CHAPTER 13—PURSUING THE FLEET

[LucianG]

Walksallroads

"Who's Next?" The Sergeant shouts. Anubis steps up to the line, and an audible popping noise is heard. He then simply looks at the sergeant, poised, waiting. "Name, trainee?"

"Anubis, Sergeant." Stated simply, calmly, coldly. The sergeant is minutely shaken, then tells Anubis to step up to the line. Anubis takes a couple of deep breaths, just before the order to go is given. At that, he weaves through the running part, and goes through the course. His only real hang-up is the door in the pool, which he thumps as he opens to help break the seal. His side is on fire due to the pressure, but it is duely ignored. He sprints through to the finish. The sergeant seems surprised, as Anubis walks back to him, holding his side.

"3.90 Centons. Not bad at all for a soft space-jockey." Anubis simply nods as he returns to the group. ~That was with two cracked ribs.~

* * *

LucianG

The second session was the standard firing range, open to everyone on the ship, but reserved for a couple of centars each cycle exclusively for use by the Warriors. The C.I. Troopers had their own dedicated time slot as well, so there was rarely any interaction between the two groups on the range. Most of the Warriors were quite familiar with it, since the majority visited at least a couple of times per secton. Brinfort had several stations set up, each staffed by Colonial Infantry Trooper. Each station consisted of a display of a different type of weaponry used by the Colonial forces. Lucian could see the standard issue laser pistol on one, an assault rifle on another, and a heavy assault rifle on yet another. Several other tables contained what appeared to be explosive projectile and laser-guided missile weapons. Lucian remembered being shown some of these in his time aboard the Galactica, but not all.

“We’re going to practice our shooting skills here,” said Brinfort, “AFTER you can demonstrate that you know the weapons and can operate them safely. We do not use laser sights in this part of the course. It is you or nothing. Your sight, your speed, your score. We'll cover laser sights later in the course.” He continued with his safety speech for quite some time. He concluded by basically repeating for what Lucian believed was the third time, “Most of all, remember that this IS A LIVE FIRE EXERCISE! Yes, we are using the standard targeting low charge laser setting, both to conserve energy and our ship, but if you hit someone with one of these, there is a good chance he or she will be killed. I HAVE NEVER LOST ANYONE IN ONE OF THESE EXERCISES. IF YOU ACT STUPID AND MAKE ME LOSE SOMEONE TODAY, THEN YOU WILL BE THE SECOND LOSS OF THE DAY! UNDERSTOOD?”

A chorus of “YES SERGEANTS” rocked the range. Brinfort broke the group up into smaller groups, and within centons, the Warriors were being lectured on the care, repair, and various quirks of different weaponry that most Warrior cadets had only fired a few times, if at all, in their time at the Training Academy on either the Infinity, the Galactica, or the Callisto.

Within a few centons, each Warrior had been issued one of the weapons from their table, and everyone was practicing what they’d just been shown. Some Warriors had questions, but within thirty centons, most groups were fully familiar with their weapon. Brinfort, who had been giving his lecture to a number of other warriors who had arrived from the obstacle course said, “Groups One and Two, to the firing range. Groups Three and Four, rotate to the next station with weapons. You,” he said indicating the new arrivals, “are Groups Five and Six. Hit those two stations at the far end. LET’S DO IT!”

* * *

LucianG

Lucian was fairly adept with the heavy assault rifle, and he completed the disassembly, requisite cleaning, and re-assembly in a time that would have matched that posted by most Troopers. He’d done reasonably well at the firing range as well, although he really missed his Mark IV laser sight.

After a brief lunch on the range and a restroom break, his group moved to the sniper rifle, which fired a heavily-silenced projectile instead of a laser charge. The corporal in charge, a female named Rhodia, explained the use of the weapon, and how it could be used in instances where secrecy was required at long ranges. The projectile was explosive on impact, and had been known to take Centurions apart with a single shot.

When he approached the firing line, he was very surprised when the Trooper in charge of his group, after telling them to present arms attached what looked like an optical sight with a front shield to the weapon. Having learned from his earlier mistake, Lucian held his tongue, waiting to see if an explanation was forthcoming. When the last “sight” was in place, Corporal Rhodia said, “The sniper rifle is NOT a short-range weapon. If you are caught in a position where you are forced to use it as such, you may as well just bend over and kiss your rear goodbye because you’re AS GOOD AS DEAD! As we’ve discussed, it’s not the fastest weapon to fire, it takes a little time to reload, the heat of the exhaust may be visible at close quarters to infrared vision, which I assure you the Cylons have, and finally, at short range, the Cylons will use their hearing capability to locate you despite the fact that it sounds silent to us. Therefore, to make this exercise more realistic, since the only places on the Callisto that would be appropriate for firing practice are the landing bays, the shielded optical sight has no targeting device, and the optics are reversed and the targets are reduced in size to make it feel like you’re a heck of a lot farther away than you really are. To compensate for this, you’ll be firing modified projectiles. Any questions? No? Good! First four proceed to the line. Call clear when ready.”

On the all clear, Rhodia gave the order to load the clip and fire when ready. Lucian readied the weapon then sighted, but was surprised to see only a blur. He adjusted the optics as best he could, but with neglible effect. He tried cleaning the optical sight, but again, he saw no improvement. He suddenly realized that the other three Warriors on the line were waiting on him, so he positioned the weapon so that the sight beyond the optical sight was basically centered on what he thought was the target, and fired. Again and again he fired, until he had exhausted all six shots. “Clear!” he called, and Rhodia gave the order to retrieve targets. Lucian took down his target and winced. Five out of six shots had hit the paper, but only one of those was in the target zone. He was surprised when he found Sergeant Brinfort staring over his shoulder and shaking his head.

“Not a sharpshooter are we, Trainee?” Brinfort asked with a grin. “Few people are with this weapon, but you’ve got to get all six on the paper to pass.”

Rhodia nodded and said, “That’s right. Knock out 25 push-ups and move back up to the line to try it again, Trainee. MOVE-IT!”

Four sets of push-ups later, Lucian was lucky enough to get all six shots on the paper, though none were in the target area. Thinking that maybe he’d be able to take a brief rest, he was quite disappointed to hear Rhodia say, “Trainees, we have two whole centons to wait before we move to the next weapon station. Let’s see how many push-ups we can knock out before we switch! HIT THE GROUND! ONE, TWO, THREE….”

* * *

Amy81

I stood at the head of the line for the laser pistol target range. As Brinfort explained in his usual loud voice, this was a moving target test. The targets would appear randomly, yet not all of the targets were to be hit. Some were civilian, and not to be shot at. The targets would appear for only moments, so reaction time had to be reflex quick.

I stood waiting, pistol in hand, ready for the test. "Ready" Brinfort called out. "Trainee...BEGIN!"

The first target appeared to my left. I recognized it as a centurion and brought it down. Almost immediately a second appeared to my right, and I realized it was civilian and eased pressure off the trigger just in time. My hands were starting to get sweaty, and my grip on the pistol slid a little.

After a pause, a third target appeared dead center, and in the time it took me to realize that I wasn't sure about what it was, it had vanished again. A fourth target popped up, definately Cylon and definately brought down with a direct hit. Targets five and six were both civilian, and I held my fire on each. "Clear!" I called out.

Brinfort was passing by, and jumped right in my face. "What happened on target three, trainee?" he sneered. "Hair get in your eyes?" I kept silent and stared dead ahead, trying not to focus at all on Brinfort. You know, I thought, he really shouldn't do stuff like that to someone still holding a live weapon. I kept silent though, and didn't respond. I figured he really didn't want an answer anyway.

Brinfort's eyes narrowed as he stared at me, perhaps disappointed that I betrayed none of what I was feeling to him. "F.Y.I. trainee, target three was CYLON!" he yelled much louder than the distance between us required. "End of the line, trainee. Drop and give me 25!" He held out his hand for the weapon. I placed it there gently, then spun smartly, secretly hoping to whack him with my ponytail as my head snapped around. He had it coming for standing so close. If I connected or not, I had no clue.

At the end of the line, I got down and added 25 pushups to the days total, then got up, watching the others in the group give it a shot, staring intently at the targets when they appeared. Next time, I'd be ready.

* * *

MedievalSong

I looked at the others shooting and I wondered if I should since I just got my sight back. But if I didn't then I would make the Major and Lt look bad. So I took the gun and squinted at the target far away. I held the gun and didn't feel comfortable with this round of "games". I looked away and then back at the target. I took a deep breath and just fired at what I hoped was the target. After I was done they brought the target sheet up. They counted the holes. I got six on the paper. Only one hit the actual target. Tilting my head along with the others behind me as we looked at where I hit the target, I pondered as to how I did that but then I looked up and at the Major and Captain and smiled in triumph. I could hear all the guys in the room moan as if they were in pain and the girls giggled and tried not to laugh. The target was hit in a rather odd place.
"Lt Kris can you explain this? You were to kill the cylon not maim him!" I just shrugged and smiled.
"Yeah but I changed his religion! And I don't think we have to worry about this one repopulating the universe. Plus unless treated immediately he will die from blood loss. I thought I would let him suffer." The Captain and Major Lucian just sat there still dealing with where I hit the target, I headed over to where the others were doing pushups. Before the "drill Sergant" could bark orders at me I just got down and started on my set. I looked at Amy and she smiled,
"Nice shooting! Did you do that on purpose?" I giggled.
"To be honest nope! I still have a hard time seeing distances right now. I just shot and prayed something would hit the dang target!" Both us busted up laughing. And then feeling the glare from the bulldog we shut up and went about our pushups.
"Did a guy make you mad today?" Amy asked.
"well sorta, but I don't think I did that because of him, though.... I wonder. I don't think its fair for me to judge him like I did. I didn't give him the support he needed. I feel bad now for that. I hope he will still talk to me after this."
"Who Lt Resonat?"
"Yeah. I think I just pushed him away. I should have supported him better than I did. I just didn't know what to think at the moment." I went back to the pushups and hoped he would still talk to me.

* * *

Amy81

Finishing the pushups, I stood next to Kris, smiling again over the results of her target practice. I leaned over to her and talked in low voice.

"If I were you, I'd see if I could get a copy of that sheet. It'd make a great greeting card someday, if you have more boy troubles. Just write 'Thinking of you' on it. I think that would get his attention pretty quick!"

After a moment of thought I added, "Come to think of it, you could make a fortune with this. Every girl in the fleet would want one at some point!"

[LucianG]

JustinB

Ensign JustinB, listened carefully as the Care and Maintenance of the Colonial Laser Pistol was explained to his group. As a child, he had been a natural when it came to shooting. But this was different, for if he was to fire his laser pistol it would be in trying to save his life or someone elses.

His group was heading toward the range station when Sergeant Brinfort said,"Before you start I want fifty push-ups. Remember you won't always be fresh if it comes to ground combat.

JustinB pumped out his fifty and headed to his assigned station. this station presented him with six pop-up targets to test reaction time but with Cylon and occasional civillian targets.

AS the first target came up he saw it was cylon. BULLSEYE, got that one. As with the first, the second to the fifth were Cylons. 'Five for Five,' JustinB thought to himself, 'the next will be cylon too.' The sixth target popped up and he was just about to depress the trigger when he saw the target was that of a boy and his pet Daggit.

