|
Post by Skyler on Jul 2, 2009 8:03:48 GMT -6
Skyler returned to the flight deck and was found both Vipers sitting ready to launch. For a civilian deck crew, they were top notch. The Crew Chief nodded as Skyler approached and thanked him for prepping the Viper.
“Chief, I have to return to the Callisto, Ensign Plwel will be waiting for a shuttle and will escort it back to the Callisto once it is ready. Thanks for the hospitality…” and the two shook hands and Skyler grabbed his helm and climbed into his Viper and engaged the engines.
“This is Gold Two to Rising Star Flight Control, requesting permission to launch.”
“Gold Two, you have clearance to launch, be advised we have in-bound supply craft 5 centons out, on heading of 148 adjust departure vector to avoid.”
Skyler throttled up his engines and taxied down the landing bay, his lift thrusters lifting the Viper from the deck as he neared the electronic shielding that kept the oxygen from rushing into space. He retracted his landing gear and cleared the barrier and found himself in black space. He adjusted his course to bring him past the incoming supply ship and once clear of the no thrust zone just outside the Rising Star landing bay, engaged his turbos and rocketed back to the Callisto.
His mind raced a thousand metrons a micron… How did Brie survive, where was she at. They had scanned every inch of that planet, flying nap of the earth half the time so the scanners could penetrate that soup of an atmosphere and scan the surface. He had nearly lost three Vipers, his included, that almost hit sudden outcroppings of planet that would jut out in their path that had been missed because they we so intent on their scanners looking for Brie. His repeated request for ground searches had been denied, even when he volunteered to go alone. When the CIS had examined the wreckage they had determined that the physical evidence proved Brie was in the ship when it exploded, that the escape pod debris was in the wreckage as well and that she was dead, deceased and that the explosion had also destroyed her remains. They found trace DNA, hair, blood and concluded that it must be Brie with all the other evidence and cancelled the search. His gut had told him she was alive, he knew that even with the void of her absence eating at him, it was not the void that her death would cause, the feeling of losing someone that close to you that he never felt. She was not dead and now he would be able to look at that CIS team, the Doctors, the lab techs, Sheba and even Apollo and say, I Told You So, she was alive and here.
How?..... Frack, he didn’t care, she was here and alive…..
“Callisto Flight Control to Gold Two, Major you are cleared to land, Beta Bay… Talked to Gold Three, the shuttle has landed on the Rising Star and they are preparing to return.”
“Roger Control, copy.” Skyler brought his Viper in and landed and rolled into a parking position, his canopy was opening long before he ever reached the spot he was to stop. Skyler dropped down and started to the bridge, his eyes meeting the smiling faces of Gold’s flight crew. Micklin was even grinning…. Brie was back and alive…..
|
|
|
Post by Logan on Jul 3, 2009 10:50:06 GMT -6
As Logan sat with the other officers in Sheba's office listening to Brie, she felt her personal comm vibrating silently on her hip. She knew it would be Skyler seeking confirmation, but she didn't dare take it from her belt and look now. She was riveted on Brie's personal struggle.
Brie was angry. Logan understood to an extent, but she also had been present on the Callisto for the search and knew that Skyler had nearly had to be quarantined in his quarters to not go out and stay out until he found something. Logan knew her friend and knew that he never believed Brie was truly dead, even with the DNA evidence and the escape pod intact on her destroyed Viper.
Brie's attitude now was puzzling. She would have to know deep down that she was searched for. Logan brushed the hair that had strayed into her eyes and watched Brie, cradling her infant daughter, and tried to read past the pain in her eyes. Tried to get some inkling of what lay beneath that mask of stoicism that Brie wore so well.
At the description of the alien underground city, Logan inwardly moaned dismay. Skyler had been adamant about landing on that planet, even though all the sensor information told him there was nothing there. She recalled one of the pilots with him telling her he thought he was going to have to fire on Skyler's Viper to keep him from disobeying direct orders not to land and continue the search. But Skyler was a professional. Even when his heart was being ripped out with grief.
How could Brie not know that? Sheba was handling it well and Logan knew the only reason she had been asked to sit in on this debriefing was for Skyler's sake, so she wasn't in a position to speak up unless directly asked.
