CHAPTER 10—ANCIENT ENMITY

[LucianG]

LucianG

Several centars later, as the end of Second Shift approached once more, Captain Urdea arose from his bed feeling refreshed, but still feeling as if the weight of the human race was bearing down upon him. He’d talked to his investigating team at 10:00 as planned, but so far there was little additional news, so he decided to get about 4 centars of sleep. He did a twenty centon exercise routine, then hit the turbowash. After shaving, he dressed and journeyed to the Mess Hall for a quick breakfast. Sergeant Whitcher showed up a few centons later, with a thick file in his hands. As the men sat at the table eating, Whitcher began to give an update of the current situation.

“First, things seem to be relatively calm. Lieutenant Najinn is, to the best of our knowledge, still in the MedLab. Lieutenant Amy slept through the night, somewhat fitfully, but Doc said that’s not surprising, considering that she is still in critical condition. Doc’s hoping to upgrade her status later today. So far, she doesn’t appear to remember anything.”

“That, I suspect, is supposition on your part, Whitcher, since it is highly doubtful that she’s talked to anyone on our investigating team, right?”

“Well…yes, Sir. As far as we know, she hasn’t told anyone anything. She’s had short periods of wakefulness, only to slip back to sleep as quickly as she slipped out. Doc said this is to be expected for a while. Something about the body’s method of dealing with pain. Of course, I suspect she’s on enough pain killer right now that she really shouldn’t need any help,” Whitcher laughed.

“Okay,” Urdea said, “send word to Captain Brie. Tell her that I’m requesting that Najinn continue to be confined to the MedLab for a while. Have her tell Doc to run some tests or something on him. If they can’t find anything else, make him take that first aid/CPR course Doc’s been planning to offer. I don’t want him leaving that place. I want two guards outside 16 centars every cycle. I don’t want one centon to go by without two officers being there to guard that place.”

“You think he’s going to try something, or maybe, someone’s going to try to go in to get him?” Whitcher asked.

“Not really. I’m using the cover 'rowdy-boy' has given us to protect Lieutenant Amy. Without it being too obvious that that’s what we’re doing. Someone’s already tried to kill her once—”

“You mean you don’t think she set the bomb? That info that Proteus and I looked through in the records looks pretty damaging to her case, although Proteus said it was possible that some of it had been changed in comparison to the backup. He’s still got to do an in-depth check.”

“No, Sergeant. I am fairly confident that Lieutenant Amy is not a saboteur. We’ll see where the evidence takes us, but I’m as certain as one can be without having the proof. Speaking of which, has there been any word from Solon with those samples we took him?”

Whitcher laughed again. “Sir, Solon will report to the Science Office in about fifty centons. He’ll start working on those samples then, if someone hasn’t switched them during the night shift.”

There was a slight hint of a smile on Urdea’s face as he instructed Whitcher to contact Solon. He wanted an update as soon as he arrived at the Science Office. When Whitcher returned to the table a couple of centons later, he asked, “How did you know he would still be there? The guy’s what, close to 100 yahrens? He must have been up the whole shift, but he said stop by. He’s got, quote, ‘questions and answers.’ It was a really bad calm link, though. It was sort of hard to hear him. There was a lot of clicking on the line.”

"Sergeant, get there quickly," Urdea commanded, handing over his laser pistol and holster to a startled Whitcher. "Don't let anyone get close to him until I get there. I suspect that he may be in grave danger. I'll be there as quickly as I can after I contact someone. Go! Now! Hurry! I'll talk to the Captain Brie."

He tried to contact Brie a few moments later, but she was temporarily unavailable, so he sent her a short message. With so many balls in the air, he was starting to worry that some of the important ones were going to come crashing down.

Brie

Brie received the following message:

Captain Brie:

I am concerned for safety of our friend in the MedLab. The guards outside the MedLab will accompany Lt. Najinn when the three of us visit the Commander later this morning to discuss the situation. Our appointment is at 02:00. He should return by no later than 03:00 unless Commander Sheba has other ideas. If I am not mistaken, didn't you mention something about several of your Gold Squadron Warriors wanting to visit Lt. Amy? This might be a very good time for such a visit while the MedLab is nice and quiet. I'm sure Doc BKJ won't give them any grief about there being so many armed Warriors in the MedLab at one time!

Will speak with you later.

Regards,
Captain Urdea


Brie went to find as many Gold Squadron members as possible. It looked like Amy was going to have a lot of visitors!

Brie

As she looked for members of Gold Squadron, Brie decided that she would give them as little information as possible. Things were out of hand enough already, the war was supposed to be against the Cylons, not each other. She came up with the idea of throwing Amy a surprise party. She knew that Amy probably wasn't up to it, but it would be a good reason that so many warriors were in one place. She hated all of this, and was going to have to figure out a way to make it up to the medical staff. They had been wonderful.

Since Lt. Skyler was currently assigned to Land Ram repair, she decided to start with him. It was a part of the Callisto that Brie was almost totally unfamiliar with. Fortunately, Skyler saw her as she approached.

"What is it, is Mara alright?" he asked, totally ignoring protocol.

"She's fine, Skyler," Brie said. "We're having a surprise party today, for Amy, and I want you to be there."

Skyler sounded surprised himself. "A surprise party?"

"To show her that we're behind her," Brie explained. "This is for Gold Squadron ears only. You can pass the word to any other squadron members that you see, but no one else. I want it to remain top secret. Do you understand?" Skyler nodded, although he didn't really understand. What was the big deal about a party? "Meet at the med lab at 01:30. Oh, and Lieutenant, full combat uniform. No civies. And I mean FULL uniform."

"Yes ma'am," Skyler said.

Brie hoped that Skyler realized what she meant by full uniform. She went to find Ensign Kiwi. He still had a few centars left until he was back on duty, but she didn't care. This was an emergency.

Brie

Brie tried to continue to spread the word to Gold Squadron members about the "surprise party" that she was throwing for Amy. She was able to find quite a few. Kiwi didn't seem too happy about giving up some of his time off, but he would be there. Cain, Ben, Tracy, Boomerang, each promised to spread the word. Brie told everyone two things; tell Gold Squadron members only, and wear full combat uniform. As she continued to look for more members of her squadron, Brie decided to check the mess hall. Not only might she find some more warriors, but she needed to arrange for some food and non-alcoholic beverages to be sent to the med lab. It had to at least LOOK like a party.

LucianG

"Yeah, he told somebody that they were takin' that Warrior cowboy to the bridge to meet with Commander Sheba this morning in less than a centar. They'll be escortin' him with the Capt'n. Shouldn't be anyone in the MedLab 'bout then 'cept maybe the Med folks, and with a properly staged emergency...think we should take this to the Boss?"

"Naah. Let's handle this ourselves. Get one of the guys to stage a major accident for Scuzzy. Get someone we can trust, and let's make it a fatal 'accident' if you get my drift. Wait, let's use a Warrior's knife for it! That'll clear the MedLab, will make it look like they've got it in for us, and it'll make it easy for us to get in there. We'll flip on the oxygen and with a minor spark it should flare and flashflame the entire MedLab IF the fire system is down."

"I can get somebody to take care of that. With a fumarello in the right bin, that place will go up like a solenite charge! But wait, you sure we shouldn't take this to the Boss?"

"Listen, Modo. She broke your fingers. She killed Adrian, and you know that the Boss would love to be rid of her before she tells anyone anything. If it's going to happen, we're going to have to do it. We don't have time to get back to the Boss and still pull it off.

"Hey, I've got another idea! If we put the fumarello in her hand, it could be like she was going to take a smoke when it went. Let's get on this. We don't have much time!"

The two renegade Black Shirts went their separate ways, planning to meet again within the centar to take care of the little problem that threatened to once again blossom in the MedLab.

[LucianG]

MaraJadeJedi

Mara had heard there was a party for Amy from the Gold and since she was Gold she wanted to go.
So she looked at Holodoc and begged.
"PLEASE??!! Come on I promise not to over do it! And Skyler will keep an eye on me!!! Please let me out for a bit??!!!"

LucianG

"Full Combat Uniform", Skyler mumbled, "No Civvies?"

I haven't put on Civvies since, since, since, frack, the day I enlisted. I doubt they still fit! What was she up too? I bet it is something to do with the Black Shirts. Had to be. Brie knew he didn't go anywhere without being in Uniform, or unarmed. Was she expecting trouble? Had to be. Skyler told Grubber, that they were doing great work, and that he had to leave for a few Centons. If you need anything, call me on the intercom. Gruber told him it was fine, that they had it under control.

Skyler stopped by his old Infantry Sgt's Room. He was reading over some Land Ram Manual as always.

"Hey Sarge, I need to borrow some stuff if you have it."

Skyler told Sarge what he needed, and the Sarge just grinned.

"Yep Skyler, I have several extras if you need it. You know I keep extras around anyway."

The Sgt turned and dug into a wall locker, and piled up the items on a near by table. The Sgt then unlocked a door and pulled out a long zippered bag. "Take care of her, ok?" Thanking the Sgt again, Skyler scooped up the stuff and went back to his barracks. He would have time to change and get to the med lab to spare.

Skyler finished getting ready and went to the Med Lab.
He bumped into Brie in the Corridor. She almost busted out laughing. Skyler wore 2 blasters, one on each hip, with extra recharge for each, he had on an Infantry Body Armor vest, a combat helmet under one arm, and a blaster rifle slung over his shoulder. He looked ready to board a basestar.