"Lucky trainee," I heard Brinfort from behind me, " How would people feel if you shot a boy and his daggit?"

"Pretty angry I suppose." I replied. Then Brinfort said"Drop down and give me twenty five more push-ups, by the way not bad a shot for a space-jockey. "Thank you Sergeant" I said pumping out the push-ups.

As JustinB stood up he looked over to the other weapons. He closed his eyes and wished he could go on his first mission and fly his Viper among the stars.

He completed the rest of the weapon training without a hitch. He longed for the turbowash that waited for him.

* * *

Charybdis

I made my way down to the landing bay Alpha to check on the repairs and salvage of all the vipers engaged in the recent battle.

We would be needing all that we could make flyable for when we come out of the jump. The techs who worked on these machines were true miracle-makers. However, I went to one end of the bay to where the disposables were kept. These were vipers that were so totally wrecked and damaged that a few meager parts were all they could get off of them.

I spotted my old ship among the burning, wrecked hulks. I moved over to it. It was lying on its belly in one corner of the area. It was a sobering sight. I must admit, I had never been in a ship with that kind of damage to it.

The top fin was gone along with most of the apex pulsar. A blackened mix of electronics and twisted metal formed the left side of the ship from just behind the pilot's cockpit to the rear of the exhaust ports. This was the side that the Cylon blasts connected with just prior to the landing.

Scars and blackened areas were visible around the cockpit canopy and near the front of the viper. The front nose was also smashed from the landing. The canopy was splintered and a huge hole in one of the panes of glass was visible from where Amy smashed through to get me out.

I leaned against her and put my hand near the cockpit. With a gentle stroke of the smooth metal, I had to say a short prayer to the Lords of Kobol for getting me back safely. Looking at the condition of the ship, I wondered how in the twelve worlds I did make it. I could now understand what Amy might have felt about me dying when she saw my ship. To tell the truth, it frightened me a little bit too. I guess there would be no saving my beloved viper.

I had flown her for quite a few yahrens. She was like my second skin. But now she was gone. I think for a time, I might just stay on the bridge...

After leaving the landing bay to check on the wrecked vipers, I made my way back to the bridge to confer with Cmdr. Sheba.

I still had not had time to myself to get much needed rest after the whole ordeal, so, Sheba seeing that I was a bit rundown, told me I could go to my quarters to get some sleep.

It would be another few cycles before we came out of the jump anyway and not much happens during the hyperspace time.

She noticed my downtrodden demeanor. "Charybdis, what's wrong? You haven't really been the same since you've been back." she said.

I looked over at her and I really didn't know what to say. "Well, let's just say 'woman troubles.'" I blurted out.

She apparently understood what I meant. It had something to do with Amy. "Charybdis, I know this may sound sort of mean, but I feel I have to say it...Don't you think Lt. Amy is a bit...young? I mean, to be getting involved so seriously?"

No one had really asked that of me. I guess they just knew what I felt and what I wanted, or they didn't have the guts to come right out and say it. Amy was young. She was naive to a certain degree. She hadn't seen the nasty side of war upclose and personal. But that was sure changing with each battle we entered. Maybe she needed time to see for herself.

I thought back to my recent conversation with Amy, where she said that she didn't know what to do or what to think. Yup, she was young. Not that us oldtimers know what to do with our lives every centon of every cycle, but at least when we see a chance, we take it if we're smart enough. Not that I was that old to begin with. Just a little older than Amy. We would make a good pair.

Sheba was still waiting for my answer. "Yeah, Commander, she is young." was all that I could say. I dont' know why, but that was all that came out of my mouth. Sheba just nodded expecting a vigorous defense of our relationship, but none came.

I guess I still had some thinking of my own to do too. "I'll be in my quarters if you need me," I told her as I walked out and down the corridor...

I entered the code and entered my quarters. I had only been here for a centon before when I found the necklace and the note from Amy. I had immediately left to go find her and now, here I was again. Alone...

I put the necklace back into a safe box and stored it away in my private safe. I tugged at my uniform and put it away and changed into something comfortable. After using the turboflush, I climbed into bed and fell fast asleep.

I had forgotten how good it felt to lie in one's own bed...

* * *

LucianG

Near the end of the shift, the Warrior Trainees were starting to feel them effects of the Cycle’s work on the training course. Sergeant Brinfort and company had tried to run, or perhaps, “push-up,” them ragged, but like Warriors, they had persevered. At 07:90, just ten centons before end of shift, Brinfort called them all together.

After speaking about a couple of the weapons, he finally said, “Overall, Trainees, you’ve done passably well. The problem with ‘passably well,’ however, is that it’s just good enough to get you KILLED! I EXPECT IMPROVEMENT. YOU WARRIORS ARE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE FOR OUR FLEET, SO I EXPECT EXCELLENCE! NOTHING LESS WILL DO! Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is another long cycle, and we’ll be introducing Session Three tomorrow morning after we take turns completing the obstacle course and each of the stations at the range. Now, is it time to go?”

There was a chorus of “YES SERGEANT”’s, but Brinfort shook his graying head and rubbed the shorter-than-regulation length gray beard that covered his chin as he said, “NO! My chrono shows we have two whole centons left. Drop and give me 25 push-ups. When you are done, you are DISMISSED!”

A short time later, Brinfort had policed the area and found it acceptable, and he dispatched his assistants for the shift. As he was walking toward the exit, Captain Hector stepped out from the alcove where he’d been watching for the last few centons. He said with a smile, “Sergeant, I think half of them honestly hate you. The other half just loathe you.”

Snapping off a salute, which Brinfort returned, “I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll do better tomorrow, Sir. I should have them all hating me before the end of tomorrow’s training.”

“Understood, Sergeant. Just keep working toward the goal. Now, let’s talk as we walk. I’ve got to give the Major an evaluation of how we’re doing so far, so what’s your report?”

“Well…” he said, “it’s like this…”

* * *

A short time later, after a quick shower and change, Brinfort arrived at his small quarters that he shared with his wife of 25 yahrens. He took his wife Karinna, who had joined the Callisto as a cook at the same time Brinfort transferred to the ship, in his arms and kissed her gently.

“How was your day, Dear?” she asked as they sat together, legs folded and hands outstretched, fingertips touching gently. “Did the training go okay?”

“You know how it is—just another day doing our best to keep us safe and defeat the evil menace. We get another shot at it tomorrow. Let’s go get some dinner, then go to bed.”

* * *

Lucian joined several of his squadron mates for dinner in the O-Club, then went by the Black Squadron office to go through his paperwork. A while later, he rose from his seat, and prepared to go to bed. He stopped by the restroom and on the way out, after washing his hands, rubbed his eyes with the cold water. He stared into the mirror for a moment, squinting and relaxing. It was time. Before going to bed, he left a message for Nurse Jarrynn to call him.

* * *

Amy81

After doing the last 25 pushups of the day, I grabbed my stuff and headed for Brie's quarters. I buzzed at the door, and entered when it slid open.

"How'd it go?" Brie asked, probably already knowing the answer, if I looked as ragged as I felt.

"Annoying and tiring" I said, grabbing some night things and heading for the bathroom. I stopped at the doorway. "That Brinfort tries to mess with your head. I'd forgotten that somehow." I went in and got cleaned up for bed.

I emerged much refreshed but still pretty tired, and I headed for the cot set up for me while I roomed with Brie. I sat down, and looked over at Brie. "Anybody call for me?" I asked.

"No" Brie replied. "Expecting someone to?"

I shook my head. "No, I guess not." I had joined the trainee exercises last minute, so I figured it wouldn't be common knowledge exactly where I was. "Just wondering." I laid back on the cot, and began going over in my mind the things I had slipped up on during the day.

[LucianG]

Brie

"You needed to talk?" Brie asked Amy. Amy remained silent. "Doubts and fears are normal, you know. It's when you DON'T have the doubts that you're in trouble. If you expect life to be perfect, you'll be disappointed."

"Did you have doubts?" Amy asked.

Brie laughed. "Of course I did. So did Turner. That's why we were so good together."

"Would you do anything differently? Knowing..." Amy stopped.

"...what would happen?" Brie finished the question for her friend. "I think the only thing I would do differently is that I wouldn't have waited. We didn't have a long engagement, but time is so precious. I wouldn't have wasted a micron."

* * *

Amy81

I sat up on the cot and looked over at Brie. "I thought I had things figured out, you know? I found out that I really don't have anything figured out. About anything."

I got up for a glass of water. "It's like I've got to tear the whole thing down and start it up again. That's a big reason why this trainee exercise is perfect for me right now. It's taken me back to my cadet days, when I was so focused on what I wanted to be."

Brie sat looking at me as I downed the water and walked back to the cot. I sat down heavily. "I saw Charybdis while I was lifting weights".

"He stopped here looking for you" Brie offered.

"I figured as much." I took a deep breath, and let it out slow. "It really didn't go like I figured. Not that I had any idea how it would go."

"And just how did it go?" Brie asked. It was a personal question, but we were tight enough to ask each other anything really. I shrugged my shoulders.

"I'm not really sure. There was so much I needed to get out, but didn't get the chance. Maybe he's too old to understand."

"Now hold on there" Brie interjected. "He's not THAT old. Remember who you are talking to here?" She flashed a smile.

I laughed, and laid back down on the cot. "Sorry" I said. "I take that back. Things are just so unclear. At least I have my focus back on being a warrior. Now if I only could come to peace with myself."

* * *

Brie

"Peace?" Brie repeated. "Amy, my dear friend, there's no such thing. If there's anything I've learned in my MANY yarhens of living, it's that. What you really need to learn is how to survive and maybe even be happy WITHOUT the peace that we all long for."

"Amy," Brie continued, "when you decided to become a warrior, how did you do it?"

"I just knew that's what I wanted to be," Amy replied.

"Try to think the same way," Brie suggested. "Don't worry about age or your fears or what other people will think. Try to imagine what you life would be like with Charybdis, and what it would be like without him. Not just now, but ten, twenty, even fifty yarhens from now if we can afford that luxury. Think with your head as well as your heart." Brie stood up and walked towards the door. "I'll give you a little bit of time by yourself. I'm going down to the sick bay to see if I can FINALLY visit Najinn. Everytime I've tried since he woke up I haven't been able to see him for one reason or another."

* * *

Amy81

"Brie?" I said, and she turned in the doorway to face me. A questioning look crossed her face. "I think I love him", I said finally.

"Of course you do" she replied, " that's why you accepted his proposal of the seal in the first place."

I shook my head. "I'm not talking about Charybdis." After a puzzled look, Brie began to realize what I was saying. "Oh", she said, allowing the door to close again. She leaned against it, looking at me.

"It's one of those wars going on inside me" I said with a slight grin that carried no trace of humor. "I mean I love Charybdis. He was there from the start for me when I came aboard the Callisto. But when the tribunal ripped that all apart, well, Najinn had come into the picture in the meantime."

"I was in love with Najinn for a long time" I went on. "I mean, the idea of him anyway. In my years growing up on the agro ship, I listened to stories about him, the dashing hero of the ship 'Aggie'. It's what first inspired me to become a warrior. I never in a million yahren dreamed that I'd be serving with him." I smiled again at some far off memory.