Logan crossed her arms and could feel her eyebrow raise high on her forehead in disbelief at Brie's determination to think the worst. She knew the Major must be fighting some internal demons, and Logan didn't dare try to guess at them. So she sat there and listened, for Skyler and for the rest of them who knew and admired Major Brie, hoping that she would see their loyalty to her had never wavered.
|
|
|
Post by Brie on Jul 3, 2009 16:12:54 GMT -6
Brie purposely stayed quiet for a few microns, making sure that those around her let the words sink in. She hadn't fully realized how upset she was until she had started telling her story. She was mad, she was bitter, and she wanted to make sure that everyone knew it. When she felt like enough time had passed, she continued. "There were at least four entrances to the city that I found. They were blocked with protective domes. The domes were clear, so you could see into the sky above. I'm not sure what material they were made of, but you could pass through it easily enough. If the search had been conducted correctly, the city would have been easy enough to find. But hey, why continue searching, right? Someone probably found a piece of hair or two in my viper, and that was enough to convince everyone that I was gone. My hair in my viper…wow, what a concept."
|
|
|
Post by Logan on Jul 3, 2009 20:39:13 GMT -6
Logan could feel her face getting red. She understood that Brie was upset and who knows what she had been through, but Logan, having seen the pain in Skyler's eyes when he had been forced to give up the search, knew that Brie was angry for the wrong reasons. And it didn't make sense.
There had been no evidence of any type of civilization on that planet. Logan had seen the scans herself, laid out on Skyler's desk as he pored over them trying to find anything he might have missed. On the off chance that he could talk Sheba into letting him go back, not a speck of that surface had been missed.
And when everyone else had given up, Skyler remained firm that she wasn't gone.
That was what was making Logan squirm in her chair and bite her lip to not blurt out anything. The fact that Brie's anger made it look like no one cared, that it made Skyler out to be a fool. And that would make Skyler feel guilty. That he had allowed them to stop looking for her. Even if it wasn't true, that was what he would think and feel. And Logan knew that would break her friend's heart. As much loyalty as she had towards her former CO, Skyler was her friend, almost a brother and she was loyal to him above all else.
Logan glanced at Sheba, willing the Commander to look in her direction. Sheba's face was strained, but her slight head shake told Logan to hold her tongue. She was letting Brie get it out of her system.
Logan sat back in her chair and waited.
|
|
|
Post by Brie on Jul 3, 2009 23:22:27 GMT -6
Patience and control. Brie took another long sip of coffee. "Then again, the technology wasn't similar to anything that we have here in the fleet. As I said before, I have no idea what their domes or shields or whatever they were are made of. It's probably something that a viper patrol wouldn't pick up on. I'm sure Skyler did everything that he could."
"Rest assured that he did, Major," Sheba said.
"Speaking of rest," Brie added, "is there any chance that I'll be able to get some sleep sometime in the next couple of centars? It's been an exhausting trip."
"You and the children will stay in the med lab tonight," Sheba informed her. "The quarters that you had requested before you left for the Galactica are still available, I'll make sure that your things are taken out of storage and sent there. Oh, except for what JustinB has."
Brie looked puzzled. "JustinB has some of my stuff?"
"Just a couple of pictures," Sheba explained. "He requested that he be allowed to hold on to them until Amy was found. He saw them when he found your will."
"JustinB was the one who found my will? How long after I had been declared dead did he start riffling through my personal items?"
Sheba cleared her throat, knowing that Brie wasn't going to like the answer. "You hadn't yet been declared dead. In fact, the search was still going on."
"Oh." Brie took another sip of coffee, draining the cup. "That's interesting to know."
|
|
bouriplwel
Viper Pilot
"Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence In All I Do"
Posts: 354
|
Post by bouriplwel on Jul 6, 2009 8:17:48 GMT -6
On the bridge of the Rising Star, Ensign Plwel overheard the flight control officer clearing an arriving Battlestar Callisto shuttle to land in the landing bay prepared to pick up one passenger and return them to the Callisto. Plwel addressed the Captian of the Rising Star..."By your leave sir, I will escort Baer to the landing bay to board the shuttle and retun to the Callisto." The Captain replied.."By all means Ensign. I will ensure you are cleared to depart the micron you are ready to leave. Please give Colonel Charybdis and Commander Sheba my warmest regards and tell them to stop working so hard and come over to the Rising Star for a good meal and some much needed relaxation. My staff stands by to serve them." "I will do that sir." Plwel said.
Before Bouri left the bridge with Baer, he headed over to a communications console and contacted the shuttle now landed in the main landing bay..."Ensign Plwel to Callisto shuttle, please respond." "Callisto shuttle Ensign...Lt. Jacobi and Ensign Andros here assigned to fly your passenger back to the Callisto....we also have two security Sergeants here as well for additional security." "Very well then...we will be down in a few centons please stand by to recieve us." Plwel responded.
Plwel made his way to meet up with Baer standing at the main entrance door to the Bridge. He formally introduced himself.."Hello sir, I am Ensign Bouri-Plwel Of the Battlestar Callisto...Gold Squadron. I have been assigned by Major Skyler to escort you back to the Callisto." Baer spoke back saying "It is a pleasure to meet you Ensign.....my name I Baer which you probably already know since you came here looking for me it seems. I know you though...indirectly I think...didn't you use to be a shuttle pilot on this ship not too long ago? I am sure I have serviced your shuttle before from time to time." Plwel retorted "That is right Baer....I was a shuttle pilot on this ship before I joined the Colonial Service."