"Did I misunderstand you coded message?"

"No, I think you truly got the FULL COMBAT DRESS down. If we have any trouble you should be ready for it."

As she turned to enter the door she saw another pouch attached to his belt, along with a big combat knife.

"Do I even want to know what is in that pouch?"

Smiling like a kid at his novayarhen party, he answered. "Just a couple of grenades, didn't know what you were expecting."

Brie just sighed and entered the Med Lab.....

Holodoc2000

Holodoc couldn't help but laugh & smile at the same time when MaraJade started begging her to let her go to the party that was being arranged for Amy.

Holodoc felt that this little party had to be Brie's doing & that there were going to be a lot of Gold Squadron Warriors roaming around MedLab for awhile.

Mara, I have a feeling that the party that is being arranged is going to be taking place here in MedLab & that Brie is the one that has arranged this little gathering. I have a feeling that she is doing it for a reason but don't know what it is just yet.

I am sure that Lt Skyler will be looking after you very closely since the two of you are to be Sealed sometime in the near future.

I am willing to let you join in on some of the fun, but you will have to take it easy. The moment that the Doctor, Jarrynn, or myself see that you are over doing it any or see's that it is wearing you out some you will be going back to your bunk here in MedLab to get some rest.

MaraJadeJedi

MaraJade sat up as she heard that Skyler was coming. Mara knew she didn't look her best and almost hated him seeing her like this. Still to know that there is a party here in the sickbay made her question what was going on but she shrugged anything to see Skyler again and a chance to see Amy.
Holodoc reminded her that they are getting sealed and that brought a huge smile to Mara. She couldn't wait to see her Skyler. She loved him and hated not being able to sneak up on him and take him off guard like she used to. She hoped one day soon she will be able to get back out there soon, but she knew it was going to be a bit. Remind me never to crash again if I can help it if I can she thought. Leaning back and thinking and hoping to see Skyler soon!

LucianG

Urdea arrived at the Science Office a short time later to find Sergeant Whitcher engaged in an animated discussion with Science Officer Solon. Urdea stood back to listen, but also to make sure no one else approached any closer without his knowledge.

“But you said there was no trace of radioactivity, so it had to have been conventional,” Whitcher said.

“Yes, I did say no radioactivity, Sergeant,” the elderly man replied, “What you’ve got is an unknown explosive with some interesting and potentially powerful properties. The samples I’ve examined have contained very little explosive residue, and what little I found appears to have been a solenite derivative. Based on such tiny amounts of residue, one of two things must have happened when that explosion occurred. In case one, you’ve got a traditional type explosive that’s very volatile. You’ve got a lot of it, but it basically cooks off any residue in the blast process or in the resulting fire. In case two, you’ve got an explosive that is very highly efficient. In fact, it would probably be triggered by a secondary explosive rather than by some type of blasting cap.”

“Solon, I appreciate the info, but do you know what this is or not?” Whitcher asked impatiently.

“Sergeant, one of the problems with youth today is that all of you folks are so damned impatient. I remember when I was a child, my dad would make me wait what seemed like interminable days sometimes if I showed signs of impatience. If nothing else, doing something like that a few times when you want something so badly will quickly teach you the importance of—”

“Solon, PLEASE! We can debate this later! For now, what can you tell me that can let us push our investigation along?” the Security Officer asked.

Solon eyed the impatient Officer intently, sizing him up, as if wondering if he should launch into another soliloquy. A smile came across his lined face as he saw Urdea step into the space. “Sergeant, you can thank the Captain for saving you a real ear full. Let’s get down to it, shall we? Based on the samples you and the Doc provided, and the information you gathered at the site, I suspect we are looking at a two part explosive, highly efficient, of an unknown design. The trigger is solenite, but the primary explosive is much more powerful. It could be some type of tylium plasma. I did some research and found that the Borellians were experimenting with that stuff prior to the Exodus, but it was never successful.”

Whitcher laughed. “I remember that! They were trying to upgrade one of their laser bole weapons. That experiment wasn’t successful because every time they got ready to sling one of those things, it’d explode spontaneously and blow the arm, and sometimes head, off the slinger. They abandoned that research, as did the Colonial Military due to its danger. BOOM! Boom boom!”

Urdea smiled at the enthusiasm of his younger aide. “Sergeant, if my memory is correct, we actually have three Borellians aboard the Callisto. Get me copies of their files. We may talk to them and see if they can help us out.”

“Yes Sir,” Whitcher replied. He handed the belt, holster, and laser pistol to Urdea, thanked him, then headed toward the Security Office.

“Now, my friend, what do you want to tell me that you didn’t want to tell my young aide?” Urdea asked.

“Funny you should ask,” Solon said with a chuckle. “Let’s see….”

A few centons later, Captain Urdea thanked Solon for his efforts, and headed to the Science Office. He contacted Lieutenant Proteus asking him to check out a laser pistol, find Sergeant Leucia, and get to the vicinity of the MedLab to watch for suspicious people. They were instructed to stay hidden. Urdea began his walk to the MedLab to collect Lieutenant Najinn and Captain Brie for their little chat with Commander Sheba.

* * *

Another Silver Spar Squadron patrol had launched sometime before. The Vipers of the Black Squadron Flight settled on the deck of Landing Bay Beta. As the tired pilots emerged from their ships, they were met by Lieutenant BatGal, who led them to their debriefing.

"Great job everyone! And a very good landing!" she said. There was a relatively long series of questions and answers, which the Flight Officer dutifully recorded. At the end of the session, BatGal concluded, "Now, hit the turbowashes and get some rest. The Major has posted new assignments, and you guys are scheduled for on the long range patrol tomorrow with some others. You are off for the rest of this cycle, so make the most of it! If there is nothing else," she paused, "then you are dismissed. Go Black Squadron!"

When the group emerged from the debriefing, the laughing and bantering suddenly stopped. Those in front stepped to the side, and moved around so Ensign Kris could see. Lt. Nat stood directly in front of her, holding a relatively small, but pretty flower. As he held it out to her, he said, with disappointment obvious in his voice, "I'm sorry it's so small, but it's the best I could grow under the circumstances...."

[LucianG]

MedievalSong

When the group emerged from the debriefing, the laughing and bantering suddenly stopped. Those in front stepped to the side, and moved around so Ensign Kris could see. Lt. Nat stood directly in front of her, holding a relatively small, but pretty flower. As he held it out to her, he said, with disappointment obvious in his voice, "I'm sorry it's so small, but it's the best I could grow under the circumstances...."

* * *

I stood there just staring at the flower and then up at him. I could tell he really wanted to surprise me and that he did. I loved the flower! Still just speechless and as I walked closer to him my smile got bigger! Upon reaching him I just take the flower and look into his eyes. Taking a smell of it and just beaming, I took his hand.
"Oh Nat, it is perfect! I love it! Thank you." Giving him a hug and then jumping back.
"Sorry, forgot I sorta need a trip to the turbowash." Now it was my turn to feel a bit uncomfortable. I wanted to hug him and give him a kiss, but after coming out of the viper, I am sure I don't smell anything like this wonderful flower he gave me.
"So what's a girl gotta do to get an escort to her barracks around here?" I teased. He just smiled and took my hand as we walked to the barracks. I told him all about the patrol and he told me about what happened on the ship and how they found Amy. I felt better having him walk with me in the halls after hearing that. Stopping outside the door, we paused. I wanted to kiss him but I know that I probably need that turbowash before I could get that.
"How about dinner? Have you eaten yet? If not I will meet you there unless you want to wait in the hall but I won't make you." I hoped this time I would get a dinner with him and some time alone, but we just keep hitting bad luck. Maybe, looking at the pretty flower, our luck is changing.

LucianG

"It will be breakfast for me," he said, "but I'd love to join you in the O-Club, in what, 30 centons? I'm sure you'll need some sleep soon, too."

Resonat started to kiss her goodbye, but seeing her hesitate and completely misunderstanding the reason, he "knew" she'd caught him. "I'm sorry. You know. I didn't really 'raise' the flower from scratch. I got Raculla in Hydroponics to swap me a seedling about a secton ago for a "lesson" in the Viper Sim. The man can't "fly" worth anything, but he's been begging for the last two yahrens, so I figured it would be a good swap. He said if I took care of it right and fed it the way he showed me, it would flower in six to eight cycles. It would have been at least another two cycles before I could have given it to you if I'd started from scratch, and I didn't want to wait that long. I'm sorry I tried to fool you. I hope you'll forgive me." He turned to walk away, knowing that she'd seen right through his little gesture, which originally had seemed so sweet and nice, but now weighed guiltily at him like an iron asteroid hung about his neck. Hopefully, she would show up at breakfast/dinner in 0.3 centars as they'd agreed.

MedievalSong

While in the turbowash I was baffled by his blunt confession. Wow! He did all that for the flower?? Smiling to myself as I knew that that meant he really cared I tried to hurry up but to look as presentable as I could to him. I wore my hair down for him this time plus it would take extra time to put it up. I practically ran to the mess hall but stopping outside it to see if I could see him! Seeing him off in the corner I grab my food and head over to him. Seeing me, Nat stood like the gentleman that he is. I put the tray down and gave him one big hug and a brief kiss. Just smiling from ear to ear I couldn't help it.
"Nat, as for the flower, I love it! I don't care that you got it from someone by giving flying lessons! To me knowing that makes it that much more sweeter! As for hesitating earlier, it was cuz I didn't want you be that close to me when I know that a trip was much needed to the turbowashes. I just want to know that when you hold me I don't make your nose crinkle! *giggle* But I love the flower!!!! And I love the fact you went thru so much trouble to do it for me! Now will you relax?" I just smiled at him and hoped he would see that this was genuine!

