|
Post by Reaper on Jul 21, 2013 11:36:34 GMT -5
Ten Yahrens before the Battle of Cimtar
Commander Cain Walked through the halls of Colonial Military Headquarters like he owned the Structure. Of Course he didn’t. Caprica wasn’t even his home Colony. But this is where the Seat of Power was for the Quorum of the 12, and had been since the Colonies unified all those Millennia before. Every Colony had a Military Headquarters in its Capital city, but the Caprican headquarters was impressive. On Caprica, the Headquarters also housed the Warrior Academy. This had turned it into a town of its own on the outskirts of Caprica City. An entire compound of buildings, athletic fields and simulator structures surrounding a great Pyramid that contained the heart of the Colonial Military.
Cadets, Officers and Enlisted Warriors walked the Halls and all snapped to Attention when they Saw Cain walking towards them. The hushed conversations of the Cadets, in awe of Cain’s reputation, The Envy from Planet locked Officers who would never see Duty on a Battlestar. Even the few civilians employed here recognized Cain. He was becoming a Legend, maybe not a name known across the Colonies, but in Military circles, definitely. Cain just preferred to think of himself as the best Damned Warrior ever to wear the Uniform. But he had little hope of changing the outcome of the meeting he was heading towards. Several of the top Commanders, not currently on the front lines were summoned here. An answer was being handed down concerning the call for construction to begin on new Battlestars. The thousand yahren war was wearing the fleet thin again. Only the Fourth Fleet, the newest of the 4 Colonial Fleets was at full strength. The 2nd Fleet was currently engaged in operations against the galmonging Cylons. And Cain had been ordered to withdraw the Pegasus and return to Caprica for this meeting. The Cerberus had taken her place on the line. As he walked in, he smiled at the sight of Commander Adama. Adama had just been elected to take his place among the council of the 12. It was rare for 2 Active Military Officers to be on the Council. But he’d done it. This would move the Galactica from the 4th Fleet into the First Fleet. It was also known as the Fleet of the Council. The Fleet consisted of 12 Battlestars and their escorts, each commanded by a member of the Council. Currently only the Belarophon and Galactica had military commanders. Commander Paris of the Belarophon was the Standing Commander of the Colonial Military, the Commander in Council. He had ultimate Command of the Entire Colonial Military. Adama, the newest member of the Council would assist Paris, but it was known to a few, including Cain, that Paris was going to retire soon. He was grooming Adama to take over as CIC. Paris Called the Meeting to order and told everyone to sit, seemed Cain had made the entrance he wished to make and arrived last. “I will Be Brief, as we all have pressing duties to take care of. President Augustus has heard your call for more ships and has authorized the construction of Strikestars and PatrolStars to replace the recent losses. But he has held off on Building Destroyers, Gunstars or Battlestars.” The moans and groans on the officers present made it clear what they thought of this. “He feels that the war seems to be heading into another lull. That the Cylons will pull back to regroup themselves allowing us to do the same. He wants to concentrate funds to rebuilding the infrastructure of our satellites and the damage the outer Colonies have received. Refits will continue as scheduled until we can confirm the Cylon withdrawal of forces. At that time we will move to double the number of ships in refit. Unfortunately, that is all I have for you at this time. You are all to return to your Battlestars and await orders.”
As usual for a meeting of Military officers, they almost all responded in unison “By your Leave Commander.” But there was definitely an undercurrent of displeasure here. Cain, made no show of hiding his. But others in the room tried to be more…political. The Meeting began breaking up.
Cain grabbed Adama’s attention and moved to a side of the conference room. “You can’t agree with this directive? We’ve seen no indication of a Cylon withdrawal. In fact, I myself sent the Council a report indicating a concentration of forces for a push towards the outer Colonies again.” “My Friend, the president’s decision was not unanimous, but it did get enough support to pass. Commander Paris supports it as well. At this time, we just have to make do with what we have. Perhaps Ragnar Anchorage can be up manned and some of the ships sent there can be refitted for duty. They have a tremendous reputation for salvaging ships and returning them to duty.” “Yes, Ragnar Station if that is the only hope for reinforcements, we must get the personnel needed to that station. Perhaps a call for Civilian workers. But you must press the President to see reason Adama. It’s all our lives at stake here!” With the Side conference with Adama all but over, Cain wished the greying Commander good health and made a few more rounds in the room. Cain noticed that Adama was now talking to Commander Kronus. The older Commander had once been Adama’s superior officer. It wasn’t like Kronus to be happy when he had to report to past underlings, but Cain smiled at that, never having liked Kronus. Not flexible or imaginative enough to truly seize control, but smart enough to surround himself with Excellent officers to keep his inabilities to hold him back. Cain and Adama were among the youngest Commanders present, but both had Careers that made their words carry weight that their ages did not. Having done all he could here, Cain left the meeting and moved to a smaller Meeting Room 2 Floors down. Again, he was the last to arrive, his talk with Adama and the others delaying him. “Where do we stand?” Cain asked without waiting for any greetings. “The Argo has been completed at Victory Station. She is the finest Battlestar we have ever produced. Visually Identical to a Columbia Class Battlestar, but has the latest Computers, Scanners, Launch and recovery systems and the most efficient engine design the Colonies have been able to produce. Auto Turret targeting is also improved. Ships in refit right now are receiving the upgrade, but it’s said that since the Argo was built around these systems, it will still perform better.” Replied a senior engineer, he held the military rank of Commander, but he’d never commanded a ship, just the engineering department of more battlestars then you’d want to think about. “Excellent, excellent. And the Crew? Have they been transferred?” Cain was slapping his left hand with his swagger stick, a trademark people were beginning to expect when talking strategy with the man. Everyone present, especially Cain were happy that the plan has been followed through without anyone finding out about it. This had to be the biggest secret executed by members of the Military. Some would probably call it treason, with the best outcome of the secret being reveled being a dismissal from service. Serving a sentence on a prison barge or colony being more likely. Having an entirely new Battlestar built without Council approve or knowledge. Unheard of! 3 Yahrens ago, when Cain was first brought into the plan, he was tempted to get Adama involved. But He was too Political, too likely to follow the rules. Rules that needed to be broken so that the Colonies would survive. “We are transferring the last Crew members now. And we have 2 Viper Squadrons moving as well. That seems to have been the hardest part. Getting enough Vipers and warriors out of service without anyone knowing. We raided the battlestars Pacifica and Pegasus and the Sagitaron Academies to do it.” This was from Lt. Tolan. A recent transfer to the Pegasus. Someone Cain has had his eye on for a while. Cain was sure the man would go far. “I’m on my way back to the front. Let’s brief the Mission Commander, and send him on his way. Cain was proud of the group of Commanders and officers in this room. The project took a lot out of everyone. Transfers to Victory Station, A raid of Ragnar Station’s best crewmen. Men and women he’d now have to make sure returned to Ragnar. “See to it that the Engineers from Ragnar are returned on the next Shuttle there. The Council may be calling on them more now. I want Everything at Victory Station to look Business as usual as soon as the Argo Clears The Docks.”
Unbeknownst to Cain, a similar meeting was taking place a floor above. Commander Paris sat down at the head of the table. “I have had to support the Council’s Decision on the building of new Battlestars publicly. But I am not happy about this. Cain may be a pain in my astros, but I think he’s more right than wrong.” Present was just about every military commander remaining in service from Paris’ generation. “I have Cain’s recommendations for Battlestar improvements, things he’s wanted to add or change since he was senior enough to make these suggestions. And I have a report on other advancements the Scientific departments have made. If you open the briefing files in front of you, I am implementing Project Excaliber. I am telling you now, I DO Not have permission of the Council of the 12 here. This is all on me. Captain Teck, You are immediately promoted to the Rank of Colonel.” Paris was now talking to the youngest member of the room, a man he’s chosen as an Aide. “You will take command of the Battlestar Excaliber upon it being launched. You will take the next shuttle to Victory Station on the edge of the Colonial outback. This Colonel Stonic. He’s taking command of the Station and will be going with you. I want you looking through the files I am transmitting to you hand computer and put a research and development crew together. They will join you on station. I’m also going to have the equipment and resources needed to build your Vipers and a new craft built on station. I want these numbers hidden completely.” Colonel Teck Stood at Attention and nodded to his Senior. “Sir, I think that’s a little much, I mean we can move around enough Material and warriors to create 2 new Squadrons, 3 if you intend to include these new ones. “ “Colonel Teck, it’s not 2 Squadrons for this Battlestar. It will be it will be 5 Viper Squadrons and 2 Squadrons of Asps, 2 seat fighter bombers. A new design, slightly larger Engine section, Wider forward section and 2 Warriors sitting side by side. The Laser pumps are larger and the output is about 60 megons. It’s slower than a Viper, but will pack a punch the Cylons won’t be expecting. I am hoping to introduce them into the Fleet in the coming yahrens, but Excaliber now gets priority.”
5 yahrens before the Battle of Cimtar
Commander Paris was about to leave his office for the last time. He’s stepped down as CIC 3 Yahrens prior, but was kept on the War Council as an advisor. A favor to Adama. Well, not entirely. There was one project he still kept from the New CIC. Excaliber, which was now under full construction at Victory Station. Newly promoted Commander Teck had reported some issues when he first arrived at Victory Station. Stonic had backed him up, noting the appearance of a fully manned station but records showed only a minimal presence was there. Even the head counts to inventory personnel showed what the records reported, but neither man could shake the feeling they missed something there. Some project? But no matter how much Paris pushed, he couldn’t find any record of project there. But that was well passed now. That lull in Fighting never seemed to materialize. And Cain was proven right when the Cylons pushed hard towards the outer Colonies. Several satellites were lost, some were recaptured, but none would ever be the same. Augustus left office in shame. Adar was elected to replace him. Uninspired, but fair was Paris’ opinion of the man. And he allowed the Military to do what it needed to. Building more Gunstars and Destroyers. But still no Battlestars. This was due to the close Friendship that Adama had with Adar. His influence helped greatly. But the Colonies were suffering.
The Fourth Fleet had been drawn into a costly battle. Commander Kronus, proud and determined pushed the Fleet to its edge. And defeated the Cylons, but at the cost of his own Battlestar. The Rycon was all but destroyed. The Wreckage towed back to the Colonies and then sent to Ragnar Station with honors. Kronus seemed willing to accept an appointment to the Caprican Academy as administrator. But Paris doubted that would last long. It wasn’t within Kronus’ personality. Excaliber, yes, the reason he had stayed so long. It took longer to settle on a design then he thought. Just going bigger wasn’t the complete answer. No, it had to preform differently. And prove that it was the future of Colonial might. Paris refused to accept anything less. But the Keel had been laid and construction was set to finish in just about 5 yahrens. Extremely quick for something like this. Cain was due to report to the War Council in a few cantons. Paris was sorry he’d miss this. He was being granted permission to reallocate Fleet resources to create a 5th Fleet. A Small Reactionary Fleet, designed to engage and hold a Cylon force while the Colonials rallied to bring its full might to bear. Using strategy rather than numbers to defeat a numerically superior force. By the Lords of Kobol, if anyone could do it, Cain could. And Paris was sorry he wouldn’t be there to see it. Time had caught up with him. The Med Techs didn’t think he’d have lasted this long without full time medical care. But he had. A Warrior to the end. But he couldn’t fight any longer. Pluton poisoning. That’s the latest. And no cure. Those Galmonging Cylons had tainted their weapons with Pluton radiation in the last engagement with the Belarophon. Half the Bridge crew had been exposed to it. But Paris’ age worked against him, that and the injuries sustained when the console beside him exploded. The Cylons. No one knew what they were up to now. They had seemed to pull back most of their advances. More than the Colonial Counter attacks should have required. The Alliance boarders were firmed up and engagements now seemed to consist mostly of skirmishes. Adama had some hard choices to make. But he Was a Smart man, he’s be able to do it. “No Use Putting it off any longer. Time to leave.” Paris said to no one specific. He was helped into his mobile Chair and then wheeled out of the office for the last time.
1 Day before the ambush at Cimtar
The War was going as usual. In the last few yahrens, the Fleets took some poundings. The Fifth Fleet had been formed as a rapid reaction force. It was the brain child of Commander Cain. Due to Fleet rebuilding restrictions, most of the fleet was made up of Strikestars and Patrolstars. With 3 Battlestars, 4 Destroyers and 2 Gunstars forming the back bone. The Fourth Fleet was still in dry-dock, recovering from losses 5 yahrens ago. The combined Second and Third Fleets had taken up the front lines after that battle. The Pacifica was in command of the Third Fleet Section, with the Titan Commanding the Second Fleet Section. About a year ago, the Pacifica Was rotated to the First Fleet. Also, a Yahren ago, the Fifth Fleet got orders to Make Way towards Molecay and its Satellites. A Cylon advance force was reported moving to make initial strikes. Cain moved the entire fleet in record time, only to run into a Full Cylon Strike Fleet. Outnumbered by 4 to 1, Cain pulled off close to the impossible and destroyed the Strike Fleet. But the cost was grave. No Colonial Survivors at all. The entire Fifth Fleet was destroyed. Commander Paris had died yahrens ago, officially from injuries sustained in battle. But most of the Military knew it was Pluton poisoning. President Adar had made it a point to choose the Battlestar Atlantia as his Command Battlestar. By Colonial Tradition, whenever the president is aboard his Command Battlestar, it is referred to as the Star Kobol. An honorary Name given to whatever ship the President is aboard. This is mostly used by the Civilians, sometimes to hide the Actual Battlestar being used. Adar finally had approved new construction projects and the plans were drawn up to build 6 new battlestars over Sagitara. 3 of which began construction 3 yahrens ago. But losses still outpaced the plans for replacement. All this was until Councilor Baltar began peace discussions with the Cylon empire. He seemingly replaced Adama as Adar’s main confidant on the council.
No word had been received from the Battlestar Argo project. The Argo had left Colonial Space. By this time, only Commander Brackas of the Pacifica knew of the mission. Everyone else was either with the battlestar, or lost in action. The construction engineers and techs were just about finishing up construction on their newest secret build. The Victory Class Battlestar was a third again the size of a Columbia Class Ship, held 3 times the number of Fighters and featured a detachable 3rd Launch and landing bay that could operate as an independent Ship for a limited amount of time. Designed to allow the battlestar to confront Cylon Baseships while fighter operations, including refueling and rearming to continue over a target. Nearly the entire Ship’s compliment had been redirected from other Fleet assignments or directly from the academies to Victory Station.
With Peace coming with the Help of Sire Baltar, The Fleets have been pulled back to a defensive posture. No Colonial Offensive operations are in effect. The Fourth Fleet has been dry-docked, all construction had been halted and some has begun to be stripped for use in civilian construction projects. The Second Fleet is given defensive patrol assignments, despite being seriously under staffed and supplied. The Third Fleet has replaced Fourth Fleet ships in refit stations. Warriors have begun receiving to orders to redirect to anti pirate and smuggler patrols. Nothing larger then Strikestar are actively patrolling the colonies. Battlestars are stationed among the Colonies ready to respond to calls for help. The First Fleet, the only Battlestars being mobilized has been stripped of support ships. The Battlestars are now patrolling alone. Warriors are also receiving extended furlons, able to enjoy time away from the fleets and mingling with the Civilians.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Aug 15, 2013 8:29:24 GMT -5
The Day of the Ambush
Edan looked around at his surroundings. Well this is if you could consider the confines of a Viper surroundings. But for a Warrior, That was normal. The Viper was in Prime condition, surprisingly one of the newest ones, fresh from the Gemini Production lines. It was a gift for his Transfer from the Caprican Warrior Academy. When he began his rotation as an academy flight instructor, he had to leave his Viper on the Pacifica. Not that is was that beat up. The Flight Crews aboard ship were excellent at their jobs. Just that it was a Combat Viper, assigned to a Combat Squadron. And Edan wasn't going to be a Combat Viper Pilot for a little while.
After 3 Yahrens of Combat voyages on the Pacifica and 2 yahrens on the Columbia Before her, Edan was asked to do 2 Yahrens at the Academy, an honor really. But He could never get comfortable in those 2 seat Vipers. Strange really since the only difference in performance was the slightly shorter range of the fighter due to the extra cockpit. Edan had known more than a few Warriors who didn't mind going into real combat against Cylons in the 2 seater's, even when the rear seat was not manned.
Captain Oded was one of those Warriors. Oded was his first squadron leader on the Columbia, Grey Squadron. The man ALWAYS flew a 2 seater. Whether on patrol, a strike, or fleet defense, he Just liked the option of having a second set of eyes.
But this machine was very clean, very sharp, and quick to respond to Edan's touch. This was supposed to be a slightly improved model. A Viper J model the techs were calling it. The fleet standard Viper was the H model. With the I model being the 2 seater. Techs liked that pattern. This Viper was so new; it had no markings at all on it yet, untouched. A stark contrast to the ship supply shuttle Edan was in formation with. That thing had seen better days, outdated by at least 2 upgrades. Edan was hoping nothing major happened to the ship since besides supplies for the ship they were going to, it also contained all his personal effects. Out here in the Colonial Outback, it wouldn’t be easy to replace everything.
Then there was the ship Edan had just been assigned to. Not a Battlestar, despite his requests to join either the Atlantia or the Galactica. Seems the coming Peace is making assignments to Battlestars rare. Even as a Senior Lieutenant, his request would not get granted. Instead he had been assigned to a Strikestar. Smaller by about half the size of a Battlestar, the Ship looked like the forward section of one of the mighty ships attached directly to the Engine Section. There were still 2 landing bays on the ship. But they ran from the outer edges of the Command section back below the engine section. There were no struts holding them in place, they rested against the hull. The Mercury had a distinguished career, having been assigned to the Galactica as an escort for much of both ships history. They fought in a number of the same battles, and when not together, the Mercury was assigned to the Atlantia. Rarely would both battlestars be in for repairs or upgrades at the same time. And the Mercury had seen its share of down time as well. This usually found the Strikestar assigned to the First Fleet for the past 2 yahrens. But for some reason, the Colonial Flag Fleet had been stripped of its escort ships.
The Mercury found itself on detached duty on the far side of Colonial Space, running anti pirate patrols. Not a glorious duty, but one just as important to trade in the colonies as front line duty. And that was the duty Lt Edan had pulled. He couldn't complain too much in less than a Sectar, the entire fleet might be doing patrols like this, with the promised Peace the Cylons have asked for.
"Mercury Control to Viper Craft, you are on final approach. Adjust course slightly to land in Alpha Bay. Supply Shuttle will land first."
Edan immediately shifted focus from his aimless thoughts to the task at hand. "Mercury Control, Viper 63 Acknowledges, approach to Alpha bay. I'm pulling back behind the Supply Shuttle."
Edan put words to action and slowed a bit and extended his flight path a bit to the Starboard to allow the Shuttle to put some distance between them. The pilot was good, probably in Colonial Supply for Yahrens, He didn’t hesitate to take the landing in Alpha Bay with a direct powered landing. When the shuttle had cleared the bay, Edan made his approach and landed the new Viper without even trying. "This thing almost lands itself!"
Once the Viper had been "parked" and Edan popped the Hatch, he noticed all the deck crew looking over the new Viper. This brought a Smile to His face. It was said the Ego from Viper pilots could almost fuel the ships by itself. While Edan didn’t consider himself that bad, he never shied away from attention. “Then again, it’s probably the lack of markings getting the attention right now.” Edan muttered to himself as he removed his Helmet, placing it out in front of the canopy on the Viper.
The oldest looking of the crew came over with a boarding ramp. "Welcome to the Strikestar Mercury. You must be Lt Edan. I'm Sgt Tyrol. I'll be your Crew Chief."
"Good to meet you Tyrol." Edan smiled as he exited the Craft, and when he planted himself firmly on the deck, he held out his hand which the Chief shook. "The crew here seems to be interested in the Viper, is this the first J they have seen?"
"Actually No. the last 4 Transfers all came in with J's. This is just the first one they won't have to strip the paint off of to match Squadron Colors."
"Yeah, it arrived at The Caprican Academy the morning I left. I almost had to hitch a Ride on the Supply Shuttle. Can't say I'm sorry I missed that." “Yes Sir, I know Pilots make the worst passengers on Shuttles. Always wanting to fly it themselves.” Tyrol smiled, showing that it was more a jab at the Warrior then an honest comment.” “Chief, you keep her in good shape, and I’ll forget the comment about back seat piloting.” Edan clapped the man on the shoulder, exchanging smiles and a quick laugh. It’s always good to be able to joke with your Crew Chief. Since he kept you fighting, you wanted him on your side.
As they were talking, a young Warrior entered the bay. By the looks of him, he was just earned his rank. Fresh out of the Academy. Edan could tell it wasn't Caprica. He'd have known the Ensign. Could be Picon.
"Lt Edan, I'm Ensign Oden. I'd like to officially welcome you to Blackstar Squadron. Strike Captain Tores is currently on patrol. He asked me to welcome you, help you with your things and bring you to the Squad Bay."
"Thank you Ensign. It looks like my bags are coming off the Shuttle now. I just have a carry all aboard my Viper. I'll grab that and meet you at the Shuttle, we can get the lift from there. Sgt Tyrol, a pleasure. Looking forward to serving with you."
The 2 Warriors then left the bay heading toward the Pilots Billets. It didn't take long, not on a ship like this. Edan followed the Ensign in, and was glad to see that he was heading to the back corner of the billets and to a bottom bunk.
"This will be yours. If you have any questions, I'm over there, the first bunk as you enter the bay. I'm the Low man Rank Wise here now."
"Thank you Ensign. I should be good."
With practiced ease, Edan unpacked and squared away his bunk. His extra uniforms and dress uniforms now neatly hanging in his locker. A family photo and a few other effects placed in the usual places. Hanging his battle jacket on the bunk, Edan looked around. Remarkably similar to a battlestar’s Billets. The real difference being that there would be fewer of them aboard. Since there would be fewer Warriors. Everyone seemed to be moving as expected. The rec area was at the base of the buck area. A couple of chairs the usual gaming table. Shared Equipment lockers and Helmet racks. Not being a Battlestar, the Helmets had a collection of Ship Sigils. Could be a lot of recent transfers, or the Command here kept things informal in this area. Edan picked his helmet up off his bunk and walked to o his designated section. Sliding it in and looking at the Cobra head that usual marked Academy Trainers. Yeah, he’d keep that if there was no directive to change. The next thing that caught his eye was the presence of a couple of female warriors in the Billets. All were in the Lounge area, and respecting the fact that this was a male Billet. Most were watching the Card game currently taking place at the table. Edan picked up a collection of Cubits from his Coin pouch, and locked the rest in his locker. He then approached the game. "This an open game?" He asked friendly enough.
"As long as you can afford to lose, it's open enough. I'm Lt Killian, formally of the Columbia. And before that, the Pegasus."
"Lt. Plwel, Pacifica. I think I got there right before you left for Caprica. You're Lt Edan, right?" Edan took an empty seat and joined the game, getting dealt into the hand just starting. His pile of cubits stacked neatly in front of him, ready to place his bets. "That I am. I think I remember you. If I remember correctly, you filled my spot in the squadron. It’s Funny, I remember when I first reported aboard the Pacifica, maybe half the Warriors were transferring off. Felt rather Odd, like they were forming a new squadron of transfers. Well, I’d more say half of both Squadrons.” Edan was caught up in thinking about that reporting aboard the Pacifica and could tell a few of the Warriors were starting to look at him, wondering what he was thinking. “Anyway, seems we've all had service on Battlestars, but find ourselves now here. We might as well make the most of the Easy Duty." The Smile He put on after the comment seemed to catch and the Warriors both playing and watching the game returned the smile. This was how Warriors relaxed, and it made the off duty time enjoyable.
It was Killian who spoke up first. "So, the Academy on Caprica. Lt. Plwel here says Pacifica before then. Based on the duty roster there on the wall you seem to have seniority over most of us. Why did a combat Pilot like you go into training?"
As he settled down and put his bet in, Edan’s Smile grew, “Wasn't originally my choice. My Father pulled a few strings for me. Unfortunately he never asked if I wanted them pulled. He wanted me off the front lines. See, he's a Member of the Planetary Quorum on Caprica. He has aspirations for reaching the Quorum of the 12 in the next election. But knows it ends there for him. For me, well, I think he’d like me to be President of the Quorum one day. He had me join the Colonial Service Right away just to get the experience. Not run from combat mind you, but do as little time under Cylon canons as possible. Problem was," Edan took a fumerello out and with some help from Killian lit up, "I found the career I wanted as a Warrior. I never wanted to go into politics. I prefer shooting people who try to hurt me, not maneuvering them out of office, much more of a straight up fight."
"Commander Cain used to talk a lot about politics, and how it's more honorable to fight your enemies like a warrior. From what you just said, sounds like you agree with him." Killian added before taking a drink from his mug. With ironically bore the emblem of the Pegasus on it.
"Not only do I agree with him, I'm actually related to him. Well, not really him. But his wife was my mother's cousin.” To offset the apparent bragging, Edan added, “Obviously only a distant relative though. Our Families never really got together at all.” Motioning to Killian, “You probably knew him better than I did."
With a look showing a fondness for the memories, Killian replied, "I served with Silver Spar at the time of his wife's death. He took it hard. I had never seen the man that hurt before. The Entire Ship took it hard. We all wanted to help him with the Grief."
