to the difficulty breathing, behind the younger and faster Najinn.

* * *

On the bridge, Commander Sheba was pleased with the effects of the Callisto's attack on the last incoming group of Cylons. Well, make that current incoming group, she thought. It's remains had scattered and would take a couple of centons to regroup in any type of formation. Tracking Control estimated that the Callisto had taken out about 40 percent of the force in that brief span, partly due to direct hits on several of the shielded Raiders. Sheba suspected that the Cylons would think twice before they used those again.

Overall, the Callisto's forces had taken out something over 100 Raiders. Usually, the Cylons would withdraw on losing between 25 and 33 percent of their attack forces. Of course, this time...you just never know.

Now, she ordered the Callisto back into the heart of the space battle. By her calculations, they had less than 20 centons to get their crews back aboard and escape before the next wave of Raiders arrived, and the two Base-Stars were right behind them. That was not a party she planned to attend!

<Jarrynn>

"Ensign Najinn..." turing around to where he was sitting, flabbergasted and searching the lab to see where he went. -oh no! I have already lost 1 *still searching* no 2 patients. please don't let me get written up for this- as I silently prayed for their safety. I am sure they weren't tell the whole truth by seeing the others from the shuttle. But they are warriors to the death it seems. Walking over to help with Mossycat. Seeing her finally in a calm sleep still having coughing fits as her lungs start to recieve the much needed oxygen. Seeing the others as, well a sense of concern for those two. -if these guys are this bad, then what about the ones who snuck out? what good will they do if they are hacking the whole time?- realizing I must accept my fate I slink over to where Holodoc and Doc are working on a miner from the shuttle. Taking a deep breath and swallowing all fear but knowing it must be done.

"Uhm Holodoc, Doc... uh well hhhmm how does one say this...*nervous giggle* never mind. -seeing all the blood remember I faint easily-" -I will deal with this on my own! taking off in a run after the two escapees from sick bay. It was easy to catch up to Cain. Najinn was still ahead of them. Grabbing Cain's arm.
"now where do you think you are going??"jarrynn asked, almost demanded. thinking only of his own safety and life.

<holodoc>

Alright Najinn & Cain, I saw you two sneak out of sickbay. You get your tales back here right this minute for the final check by me or the Doctor & that's an Order! Very little gets by me in situations like this.

Jarrynn: Good work on taking care of their eyes.

Lt Holodoc
Head Nurse
Gold Squadron
Callisto

<Lucian>

Cylon warriors are stronger than humans, but they are slower. Their advantage comes in the fact that they don't need rest in the sense that humans do. As such, their reaction times generally stay the same throughout an extended battle. On the other hand, as humans tire, their reactions slow and become less sharp. As this happens in battle, the advantage slowly begins to swing toward the robotic race....

* * *

Silver Spar's warriors had been flying for several centars. On coming into the battle zone, their ships were operating on limited fuel, since they had been on turbos for much of the trip from the Galactica to the Callisto. Now, they found that they could not refuel as originally planned, and most of the Warriors were tired and stiff. They had already lost four of their number to the enemy, and Captain Buellah was urging his tiring warriors to stay together. The Callisto had completed a turn and was coming back this way. His wings would begin to land and refuel as soon as it arrived.

"This is Spar Leader, QuickSilver and SilverSpur wings, move toward the Callisto, then cut and cross back across our middle group. Take out as many as--"

"AAAAYYYYYHHH!!!" SilverSpur Two, one of the newer ensigns flying in battle for the first time, cut a little too sharply across the front of SilverSpur Leader. Both had to jerk hard on the stick to pull out in time. Spar Leader could barely see the action, and started to shout, "Lookout!" when a trio of Cylons shot past from about 60 degrees out of plane. The lances of light hit both Vipers directly, killing the Warriors immediately, and turning the Vipers into firey balls of rapidly separating molten metal. One of the other SilverSpur Warriors incinerated one of the Cylon craft as it tried to escape, but the other two pulled away to try to set up another attack run.

* * *

Captain Lazant, Lieutenant Martinzi, the two other trainers, and four newly promoted Ensigns from the Cadet Corps had blasted out of the Callisto a few centons earlier. Operating as a single wing, hastily code named Dasher for the way they had had to dash into the battle, they had already succeeded in taking out two Raiders. Now, however, things were coming apart.

Lieutenant Martinzi, on the far end of the wing, screamed at his young wingman, a young woman named Spritina, "Twist right, full spiral, and pull--" The explosion that had been Ensign Spritina cut Martinzi like a knife. She had been promising, but she had needed another couple of sentons to be ready to even think about going into battle, much less a maelstrom such as this. He cut around, swinging in behind Dasher Six, since Seven was now scattered through space. He didn't even notice the tear on his cheek as he prepared to shoot at the next enemy ship.

* * *

Within a few short centons, Silver Spar Squadron lost six more Warriors. Captain Buellah was now worried that with the condition of his men and women, he might not have anyone left at the end of this fight. Seeing a break, he ordered his Warriors to pull back and regroup. The Callisto was coming into the midst of the fray, and might buy them a few microns to make themselves effective again.