Amy81

I was feeling pretty good today! After the docs had finished checking me over, I was able to have the oxygen removed. I breathed in deeply, and it felt great not to have that fracking mask over my face. I was in pretty good spirits, and the doc just smiled incredilously at me over the progress I had made.

With their help I was eased into a sitting up position. I was starved like crazy, and a big breakfast was brought in for me. I was kept from wolfing it down by the doc, but I still made pretty short work of the meal. Dispite my protests, I was kept from having a capri-cino. It was just too rich for me at this time. It was a good sign that I wanted one though. My huge appetite made the doc feel really optomistic about my chances at a full recovery. In compromise doc had a weak coffee brought in. It tasted great!

Doc told me that security wanted to discuss what had happened to me, and I frowned. I figured it was coming sooner or later. I had a lot of what happened pieced back together, but I wasn't sure how much I could speak freely about. That Adrian had saved me, that much was certain. But the rest... I'd have to be careful in what I said.

Doc explained that security had wanted to come sooner, but that she had held them off while I got my strength back. At this point though, she could see no reason to hold it back any longer.

I asked doc a real important question. "Doc, when can I get out of bed and go to the bathroom?" I wasn't real comfortable with the tubes and other arrangements that allowed me to stay in bed this long. Doc just laughed: Maybe today we'll try to get you standing. "How about a shower" I asked? Don't rush it was the reply. I wouldn't be able to get my stitches wet. "Then remove 'em" I joked. Doc just laughed and walked away.

After a micron, she peeked her head back into my room. She let me know that some visitors might be on the way in a while. Hmmm, I thought. I'd already had a few, so what's the big deal? No big deal, she replied. I suddenly thought maybe it WAS a big deal! "Hey doc" I asked, "what are the chances I could get a comb and a mirror?" After a pause, I added, "and maybe some mouthwash?"

Brie

Thinking back, Brie wished that she had made it an engagement party for Mara and Skyler instead of a party for Amy. She had been warned by Doc Bkj that Amy wasn't up to a lot of visitors, Amy was healing nicely but was still very weak. After explaining everything to Doc, they decided to move Amy to a room in the far back of the med lab. It was off of a larger room and there was only one door. The party would be held in the larger room, anyone after Amy would have to cross through a room full of warriors. Brie had clued a few people in on what was happening. She told Lt. Cain to make sure that there were at least two warriors with Amy at all times, and someone else always standing right outside the door.

While setting up, Najinn approached Brie. She wondered if he knew about the psychological testing that had been ordered. She was prepared to explain, but he had other things on his mind. "I'm worried about leaving Amy."

"I've got it covered," Brie told him. "Don't tell Amy, but we're throwing her a surprise party. Almost all of Gold Squadron will be there. Amy will be fine."

"Will you be there?" Najinn asked.

"I would," Brie said, "but Captain Urdea has asked me to attend your meeting with Commander Sheba. But Amy will be well protected. I'm also trying to talk Doc into letting me have someone stationed outside of Amy's room at all times, even after the 'party' is over. I'm not going to let Amy get hurt again. You've just got to trust me."

Najinn nodded. He still didn't like leaving Amy's side, but he felt a little bit better.

Amy81

Doc and a couple of aides came in to check me over again. I was going to have to give up my room, and move to one in the back of medlab. That bummed me. The room I had was nice, for anyone coming or going from medlab had to pass right by me. It was fun calling out to people for a quick hello.

At last the tubes, and other assorted attachments that I could only guess at the function of, were removed. I was really on my way now. It felt great not to have such restrictions on every movement I made. Doc came in with a wheel chair, and I figured this was a great time to be a pain.

"I want to walk, doc" I said assertively. Doc looked up like she expected just that from me. She was about to say something, but held back. Do you think you feel strong enough, she asked me. I replied that I thought so.

With the aides help, I shifted to the side of the bed, and slowly lowered my feet to the floor. Carefully I shifted my weight off of the bed, and onto my feet. My legs felt stiff, like they were made of rock, but I steadied myself, and wriggled free of my helpful assistants. I smiled at doc. Amazing how the simple things can mean so much after you've lost them for a time.

[LucianG]

Amy

Okay, doc said, try a step or two, but easy. I shuffled forward, my hands outstretched as if I were walking a tightrope. The aides hovered near, ready to catch me, but I was determined to do this. Unfortunately my legs were more determined to buckle. I began to sag, and the aides grabbed me, aiming me toward the wheelchair doc was moving into position.

"Frack", I said aloud in quite an un-ladylike manner.

There, said doc, is it out of your system? I knew you wouldn't listen. You had to find out for yourself exactly where your recovery was at.

As I was wheeled to my new room, I listened to doc. She told me that my recovery was impressive, but that I couldn't rush things. Perhaps tomorrow I'd have the energy to take a few steps, but today, no matter how good I felt, I just wasn't there yet. She asked me if I'd like anything as we entered my room.

"Yeah, doc", I said. I had gotten a good look at myself in the mirror before, and I needed much more than a comb. My face was blotchy from several bruises, and my one eye had a pretty good shiner going. "In my locker at Gold barracks is my duffle bag- it has all my stuff. Could somebody get it for me? I'm tired of looking like something a daggit dragged in!"

Expatkiwi

Jarrynn and Kiwi walked into Life Station. They noticed that the doc was wheeling Amy into a private ward. They both walked up to her.
"Hi, Amy!", Jarrynn called, "How are you doing?"
Amy smiled as they both approached. She had heard that these two had a thing going. They were a well matched couple.
"The doc is not letting me get up to walk", Amy said with a pout, "But it's good to see my friends and squadron colleagues in any case". She smiled at them both.
"So, Lieutenant, is there anything we can get you?" Kiwi inquired.
"Actually, Kiwi, there is. Could you go to my locker in the ready room and fetch me my ablutions case? I want to look a little better than this when the rest of the squadron arrives".
Kiwi nodded and turned to walk out of Life Station. Just before he left, Jarrynn ran up to him.
"Remember, Kiwi", she said, "Be careful. You'll be going to Amy's locker and....." she paused, "Don't take any foolish risks, Dear Heart", she finished, with genuine concern on her face.
Kiwi nodded seriously, "That goes without saying. Booby traps, getting sniped at, or getting ambushed. One thing is for certain - whoever tried to kill Amy just made an enemy out of every warrior in the squadron".
Kiwi paused, "You'd better put a smile back on your face and help cheer up Amy and the others, after all, it's supposed to be a party!".
Jarrynn nodded. She leaned over and kissed Kiwi, "Remember we still have a date when all this is over".
Kiwi grinned, "I won't forget".
He turned and exited Life Station, heading for the Ready Room. He also made sure that the safety switch on his blaster was off..."

LucianG

At about 01:75, Captain Urdea entered the MedLab where Captain Brie stood speaking with Lieutenant Najinn. He smiled as he said “Good morning” to both Warriors. “Captain, I hope my suspicions are incorrect, but I know for a fact that this meeting with the Commander has been discussed around the ship. Whoever our bad apples are, this will probably be seen as their best chance to move on Lieutenant Amy. Thank you,” pausing to look at the Gold Squadron Warriors already gathered, “for your excellent interpretation of my note.”

Turning to Najinn, he said, “Lieutenant Najinn, in the interests of the Callisto, I hope you have carefully considered what you will say to the Commander. I am sure she does not want to participate in this any more than you. Sergeant Monahan will also be present, as the primarily damaged party to your action. I have convinced him to drop any charges, assuming of course, that you act like the true Warrior that you are. With his agreement, hopefully, Commander Sheba will be in a good mood, for your sake.”

Najinn was clearly not happy about being addressed in such a manner by Urdea, but he seemed to understand under the circumstances. He still did not trust the Security Chief, and before he left the MedLab and the vicinity of Lieutenant Amy, he was determined to register his complaint.

“Captain Urdea, you’ve talked about protecting Amy and catching the scum that did this to her, yet you’re walking out of here, and Captain Brie tells me that you’re taking your guards away as well. We’ve got over half of Gold Squadron in here for a “party” to protect Amy while you do nothing! Why—”

“No, Lieutenant. Not ‘nothing.’ I’m escorting a ‘potential public menace’ to his hearing with our commanding officer. Also, I’m working WITH Captain Brie for the good of Lieutenant Amy and for the good of this ship. Lieutenant, you see what you see with your eyes. I have to see the bigger picture with my experience and the information gathered in our investigation. Hopefully, Captain Brie and I have seen it correctly together, and we’ll be able to put this situation to rest by catching our criminals together.

“Speaking of which, Captain Brie, we should probably clear most of the front room, with the exception of a couple of hidden Warriors, to draw in our little flies, don’t you think? The deeper they get into our web, the better chance we’ll have to catch them. Oh! Look at the time! We’d better go or we’ll be late for our appointment.”

* * *

About twenty centons after they left, the MedLab received a call. Someone had discovered a wounded person in one of the machine rooms. Doc Bkj and Nurse Holodoc grabbed their mobile kits and ran from the MedLab toward the reported location.