"I was at the Funeral. I escorted my mother, since my father couldn't get away from some government Emergency. I was aboard the Columbia, went in Full Dress Uniform. You know, even at a time like that Cain took a moment to look over my uniform, and thanked me for coming with my mother. Mind you, this is the first time I could remember meeting him, but knowing the legends. After the service, I was talking to Sheba, my cousin, and he came over and wanted to know about where I was serving. He patted me on the shoulder and told me to keep up the good work. Even said he might look into transferring me to the Pegasus, if I impressed him enough. 'Always keep family close' he said.” Edan smiled again, obvious a proud moment, “I think it helped him to be distracted like this. But anyway, Sheba was a Cadet at the time. I enjoyed talking to her. Gave her some pointers, more about getting around the Academy, but some of what I learned. Not that I really think she needed it. Not with Cain to talk to. But she said it was good to hear from another family member with different experiences."
Edan couldn‘t tell if anyone in the room was impressed or not and didn’t really care. Being a distant relation to a Legend, especially one mourned as Cain was, didn’t buy anyone special treatment. But Edan didn’t want any. It is just the way it is. “You know, I don’t think I’ve told anyone about the meeting since I was on the Columbia. And only then cause they knew I took Leave to be at the service.” The game progressed and the 3 Warriors continued exchanging Stories of their career and where they had been. It seemed the entire Crowd Enjoyed the talk of tours of Duty on the front lines, being in Viper Strikes on Cylon Bases and ambushing Raider patrols. This was Especially true of the Warriors who were obviously here for their first posting. Warriors who may never know what it’s like to be caught in a Cylon Pinwheel attack, Thank the Lords of Kobol for that.
That was when Lt Charybdis entered. He had been on patrol with Captain Tores. Charybdis was the most senior of all Warriors in the Squadron after the Captain.
"Listen up. This is for you newbies, both you just out of training and those of you on your first Anti-Pirate patrol. We run 2 different duty shifts in this Squadron. Viper Flights and Shuttle boarding crews. The Viper flights are straight forward. You will be assigned a patrol sector, and you will report back to the Mercury or one of our 2 Patrolstar escorts any contacts you encounter. You will initiate communication, have them transmit flight plans, cargo manifests, and passenger lists. Core Command on one of the 3 ships will look it over, along with your scanner data and decide on the next course of action. If it's decided that the ship will be detained or searched, you will maintain formation with them. A second patrol will be launched, escorting a boarding shuttle to the ship. In some cases, you may be ordered to escort the target to one of the command ships. This is pretty much it for Viper Patrol. Like I said, straight forward."
This came as no surprise, most of the veterans had done it even when aboard a Battlestar. You were always coming across a civilian ship when cruising near the Colonies.
Charybdis continued, " Second duty, you will either pilot the boarding shuttles or take part in the boarding party itself. For this duty we have a limited number of Infantry aboard. All Sergeants or below. They will advise you, but as officers you will lead the boarding teams. For this duty you will not wear your battle jackets.” There was some moaning coming from the crowd. Mostly from those who had just earned the right to wear the jackets. “ I know how we all wear them with pride. It does set us apart from infantry and ship's crew, but it will bring unwanted attention to the boarding teams. You will wear either just your issue Tans or the Black infantry vests. You will all have to qualify with not only your hand lasers, but also laser rifles. You will search, question and inspect all ships we intercept. And in the event we do come across pirates, make arrests."
During the briefing, no one had noticed Captain Tores had arrived. He took this opportunity be add a few things. "Between the Mercury, and the Patrolstars Tora and Tanga, we have 2 Squadrons of Vipers and about 3 times the number of shuttles that should be assigned to 3 ships our size. Roughly what a Battlestar would have on its own. But we are spread out over more space. And the ships themselves do not have the combined firepower of a Battlestar. But to any known Pirate group, we are going to be more than enough to handle them. Due to the First Fleet set to sign the Peace Treaty, we have a larger number of experienced warriors here. I welcome you to the group. I am going to look for you to all set an example for those just from the Academy. This is a very common first posting for Warriors. And more than half the Warriors on all 3 ships are on their first patrols." Tores Took a minute to actually look every Warrior in the face, both veteran and the newbies. He had a welcoming Smile and was looking to see if anyone wasn’t clear on what was going to be expected from the. Or to see if anyone thought these duties were below them, since these would be the trouble makers. "If there is nothing else, then by Presidential Decree, we are all on an unofficial furlon. No patrols what so ever will be flown on the eve of the signing of the Treaty. I have received word from Colonel Tellis, the Mercury and group Commander that we can stand down to watch the telecasts from both the Fleet and Colonies for this historic moment. Enjoy."
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Sept 10, 2013 7:20:08 GMT -5
The Senior Warriors returned to the game at hand. "Unofficial Furlon, I'll take it. I think Plwel and I were up on the next rotation anyway, Viper patrol." Killian said
While the last hand was running its course, Both Captain Tores and Lt Charybdis walked over to the table. They just joined the crowd until Edan folded his hand and took a long drag from his mug. “Lt Edan, if we could have a Centon. It shouldn’t take more than a hand. Don’t worry, we’ll get you back to the game quickly.” Tores asked with a smile on his face. A clear sign that this was a request for an informal chat. “Yes Sir.” Addressing the Warriors at the table, “Save the seat, it shouldn’t get cold. At least no colder than that last hand Killian dealt.” With the laughs, Edan stood up and adjusted the Ride of his gunbelt. “Captain, what can I do for you?” “Just some formalities. Due to your time as a formal instructor, and your time in service, you are the third ranking Warrior in the Squadron. There are times that I repot to the bridge to assist Flight Operations there. In those cases Charybdis is in command of the Squadron. When this happens, we’ll need you to back him up and lead elements of the Squadron.” “Yes Sir, that won’t be a problem. If I may Ask, Sir, do you want me to keep some distance between me and the rest of the Squadron? I have had Commanders who insisted on that separation in Ranks.” Edan can remember Squadron leaders who rarely mixed with the Squadron they commanded. Maybe it made it easier to send them on missions they might not come back from. But Edan never agreed with that. It was better to know your people and pick the best suited for missions that way. It was Charybdis who answered for Tores, “No, not at all. Hades Hole, you’re playing in my seat right now. If it wasn’t for this last patrol that is. Get to know everyone, get comfortable. Know their strengths, their weaknesses, And let them know yours. We are in this together.” “Charybdis is right, But there is one more thing. I want to assign Ensign Oden to you are a wingman. His scores from the Academy were passing, but there were issues there. Temper is one, and I’m sure confidence is another. I think you have what it’ll take to get him moving and advance his skills. Chraybdis has another one of the new Warriors assigned to him as well. I would, but I think Colonel Tellis will want me on the bridge more now that we have Experienced Warriors on board.” Just looking at Captain Tores you can see that he wasn’t overly happy about this, but had resigned himself to the fact his time in a cockpit is coming to a close. “Not a problem Sir. I take it that’s why you had him escort me from the landing deck. I’m on it. Anything you need, Captain, just ask. I’m here to help. Anything you need.” Edan truly meant it as well. He liked the Military life, intended to stay, even with the Peace coming. Maybe volunteer for long range Exploration duty, protection for those missions were always needed. If the Cylons proved anything, it’s that you never know what is waiting for you.
“Go back to the Game.” Tores put his hand on Edans shoulder and steered him back towards the game. While he’d been away from the Game, one of the Female Warriors aboard had joined the game. Edan took his Seat again smiled at the newcomer. Holding out his Mug, he introduced himself. “Lt Edan, how has the game treated you since I left?” The Dark Haired Warrior smiled and lifted her Mug in a similar Salute. “I’m Lt Danae. As Killian will tell you later, I knew him on the Pegasus. Been here a little longer than the rest of you guys. But I still have the Edge that Cain put on us.” Despite the challenging words, the smile on her face conveyed the friendly nature of them. Edan smiled himself. “No thanks, I’ll just try the cards here.” The hand progressed with initial betting and a shift of some cards. It was starting to get late, so everyone seemed to agree silently that this would be the last hand. "Ok, I raise 2 Cubits and I call." Edan sounded less than convincing. He was going to have to work on that.
After the other 3 Warriors threw their 2 cubits into the pot, they began showing their hands.
"1/2 Pyramid." Plwel said, wasn't an overall bad hand.
"Got me beat. I was hoping you were all bluffing." Killian threw his cards down without even showing his hand.
"One Full Pyramid." Danae was indeed smiling now cause of the hand.
"Not bad, Danae." Edan said. his face expressionless. "But not good enough. Full Pyramid and a Capstone. Seems the Lords of Kobol were with me today." Now a smile broke out on his face. "Cheer up. I'll buy the first round."
"By the Lords you are. I haven't had a hand like that in ages!" Danae was still smiling, a credit to fair play and having fun.
"So, does this thing have an officer's Club? Where do we go for a drink on our down time?" It was clear where Edan wanted to spend the furlon, and to watch the Pease Celebrations.
"The Mercury doesn't have an Officer's Club, per say. But the Ship's Mess acts as an open club for the entire crew during down time. Enlisted and Officers. Mind if I join you guys?" Lt Charybdis and Captain Tores had returned to the table to watch the game end.
"No problem Sir. Please do." Plwel replied.
"During down time, we like to relax, outside of Rank. It's a small ship, so familiarity helps things move smoothly. When on duty, rank will be enforced, but no ranks when we're on furlon.”
Edan, I hear your last station was the Caprican Academy, impressive. The Capital Academy, A senior Flight Instructor and later advanced Viper Tactics."
"Yes Danae, I've always tried to put my best into my service. Just cause the lasers weren't deadly during training flights, doesn't mean you can let up one bit. Some of the Cadets I flew against learned the hard way that the only easy secton was last secton. Have you done much flight training?"
"Well, with the number of Warriors who are barely out of the Cadet Corp, This type of duty is sometimes considered an extension of Flight Training, just very few simulators. But no, nothing formal." Danae was still smiling, but there was more to it, she missed combat duty. Maybe not a specific posting, but one that didn’t include so much training.
Charybdis, how long have you been with the Mercury?" Killian asked.
"10 Yahrens. I was one of those Trainees. I came aboard fresh from Viper Training. I served in the fleet with the Galactica and Atlantia. Saw a lot of action with this ship. I'm proud to still be assigned here."
"You do realize had you left, you'd probably be Squadron leader. Not my XO." Tores jabbed.
"Yeah, but then who would keep you out of trouble?" Charydbis parried. "Tores and I have served together the entire time. He just got one more promotion then I did." The 6 Warriors entered the mess hall leading a small contingent of Warriors. The 6 talking had the full attention of the mostly Junior Warriors following. Most probably trying to get a feel for their first duty posting.
As stated, the hall was set up just as a mid-sized Officers Club would be. But Enlisted and Officers were mixing freely. Along the walls, there were 12 screens right now each broadcasting the news feed from each of the 12 Colonies. True to his word, Edan bought his fellow Warriors a grog and they toasted to Blackstar Squadron. Edan learned that the other Squadron in the group was Gold Sword Squadron. They were currently split into 2 groups, one aboard each of the Patrolstars. In a Combat Fleet, The Mercury could handle almost 2 full Squadrons of Vipers, but very few Shuttles. This mix gave them more Shuttles.
"Almost time. The First fleet should be nearing the designated signing area. It's by that old moon Cimtar, right?" Killian had been checking his time piece.
"Yeah, That's about right. I know the Atlantia is carrying the President. That’ the ship you’ll be hearing referred to as Star Kobol. Blue Squadron was going to have a big Pyramid tournament. Try to clean out the guys from Atlantia who came aboard to make room for the Signing ceremony. " Said someone in the back of the room. Probably just transferred from the Galactica.
"Hey, the Transmissions are breaking up, all 12 of them." Charybdis was standing up, moving to the nearest scanner. "Scanner is working, but no signal. How long has this been going on?" “They were working just a few Microns ago. Must be something new.” This came from one of the Viper Techs. Still in his orange jumpsuit.
Tores moved to the wall comm, and dialed up the bridge. "Bridge, Captain Tores. Scanners in the Mess are down. Are we still receiving the news feeds?" The Captain's face went from puzzled to concerned. "Yes Colonel. I'll get them moving. We'll be ready." Tores hung up and moved to address the entire room. "Furlon is cancelled. All Crew is to report to duty stations. This is not a drill." Moving from there to the Warriors, he added, "Comm Line Alpha just went dead. Along with all 12 colony news feeds. Something seems to be jamming all signals to and from the Colonies. Colonel Tellis is attempting to raise the Tora and Tanga. But as of right now, we are all on combat alert."
“Are they sure it’s not just a local issue? We are in the Outback.” Ensign Oden definitely seemed to have gotten a bit paler.
Edan didn't wait for any further explanations. He started running back to the Billets. He was going to be ready. Oden, you’re with me, get moving.” Everyone else, you heard the Captain! MOVE!
Just as he reached the Squad room, with the other Warriors not far behind, the lights went to the alert red. He grabbed his flight computer and his helmet and moved towards the flight bays. He knew he was in Alpha Bay. Killian and Danae moved towards beta bay. Captain Tores also moved towards Beta Bay, but Lt Charybdis was moving along with Edan, So was Ensign Oden. Good his Wingman was following.
“Edan is Section leader. He’ll command half the Warriors Launching from Alpha Bay. The rest of you will follow my lead. Edan, your Viper is mid Bay, mine, front of the bay. See you out there.” "Yes Sir." Edan was almost to his Viper, which still hadn't been painted. "Oden! You stay with me, no matter what, you do what I say, and you leave all your questions for when we return back to this ship! If you don't know why I'm telling you to do something, do it first and save your questions for later! Wingmen, Follow your leaders. They have done this before. They will not leave you behind. But you have to be there for them." With all the acknowledgements, Edan moved up the entry ladder into his Viper, already on the launch rail. "Core Control, Viper 63 ready for launch." Edan almost yelled into the Viper as the Canopy sealed around him. Time to get himself under control. The change from furlon to scramble was quick and with it came the rush. The Rush you had to fight to control. Warriors who couldn’t control it became addicted to it. And those Warriors almost always lost everything to the rush.
"Core control to all Vipers. Stand by for orders."
"All hands, this is Colonel Tellis. I have just regained contact with the commanders of the Tora and Tanga. They are right now on battle alert, along with The Mercury, but none of us have been able to contact any other portion of the Fleet. The First Fleet reported a large number of inbounds, but have since gone silent. Add to that the jamming coming from all 12 colonies and I have no choice but to fear the worst. Upon arrival with our Escorts, we will look at the larger tactical picture and draw up a plan of action. Until that time, I ask you all to keep your minds on your job and be ready for anything. Colonel Tellis out."
"FRAK!” was all Edan said. Edan was too controlled now to allow the exclamation to go over the comm, but some of the younger Warriors were not, that sentiment was repeated over and over again through the launch bay. And probably throughout the entire ship for that matter. If this was an all-out assault on the Colonies, then things might just go badly for the Colonials. Peace had broken out well before the signing of the treaty. Edan estimated that a good portion of the fleet had been returned to dock. Only the First Fleet’s Battlestars were patrolling. Everyone else on furlon. Even planetary defenses were probably at bare minimums. It would take time to get Vipers launched and ships pulling out of docking areas. He wondered just how many ships were on Anti-Pirate patrols like the Mercury, and if they could hold out till the Battlestars launched.
Frack Edan Repeated to himself. That's when the comm stirred again. "Attention all Warriors. There is a break in the jamming coming from the Colonies. We are once again receiving civilian Transmissions. Mostly news casts. So far no sign of attack." There were numerous gasps coming from the bridge, right then. "Caprica news coverage has just shown images of Raiders over the capital. Serina was reporting from the airdrome. We have multiple explosions. Serina isn’t reporting but we have images continuing to come in from Caprica City. I can confirm similar reports now coming from all inner colonies. All attempts to reach Fleet command is failing." Colonel Tellis paused again. Obviously he was trying to take this all in as well. "We are ceasing all transmissions to avoid detection. Viper Squadrons are to stand down and return to Billets but maintain Alert status.”
The General intraship Comm Ended and he received another direct Comm. “Edan, Colonel Tellis wants you to join us on the Bridge. Send Oden back with the others. Lt Plwel will take command of your Section if we need to scramble before we are done on the bridge.” “Acknowledged Sir.” Canopies were opened, but very few got out of the Vipers at first. The only ones Edan saw leave theirs were Charybdis and Plwel.
"Plwel, you have command of the group till Edan or I return. If we launch, defer to whoever Tores leaves in command from the other bay, but you are second to him. Once we launch and join up, things will go back to normal." As Charybdis and Edan reached the bridge, they met up with the Warriors from the Other Bay Reporting. Tores had brought Lt Killian with him. “Looks like the Colonel has called up the most senior warriors aboard. Good.” Edan said dryly. “let’s see what we can figure out here." Tores took the lead and moved the group of 4 into the very active bridge. "Colonial, We're here as ordered."
"OK, thank you gentlemen for coming so quickly. Here is the latest. We are picking up scattered transmissions from the direction of The Moon of Cimtar. It seems the Atlantia has been destroyed. The Pacifica has assumed command of the remaining forces.” The colonel looked at each Warrior in turn, “This is because the Galactica seems to have withdrawn from the fight. Knowing Adama, he probably figured out an attack on the Colonies was coming. I bet he's about halfway to Caprica right now, helpless to do anything. That's if the Cylons haven't caught him out in the open all alone. Very little is now coming from the Colonies. We have confirmed that the outer Colonies have been attacked as well. But it seems they had a little bit of notice. perhaps they received the same transmissions we have.” Things were grim. Warriors were openly crying on the bridge. Some emotionlessly moving from station to station, trying to find something to do that will make a difference. “ Now, for our situation. Normally there would be 3 Colonial cutters out in the region with us, but since there is such a strong, and I use that term loosely, military presence here with our 3 ships, the cutters were recalled for refit. Translation, we are the only known Military ships in the Quadrant. There is an unknown number of civilian ships here as well. we have been so far unable to locate or raise any of them." Tellis paused, letting the Warriors soak that in.
"Other than know pirate groups, This is a dead quadrant. No planets or moons have been settled here, and there is very little in the way of materials or fuel to be mined here. This is a main Transit corridor between Colonial Space and the Orions. It is that traffic that the pirates prey on. All scans show no signs of any Cylon forces coming this far into Colonial space yet. But let's face it, this is the Colonial Backwater. I think we have some time to regroup and refocus on what to do next. And in that light, I want to make some changes right now. Captain Vlad on the Tanga will need to be replaced. He's a good officer when it comes to hunting pirates. But he has no experience when it comes to fighting cylons. He's never even qualified to fly a Viper. He was a Shuttle pilot. Captain Tores, I'm unfortunately going to have to assign you command of the Tanga. Vlad will stay on as your XO. It's uncommon to have 2 Captains assigned to a ship the size of a patrolstar, but it has to be done. Effective immediately Lt Charybdis, you are Squadron Leader for Blackstar. You Two are most senior here. You will be flight leaders. I'm sure Captain Tores would have done so himself, but it's official now."
The three Lts. looked around at each other, nodded and All said "Thank you Colonel."
"Now, we need to have a plan. Even if we can start rounding up survivors, and all the Civilian ships we can find, we are going to need a place to regroup and form a counter strike. Does any one of you have a suggestion?"
Killian looked at the large plotting screen in the back of the bridge. It currently showed the location of Tora, Tanga and Mercury. It also showed the moon Cimtar and best guess estimate of the forces that might remain there. There were other Patrol elements positioned on the board, but absolutely nothing close enough to regroup with quickly.
"Sir, my best suggestion would be to send a Viper Patrol toward the colonies or one of the Satellite planets. We are lacking on good Intel. We need to know what's going on." Killian replied. “Sir, Even if we do send the recon, we need to bolster our force here. What about Ragnar?"
"Ragnar Station? I'd love to go there Lt Edan, unfortunately, the location of the Station is one of the biggest secrets of the Fleet. Not even the Council of the 12 know where it is. Fleet Commanders only." Captain Tores answered for the Colonel.
"He's right. Edan. I don't know where it is. If I did, we'd be moving towards it already." The Colonel added.
Edan had a strained look on his face, as if trying to remember some lost fact he never thought he’d need to remember. "I'm not sure I remember the position exactly, but one of my first assignments was as an honor guard in the retiring of the Rycon. It was listed as destroyed, but not completely in its last engagement. 3 Fleet Tugs brought it to Ragnor to be salvaged. The Honor Guard manned the bridge stations despite not having enough power to move under its own power. I was one of 3 Pilots aboard, so they had me man the helm. Not having any power to actually plot a course, I just watched the course we took to the Anchorage.” Edan moved closer to the plotting board, along with the rest of the Command staff. “ I think it's over this way, by this Pulsar." Edan was studying the chart. It was a dead system. Nothing has ever been there in the entire recorded history of the Colonies. “The Pulsar sends out stray radiation transmissions which made navigation dangerous, and it was well off the Orion Trade Corridor. So chances of an accidental encounter with the Station is unlikely.”
"Colonel, what's the best guess compliment of the Anchorage?" Killian asked.
"Probably 2 to 3 hundred people. Mostly Engineers and techs. To scrap the dead ships into usable materials. They have also been known to rebuild some of the ships using their own salvage. This could bolster our forces and give us a base to operate from. Helm, Set course to this point. We will set out as soon as the patrolstars are in formation. We're not sparing anything. All ships to make for Lightspeed.
Sir, Report from the Tanga, It's just on the edge of our scanners, and seems to have come under attack. Telemetry says a Cylon scout force. Captain Vlad is calling for help."
Captain Tores moved to a different consul. "Tora is going to reach them first. But if we move at lightspeed now, we can come up behind them. Make sure none of them reports what they found."
"Do it. Our Survival right now depends on not being discovered. If they bring a basestar out here we are done. Lt Charybdis, get your squadron ready to launch. Captain Tores. You will transfer over to the Tanga as soon as we are in range. I need you there. Take your Viper." "By your Leave Colonel" and with that, all 4 warriors returned to the squad bay. When they arrived, they were met by the entire Viper pilot compliment. All wanting some answers. Lt Killian gave a quick rundown of just how desperate things were for the human race right now. But before the fear of complete defeat could set in, Lt Charybdis stepped forward. "OK, Listen up Blackstar. We are going to be preforming a Combat Launch. That means the Mercury will be maneuvering into combat as we clear the tubes. For you Newbies, all that means is keep your Turbos firing till you're well clear of the ship turning to form up. There are Cylons in the area. Not pirates. This is the real thing. Follow your flight leaders. Lt Danae, Plwel, Killian and Edan will be flight leaders. I'll be joining Lt Danae's Flight. I'll have overall Squadron Command. Captain Tores has been promoted to Command of the Tanga as soon as we rescue her from the Cylons. Lt Edan is now Squadron XO. " With that, The entire Group moved to the Launch bays again. Captain Tores would be trading Vipers with Charybdis, since he now needed to be in the other Bay. Tores wasn’t here yet, but Edan knew he wouldn’t be far behind the Squadron. Charybdis reminded everyone exactly what was going to happen when they launched. Making sure that there were no questions. Edan waited till Charybdis was done with his announcement, then he opened his Com. "OK, I'm going to give everyone in 4 flight a countdown. I'm timing it with Core Command. On one, we will all hit turbos and Launch. I figure this will get us out in front of the others. I want to lead this charge. We'll be coming out between the Cylons and their reinforcements. So it's key to end this quickly. Everyone just stay with your wingmen and stay calm. I'll get you home again. Gold Sword section 1 and 2 will both be engaged already so make sure you confirm your targets BEFORE firing. There will be friendlies out there."
"Core Command Transferring Launch control to Fighter Craft in 3 Centons. All Warriors Prepare for Launch." Came the overriding announcement from the bridge.