"We clicked almost from the start. Like we were reuniting instead of meeting for the first time. It was so strange to feel like that, especially since I was still in love with Charybdis."

"After the tribunal, and with things turning out like they did, I turned to Najinn. I was so sure I was leaving the service at the time. And then Charybdis came with that necklace, and I got so swept up with it. I thought I had that special love inside of me to give, but then that stuff happened with him and that wrecked viper. I found out I didn't have that love in me. I thought I did, but it was shaken so easily it scared me. It's not that I don't love him, it's hard to explain really. That whole thing with him waking from the dead, it shook my love, shook my faith, shook my whole life. My reaction to it all was something I never saw coming. And besides all of that, Najinn is still there." I laughed bitterly. "Ever think I'd be this screwed up?"

Brie stayed silent. I didn't really want an answer. "Now you know why I'm so messed up. I love Charybdis. I love Najinn. Can I handle giving myself to either one of them, with things the way they are outside? And if I do, I know I will cause such hurt to one of them." Like I had caused to Adrian, I thought, and like I'm sure I'm causing somehow to Jarrynn. "I can't help but feel like there's something wrong with me. I don't deserve the love either of them have to offer". I laid back on the cot again, breathing deeply, somehow feeling better getting it out, yet still feeling miserable.

* * *

JustinB

After a busy training sesion the first thing Ensign JustinB could think of was to go and have a Turbowash. He went straight to the Black Squadron barracks without delay. While in the turbowash he lost track of time while soothing the aches and pains.

As soon he was dried and with his clean uniform on, he made his way to the O-Club. He was hoping to meet more of his fellow officers in Black Squadron, to get to know them and them to get to know him.

At the entrance to the O-Club JustinB stopped. 'Time to wind down and have some Fun,'he thought to himself. He walked in and scanned the room and made his way to a group of officers he knew from his training course.

* * *

Hawke14

Rose and I make our way into the Triad court where 30 or so people are there. I look at them and mumble to Rose "What's this?" "This," she says "is gonna be a major butt whipping. I told a few people about our little game. They have you losing to me at 5 to 1." "What happened to it being just a friendly little game?" I asked.

* * *

BSGRose

Rose smiled and giggled as she thought about an answer to Hawke's question and replies, "Just thought that if we have a few people here watching our little game it would make things more interesting. Besides, you aren't afraid of a little competition are you?"

Rose and Hawke continue on inside the arena so that they could get ready to start their little one on one game of Triad. She was definately going to have fun showing Hawke a thing are two when it came to this game.

* * *

Hawke14

I sighed a little. Ok, if it's a little competition she wants, it's a little competition she gets.

"Ok,we're ready." I call out to the referee. The ball shoots out of the wall and I grab it before Rose can get to it. I get around her and score the first point. She gets the ball and I can't get out of the way in time and she plows into me. Loose ball! I try to get to it but she'
s just a bit quicker. She gets to it and ties it. 1-1. We go up to 20 to 19. Then,she has the ball and I elbow her in the ribs and get the ball and I steal it away from her. I make the point. "Hey! Time out." She says to the referee. "What was that for?" She asked me. "What's wrong? Afraid of a little competition?" I ask grinning. "Oh,so that's the way you want to play it,huh? Ok. No fouls from here on out. Anything goes." "Whatever you say." I say smugly. "Time in." I say to the ref. The ball comes out she trips me before I can get to it. 21-20. Grrrrr. What's up with her anyway? The ball shoots back out and I push her out of the way and I go for the point but miss. She's right behind me and she pushes me into the wallboards very hard. I go down with an audible thud. I cough and get back up. I look at the score and it's 22-20. I start limping. Rose comes up to me with the ball in her hands and says "are you ok?" I take the ball from her and say "I'm fine." I go and make the shot. "Hey!" I hear. I stick my tongue out at her.
The score is now 45-30 Rose's favor. I gotta get some points here and now. The ball shoots back out and Rose grabs it. But before she can get out of the way I steal it and make a point. The ball shoots out and I get the ball before Rose can and she starts tickling me! "Hey! Stop that!" I say to her. I accidentally drop the ball and she picks it up for the point.
The score is 49-46. Rose has a confident look on her face. The ball comes out of the wall and I get it. I don't even bother to come up to the hole. I throw the ball at the hole and it goes in! 3 points! 49-49. Game point coming up.

[LucianG]

BSGRose

Rose and Hawke both knew that the next point would be the winning point of this game of Triad. Both were pushing each other some while they were both trying to get the better advantage on getting the ball when it came back into the court area. The ball comes out and Hawke grabs the ball before Rose could. The tickling worked once for Rose and maybe it would work again. Rose reaches over and starts tickling Hawke again. "Hey!", Hawke calls out as he drops the ball, "no fair! and what was that for?" Rose giggles as she grabs the ball & runs over towards the hole for her to toss in the ball & win the game.

Just as she was about to toss the ball into the hole, Hawke comes up on her from behind and bear hugs her. Rose drops the ball and when she does Hawke makes a dive for the ball, but Rose grabs it back for he could get the ball himself and she tosses it towards the hole to win the game, but misses the shot. The ball comes back and both Rose and Hawke go after the ball in a mad dash to get it so that they each could get the winning point before the other one could. Rose reaches the ball before Hawke could reach it and she grabs the ball and tosses it towards her hole to win the game. This time the ball went in and Rose wins the game 50-49.

Rose was grinning broadly as she turned towards Hawke and see's his shocked face in what had just happened. She then walks on back over to where Hawke was still standing dumb struck to an extent. "I told you I was going to win and I ment it," Rose says. That you did, Hawke replies as he grabs her to try to tickle her in payback for earlier. "Hey! No Fair!," Rose squels out as Hawke continues to tickle her. Rose starts tickling Hawke back and they both fall to the floor still tickling each other.

* * *

EnsignEirikhr

Ensign Eirikhr:
He was Commander Troy's son, the eldest, it was former Commander now, Troy Adamus,Apollus. The New Council Of The Twelve had taken a pretty harsh line on drumming Commander Troy from his command and placing an less able commander in his stead, Commander Troy had led an expedition of the Rag Tag fleet from a near disaster about 5 years after Commander Adama had died on a planet far from The Garden Of Earth and had apparently been choosen to be an God Of Kobol, in aiding and peoples about to be attacked by the Cylons, Commander Adama had journied down to that planet only to find out that the planet was barren and inhabited by several interdimentional Lord Gods Of Kobol. Knowing that he, Adama was dying, the Lord Gods of Kobol gave him the choice that he was to accept, to be a God Of Kobol.

Captain Troy had seen his adopted Grandfather go into a cave with a group of leaders to negotiate how he could help them but did not see his foster Grandfather come back out. It was then that the Cylon forces attacted this planet of "Kaballaria", explosions ripped apart the mountain range where the cave was located, then in the blink of an eye the planet became barren but with and atmosphere one could breath, no dwellings and vegetation, merely rock,sand and some rubble of concrete and rusting steel.

Captain Troy knew his Grandfather was dead, going home to the Battlestar Galactica after a victorious battle waged upon the Cylon Forces did not cheer him, for he had to tell his eldest son Eirikhr Troyus, aged 12 Yahrens the truth, his Great Grandfather was dead.

But now after 10 yahrens Ensign Eirikhr was not fearful as he had been, now 22 yahrens old and with an new hopefor career to start, Eirikhr walked confidently to his reciently assigned quarters. It was sad that Commander Adama had died, but Ensign Eirikhr as a child had a weird dream about Adama, a strange ship of "light" came close to the Battlestar Galactica shortly after Adama's death. Light shone into the room that Eirikhr was sleeping in and he was now in the Lord Gods's Kobolian Ship Of Light.......Eirikhr just knew it!
Young Eirikhr now sat in a room, on a "block of light",composed of light that made up the walls, floor and cealing, a brighter section of light opened in one wall and an being in a garment of white entered the room, this person was tall like Captain Troy, like Captain Apollo, having an hood over "his" head, for that is what Eirikhr though the person was. The garment extended to the floor, walking up to Eirikhr, the being removed the hood with yellow eyeslits in it, there was the face of Commander Adama smiling at Eirikhr......his voice echoed all about the room the size of a section of Shuttlebay, "Eirikhr Troyus, it is I your Foster Grandfather Adama. I am dead but not forgotten, no not forgotten, this place where I am is a ship of the Kobolian Lord Gods Of Kobol, I am one of them now. You will tell your father what happened to me as best you know how, he will understand, he will take command of the Battlestar Galactica for a time.

You Eirikhr Troyus, have a destiny awaiting you, you will become a Viper Pilot and help our peoples, you are young now and perhaps you will not undestand what I talk about but you will remember this dream to tell others that disbelieve. Sheba will understand as may others. (Adama hugs Young Eirikhr)
"I must go, tell Troy not to feel sorrow for me because I am nearer to him than he knows, Eirikhr you will become a very good Colonial Warrior in time, Farewell." Suddenly Eirikhr wakes up in his own room on the Battlestar Galactica, the chime on the door rings, the door slides aside and there is Captain Troy standing there watching Eirikhr in his bed, "Eirikhr....are you awake? I have news about your Foster Grandfather, he will not be comming back to the Battlestar Galactica again."

Ensign Eirkhr takes his duffle bag and places it on his assigned bed in the Ensign's quarters, sighs and looks around, this will be home for quite a while, an new future awaits......many things will happen and there is much to be done!

Ensign Eirikhr is just stowing his gear in the Ensigns's Quarters, young Viper Pilot Cadets are going and comming into the quarters, an comm message is comming over the communications relays in the quarters from Core Command with Captain Brie speaking that Ensign Eirikhr has just been evaluated and promoted to Ensign and assigned to Gold Squadron being posted under her command.
Captain Brie orders Ensign Eirikhr to the "Holodoc" for a physical, odd thinks Ensign Eirikhr, there was nothing wrong before he got off the shuttle to the launching bay of the Battlestar Callisto and he had been checked out before he had left the Battlestar Galactica, oh well, things have to be done to Regulations!

A strange feeling picked Eirikhr's interest and he went to the bed table computer, he made a queiry into the computer and brought up the Holo 3D menu, using his Ensign Access Core Code. He asked for such things as Colonial Date of Yahren, bio, history and such stuff, status of the Battlestar Fleet and the Caprican Settlers's ships and about the Pegasus and the whereabouts of his father, Former Commander Troy.......the hair raised on Ensign Eirikhr's neck as the computer completed the info gathering and Eirikhr's heart beat like a gong struck by an sledge-hammer!

"Holy Frak And Felgercarb, just what is going on here!!!!", Ensign Eirikhr blurts out loud. *'Everything is odd,' Ensign Eirikhr now thinks to himself*,
'Surely this ain't Christmas because it isn't Kobol!!!', is Ensign Eirikhr's special thought, 'Boy do I, Captain Brie, Commander Sheba and Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis have alot to talk about!'* Now Ensign Eirikhr realizes that the Holodoc will not wait for long and Eirikhr goes to the wall panel and presses the Comm. "This is Ensign Eirikhr, I need to speak to Captain Brie at once after my physical, there is things I think she needs to know about me, Core Command please relay message to Captain Brie as soon as she is able to meet with me." Ensign Eirikhr hurries down to Medicbay for his examination on time.