Expatkiwi

Kiwi went to the Black Squadron Ready Room and got Amy's Ablutions kit without any problem. Making sure first by opening the locker door with a long metal rod (you never know if a booby trap or two would be around waiting to go off), then carefully checking the contents to make sure that there were no nasty surprises, Kiwi left the virtually empty Ready Room and headed back to Life Station.
Jarrynn was waiting for him to return. When he walked into reception, Jarrynn breathed a sight of relief. After a quick kiss and embrace, Kiwi handed the ablutions bag to Jarrynn so that she could check that the cosmetics weren't tampered with.
After a quick ckeck, she nodded, handed the bag back to Kiwi and he went to the room that was being prepared for the 'party'.
"Thank you, Kiwi", Amy said when Kiwi handed her the bag.
Amy then spent the next few centons freshening up her face and applying makeup to the bruised portions. The Gold Squadron Warriors who were already there putting up decorations kept a discrete distance, but not letting their guard down for a micron.....

LucianG

“He did WHAT? AGAIN?” asked Commander Sheba incredulously. “They were under strict orders to maintain communications silence except for short-range ship to ship. If there are Cylons here, they know we’re here now. Bring the ship to Full Alert. Lieutenant Hawke is on report as soon as he arrives back on the Callisto. Captain Brie is to report with him. We’re going to solve his little problem once and for all.”

“Ah…Commander. It’s 02:00 hours. Captains Brie and Urdea are reporting about the… Najinn problem,” said Major CureMode.

Commander Sheba almost stomped into her Ready Room. There were several low whistles on the bridge. Few people remembered seeing her that upset. Military protocol was suddenly front and foremost in most of the bridge officers’ minds.

Moments later, Najinn, along with Brie, Urdea, and Sergeant Monahan entered the room. The door slid shut behind them, effectively blocking out the conversation within. The two black shirted officers stood uncomfortably waiting for the group to emerge.

* * *

On hearing of the upgraded alert status, Major Lucian quickly made assignments. Two wings were assigned to standby and posted on the board:

Wing One:

Lt. ShebaApollo, Wing Leader
Lt. Osh, S.I.C.
Lt. Regis
Lt. Starwing
Lt. MacPaul
Lt. Dragonfire

Wing Two:

Lt. Merak, Wing Leader
Lt. Randrius, S.I.C.
Lt. Khandaris
Lt. Emjay
Lt. Grendyl
Lt. SDavis

The Warriors were quick to report to the Flight Ready Room. They prepared for a very quick launch, just in case they were needed.

Next, he went in search of Lt. BatGal. He’d not had a chance to talk to her for what seemed like sectons, although he knew it had been less than a full cycle. Due to other activity, he hadn’t been able to discuss the squadron realignment they’d briefly considered, and with injuries and constant patrols, it was difficult to see how it would be accomplished soon. He’d always considered her to be his closest friend on the Callisto, but now that he was Squadron Leader, it was difficult to have any close friends. Suddenly, it seemed everyone in the squadron was a pawn to be used to the best and maximum advantage against the Cylons. It was his duty to keep them alive as much and as long as possible, but he knew, he must be willing to sacrifice them if it benefited the cause enough. The thought troubled him once more, making him wonder yet again why he had ever taken such a depressing job.

“Good morning, Lieutenant,” he said upon reaching her by comm. “I hope you are doing well. Please swing by the squadron office at 02:20 for a short staff meeting. I’ll see you here.”

[LucianG]

Lucian

Just outside the MedLab, the two renegade Black Shirt Officers paused before entering the doors. Both drew short compressed air guns, and carefully loaded the center magazine of each with three short darts. The tip of each dart was coated with a bluish paste in preparation for when it pierced the human skin.

“Are you ready? Good! Now, let’s do this.”

MaraJadeJedi

Mara Jade was glad to see everyone and to see Amy is ok, but starting to feel her own pain and well she knew she over did it. She went over and asked Amy to excuse her.
"Hey Amy, glad to see you made it! Well looks like we both will be in here for a bit so I will leave you to your guests and I am heading back to my bed. I sorta over did it." Both girls laughed and Mara headed to her bed. She thought that she got Skyler's attention but wasn't sure. Slinding under the covers she turned her back to the door and went to sleep.

BatGal

Major Lucian's voice on Lt. BatGal's comm: “Good morning, Lieutenant. I hope you are doing well. Please swing by the squadron office at 02:20 for a short staff meeting. I’ll see you here.”

"I'll be there, sir." BatGal replied. She had to stop by Black Squadron quarters to pick up her laptop and to post a notice on the Communications Board, but first she wanted to say hello to Anubis in Medlab.


***


When she arrived at Medlab, she was was surprised to see so many people milling about -- apparently a party of some sort for one of the patients, but why the full combat gear? Wasn't that Kiwi over there, in uniform -- on his cycle off? And why was Amy's bed empty? Wasn't she in the room right next door to Anubis just yesterday? Had something gone wrong? Were there complications? Now she started to worry...what the FRACK was going on?

Amy81

I couldn't believe it when medlab began to fill up with people! Thanks to Kiwi and Jarynn, I didn't look as much like hell as I had just a little while ago. The make-up had done wonders, though I was aware of the bumps and bruises on my face and was a little self-conscious about them.

Marajade came in and talked to me for a little bit, but she looked pretty spent. She felt like I did- it blows to have a party when you can't tip back a couple! Medication and grog don't mix too well. After a bit, Marajade wanted to go back to her bed. After a quick hug she left. We were both happy that we seemed to both be on the mend so well.

I could see everybody outside my room. Occasionally someone popped in. Randrius hovered nearby alot, though he seemed like he was a million miles away in his thoughts. Something was definately haunting him. I wished that I could help him. I was starting to feel a bond growing with him, based I guess on our mutual misery. He was a good warrior, and I liked him.

I could not see Captain Brie, or Najinn, anywhere. This really blows! I just have to try walking again! I knew now what to expect after my first attempt, and I was determined to make it this time. I looked through the door, trying to catch doc or a nurse's attention, but couldn't see any of them. I guess there was too much confusion out there.

Flipping off the covers, I swung my legs around and dangled them toward the floor. I eased myself off the bed, trying to gently ease my weight onto my feet a little at a time. Before I knew it, I was standing!

I felt alright, so I took a step away from the bed. One, two... still standing! YES! I took another couple of steps, and I was near the door before it dawned on me that I had a stupid hospital gown on. I felt my face flush red. Nobody was going to want me mooning them! Fortunately, I could wrap the oversized gown around me, doubling it up a little. I tied it firmly, and stepped out into the party!

Amy81

I felt better and better as I mingled around the medlab. Everyone seemed pretty excited and amazed at my progress. I had been lucky, very lucky, that the wounds were not more serious. Though I knew I wasn't 100% yet, I was pretty confident of being upgraded to outpatient care status any time now.

Hmmm, still no Captain, still no Najinn. It seemed like ages since I had seen either of them, though I do vaguely remember them visiting me while I was deep in painkiller bliss. They were both good people. Great people. They were a real blessing to be around. Which is why I missed them so much right now.

I couldn't help but notice the battle gear and full dress uniforms on the people at the party. I tried several times to bring it up, but couldn't worm any straight answers about what was up with that. I shrugged it off after that. If noone wanted to say, I could deal with it.

Randrius was nearby, and a drifted his way with a smile. "Hey long face", I greeted him laughingly. He looked at me with an amazed look, like most people gave me as I mingled around.

"I can't believe you are up and around", he said with a smile, shaking his head slightly. "At least one of us is getting over what happened."

"Still bugged by that missing piece?" I asked.

"Damn straight" he replied. "I don't like it. It's not like me. It's like someone cut out a hole in my mind."

"I've got an idea", I said. With growing excitement I grabbed him by the hand and led him into my new room in the back of medlab. I sat on the bed and motioned for him to sit next to me. "You are missing a memory, correct?" He nodded. "Might have something to do with me, right?" Again he nodded.

I thought over on how to proceed. I was going to have to give him some of the details of what I remembered of what happened to me. I wasn't going to, at least not until I was properly questioned by security, but I couldn't stand by and see Randrius wrestling with this any longer without trying to help. I was still holding his hand, and neither of us seemed to mind.

"Let's try to piece things together" I said, looking him in the eye. What I remember involves fleet security."

"Black shirts" he spat out without realizing it. "Sorry" he said. "Go on".

"No", I said. "That's good. I think whatever you can't remember has to do with them. Because if it has to do with me, it has to do with them, because I was with them up until the explosion that injured me." And killed Adrian, I thought. I was still shocked by that. Why had he endangered himself to save me? I shook my head to break my train of thought.

"Question is", I added, "What is your connection to what happened to me, and why can't you remember it?"

"Damned if I know" he muttered. His face was getting that haunted look again. I tried to brighten him up.

"You said you remembered a fist hitting you. Think hard, Randrius. Can you remember where you were, what you may have been doing when you were hit?" I placed my other hand on his, and noticed a slight discoloration on the outside part of his wrist.

"How'd you get that?" I asked him.

"Get what?" he asked in return. I twisted his wrist slightly so he could see the mark I had noticed. "Looks like a small bruise, or a brush burn" I offered. "How did you get it?"