"This is it People. Stay Sharp." Edan then started his preflight, warming up the engines, activating the Turbos, and finally switching to attack computer scanner and arming the lasers. It wasn't often Warriors armed the lasers before launching, but this was one of those times. "4 Flight, Arm weapons now. We are launching live. Be aware of the fire button. No mistakes people." As he got the acknowledgments, Edan knew his Warriors were ready. This was something he had all his cadets practice. He knew what to listen for in their voices. to see who was unsure of doing it, or not ready. Maybe that time at the academy would pay off after all. When the last Warrior replied, He looked over to the next Viper over and got Ensign Oden’s attention, and was given a Thumbs up. To the kid’s credit, his hand was not shaking any more than Edan’s own hand. They were ready.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Sept 13, 2013 20:57:45 GMT -5
At the same time The card game was finishing off, a meeting was taking place aboard Victory Station at the furthest point of Colonial space away from the Cylon Empire. This meeting was to determine the fate of the largest Warship ever constructed by Colonial Engineers. A Warship, that more than likely would no longer be needed. Present was Commander Teck, who was scheduled to command the Victory Class Battlestar, named for the Station of its birth. Next to him was Colonel Stonic, who had been station commander for almost 10 yahrens now, and was set to retire from service with the launch of this Battlestar. On Teck’s other side was Colonel Voss, who was assigned to the Excaliber as XO. Captain Powers was Project leader, and the man most likely to be promoted to replace Colonel Stonic when the Excalber launched he sat across the table from the Command officers, along with senior engineers Baron and Reid. “Commander, I’ve been tasked by Fleet command to find a peacetime role for this ship, and frankly, the only thing I can think of is long range exploration. With the weapon systems tweaked a bit, we could send this ship out longer than anything else humanity has built since the war with the Cylons began. Delta Bay can even be used to coordinate planetary exploration while the rest of the ship explores the system fully, marking other planets for exploration. If we pull out the barracks for half the Viper Squadrons, replace them with labs, turn the main armory over into survey equipment storage and take the room that would be allotted to those Vipers and Asps, and put in another set of labs in the bays, for containment, this ship could extend Colonial exploration for parsecs.” “How long will this delay launch? We’re already running behind. We have number 3 engine still not functioning, and Alpha Bay still being used to store machine parts. Our Viper and Asp compliment has just begun getting ferried over to Beta bay. And I believe Delta Bay’s actual hanger space is only 3/4 complete.” Teck was reading from a hand computer, definitely not happy about the delays and hold ups. But this was not like launching any other Battlestar. This Ship incorporated thousands of new and untested systems. Delays had to be expected. “Actually sir, the report you’re reading from is a bit outdated. Delta bay is almost complete and being used to house the rest of the Battlestar’s fighter compliment. We completed that today. Engine 3 is still an issue, but we are going to focus the teams from delta there starting tomorrow. The main Ships armament is still down, but that’s mostly capacitors and relays that need to be installed. And then calibrate the Targeting computers. Auto Turrets are all operational, but undergoing testing and Calibration.” Engineer Baron spoke up this time. Voss scowled at the man, speaking out of turn like that. But Teck Smiled. This was exactly why he’d requested the Engineer be assigned to the Ship once it launched. But before anyone could respond to this, the Rooms Comm system beeped. Stonic, as station commander answered. “Stonic here.” “Lt Ofica here sir. We’ve been trying to pick up the Fleet transmission from the 1st Fleet to transmit to the crews, but we’re only receiving static right now. “ Voss’ Communication officer was very good at her job, and would only report this if it was something worth worrying about. “What about Transmissions from the Colonies. We should be able to receive them here.” Teck spoke up. “Yes Sir, also Static…” Ofica cut herself off quickly then came back, “Transmission from Caprica City Sir. Sending it to your monitors.” The screen light up showing Serina, standing in the Caprica City Square, right in the heart of the seat of Government for the Colonies. The building in front of her would be the President’s office. It seemed Serina was just as confused as everyone on Victory Station as to why no reports were coming from the 1st Fleet. But, like usual she kept it all together. That was until Teck noticed something in the background. “They have incoming into the City. Look over Serina’s shoulder. Cylon Phalanx. Colonel Stonic, Bring the Station to alert. I want Communications to try to raise anyone in the fleet. Even if it’s a small outpost. “ As Commander Teck was issuing orders, the Explosions in Caprica City began. Serina Started yelling for someone. The buildings around her were detonating and burning. The Camera turned to show the cityscape. Building everywhere were being attacked Cylon Raiders could be seen flying over structures. It was a sure thing that no peace would be had tonight. “Colonel Voss pulled up a communicator. “I want the Excaliber manned immediately. Transfer whatever crewmembers that were still on the station awaiting order to board immediately. Whatever Vipers we have and warriors to man them are to be set into Squadrons now. I don’t care what their original orders were. We need to defend this Station if the Cylons come.” Commander Teck nodded approval at Colonel Voss’ orders but knew ultimately, they couldn’t hold this station long. Stonic, I want everything brought aboard the Excailber, Strip the station. All crew, all personnel, everyone. Especially the Civilian workers and their families. Delta Bay can be turned into emergency shelters. Till that’s ready, the station will be defended. Gentleman, I want alternatives and Keep all channels open for transmissions from the Colonies. If there are survivors, I want to be able to assist them.
All through the Colonies Death and destruction was raining down on Humanity. Aboard the Battlestar Pacifica, Commander Backas tried to rally the few Vipers that had been launched, mostly from the Galactica. But it was becoming clearer that they were not going to survive this betrayal. The Pacifica was in the perfect position to watch both the destruction of the Galactica’s Recon Ship and then the wave after wave of Cylon Raiders that washed over the fleet. He’d been monitoring Commander Adama’s requests to up the Fleet’s readiness Status, and agreed with him, but was slow to take action himself. He’d called for a readiness drill, but didn’t go as far as to have Viper pilots man their fighters. The Trident had communicated privately with the Pacifica, but Commander Julius agreed with President Adar. He didn’t like the Show of force the Cylons seemed to present with their welcoming committee, but he trusted this coming peace. Backas regretted letting Julius convince him to temper his response. A few Vipers eventually launched from Pacifica, but not enough. Not nearly enough. Then there was the unexplained Shuttle launching from Atlantia. Just as the Recon Viper exploded. It seemed to be heading towards the other side of the fleet, but was quickly overcome by the Raiders. What worried Backas was that the Shuttle as not destroyed, but seemed to be escorted away from the fighting. He knew it wasn’t the President, since Adar had broadcasted from the Atlantia, right up to its destruction. “Commander, we’ve just lost the Odyssey!” His Flight control officer looked up at him, despair all over his face. “We’re the last ship in the fleet. All Raiders have turned to engage. Suicide strikes have taken out both bays and the fire is spreading.” Nothing but determination on his face, Backas prepared to make the last few orders he ever would. “Put me on Unicom.” Backas adjusted his headset as the mighty Battlestar Shook under his feet. “All Surviving Vipers, you are to Disengage immediately. You are ordered to follow the Course the Galactica took back to the Colonies and to protect that ship at all costs. To the Warriors of the Galactica, I thank you for your efforts. The fleet here is lost, but Commander Adama may be able to save our homes. HELP HIM!” he signaled the Unicom off and then looked at the wounded Communications officer. “Set all remaining transmitters to broadcast on course 235 mark 65. All power to signal.” The Comm officer was confused by this order but complied. And indicated that the transmitters were functioning. “Argo. The Fleet is gone. Colonies in flames. Humanity’s salvation rests with you and Galactica. Backas Out.”
And as the last word was transmitted the Battlestar Pacifica detonated into a fireball. The last of the Viper pilots were moving away from the carnage as that fireball burnt out.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Sept 19, 2013 21:47:52 GMT -5
"OK 4 Flight, in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 LAUNCH!" Edan put words to action and was already moving down the launch tube. Upon clearing the tube, he counted to 2 and then nosed over, moving toward the front of the Mercury. As he estimated, this maneuver put 4 flight 7 microns ahead of 1 flight and Lt Charybdis. Coming from Beta Bay. "4 Flight has the lead. I'm taking My Vipers over the top hull of the Tanga. I'll clear the close in Raiders." Switching to fleet com, Edan continued, "Lt Edan to Patrolstar Tanga. I'm going to bring my Vipers up and over your hull, try to clear out the close in Raiders. Watch your auto Turrets. Once you're cleared, we will engage in support of your Vipers."
"Lt Edan, text book launch. I thought I would have had you. I'm taking 1 Flight under the ship. 2 Flight, you take port. 3 Flight, you have starboard. We'll clear the ship and then support the Gold Swords." Lt Charybdis obviously didn't like being beaten to the line, it was after all a friendly game often played among warriors in the smaller ships of the fleet. On Battlestars, entire squadrons all launched from the same bay. But here, you split your squadrons between 2 smaller bays. Today, here and now, there was an edge of revenge added to the exercise. Every Warrior knew that there was a massive score they all wanted to try to equalize and every Cylon they destroyed now was a bit more revenge.
Edan pulled over the engine assembly of the Patrolstar and began shooting at every raider there. There weren’t many, all said and done, but enough to endanger the smaller Capital ship. It too less than a Centon for this first pass to be completed and when it was, 13 Raiders attacking the dorsal hull of the ship were reduced to trace elements. Edan, leading the Charge scored 3, and was now busy chasing number 4. “Eat Laser Tinhead!” Edan growled just as his thumb hit the fire button.
The entire fight didn't take long. The Mercury never even got close to engaging anything. The Tora had fired a few defensive shots when it first arrived, but mostly it just stood back and jammed all Cylon Communications. the Tanga took some damage, but nothing major. The problem was, most of it could have been avoided with an experienced commander aboard. Well, in fairness to Captain Vlad, experienced with Cylons.
Tores had launched with 2 Flight, mostly as an observer. And immediately landed on the Tanga during the close ship pass. it was doubtful anyone would have noticed the single landing. In fact, even the Tanga bridge had missed it in the fight. Tanga had lost 2 Vipers. and in total 50 Raiders had been destroyed. Not much of a shot back at the Cylons. And no one knew how much time the Colonies had left. The real reason most of the Warriors felt they accomplished a miracle was that they had not only rescued the Tanga, but also a Civilian Liner that had been the original target of the Cylon patrol. The ship took superficial damage, at the very beginning of the engagement, and had found cover during the heaviest of the fighting. The Ship, a Star Class Liner named “The Shooting Star” was an older model ship that took Colonists on scheduled tours of the Colonial Outback, enjoying the sights of the Pulsar and Quasar formations, and the various nebulas. The Shooting Star settled in close to the Mercury and the 2 Patrol Stars took flanking positions around formation. The Colonies were in flames, no word on survivors, but they were saving civilians. And all the Warriors could get behind that. Back aboard the Mercury, Edan settled in for a quick nap. 30 Centons ago he had landed and debriefed his Flight, then made a report to Charybdis. The 4 Ships were now in formation, heading towards the area of space Edan thought that Ragnar was located. It took about 5 more centons for Edan to give up on his nap and reported to the bridge. He was due there in 40 Centons anyway, since he was the only one aboard who had ever been there, he would be needed on the bridge. Walking onto the Deck, Colonel Tellis looked at him. "You're early Edan. Something wrong?" "No Sir, just felt I was wasting time below. Thought I should be here. We are going on my estimates here." Edan said
"We are, but even if you are wrong, it's the best any of us have been able to come up with. I've been in contact with both Tores on the Tanga and Javier on the Tora. Both Captains agree this is the best idea. So even a failure is better than what we were coming up with. Plus Captain Vlad has boarded the Shooting Star along with a few Infantry Warriors. We’re getting an accounting of who is aboard and what their designations are. Seems we may have more warriors aboard, but we don’t know what assignments they’ve held."
"Yes sir, it's just I wish I could be a little more positive. It's been Yahrens since I made this run. And that flight of Cylons worries me. why were they out this far? Where was their support ships? Is there a larger force waiting for us?"
"Those are questions we’ve all asked since the engagement. Best guess, probably an advance force. Looking for the Cutters. Those cutters wouldn't have stood a chance against a force of that size."
"Sir, Contact on rear scan. Warbook says it's a Colonial Cutter. I'm rerouting the Viper Patrol to check it out." Came a call from a tan suited crewman on the bridge.
"Have the Tora prepare to come about, and be ready to scramble her Vipers. I don't like this." Tellis said. Edan moved to the Scanner section.
"Reports are coming in from the patrol. Lt Killian and an Ensign. They are confirming the Cutter is Colonial in design, but it's showing heavy repair work. Almost like a salvage. Patchwork armor plating, even armament is non-regulation."
"Sir, It sounds like a Pirate Craft to me. Request Permission to launch." Edan said looking up at Tellis.
"The Tora's Vipers can handle it. Stay where you are Edan. Open a channel with the Ship. Try Unicom and all known pirate channels."
"No need sir, Signal coming in over unicom now." The Communication Station officer reported.
"Put it on up here."
"This is the Independent Warship Avenger to Colonial Strikestar and Escorts. I am Captain Ash. I request a meeting under a Flag of Truce. As a Sign of my willingness to uphold this truce, I am ordering my second ship to join me in formation." As the transmission came in, a second signal come onto the Scanner Edan was looking at.
"Second Contact. Moving slowly up to Join the First contact. Warbook shows it as....well, it's reading as a long range bulk freighter. But I'm also getting other readings from it." Both Edan and the scanner crewman make some fine adjustments. "Sir, it's a carrier Conversion. That Freighter is holding 12 Scarab Class 6th Milena fighters. I'm Reading them as fully armed and operational."
"So, I would think we are meeting the main pirate force in this sector face to face right now." Activating his Comm, Tellis addressed the Pirate. “Captain Ash, This is Colonel Tellis of the Colonial Strikestar Mercury. I accept your banner of Truce, but will expect you, and you alone to land aboard this ship. The Partolstars will take an escort position off both of your ships. I'm also launching a precautionary Viper patrol. You will launch nothing but the ship you intend to board the Mercury with."
"I will launch in a Scarab Fighter. I also accept your terms Colonel. My Fighter's weapons will be unpowered. I'll see you in 10 centons."
"Colonel, what are your orders?" Lt Edan definitely looked concerned. This was all highly irregular, but then again with the Colonies burning, and no reports of Military or Civilian survivors, what was regular now?
"Lt Edan, you will greet the Captain in Alpha Bay. Disarm him and take an escort with you." turning to face another bridge crewman, "Have Lt Charybdis and Lt Plwel ready 2 Boarding teams. Lt Danae is still aboard as well. They will be ready to shuttle out to the 2 pirate ships. Fully armed and ready. I want every Colonial infantry warrior aboard on those ships if needed."
With that, everyone began moving as ordered.
It didn't take Edan long to get to Alpha Bay. He just stopped long enough to get Ensign Oden and another Warrior just out of the Academy. The attack on the Colonies has washed away most of the fog Warriors just from the Academy usually had. Edan had noticed that in the time since the attacks, no one seemed to miss a step, even in the brief engagement they had.
The Scarab settled to a stop not far from Edan. The ship looked like it had been pieced together from at least 6 different ships. And the Human who stepped out of the Fighter looked no better. If he was intending for his outfit to look military, he failed. He wore a battered Civilian pilot's jacket. there were a few Military Patches on the sleeves, including one for the Atlantia. His Pants were white, or they had been when new. They looked more grey now, with darker smears. But his Tunis was what caught Edan's attention most. It was brand new. a Green color, long sleeves, with a red square right below the neck, centered on the tunic. "I bet you think that Fighter looks like it's going to fall apart. But I can assure you, it's solid. We exchange Hull panels between our fighters at random. It makes them look put together. The frames and internals are all solid. Just a little trick we use to get an edge in combat. I'm Captain Ash."
"Lt Edan. If you would remove your weapon belt, I'll take you to Colonel Tellis' Quarters. He will meet you there. Failure to relinquish your weapons, and he'll meet you in the Brig."
Ash unbuckled the Gunbelt at his waist. "No need to make threats Kid. Not at a time like this. I'll even hand you my holdout laser." Ash reached into his boot and pulled a small hand laser from it. "You'll never believe it, but I'm here to enlist, along with my entire Crew." Of all the reasons this Pirate could have picked to come aboard, Edan would never have guessed it was to enlist in Colonial Service. But then again, who could have guessed The Cylons would have used a Peace Treaty to mask an attack on the Colonies.
"Don't we have a meeting to get to Lt Edan? After all, The colonel will be waiting."
"Captain Ash, if you'll follow me."
"I bet you wouldn't have guessed, but I was in the Colonial Service before. I really was a Captain. A Strike Captain. Battlestar Cerberus. I just left the service and.... found a new career."
"A new Career huh deserter? You like preying on civilians. Taking their hard earned Cubits. Holding scared Civilians for ransom?" It was Ensign Oden this time.
"I may have signed up for the quick cubit, but I've never harmed another Human. I haven't even harmed an Orion. I pride myself and my crews on this. Not all pirates are as....humane."
Edan gave the ensigns a look and conversation ended there. Before looking back forward, Edan was sure that Ash had smiled at seeing Edan quiet the junior officers with just a look.
When they reached The colonel's Quarters, Edan announced their arrival and was told to escort the Captain into the room. Once in, Ash turned to Edan and smiled again. "You're a good officer Edan. I look forward to seeing how things progress."
"Lt Edan, I'll take it from here, you and the Ensigns can wait outside. Captain Ash, I'm Colonel Tellis. So, what do you say you just tell me what you've obviously told my Warriors."
The Last thing Edan heard when the door closed was Ash laughing.
45 Centons later, the door opened again. "Lt Edan, enter please. Captain Ash here is being returned to Active Duty in Colonial Service. I have ordered the 2 boarding shuttles to launch and board the 2 former pirate vessels. The Boarding crews will confirm identities of the new recruits. All the Scarabs will be transferred to the Mercury. It seems the Freighter had been damaged in an engagement with the cylons about 10 centons before the Tanga's engagement. We will be scuttling her. Captain Ash will remain in command of The Avenger. We will also leave 2 Scarabs with him. It will operate as a scout for our fleet. It seems Also that Captain Ash confirms that Ragnar is in the general area."
"Actually Colonel, the Anchorage is right here." Ash was pointing to a spot on the map in the Colonel's quarters. "It's where we got the Avenger from. It's a large area. And not many patrols through the anchorage." “Interesting that you would admit running through the Anchorage at will. It’ll be interesting to see what the Station Commander will think of that.” It was clear that circumstances were forcing everyone’s hand in this situation. No one was Happy, but then again, with humanity possibly all but whiped out, who could be happy.
The next 100 Centons went as smoothly as could be expected. The Freighter was evacuated quickly enough and the Fighters were brought aboard the Mercury. The Colonials learned that the Avenger actually had 4 Scarab Fighters hanging on External Racks. The Racks were an invention by the Pirates. It allowed the fighters to hang outside the ships. The pilots boarded the fighters through a retractable docking collar that fit snuggly around the cockpit. A ladder inside the collar allowed pilots to move up and down. Not the Safest method ever seen, but secure enough to be workable. Some of the Technicians on the Mercury were wondering that with some modifications, could Vipers be outfitted to hang off of the Corvette. But as of now, there were no plans for that. Captain Ash returned to the Avenger, which took to the front of the ship formation. The Crew of the Freighter was the split between all three warships. Uniforms were provided to the new recruits. Tensions were high, but no fights seemed to break out among the mixing crews.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Sept 23, 2013 22:20:34 GMT -5
Lt Edan and Killian had just finished updating the crew roster. The most senior recruit from the former pirates was a man named Marcus. He had no flight experience, but used to be a Colonial Army Chief. Chief Marcus was immediately assigned to the Colonial army unit aboard the Mercury. Additions from the Falling Star seemed more promising. Lt Geras and Lt Savage had been enjoying a long furlon from the Fourth Fleet cruising the Outback. Both were experienced Viper pilots and had immediately transferred their gear to the Mercury. Command was still sorting out the Civilians, but just knowing that they had been saved helped bear the burden of all the loss.
"Lt Edan and Lt Killian report to Flight Bay Alpha. Repeat Edan and Killian report to Flight bay Alpha."
Both Officers looked at each other and moved out as ordered. As soon as they reached the Flight Bay, they found Lt Charybdis waiting for them.
"According to Ash, we are just about to the perimeter of the Anchorage. The Colonel wants both of you to lead us in. You two will be escorting one of Ash's men in. Killian, you will have command of the Probe. The Scarab is being prepped now. And Edan, you'll be happy to know you're Viper now has Squadron markings. We are about to broadcast on Fleet Comm Alpha. Be ready. Not sure what they have here. And I've just been briefed by the Colonel. The Pirates, I mean our recruits have confirmed at least one thing. There has been a major assault on the Colonies. They picked up distress signals from Civilian ships attempting to leave The Colonies. In every case, all ships that transmit are tracked and destroyed by Cylons. The force we fought with was one of those hunter killer forces."
"Thank you Charybdis. Any idea who's in command of Ragnar?" LT Edan didn't want to think of Civilian ships being destroyed by Cylons. There was no way the civilians would stand a chance.
"No Clue. Best guess is a Commander or Colonel in Rank. But as to who, no guesses."
Both Warriors saluted and moved to their Vipers. Viper 63 now sported the black Squadron markings he had gotten used to seeing aboard the Mercury. With his helmet seated in place, and the canopy closing, Edan looked over at Killian. The silent rage Edan was feeling was visible on Killian's face as well.
"Core Systems transferring launch control to Probe Craft. Launch when ready. Core Systems transferring launch control to Scarab Fighter, Launch when ready."
Edan didn't wait to reply; he simply pressed the Turbo button and accelerated down the launch tube. As he cleared the tube, he looked to his right and saw that Killian had wasted no time either.
"I have lead Edan, follow me into the Anchorage. Scarab 3, accelerate at best speed and follow us in. We'll stay off turbos, make it easier for you."
"Copy Viper lead. Don’t wait for me; you'll be surprised how this Fighter handles." As if to show off the performance of the Ancient Fighter, the Pilot pulled up next to the Vipers and took up perfect formation with the Warriors.
Edan looked back over his left shoulder and displayed the first signs of a smile as he saw the fighter moving into formation.
"Lead, you have 2 trailers, let's move into the Anchorage." Edan was smirking at the image of the 2 different fighters moving together outside of his Viper.
"Ragnar Anchorage, This is the Strikestar Mercury. Colonel Tellis in command. I am transmitting on auto scramble. Narrow beam transmission. I am bringing in my task force. Respond and notify of any outer defenses."
"Ragnar Defenses, This is Lt Killian, Blackstar Squadron. I have the anchorage in sight. Identify any patrol ships. We are friendly forces. Do not engage, I say again, do not engage." Killian added as he eased the Probe flight into the anchorage.
"Unidentified Fighters, Stand by and do not advance. This is Lt Percy of Ragnar Station. Lt Percy to Strikestar Mercury, hold your position. I'll have Colonel Oded contact you." Just as the final transmission ended, Edan saw 8 Vipers moving at the Flight of 3 fighters. They had come at the probe flight from the left flank. From behind an asteroid that seemed to float harmlessly around the only real entrance to the shipyard.
"Smart fighters, and more than enough to take care of our probe, I'm impressed. Someone here is a seasoned Warrior." Killian noted.
"If Colonel Oded is who I think he is, then yes, the Colonel is a True Warrior. To the core." Edan was smiling. His Old Squadron leader, could it be him?
"Probe Flight, We have a problem believing you. There are no active Scarab Squadrons in Colonial Service. You can consider yourself about to be destroyed." It was a new voice. Older, but one Edan was SURE he knew. "Colonel Oded. I know Grey Squadron Procedure would have been to shoot first, but I'm asking you to give me a chance." Edan was scrambling to buy the Probe time. "Do you still have that poor excuse of a two seat Viper sitting in the launch bay?"
"Grey Flight, hold your fire. Probe Viper. Identify yourself. And if you get it wrong, I will personally kill you."
"Colonel, its Grey 10. I was Ensign, now Lt Edan. I was your wingman for the assault on that Cylon scout ship. The one on the far side of Cimtar." Edan was sure that he had the Colonel now. "I can explain the Scarab. It starts with a massive assault on the Colonies. The Scarabs are from a Pirate group that has enlisted in Colonial Service. We are cut off from everyone and scrambling for resources."
"Mercury, you and your escorts can move into the perimeter. Hold position next to the Gutted Gunstar. I'm Transmitting position information to you now. Rest assure you will be covered by Anchorage defenses. Probe Fighters. You will follow Grey Flight to the Anchorage. At that point, we can sort this all out. Colonel Tellis, after I confirm your identifies, I will have an escort come out to escort your shuttle to the Station."
Now, seeing Vipers with a familiar Grey detailing on them, Killian and Edan followed Percy toward the center of the ship grave yard. The Ships they passed were old, showing signs of having been sitting in this shipyard for yahrens. Some showed battle damage, others obviously just at the end of a long service life. But to the three pilots launched from the Mercury, none showed the hope they had been counting on. None of these ships would be able to help hold back the Cylons. But as they got further in, things did start to look up. The ships were newer, fewer signs of having been used when the war with the Cylons had just begun.
A few centons later and the station itself came into view. It was actually 2 Stations built on top of each other. The first and smaller one was just a simple administrative Station. It was modified a bit; the personnel section was expanded, since there was no colony or satellite world anywhere near here to help support the station operations. This was where the Officers compiled their reports, and where all the crews lived. The Second, much larger Station was basically an enclosed Dry-dock and storage facility. one or two at a time the decommissioned ships would be brought into the dry dock and disassembled. Every once in a while, a ship would be brought in, repaired and restored and leave to rejoin the Colonial service again. Based on rumors running around the fleet for every 5 ships that enter the dry dock, a sixth ship would be reconditioned and returned to service. Meanwhile, freighters would transport the materials salvaged from the wrecks to the colonies. From there they would be used for just about anything. Buildings, Civilian Transports and stations were being constructed with this salvage, with the vast majority going to the Military shipyards.
Edan, Killian and Spat, the scarab pilot, all landed in a secondary bay in the dry dock section. Edan's eyes bulged a bit. At the back of this bay, there were at least 2 Squadrons of Vipers lined up, waiting for pilots to fly them. None of these Vipers had any markings at all. They were almost pristinely presented. In front of these Vipers, in launch positions were the rest of Grey Squadron's Vipers. And front and center was a 2 seater. That had to Oded's Viper.
Edan popped the canopy and saw the Warriors gathering around. Most were keeping their hands very close to their lasers. Edan motioned to Killian and Spat to make sure they didn't move a hand too close to their own lasers. with acknowledgments from both of them, Edan looked over to the descending elevator. There were 2 officers on it. The first one, Edan had no idea who it was. The second was older, walked with a pronounced limp, but was the man who taught Edan most of what he knew about Viper Combat.
With his hands held away from his hips, Edan moved toward the Colonel. The Colonel's face changed as he took in the approaching officer.