* * *

LucianG

The next few cycles passed quickly for the "trainees," but that was probably because they were so tired and so sleepy at the end of each cycle. Major Lucian struggled with squadron matters before the training each morning, and after the training at the end of the shift, he worked on improving the plan for the next cycle. He'd planned to meet Captain Hector each morning for breakfast, but he was so far behind, he nibbled on a fruit filled pastry at his desk each morning instead. He was beginning to question why they were still calling them “fruit-filled” pastries, when in reality, they were now closer to “fruit smear” pastries, or maybe even “hint-of-fruit-hidden-somewhere-inside” pastries.

The third session was to be held in the gym, but it was currently occupied by a large number of Frodarian refugees, so it was moved to the main landing area of Beta Bay. Some mats were placed on the deck, but they were not the standard mats used for exercises and physical training since Lieutenant MaraJade had requisitioned those for some of the Frodarians who were assigned to sleep on the floor in the gym. Soon, the “trainees” were participating in advanced hand-to-hand combat, and the number of injuries began to mount. Fortunately, most were minor bruises and sprains, so the training continued. Each cycle, the trainees would run the obstacle course, work with each of the weapons, and then participate in the hand-to-hand work for two centars after lunch.

The final two centars of the shift, comprising the forth session, was in a room with a number of tables. There were five chairs at each, with four arranged in a semicircle a meter or so back from one side, and the fifth on the opposite side next to an easel that supported a large digital pad. On the second cycle of training, Sergeant Brinfort had introduced the “class” by saying, “Here, we’ll be discussing tactics for assault and retreat. For the types of ground or alien ship type actions for which Warriors would ordinarily be used, those will be your two main actions. You’ll be taking an objective, holding it briefly, and withdrawing. We will discuss long term campaigning, also known as,” he paused, turning to his instructors who shouted in unison, “GRUNT WORK, SERGEANT!” before he continued, saying, “by those of us in the C.I. who ordinarily do it. Break up into groups, and I want one Warrior from each of the recent ground actions on Garrano and Frodar at each table before you guys double up. HOP! HOP! HOP!”

Several C.I. officers participated in leading the groups, along with the Warriors who’d participated on Garrano and Frodar. Some of the senior officers from the bridge came by to help as well. Commander Sheba sent word that she was pleased by the feedback she had been receiving on the course, so she’d authorized its extension for several sectons, interrupted by any periods during which the Callisto would be traveling in normal space within a system. She sent word to Major Lucian to coordinate the extension of the course with Captains Hector and Lazant. Lucian was happy when he got the approval to extend the training, although upon reading the final line, his stomach churned in disgust and he came quite close to losing the half-digested “may be a dot of fruit in there somewhere” pastry. He sent a note to Captain Hector that he wanted to meet him for breakfast the next morning. He and Hector would devise the course curriculum, and then he’d visit Lazant…on an empty stomach.

* * *

Charybdis

After conferring with Cmdr. Sheba about the training exercises that Maj. Lucian was coordinating for Black Squadron, senior staff with approval of Cmdr. Sheba has come to the conclusion that both squadrons will be REQUIRED to attend the full training regimen ASAP!

Maj. Lucian is to take full charge of assigning and coordinating both squadrons with the training personnel.

Good luck to all Warriors.

Lt. Col.Charybdis

[LucianG]

LucianG

Early on the morning before the Callisto was scheduled to end the first jump away from the Frodarian system, Lucian and Hector sat in the Officers’ Club getting a quick breakfast before the start of another long cycle training under the watchful eyes of Sergeant Brinfort. They’d had to cancel for several cycles running due to their schedules and the fact that the advanced training didn’t mean that their regular duties were waived.

"SHE DID WHAT?!?" said Lucian on hearing the news that newly promoted Lieutenant Rose had hit the drill sergeant.

"Yep, she decked him good, for what it was worth," Captain Hector replied with a laugh. "He's been hit a lot harder without it doing any damage, and since he's deliberately trying to rile all of the Warriors to get them to really angry so they'll work to their maximum potential, he felt like he was making real progress and didn't even report it. This training isn't like basic where the Drill Sergeant tears you down and builds you back up again. Here, you can compete against yourself or you can compete against the devil. Most folks actually do better against the devil since they want to prove they can beat him. Notice Brinfort's little beard?” he asked, holding two fingers up to his chin in a V pattern. “Remind you of anyone?"

Lucian chuckled, "I hadn't thought about that, but you're right. If it were a little longer...and maybe a little more pointy...and maybe had a little less gray, it might look a little like the classical devil picture I've seen in video books. Maybe. Still, you said Brinfort didn't report her? How did you get sucked into this?"

"I only found out when one of the other troopers reported it, and now Brinfort's mad at both of us for interfering with his training exercise! Sometimes you just can't win."

"Yeah, and now, I guess he'll be on my case even more, since I've got to talk to her and get her to talk to him," said Lucian as he stretched his sore muscles.

"Yep, you're probably right, Major," Hector agreed. "You're probably right."

* * *

After breakfast, Lucian reported to the senior staff meeting. He’d just heard about the charge to bring all of the Warriors into the training, so when Commander Sheba asked him how it was coming along, he had little to report. He asked that the full Warrior Corps be brought in after the start of the next jump, since the advanced training would be continuing for quite some time.

“Considering that we’ll be arriving in the Pauvwell system early tomorrow, that is acceptable. Make sure you submit your plan by tomorrow’s staff meeting,” Sheba said.

“Yes, Ma’am,” said Lucian, smiling ever so slightly after realizing that the wording of the order clearly indicated that Lazant would not have the last word.

Next, Sheba called on Major CureMode, who was well prepared. He presented his report, saying, “Our analyses are showing the Pauvwell system to be devoid of large planetary bodies, but there is considerable mass, presumably in the form of asteroids, comets, or dust clouds. Due to this distribution, location of the next suitable jump point may be difficult. We recommend two survey patrols in addition to a short range escort.”

“Captain Brie, assemble a four Viper long-range Gold Squadron survey team. Major Lucian, do the same for Black Squadron. Captain Buellah, Silver Spar gets the short range escort. Assemble your teams Squadron Leaders, and have them ready to launch at 01:85 tomorrow….”

The meeting lasted for quite some time, making Lucian late to training, consequently earning him the privilege of doing another 100 push-ups and another trip through the obstacle course. As he struggled along, trying unsuccessfully to break his previous best mark of 4:48. He made a mental note to speak with Lieutenant Rose during the brief lunch break.

Lucian spoke to Lieutenant Anubis during the break later that morning. The medical report he'd reviewed the night before had showed that Anubis was healing at an accelerated rate due to his genetically enhanced systems, and that other than bone scarring, he should be considered healed within another cycle or two.

"Good morning, Lieutenant. How are you feeling?" Lucian asked.

"Well, sir," was Anubis' response.

"Well enough to head up our mission in the Pauvwell system? If so, you're in charge, with Lieutenant Kris as your second. Lieutenant Rose will fly with Kris, and Ensign JustinB will fly on your wing. Nylah is the backup. Think about it, but let me know by lunch. I've got to post the orders."

"Back to work, you two Trainees! Twenty-five push-ups, now," barked the trainer, evidently trying to imitate Brinfort. Lucian didn't think the imitation was all that good, though. The Corporal just didn't have the beard for it.

* * *

Walksallroads

Lt. Anubis finished his pushups fairly quickly. He had always kept himself in good shape, as the physical stresses had been all he'd known, quite literally. From the time he was old enough to understand the concept and technique of the pushup, he'd been cranking them out. His time on the obstical course had been decreasing as his ribs healed. It wasn't as complex as some his trainers had come up with when he was being trained initially, but it did pose some new challenges that he had yet to come across. What the battlestar lacked in the complexity of the course, it made up for in originality. Perhaps a spiderweb placed in the second leg of the run would be in order, but for another time. When Major Jucien stood up from his pushups, he glanced over at Anubis, who only nodded once. He hoped that military sign language was going to be a part of the training, and was sure of it.

* * *

EnsignEirikhr

Ensign Eirikhr is seated in a com-fitting chair in the hallway of MedLabs and Medibay, he is nervious and abit unsure of what his reception will be after Head Nurse Lt. Holodoc and Lt. Nurse Jarryn does his physical. *Ensign Eirikhr thinks quietly to himself, "Oh boy, the Felgercarb will hit the fan after my Bio-Phys is done and I know what the computer has given me for info, how can anyone on the Battlestar Callisto believe what I will tell them about me, gosh I am quite early. The welcome message from Head Nurse Lt. Holodoc mentioned she was sleeping in another crewmen's quarters at the moment.

That is really none of my business what relationships crewmen build here, this time I have to evaluate how they will respond to me when I tell them what I must, perhaps the only person that will believe me is Commander Sheba or Captain Brie of Gold Squadron, I have to go along those lines for them to sincerely believe what has happened!"

* * *

Holodoc2000

Holodoc walked into MedLab & saw someone new sitting there in the waiting area. She remember getting a message letting her know that a new Ensign by the name of Eirkhr would be coming by for a physical. Holodoc walks over to Eirkhr & says, "you must be Ensign Eirkhr. I take it that you are hear for your physical." Yes ma'am, Eirkhr replies. "Alright Ensign, come on over to one of the exam tables & we can get started on your physical," Holodoc says.

Holodoc followed by Ensign Eirkhr goes over to one of the exam area's to begin the physical. While Holodoc got the things she needed together for the physical, Eirkhr got settled onto the bed there in the exam area. After getting the things she needed together, Holodoc begins the physical for Ensign Eirkhr.

Several centons later, Holodoc has finished up the physical on Ensign Eirkhr. "Ensign," Holodoc says, "you are cleared for flight statis. I will let Capt Brie know that you are cleared for active duty." Thank you, Eirkhr replies as he gets up to leave. "Ensign," Holodoc says again, "is there something that myself & the rest of the medical staff should know about you?"

* * *

EnsignEirikhr

Ensign Eirikhr quietly gets up off of the MediLab Medibay bed and just as quietly removes the lazer pistol from his belt and places it on the Head Nurse Holodoc's tray-table, "Well Lt. Holodoc, I believe that your mediexam was quite thorough, and your quite observant.
Do you think I am an Cylon Human-Clone made for infiltrating the Battlestar Callisto? I am giving you the advantage if I am, turning over my lazer pistol like this Am I not.", *There is a hint of a smile playing around Ensign Eirikhr's pale lips.* Ensign Eirikhr shivers abit before he speaks in a stronger voice, "Lt. Head Nurse, I think that your insturments should tell you that in this Timeline Reality that I am Captain Troy Of The Battlestar Galactica's long lost younger brother that he did not realize he had, in two other time lines I may be various people, but one in the same Eirikhr.