Randrius3473

He studied the mark on his arm that Amy had found, "Hmm... it almost looks like a..."
*FLASH*
He was on the floor, he felt a gag around his mouth and a rope of some kind binding him, he felt himself struggling to get free, he felt a sense of urgency...
*FLASH*
He was back in the med-lab, blinking in confusion.
"Randrius, what is it?" Amy asked.
He explained what he had seen in his brief memory flashblack.

BKJ_99

Autopsy #23467 Age 23 Sex M
Explosion

second third degree burns body surface including neck head
face back shoulders arms hands posterior surfaces lower
extremities;
meningeal carcinomatosis infiltrating leptomeninges entire
brain spinal cord third fourth ventricles along
focal brain invasion especially right cerebellum third
ventrical brain;
invasion carcinoma studding cauda equina spinal canal;
vascula invasion;
peripheral left upper lobe lung;
diverticulitis perforated abscess formation descending
sigmoid colon;
purulent peritoneal effusion;
pulmonary edema congestion;
bilateral nodular hyperplasia accessory adrenal gland
adrenals;
serosanguineous pleural effusion;
lungs right & left;
serious pericardial effusion
mild arteriolonephrosclerosis
follicular adenoma
calcified granuloma left hilum lung
chronic passive congestion liver
numerous nevi seborrheic keratosis skin chest abdomen

notes: heat from explosion caused various parts of body to
melt including bone tissue.
unknown form of (plastic substance?) found melted
and imbedded in skin. (See last entry)


Completed Autopsy by: Dr. BKJ_99

[LucianG]

LucianG

In the Commander’s Ready Room stood Captain Brie, Captain Urdea, Lieutenant Najinn, and Security Sergeant Monahan. Commander Sheba sat at her desk, looking at the paper Urdea had given her a centon before.

“Lieutenant Najinn, this is a veritable laundry list of offenses. You are charged with a variety of crimes: assault, assault with a deadly weapon, destruction of military property, destruction of private property, discharging a firearm in unapproved area aboard ship, discharging a firearm in an unapproved manner aboard ship—Captain Urdea, did you leave ANYTHING out?” Commander Sheba asked incredulously.

“Commander,” replied Urdea, “most of the witnesses said he was obviously firing the laser pistol at the locker, an attempted murder charge was not considered valid,” although he did not tell her that a few of the witnesses swore that he had been firing at someone and it was only because he was such a bad shot that he didn’t hit any of them. Urdea had seriously doubted this claim and had not even considered adding the charge.

“What do you have to say for yourself, Lieutenant?” the obviously disturbed Commander asked. She thought to herself, “And I warn you, although this is not a Tribunal, Lieutenant, this had better be really good.” And she hoped it would be.

Brie

Najinn looked up, straight at the Commander and said, "Commander, I made a…uhm…serious error in judgment. I felt that to protect Lieutenant Amy, I had to do something. I did not feel that Captain Urdea would
seriously try to find her assailants since they were some of his own men."

"That, Lieutenant, is still in question, but your point is understood," said Sheba. "Please continue."

"I handled it wrong. I'm not sorry for having done SOMETHING, though. This was the third time that Amy was attacked!"

"Captain Urdea, is that true?" Sheba asked.

"This latest incident is still under investigation," Urdea said, not looking at Najinn.

"There were two previous attacks on Amy," Brie interupted. "Lt. Col. Charybdis can attest to that, he and I have spoken about it."

"You may continue, Lieutenant," Sheba said.

"I realize that I should let Captain Urdea handle things," Najinn continued, "but with all the attacks on warriors I didn't think that I could trust him. But Captain Brie has told me that she trusts him, so I'll try to as well."

Sheba paused, waiting for more. "Is that it?" she said at last. Najinn nodded. "Well, that leaves me with the question of what I should do about you. You're lucky that you won't be ending up in the brig. But I'm NOT going to let you get off without some type of punishment. You're a good warrior, Lieutentant, but you tend to act before you think. That's going to keep getting you in trouble, and next time you're not going to be so lucky." Sheba thought for a moment. "First of all, you need to apologize. And at least SOUND sincere. Second, any damages will be paid for out of your earnings. Third, you're on probation for the next sectar. Finally, and you'll just LOVE this one, unless you're on flight duty you'll be assigned to fleet security offices for four centons of each active cycle for the entire time of your probation."

Brie spoke up quickly. "Commander, with all due respect, do you think that's wise? Considering all the bad feelings between security forces and the warriors?"

"Don't question my decision, Captain," Sheba said quickly. "If you can't handle your squadron..."

"It's not my squadron that I'm worried about," Brie said, and left it at that.

"Well, Lieutenant," Sheba said, "do you accepts these conditions? Or would you prefer some time in the brig?"

For a moment Najinn thought that the brig would be better than working with the Black Shirts, but then he considered Amy. He wanted to be there for her. "I accept," he said quietly. Turning to Captain Urdea he continued, "I'm sorry for what I did. I'll stay out of your way."

Urdea put a hand on Najinn's shoulder. "I'll find out what happened to you friend," he said. "I promise."

Charybdis

As I passed the Commander's room where she was handing out Lt. Najinn's punishment, I couldn't help but overhear through the door.

Something sounded funny to me. I thought that I heard Cmdr. Sheba say that Lt. Najinn was to spend 4 centons out of each cycle at the fleet security offices. 4 centons?

That sounds like a very short time to me! (4 earth minutes).

But, who am I to question the Commander?

Brie

"Captain Brie, do you still have Najinn's weapon?" Commander Sheba asked. Brie nodded. "Keep it until his probation is over. Since Lt. Najinn still hasn't been released by Doc Bkj, Captain Urdea I'd like you to accompany him back to the med lab. Captain Brie, I'd like a word with you, alone."

As Brie watched Najinn leave she had a feeling of dread. Commander Sheba wasn't in a good mood, and Brie just has a bad feeling. When Captain Urdea and Najinn were no longer in sight, Sheba closed the door. "Captain," she started with a formal, serious tone, "I'd like to know what is going on in Gold Squadron."

Brie knew that denying the problem would only make this meeting worse. "Ever since the tribunal there has been a major morale problem, ma'am" Brie tried to explain. "Several members served under Lt. Col. Charybdis, and watching one of our own being attacked was very difficult."

"The tribual has been over for a long time," Sheba said. "Try again."

"The tribunal set things in motion," Brie said. "You know that the Fleet Security forces are made up mostly of people who flunked out of the Academy. They hate warriors, they think that we think we're better than they are. Who knows, maybe some warriors think they ARE better than the security forces." Brie was careful not to call them Black Shirts, this wasn't the time or the place. "Some of the security officers were happy with the conviction. When the conviction was overturned, they attacked Lt. Skyler, if you will remember."

"I remember," Sheba said.

"To my knowledge," Brie continued, "until this last incident with Lt. Najinn, the warriors have never been the ones who started anything. It was always in self defense."

"What about Lt. Hawke?" Sheba asked. "He's the one who did the attacking, and it wasn't even a security officer."

"I haven't had the chance to speak with either Lt. Hawke or the viper technician," Brie said.

"I'd suggest you MAKE the time," Sheba said. "I know that Lt. Hawke is on patrol, but the viper tech has been available for questioning for several centars."

"I've been making sure that Lt. Amy is protected," Brie said. "Someone is trying to kill her."

"You don't know that for sure," Sheba said. "You're losing control of your squadron, Captain. If you can't handle them, I'll put someone in there who can. Don't think that I won't."

"I can handle them, ma'am," Brie tried to assure her.

"I hope so," Sheba said. "I have things to do, Captain. This meeting is over." Commander Sheba left, with Brie staring off into space. Losing the squadron was the last thing that Brie was going to let happen. Something was going to have to be done.

Charybdis

I noticed that the Commander left the ready room where she had been talking with Cpt. Brie and the rest. After she left the bridge, I peered into the room. Brie was just standing there staring into one corner of the room.

"Brie?" I asked carefully. "ARe you OK?"

She turned to look at me and her face did not look like it was happy.

[LucianG]

Brie

Although Brie hadn't heard Charybdis come in, the sound of his voice didn't startle her. "I wasn't supposed to live this long," she said matter-of-factly.

"None of us were," Charybdis replied. It was obvious that something was bothering Brie, but he decided not to press her.

"It's different for me," Brie said, turning to look at him. "I was brought up thinking that it was my duty to die in battle. They taught us that. Do you realize that not one of the other people that I grew up with is still alive? Not one! By the simple fact that I'm still living, I almost feel like I'm a failure."

"You're still alive because you're NOT a failure," Charybdis said. "You're alive because you're good at what you do."

"Are you saying that anyone who has died in battle was bad?" Brie asked. She immediately regretted saying it. "I'm sorry, that wasn't fair. Do you know that I've never lived on a planet? I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Turner [note-Turner is Brie's husband who is MIA. Charybdis would know that] used to joke that we should take off, just the two of us, find a planet and live. I would tell him that it would never work, I wouldn't know how to survive on a planet. It's true, though. I feel guilty, because a part of me doesn't want to find Earth. I was never supposed to live long enough to find it."

Charybdis was growing concerned. "Brie, where is this coming from?"

"I never planned on any of this," she said, ignoring his question. "They said that I had 'leadership potential.' What the frack is that supposed to mean? Funny thing is, I saw the same thing in Amy. I pushed her to be ready for when she had a squadron of her own. Some friend I am!"

"Brie..." Charybdis said.

"Me, leading a squadron?" Brie interupted. "Turner would have laughed."