"It's been a while Edan. You look good. You’ve definitely grown into that uniform since I saw you last." Oded turned to face Lt Percy, "Percy, launch with your flight again. Head over to the Mercury and inform Colonel Tellis that I'm at his disposal." Oded looked to Killian as he walked up. "Lt Killian, I'm Colonel Oded. I'd appreciate any news you can tell us. One of the side effects of the location of this anchorage is that we can't receive any transmissions from the Colonies due to the radiation emissions from the pulsars. All dispatches and news is handled by currier. And the latest one is now very overdue."
"The Short of it is the Peace Treaty was a fake. The Cylons used it as a way to launch a massive attack on the Colonies. We have no hard data right now. The three main ships in our fleet were in this sector on anti-pirate patrols. We caught part of the civilian transmissions and bits of military comm chatter from the First Fleet. None of it good. There was a small engagement with the Cylons a few Centons ago, and we saved a single Civilian Liner. After that, Spat's Pirate group approached the fleet and Offered to reenter Colonial service. They also were able to confirmed Lt Edan's theory that Ragnar was out this way. So we came here in the hopes that the Cylon attacks missed it."
"No way the Cylons could know where we are. Only the Top Fleet Commanders do. Or did. How did Edan know where this place was?" Oded looked directly at his former wingman with more than simple wonder on his face.
"I was part of the Honor guard that retired the Rycon here. I did that before reporting to you on the Columbia. I was sworn to not mention that duty and it never appeared on my record. I wasn’t entirely sure exactly where the Station was, but I taking my best guess. How the Pirates knew, you can ask Spat here."
"Captain Ash was assigned here right before he “retired' from service. He knew how to get in and where the best ships to borrow were. Including the Scarabs. We had a ground base where we would bring the salvage and put it into working order. But that's where the Cylons attacked us. We are all that's left of our original group."
"Ash, yeah, he was leaving as I got here. He was in charge of the defenses. Probably made his raids As I implemented my improvements to anchorage security. Colonel Bluto, whom I replaced, was very close to mandatory retirement while he was here. Just didn’t see a reason to actively protect this station. "
Colonel Oded escorted the three pilots into the Admin part of the station. He explained that Lt Percy would bring Tellis and anyone he brought with him, here to meet them.
Most of the conversation was personal, between Edan and Oded. Comparing notes and talking careers. Oded was interested in the part where Edan instructed Viper trainees. Although it counted as small talk, and there were smiles, there was a serious undercurrent of tension, all having to do with possibly being the last humans alive.
"Passing along anything I taught you?" Oded asked with a large smile on his face.
"Colonel, my entire training cycle is what I remember you teaching me. At least the parts I think the Cadets would believe. The first class I instructed thought half the things I told them were all made up to push them to the limits. And when I overloaded one of the Viper Simulators pulling that inverted reverse Turbo maneuver, Cadets started thinking I was full of it."
"You showed them that? Of course the Simulator overloaded. The computers on that thing are designed to only allow the Viper to operate within specified tolerances." Oded looked disappointed.
"Well, I showed them the Sim Run right before we took our first advanced Viper combat flight. I wanted to overload it. Stir some doubts. Once we got into space, I had the other instructors set up the same situation. And when I was able to get the Training Viper to perform the maneuver, well, things changed. I was barred from ever preforming the maneuver again, but no one ever forgot the demonstration. The Caprican Academy Headmaster had complaints from the entire Engineering department on repairs to both the Simulator and My training ship. But I got the respect of every following class."
Oded laughed, remembering how his crew chief tried to chew him out for the repairs the first time he pulled that maneuver in combat. When there had been no other choice. And lives depended on it. Especially his own.
While filling in Killian and Spat on how things got so desperate that the maneuver was tried, Colonel Tellis and Captain Ash arrived, escorted by Lt Percy. The senior officers then locked themselves in Oded's Office.
Edan and Killian told Percy what they knew. Ensign Oden had escorted the Colonel and brought the tapes recorded during the Cylon attack. 2 Copies. Tellis kept one, while Killian and Edan showed Grey Squadron. No one knew how to handle telling the rest of the Station’s population, but slowly at first, word got around. Engineers and Techs watched the recordings and passed the word around. The Station personnel took it hard, but the Warriors on the station found a new resolve. It was the rather large compliment of civilian workers that took it the hardest. Few of them had been able to bring their families here, insulating them from the hardest hits. But death seemed to have touched everyone. Killian and Spat noticed just how many civilian techs and engineers were here. “Why all the Civvies?” Spat asked, chewing on a Fumerella. “For the last few Yahrens, Fleet command has asked us to recommission more ships than ever. More than the Military could do on its own. For a one yahren cycle, Civilians and some families are brought here in a blind Transport, and set up for the work. It pays well, and the back quarter of the refit dock has always been sort of a small town center. Didn’t take much to add learning centers and rejuv centers for the families. In fact, having the civvies here upped the food quality, since a lot of them took up the service positions for the station personnel.” Percy had been here a while, probably brought in on the same blind transports that the Civilians had used. He had no clue where he was serving. Probably one of the upgrades Oded had implemented. But everyone in sight stopped as the Station intercoms all sounded off at once.
"Attention Ragnar Station. This is Colonel Oded. As you have all heard by now, it would appear that the Colonies have been attacked by the Cylons. Based on the recordings of all fleet transmissions, I have little hope that any of the First Fleet survived the ambush at Cimtar. What you have not been shown has been recordings from the Corvette Avenger. It would seem that Every Civilian Craft the Cylons come across is being destroyed immediately. So we have a new mission here. Colonel Tellis of the Mercury is the Ranking officer and as of this Centon, In full command of this Station as well as any ship we can repair and restore to service." There4 was a pause to allow all this to sink in. It was a lot, coming at people in shock, all at once.
"We have been given our first orders. The Patrolstar Tanga, Under the Command of Captain Tores is beginning to move towards Colonial space. They will be looking for any Intel they can collect, as well as escorting any and all Civilian Survivors they come across back here. Going with them will be the Avenger. This former Pirate Vessel has been returned to Colonial Military service. As has the Crew. I will not tolerate anyone calling them Pirate. They are all fellow Warriors and deserve the rights and privileges of that status. The Civilian Engineers stationed here are now officially being conscripted into the Military. I now Give you Colonel Tellis."
"Hello Warriors. Today is a Tragic Day in the History of the Colonies. I want to hold out hope, but based on what we have seen, It is very possible that all the Colonies and satellites are gone." The Colonel paused and then continued. "It is now our duty to preserve the Human race. There has to be survivors out there. More ships, such as the Falling Star, that needs to be rescued and brought to safety. As Colonel Oded as informed the station, I am immediately dispatching the Tanga and Avenger on a probe and rescue mission. The Tora will dispatch within 200 Centons to follow. I am delaying their departure to ready it as a rescue and resettlement ship. The Mercury will stand ready, just outside the Perimeter of this anchorage in case they are needed for assistance. As I understand it there is one other Ship in the Anchorage ready to join our fleet. It is a Huron class Fleet supply ship, officially renamed Oxon. We will use the next 200 Centons to prepare this ship to depart with the Tora. Having Just arrived here, it is currently empty, I want emergency shelters and an evac life station built aboard her immediately. All Civilians we come across will be brought aboard this ship. Any and all Colonial Warriors we are able to rescue will also be brought aboard. Captain Vlad, formally of the Tanga will command the Oxon. The ship is armed with defensive laser turrets and has a limited offensive punch so the ship will not be defenseless. All spare shuttles will be boarded as well, freeing up our Combat ships to load up on Vipers. Vipers, we are very lucky to have found here on Ragnar. To the Engineers of Ragnar Station, your job is no longer to disassemble the dead ships of the Colonial Fleet. You are now being asked to breathe life into them again. As many as possible. The Engineers that Captain Ash had among his crew will be joining you as well. They have experience working with less than state of the art and making it work. We need both combat ships and ships to support and transport any civilians we find. There are no Agro or livestock ships here. They have always been part of civilian fleets. We need to retrofit the ships we have to serve those purposes. The Life Center personnel from all three of our ships will be meeting with the life center personnel on Ragnar. They need to coordinate treatment for survivors. Within 300 Centons, I ask that all department heads meet with Colonel Oded and myself to present what they have, what they need and most importantly, how big of a fleet we can bring to bear against the Cylons. Tellis Out."
"Ok, Lt Percy. I take it you are Ranking Squadron leader here, Barring Colonel Oded." Edan asked.
"That's Correct. As you saw, we have about 3 Squadrons worth of Vipers that are fully operational at this moment, but barely enough Pilots to field a squadron. Grey Squadron. For Every Viper you saw in the bay, we scrapped 3 to 5 frames from the yard. I'm not sure if there are any more Scarabs out there. inventory only ever listed about 25 of them."
"If 25 is all you ever had, they are all gone. Ash took about that when we raided the anchorage. Even took spare parts from Vipers we knew would never fly again. Probably the stuff your techs discorded." Spat added to the discussion.
"I see where you're going Edan. We need to get as many Vipers up and repaired as possible, and to stockpile everything else from the frames we can use. There will be no more replacement parts from the Colonies." Killian was now getting into the planning.
"We can use some of the forge equipment to build what we need. Right now the Techs use the Forges and foundries to turn wreckage into transportable materials. We even have some electronics specialists here. Like I said, repair and restoration just took on a bigger role." Percy was now pulling out his hand computer and running station capabilities for the pilots.
"Good. I bet when the Colonels finish their briefings, they are going to concentrate on Combat ships that support Vipers. Anything else will probably be converted for supplies and stores. You probably have a lot of Shuttles here as well."
"Definitely a lot of shuttles. All us Viper pilots do double duty on the shuttles. Probably have 20 of them. Some older models. Almost 6th Millennia design. But all have modern electronics." A Grey Squadron pilot added.
Ok, We need to establish a link with Lt Charybdis on the Mercury and the senior Warrior on the Tora. Get Blackstar Squadron and Gold Sword Squadron working with us. I want to have the Viper pilot side of things worked out as best we can. Spat, you are officially the representative for the Scarab pilots. I'm thinking we'll have to set up Pilot training for both shuttles and Vipers. Maybe transition all the Scarabs to Vipers on the Avenger as well." Edan was now taking notes in his hand computer.
"That won't Work unless we scrap the Avenger. The external racks won't hold Vipers. We did try with one Viper we had. One of our Recruits left Colonial Service with his Viper. We ran the tests and gave up on it. We even abandoned the Viper. Sent a signal to a Colonial patrol to make sure they stopped looking for it." Spat was now working with the Colonials as an equal, not just cause someone told them he was, but because everyone felt it.
"Ok, we need a meeting room of some sort with external comm access. It’s time we started planning to save humanity before we slip over the edge."
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Sept 27, 2013 22:56:05 GMT -5
Within the initial 200 Centons, the Tanga sent the first bit of good news any of the Surviving Warriors had herd since the attack had begun. Ice Station Thula had not been attacked as of yet. Located on asteroid almost completely covered in ice and Snow, the Station acted as a lookout point for the Colonial Defenses. It was also famous as an extreme climate training center. No one was sure who was stationed there or the numbers of Warriors that they might find, but Colonel Tellis dispatched everything they had to evacuate the outpost. The Tanga had made contact almost accidently. Moving over the station in a low orbit to get a clear scanner line on the next sector, the Bridge picked up very low level transmissions on Colonial Military bands. A Cautious hail had resulted in dispatching the Avenger to scramble the Tora and Mercury. By the time Edan found himself sitting just behind Lts Savage and Geras in an Evac Shuttle, it was known that at least one more Viper Squadron had joined the Ranks of the survivors. Ice Squadron was on station, ready to escort the Shuttles down to pick up the ground crews.
As Edan exited the Shuttle with Lt Geras, the ground crews began packing into the shuttle. “Geras, keep loading the shuttle. Make sure you load the cargo areas as well. I don’t want people leaving before we can strip this place to the walls.” “Yes Sir. Should we wait for you to launch?” from the way people seemed to be moving, loading through the passenger hatches and the main cargo ramp, this shuttle would definitely be leaving for the Oxon shortly. “No, you take command of the shuttle. Load her and launch her. I will stay here and take a later shuttle back up. I’m not in rotation for Viper Duty unless we run into a major Cylon force. In that case, I’ll launch in one of the Vipers that are supposed to be still in station.” “By you leave then Sir. May the Lords be with you.” Geras said with a genuine smile.
“With us All my friend. With us all.” With that, Edan moved out into the station itself. The first thing that really struck him, was that there was more than half a Squadron of Vipers in the bay. And some did not match the light blue, almost lice Blue markings he saw on the Ice Squadron Vipers. The majority had Green Markings. Lt Danae walked over to him, having left her shuttle with the Flight team she came in with. “What’s the Explanation on the Spare Vipers Danae?” “Got me Sir. I haven’t come across any ranking officers yet. Just the first wave of evacuees. No one is saying much, just loading the shuttles as fast as they can.” “They belong to Green Sword Squadron. They were beginning to arrive for refresher in cold weather training. About ¾ of the Squadron made it in. the rest were expected after the armistice. But that’s not likely to happen. The main problem is most of the command of the Squadron were the ones coming later.” Both Warriors turned towards the voice addressing them. Coming up were 2 Warriors, a man and woman. The man was older, but not so old you questioned him being a combat Warrior. The woman was a bit shorter and sported red hair. A Rarity in the Colonies. “I’m Lt Hermes, Ice Squadron. This is Lt Morrigan, of Green Sword Squadron. The senior member of the Squadron on station. So, I guess she’s Squadron leader.” With a friendly Smile, but without saying anything, Morrigan held her hand out and Edan shook it. Then he turned to Hermes and shook his hand as well. “I’m Lt Edan, Blackstar Squadron. This is Lt Danae, also of Blackstar. I guess we’re supposed to say something theatrical like we’re here to rescue you, but I’m just happy to see other Warriors alive.” “As are we, as the Reports came in from around the Colonies, we feared we’d be left alone here till the Cylons decided to strike us as well. The Tanga was a very welcome discovery.” Morrigan wasn’t shy to show her relief in her tone. “Morrigan, what’s the Status of your Squadron? I know you’re not full strength, but how light are you on experience?” “We are very light. Most of our Squadron are Cadets and Ensigns on their first jump. All approved for Combat Duty, not that we expected any. But they have never fired on real Cylons. And With Cadet Thead injured, we are a Pilot light as well. I was going to ferry his Viper to the Mercury myself and take the next Shuttle back down.” “Serious injury?” Edan asked, concerned “Broken Foot from our first ice march, He took a bad spill down a hill. Almost healed, but not flight ready.” “Ok, forget Ferrying the Viper, I don’t want to take the time or chance you not being here if we need to move faster. Effective now, I’m taking command of Green Sword Squadron till we get you back to base. I’ll fly the Cadet’s Viper. That means every Viper here has an assigned Warrior ready to fly, right? “Yes Sir. Most of the Warriors are helping load the cargo, but ready to swing back to the Vipers if the Klaxon goes off.” “What’s left to load? I know we have more shuttles just waiting to land, but I want an idea how long we have.” Edan had his hand computer out, ready to take notes and make estimates. “Most of the sensitive equipment is loading onto this run. The Really critical stuff launched with our shuttles immediately when you arrived. These are operations computers, a few of the Sims, stuff like that. Next load will finish off personal effects, weapon stores and then we can start loading the Rams.” Edan stopped what he was doing. “You have Rams here? How many?” This was something sorely missing from the entire company of survivors. “About 13 or 14 Rams, currently outfitted as Snowrams, obviously. And oddly enough 12 Land Probes. I don’t know which Quartermaster mistakenly sent them here, but they never authorized their return. So we have them ready to load behind the Rams.” Hermes obviously had been stationed here a while. Probably on an extended tour at this station. “Ok, so about 28 more shuttles will be needed to completely evac you, right?” Danae was following up, since she had stepped into load master for the evac once Edan took over Green Sword. “Yes, but we have to wait for these shuttles to unload and return, I don’t know the turnaround there.” Hermes obviously wasn’t completely briefed on what the Colonial Survivors had brought with them. “Actually, only this first wave of shuttles, plus your base shuttles that launched as soon as we arrived will be unloaded. We currently have about 30 Shuttles just waiting for these to clear the bay. The rest will unload when we get you back to base.” Danae said with a smile. “That’s an impressive load out you have. The Oxon must be one of the bigger fleet Freighters. And speaking of getting back to base, no one has told us where you’re operating from. It can’t be the Colonies proper, we know they are in flames. With Cylons cruising at will. Where are we going?” Hermes really wanted to know, but it was decided that all survivors would be brought back to Ragnar blind, not knowing where they are going. “Unfortunately, it’s going to stay that way. As Viper pilots, we’ll try to load both Squadrons aboard the 3 main ships, but some of us may have to load up on the Oxon. Once down, unless we encounter Cylons, you will remain in barracks till we get back to base. This comes from above me, just to protect everyone.” Edan explained. And as he finished, the last of the 14 Shuttles in the bay had launched and the next round of 14 shuttles, true to their word, were beginning to land and open up for loading. “Well, where ever we go, this station had a decent weapons cache to add to our forces. Hand lasers, Laser rifles and some heavier stuff. Plus the parts to maintain them. We definitely put our time disassembling this post to good use.” Hermes was proud of what they accomplished, as he should be. The next stage of loading went better then the first 2 had. And those 14 Shuttles, destined to not be unloaded, but to just land and get tied down on the Oxon would unload the passengers faster than those already being unloaded. As the last of the Scheduled Shuttles settled down, what was left of the Klaxon system went off. The Warriors all pulled their communicators off their belts and waited for the cause for the alarm. “Thula Personnel, we have spotted 3 Civilian liners and an attacking Cylon force heading this way. It is Vital that these Cylons do not report our presence here. I am dispatching the Tora to intercept, but I want Ice Squadron and Green Sword Squadron to assist. I had no choice but to tell the Tora that the Civilians are not their priority. Our security is their priority. YOU Warriors are to protect and save those civilians! That is your priority.” Edan had found that Hermes was Ranking Squadron Warrior on station at the moment, with the other part of Ice Squadron probably aboard Tora right now refueling. No time for discussion on who was in command either, so Edan figured he’d end it before it started. Ice Squadron, you will take point on our initial pass. I’ll take the Green Swords in a supporting position and put us where we will best assist the Civilian ships. Let’s move people!” It took a moment for Lt Morrigan to show Edan which Viper had been Thead's, but once he got there, he ran through his preflight in record time. It helped that the very few ground crew left, those who volunteered for the very last shuttle, had all the fighters ready to fly. Just before his canopy started closing, he addressed the Ground crew. “Get to that shuttle now. No reason to wait. Leave and we’ll see you with the Fleet.” And by the time he finished talking, his cockpit was sealed and he was ready to hit turbos and leave the hanger. “Green Swords, report flight readiness and stand by to launch on my order. We do not have core Control to clear us, so we do it the easy way.” Edan smiled as Ice Squadron obviously handled this while Edan was talking to the ground crews and were right now rocketing into space by ones and twos. With the last Green Sword giving his flight readiness report, Edan Simply said “Hit your turbos now!” and waited till every Viper launched before he hit his. He would let Lt Morrigan take the lead. Not only to see what she had, but to show respect for her being senior within the Squadron before He took command. The Fight was short, but Colonel Tellis was right to dispatch the Vipers to protect the 3 civilian ships. When confronted by the Patrolstar, ¾ of the Raiders turned to engage the ship and it’s Vipers. The final quarter had decided to ram the Civilians to ensure they were destroyed. Ice Squadron engaged them with complete surprise on their side. The Vipers made an initial pass on the Raiders, but didn’t turn to engage. Intent to catch up with the rear of the Raider formation facing off with the Patrolstar. Confused, the Cylon Death Raiders resumed a course to destroy the Freighters. But once again found themselves head to head with another formation of Vipers. This one all too happy to stay and fight. Morrigan, leading the Formation took 5 of the Raiders in the fight, With Edan settling for 1. That was fine with him, just to be able to see the Cadets and Ensigns hold their own on a Cylon force intent to slam their Ships into Unarmed Civilian Transports. On Unicom, at Short Range to defeat the Colonial Jamming filling Space, Edan moved from Transport to Transport. He ordered them to fall in formation with the Green Swords, and to be prepared to transfer all personnel to the Colonial Military ships. Edan wasn’t sure if Colonel Tellis would do this here or take the Civilians out of the area. The Answer came in the form of a Basestar appearing at extreme long Range. It seemed they decided now was the time to take out Thula. The Evacuation of the Ice Base had been completed, all shuttles recovered and Viper recovery underway. The Mercury let 2 of the transports pull in close for protection, while the Oxen left with the Tanga back to Ragnar at Flank Speed. The Tora had the third Transport settle next to her and the four ships made best speed out of the immediate area. Taking a course not quite back to Ragnar, but into the outback. This was to protect their destination, in case the Cylons did track the Ships. 100 Centons after setting off into the outback, it was decided that the Civilians would be brought back to the Station in their Transports, but Military Crews were put on each Ship to take over navigation. When it was considered safe, the Tora was left with all three transports to allow the Mercury to return to Ragnar to help with any more rescues that were needed. Edan had transferred over to Transport 3, which actually had no proper name, just Transport 3. The Shuttle docked, unloaded Edan, Oden and Spat. Edan was Ranking officer so Spat and Oden too over flight operations and Edan made sure everyone was as settled as possible on the transport and would regularly walks the holds and passenger seats to make sure no one tried to transmit anything or to try to keep track of their course. It was going to be a slow trip back, but a rewarding one. More of humanity had been saved. The looks in the faces of the children were enough to help Edan keep putting on foot in front of the other, no matter how tired he got.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Sept 27, 2013 22:57:15 GMT -5
While the hope of the Colonials calling Ragnar Anchorage home was being bolstered by the Evacuation of Thula and the 3 Civilian transports, a call went out through the survivors of the Colonies themselves. From the surface of Caprica, Commander Adama, last surviving member of the Council of the 12, and commander of the Battlestar Galactica, sent out the message that all human survivors, from every Colony should make ready to take flight in any assorted ship that would still fly. It is a message that spreads quickly. Ships that had been retired from duty, ships that have been in need of servicing for yahrens, anything that people could get the energizers started on took flight with every Human they could pack aboard. Even a Prison barge, trapped between Colonies when the Cylons attacked, took on civilian passengers, having transferred the few prisoners aboard to isolated wards. Agro Ships, traveling the space lanes sharing food and plant life of all kinds between the Colonies answered the call, as did forge ships, electronic ships, a textile manufacturing ship, and bulk transports of all sorts. It was hoped that the evacuation of the colonies would be orderly, and complete. But it became apparent that there would not be enough ships to save everyone. This played heavily on Adama. Another failure. Another place he could have tried harder. Where he might have been able to save more people. 220 odd ships in his new fleet had taken on survivors. Packed in every space they could be stored. About 40 more specialty ships, such as the Agro Ships joined the fleet, unable to take passengers, but were more than needed to support the fleet. All these ship took formation around the Galactica and moved from the shattered remains of the 12 Colonies of Man. And the cries of Survivors who would never leave those planets again.