I think that some would prefer it if I were a Cylon Human-Clone than what I am, in a second Alternate Universe about 120 Yahrens or so from now the Commander Of The Battlestar Galactica II defending the New Twelve Colonies Inter-Galactic Federation, and this may be made possible by my actions I take here or lack of them I do here. I think you should call the Senior Officers of the Battlestar Callisto down to the MediLabs conference room and have you and I talk to them, Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc I certainly leave this in your judgement weither you call security on me and I spend my short human existance a pet subject of your experiments, a long time in the Battlestar Callisto Brig, a Lazer Pistol Squad or I serve my time out as what I always wanted to be, and that is a Colonial Viper Pilot of Gold Squadron of The Battlestar Callisto."

"Lt. Holodoc, I think I have known about this set of circumstances as soon as I looked at your computers at the Ensign Quarters shortly after I got of that shuttle from the Battlestar Galactica and found that my Foster Uncle Commander Apollo was not still lost or listed as an MIA and that Captain Troy does not have a more important role than he does now, most importantly that you do not know the location of The Garden Of Earth nor the Battlestar Galactica has not found it yet."

[LucianG]

Holodoc2000

Holodoc thought about what Ensign Eirikhr had just told her about himself & thought that it would be a good idea to bring the Senior Staff members of the Callisto in on this. She knew that normally what was discussed regarding a patient would be kept classified, but this the others needed to know about since it would involve them & how things went on a mission should he be assigned to one of the missions.

"Alright Ensign," Holodoc says, "I am going to contact those that need to be brought in on this & have them come down here so that we can all talk about what you have just revealed to me. I am sure that they will have some questions for you since we know very little about you at this very moment." Ensign Eirikhr nods in response to what Lt Holodoc just said. "Now Ensign Eirikhr, Holodoc begins again, "if you will just follow me please I am going to have you wait over here in one of the small conference rooms that have been set aside here in MedLab & I will contact those that are to come down here for the talk."

Holodoc picks up the weapon that Ensign Eirikhr had layed on the instrument tray, then turns & starts walking towards one of the small conference rooms & Ensign Eirikhr is following her not to far behind. They walk into the conference room & just before she leaves & closes the door, Holodoc says, "Ensign, you wait here & when the Senior Staff gets here we will come in for our discussion on things." Yes ma'am replies Ensign Eirikhr.

Holodoc walks out & closes the door & she heads on over to her desk to make the needed call up to the bridge. Once she was seated at her desk, Hololodoc calls up to the bridge & finds leaves a message for Lt Colonel Charybdis.

Message reads as follows:

TO: Lt Colonel Charybdis
From: Head Nurse (Lt.) Holodoc
Regarding: Ensign Eirikhr

Lt Cononel, I have just completed the physical of Ensign Eirikhr & he is ready for full active duty. I am concerned though how some of the others will react to him at the moment considering some information that I was able to find out during the physical & I am requesting that you, Cmdr Sheba, his Squadron Commanding Officer, & any other Senior Staff that could be effected in some way what this new Ensign does come down here to MedLab to have a chat with him. At this present time, Ensign Eirikhr has willingly disarmed himself of his weapon & I have locked up the weapon in my desk for safe keeping until after the talk.

* * *

EnsignEirihkr

The young Ensign Eirikhr sits in an plush com-form chair waiting quietly in the small MediLab Conference Room where Head Nurse Lt. Holodoc had left him with the door close, there was no rear door.....that was fine with him, at least the Lt. Holodoc had believed him so far, composing his thoughts now was of the utmost importance to his future aboard the Battlestar Callisto, he was 155lbs in Earth Weight, had light redish-brown hair, he stood 5'9" and had a rather semi-stocky build that was quite well muscled yet he was not an overblown Colonial Giant Benithur, and had abit of an oval face with angular cheekbones ending in a squarish chin, he had a short nose with a medium handle-bar mustache growing directly under his nose on his upper-lip, trimed neatly.

He had a regulation haircut, semi-brush but the hair was cut to about 2 inches from the collar of his Viperpilot flight coat, he wore corrective glareshields for a minor eyesight defect and had rather glacial grey-green eyes, with light brown eyebrows that were thin, sometimes they could be intensive in the way he looked at you. Ensign Eirikhr was a very serious 22 yahren old Shuttlepilot and Viperpilot trainee, much like his older brother Captain Troy onboard the Battlestar Galactica.......the elder brother he had never met, but had seen once in a while and had heard of from his mother Helanna Boxus.

The shuttle flight to the Battlestar Callisto for the first centon had been very uneventful but for the next he had fallen asleep, then when the Shuttlecraft docked the warning klaxon had rang and he woke up quite abit disoriented more than he should have felt, after about 50 Microns the shuttlecraft did dock and the pilot of the shuttlecraft murmured before he got off, "Enjoy your training here on the Callisto.....though we did not know that we were expecting an transfer now from the Battlestar Galactica?" "Yeah", the co-pilot says, "I thought we had an empty flight.....but I guess that they desperately needed the extra trainees on the Battlestar Callisto and your the stuff we need."

The disorientation was a bit more than from sleep, Ensign Eirikhr figured, it was more like being taken from one friendly comfortable enviroment and being thrust into another that he figured he did not belong, it was quite alien to him, he felt differently, had different thoughts, felt concerned for the things he would do, or might not do properly, or the things he need to do might not get done......odd feelings, worst were those of missing time from his life but he couldn't place where the time of about 1 Centon was lost, surely not from his nap, the people looked slightly different and the enviroment of the Shuttlecraft seemed abit different, now this.

Ensign Eirikhr now heard voices approaching the door of the MediLab small conference room and he steeled himself for the opening of the door and what would happen afterward......not a fitting show of a newly Minted Ensign Viper Pilot of Battlestar Callisto Gold Squadron to be, but Ensign Viper Pilots were very adaptable and Eirikhr would surely do his utmost to measure up!

* * *

Amy81

Captain Brie stood in the doorway, probably letting all that I told her sink in. She knew that I was friends with Najinn, and that I had been having some problems with Charybdis, but she probably never knew that my dilemma ran so deep. It was a lot to lay on her, and I began to regret saying all that I did.

I sat back up and looked at Brie. "Brie" I began in a soft voice, "Don't let any of this go any further. I'm sorry I even spoke about any of it. It wasn't fair of me to lay this on you. I just couldn't resist the need to release what I've been holding in."

I got to my feet for another glass of water. "Know what I'm most afraid of?" I asked as I emerged from the bathroom with a glass in my hand. I sipped a little bit. "I'm afraid that when it's all done with, I'll have nobody." That's when my emotions got the better of the cool facade I tried to hold intact. I ducked back into the bathroom and ran some cold water, washing my face and trying to keep from giving in to the urge to break down.

I emerged again to find Brie standing near the bathroom door. I smiled weakly. "I was getting pretty good at hiding things behind a mask. Charybdis is great at it." My voice trailed off. I just stood there, looking despondant and probably pretty pathetic.

* * *

Brie

Brie thought for a moment, letting all that Amy had said sink in. In a way it was ironic that she was the one that Amy turned to. Yes, they were close friends, but Brie had been friends with Charybdis just short of forever and Najinn had just saved her life. She wanted all of them to be happy, although she knew that wouldn't be possible at the moment.

"Being alone isn't all that bad," Brie said, hoping that she wouldn't be making Amy feel even worse. "It beats settling. And if you can't give your whole heart to one of them, it's not fair to anyone, including yourself."

Amy remained silent, her head down. Brie did something that surprised even herself. "You up for a mission?" she asked.

"What?"

"I need four pilots for a scouting mission," Brie explained. "Getting away, out among the stars, might give you a chance to get your head together. I know that my perspective is always different from my viper. But if your head won't be in it..."

"No," Amy said quickly. "It might be just what I need."

Knowing that Amy could use some space, Brie left. Maybe a little time alone would help.

* * *

Brie

Is Mara going to be cleared for flight status anytime soon? Last I heard, she was cleared for light duty, and that was all. Thanks.

Captain Brie

* * *

Holodoc2000

Have Mara come by MedLab & one of us will give her a final check up clearance to go back onto full active duty.

Lt Holodoc
Head Nurse

* * *

Charybdis

With the beginnings of the preparations for when we would come out of the jump, I ventured to my quarters to work at my desk. So many details, so many things to do... so little time.

After a few centons of sitting at my desk, my mind seemed to wander. I could not get focused on the task at hand. I kept looking over at my cabinet. I walked over to it and opened the drawer. I removed a small box. Once opened, the brilliant jewel radiated light from within. The sealing necklace I had given Amy.

I picked it up and held it in my hand. I couldn't help but feel like we were right for each other. Circumstances be damned. To Hades with her indecision. If someone was going to make a choice, then, frack, I'll make it for her. At least, that's what my mind was saying. That's what my heart was saying.

I put the necklace into a pocket in my tunic and immediately left my quarters. I needed to do something right now...
* * *

LucianG

Major Lucian sprinted to the Black Squadron Office when Brinfort announced that there would be a 20 centon break for lunch. He posted the following:

Initial Black Squadron Orders for the Pauvwell System:

1. System Survey Group:
Lieutenant Anubis, Wing Leader
Lieutenant Kris, S.I.C.
Lieutenant Rose*
Ensign JustinB

* Lieutenant Rose is to report to Major Lucian ASAP to receive additional orders prior to this order being finalized.

2. Backup Wing:
Lieutenant Stadia, Wing Leader
Lieutenant Randrius, S.I.C.
Lieutenant Wendy
Lieutenant Lusitan
Lieutenant Nylah
Ensign Spyder

Backup wing will be on standby, ready to launch in five centons, in case System Survey Group needs help, etc.

He sprinted back to the training room, and on entering 15 microns late, received a stern reprimand from Brinfort, and the customary 25 pushups. Since he was late, he decided he'd have to chew Rose out later (with as much understanding, compassion, and mutual desire to hit Brinfort even harder than she had as he could supress). Despite the fact that he fully understood why she'd done it, he had to give her a stern lecture since her fellow Warriors depended on her and part of the training was determining how much one could take and keep one's cool. He'd explain why he felt Brinfort was being such a donkey's rear, and why she needed to swallow her pride, if necessary, to stand up to him again, this time to apologize.

If she refused to apologize, he knew he would have to take her off the current mission assignment. Rose would be a good Warrior, if the little hot streak they'd discovered didn't end her career before it was really even started.

[LucianG]

Brie

Lt. Amy, wing leader
Ensign Erikhr

Lt. MaraJade
Lt. Kellyn

In the case that Lt. MaraJade is not cleared by the medical staff, Lt. Kiwi will take her place.

Lt. MaraJade, report to the med lab immediately!

Captain Brie
Gold Squadron

* * *

Charybdis

The Gold squadron mission assignments flashed across my computer screen. Lt. Amy's name was right at the top as Wing Leader!

What the frack was Brie thinking? Sending Amy on a mission right now? and in the state Amy had been in? Not only that, but she was also assigning the new Ensign Erikihr. He had only been onboard for a little while. It was quite strange how we had very little records about him. And what was even stranger was how we had never really noticed him before. Amy might have her hands full with an assignment like this and new Warriors under her wing. It would not be easy.

I summoned Cpt. Brie to my quarters. A few centons later, she buzzed the comm and she entered. I stood up.