"Turner would have been proud," Charybdis said.

Brie looked at her friend again. She had almost forgotten that he was there. "Maybe. I miss him so much. After all these yarhens, I still sometimes forget that he's gone. If he were here, HE'D be the one leading the squadron."

"You're doing a great job with Gold Squadron, Brie," Charybdis said.

"Tell that to Commander Sheba," Brie said softly. She realized that she had just given Charybdis enough information to know part of what was really wrong. She figured that she might as well tell him the rest. "She thinks I'm losing control of the squadron, and threatened to take it away from me."

Charybdis was obviously surprised. "Why?"

"Because I am losing control," Brie replied. "I have people running around shooting their blasters or beating people up for no good reason. I'm not in control. I don't know. Maybe the Commander is upset because I didn't agree with her punishment for Najinn."

"Which was..."

"A sectar's probation and four centons working in the Fleet Security office while on active duty," Brie said.

Charybdis looked at Brie. "Four centons? That doesn't seem like..."

Brie almost smiled. "I meant four centars. Sorry, I'm not thinking. The whole thing is a bad idea. Najinn has been on edge lately, and sending him to work with the people that he thinks are his enemies...I just don't like it. But who am I to question the Commander? I'd better go and make sure no one has tried to kill Amy again. Thanks for checking up on me, my friend. I feel a little bit better."

Charybdis

Brie turned and walked out of the room. I felt bad for her. I knew that she was left to pick up a lot of the pieces that I had trashed on the ground. The whole tribunal thing had caused a lot of trauma onboard. More than any of us had thought. I guess that there were a lot of hidden things floating around this ship. I was the catalyst that let it all out.

I felt that much of it was my fault and all the rest were somehow taking it out on each other. It had to stop.

Brie was the best fracking squadron leader I had seen in my years of Colonial service. She was the first to ever be reelected onboard the Callisto. That is an honor voted on by those whom she leads. There is no greater vote of confidence in a Warrior than that.

We need to get back to the fleet and fast. Many of our Warriors need a long furlon to get this out of their system. If only we could get back...

LucianG

Just before 02:00, the MedLab had received the call about an injured crewman. Doc Bkj and Nurse Holodoc had grabbed their bags and run to the scene, since it was said that the crewman could not be moved. In fact, Officer Sckutzi could not be moved because there was no one with him to move him. In addition, the three stab wounds had caused some severe bleeding and Sckutzi was clutching himself in pain and moaning, too weak to move. Fortunately, the caller had given the exact location in order to keep them from missing him and returning to the MedLab, so Doc was forced to begin working on the unfortunate man while Nurse Holodoc called for help, including a cart and crewmen to help transport him to the MedLab.

“If I don’t stop this bleeding, you’ll be dead by the time we get him to the MedLab,” said Doc, as much to herself as to the now unconscious victim. Nurse Holodoc nodded in agreement and moved in to help.

* * *

“Okay everyone,” said Lieutenant Skyler, taking charge of the situation in the MedLab, following the very brief instructions from Captain Brie, “get out of sight, get the lights down, and be ready for anything. No one should be visible. Some of you move in the back. The party will start in earnest when Najinn and Brie return in a little while, but until then, we’re going to play ‘Who can be the quietest?’ If anyone comes in, don’t make a move or a sound until we’re sure what he or she is doing. I’ll be over here, behind this cabinet. Watch for my signal. Now, let’s do it!”

Gold Squadron Warriors broke in all directions. Ensign Anubis, the only Black Squadron Warrior in the MedLab, understood and silently closed his eyelids to the point he could just see through the narrow slits. He had no weapon in hand, saw none nearby, so he reached up to the carousel rack that had previously held his IV bag and removed one of the metal arms. As he eased himself back down on the bed, he was wincing in pain from the effort. His ribs, while mending nicely, still had a way to go. He slid the metal “club” under the sheet, and was prepared to use it if necessary, hurting ribs and all.

Within moments, the MedLab was silent and only dimly lit. It even looked deserted.

* * *

Modo and Lolly, the renegade Security Officers, had come up with a unique plan of getting into the MedLab without being seen. They had studied one of the Callisto’s schematics and found a ventilation shaft for return air that branched a couple of ways. The first entrance located, where they stood, was out of sight of all security cameras, and there were ample connecting routes so their whereabouts could not be traced. Lolly removed the screen, both men climbed in, the screen was pulled back into place, and the two men began to crawl to their exit point, just a few meters from the MedLab.

The shaft was pretty narrow, and was definitely dark. Neither man saw the small grayish disk on the bottom of the shaft. Moving along on hands and knees in the lead, Modo placed his right hand directly next to the small flat disk, then moved on. The disk spun around two times, but was stopped in mid-spin when Lolly put his hand down directly on it.

“Ow!” he cried out. “I just stuck my hand on a screw sticking up out of the bottom of this duct!” He stuck the palm of his hand to his mouth, biting the wound softly with his teeth, trying to get it to stop bleeding and to stop hurting.

“Quiet, you moron!” Modo whispered in reply. “There’s no telling how far sound can travel in this duct system.” Hopefully that slight whistle of the incoming air drowned it out, he thought.

Just before they came to the end vent, both men slid into black hoods and gloves. A check of the MedLab list showed that there were only four patients present today, and one of them was, at present, being chewed out by the Commander. Both drew their small compressed air dart guns, a highly illegal weapon aboard the Callisto, but available to those who knew where to look nonetheless. The tip of each of three darts in each gun was coated with a thick gooey purplish-brown substance. As Modo loaded the first dart into the firing tube, he was glad he was on the backside of that dart rather than the front.

With the small mirror, Modo checked each direction, and gave the vent cover a sharp push, just catching it before it fell. They should be hidden from the security camera at this point, and would only be visible when they entered the MedLab, which they did only moments later, compressed air guns in their hands.

[LucianG]

Walksallroads

Anubis cleared his mind of all thoughts, and allowed the pain to fade into nothingness. It was a technique long forgotten, taught him by dead men in a forsaken place. Occasionally, in his dreams, he saw faces through the greenish fluid. These people taught him everything he knew, made him what he was, all before arriving on the Callisto. Now, he is more than they dreamed, or feared, because he was learning more than they wanted him to know. Now, his senses at their peak, he knows the enemy has come, and can barely smell the poisoned darts. Speed and surprise is his best bet. His broken ribs will slow him some, but if he was lucky, they would be caught off guard. He can approximate their size by their breathing patterns, and the sound of their near-silent footfalllls. They flit about with stealth, barely detectable with human senses. When Anubis felt it safe, he signaled the group that there were two armed men. He then silently moved into position to strike, knowing he had but one shot, two at the most. Though not warriors, they were still trained in the skills of combat, and as such, difficult to take off guard.

Marsmission10

hmmmmmmmm now where is that med lab I know it is around here some where... what does this sign say hmmm "MED LAB >" ah this must be the place (shwoosh goes the dore as i enter the lab to find the lights out) hmmm.. where is that light switch. I heard that Ensign Anubis had been severely injured. I also heard that he was a bit of a hot head so i thought i new what to expect... "ah there " (the lights come on and ALL HELL BRAKES LOOSE) "OH GOD WE NEED HELP NOW!" I scream!

LucianG

The two hooded assassins were rigging a small firebomb and were moving toward the bunk where they thought they saw Lieutenant Amy. Modo was about to open a small lever to release pure oxygen into the room, when Reverend Mars entered the MedLab, causing the lights to flare. Modo shouted as Lolly drew his compressed air gun and fired a dart in the Reverend’s direction. Reverend Mars threw his hands up just in time and the dart, which would have hit him in the neck thudded into the testament he held in his right hand. Anubis sprang from his location, swinging the steel support arm at Modo, who having activated the firebomb, was in the process of throwing it at another battle-equipped Gold Squadron Warrior a short distance away. The steel arm connected with Modo’s arm, causing him to drop the firebomb, which went sliding across the floor, and slid under one of the bunks. Several Gold Squadron Warriors dived after it, trying to deactivate it before it destroyed the entire MedLab.

Lolly slammed another dart into the chamber and fired again. The dart missed Anubis by centimeters as he dodged, but the resulting stabbing pain in his ribs, and the bunk slamming into him a moment later, caused him to fall to the ground. Having knocked Anubis out of the way, Modo dived across another bunk, heading toward the door. He pulled his dart gun as he ran, and fired off a quick round in “Lieutenant Amy’s” direction. Lieutenant Skyler had pulled his laser pistol, aimed it at Modo, and fired. Modo tripped over Lieutenant Conan’s outstretched leg, causing him to fall just under the beam. The ionized light exploded on contact with the ceiling. The still hooded Modo scrambled, kicking away Conan’s hand where he had grasped Modo’s pants leg, and ran out the door. Lieutenants Butch and Perseus were only a few microns behind, but they had to dodge another of the darts that came whistling down the hallway. Modo disappeared around the corner.

In the MedLab, Lolly was slamming another dart into the chamber, as the Gold Squadron Warriors frantically searched for what had definitely looked like a bomb.

Randrius3473

Randrius was on his way out of med-lab to his alert station when he was bowled over from behind by a panicky Modu fleeing the med-lab. With his suspicions piqued he rose and gave chase, drawing his blaster in case he needed it.

LucianG

With another Warrior at his heels, Modo knew he could not duck into the ventilation shaft, so he ran. He slid the last dart into the firing chamber, and prepared to fire it at Randrius.