At Victory Station, decisions had been made. Adama’s Call to flee the Colonies had been heard here, but there was no way the New Ship cold reach the Galactica in the time frame Adama had been forced to set. Rather than tempt Adama to extend that timeframe, the decision had been made not to answer Adama’s call. Not to let him know Victory Station still Stood. Excaliber had been loaded with all the Station personnel and a few Survivors they were able to redirect to the Station. Like the Survivors that the Ragnar Crews were finding, these were people already in space at the time of the attack. And like Ragnar, it was decided that the limited number of people could be taken aboard the ship which could defend itself. Whether fortunately or not, Commander Teck never faced a large enough number of survivors to have to worry about taking civilian ships along on their journey. When repeated Viper and Asp Sweeps of the Sector showed no more civilians needing rescue, the order was given and under power from 3 of the 4 main engines, Excaliber disembarked from Victory Station, leaving nothing usable aboard. In Fact, as the Massive Ship left the station, there was only one human left aboard. That was Erc of Gold Star Squadron. He had drawn the duty of landing his Viper aboard the Station and standing by to hit the Switch that would put the Station’s Massive Energizer into overload. Running his hand through his short Dark hair, and wiping sweat from his face, Erc waited for the 45 Centons to tick away. As the countdown hit 0, he flipped the switch and ran from the console in Engineering to the main bay. Jumping up onto the Viper, he closed the canopy and hit the engine start switches. He had time, the mission hadn’t been timed that close, but tell that to a lone Warrior standing on a station about to blow. As soon as he could, he depressed the Turbo button on the control stick of his viper and launched out of the bay. 2 other Vipers from Gold Star Squadron fell into formation with him, and without saying a word began to gain on the departing battlestar. As they neared the battlestar, all 3 Vipers slowed a bit and moved to better see the receding Station. And just on time, it flared up into a mini-nova and died away. The 3 Vipers landed on the Excaliber and looked to the long undertaking they had just departed on. Perhaps fate would allow this mighty Ship to find the Galactica and the bulk of the survivors from the Colonies. But that was the future, and no one knew what the future really held.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Oct 19, 2013 16:32:24 GMT -5
It has been 3 Sectons since the Destruction of the Colonies. In this time the Colonials at Ragnar had been able to confirm that the Colonies and most of the Satellites were attacked and for the most part destroyed by the Cylons. It seemed Baltar had betrayed The Human Race. If that Traitor still lived, there was a no shortage of volunteers for his firing squad. Ragnar started to get very crowded that first Secton. The conversion of the Oxon to carrying passengers relieved the station, but not as fast as hoped. The Conversion wasn't as easy as first thought. It did embark on missions to bring back survivors during the refit, but all the survivors had to be settled on the station for the time being. To his credit, Captain Vlad and several Engineer volunteers did most of the work while the ship was collecting survivors. Not an easy thing to do. But now, the first groups of people were settling into the Ship. Hope was growing though; the Warriors had been able to rescue several ship loads of civilians who were making for The Orion Sector, hoping the Traders would give them shelter. For the most part, there was little to no contact with the Cylons. The Civilians had realized that anything broadcasting was being hunted and destroyed. Only by slowly making their way into the Colonial Outback and staying off the trade routes could they hope to avoid destruction. Most of these craft rescued were long range Skybuses, They didn’t have large numbers of survivors aboard, and since they tended to ignore all transmissions, they were hard to find among the vastness of space. But the Warriors were determined, and sometimes that is enough. Ragnar Station had built what they were calling a warrior academy to train civilian volunteers. The Volunteers were being limited to shuttle pilots and shipboard duties for now, but this freed the current shuttle pilots to move up to Vipers if they felt they could handle the challenge. Edan was immediately assigned to Training Duty. Lt Savage was chosen to assist him. Chief Marcus, the former pirate crewer was handling hand weapon training. And Edan had to admit to learning a thing or two from the man himself. He made a note to make sure most of the Trained Warriors sat in on a class here and there. Other officers took classes as well. It was a group effort and Colonel Oded was officially in command of it all, but the repair duties kept him away from the academy more often than not. Unfortunately this took Edan and the others out of Combat rotation. Lt Killian, Lt Plwel and Lt Geras all took up the slack on patrols. But with the Addition of Green Sword and Ice Squadrons, all the Warriors were getting rest periods. Lt Hermes had actually transferred out of Ice Squadron and filled a hole in Blackstar Squadron created by roster rotations. Although plans had been finalized to prepare the survivors to eventually leave the station, and to be able to provide for themselves, implementation of those plans were still in early stages. The Colonials still had to find sources for food and water. Fuel would be the next thing in need, but there were currently stockpiles of that available to the survivors.
Colonels Tellis and Oded had called all the Ranking officers into the Briefing room aboard the Mercury to address this issue. Present were Captains Vlad, Tores, Ash and Javier, along with some of the senior engineers. “We need to secure a large Food cache and we need to do it soon. With the growing number of refugees, our current stockpiles are going to be stretched. Tellis was sitting at the head of the table. He was still group commander and operating from the Mercury till they could complete the refit to the new fleet command Ship. A Pulsar Class Gunstar that had almost been ready to rotate back to the Fleet. A very fortunate fact. The Gunstar will give the Colonials a punch they would need if a Basestar ever did catch them. “There have been rumors of isolationists setting up settlements in the Outback for Yahrens. Why don’t we dispatch the Avenger to try to find one of these settlements? Or the remains of them.” This was Captain Vlad, who despite everything that had happened couldn’t keep a level of dislike of the former pirates from his voice. “There are certainly inhabitable Asteroids or even some planetoids out there; we made our base on one. But there is a lot of Outback out there. We need to find something known before we go wondering out there blind.” Ash bit back, definitely not a fan of Vlad. Captain Tores stood up and walked to the plotting board that still held the image of the Colonies. There are only 2 real choices, other than turning to the Orions. Carillon way out here past the Nova of Madigon,” you could tell he didn’t like this suggestion, since it was a long way away, and might mean the ships could not return to the Anchorage after undertaking the journey, “Or we could take our chances at Borallis.” “Carillon, I wouldn’t waste time going there if it was the only choice. We can’t go through the Nova of Madigon cause of the Cylon Mines, and going around the Nova exposes us to Cylon fire from anywhere in the Colonies. We’d be lucky to make it there in one piece, and no way of returning here again.” Ash showed more pirate in his explanation than officer, but no one could fault him. They all felt the same.” Javier, who had been taking the load of incursions into the Cylon held colonies, spoke next. “Borallis has been set up for some kind of Trap. I don’t know for whom, but the Cylons have forces hidden there. Enough to engage a battlestar from what I’ve seen, well not seen exactly, but they are there.” Colonel Oded then moved across the plotting board from Tores. “Then let’s try to plan something to draw out those Cylon forces. We have ships here we can tow out and make it look like a regrouped force of Colonials are moving. Some hulks have working energizers that will power the engines. A single pair of Vipers sending control signals can get them moving towards the Colonies.” “Ok, Oded, you get with the engineers and plan something out. I want to be moving on this in 3 Sectons. Till then, Captain Ash, prepare the Avenger for search duties. I’m pulling you out of the mission, and all patrols into Colonial space. You will work out a plan to search for any possible Agro or livestock settlements out here. Make sure you are completely loaded with as many Scarabs as you can hold.” Tellis didn’t like it, but it was a good plan overall. “Colonel, I have to remind you, we’re running the Avenger to the edge. I’m not sure if it will take a lot more without being refit. Those rebuilt engines are showing signs of failure already.” “Ash, keep her running for now. You know we need her till at least the Gunstar comes active. Now, about that. I want the complete report on what ships we’re going to concentrate on, and what modifications we’ll have to make. “ The meeting got down to the smaller details, the smaller details that might just mean the continuation of Human life in the Galaxy.
5 Sectons later, longer then they wanted, but the soonest they could have the Oxon, Mercury, Tora and Tanga prepared, The Colonial Fleet began to move out to Borallis. But something no one could have expected happened. Every hidden Cylon left Borallis and moved off towards the Direction of the Nova Of Madigon. This confused everyone, cause the only thing in that direction was the planet Carillon. But no one wasted any time asking questions like “Why?” The Colonials just moved in and stripped the place clean. Fuel was stockpiled, food was preserved and ready to be loaded. And Water. Well, it was simply everywhere. Killian and Hermes were flying Combat Patrols, waiting to engage any Raiders that might still be in hiding. Geras and Spat, now fully trained on Vipers flew escort for the Oxon. It appeared the Trap was to bog down any Colonials who arrived by making it way to tempting to just land and load their ships. During the loading,the Cylons would appear to spring the trap on them. But as 5 Viper Squadrons flew cover, not a single Cylon was to be seen. Killian was almost disappointed. But Morrigan and Charybdis, who were chosen to lead the distraction force into place and then run were happy to be part of the actual operation. The Trap here was a failure for the Cylons, but a major victory for the Colonials. And as Edan flew his Viper, skimming the surface of Borallis, he wondered what in hades could have been happening at Carillon that would draw the bulk of the Cylons military in the sector away that fast. Bovines, planting seed, water, even fuel were loaded into the Oxon, nothing was left behind. Ground forces, no longer needed to fight Cylons on the ground, were hearding bovines with Laser rifles slung on their backs. It would be comical before the holocaust, now, it was simply survival. At the Same moment that the Colonials returned to Ragnar with their spoils, the Cylon Imperious Leader sat atop his Command Seat on the Command Basestar. The previous Leader always seemed to keep a pet Reptile with him. A reminder of their organic creators. But that Imperious Leader had been destroyed along with the fuel mining complex on Carillon. In Fact, Carillon itself was gone as well. Hypercombustion was what the reports from the Scouts said. And the Galactica escaped. Foolish the last Leader had been. Wasting so much time. He had his answer right before him. It was not Baltar’s fault that the Colonials had rallied to survive extinction. Like a Virus, the Humans are harder to kill then that. That is why he, the NEW Imperious Leader had sent for this Baltar to be brought before him. Let a Virus search out and find another virus. But First, one of the newer IL series Cylons had requested an audience. Dracul was his designation, programed with additional information and observations of the human Baltar. Very well, let’s see what this IL Cylon wanted. A signal was sent to the Centurion in charge of limiting access to the command chamber to allow this Dracul to enter. Then Baltar and Lucifer. Yes, Lucifer would be a good Sheppard to Baltar, able to keep him in line.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Oct 21, 2013 20:42:12 GMT -5
Things had settled down a lot after the raid on Borallis. By the end of the second secton, an old fleet shuttle carrier had been converted into a Makeshift Agro and Livery ship. All the transpersteel that could be scrounged up was integrated into the dorsal surface of the upper decks, where Shuttle maintenance would have taken place. The most impressive feature of this ship refit was the armored shutters that were to be installed. Basically these were armored plates that would move over the clear roof sections in case of attack, creating a double hull for the ship. These were similar to the shield over the forward bridge viewport, but on a much larger scale. Plans to continue the conversion would include installation of high intensity lighting, to supplement any natural light they could capture as well as a hydroponic transfer system to help with the growth cycles. . The lower Shuttle Hold would be converted to hold livestock. As many as could be rescued would be loaded on. This was scheduled to be completed within another Sectar, including feeding and watering systems. The former machine shop, used to effect repairs and craft replacements, was where the butchering would take place. The rest of the ship would be converted so that the boviners and agro techs could make their homes aboard the ship. The shuttle carrier had provisions for troop transport or emergency evacuations, so there was room for the personnel. The real question was going to be training people to do these duties. Few of the survivors had any experience with either of these duties.
This Problem was solved in a rather dramatic fashion when Captain Ash finally located what appeared to be a deserted agro and livery community. Well, the humans seemed to be gone, but initial scans reported large amounts of food and livestock. When the Warriors landed to load stores, seed and whatever livestock they could round up, the human settlers of the agro community appeared in masses. Boviners and Croppers plus their families joined into the loading of the Ships. The Croppers were now busy planting and tending the Agro sections while the Viners were helping convert the secondary hold. Unfortunately the strain put on the Avenger during its search had taken its toll and the Ship’s engines began to fail. It wasn’t an easy decision, but the Colonials had decided to scrap it, strip it of all usable parts and put the crew to work on the larger ships. A small recon ship like that would have come in handy, but having trained crew aboard the larger ships was more important. Especially when you had Vipers to handle long range recon patrols. This was the fleet standard practice for the Colonials, so the Warriors would be used to it. Ash stayed on the Avenger right up until the last of the energizers were pulled. He wore his new Colonial uniform with pride as he walked off the ship for the last time, reporting to the Tanga where he would serve as second in command. Equipment stripped off the Civilian ships the Warriors had rescued came in handy. The energizers were usually smaller than the military ones that the Survivors had access to and allowed for installation as emergency backups to protect the livestock and crops. The shuttle carrier had an impressive fuel capacity to keep its shuttles fueled on long missions. Now, those storage tanks would hold the fuel to keep feeding the refugees. Some tanks were replaced with water storage tanks. And converters were being installed to turn hydrogen and oxygen into replacement water. Both were abundant waste products of Colonial energizers. The actual shuttle hangers would remain in service as Shuttle bays, but maintenance would have to take place on other ships. With this carrier, newly named the Bovine, taking some relief from the Oxon, plans were drawn up to convert sections of the Oxon into a Foundry and forge. No one knew how long the Colonial Ships might be moving, and replacement parts would be needed. They had to plan for far more replacements then they had on hand or could salvage. In the next sectar, engineers and techs had finalized a list of what ships would be refitted and convinced the Military leaders that they were the best choices. Work on the Oxon and Bovine was continuing. But the Oxon was going to lose some of the refugees currently sheltered aboard. This was because Oded and Ash had discovered a Colonial Assaultstar that could be refitted quickly. The Assaultstar had been a combat troop transporter which was no longer in fleet service. The forward section of the Ship was a thinner version of the familiar Battlestar forsection, probably about the same size as the Strikestar’s forward section. But instead of a single center hull section, the Assaultstar had 2 of them, angled about 45 degrees to port and starboard. There was an amidships assembly that connected the 2 hulls. Each center section had an engine assembly in the aft section. And to facilitate the landing of its troops, a centerline landing pod. The pod had limited launch tubes for fighters, but was open both fore and aft to launch and recover shuttles at the same time. The center hulls were angled to give the auto turrets usually mounted on the flanks of Colonial ships a firing arch on ground targets. The reason these ships were originally phased out of Colonial service was the different gravity planes created by the angled hull. The transition sections were sometimes unsettling. You would walk down a corridor then see that corridor rotate till you were walking on a wall further up. If you stayed in the center of the walkway, you remained in line with Gravity, but were disoriented by it. This is why there were limited access points from the Bow to the amidships sections. This forgotten and almost fully functioning ship, now renamed Lupus, would no longer be transporting Troops. The troop lodging was being converted for civilian use. Simple residences were replacing squad bays. The ship also contained two well-appointed Life stations, one in each hull. Thanks to the survivors from Ice Station Thula, and other rescues, the refugees had a large number of Medtechs and Doctors available to staff both. Another benefit was the Rec Stations available on the old Warship. Each center section had facilities to maintain physical fitness and provide entertainment. Total, there were 2 Triad courts with spectator seating, a rec center that was being turned into a smaller gambling center, training equipment and 3 areas being turned into civilian lounges, that will include provisions for concerts and dancing. Moral was not overlooked by the Military. EVERYONE would need to keep their hopes high, and this was a way to do it. Another stroke of luck was that since the Ship had been decommissioned so long ago, the launch tubes on the ship were configured for Scarab fighters. All remaining scarabs, almost as full squadron would be transferred here and serve as close in fighter support to protect the civilian populations. Freeing all the Vipers for intercept missions. Pirate Squadron, as the Scarab pilots took to calling themselves, settled into the sole Military style barracks left on the ship. Between the Bovine and Lupus, the survivors actually had a carrying capacity well higher than their current population. The current number of survivors would not be cramped at all. And although no one wanted cramped quarters, there was always hope of finding more humans to fill the vacant sections. The Oxon was therefore would be modified to act as the center of fabrication .In addition to the storage sections, both mechanical and electrical work would take place aboard her. The storage would consist of the bulk of raw materials that the survivors could salvage from Ragnar when the time came to leave. Captain Vlad hated it whenever they tore down some of the Modifications he and his crew had made to make the Ship hospitable, but the larger mission was on everyone’s mind. The main reason for using only military ships for the escape was that every single ship would be armed. Not all would have an offensive punch, but they would at least have the smaller auto turrets to protect themselves from Raider attacks. The Bovine and Oxen would exclusively have these smaller rapid fire turrets. The hulls of both ships were being fitted with a few extra emplacements to ensure complete fields of fire. It was likely that both ships would always fly in formation, so the ability to cover each other would lighten the load on the Viper interceptors. The Lupus would have both the Smaller and mid-sized turrets. The bulk of the heavier turrets were positioned to cover the ventral arc, which allowed for surface bombardment of planets, but the ship had a few mounted on the forward and dorsal arcs and both flanks. It did have excellent anti Raider coverage. And this made the decision to name the Lupus the command ship for the auxiliary ships an easy one. Oxon and Bovine would fly formation with Lupus, with the Warships, forming around them. The Gunstar, now sporting the agreed upon name Callisto, as the Fleet command Ship, and with Mercury, Tora and Tanga supporting her, the Fleet would have a strong punch when needed, it would have the speed to leave the Cylons behind, and have decent range to search out new fuel and food supplies. What was needed now was a clear schedule to actually leave the Colonies.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Oct 24, 2013 20:38:39 GMT -5
With the loss of the Avenger, The Tora and Tanga were used to probe closer to the Colonies themselves. Communication intercepts were made, and brought back for decoding, where possible, and the Ships tried to act as an early warning system in case the Cylons came hunting. It did appear that more and more baseships were ranging out away from the home planets looking to completely destroy the human race. Hunting anyone who might have escaped. But there seemed to be more in the communications. They were not able to decode everything, but some of the civilian intercepts led to what would probably go down in history as the survivor’s biggest operation. And the most daring.
The transmissions seemed to state that 2 Freighters were going to make their way from Piscon towards deep space. The Freighters were full of Human slaves. No one knew where the ultimate destination was, but Hundreds of human lives were at stake. Possibly thousands. The mission involved all the ships that the Colonials had in service plus 2 ships that needed to be towed into position. The colonials had the Tora and Tanga tow the derelict ships into the path of the Cylon Freighters. As the ships approached the derelicts, The Colonials struck. Heavy jamming filled space. The Callisto moved in behind the Freighters, providing a stopgap and enough jamming to ensure that the Cylons occupying the Colonies received no calls for help. This was the Callisto’s first action and would be their last resort if a baseship appeared. Launching from the Tora, Tanga, Mercury and Callisto at the same time, 5 Squadrons of Vipers moved on the Freighter escorts. Blackstar and Ice Squadron made the actual intercept. So many friendly Fighters could give the Cylons the advantage of freedom of firing and even accidently striking a Viper. Lt Charybdis and Lt Edan took Blackstar Squadron in first. They punched through the Cylon formation, and broke up the Raiders. The Raiders, pulled to follow and destroy the advance squadron. Lt Killian and Lt Morrigan, leading Ice Squadron released from the encirclement pattern all the rest of the Vipers were moving into and followed the Raiders, moving to destroy them from behind. Again, the raiders tried to pull out and find a way to reform, but Blackstar, now no longer in danger from pursuing Raiders turned to reengage the Raiders. Lt Plwel and Savage had taken command of Green Sword Squadron and along with Ensign Kassie broke off from the encirclement as soon as the fight left the Freighters clear. With impressive marksmanship the few Cylon pulsars on the freighters were destroyed and a Shuttle formation loaded with Colonial Infantry and Medtechs moved in. these Shuttles were escorted by Pirate Squadron. The 6 Shuttles all picked different docking ports on the freighters to board. 3 Shuttles per Freighter. Lt Geras was with one group and Lt Hermes was with the other. Both pilots would assume command of the freighters and pilot them away from the engagement. When all resistance ended, the Freighters were escorted to a second location, and the derelicts, which had been loaded with carefully placed Solonite charges and loads of Solium, self-destructed. All Cylon investigations would show wreckage from 2 ships where the Freighters had last been reported. The remains of Raiders would be spread out through the sector, and by the Lords of Kobol, only 3 Vipers were lost. Nothing could be done to remove the Viper wreckage, but there was the chance it might be overlooked. The Callisto and Mercury made for lightspeed in different directions. But only traveled a short distance before changing course. They changed course 5 times before heading back towards Ragnar.
At a second location, carefully chosen to prevent accidental discovery, the former slaves were examined by Doctors, Medtechs and scanning crews to make sure they had not been tagged in some manner. The refugees were found to be in extremely poor health, half starved, beaten, brutalized, some showed signs of experimentation. When declared safe, they were loaded aboard the Lupus, which had launched the boarding parties and joined the Tora and Tanga in escorting the Freighters here. When this was complete, the freighters were destroyed by the Colonial Capital ships and another evasive course was plotted with everyone arriving at Ragnar 900 Centons after the rescue was completed.
Continuing communication intercepts seemed to show the Cylons were at a loss to explain what happened to the Slaves and their ships. But an investigation was ongoing. There was also mentioned of an unhappy ally to the alliance making trouble. Although not named, these allies were to receive the slaves in compensation for something. Interviews with the rescued colonists didn’t answer many of the questions either. The general poor health made some answers unreliable at best. At worst, possibly the result of delusions. But one thing that began to appear reliable was that there had been an exodus after the holocaust. Ships had left en mass. There were more survivors out there. But who had called for this escape and if any Colonial military ships were involved resulted in answers as varied as it was the return of the Fifth Fleet from the grave, or the President called them to action. Impressions of a Godlike character, wearing the blue uniform of a Bridge officer in the Caprican airdrome. Urging all to flee swiftly. It was clear that Solid answers would have to come as these people regained their strength. But there was one more fact no one wanted to express out loud. If this was the condition of humans being used in exchange for services of an ally, there would be no more rescues made in the Colonies themselves. Cylon extermination there had to be nearly complete. Over the next Sectar, several of the rescued had died. There was nothing humanly possible to do for them. But most showed signs of improving. It was now six Sectars since the attack. Cylon patrols had begun to move towards the outback. But they were focusing on the Orion trade routes. For now Ragnar was still safe. It seemed the Cylons were not willing to strike out into theareas of heavier stellar interference. There was no clear reason so far. Maybe the background radiation scrambled something within the Cylons, maybe they just didn’t have the numbers to sweep these areas properly. Maybe they wanted to starve out any survivors in the areas before making a sweep of the areas. No more probes were made towards the Colonies themselves. It was deemed too dangerous. But the Story of the Exodus was becoming clearer. It seemed that Commander Adama had made the call for survivors to take to the stars. Too many of the rescued told the same story for it to be complete fiction, while at the same time having different details based on where in the colonies the survivors were captured.to many, this meant that the Galactica had to have survived the destruction of the First Fleet. This encouraged many, but the reality was that it would be nearly impossible to find the Galactica now. Half a yahren had passed since they departed. The exact number of ships in that fleet was unknown, but the people now recovering on the Lupus and Bovine were evidence that they could not find enough ships for everyone. Colonel Tellis knew Commander Adama well enough to know this must have cut him deeply. But Adama was a survivor, no matter how many ships had left with him, Adama would give his life to make sure they made it somewhere. But where? Not to the Orions. They seemed to have ignored the destruction of the Colonies and were still trading with the Cylons. Perhaps some had given refuge to Humans, but they wouldn’t risk all-out war with the Cylons. They just didn’t have the military to survive. But where, and if Tellis could figure out the answer to that question would it answer his own more pressing question. It was time to plan their own exodus. To find a new home to rebuild a proud civilization. But where?
The Imperious Leader, again sitting atop his command throne, turned to address the Cylon standing before him. “Speak Dracul.” “By your command, Imperious Leader. I have completed the initial investigation into the destruction of your transports taking the Humans to our Ovion allies. It would seem that there was more than Raider and Transport debris at the site of the destruction. We have identified wreckage from more than one Colonial Viper.” “Colonial Vipers? Explain that. The Galactica has departed this area of Space. Never to look back, pursued by Baltar and Lucifer. We know that from the Transmissions of that Baseship’s scanner readings and the Destruction of the Arcta Garrison with the Ravishol Pulsar, plus other engagements. They are the last survivors of the doomed Race known as man.” “It would seem, Imperious Leader, that the Galactica is not alone. I have expanded the investigation to all unexplained encounters since our Victory of the Colonies. The Hermite Asteroid resupply base had been emptied of all usable material before we could arrive there to destroy it. A Colonial Research Center on the edge of Colonial Space self-destructed, again, before we could investigate it. I have taken it upon myself to investigate Borallis, since we never returned there when the trap for the Colonials Failed. That center was stripped of all supplies as well.” “This cannot be tolerated. Stuka, Enter!” With that order, the transparent doors leading to the Command chamber opened, and a Bronze Cylon Centurion, one of the Elite Command Series, walked in, and stopped Next to Dracul. “By your Command” Stuka you are to ready your baseship, and with Dracul’s help, track down any survivors that did not leave with the Galactica. Search the entirety of Colonial Space if you must! Dracul, the Stuka series is an improvement of the Vulpa Series that Commanded the Ravishol pulsar Garrison and currently commands the Gamoray Base. You will have his Basestar at your disposal. Find these survivors and destroy them. There can be no trace of the lifeform known as Man left. Victory must be complete.” Together both Cylons bowed and replied “By your Command” they departed and prepared to leave for their Baseship.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Oct 29, 2013 20:17:30 GMT -5
Lt Edan settled into the co-pilot’s seat in the Gamma shuttle and looked over at the pilot for this inspection tour. Ensign Kassie, one of the best Pilots coming out of their little makeshift academy here at Ragnar, was running the preflight checks. He admired what the woman had given up to be a Warrior. She was an experienced Med Tech on Sagitara. She, along with some friends had decided to take a tour of the Outback. And what better time to do that then to celebrate the coming peace with the Cylons. She was one of the Civilians that the Mercury had rescued. In the almost 12 Sectars since the Holocaust, Edan had trouble remembering exactly which ship she had been on, but what really mattered was the woman had thrown herself into her training. She was a sure hand in a Viper and after some adjustment; she was becoming a crack shot with her hand laser. A Valued Warrior in Ice Squadron. Almost a Full yahren, but the pain was still there, haunting the survivors. The warriors were feeling it more now than back then. Then they had a mission, they kept active. They made a difference, rescuing everyone they could. But since the rescue of the civilians on those Cylon transports, it seemed like there was no one left to rescue. Attention turned inward. Patrols out of the Anchorage were reduced to make it harder to detect the Colonials. Academy Classes turned out Warriors, bridge crew to man the ships now almost ready to leave the Colonies behind, Techs to keep the ships running over the unknown journey ahead. The Agro sections were producing food enough for everyone. Botanicals were also planted to supplement medical needs. Refits were nearing completion. The Oxon now was the main center for fabrication and electronic upgrades. The old Scanners and systems in Callisto and Lupus were currently in the final stages of a complete replacement. Callisto was about 400 Centons away from being declared finished. Lupus, an older ship was not far behind. Oxon even began Textile manufacturing. There had been the beginnings of a shortage of uniforms for all the new recruits, and clothes in general for the refugees. But with the textile work now underway, that was no longer a concern. In Fact, the Battlesuit Edan was currently wearing was a new one, and he’d have been hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and his older ones. Bovine, the Food production ship had left the refit docks and currently was in formation with the Mercury. They were in position for an immediate departure from the Anchorage if something happened. Gamma Shuttle was currently making a low pass over the Bovine, having left Callisto. Kassie was doing a good job of following the rather complicated Flight plan. Complicated on purpose, to keep her on her toes. Edan looked over his shoulder again. When they passed the Mercury, they would dock in one of Bovine’s Shuttle bays and unload some of their passengers. To ease the worry of some of the civilians who didn’t want the Military to enforce laws among them, Captain Ash had been training a detachment of civilian volunteers to be security. Wearing the Black coveralls of the Civilian Council Security officers, these Blackshirts would patrol the civilian sections of the ships in the fleet. Warriors would have the final word on issues, but the day to day issues would be handled by Civilians. Lt Odin, no longer needing Edan to look after him was going to be liaison officer with the Bovine’s Blackshirts. The Shuttle docked and Edan stepped out with Odin. A few exchanges with the Civilian Council, who were elected to represent each community in the fleet and Edan was boarding the shuttle again. A yahren. It was not going to be celebrated. Not something fondly remembered. It was a time for remembrance. Next on the schedule was the Stoga. The Most recent addition to the refugee fleet. A Colonial Military container ship, with detachable container sections would be the storage ship. It was the least armed ship in the fleet, but required the smallest crew. Several fuel storage tanks had been attached as well as bulk storage containers. There were currently 2 salvage ships being cut down for material to use to affect repairs and fabrication. Electronic parts, even the spare Viper parts would be stored there. One Container had been modified to act as a Shuttle docking station for transfers. An all Warrior detachment of Infantry disembarked here. The Ship would have a minimum crew, and no refugees housed aboard, so the Military would have sole responsibility here. A Quick Change of pilots and Edan were instructing the newer recruit to launch again. A Flyover of the Oxon, which was already staffed with Blackshirts and Military personnel, and the Shuttle began approaching what was left of Ragnar Station. The Administration and housing section of it was gone, stripped of everything, including the hull plates for the refits. All the housing material had been used to create the housing on Lupus and Bovine. The Lifestation had been broken down and equipment split between all the ships. What Techs still worked there, slept in the dock section in field shelters set up in supply areas that had been emptied and moved to the Oxon or Stoga. This was so they could be loaded into ships and shuttles quickly, and the station evacuated. The field shelters would be left with no regrets. The Lupus was in one dock area, finishing up the extensive system upgrade. In the other dock were the scrap hulks donating material. When the Lupus completed its refit, it would launch and total teardown would begin and crews and material would board ships for the last time. A complicated self destruction program had been set to render everything in the Anchorage useless. The ket to that was selective placement of Solonite charges and a redistribution of all the Solium holding tanks. It wasn’t widly known, but solium wasn’t only deadly to humans, the radiation it put out also effected how the Cylons functioned. No one knew why this happened, but then again, it wasn’t a viable weapon to use long term, since it would render any areas bombarded with it deadly to Human and Cylon alike. But to deny the Anchorage to the Tinheads, you bet your boosters the humans would use every bit they had, This entire area would probably be deadly to everything for hundreds of millennia after the humans left. A Small flight of Vipers would stay behind, maybe 4 Vipers total, activating the countdown once the Capital ships departed, and start a sequence that could not be stopped. When the Vipers returned to their ships, a course would be set. But to where?