As the two of them walked down the several corridors towards the landing bay, Plwel and Baer reminiced about past experiences and personnel they mutually knew aboard the Rising Star until Baer finally asked the one question Bouri was hoping he would not ask. "Ensign, why are you taking me to the Callisto?" At that moment, Plwel's mind went blank and he didn't know what to say. A part of him wanted to just tell him the truth, but his sense of duty kicked in and he knew he could not do that without jepordizing the investigation. So after what seemed like a Sectar of time passing, Plwel responded.." I am sure you have heard since we left the colonies, both the Battlestars Galactica and Callisto have had ongoing efforts to reunite families and friends seperated by the hollucost. We simply want to bring you aboard, run some routine medical tests to make sure all your medical information is up-to-date in our computer system and sit you down and ask you some questions to get to know you better and ensure we have everything updated in the fleet personnel rosters in the event anyone is looking for you, or you want to search for anyone else." As Plwel looked over at Baer hoping his explaination would put the man at ease, but the elderly gentleman seemed to have a slight look of worry in his eyes..."Is there any problem with us doing that sir?" Plwel asked. "No......none at all Ensign....let's go." Baer said. The sound in his voice did not convince Ensign Plwel that Baer was too happy about going to the Callisto.
As they reached the landing bay Ensign Plwel and Baer were met by the black uniformed security team at the entrance to the shuttle. One of them spoke.."Sir, the shuttle has been refueled and put into position. Lt. Jacobi says he is ready to launch on your command. Also the fight crew infomed us your Viper is also in position and ready to launch upon your arrival." "Very good Sergeant. Please take this gentleman aboard and get him strapped in. Please ensure he is comfortable on the flight." Plwel said. Bouri turned towards Bear and mentioned.."These two gentlemen are here for your safety and comfort. They will get you seated aboard the shuttle. If you need anything, just ask one of them. I will see you again aboard the Callisto." Bear bowed his head as if to awknowledge the Ensign's words then said in a nervous tone. "Your not riding with us Ensign?" "No...I will be escorting the shuttle in my Viper back to the Callisto. Don't worry...you have nothing to fear...I will see you again shortly."
As the security team escorted Bear into the shuttle and the door began to close, Plwel made his way to, and climbed aboard his Viper. As he closed the canopy and started the launch sequence, he contacted the Rising Star Bridge...."Callisto escort detail to Rising Star launch control....requesting permission to launch." A voice came over the net saying "Transferring launch control to Callisto Viper and shuttle....launch when ready." "Thank you for your assistance and hospitality Rising Star." Plwel said. With that, Ensign Plwel, switching over to a secure ship-to-ship channel, instructed the shuttle to launch first. One it cleared the landing bay Ensign Plwel then launched his Viper into space. He anticipated arriving back at the Callisto with Bear where the real excitement of this investigation, he was sure, would soon begin.......
|
|
|
Post by Brie on Jul 6, 2009 15:49:38 GMT -6
The debriefing continued. Brie told them every little bit of information that she could think of. She described the underground city in detail, everything from the layout to how glad she that she had been saved by a race of herbivores. Eventually the children started to get cranky, so Brie was given her leave. "I'll have your statement printed up for you to sign," Commander Sheba informed her. "There's no hurry."
"One last thing, Ma'am," Brie said. She placed Palma back into a carrier, but held the crankier Petra. "I'd like permission to arrange an interview with Roxzanna-Rizou."
Commander Sheba was obviously surprised. "Why?"
"Because stories are going to be all over the fleet about this," Brie explained. "Especially since my name has been all over IFB in the past. If I request the interview, at least I'll know it's the truth that's being spread, and not just a bunch of gossip."
"I'll consider it, and let you know in the morning." Sheba was worried about Brie's outbursts of anger, but wasn't going to mention it.
"Fair enough." Brie put Petra into the second carrier. The infant wasn't happy about it. "I can assume that Doc Bkj is waiting for us?"
"Doc's off-ship at the moment," Sheba replied. "Colonel Charybdis has arranged for the checkups to be performed by Lieutenant Barris. You probably don't know him."
"Him?" Brie repeated under her breath. She wasn't thrilled with the idea of seeing any man, even if it was just for a medical exam. She decided to keep that thought to herself, it was just routine. Patience and control. "Very well, Ma'am."
"If you wait a few microns, I can arrange for someone to walk you to the med lab," Sheba said. "That would help you get to there without constantly being stopped by people who are surprised by your return."