"Want some more, eh?" he shouted as he ran away. "A fist in the kisser wasn't enough? Just come and get--"

"That's far enough! Drop that weapon," said Lieutenant Proteus from just ahead, his laser trained directly on the as yet unknown assassin. "Drop it or I'll fire!"

Modo turned his masked head slowly, weapon still in hand....

Amy81

I was sitting with Randrius, trying to help him with his lost memory, and it looked like we were making progress at last! He had just finished telling me of a small fragment of memory that had come back, triggered by the small bruise on his wrist, when suddenly things began to happen in medlab.

Skyler peeked into my room, and told me to get down. Randrius took me by the shoulders and told me the same thing. We got down on the far side of my bed, and my look of puzzlement must have asked my question for me. Randrius shook his head. I couldn't tell if he knew what was happening or not. You just stay here, he said.

With that he got up and headed out of my room. The lights were down, and the place was very quiet. Someone had been barking out some orders, but I hadn't caught who it was. It might have been Skyler. What was going on here, I wondered?

I got up, more curious than ever, and made my way in the dark toward the door, some bright lights from medical equipment to guide my steps. I reached the door when suddenly the whole place erupted in chaos! The lights came up, blasters were drawn, the whole place turning into a madhouse.

Somebody, I couldn't make out who, was firing some kind of weapon. I could see the Reverend take something that looked like a dart, but was relieved to see the good book he held had taken it instead. Something skittered across the floor and disappear under a bunk. A load of warriors went scrambling after it, shouting loudly. What was that?

The unknown attacker spun, looking right at me. He held his dart gun, and fired it. I ducked in time, and when I peeked back up and brushed the hair from my eyes, he was scrambling toward the door. Somebody fired off a shot, and the man tripped over someone, eluding the shot by mere chance. He scrambled out the door, pursued by two warriors. Randrius was nearly bowled over, and I could see him draw his weapon and join the chase.

That's IT! I was getting a little tired of being a target. I knew now what all this was about. Looking down, I saw someone's blaster lying on the ground. It must have gotten loose while the warriors scrambled for that odd device. I picked up the gun and headed for the door.

Looking both ways, I could see some commotion down to my right. Blaster at the ready, I ran down the hallway. Near the end of it, I could see the mystery attacker stopped dead in his tracks. Ahead of him was a security man, weapon drawn. Behind the attacker were the pursuing warriors. I walked up behind them, ready to assist if needed.

The attacker slowly turned, dart weapon in hand. It looked like he was about to give up, but I couldn't be sure.

Marsmission10

well here it is my first day on the job and I get shot at. I can see that this crew realy needs me. now I start asking questions, to anyone who will listen. WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD IS GOING ON HERE? why are we fighting each other? I thought the machines were the the badguys? we are Colonial soldiers don't we believe in honor duty and loyality to the human race? what ever happened to "love your neighbor as your self"? what ever happened to MILITARY CODE OF ETHICS? (as i babbled on I began to notice a grupe of Gold squadrin soldiers huddling over what looked like some sort of bomb. I quickly shut up and walked over to take a look at it.) "ah guys is there anything i can to to help?"

LucianG

Anubis, lying flat on the floor, had seen the bomb, and rolled over to it, despite the pain he felt. He slid it carefully out from under the bed, where two of the Gold Squadron Warriors who he did not know began to disarm it.

The assassin, Lolly, had been distracted by the fire from Skyler’s laser pistol. With the hood limited his peripheral vision somewhat, he failed to see Lieutenant Starbow drop to her hands and knees right by his side. He was about to try to avoid a tackle by Lieutenant Mason, but in the process, he tripped over Starbow, and within moments was disarmed and unmasked. The Gold Squadron Warriors bound him tightly, then waited while the final connection was severed on the small bomb.

“It’s clear!” said Lieutenant Trenton, to a near thunderous ovation. Several of their number escorted him, with weapons drawn, to the brig, where he was placed in a cell to await interrogation later in the cycle.

* * *

Modo knew his only chance was to keep his identity secret. After being instructed by Lieutenant Proteus to stop, he’d hesitated for only a moment, and then turned and fired off the dart at Randrius, Butch, and Perseus, missing all three. He’d started to charge forward when the blast from Lieutenant Proteus’s laser pistol hit him squarely in the back, throwing him forward into the arms of the Black Squadron Warrior. As Modo lay writhing in his arms, Randrius eased him down on the ground, and then removed his hood. Immediately, Randrius knew that this was the man he had seen in the closet after he’d been hit. Unfortunately, Randrius didn’t feel like celebrating, for the man had spoken his last.

[LucianG]

LucianG

The news of the attack by the renegade Fleet Security Officers on the Med Lab swept through the ship like wildfire through a dry primeval forest. As the Gold Squadron Warriors helped clean up and restore the medical facilities to working order, a few of the Warriors, including Skyler and Starbow helped Captain Urdea’s assigned Security Officers escort Lolly to the brig. As they placed him in the cell, Lolly complained that his hand was hurting. He’d not mentioned this to Nurse Holodoc earlier, so Skyler said he’d let her know, but he wasn’t about to take him back to the MedLab at the moment. Skyler looked at the palm of Lolly’s hand as he held it up and saw that it was indeed inflamed around what appeared to be a small puncture wound. He and Starbow headed back to the MedLab.

“I bet the bastard nicked himself with one of those darts he was shooting,” he said.

Starbow nodded, “Probably. Let’s let Doc know, just in case.” They decided to double time it back to the MedLab.

* * *

Captain Urdea was investigating the death of Officer Modo. Based on everything he’d heard, Lieutenant Proteus had been justified in shooting him to protect the other Warriors. He didn’t know with what those darts were coated, but he suspected that it wasn’t sugar. He ordered Modo taken to the MedLab, along with the darts. Maybe Doc Bkj could figure something out. He also dispatched Sergeant Whitcher to take a security detail to Modo’s and Lolly’s lockers for an immediate search. If there was any incriminating evidence in them, and if anyone else was involved, which he suspected based on the attack on Officer Sckutzi, it wouldn’t be there long.

Meanwhile, Urdea had Officer Burtano investigating Scuzzy’s stabbing. Burtano had found the Warrior’s knife which was suspected to be the weapon used, but he had quietly sealed it in an evidence bag without mentioning it to anyone except Urdea. No one had seen the attack, and of course, it was performed in an area without security monitoring. As much as Urdea hated those cameras and considered them to be an invasion of privacy, sometime they were useful.

* * *

The MedLab was almost presentable again, and the Gold Squadron Warriors were beginning to relax and to actually start Amy’s party. Several stood tensely and their hands crept toward their laser pistols when a group of twelve black shirted Security Officers entered the MedLab with a couple of boxes.

The lead Security Officer said, “Excuse us, please. I’m Sergeant Almack. The guys and I would like to see Lieutenant Amy. We want to apologize for the mess some of our fellow officers made of things for her. We brought her a couple of presents, and hoped we’d be allowed to say it in person.”

The Gold Squadron Warriors were hesitating, but Amy came forward and said, “It’s okay. I’m here. Let me talk to them.”

Almack stepped up to Amy, and gave her a formal salute. “Lieutenant, we are sorry for what some of the members of our force have done to you and your friends. We hope you’ll understand that we aren’t all bad guys, and that some of us actually realize we are on the same side. We know this isn’t much, but we brought you a couple of little things,” Almack said with a genuine smile. Most of the others were nodding and smiling as well.

* * *

Urdea arrived in the brig a couple centons ahead of Doc Bkj. Lolly was lying on his bunk with his back to the entrance, so Urdea stepped in to the cell and addressed him again, but again, received no response. Moments later, Urdea found that Lolly was dead.

Hawke14

As our flight joins up with SiressEden and Flight 1 I hear over the comm from Krissy: "Attention all ships we are to remain in radio silence from here until the mission is over. Is that understood Hawke?" Me? Why is she picking on me? "Yes Ma'am." I said. "Little Baltar." I mumbled. "Hawke, you're on report when we get back." "What for? I didn't say anything." "Does the term radio silence mean ANYTHING to you? The next words out of your mouth to my next question better be 'Yes Ma'am' with no after comments or I WILL shoot you out of the sky myself. Now, are you going to be quiet?" "Yes Ma'am."

As we come up on Epsilon Frodar I do a quick scan of the moon. Scans show there are some satilites in orbit. Communications sattilites!!!! "Hawke get back in formation! That's an order Leiutenant!!!" I guide my viper to them and proceed to blow 2 of them to dust. "Hawke what the frack are you doing? You just blew-" I switch off my comm to the other ships. They don't want me on this mission? Fine! I turn my viper back and head to the Callisto.

Hawke14

A couple of Centars after Frodar Epsilon, I make my way back to the Callisto. I can't believe Brie took away my first command! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.. I start fuming and thinking about it more.

There's the Callisto! I turn my comm back on. "Hawke to Callisto control requesting landing." "Permission granted to land in bay Alpha,Hawke. Where's the rest of the patrol?" "They'll be along. They were right behind me. Krissy has the details." "Right,Hawke. Report to Captain Brie as soon as you land." "Right Callisto, Hawke out.' Good! I wanted to talk to her anyway.