Everyone seemed to agree that with the 1 yahren mark approaching, Ragnar had to be abandoned. The last group of survivors were doing better as a whole, but still had some way to go. The Survival of the Galactica was now accepted as fact, as was a fleet of civilian ships following it. But where would Adama have taken the survivors? Tellis stood on the bridge of the Callisto and looked around at his bridge crew. He was no closer to answering this question then he was 6 Sectars ago. But he had an answer for the Fleet, a destination he and Colonel Oded had agreed upon, but told no one about. The Bridge of the Callisto was filled with fine Warriors, all of them seemingly ready to jump into the unknown. He had allowed the Civilians to form a council of leaders on each ship but refused to allow them to reform the Quorum of the 12 here. It was easier to do so since he’s been able to point out that Adama, as the last surviving member of the quorum, was the only one with the privilege to reform the council. When this fleet rejoined the Galactica, Tellis would submit to Adama’s command and that of his reformed Quorum. Adama. He was the key here. Where would he go? Not to the Orions. Tellis was sure of that. To the Delphians? They were some distance away. Possibly far enough to provide a refuge to his fleet, and that was what both he and Oded had based their decision on. They would go to the Delphian Empire. But could he make it there? And what route would he take to get there? A straight line would be suicide. The Cylons would find him and destroy the fleet. But again, star charts were incomplete between there and here. “By the Lords we need a sign. Something to point us in the right direction. We are due this. I swear to you, The Lords of Kobol, we deserve it!” Captain Ash, making a circuit of the bridge looked over at Colonel Tellis. “Colonel, did you say something?” “Just wishing for another Miracle to show us the way out of here and to the Galactica.” Ash smirked, “I’m not a Religions man, I never much believe in the Lords of Kobol, or some sprit guiding us. But right now, I’d accept just about anything.” Ash was standing next to the Colonel at the plotting chart, so that no one else would hear the conversation. “Captain, we’re going to have to strike out blind. But we can’t tell the people this. We need a goal. The Galactica will do for one for now, but if you have anything else up your sleeve, now would be the time.” “I’ll let you know colonel, just as soon as I know.”
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Nov 5, 2013 21:48:38 GMT -5
Lt Killian was sitting in his Viper, lost in the memories of the last Yahren. The Mercury was now on patrol. The entire sector he was assigned seemed clear. It always seemed clear. The Cylons were almost predictable now. But how long could this last? The human race depended on that answer. Well it did as long as these survivors remained at Ragnar. After all, the purpose of making the survivors mobile was to leave Colonial Space and try to find a place for them to start over again. Hopefully in Peace.
Killian still wondered about the stories that the freighter survivors had spread. Stories of a mass Exodus from Colonial space. Lead by the Galactica. It had become policy to present this as fact to the civilians. Give them a bit of hope that they were not the only ones, and definitely not the largest group of survivors from the once great race. But the Military, those who saw the condition those poor souls were in when rescued, those who had to clear the freighters for destruction, they still had doubts. Could the stories have been fed to the survivors to breed hope? Make them hang on just a little while longer.
"Lt Killian, is your head in the game sir?" The voice cut in over the Helms comm circuits and snapped Killian back into the here and now. The voice belonged to his wingman for the patrol. Fight Sgt Ajax. a Good Warrior. And a fine Viper pilot. Killian didn’t understand how he hadn't been made an officer yet.
"Thank you Ajax. I needed that. Too many questions." Killian replied
"Still thinking about those reports of a surviving Battlestar huh Sir? Gotta admit I think about it too. I wonder where it might have gone. And how many ships full of survivors it is leading."
"Yeah, that's if those stories are true. You saw the reports on the condition of some of those people at the time of their rescue. Half starved, sick, abused. I just don't know Ajax." “Nothing wrong with believing something Sir, just have to make sure you keep your eyes open to the facts as you believe it. Beliefs can change. Hope will come and go with those changes. But personally, I think too many of those people had the same story. Not all exact. But we had survivors from all 12 colonies mixed into those ships. Some claimed to have seen Commander Adama in person, choosing who left and who stayed, some just heard the call to flee. It was a lack of ships that left them stranded.” “Yeah, that’s what is driving me to want to believe it. But Galactica was with the First Fleet. No indication before these stories even hinted to a Battlestar making it away from Cimtar. I heard the Comm chatter during the Holocaust. I heard Pacifica calling for help. It’s so unreal now, but then…”
It was then that both of their Scanners light up brightly. "Sir, are you reading..."
"I got it too." Killian made an adjustment to the comm system and continued, "Mercury Core Command, This is Probe Alpha. I have some sort of massive energy reading on my scanner, I've never seen anything like it before. Are you receiving?"
"Probe Alpha, this is Mercury, we are receiving. Stand By for Colonel Oded." Colonel Oded had taken over command of the Mercury. Colonel Tellis was aboard the Callisto. "Ok Alpha, Oded here. I'm dispatching Ready Alert Vipers to you now. Lt's Plwel, Hermes and Geras will be on station in Centons. Lt Killian, you have Command. Mercury’s scanners read the disturbance as some sort of gravity disruption. Stay clear of it.” There was a delay, as if the Colonel was checking something, “ Wait one."
Oded had left the channel open so Killian and Ajax could hear some sort of discussion going on. When he overheard someone saying "There is something in there.” Killian tried to focus his own scan. And sure enough he was getting a solid return on all scans. Whatever it was, it was big.
"Lt Killian, we're still getting a lot of distortion, but it looks like something solid is appearing in the center of that gravity disturbance. We can't get a solid lock on it, but it appears to be the size of a Battlestar."
"I am getting a better scan of it now. Seems the Gravity field is shrinking. I can confirm I'm scanning a Battlestar sir. FltSgt Ajax and I are moving in closer. Until the disturbance dies down completely, we'll keep a safe distance." Killian looked over toward Ajax and got a short salute as his only reply. Both warriors depressed their Turbo buttons within microns of each other and raced towards the mysterious Battlestar. "I can't get any reading on the gravity disturbance anymore. It seems to have completely dissipated.” Killian refocused his scan yet again. “I'm reading massive damage to the Battlestar. Where ever it came from it was in quite a battle. I'm moving towards it's alpha bay. I'm going to try to make an identification."
"Copy Killian, be on alert. Our scans show one Energizer completely shut down. The Second is at minimum power. Correction, Second Energizer is powering up, 25% and climbing."
"I got that, My scans show Energizer one is powering up as well. Still no power to weapons or even any scanners. I'm doing a flyby now. It appears the Bridge shield is in place, and I'm dropping down towards the Launch bays. Name of the ship is......."
"I didn't copy that Killian, Which ship is it? Is it the Galactica?" Oded could barely contain himself. He needed to know which Battlestar had just appeared a stone’s throw from a secret Colonial Base. Had the Cylons captured one and was now making an attack on Ragnar? He couldn’t take that chance. He Sent a Tight Beam transmission back to Ragnar, Alerting the Callisto and the Patrolstars to go on alert and to prepare the auxiliary ships to abandon the station. The relays set in the immediate area would get that message back to the Callisto.
"Sir, it's the Pegasus, but it can't be.” There was a mix of amazement and disbelief in Killian’s voice. As if the man didn’t trust what his eyes were telling him. “Molecay was over 2 Yahrens ago. The Pegasus was lost before the Attack on the Colonies.” The disbelief was evident, but it seemed Killian had decided to trust what he was seeing. Perhaps it was the hope winning out. He, like a few of the other pilots, had a connection to this ship. He had served aboard her for several yahrens. He knew warriors aboard her when she sailed for Molecay. It was said that no one ever simply served on that ship. You either came out feeling like it had been an honor and privilege to have been part of the legend, or you couldn’t wait to get to another assignment. Could it be that The Legendary Commander Cain had cheated Death again? And if so, how did he arrange to appear 2 Yahrens later, in a different section of Space. Killian looked over and noticed that the 3 alert Vipers had joined him and Ajax. The 5 Vipers began to fly over the entire ship in formation, covering each other. One warrior was keeping track of the energizer power up, another watching the weapon systems on the great ship. The other three calling out damage reports. Both Landing bays had taken damage, but both seemed to be operational. Damage fitting the type seen in raider attacks ran the entire length of the ship. But in addition, both port and starboard sides showed the type of damage only received when attacking Cylon Baseships. The damage seemed to be equally applied to both flanks. As if the ship had tried to move between two attacking ships. Killian pulled up and over the hull and did a visual inspection of the missile tubes. “Sir, all tubes seem to be empty. Signs of multiple launches. Where ever she was, she was fighting hard. Has there been any communication from the ship yet?” “Negative Killian. No transmissions of any type coming from the Battlestar.” "Sir, Landing bays look to be operational. I'm requesting permission to board sir." "Negative. 2 Centons till another group of Vipers arrive. The Mercury will be 6 Centons after that. I'm calling for both the Tora and Tanga to back us up as well. Standby but do not approach! I have Lt Edan loading a shuttle now with Infantry, medtechs and damage control personnel to board the ship. Lt Morrigan will be escorting the Shuttle in, you can form up with them and land together. I do not want a Single Viper to land without backup.” ".....Pegasus..........to any......ial…..for....need.......ance. Resp…." Came a voice over a static filled comm channel. "Battlestar Pegasus. Identify yourself. Who am I talking to?"
"..Is ..lonel...lan........officer......” there was a break in the static filled words, a long pause, then, “..and by." This time from another voice. What had happened to the person making the original transmission?
"Did anyone get that?" Ajax asked, entering the conversation for the first time. "I didn't catch the name." "Colonial records have A Colonel Tolan as Executive Officer of the ship at the time of their departure for Molecay."Oded informed the Vipers. Killian checked his own scanners and saw the 5 more Vipers had taken up position around his flight. Overkill since not only was there no power to the weapons systems, there were no scanners operating to even tell the ship what was out there. "By the Lords, that is the Pegasus." Killian added. "Sir, I know Tolan. I served aboard. That did sound like him. Colonel Oded, I am repeating my request to board the Ship." Before Oded could answer static once again filled the channel. "I say again, this is Colonel Tolan of the Battlestar Pegasus. I am now transmitting by way of a Viper in our landing bay. We are requesting assistance from any Colonial forces in the area."
"Colonel Tolen, I am going to have 2 Vipers and a shuttle land in your Beta Bay. The shuttle will have security, medical personnel and technical support to help with repairs. My Warriors will report to your bridge to report ship’s condition. Further instructions will follow after their report." "Understood." Came a new Voice, and one that didn't need introduction. Only the voice was off a bit, a mix of pride and pain, all in a single spoken word. It also brought hope to the Colonials who have been calling the Anchorage home. But could it really be him? What were the odds of such a miracle?
"Edan, you Killian and Morrigan land. I want reports as soon as you touch down. Mercury Shuttle, I am putting together Sigma Shuttle. It will contain a second landing team, with more Medtechs and engineers. Report EVERYTHING. Lt Plwel, you assume command of the Patrol. Keep FltSgt Ajax and Lt Geras in a covering position of the Battlstar. If we lose contact with Edan and Killian, begin to strafe the ship. Start with the bridge." What Oded didn’t say was how much he hoped that would be a wasted command, and not one that needed to be followed. “Colonel, Pegasus has Scanners up, minimum power, but they are getting their first look at everything going on. They still have the shields up, but scans of the ship’s damage indicate they may not be able to lower the shields yet. We are getting no indications of any fires either.” The controller on the Mercury bridge looked down again, and shook his head. “Sir, we are now receiving all damage control system readings from Pegasus. I’m putting it up on your screen. It’s not good, but could be worse.” Oded’s only reply was “By the Lords, what happened to that Ship?”
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Nov 7, 2013 9:14:12 GMT -5
Lt Morrigan and Lt Killian taxied their Vipers into the bay and kept Mercury Shuttle in view the entire time. Even as the canopy raised, Killian wasn't sure he wasn't on a Ghost ship. But as his boots hit solid deck so he started believing this could really be happening. He looked over again at the Shuttle and noted that Edan had lowered the heavy loading hatch and Infantry were fanning out into the Bay. Edan Followed a few microns behind, Laser drawn but not pointing at anything in particular. The less eager Techs waited for him to signal before stepping out into the ship’s bay. The crew, what few of them Killian could see, seemed live enough as they ran around the bay. Most had minor injuries. It was this more than anything that convinced Killian that these were live humans, not ghosts. All more concerned with damage control and repair then the visitors.
"Doesn't look like a full complement in the bay. There are barely enough people here to keep the place operational." Killian called out to Edan.
"Not that it looks like there are any ships they need to operate here. I only see 3 Vipers in the Entire bay. And two of them look like they are in need of major repairs, the third is a little better, but I don’t think it’ll fly right now. And not a single Shuttle, something is very wrong here." Edan was Staring at the one Viper he noted as being in the best condition. It had to be this one that was being used to relay communications out to the other ships. "You there, What is going on here? Give me a Report." Edan called over to a Bay tech.
"I'm sorry sir. Things are still very crazy here. Between the battle damage and then systems overloading all over the ship, we aren’t sure what to do first. We need help though. There aren’t enough of us left on the ship to contain the damage.” Edan pointed to the teams of Techs he had brought. “Tell them where you need them. If you have injured, there are 2 Medtechs there. I want to start getting repair and refit reports as soon as possible.” The tired, overworked tech nodded and brightened a bit when Edan put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “You’re safe now, we will help get you back into shape.” The man signaled to the techs and started relaying information. The senior Tech Edan had shuttled over seemed to assume command here and started prioritizing Ensign Kassie finally left the shuttle, having shut down all the systems. Edan called her and Morrigan over. “Morrigan, you will take command here in the bay. Signal Mercury to launch Sigma Shuttle. We need a lot more people here now. Tell them MedTechs and Doctors should be priority as well. I also want a group of warriors able to run the ships’ bridge if needed. Kassie, you will come with Killian and me. Grab a med case. We are going to check on the Bridge. Edan called over the 2 techs he had stand by at the shuttle. You two will be going with us. You’ll be assigned to the bridge exclusively. “ he received acknowledgements from everyone and then noticed 2 Infantry warriors helping a man in a blue uniform out of the single viper. “ I think that should be Colonel Tolan being helped over here now.”
Edan moved to meet the Colonel half way to save him from having to walk the rest of the way. “Lt Edan, Reporting Colonel, what can you tell me?” “The Commander is waiting for you on the Bridge. He refuses to stand down. He’s been injured. You'll have to use the Emergency Access ladders. None of the lifts are working right now, last one failed as I arrived in the bay." “You are injured as well. I’ll have a Med Team look you over. We’re going the Bridge now. Relax, The Ship is out of danger and you are among friends. When the Techs give you the ok, meet me on the bridge to resume command.” Edan turned to address the med tech that arrived when he saw the condition the colonel was in. Patch him up. If you can do it here, I would like to keep the Pegasus under the command of one of her officers.” Turning to the Infantry Warriors, “You two are the Colonel’s personal escorts till relieved. He doesn’t go anywhere without you. Offer what assistance he needs.” With those orders given and understood, Edan pulled his Communicator out to contact the Mercury himself. "Lt Edan to Mercury. We have landed and are currently on our way to the bridge by emergency access ladders. Lt Killian, Ensign Kassie and I can confirm that this is The Pegasus. And the crew is human. The ship seems to be running on a Skeleton crew. I have relieved Colonel Tolen till a Med tech can check him out. His injuries do not seem extensive. He should be able to resume duties quickly. He indicated Commander Cain is injured worse, but refuses to leave the Bridge.” “Lt Edan, this is a direct order. You are to relieve Commander Cain until he is either cleared by a medtech or Colonel Tolen can relieve you. “ Oded knew he didn’t have to tell Edan what to do, but Edan, not being a command officer, needed that Order to be able to carry out his duties when Cain refused to leave his bridge. And no one doubted Cain would refuse to leave his ship. “Understood Colonel, I’m on it, Also, there are no operational Vipers or shuttles aboard. We will have to provide shuttles to medevac any major injuries. I am not counting on finding the Pegasus’ Life Center completely operational or staffed at all. Stand by, Lt Morrigan will follow up with more detailed reports. Will check in every 5 Centons."
It took a while and several comm checks for the Warriors to finally walk onto the Bridge of this famous Battlestar. As they walked into the heart of the ship, they stopped. There, sitting at the command station, on the raised platform of the bridge, one arm secured to his chest, obviously broken, was the Legend himself. Not a single member of the Bridge crew was without injury, but all were working at repairing systems. The command chair on the raised platform turned to face the Warriors, the strain and pain on the Commander’s face was obvious. Edan couldn’t believe he was still operating at all.
"By the Lords, it's good to see you, but we need help. Can you tell us where in Hades Hole we are and where did you warriors come from?"
"Commander, I’m Lt Killian, I served aboard prior to your leaving for Molecay. You are inside Colonial Space. Not far from Ragnar Station. We are survivors of the Holocaust. We've been using Ragnar as a staging area. Trying to collect all survivors, Civilian or Military we can. Sir." “Commander Cain, I’m Lt Edan, Senior Officer aboard from the Strikestar Mercury. I need you to let Ensign Kassie here examine your wounds. I hear-by temporarily relieve you of Command, Sir.” “I will not be relieved, my crew needs me! Baltar is out there! I will take this battle to him!” Cain’s words came with more strength then the last few, but that strength wouldn’t hold. Edan knew he had to be slipping here. Not to mention he didn’t seem to grasp the fact that he was currently in what had been Colonial space, no longer wherever he had been. Leaning in close, so that no one would hear what he had to say, Edan whispered, “Uncle, You are back at the Colonies, Baltar is not here. Let us fix you and the Pegasus. Return you to the fight!” Cain seemed to stare at the new arrivals a minute then resigned himself, “I stand relieved Lieutenant. The Bridge is yours.” And as if the strings that had been holding him up were cut, he slumped into the seat and passed out. Kassie wasted no time, she had a medical scanner out and taking readings. “Broken arm, ribs broken, some internal damage and bleeding. His left knee has been twisted, he may have a permanent limp from that. Flash burn damage, but he will make it.” Kassie went from scanning to starting treatment. “We need to get him back to the Mercury. He will need a life center and Doctor.” As if called, 2 of the infantry warriors waded onto the bridge from the direction of the personnel lifts, a single tech moving behind them. “Lt Edan, I got a lift working, direct from here to beta Bay. The others are working on getting more working, Alpha bay is still cut off, except for emergency ladders. Sigma shuttle has arrived. They told me to join you up here.” Good, join these two and get this bridge patched up. Priority on getting us mobile. We have to move the Pegasus into the Anchorage, preferably into the Docks.” Pointing to the 2 Warriors. You two get a stretcher. You are to escort the Commander and Ensign Kassie here to Sigma shuttle and get the Commander to the Life Center on the Mercury . Take as many of the injured as you can, but the Commander is a priority.” The Warriors moved quickly and retrieved the emergency stretcher from the bridge anteroom, set it up and helped Kassie load Cain onto it. With all the respect and care a man of his stature commanded, they took him to the lift to the bay. Edan looked around, and let his eyes settle on the Helm. Both Stations looked operational, but one of the Helmsmen was being tended by the Medtechs. Addressing the other one, "Can the Pegasus move under her own power? We need to get this ship into formation with the Mercury and out of this sector.”
"She can, yes, but I will need someone to take the other Helm station. I can’t fly her alone." The Helmsman looked eager to help. And thankful for the newly arrived warriors. “Killian, man that station. Take your lead from…..what’s your name?” Edan asked, looking at the Helmsman. “Theopolis Sir.” “Take your lead from Theopolis, he’ll be able to guide you through piloting this thing.” Edan was trying to see what controls on the Command station still functioned. Several of them had blown out, probably the cause of Cain’s injuries. “What condition are the engines in? Energizers, if these readings are right, are at 80% power. Can we feed that much power to the engines?” One of the Mercury’s techs called over from the monitoring stations on the port side. “Initial readings say I can give you half power right now. I have people on their way to the engine rooms now to confirm how much more we can push them. “ Another tech, from the navigational section called out, “Navigational scanners are still a little iffy. Not sure I would trust them completely to get us to the Anchorage.” “Edan knew they would need the scanners to be working better then iffy to pilot in this sector. Then it hit him. “Is the forward Viewport still sealed to vacuum?” “Yes Sir, viewport integrity was one of the first things we checked.” Get that damned Shield down!” Edan opened a channel to the Mercury, “Colonel Oded, This is Edan. Navigational Scanners are iffy at best, but we are maneuverable. I have an idea. I need you to turn the Mercury around.” “We’re on it Edan. I get what you’re planning. Let me know when you are ready.” Edan turned to the techs now working to open the giant armored shutters that shielded the forward viewport. Killian smiled, but Theopolis seemed confused. With a loud moan, the Shutters separated, and to the surprise of everyone, except maybe Killian, the view was the engine emissions of the Mercury. “Mr. Theopilis. Keep the Drive section of the Mercury centered in that viewport. I will call out speeds to keep formation with her. That Drive section Is your new Navigational scanner.” Edan enjoyed his command of a Battlestar. Maybe the reason he enjoyed it so much was that he knew it wouldn’t last. 20 centons later, when Colonel Tolen, looking much better, walked onto the Bridge, Edan stood and saluted. “Colonel on the Bridge.” He exclaimed, probably for the first time since he was a cadet, since very few officers kept to that tradition. “Colonel Tolen, I stand ready to be relieved Sir!” “Thank you Lt Edan, you are Relieved. And thank you all for your help.” Although still limping, the gash on his leg had been mended and bandaged, and the more minor injuries also attended to. “Status? Moving from the Command Station that now belonged to Tolen, Edan made his report. “We’re moving at half speed right now, using the Mercury as a Nav Scanner. Energizers are still reading about 80% power, but engines can’t take that right now. We’ve received about 10 shuttles since your arrival. Injured are being moved to the Mercury, Tora and Tanga, the latter two are our Patrolstars. They arrived a few Centons ago. We are 15 Centons out from Ragnar Anchorage. The main Dock has been Cleared of our Ship, The Lupus, and is ready to receive the Pegasus for repairs and refit. All hands are standing by.” “Thank you Edan. On behalf of everyone aboard, I thank you. But We heard the Colonies were completely destroyed. Commander Adama was clear on that. Where did you come from?” “Well, I’ll tell you, but then I think we all want to know where you have been. As for us, it all started the day of the Armistice….”