"Charybdis, I know what you're going to say, but I think it's in Amy's best interest to get off the ship and in a viper." Brie started before I even got a chance to get a word out. I found it amazing how she could read me so well. I guess Amy hadn't yet mastered that device.

"Brie, normally I don't get that involved with your squadron assignments, you know that, but I have to wonder if it IS in Amy's best interests to send her out there right now. I know we are supposed to keep our private lives out of the vipers and out of the missions, but the fact is Amy has been going through the ringer. Part of leading is also knowing when to say no to those under your command."

Brie thought a micron about the implied statement about her possibly being too close to Amy, then said, "Charybdis, you of all people should be talking. You also know that I would not put anyone in a viper that I did not believe could do the job. I am still the leader of the squadron, am I not?" she referred to the current election cycle of Gold squadron. For all Brie knew, this could be her last decision as leader of the squadron. The final results were to come down at the end of the secton.

"Yes, of course, you're still the leader of the squadron. Look, I know that this sounds strange and most of all coming from me given my closeness to Amy, but I'm not doing it out of selfish reasons. I have to worry about all who go out there and those under her command and the results of the mission. Look, I know that I'm partly to blame for her state of mind right now, and that's why I want to make sure you're making the right decision. The last thing in the twelve worlds you'd want is to get Amy killed out there because of this."

Brie could not believe what she was hearing. Didn't Charybdis trust her? Of all people, wouldn't he know that she would never put the lives of her Warriors in jeopardy without just cause or without making a careful and deliberate decision?

"Charybdis, I stand by my assignments. Amy is ready and she can do it. If you don't agree with that, then you'll have to go over my head and change the assignments yourself, no wonder she can't make up her mind to get sealed to you," she stared straight at me, then realized that she had gone over the line. "Charybdis, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."

"No, you're right," I said as I walked over to the window. I stared out into the starry sky, which looked swirling and streaky as we were still in the jump. "I can't protect her, nor should I. I guess. Frack, even I don't know any more."

Brie started to backtrack a little. "Charybdis, you should do all in your power to protect her, and me and everyone else aboard. I know it's hard. I lost Turner. I know that he was your good friend too. And I know that the last thing you'd ever want to have happen is to lose Amy, Lords forbid, but we can't stop time. We can't run away and live in some time warp where nothing bad happens. I don't have to tell you all this. You know. You've given that same speech thousands of times. Frack, you just gave it last cycle at the memorial. Amy just needs a chance to get our there and prove herself. She needs to know that she can do it. And I truly believe that she can. Deep down, I know that you do too."

Brie had spoken the truth. I had given that speech many times over. It was just a little harder when you had to follow your own advice. I realized that I could never protect everyone, and unfortunately, when it came to Amy, it almost seemed as if I had to take the totally opposite tack with her. I almost had to let her go on these missions just to prove that I wasn't "protecting" her. Frack! What a mess.

"Brie, you are right about one thing. Amy is a damn good Warrior. Deep down, I know she can do anything she sets her mind to. I guess I just wish that she would make up her mind about..." my voice trailed off. Brie understood about my pain. The sealing. Amy's indecision at the moment.

"Give her some time. She's strong under there. She'll make the right choice, eventually." Brie said.

I nodded and gave her my approval of her mission assignments. I still didn't like it, but there was nothing I could do about it.

* * *

Brie

As Brie left Charybdis' quarters, she couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right decision. If she wasn't friends with Amy, if she didn't know all the felgercarb that was clouding the young lieutenant's mind, these were the exact orders she would have given. She couldn't let her personal friendship get in the way.

There wasn't really anyone else that Brie wanted to go on the mission. Skyler, Cain, Eden all needed a break. The mission was fairly routine, although Brie knew better than anyone that there was no such thing. Out of the four wariors assigned, Amy was the senior officer. She SHOULD be in command, anything else would be an insult to her. The last time that Brie had put Amy in charge she had done a commendable job, there was no reason to think otherwise at the moment. And it stood to reason that Amy would be paired with Ensign Eirikhr, Brie liked to have the new recruits with the leader.

Brie knew that if something went wrong, she would never be able to forgive herself. But Amy needed to know that someone believed in her. Maybe this would help her get some of her confidence back. Brie hoped she wasn't making a mistake.

* * *

Lt_Skyler

Skyler got out of his bunk and stretched his arms above his head. He felt like he had been asleep for several cycles. Maybe it made up for all the sleep periods he had missed on the last mission. Walking over he looked at the Squadron Assignments on the board. Amy was leading a mission and Mara was assigned also. Ensign Eirikhr??? Who was that?

"Must have been asleep longer than I thought" Skyler mumbled to himself.

Looking back over the board, he saw that all Warriors would be starting Infantry training as soon as they started the next jump. Shaking his head he flashed back to his early days in the Colonial Infantry. The training on the Galactica had been hard, but he had passed. He had even done well enough to get assigned to the Armor Units. Maybe he would be able to get out of it. Sure it had been yahrens since he had actually been through the training, but it is not something you really forget. Half-smiling, maybe he would try to get out of it after the weapons part of the training. Nothing could compare to being a Viper Pilot, but he sure did miss all the cool toys the ground pounders got to play with.

He ran and grabbed a turbo shower, put on a fresh uniform, and slipped off into the launch bay and stuck a note in Mara's cockpit. With any luck now, maybe he would bump into her for breakfast.

* * *

MaraJadeJedi

Mara headed out and waited for Skyler outside his barracks! Seeing him she pounced on him and hugged him tight! She was all smiles. He hugged her back.
"Ok what gives Mara? Why you so happy this morning?" he asked as they walked to the mess hand in hand.
"I get to see you again finally after all this time!" She got all giggly with him and blushed.
"What now?"
"Just wondering when we are ever going to be able to take the seal, that's all. I swear we never get time to plan for it anymore. I just wish it was calmer right now. I mean there was the crash (she shudders at the memory), then you got called out to help on that mission on the planet when I almost lost you again! Now we are getting called out? (sigh) When will we get time together again?" she sighed as she looked at her Lt Skyler. "I guess the only good thing is that I get to be with you on this mission. And I get to fly with Kellyn. Haven't talked to her in a while and it seems Amy decided not to quit after all." He just smiled and shook his head at her. Skyler kissed Mara to shut her up.

* * *

JustinB

After training was complete, JustinB casually walked back to the Black Squadron barracks. When he arrived he was just about to grab his towel to freshen up, when something caught his eye. As he approached, he saw that it was the initial orders for the Pauvwell System.

'My first mission,and I am to be on Lieutenant Anubis's wing'JustinB thought to himself. He then headed to have a wash and freshen up.

When he was finished, he put on a clean uniform. Talking to himself JustinB said, "First I will try to find Lt Anubis to introduce myself and discus the upcoming mission. Then I will go and check out my Viper."

JustinB then left the Black Squadron looking for Anubis.

[LucianG]

BSGRose

Rose was already working on cleaning her weapons that she had been assigned during the training session that most of the squadron was going through at the moment when Major Lucian walked over to her after he had finished up his 25 push-ups for being a few microns late. She had an idea as to why he had come over to her station to work on his own weapons, but didn't look up at him at first. "You know about me decking Brinfort, don't you sir?," Rose asks in a whisper. "Yes, I do Lieutenant. What I want to know is why you decked him & if you had to deck him why not wait until after the training was completed?," Lucian asks.

Rose thought about what Major Lucian had just asked her and replies, "He deserved it, sir, simple as that. I know you want more of an explanation, but I don't have one really. I know his type, the kind of man that thinks that women are not worthy enough to be a member of the Colonial Military no matter how hard we work at doing our best just to prove ourselves. My own father is one of them. He doesn't aprove of me being a Warrior in the Colonial Military. My father thinks I should of just kept to myself and not draw any attention to myself. So when Brinfort started coming after me with his remarks, I thought back to when my father would do the same thing to me and would also do the same thing to my sibblings. It was worse when father would drink and I always ended up with the worst of the abuse weather it be verbal or physical. My father's verbal abuse toward me got even worse when I was burned while cooking a meal for my parents and sibblings."

"Rose," Major Lucian begins, "I can only imagine what things have been like for you, but you need to try and your temper under control some, espicially during this training. Use the energy to show Brinfort that he is wrong about you. I would like for you to also apologize to him. I know that it will more than likely be hard for you, but it needs to be done." Rose thought about what Major Lucian said and slowly nodded and replies, "yes sir. I will work on redirecting my energies into this training. I will also try and figure out a way to apologize to Brinfort without him thinking of me being weaker than I already am."

Brinfort had noticed Rose and Lucian talking some while they were cleaning their weapons and he walks over to them. He was unable to hear what was being said between the two, but that didn't matter, for he had caught them talking when they shouldn't have been talking. "Alright you two," Brinfort yells out, "drop and give me another 50 push-ups each!"

* * *

LucianG

It was just past the end of First Shift, and Lucian was huffing and puffing his way through the obstacle course one last time before the jump ended. He knew his time would be lousy, but he was doing his best to make it as small as possible. It was cycles like this that made him sometimes wonder if he shouldn’t just hang up the jacket and the laser pistol, and settle on one of the other ships of the fleet that needed a good officer or engineer. Maybe the pain was causing the doubts about the age thing. Yes, that had to be it. Ordinarily, he didn’t even consider it, but when one’s lungs were bursting, and the muscles were screaming….

He pulled himself up and over, and upon landing, took off at a sprint, or at least, the best approximation of a sprint he could still make at this time of shift. He was old enough to be the father of a few of the younger Warriors, and his next birthday was now much closer than his last. Those thought made him a little more determined, and he was able to eek out a little more speed.

He crossed the finish line a short time later, and the time call was 4:93, a mere 7 microns less than the maximum. He planted his hands firmly on his knees and sucked in large breaths of the recycled air. Sweat, and water from the swim, was streaming down his face, into his eyes, making it difficult to see.

He didn’t see Brinfort approach. “Trainee, that was one VERY poor presentation,” Brinfort said to him in a low clipped tone so no one else could overhear. “Major, you’re supposed to be the leader of much of this band. When you pull lousy times like that, you’re killing the morale and the drive of your troops. You’ve got to do better. You must set the example. I know the training ends during the time between jumps, but if you want to seriously improve, you need to keep hitting this course at least three times per cycle while we’re in the system. Do better, Major, for your Warriors. They, and we, are counting on you.”

Lucian nodded, “Thank…you…Sergeant…I’ll…keep…that…in mind.”

In a louder voice, Brinfort said, “Trainee, you call yourself a Warrior? That was so pathetic, you’re to knock out another 50 push-ups before you leave. After that you’re dismissed.”

Turning to the others in the room, he said, “Training is now on break until we start the next jump. Decent job Warriors, but I expect better next time. Dismissed!”

From his position on the deck, Lucian saw Brinfort exit. A moment later, he saw Lieutenant Rose run out of the room after him. Hopefully, she was going to be able to force herself to swallow her pride and do the right thing…without hitting him again.

Between push-ups, and despite the pain, Lucian grinned at the thought.