I land my viper and perform the shut down sequence. I climb down from my viper and turn around. I see Brie and
a black shirts standing behind her. "What the hell was the idea of taking away command of Flight 2 from me,Brie?" "Calm down Lieutenant. I wanted to talk to you about that. What was that fight about?" "What fight?" "That one you had with that tech!" "Oh that. I don't want to talk about it." "Either we talk about it here or we talk about it with Commander Sheba!" "Frack off!" I start walking away. I feel a hand on my arm and without thinking I haul off and start swinging. On the first swing,I feel my fist hit a jaw. I look up to see Brie on the floor holding her jaw. Uh oh!!!! I turn around and get a right cross on MY jaw. I look and it's the blackshirt. I take another swing and hit the blackshirt in the gut. I feel something heavy hit me on the back of my neck.
I take a knee. I see the blackshirt trying to take a swing at me and I duck. I feel that heavy thing on the back of my neck again. At that same time I see a glimpse of Brie taking out my knee. PAIN!!!!! I try to get back up but my knee won't respond. I feel something electrical in my side. BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!! Stunner! The last thing I hear before I black out is "Who the hell is this guy?" I finnaly give into the darkness.

Charybdis

As I was monitoring Lt. Hawke's landing wondering why he was coming back from the mission alone, I could not believe what I saw once he landed.

The security cameras showed the Lieutenant swing and deck Cpt. Brie!!! She fell backward rolled over.

The black shirts rushed for Hawke and tried to subdue him. I pushed the comm link button and immediately summoned a squad of infantry Warriors to the bay.

Hawke was going to pay for this one.

Brie

Captain Urdea had introduced Captain Brie to Officer Saul. Urdea had informed Brie that Saul would be "helping out" with Najinn's punishment. Saul had a sister that was a member of Silver Spar Squadron, and unlike so many other Black Shirts he had never attended the Academy. Urdea trusted Saul, and that was good enough for Brie. Her respect for Captain Urdea was growing.

As Brie was talking with Officer Saul, the page came in that Lt. Hawke was returning to the Callisto, alone. Brie took off for the Landing Bay, with Officer Saul close behind. Brie knew that Hawke would think that Saul was just another Black Shirt and was there because of Hawke's earlier acions. "Let him think that," Brie thought. After having been chewed out by Commander Sheba, Brie wasn't about to put up with any more nonsense from anyone. When Lt. Hawke climbed down from his viper, he was obviously upset. Brie tried to talk to him, but the next thing she knew he slugged her in the jaw! She landed on the floor. Officer Saul was on top of things and got a good punch back to Hawke. Between Saul and Brie they were able to subdue him. Although stunner's were only used in emergency situations, Brie was glad that Saul when used it. "Who the hell is this guy?" Saul asked as Hawke blacked out.

"One of the members of my squadron," Brie explained. Her jaw hurt like crazy, but she knew that it wasn't broken. "I don't know what his problem is, but I intend to find out."

A centon later a squad of infantry Warriors entered the bay. There wasn't anything for them to do, Hawke was already unconscious. They were followed in a micron or two by Lt. Col. Charybdis. As soon as Brie saw Charybdis, she started laughing hysterically. She knew that there was nothing funny about the whole situation, and laughing made her jaw hurt even more, but she just couldn't help it. Charybdis approached her cautiously, still not knowing what had happened. "Brie, are you all right?" he asked.

Brie tried to compose herself, but she couldn't. "And Commander Sheba thinks I'm losing control of the squadron," she said as she burst out laughing once again.

[LucianG]

Charybdis

I don't know why Brie was laughing so hysterically, considering that she had just been decked by Lt. Hawke, but after she stated something about the Commander thinking that Brie was losing control of her squadron, it made sense.

Things were getting crazy! I couldn't help it either, but I began to laugh as well. Brie and I looked at each other and could not stop laughing.

The other Warriors looked at us like we were smoking plant vapors, but it was all we could do to release the tension that was hanging around the ship.

They began to drag the Lieutenant away to take him to the MedLab. He would need to be watched for awhile until they could transfer him to the brig. Attacking a superior officer is a grave offense. It carries an automatic one sectar brig sentence and a tribunal inquiry. Hawke was in big trouble. I wonder if he needed a psychiatric survey? Maybe he needed to talk with Reverend Mars?

I put my hand up to touch Brie's cheek. As I gently turned her face to look at the damage that was done by Hawke, she winced a little. There was some bruising around her lower jaw and her lip was a little puffed, but no blood was drawn.

"Come on, Brie, let's get you to MedLab to get some ice on that, if not you're jaw is going to look like one of those Orion suns!"

"What did I do to deserve all this?" she asked rhetorically. I knew that I didn't have the answer. We walked together through the doorway out of the landing bay.

Brie

In a strange way, Lt. Hawke had done Brie a favor. For the first time since before the tribunal, things felt normal with Lt. Col. Charybdis. The brother/sister type relationship that they had previously shared seemed to be returning. For that she felt like thanking Hawke...almost.

Brie realized that it was ironically lucky that she had been the one that Hawke had hit. If he had hit Officer Saul instead, it would have just added more fuel to the growing fire of tensions between the warriors and the Black Shirts. If the news had spread that Hawke had been taken off of the leadership position for the second flight of the current mission, it would look like Hawke was just mad at Brie and let her have it. Brie hoped that was how it looked.

SiressEden

Lt. Eden had last been in contact with Lt. Hawke when they made contact near Frodar Epsilon. She had heard the heated exchange between Krissy and Hawke on the unicom and was concerned. Then the report of the "landing bay incident". She is relieved to find things being settled and getting back to normal.

Hawke14

"Lieutenant." PAIN!!!!! The first thing I felt as I regained conscienceness. My head felt like I took on a bunch of Cylons and lost. "Awwwwwwwwwww." I moaned. "Lieutenant wake up." I felt someone shaking me. I tried opening my eyes and raising my head. Bad mistake! The light was too bright and the room was spinning. Then I noticed the extreme pain in my left knee. I tried to reach my knee but I couldn't. Something was restraining my arms. "Lights....Bright....Head....dizzy." I managed to croak out. "Turn down the lights 25% and get me something to stop the Lieutenant's dizziness." I heard vaguely. I started taking inventory of all the aches and pains. Most noticably was the pain in my knee. I tried moving it. I couldn't. Hmmm... Possibly broken. I thought as the pain shot up through me. Next thing I noticed was the crater sized headache I had. Possibly a concussion. But then I was no doctor. Then my side was hurting. Probably where they hit me with the stunner.

I tried opening up my eyes. I could only see out of my right eye. Great. My left eye was probably swollen shut. That'll probably ground me for awhile. Awhile? I'll be lucky if I ever fly again, I thought to myself. I looked around as best as I could. I seem to be in the Med Bay.. I see the black shirt that hit me. I tried getting up to go for his throat, but I was instantly restrained by the straps that were tied to my bed. Besides,with all the pain I was feeling right then I lost all my motivation Immediately. "Calm down Hawke.You're in the Med Bay on the Callisto." I heard a female voice in the distance. "Tell me what you remember." The voice was next to me. It was Brie! "Sorry." I managed to croak out. "Automatic reflex." I hope she knew that I was apologizing for decking her. "Hawke, I'm officially bringing you up on charges for that little stint in the landing bay." Good! She hadn't heard from Krissy yet.+

Brie

There was only one person who could give Brie the answers that she needed, and that was Lt. Hawke. She wondered what his reaction would be, considering that the last time she tried to question him he had decked her. That wouldn't be possible again, he had been restrained. Officer Saul from Fleet Security was there as well. Hawke began to awaken, it was obvious that he was disoriented and in some pain. "Calm down Hawke.You're in the Med Bay on the Callisto. Tell me what you remember."

"Sorry. Automatic reflex." Hawke's response just didn't cut it for Brie.

"Hawke, I'm officially bringing you up on charges for that little stint in the landing bay." Brie waited for a reaction, but there wasn't much of one. "I spoke with Loki, the viper technician that you fought with earlier. He said that since you thought that your viper was being tampered with, he won't press charges." Still no reaction. Brie realized that maybe Saul's presence was bothering Hawke. She turned to him. "Could you leave us alone for a micron?" Saul left and closed the door behind him. Although Brie knew that she should keep things official, there was one question on her mind. "Why the frack did you hit me?"

"I already told you," was Hawke's response. "Automatic reflex."

"Automatic to hit your squadron leader, or automatic to just hit anyone?" Brie asked.

"I didn't know that it was you that I decked," Hawke told her. "I thought it was the Black Shirt. I couldn't believe that you were waiting there for me with one of...them."

"For your information," Brie said coldly, "his name is Officer Saul and he wasn't there because of you. We were speaking about something TOTALLY unrelated."

"Oh," was all that Hawke had to say.

"So," Brie said, "are you ever going to tell me why you're here, but no one else from the patrol has returned yet?"

Hawke14

"So,are you ever going to tell me why you're here, but no one else from the patrol has returned yet?" It was a logical question. But I wasn't going to tell her anything since she took my first command away. "With all due respect Ma'am, go sit on a daggit."

Brie

Even though it hurt, Brie smiled at Hawke. "Fine, if that's how you want to play it...I could have been lenient, but if you're not willing to give, neither am I." She walked towards the door. "I hope you enjoy your time in the brig."

Hawke14

With one foot out the door, Brie looked at Hawke again. "One more thing that I've learned," she told him. "If you act like a leader, you'll be treated like a leader. If you act like an idiot..." She let Hawke finish the sentence in his own mind as she walked out the door.