Great, Brie thought I'm being guarded. They still don't trust me. "That would be fine, Ma'am, thank you. Do you mind if I wait on the bridge? There are a couple of people I'd like to say hello to."
"Just don't go too far."
As the door opened Brie took a step out, right into Skyler.
|
|
|
Post by Logan on Jul 7, 2009 10:55:53 GMT -6
At a slight motion from Sheba to remain a moment, Logan held back as people filed out of Sheba's office. She saw through the push that Brie was exiting the door with her carriers and on the other side was a large form with a crew cut. Skyler.
She wasn't close enough to hear anything that might pass between them and she was glad for it. That was one reuinion that was going to be hard enough without people listening in to it. She felt for both Skyler and Brie at that micron. Their relationship had been complicated and it was one of the few times she had seen Skyler let his emotions dictate his reactions. She hoped things went smoother than she had a feeling they would, mainly because of Brie's seeming bitterness at being left behind and Skyler's more than obvious devotion to the search for her he was forced to abandon.
After making arrangements for someone to accompany Brie to the Med Lab, Sheba looked up from her desk, sitting back in her chair and looking grim. "Tough day," she said.
"Yes, ma'am," was all Logan could think to say.
"I talked with Captain Brik and he relayed the information you gathered from Kalten. He's a tightlipped one, isn't he?" It was a rhetorical question, but Logan nodded anyway.
"I have conferred with Commander Apollo and we have a plan. As soon as Skyler has returned from the Rising Star, I'm calling a briefing. And Apollo is sending an envoy from the Galactica."
This didn't surprise Logan as their next steps would affect the entire Fleet. It might be squadron pilots from the Callisto who were missing, but if they had the opportunity to actually go back in time before the attack on the Colonies...it was too much to consider. She had been so young when they were forced from their homes and set on this adventure, she couldn't imagine what it might mean to Apollo and Sheba.
"Understood, Commander," Logan said. Sheba's eyes were distant but she returned to herself at Logan's words. "You might want to have a word with Crew Chief Gher. Make sure all Vipers are prepped."
"Yes, ma'am," Logan turned to leave, but stopped short to look over her shoulder.
Sheba had risen from her chair and was gazing out the viewport. She stood ramrod straight, her hands grasped behind her back. Whatever Logan had been about to say, she changed her mind and left the room.
|
|
|
Post by Skyler on Jul 7, 2009 14:43:24 GMT -6
Skyler was standing face to face with Brie and her two children. He was suddenly flooded with emotions…. Extreme happiness was front and center, a smile started to creep across his face, Brie truly was alive and back. He hadn’t been sure he wasn’t dreaming until now, he could see her, could reach out and touch her. She was real. Then he started to lose his joyful feeling as anger crept in and the smile on his face was gone. Why had they stopped him from looking for her, why had he let them…. In a flash anger was being chased away by guilt. He wanted to say something, but words escaped him… “I knew you weren’t dead” didn’t sound like something you tell someone you left behind all of a sudden…. They had been close friends, they could of have been more, but standing less than 2 feet from her now, he was getting a feeling that all that was gone.
“Brie, I came here as soon as I heard.” Skyler managed after what had seemed like an eternity but had only been a few microns. She was hurting emotionally and he could tell it. “Do you need help with your daughters?” As he waited for what he knew was coming his mind shot to another thought…. Why was it Logan that had told him about Brie. Unless she just appeared in the middle of the ready room in front of Logan, Sheba would of have known. He had talked to Sheba just a few centons before Logan’s message. That is why she sounded strange, she was hiding this from him. He focused back on Brie, that would be a private conversation to handle later…..
|
|
|
Post by Brie on Jul 7, 2009 16:25:42 GMT -6
Upon seeing Skyler a million different thoughts flooded through Brie's mind. One was unexpected. She suddenly remembered how she had felt when she had been forced to leave Amy behind. That had been a different situation, if they had waited any longer her entire team would have perished, and possibly a good part of the fleet. It had been considered a suicide mission, and all members of her team had to be willing to give their lives before signing up. This wasn't the same. There had been a problem with her viper, there had been no immediate threat to the fleet in the area, but still the search had been called off. Skyler had been close, but not close enough.
"Brie, I came here as soon as I heard." Skyler's voice pulled her back into the current moment. "Do you need help with your daughters?"
Another thought crossed Brie's mind. Skyler hadn't been at the debriefing, but Logan had. He had obviously been doing something, something important, or else Commander Sheba wouldn't have run it without him. "No, I'm good. No thanks to…I'm sorry, Major, I can't do this right now. I'm not ready. Why don't you go do whatever it is that you're really supposed to be doing." It wasn't a question.
|
|