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Nov 11, 2013 20:40:24 GMT -5
Another 400 Centons later, Colonel Tellis, Colonel Oded and Commander Cain, now with his arm set were meeting in the Life Center aboard the Callisto. When the Mercury arrived with the Pegasus in tow, they had stabilized Cain and agreed to transfer him to the larger life station on the Gunstar. It also seemed fitting to treat the Commander on the Command ship for their little fleet. This was really the first chance all senior officers have had to meet, since Cain’s injuries had been so severe. He had spent most of those 400 Centons unconscious. Dr Zee, ranking Doctor on the Callisto had performed 3 surgeries to repair internal damage and set numerous broken bones.
"Sir, I'm Colonel Tellis, Commander of the Gunstar Callisto. If you'll excuse me for asking, where have you been for the last 2 yahrens?"
"Colonel, I first want to thank you for the quick response. You undoubtedly saved a lot of lives on the Pegasus, myself included. As for where we were, I'm not sure how to explain everything. After the Fifth Fleet was destroyed at Molecay, I took aboard all the survivors I could and sent the Pegasus into Deep Space. Away from the Colonies, where the Cylons would be waiting to finish the job they set out to do at Molecay. Eventually we ended up at Gamoray. Gamoray had fallen to the Cylons and I spend my time there running strikes against them. Using their supply lines to get fuel and ammunition to keep striking at them. That is until the Galactica and a Rag Tag Fleet of survivors ran across us."
"The Galactica and more survivors?" Oded looked at Tellis, a smile on his face, "The refugees were right about the ships leaving right after the Attack. It's True! The Galactica must have somehow pulled off the biggest rescue imaginable."
"Indeed it did. Seems Adama left the Fleet at Cimtar in order to try and save the Colonies. They failed, but having been in between the ambush of the fleet and the attack on the colonies themselves, they went unnoticed. After that, they were able to put the fleet together." Cain continued. "A little over 100 Centons before you found us, I evacuated the Pegasus of all non-essential personnel and engaged 3 Baseships. The one Commanded by Baltar fell back and allowed the other 2 to engage me. We fired our Missiles at point blank range, destroyed the 2 Baseships and next thing we knew we were here being hailed by your ships here. I can’t explain it. But all the ship’s systems seemed to overload at once. Consuls blew out into the warriors manning those stations, I was standing next to the command Station, Tolen says I was blown clear across the bridge. Energizers were shutting down for no reason.” "Commander, It seems the Engineers and Scientists we have here have offered an explanation of how you were able to cover such a great distance in next to no time. They suspect that when you destroyed the 2 Baseships, and then tried to move between them, their Gravity drives created what they call a Space bridge. You tore a hole in time and space and super accelerated the Pegasus in the direction you were traveling. You shot right past the third Basestar, and continued right back into Colonial Space. It's a miracle that you didn’t jump right into the heart of the Colonies. In the state the Pegasus is in, the occupying Baseships would have torn you apart." Tellis reported. “It had to be divine guidance to have you stop at our doorstep like you did.” Tellis concluded telling the commander of the theory and couldn’t help adding thanks to the Lords of Kobol for his arrival.
"Indeed. As to the here and now, the station has the Pegasus under repairs now. When you're done here, She should be better than ever. We have already started refitting the life station there, so you’ll be able to transfer back to your Ship. Battle damage has been assessed and systems are already under repair. We have our full complement of techs and engineers working on her. And We've already transferred a full complement of our Vipers over to her bays along with a few shuttles." Oded added.
"Excellent. I understand that everything here has been made ready to move out. Excellent. I also like how all Civilian Ships have been taken apart and all civilians settled on a Military grade ship. We'll be able to move a lot faster than Adama's Ships. It'll make catching up easier. Good, good! That Medacca needs all the help he can get, even if he does now have Silver Spar Squadron to bolster his defenses."
"Yes sir, we're ready to move out as soon as the Pegasus is fully repaired. Prior to your arrival we had no idea where we'd go when we left. We always knew we couldn't stay. But now, knowing that Commander Adama is taking the rest of our people and searching for Earth, we have a destination."
"Yes, I made sure I downloaded everything the Galactica had aboard concerning their journey up to Gamoray. We can retrace it. Skipping the areas of increased Cylon activity. There are human settlements we can resupply at, and fuel deposits along the way. The key is to get back to Gamoray as quickly as possible. I know Adama's intended route, but the longer we wait, the more likely he changes direction. I also have to make right one omission I made. I need to tell Adama, and you about the Argo Mission."
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Nov 18, 2013 21:56:46 GMT -5
A Sectar later, aboard the Battlestar Pegasus, the Ranking officers of all the ships in the fleet, as well as the Viper Squadrons stood in the briefing room. Commander Cain stood in front of his warriors for the first time, leaning on a cane due to his injuries. “I wanted you all here to hear this.” Cain wore his usual brown Command Officer Pants and Tunic, but didn’t have his battlejacket on. “The effort put forth to repair and refit the Pegasus has been inspiring. Colonel Tolen has kept me up to date on everything, and I couldn’t be prouder of our people. This ship is nearly up to 100 percent capacity, and the other ships you have assembled are just waiting on the Pegasus. When this Fleet launches, and we will be launching soon, we will be quiet the force to be feared.” Cain took a moment, and looked around the room. His reputation along should be leading some assumptions right now.. ”But I want you to hear this now, from me directly. We will not be moving out to get revenge, or to reclaim the Colonies. We will not establish a base from which we will strike back. We will be striking out to find the Galactica and the rest of our people. Those 220 odd Civilian Ships represent the bulk of the future of humanity, as we know it. The Rest can be found among our civilians here.” Again, Cain looked out at the hopeful faces, knowing that many of them had heard rumors concerning his next point, “But there is more hope than just the mere legend of Earth that the Galactica is chasing. Several yahrens ago, I took part in planning a mission to reach out and find Earth. The project was called Argo, and was centered on the construction, in secret, of the Battlestar Argo. This secret Ship had one mission, find the Brothers of Man who settled the planet Earth and prepare them for the Cylons and to meet and assist their brothers. I failed to tell Adama about this project, I didn’t see the need to do it right away, and I had hoped to turn Gamoray into a Colonial Bastion from which we could stage attacks back on the Cylons. Buy more time for the Argo to complete its mission and return to us. Adama showed me how wrong I was.” Cain stopped there a minute, letting the assembled Warriors see that even legends fail sometimes. It was a hard enough lesson for him to learn, but one he needed. “Even if Argo never Found Earth, when we clear the Colonies, I intend to have all the Ships in the fleet broadcast an Update to the Argo. Full power, unidirectional transmission in the scramble code. If the Argo is still out there, it will seek out the Galactica’s Fleet as well.” Cain stopped there and moved across the front of the room. Looking at everyone there. Everyone present had the chance to look over the information Pegasus brought. Both the Logs of the Pegasus herself and that of the Galactica’s Fleet. But there was something special about a commander personally briefing his Warriors. A connection you can’t replace. “I owe Adama a lot. Even Legends can have heroes. And make no mistake, Adama should be a Hero to us all.” Cain meant every word, and more emotion then he had words for. Adama had pulled off a miracle, and Cain had just wanted one more Military Victory. “I am affirming Colonel Tellis’ decision to NOT reform the Quorum of the 12 here. I can confirm that the quorum has been reformed from among the Galactica Survivors. We will rejoin his fleet and submit to their authority. Both Adama’s Authority as Commander in Council, and the authority of the civilian government. The ship’s councils will remain to bring civilian concerns to our attention. I want to make it clear that all matters raised by the civilians are to be addressed.” “As you know, I refused to take command till I was medically cleared. At this time, I am officially taking command of this Fleet. I have been cleared by the doctors to do so. That said, and out of the way, there will be a round of promotions coming. Along with those, some of you will be reassigned. I put my down time to good use, reviewing your records, your achievements here, and discussing this is with Colonel Tellis and Colonel Oded, looking at what our needs are.” Lifting his cane to point to Colonel Tellis, standing off to the side, Cain smiled. “There is no reason to delay this. Tellis, you are hear-by promoted to the Rank of Commander. You will remain in Command of the Callisto. Colonel Oded, you will join me aboard the Pegasus as my XO.” Cain Shook hands with both officers and they moved back into formation. “Tolen, it’s been my honor to serve with you for some time now, and this promotion is long overdue. You are now Commander Tolan, and will assume command of the Mercury. Tores and Javier, you are both Promoted to Colonel and will retain command of your ships. Charybdis, You are hearby also promoted to Colonel. I realize this is skipping the rank of Captain, but you have been operating in that capacity for over a yahren now. You will report to Commander Tellis on the Callisto as XO. Ash, you are now Colonel Ash, and retain the Lupus. Colonel Vlad, you retain the Oxon.” Cain had no changes in store for either the Bovine nor Stoga. Both were led by more junior officers who would remain Captains. “Now, there have been questions as to our Viper Squadrons. There is no Question that Pirate Squadron will remain aboard Lupus, since she’s the only ship equipped to handle Scarabs right now. Lt Colm will command those Fighters. White Squadron will be stationed aboard both the Tora and Tanga. The one Squadron will cover recon duties. I have assigned extra ships and Warriors to this Squadron. The assignments will be posted when we conclude here. Grey Squadron with Lt Percy in Command will Report to the Mercury. Gold Sword and Green Sword Squadrons will report to the Callisto. Captain Tiberius will be Strike Captain and command Gold Sword. Lt Klint will Command Green Sword.” Again moving across the raised area, Cain made the limping movement almost look like a swagger. “By process of elimination, you all know that Blackstar Squadron and Ice Squadron will be assigned to the Pegasus. Ice Squadron will be commanded by Lt Hermes with Lt Danae as his second. Now, Strike Captain for the Pegasus, this was not an easy question to answer.” The majority of senior Viper pilots had been moved up to command and leadership positions in the fleet, filling urgently needed positions. But not all of them, “Edan, you will be my new Strike leader, and assume command of Blackstar Squadron. You will also be responsible for maintaining the Training academy you have had here. But delegate Training cycles to the other officers. You are also Strike leader for the Entire fleet. You will work closely with all ship Commanders and make sure all squadrons are supplied with Warriors and material to be completely effective. It is that reason that I stacked the Deck so to speak with assignments to Blackstar. Lt Killian, Lt Plwel, Lt Morrigan, among others will be on hand to lead the Squadron as needed.” That’s all I have for you right now on new positions. Make sure your uniforms reflect your new ranks and positions when you report to your next duty cycle.” Cain was proud of this force, and not afraid to show it. “Questions my Warriors?” "Sir, we do have requests for a stopover at Kobol.” It seems word of its discovery by the Galactica has spread through the Fleet. “If possible, of course. But other than that, the idea of visiting these settlements Commander Adama reported, and possibly recruiting more to join us gives us hope sir." Commander Tellis had stepped up to the front of the group to make the request. Cain nodded his agreement, but said nothing. The Pride showing in his face.
At that Same moment, Laying in the Life Center of the Galactica, Adama picked up his Log Microphone and prepared to make another entry. He had made it a habit of making certain entries public. To allow the Fleet to look into the thinking of their Commander. “It has been about 4 Centars since the Galactica has powered up its repaired energizer. The Cylon Death Squadron had done quiet the Job of damaging the Galactica.” Raiders filled with Solonite, Adama thought, and winced when he thought about how close he came to dying when one was destroyed just before crashing into the bridge. “I am still recovering, not yet released for duty. The Bridge has been restored, and the long range scanners are being tested. They should be fully operational within a few Centars. Colonel Tigh has done an amazing amount of work in a short amount of time. It is due to him that we are in as good a shape as we are. Hull breaches, both intentional and those inflicted by the Cylons have been sealed. Both Landing bays are operational again. A true testament to the crews who fought the fires and repaired the damage. I couldn’t have asked for more.” Adama turned off the public Log and activated his private one. “Cassiopeia is going to be bringing Boxey by again soon. I am still in awe of his bravery while trapped with Athena and Boomer. I owe Boomer more than I could ever repay. He saved my family. But I am feeling more frustrated with the treatment Dr Salik is giving me. I feel strong enough to at least move to my quarters, but he insists on monitoring my heart for a while longer. The people of the fleet have passed a grave test. First with the loss of the Pegasus at Gamoray, and now this assault. I fear people are losing hope. I must find a way to inspire them or we may face a danger more dangerous than the Cylons.”
Elsewhere in the vastness of space, Another Battlestar Commander was looking over reports. Commander Teck had the final reports on the project to get the last main engine online. And everything looked favorable. It was a miracle, but it looked as if he would be able to record that this First, and possibly only, Victory Class Battlestar was fully operational. All systems seemed to be checking out. The Conversion of the Orion Tanker was also completed. It still carried several of the large Tylium Tanks, but could detach them and preform recon patrols. For those short times, the Tanks would be tethered to the Excalibur. Possibly detaching the Delta Bay. The Vipers assigned to the ship would be a rolling roster, to make sure everyone stayed rested and still took a portion of the stress. All Viper Squadrons were also up and running. It was the Asp squadrons that were taking the longest; both in training the Warriors on the systems and controls, as well as making the ships themselves flight ready. They were just too new for most of the techs to feel comfortable with yet. One single Squadron of the Asps have joined the patrols. Teck liked to send 2 Vipers and an Asp out on deep probe. Just to see how the fighters compared to each other and worked together. Other than that, things were quiet. There were rumors running everywhere about where the Prophesy had come from, and who could have possibly anticipated their need for it. The ship had limited manufacturing abilities, including a light forge and foundry, and 4 agro domes to supply food to the fleet. It also had more than enough room for the Civilians and their families. All of whom had been moved off the Excaliber. Teck had never put much stock into “seers” when they were mentioned in the colonies. Lucky guesses and tricks is what he always thought. But that huge mural that had been on the Bay wall, where the ship was found was hard to dismiss. No, it wasn’t an exact representation of the holocaust and the Exodus of the Excaliber, but it was close enough to make Teck think. They were still studying the scans of it, as well as the smaller version that had been put on an inner bulkhead of the Prophesy. Then there was the Pirate ships that the Fleet had engaged early in the journey. No home base for them had been found, nor any explanation as to why they were out here. Just small engagements, like the one over that Planet that Lt Erc seemed to be from. Which was another question yet to be answered. Were that young Warrior’s people still out there? They were refuges from the Colonies who had left trying to escape the outbreak of war about a 1000 Yahrens ago then had settled that planet. Was it the pirates that inspired them send that ship back towards the Colonies? Were the pirates responsible for destroying that ship? Were they the ones who Orphaned Erc? And if the rest of that civilization had left on more ships, where would they go? Not towards the Colonies, at least no one thought so. Switching off his terminal and putting the Hand computers down, Teck moved from his desk into his sleeping chamber. No answers were coming tonight, just more questions. They could all wait till later. As long as it seems the Cylons weren’t following, then Teck was content to continue searching for the Galactica. Praying to the Lords of Kobol that the information they deciphered from the Mural was correct. That interpretation was the basis for their current course and the hope that the Galactica, and her fleet would be found.
Elsewhere, a Colonel, sitting behind his desk reacted to a knock on the door, “Come!” A Captain, looking a bit confused, walked in and saluted. “What do you have for me Captain? Is it about that transmission?” “Yes sir. As you suggested, we applied Alpha Romeo Gamma decrypt to it. Seems, it worked. You should have the file on your computer now. It is flagged eyes only and classified…….well; I’m not cleared to know how high this has been classified.” The Colonel looked down to his desk and then back to the Captain. “Captain, you are to forget this conversation ever happened. You are dismissed.” “Yes Sir.” After the young Captain left, the Colonel opened the file on his computer, going through the various security locks. Then read the text of the message. It had happened. Just as he had been told to expect. He would never understand how they knew this message would eventually be sent, but it had. The Colonel picked up his phone and dialed. “I need ComPSec. What’s his Current location?” “ComPSec is aboard Enterprise, overseeing the final trials. Enterprise is expected to be operational in 2 days.” “Recall ComPSec and inform him he’s going to need to activate ‘Rolling Thunder’. I have forwarded the recovered transmission to his drives and have added my opinions. I don’t think we’ll be able to keep this under wraps much longer. That Transmission was picked up globally. No one may ever know what is says, but it will not be dismissed as random background noise. We will have a lot of questions to answer.” “Understood Colonel. I’m going to get ‘Rolling Thunder’ underway. We’ll have a joint briefing for all parties in 13 hours. The President and ComPSec can set the timetable then.” “May god have mercy, I’ll be ready.”
In orbit around the planet Arcta, Tagget shuffled the hand computers in front of him. Luck was with his little group. About a yahren ago the Galactica and her fleet had passed by here. And the Scans of Mt Hecla showed what they had been up to. Most of it had been blasted away. But no one seemed to be upset with that, since that had been where the Cylon garrison had been located. And the largest Pulsar ever encountered. Ravishal had welcomed the Colonials, sharing food and water with them. Exactly what the Sunflare and the other ships needed. But he warned that Cylons still patrolled the space around the planet from time to time. That was fine, in about 100 centons the fleet would be moving along again. But with a few new Warriors. Several of the Thetas, inspired by their encounter with the Colonials, had asked their Father-Creator for permission to join the Sunflare. Ravashal had told them they were free to choose their own destiny. So they did. 12 in all, both male and female were currently packing their belongings and loading the Shuttles. They had already been fitted for Uniforms. Tagget wasn’t sure what to do with them yet. They were expert workers, trained in advanced engineering, so they would need little training here, but they all looked alike. Would he split them among the fleet or keep them here? Well, he’d talk to them, see what they thought. But all in all, a favorable encounter. But hard to believe they were a Yahren behind the Galactica. How would they ever catch up? “By the Lords of Kobol, we’ll find a way.”
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Nov 19, 2013 22:38:44 GMT -5
Commander Cain stood in his quarters, thinking about the events of the last sectars. The Pegasus had an undergone extreme refit after being berthed in the Dock. In fact the ship hadn't been in such good shape since before setting out for Molecay. That was over 2 Yahrens ago. But she was in fighting shape and fully loaded with a complement of Shuttles and 2 Squadrons of Vipers. There was even a squadron worth of Vipers in storage, which had no place to stage out of, and not enough warriors to fly them. The battle fleet was in great shape, and the civilians, all aboard military grade ships couldn't have been better protected. Well, they could be, if we had a full combat fleet, but those days were over.