* * *

BSGRose

Rose had run out of the training room where the obstacle course had been set up. She was wanting to get the apology over with as soon as possible. "Sgt Brinfort," Rose says as she catches up to him, "I want to apologize for hitting you earlier like I did." Brinfort stops walking and looks over at Rose and replies, "don't worry about it. Just remember I may not be so forgiving next time. What I want to know is where did you learn to deck someone the way you did me?" Rose laughed a little at Sgt Brinfort's question and replies, "it comes from having to deal with my father. Plus my older brother helped me some by teaching me a few techniques before I entered the Academy." Sgt Brinfort shook his head and smiled a little before saying, "ok Lt Rose, you go relax some. I want to see an improvement in your scores during the next training session." No problem Sgt, Rose replies and heads towards the Black Squadron barracks so that she could get cleaned up some. Rose hoped to be able to spend a little time with Hawke since she hadn't been able to spend time with him much since the Triad game and now it looked like she would be going on another mission soon, so she wanted to spend a little time with him.

* * *

CommanderEirikhr

From Ensign Eirikhr:
It had been touch and go at the War Room on the Battlestar Callisto Bridge, the one remark that Science Officer Solon had made about the worst case theory that Eirikhr had made a point of, being an Cylon Human-Clone had rattled Ensign Eirikhr a bit. He would have to have a talk with Science Officer Cureamode Solon and iron things out. It had seemed a reality that they might just simply offer Ensign Eirikhr two choices, 1. To stand and face a Lazer Pistol Squad, 2. To be an experimental Ragdaggy Rat for Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc's experiments......boy the Lord Gods Of Kobol would be alittle displease with that but probably would simply choose another alternate timeliner to take Ensign Eirikhr's place in this timeline. Thankfully Lt. Holodoc was on his side and so was Cureamode Science Officer Solon for the most part!

***Wow, thought Ensign Eirikhr, maybe Commander Sheba had understood after all and Commander Adama.....wait.....God Of Kobol Adama had been right for Ensign Eirikhr to have told everything that he did say, but he would have to talk to Commander Sheba in private to tell her a few things after the Pauvwell Survey Mission was over***, 'Now what was the roster for Gold Squadron?', Ensign Eirikhr thought as he ran fast to the Alpha Bay Ready Room for his briefing, 'Ah Lt. Amy was Wing Leader, I am her wingman, Damn Right Fracking I am going to stick to her like a second Cloaking Skin On The Battlestar Callisto. Second Part of the wing, Lt. Mara Jade/MaraJade? Something tingled at Ensign Eirikhr's mind, "Another Time, Another Galaxy Far,Far Away.....She is, Young Ensign Eirikhr....Someone knew her once and still does, another universe, strange I know but right it is, you in Universe and Reality as your Gods want.......be all that the Lord Gods Of Kobol want you to be here......Now." 'What Felgercarbing thoughts.....yes here was the rest of the mission pilots, Lt. Kellyn.....what was the other one, Lt. Skyler?' ***Ensign sincerely hoped that he did not run head long into somebody as he was rushing headlong down the Battlestar Callisto's cavernous corridors
as he neared the Alpha Launching Bay's Ready Room. The sensors scanned him as he slowed down and neared the ID Scan Verification Console........***Frack, Holy Felgercarb I forgot to get my Lazer Pistol from Lt. Holodoc, I sure hope someone notices, I feel naked with out it.*** Ensign Eirikhr puts his hand, palm side down and places his head upon the eyescan molded brow-rest as the medi-security scan did it's work at verifying him. The Alpha Bay Ready Room doors cautiously slid open with the faintest of Klaxon Beep and Ensign Eirikhr steps into the Alpha Bay Ready Room sensing Major Brie, Major Lucian already there at the front raised podium at the large front wall of the room, along with others.

Ensign sees that many of Gold Squadron are assembled and he takes a seat at the back of the room next to a female officer, he notices by her Epilaps she is an young Lieutenant, he courtiously whispers "Hello Lieutenant.....sorry I am late"

* * *

Charybdis

The message from holodoc sounded very strange and from what little we knew of the new ensign, maybe it was something we needed to look into before anything else happened.

Cmdr. Sheba could not leave the bridge at the moment, so the order was given to Nurse holodoc to bring herself and the new ensign with her to the bridge.

If needed, she could call for security to escort them to the bridge. Report ASAP.

* * *

Holodoc2000

Holodoc received a message back from Lt. Col. Charybdis letting her know that she needed to come up to the bridge with Ensign Eirikhr to discuss things. The Lt Colonel had even mentioned calling Security to have them escort her along with the new Ensign to the bridge should she felt the need to do so & right now she felt it would be safer. Even though Ensign Eirikhr had willingly handed over his weapon to her, she thought it would be safer to have someone else around as they went up to the bridge.

After calling the Security Office & requesting someone from Security to come by MedLab to escort her along with the new Ensign to the bridge, Holodoc worked on a little paperwork while she waited. Once the Officer was there, both the Security Officer & Holodoc went over to the conference room where she had left Ensign Eirkhr.

Holodoc opens up the door & see's Ensign Eirikhr there sitting in one of the chairs waiting as patiently as he could for the others to arrive. "Ensign Eirikhr," Holodoc says, "there has been a slight change in plans. Instead of the Senior Staff coming down here to MedLab to talk, we are going up to the bridge to talk to them since a couple of the Senior Officers are unable to leave the bridge at the moment." Yes ma'am replies Ensign Eirikhr.

Ensign Eirikhr stands up & follows Holodoc out of the conference room & on out of MedLab to go to the bridge. Along the way, Ensign Eirikhr noticed that the Security Officer was following them to the bridge & decided to ask Lt Holodoc about it. "Nurse Holodoc," Eirikhr says, "why is the Security Officer following us?" Holodoc smiled slightly at Ensign Eirikhr's question & replies, "I thought it might be a good idea to have someone from Security to escort us up to the bridge Ensign as an added safety measure." Yes ma'am, replies Eirikhr.

A few centons later, Lt Holodoc & Ensign Eirikhr followed by the Security Officer walk onto the bridge. Holodoc walks over to were Lt Colonel Charybdis was located & patiently waits for him to acknowledge her.

[LucianG]

Charybdis

Nurse holodoc and Ensign Eirikhr arrived on the bridge. I looked over at them and immediately noticed that the new Ensign was fidgeting more than a daggit on a sunspot.

"Reporting as ordered, sir," acknowledged the head nurse.

"Follow me into the Commander's war room." I said as I led them into Sheba's command room off of the main bridge.

The summons went out to Cmdr. Sheba and we waited for her to arrive. Major Joey also arrived along with Dr. Curemode. Nurse holodoc also mentioned that she had put out a call to Dr. BKJ.

This was certainly a lot of hubbub for one new Ensign. I hoped that this was well worth the effort.

* * *

Brie

Captain Brie just happened to notice Lt. Holodoc walking towards the bridge with Ensign Erikihr, followed by fleet security. Since the new ensign was a member of her squadron, she followed at a distance. She saw Holodoc greet Lt. Col. Charybdis, and then several people, including Erikihr, entered the Commander's war room. Out of duty more than curiosity, she approached the room. "Lt. Col., may I speak with you for a moment?"

As Charybdis left, Brie couldn't help but notice how nervous Erikihr was. "Yes, Captain?" Charybdis said.

"Sir," Brie began, "excuse me if it's none of my business, but if something is going on with one of the members of my squadron, shouldn't I be involved?"

* * *

Charybdis

"Shouldn't I be involved?" asked Brie as the rest of the senior officers entered the room with ENsign Eirikhr.

"Brie, I don't know if there is anything to be involved in. Nurse Holodoc just asked the senior officers to meet with her and the new Ensign. I have no idea what's up. But, he is your new Warrior, so the more the merrier. Come on" I motioned her to lead the way and we entered the room.

* * *

Holodoc2000

Holodoc noticed that Capt Brie came in with Lt Colonel Charybdis & they had a seat. She wondered where Doctor Bkj was at right then, but figured she shouldn't wait any longer since she knew that everyone present had things that needed to get done. Holodoc stands up from where she had been sitting & clears her throat to get everyone's attention.

"I know this seems odd," Holodoc begins, "but I thought that this was important since it may effect everyone onboard the Callisto. While I was giving Ensign Eirikhr his physical for his flight statis I noticed a few readings that didn't appear to be within normal perameters. The readings that I got indicates that it appears that Ensign Eirikhr has done some sort of time shift. If I am reading some of the scans correctly it appears that Ensign Eirikhr may even be from a different time line. I am unable to determine yet if he is from a future time line, a time line in our past, or even an alternate time line here in the present. I thought that Ensign Eirikhr should exlpain things himself & he should explain it to the you the Senior Officers since you would be the one's to ultimately decided how this situation will be handled." Holodoc grew quiet to see who would speak first about what she had just said.

* * *

Brie

What Holodoc had just said made no sense at all to Brie. She knew that there were things in the unviserse that she couldn't explain and that Ensign Erikihr had arrived under very unsual circumstances, but an alternate time line? There had to be a different explanation.

What if he was some type of plant from the Cylons? Their latest technology was unknown. Maybe they had come up with something that would change the scanners. Or maybe he had been chemically altered. She tried from her seat to look at his eyes. They didn't look red or glazed over.

Brie's thoughts turned to the upcoming mission. Erikihr was assigned with Amy. Should she take him off the mission? Tough question. If he WAS a spy for the Cylons, this might be a good way to find out. She raised her hand. "Lt. Holodoc, in your professional opinion, would this keep him from performing his duties as a viper pilot?"

* * *

Holodoc2000

"To be honest Major," Holodoc begins, "I don't know. From what I can tell so far from the readings there shouldn't be a problem with Ensign Erikihr being able to perform his duties as a viper pilot, but I would suggest maybe someone running him through the Viper Simulator just to be on the safe side. Then after that I or one of the others in MedLab can do another check to see if there are any adverse effects. I know all this seems strange, but I would rather be overly cautious on this rather than have anyone unnecessarily injured while out on a mission."

Holodoc grew quiet again to let what she just said sink in & also to see if there were any other questions that might be directed her way.

* * *

Cmdrcain

Sitting next to Brie I whisper...Maybe when I grow up I can be a Major too!..ha ha. Brie took her eyes off the quiet Ensign enough to say..Yes, you're right Cain "When you grow up". I guess I had that coming. :-\ Brie turned to look at him again, I asked "Is there something wrong?" Brie:"Huh? No, no."

* * *

CommanderEirikhr

From Ensign Eirikhr:
The waiting is what bothered Ensign Eirikhr, he had done all he could to try to indicated he was not some Cylon Human-Clone. He had given up his weapon lazer pistol, he had told Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc all that he knew but she had rather laggingly failed to tell the Senior Officers what he had told her, was dead Lord God Of Kobol Commander Adama wrong? Commander Adama had told him when he was 12 years old that Commander Sheba was the right person whom would understand this situation, perhaps the only one! Even his new commanding officer, Captain Brie of Battlestar Callisto Gold Squadron, was looking at him as if he were from another galaxy and not as friendly as she had been before. This gave him much pause, he was getting abit nervious as well, why wasn't Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc speaking up for him now and fielding more of the Senior Officers's questions and why was she indicating that Ensign Eirikhr should be supervised when he was to take more training. Did they think of him as some kind of Cylon Explosive device? ****Ensign Eirikhr clears his throat in the hopes that Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc will hear him and understand his frustration.

* * *

Holodoc2000

Holodoc had just finished answering Major Brie's question & waiting to see if there were any other questions when she hears Ensign Eirikhr clear his throat some. She looks towards him & notices that he is somewhat frustrated that she has yet to reveal what he had told her down in MedLab.

Holodoc turns back towards the Senior Officers & begins speaking again. "There are a couple other things that Ensign Eirikhr has revealed to me during his physical, that I don't fully understand myself, but maybe someone here will understand what it all means & know what to do with the information. In one time line Ensign Eirikhr is Commander of the Battlestar Galactica II & in that time line they have already found Earth, & in another time line he is Captain Troy's actual son. Here in our time though he is a new Ensign coming onboard the Callisto. I have yet to figure out which time line he should be in at the moment & thought that he should tell more about himself & where he actually come from & when he did explain things in more detail I thought it would be best that you, the Senior Officers, be present for this."

Holodoc then turns back towards Ensign Eirikhr & asks him to tell everyone more about himself & where it is that he actually comes from.

[LucianG]

CommanderEirikhr

From Ensign Eirikhr:
***Ensign Eirikhr takes a deep breath then for a second composes his thoughts on the matter being discussed in the War Room of The Battlestar Callisto, he rises and thanks Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc for speaking up for him***, "I know that many of you might prefer it if I were some Cylon Human-Clone with some self-destruct mechanism." Ensign Eirikhr says carefully, "But since Lt. Holodoc gave me permission to speak to this assembly of some of the Finest officers in the Rag-Tag Fleet of two Battlestars that may be the salvation of Man Kind, I thought it was important to give you as much background I can.

First of all, I feel that I should point out that I willingly gave my lazer pistol to Lt. Head Nurse Holodoc as a sign of faith that I was acting in the finest decorium of a Colonial Warrior that I know how to be, I learned this from My older Brother Captain Troy/My Father Commander Troy. Yes in a future timeline he will command the Battlestar Galactica, unfortunately Commander Apollo will disappear, his father Commander Adama is dead these many years and I got a chance to meet him in the Lord Gods Of Kobol dimention when I was 12 Yahrens old, better yet in that visitation Commander Adama told me that he was now an Lord God Of Kobol. A few minutes after this I was in my own bedroom quarters of Captain Troy and he walked into my room and told me that Commander Adama had died, that was the alternate universe where Captain Troy was my father.

This experience was no accident, in an alternate universe Strike Commander of Blue Squadron of the Battlestar Galactica, Captain Apollo will be killed by an being called "Diabolis Prince Of Darkness", Apollo will be taken from an planet where he died by the Alternate Lt. Sheba, the Commander Sheba that is sitting before us right now and Lt. Starbuck whom was with her and Apollo at the time and taken aboard a shuttlecraft and they all will be taken aboard the Lord Gods Of Kobol Interdimentional Spacecraft. Captain Apollo will be revived because of the love of Lt. Starbuck,Lt. Sheba, and the Lord Gods Of Kobol.

They will be given the exact coordinants of The Thirteenth Colony Of Earth and will eventually find Earth, Prince Diabolis will be eventually defeated, as crazy as it sounds, Diabolis invented the Cylon Imperious Leader IL series and the Cylon Centurions Cyberotics that have given Us Capricans so much trouble. How do I know all this because Dead Commander Adama told me that Commander Sheba would understand me on this particular item and the fact that I am aboard the Battlestar Callisto mysteriously, am I an Lord God Of Kobol, the answer is absolutely not!

In an alternate universe, some 120 Yahrens in the future I may be the Commander of The Flagship Battlestar Galactica II, we will be defending the New Twelve Colonies Inter-Galactic Federation against the whole Cylon Empire. Why you ask, because Lt. Starbuck did not die deep in Space in his Viperfightercraft in an engagement with the Cylons. He crashlanded on a deserted planet he named "Planet Starbuck", the planet was completely deserted, except for a crashed Cylon Raider that Starbuck had shot down. From 2 deactivated Cylons, Starbuck repaired one he called "Cy The Cylon", slowly Starbuck and the Cylon Cy became friends and helped each other survive on this planet.
Cy was cut off from the Cylon Mainframe and Starbuck was his only companion, Cy sensed that Starbuck need female companionship and heroically marched off and mysteriously found an young woman humanoid female called "Angelanon" in an cave sick from exposiure and she was pregnant, nothing must do so Cy took Angelanon to the shack that he and Starbuck had built, you see Starbuck and Angelanon was now Cy's family, Starbuck an younger brother, Angelanon the mother expectant with child.

Unfortunately Angelanon was an being that was one of the Lord Gods Of Kobol that had done an indescretion with some other Lord God Of Kobol, she had to flee knowing that she was pregnant, some other Lord Gods Of Kobol helped her but were persuied by the group headed by Prince Diabolis Prince Of Darkness.

Starbuck and Cy helped Angelanon deliver an humanoid baby boy, Angelanon died, Cy and Starbuck had already built an 2 person rescue-craft and place the baby Zeeanon in that craft and launched it on course for the Battlestar Galactica. Starbuck and Cy knew that the Cylons might track Cy's Raider Fightercraft, Angelanon had said as much before she died. A Cylon Raider did land after an Centon and Cy defended Starbuck but was killed as he shot 3 Cylon Centurion Cyberotics.

Starbuck reprogrammed the Cylon Raider and sometime later flew away from the Planet Starbuck, after many adventures he would find the Battlestar Galactica and the Rag-Tag Fleet.

Senior Officers, Cy The Cylon had an secret name of "Rothallious", after a few Yahrens and rebellious Cyborgist, called "Thoronallus" whom was totally against the Cyberotic Imperious Leaders would come to Planet Starbuck and read Rothallious's damaged memory banks, he would learn that Cylons and Capricans could live in peace, if the Cyberotics were defeated completely then Prince Diabolis would be powerless, in the alternate universe where I am Commander of The Battlestar Galactica II, Thoronallus comes to me secretly and asks me to allow him to appear before the New Council Of The Twelve Inter-Galactic Federation to speak to them about the Cyborgists joining in alliance with the Colonials to defeat the Cyberotics.......and have a peaceful new coexistance between the Capricans and the Cylon Serpents.

Any questions anyone.......I now give the Floor to you whom may want to question me."

* * *

LucianG

The people in the room sat in stunned silence when Ensign Eirikhr had finished his story. It was interrupted when Science Officer Solon said, "Wow! That was a humdinger of a story, son." He'd entered the room late, but he had heard Eirikhr's tale in its entirety. “Sorry I’m late, Commander,” he said with his voice cracking slightly. “That disk drive’s giving us a world of information. Too bad we’re getting it about 130 yahrens too late.”

“Thank you for joining us, Solon,” said Commander Sheba. “In short, we have a new Ensign aboard our ship who tells a fantastic tale of an alternate time and place not connected to our own except through the strangeness of fate. The problem is, he only recently arrived from—was it the Galactica or did you call it the Galactica II, Ensign?—while we were in this current jump. Of course, there is no record of any arrivals during the jump, and to make matters even more complex, he claims to be from either the future or from an alternate timeline."

"Yes, Commander, I gathered as much. Sure is a strange tale, but Ensign, you turning into a Cylon clone thinger-ma-jigger is not what would be good for anybody about now, so unless that's what you really are, which I doubt, put that little scenario out of your mind. CureMode, let's parley while they're asking any questions they might have."

The questions for Holodoc and Eirikhr continued for some time. Solon and CureMode slipped to the rear of the room to debate the scientific possibilities, pausing periodically to ask a question, and occasionally asking follow-ups to those posed by the others. Eirikhr was obviously concerned that his story was being greeted with some degree of skepticism, but as the centons turned passed the centar mark, Commander Sheba finally asked, “CureMode, Solon, do you have any insight into this situation?”

CureMode smiled as he said, “Solon’s going to take this one. Sir.”

“We know that there is a scientific possibility that—”

Solon rose from his seat, and as he spoke, he started drawing a series of overlapping circles on the board. Some barely touched, but others were offset only slightly. Then, he drew a side view, showing how they could be offset.vertically as well as horizontally. He began a very simplified analogy that showed how parallel universes could exist. He concluded with a statement that Eirikhr’s story was entirely possible.

“Solon, all of that is well and good, but is there any proof about any of this?” asked a skeptical Lieutenant Colonel Charybdis.

“No, Colonel,” croaked Solon. “There’s absolutely no proof whatsoever. Our current scientific understanding will have to be advanced a long way before we’ll ever be able to prove it one way or the other; however, chances are, the young man himself would be the best proof of all. Let’s do a DNA check. If he’s who he says, and assuming the parallelities aren’t too far apart and aren’t too skewed, his DNA will probably be similar to that of our universe’s Troy. Of course, they could be completely different, or I could be entirely wrong about the whole theory.”

“Nurse Holodoc, how long will it take you to do the test?” asked Sheba.

“Just a couple of centons, Commander. I’ll have Lorna, our Medical Clerk set things up now. I will take Eirikhr back to the Med Lab for the test. I will send the results as soon as they are available.”

“Very good, Nurse Holodoc. A security team will escort you, and will return Ensign Eirikhr to us after you have taken the sample. Let us know the results as soon as possible.”

They left the room, and the conversation continued. Finally, when the results arrived a few centons after Ensign Eirikhr’s return, Commander Sheba said to the others, “I see a young man who appears to exist aboard our vessel under very unusual circumstances. The test result was inconclusive, but there were distinct similarities. Since it is getting so late, and since we are coming out of this jump early in First Shift, unless Colonel Charybdis or Major Brie have further concerns, I propose that we welcome our newest Ensign, accept the unusual circumstances for what they are, and ask our Science Department to continue to research this, in case he ever decides to go home. Colonel, Major, Ensign? Do any of you have anything to add? If not, Ensign Eirikhr had best sprint to Alpha Bay Flight Ready Room. Major Lucian reported that the joint briefing for Black and Gold Squadrons was starting a few centons ago.”

She paused briefly, to see if anyone had anything else to say before she turned to other pressing matters.

* * *

MedievalSong

Lt Kris got her orders and headed to go get ready. ****
I sat there and threw my work out gear in my locker as I pulled out my Flight gear. I grumbled, still obviously disgruntled over the whole obstical course and that "bulldog" that was running it.
"One of these days....geez time never works out for me and Nat. What is he going to think this time? I don't want him to think I am purposely trying to avoid him. Oh man, this is so hard." I sat down and started to write a message to Nat. I heard someone come in and I looked up.
"Do you always talk to yourself, Kris?" Kellyn asked smiling. I laughed, she had heard me going thru my rant.
"Only when I get told I am going on duty. Nah just a lot on my mind I guess. You going too huh?" She nodded.
"So did you really shoot the target in the uh ..." I stopped her as I turned red.
"Yeah I did!" We both busted up laughing.
"On purpose?"
"Nope, I just prayed to the Lords of Kobol that I atleast hit it somewhere. I still couldn't see it very well."
"So what else is on your mind Kris?" I sat down and looked at my note I was working on.
"What else is normally on my mind... Nat."