After 1 1/2 Sectars in refit, then setting the entire Anchorage to self-destruct. Cain was ready to search for the Galactica. It hadn’t been so long that hope of discovering the Rag Tag fleet was thin, no, it was still possible. Just calculating the Top speeds of both Fleets gave the Pegasus hope. Not to mention that refueling between the Colonies and Gamoray would be as simple as hitting every Tylium source Adama had found along that route. As for Ragnar, nothing would be usable, and in fact, it should all be slowly heading into the gravity of the nearest star at this point. The engineers had set the Solonite to break up the stationary position of the anchorage, creating a decaying orbit. Add to this the Solium, and no Cylon could ever reuse anything left there. No Human could survive either, but Cain had no worries about that. As of this moment, the Tanga was waiting to recover the last long range patrol before the ships of the fleet entered the black void on their trip to Kobol. This trip was the only place Cain refused to push ahead at Flank Speed. The Navigation hazards are too great, very little margin of error. But the duration of the trip should still be cut in half from when the Galactica made it. The Fleet allowed themselves the simple pleasure of taking scans of the Carillon system. Surprisingly, there were no ships in that dead system. And surprisingly little debris. The Hybercombustion of the planet had destroyed most of it. Served them right, feeding on humans, disgusting! Cain was wondering if they would run into these Ovions again. Part of Cain wanted to, just to give his fair share of pain on these creatures. But it wasn’t something he’d look forward to. If his prayers were answered, they would not encounter anything till they reached the Galactica. It was time for the Fleet Commander to take the bridge as they enter the abyss. He couldn’t put it off any longer. Not that Cain would ever let anyone think he was delaying this, but Cain had decided that some things had to change. He's already reassigned and promoted officers throughout the fleet, held briefings aboard The Civilian's ships to address the Civilian councils and gave encouragement to the civilian security forces. He took tours of the Life Stations with recovering victims from the daring freighter rescue; he had even made a point to visit the nurseries aboard the Lupus. Humanity, and the survivors here, where multiplying. And that brought hope to the aging commander. The reality that his leg injury would mean he never sat in a Viper again hit Cain hard. The limp was permanent. As was the use of his new walking stick, a Stick that was made especially for him. Edan, Killian and Danae had gotten together and picked through the wreckage taken out of the Bridge of the Pegasus during its refit. They found some conduit sheathing, and a metal worker who wanted to help. The Conduit was cut and polished to the correct length for the Commander. And the metalworker had sculpted a Pegasus, its head and wings arching down, to top the walking stick. The stick was finished in a gloss black, similar to his old swagger stick, and the Pegasus was bronze. A piece of his ship would always be there to support him, no matter where he went. Cain had gifted the Swagger stick to Commander Tolan, a gift for his service. But he considered having copies made for his warriors. A Thank you for their gift to him. Edan was clear on that as well, the presentation of the walking stick was done in the presence of every Warrior in both Viper squadrons. It took some investigation to find out those three headed up the project. “A good showing from Captain Edan, including everyone. Good man! He was earning the respect of his Warriors.” That was one thing Cain always insisted. You do not lead by Fear, or intimidation, as Kronus used to. No, you led from the front, never asking a man to do something you are not willing to do yourself. You inspire. Inspiration, and tactical analysis is what made Cain a legend. Drinking with his men, flying with them, and if called to, dying with them. Edan showed he understood this. But he wasn’t done learning. “And by The Lords, I will teach them all.” Since his commissioning as a Commander and receiving his assignment to his first command, Cain had never worn anything but warrior tan and Brown. He was always a hands on commander. But that had to change now, and not just because of his injury. Adama had shown him how a fleet should be lead. At least under the current circumstances. This would be the clearest signal to everyone that Cain’s role was changing to reflect what his Warriors and people needed. He finished up by strapping on his Laserbelt, Cain left his quarters and made his way to the bridge. That was where he belonged as the fleet entered the void. Captain Edan was waiting to meet the Commander just outside the Bridge, Taking his position as Fleet strike Captain as seriously as possible. He came to attention when he saw the Commander approaching. "As you were Captain. And close your mouth. Follow me, as Strike Captain for the Pegasus, I want you on the bridge as we cross into the void." "Yes Commander. And can I say, The Blue Uniform Suits you." Cain was in a Bridge Command uniform. But not the Typical one. Instead of The Tunic being worn on top of the trousers, as the dress uniforms were, Cain had it bloused and there was no sign of the Dress Belt. He was wearing the bridge uniform just like a battle suit. Edan would have bet that the Commander had a G-suit on under the uniform had he still retained his flight status. Edan already knew that Cain had a Blue battlejacket he could put on. The usual neck scarf was in place, in matching blue, along with the usual award pin. As they entered the Bridge, Cain could see that every crewmember and officer on the Bridge had the same reaction as Edan. Even Colonel Oded took a second look, before returning to his duties. It could be considered ironic that Oded was dressed much as Cain used to. The Brown Trousers of Command rank and the Tan tunic. A Gunbelt strapped around his waist completed the look. Edan knew his Battlejacket was hanging just off to the side of the bridge. "Settle down people. We're taking the first step on a long trail. The Galactica is limited in speed, we are not so limited. I fully intend to catch up with Adama and the rest of the survivors. And when we do, we shall protect our people to the last man, woman and child. I will accept nothing less! With that said, the manner in which I dress to do this is not a subject for debate or discussion" "Commander, Tanga reports all Vipers aboard and ready to enter the void." Came a call from the communication station. Colonel Oded came to attention and turned to his new Commander. “Sir, with that, the fleet is ready to advance. No signs of Cylon pursuit, or any indication they know we are here. All Ships have moved into visual range of the Pegasus and await your order.” "Stand fast people. Helm, ahead half speed. Keep to your course. And steady on to Kobol!" Cain leaned forward on the Bridge railing, looking directly out the forward viewport. All he could see was the black of the magnetic abyss, but not a single person on the bridge thought that was what he was actually seeing. He was seeing the start of their journey.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Dec 3, 2013 9:04:13 GMT -5
Edan found himself sitting in one of the old navigational stations that could be found on the Lupus. Unlike most of the Battlestars and more modern ships, the Lupus still had 4 of them. With the armored panels peeled back, you had an amazing view of space around you. Edan had come to the Lupus on Furlon. Cain and Tellis had agreed that when they arrived at Kobol, there would be no time for anyone to get any rest, so they gave as many warriors as possible down time now. Kobol, what did this dead world hold in store for them? The last time any humans set eyes on the planet, Cylons were blasting one of the ruined cities. Did the Cylons garrison the planet? Did they move on and ignore it? And what was the condition of the Star? Was it still pulsing, or was it closer to Nova now? When it went nova, Kobol would be destroyed. This might be the last chance Humanity had to visit the world of their birth. The navigation chair was surprisingly comfortable. Perhaps someone had made a point of refurbishing it. He knew some people made a point to come out here to look at the vastness of space. Not surprising, but what was surprising was that very few civilians wanted to. It was the warriors, people used to living on ships for long durations. The Hatch behind him opened, and he looked back, wondering who would be coming in. Edan had registered his time here. When the first face came though, he laughed. “I thought you were going to invite us up here with you.” Hermes let a smile cross his face. “Nah, not our Strike Captain. He’s being all standoffish. You know, too good to socialize with us Lieutenants.” Killian added as he followed Hermes in. “I can’t believe Edan went all Command on us. Not like him.” That was a voice coming from behind Killian, indicating that at least Plwel was going to join them here. As Plwel cleared the hatch, he sealed it and moved to join Hermes and Killian standing against the outer bulkhead. “I thought I left you guys in the Chancellery. You are supposed to be losing a Sectar’s pay.” Edan smiled as he looked out at his friends. “We got tired of winning without you. Plus you are here to have fun as well.” Hermes was now playing with a decent stack of cubits. One thing they seemed to have an abundance of were Cubits. Thula had a depository that they evacuated, and many of the Civilian Ships had gambling aboard, so they were stocked extremely well. This allowed the refugees to create a micro economy in their fleet. Most of the Cubits and Orion Checks that were on hand were being kept in secure rooms, but no one was wanting for currency. “He’s right Edan, have fun!” this from Killian. “Ever stop to think that relaxing can be fun? I mean, turn around, look out there, this isn’t like flying a Viper. You have room to move, to look completely around you. It almost feels like I’m out there with the Fleet, free. Yes, there are no stars out there right now, but that isn’t bothering me like when we fly patrols around the fleet. Here I can soak it all in.” Edan was staring up, one of the few views that didn’t include any of the other ships in it. All three warriors had turned and were now staring out at the space around them. “You’re right my friend. It is different than flying patrols. I think I may reserve this chamber a lot. Especially when the stars return.” Plwel can see himself relaxing here. “Ok, you win this one, now I’m just upset you didn’t invite us.” Killian, always the joker. Sitting straighter in the seat, Edan smiled. “Ok, I give….” Edan stopped cold, staring directly ahead of the Lupus, just over the back of the Pegasus. “Did you guys see that?” Not waiting for them to answer, Edan activated the consul in front of him, and set the Comm. “What?, where?” Hermes was scanning the area Edan seemed to be looking. “Hold on, it was a short pulse, but I think we just had contact with Kobol’s star.” The chair and it’s equipment seemed to rotate, and set itself. Edan had turned on all the scanners and was ready to hail the Pegasus just as they all saw another flare of light. This one lasting a bit longer. “Edan to Pegasus. I have contact with a Pulsing light source. Transmitting readings to you now.” “Captain Edan, this is Colonel Oded, I’ll ignore the fact that you are on furlon for a centon, but I will ask where you are.” “I’m in celestial Chamber 1 in the forward section of the Lupus. I can confirm, Pulsing light source, at the following Co-ordinates. Recording of second and third pulse transmitting now.” “Edan, Cain here, we are receiving your feed. We are positioning the Pegasus’ scanners to confirm.” Cain then addressed someone else on the bridge, “Put me on unicom” “Commander Cain to the Fleet. Earlier than expected, we are recording signs that may indicate we have found the pulsing Star that the planet Kobol orbits. I am having the fleet change course to head towards the star. I want all warriors to report back to duty stations. As we get more information, I will relay it to you. For now, prepare either for Exploration teams to debark for the Kobol, or a heavy Scan of the planet as we pass.” As Edan was about to turn the equipment off, the Hatch opened and a uniformed Tech entered. “I’m here to monitor the equipment Captain. Please leave it all on.” “It’s all yours. Ok fellas, time to return to the Pegasus. We need to earn our pay. Let’s just hope that if there are Cylons out there, it’s a small force we can take out and look at the pillars of our fathers.” Edan was last out of the chamber, looking back towards the still pulsing star. A smile crossing his face and he lowered himself down the ladder, and they ran back to the Lift to take them to the shuttle bay.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Dec 3, 2013 23:16:28 GMT -5
Cain smiled as the small Colonial fleet neared the end of the Magnetic abyss. But he had all ships stop before completely clearing the void. The magnetic interference should still obscure observation of the fleet by anything orbiting Kobol, but if a Viper probe knew where to look, they could exit the void, do a recon run and return back to the Fleet to report. The bridge was a hive of activity. Not knowing what they would find, Cain had decided to prepare for both extremes. All Warriors were at battlestations, ready to launch in defense of the Fleet against multiple Basestars, and the Science and exploration sections were preparing shuttles to land at multiple sites for a very quick scanning mission. The journey did not allow a long surface investigation so all discoveries would be imaged and studied as the fleet continued on. Captain Edan was standing next to the fleet fighter control station. He had a headset on and was making sure all Combat ships knew the sectors of responsibility. Edan looked up to Commander Cain and nodded. “Commander, all ships are reporting launch ready. Lupus has Pirate Squadron ready for Fleet defense, along with the Tora. Tanga is moving into position just under the Pegasus. And is ready to launch 4 Recon probes. 2 will exit the Abyss completely and separate. One over the south pole of Kobol and the other over the north. The other 2 probes will remain at the Abyss threshold and relay findings to us.” “Good Captain. I know you want to join your pilots on this recon, but if we need to move the Pegasus and Callisto out to engage Cylons, I’ll need you here. Who have you chosen as your wingman?” Cain felt Edan’s pain, part of him wanted to leave Oded in command and fly this mission as well, and Cain was sure from the look on Oded’s face, that man wished to launch in his Viper as well. Perhaps it was the knowledge that he could never fly a viper again that was making it easier for Cain to stay on the bridge. “Lt Bull of Ice Squadron is standing by to launch with me.” “Excellent. Instruct Tanga to launch Probes now.” Cain activated Unicom and addressed the fleet. “All ships, stand by, we are about to get our first look at Kobol since the city of Eden was attacked during the Galactica’s stopover there. I want you all ready to defend this fleet if there is a Cylon presence.” Nodding over to Edan, Cain gave the signal for the Probes to leave the abyss. “Probes have entered the Kobol System. “ Edan left the report hang there for a minute then looked over at Cain. “Contact. Single Cylon Ship. Medusa Class. No raiders responding to the Probe. I think the Cylons are watching the planet.” “Order the probes back to the Void. Stand down Mercury and Tanga. Have Tanga recover its probes and stay with the Civilians. Colonel, get me Callisto.” “Commander Tellis is on Fleet comm line Alpha.” Oded reported back. “Commander Tellis, I have a hunting mission for you. I’m going to move the Pegasus out of the Abyss at a slow cruising speed, see the Cylons and turn to run. This should keep their attention nicely. I want you to then move on the Medusa directly. Full Viper cover and Blast that Ship out of Space. I’ll turn back and blanket jam the system. If there are Cylons on the ground, I do not want them ready for our strafing runs. Nothing fancy commander, just lock on that Ship with your main weapons and destroy it. With Luck, they will not launch a single Raider.” “Yes Sir, the Callisto is ready. We will accelerate on the Medusa 2 Centons after you beak the magnetic field. That ship will not know what hit it.” “Pegasus out”, Cain turned from the monitor and addressed Edan, “Captain, looks like you’ll be with us here on the bridge; I don’t intend to launch Vipers till the Medusa is destroyed. But I do want you to lead the strafing runs. As soon as we turn back to the planet, you are cleared to leave for the launch bay.” “Yes Sir. Relaying orders now. Callisto’s fighters are to take on the Raiders, we have ground targets.” Good Cain was still thinking, “Helm, Mr. Theopolis, on my Mark, I want you to take this ship out of the field, and then break to port as soon as you get a solid look at that Cylon ship. You are to push the turn and power up as if we are running scared. Make the turn tight and accelerate into it.” The entire bridge looked ready. Cain was proud of his Warriors. “Take us out.” On cue, the Pegasus moved out of the darkness into the familiar starfield. It was making directly for the sole planet in view as if it hadn’t a worry in the universe. If the Cylons had missed the Viper probe, they did not miss the Battlestar. The ship powered up and moved from the planet. The Pegasus turned away from the planet and the small Ship. Throwing out all the jamming it could create. The Engines on the giant ship powering up to full. The Medusa had launched a single flight of 8 Raiders just as the Callisto came from the Void, following the path that the Medusa was now pulling into, directly behind the Pegasus. Even as the Gunstar began launching its 2 Squadrons of Vipers, the main battery began assaulting the armor of the Cylon Ship. The main Gun on a Gunstar was designed to be a threat to a Basestar; the Medusa didn’t stand a chance. It began flaring up and offered little resistance to the Larger Colonial Ship before succumbing to the firepower. The eight Raiders tried to turn to engage the Colonials, but the lead elements from the viper squadrons had already caught up and were quickly destroying the Raiders. The Pegasus, no longer needing to pull the Cylons away from Kobol was in another powered turn towards the planet. Its full scanning abilities currently making Cylon outposts and airfields for destruction. “Commander, I have nothing but craters where Galactica reported the City of Eden to be located. I have 2 smaller ruins marked in that hemisphere, each with a small Cylon outpost.” Oded was reporting. “Assign Blackstar and Ice Squadrons to an outpost each. Edan is to handle the larger of the 2; he’s flying with Ice Squadron. Have Callisto’s Vipers settle into covering position, in case the Cylons have friends nearby. Prepare Shuttles to begin mapping out those 2 cities. If we have time, we’ll try to map out any other ruins we find, but let’s not get too greedy. Vipers are to fly cover for all shuttles. All 4 Squadrons. And I want warriors down on the ground with the Techs. Blackstar and Ice Squadrons will land half its Vipers.” “Aye Sir, Alpha bay reports Captain Edan is just readying for Launch.” “He must have run as soon as we killed the first turn.” Cain smiled, expecting nothing less of his Warriors. “Launch all Vipers.” Cain smiled, there was nothing better than destroying Cylons. And he was very good at destroying Cylons.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Dec 11, 2013 20:25:57 GMT -5
“Core control transferring launch control to Viper craft. Launch when ready.” Was the first thing Edan heard as his canopy sealed. He deferred to Lt Hermes on the Launch, since he was joining that Squadron for this mission. “Ice Squadron, Launch!” Hermes ordered as his Viper began the short trip through the launch tubes. Edan nodded over at Lt Bull, in the Viper next to him and let the junior officer launch first. As soon as the man’s Engines flared, indicating launch, Edan hit his turbos and was thrown back into his seat. Lt Killian, leading Blackstar Squadron came over Unicom. “Blackstar launched and moving towards Cylon outpost to the East of City labeled Eden. Will report mission status after first run.” Edan smiled, knowing that Killian was enjoying the Command. “Acknowledged Killian, proceed to mission. Lt Hermes, you are cleared to the South of Eden. I have Lt Bull’s Wing. Assign targets and let’s fry some tinheads.” “Aye Captain. Ice, break by flights and engage ground targets. Lt Bull, you will take the East to west run on Target marked.” Edan didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the assignments once his targeting computer showed their target. It looked to be the Cylon airfield. Lt Bull was leading him into the Planet’s atmosphere now. Since the Star wasn’t currently pulsing, it was dark on the planet. But his computer systems had no problem picking out his targets. 3 Cylon freighters and what looked to be 5 Raiders. A simple Fuel dump and weapons storage. “Bull, take the Freighter in the center, I’m going to hit the fuel dump on my first run. I think Hermes and his wing will be going west to east on the same target once we clear. Let’s leave him scraps to hit.” The center Freighter was most likely to explode and damage the freighters to either side, possibly even igniting their fuel cells. The Raiders seemed to be closer to the fuel dump, so detonating the fuel was the best bet on scoring most, if not all the raiders, especially if they were refueling now. Hanging behind and to the left of Lt Bull, Edan matched the pilot’s moves, coming at the Target fast. Distance reading were scrolling across the targeting computer. And just when he would have fired himself, Bull pumped Energy into the parked Freighter. Edan followed a micron later and was rewarded with a bright flash just as the 2 Vipers cleared the target area. Rear scan showed fires rolling across the target area and then Lt Hermes and his wingman flew past, making their run. Edan and Bull were turning around, ready to make a second run, but for the first time, saw the extent of the Damage to the Airfield. Everything was on fire, and exploding over and over again.
Taking the chance to swing up and around the entire Target Area, Edan took lead. “Lt Bull here, I have your wing Captain.” Good even as flight leader, Bull was aware of what his wing was doing. And knew to fall in and follow. The last of the Vipers were strafing the Cylon camp, but it seemed as if they were just trying to take down individual Cylons at this point. “Edan to Pegasus. Target destroyed. There may still be Cylons on the ground, but we have hit their main encampment. I am designating Landing points for Shuttles and Warrior escorts. I’m taking Lt Hermes down with myself to meet the first shuttles. The Rest of Ice Squadron will set up for covering patrols.” “Shuttles are launching not Captain. The Clock is ticking. Commander Cain wants to me moving within 12 Centars.” “Copy Pegasus. 12 Centars. Let’s find everything we can and go.” Edan saw the first shuttles breaking cloud cover and pulled his half of Ice Squadron into formation with them. They all landed without incident and as his canopy rose, Edan put his flight helmet on the fuselage and slid out of his cockpit. Out of reflex, he drew his laser and signaled to the rest of the warriors to make a perimeter around the ships. Lt Bull and Lt Hermes fell in behind him as he approached the First Shuttle. While it powered down, Edan looked around. Kobol was now mostly desert. Vegetation long gone. Even the ruins he was standing before seemed to be mostly rock. The metals and alloys long since broken down by the elements. But, based on what the records from Galactica showed, there were markings on most of the surfaces Edan could see. Edan had picked this for their landing point, because it seemed to be a fairly smooth section of desert, but what the Vipers and Shuttles revealed was that those who came before him wanted people to land here. Leaning down, Edan ran his hand over the now exposed rock. It had been cut and interlocked. The method of locking the stone blacks was extremely advanced. Being done entirely by using a cutting laser to create the labs and recesses that each stone would fit into its next. Over the Centuries some of the rocks had raised, and some dipped, but for the most part the platform had lasted. It was just the sands of time that had covered this platform. It might be a waste of time, but Edan had decided to have a few warriors check the Cylon landing field to see if it was constructed the same way. Edan stood, and looked over at the hatch to the Shuttle and despite himself, he was surprised. “Commander, you shouldn’t be down here. The Fleet needs you, what if more Cylons show up?” “I will not be kept on that Ship when history is being made down here. And I already won this argument with Colonel Oded, so don’t think you have any chance of winning yourself. I brought a squad of infantry to act as bodyguards and I have agreed to travel in a power sled. Now, get in, we have some exploring to do.” Cain watched as the powersled pulled around the Shuttle and settled. With a bit of help from the Infantry, Cain got into the passenger side and started rapping his cane against the side. “Come on Edan, you too Lt Bull, get in back. I have a feeling this is the City of Sheron. Where the Kobolians based their defense and security. I’m skipping ahead to the center of the ruins. I have a feeling…” Cain let his thought trail off. Edan looked over at Lt Hermes and indicated he’d have his Communicator on at all time and to take over operations here. Lt Bull was already climbing into the back of the Sled when 4 of the Infantry warriors pulled alongside the Sled on Landprobes. At least they would have a defense force that could maneuver and adjust to anything that they encountered. The formation moved without incident for 20 centons. Other investigative teams had broken formation from them to go to various structures or formations. All carried imagers to capture everything they could. Edan and Bull were scanning their flanks as they took a turn down what must have been a main road at one time. Actually, calling this pathway a road did it a disservice. The street was lined with columns on both sides, intermixed with obelisks and statues a bit further back from the street. The powersled slowed a bit, and the landprobes took positions fore and aft of the Sled. Cain signaled for the formation to stop and as a perimeter was set, Edan helped the Commander out of the Sled. “Over here. I think I see something. It might be what I’m hoping to find.” Edan was just about to ask what when a laser blast struck one of the massive columns in front of them. The reactions of all there, including Commander Cain couldn’t have been better. The Infantry, laser rifles now tracking the source of the incoming laser fire were moving up towards to the near columns, the techs Cain had handpicked, were hiding behind the power sled, while Cain, Edan, Bull and the Sled driver were ready to return fire with their hand lasers. That was when the Sled driver’s chest exploded from a direct impact from a Laser weapon. Lt Bull and Edan wasted no time; they adjusted to this new direction of fire to see 6 Cylon Centurians advancing on them. Edan tried to keep his body between the Cylons and the Commander, but Cain did not make that easy. Cain was determined to help defend himself. Bull had taken out the first Centurion and was targeting another when Edan finally found a target, exploding the Chest armor on the Cylon. The Infantry and turned to engage this oncoming force when 7 more Centurians advanced from the original direction. 2 Warriors were caught in the open while trying to adjust cover. But the rest knew their job. They returned to their original position to engage the larger group. Edan, decided it was better to have Cain’s Fire to support his own and stopped fighting to cover the Commander. Between Bull, Edan and Cain, the 4 Cylons advancing from the front of the Sled were cut down. Bull taking credit for half the force himself. Taking in the current situation, Edan saw that none of the Cylons out there were still firing, but the Infantry wasn’t willing to begin moving forward while the number of Cylons here was still unknown. Moving to the driver, Edan checked him and saw that there was no helping him. He had died instantly. Edan reached in and picked up his laser. Now armed with a pistol in each hand, Edan motioned to the Techs to stay down, and nodded to Bull, “You get the Commander back into the sled. Take the controls, be ready to retreat back to basecamp. Update Both the Pegasus and Lt Hermes. I’m going to move up with the infantry, see what we are facing. Commander, I need you to help cover the Techs.” Edan knew Cain would object to being left out of the investigation, but perhaps a protective detail would keep him occupied. Edan moved up to the Infantry. “What do you have? Any movement?” “No Sir. I have 2 Warriors down, both wounded, one looks bad. The other isn’t mobile, but he’s good for sentry duty. I’m about ready to see what else the Cylons have out there.” “Good, stay with me, have half your force, including the Landprobe riders stay back here, you me and those 2 will move up. The Land probe team will load the wounded on the sled. I have air cover coming via Ice Squadron. They should be on station in 1 Centon.” Edan then began making his way through the columns to one of the larger obelisks in sight. The ground beyond it seemed to slope down and Edan crawled over to look down, and couldn’t believe what he saw. 2 Cylons Civilians were busy breaking down equipment while an IL series Cylon was directing them. Taking aim with one of his Lasers, Edan fired and blew the IL Series in half. The two Infantry troopers closest, targeted the Civilian Cylons and fired. Both Civilians detonated and fell lifeless to the ground. The infantry fired once more in each Civilian model. Edan was careful to approach the IL Cylon. These were thinkers, not fighters, and it wasn’t clear if they even had the ability to defend themselves. Based on how easily it had been cut in half with Edan’s fire, he doubted it. But he wasn’t going to bet his life on it. “Secure their camp and have the techs check out the equipment. You, cover this Piece of Felgarcarb for me.” Edan indicated the nearest warrior, and while holstering his own laser, he made his way into the depression next to the IL Cylon. The entire time he was sure not to cross into the line of fire of the Warrior above him and kept the borrowed Laser trained on the half a corpse. When he was on the level ground again, he indicated that the warrior could join his squad. And with the laser pointed right at the Cylon’s head, he looked it over. Unlike the Centurians, this model seemed to have 2 eye sensors. Positioned where a human had eyes. The familiar sweeping sensor was only working in one “eye” though. The other was damaged when it had hit the ground. “Aaaaauto Dessstruct offline. Unnnnable to download. Command ship not responding.” A curious voice came from the Cylon. It was almost…..prissy. “Don’t worry Cylon. I’ll help you destruct. But first, you’re going to answer some questions. What are you doing on this planet?” “Byyyy Order of ttttthe Imperiousssss Leader, tttthough his emissaryyyyyy, Baltar, we were to record and map this dying world. Thennnnnnn uuuupload it to Baltarrrrrr’s Baseship.” The Cylon replied. Edan had to wonder if it was lying, but he saw no logic in that. “What is this you and the Civilian models were moving? Edan signaled to the device that a couple of the techs were looking over, from a distance, at least till they knew what they were looking at. “Thaaaaaat is thhhhhhhe primary coooooomputer core, containnnnnnning our findings.” Wwwwwe were invvvvvvessssstigaing…….” The Cylon seemed to be losing power, or something, as it’s voice trailed off. A loud whine replaced the voice. “Get down, move back!” and putting words to action himself, Edan jumped over a fallen column that was on the far side of the Cylon. As he rolled of the stone column, he fell into the sand and pushed himself back against the stone. He saw the 2 Techs join him just as a small explosion bust over where he had been standing. He cautiously looked back to the IL Cylon and noted that the torso no longer had a head. There was no apparent damage to the surrounding area, “Auto Destruct system restored, it would seem. Everyone ok?” As if to answer, Edan saw Commander Cain, laser in hand, looking over the top of the rise. “Report Captain!” Seems I didn’t completely destroy the ground leader here.” Edan motioned the remains of the IL Cylon, “and it got tired of answering a few questions. Seems we’re ok, but we will need a full tech team here. That thing over there is the main computer core of their examination of this planet, by order of Baltar.” “Baltar, of course. Destroys humanity, but still wants to know about the Lords of Kobol. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has people to repopulate if the Cylons let him. We are not taking that Cylon Core with us, I want it drained of every spec of information. Then destroy it.” It seemed like Cain was taking a good look where the Cylon’s head had been, and then a look of excitement comes over his face. “Captain, I’m coming down. But take a look where the Tinhead detonated. He exposed something. And it’s not made of stone.” Edan jumped up onto the fallen column and then back over to where he had been. And sure enough, he now saw what had caught Commander Cain’s attention. In the Sand, there was a darker material, but is was smooth. Edan put the spare laser down and began clearing sand from the area. Sure enough, it was a metal of some sort. With the help of 3 of the infantry warriors it took Edan about 20 centons to have a decent area of metal plate exposed. Cain had called in more teams, and the wounded had been taken out of the area. Lt Hermes had brought the second team in, with 2 Landrams and more infantry. Not to be outnumbered, the Techs seemed to multiply as well. “Why have we been unable to get a reading on this structure? The metal should so up on our scanners.” Cain was asking the lead tech. “It would seem there is some sort of dampening or cloaking field still functioning. It’s blocking all attempts to scan.” “Well, then I really want to take a look in there. Everyone get back. Now, move, move.” And as the last person cleared the plate, Cain drew his laser and fired. When the flash and smoke cleared, he fired again and again. From his position, Edan fired twice as well. The smoke cleared, and under the lights of the closest Landram, there was now a hole in the plate large enough to let a man through. “Commander, because of your leg, you will not be going in there, Bull, Hermes, get ropes ready, and lanterns. You,” Edan pointed to a tech, “Have a team ready to join us when we signal. Time’s running out. It’s almost time to move on.” Hermes and Bull had secured climbing lines and had 4 lanterns. Edan took two, and walked over to the hole. He dropped one. It fell a bit and landed on what seemed to be standard floor decking. Something every Warrior was used to, since every ship in the fleet had it. “Ok, I’m first, then Hermes. Bull, you take rear. We clear the room we enter and then decide what to do. You two,” Edan was pointing at the 2 closest Infantry Warriors, “will escort the Techs down when we signal. Let’s move.” A couple of Centons later, Edan was running his lamp along the walls of the room he stood in. he wasn’t sure exactly what he was looking at though. It was a mix of history and things he couldn’t imagine. Computers, or what he thought were computers lined one wall. It didn’t take long to see that they weren’t functioning. What must have been an armament locker was on another wall, long since emptied. And then there was a door. It took a micron after he went through the door to see that they wouldn’t be exploring any more of this complex. It seemed whatever had been in that next room had been designed to seal this room. Sand, stone and duramix, an artificial building material, had filled the room. Possibly a defense against grave robbers, or a sign that the exodus of the planet wasn’t as calm and organized as the legends said. The Techs followed and started in on everything all at once. Edan cancelled the Infantry Warriors, so as to not overcrowd the room. It seemed the power for the dampening field was geothermal, and was possibly designed to continue functioning till the star went nova. The Computers were dismissed as a lost cause, they wouldn’t power up, but the crystal based memory cores might be salvageable. So they began to slowly and carefully take the systems apart. But it was Bull who made the biggest discovery. He had started looking at the Armament Cabinet, and discovered that the back of the cabinet didn’t fit exactly right. He pried a piece of conduit into the cabinet and with a rather large click, that had Hermes and Edan drawing their lasers and turning to confront the unknown sound, a large section of that wall started to open, revealing a hidden room. The small room was basically just for storage from first look. It was what they were storing that got Edan’s attention. “Bag it all, every piece.” Edan ordered Lt Bull. “And then you take the Commander and get back to the Pegasus. Have him look it over and the Science Departments. I’d even suggest you check the civilians. There might be someone who had some sort of connection to the Quorum among them.” “Yes Sir, I’m moving now!” Bull replied quickly.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Dec 12, 2013 15:37:06 GMT -5
As the Colonial Fleet cleared the system, Commander Cain had called a Military Council to meet aboard the Pegasus. The Commanders of all the combat ships, plus Squadron leaders all sat in the conference room of the Pegasus. On the table in front of them, spread out for all to see where the items taken from that room in the City of Sheron. “I want you to all know that since bringing these up to the Pegasus, we have run every test we could on them, and compared the results to the library files we could find. We even found a former member of the Quorum of the 12 to take a look at them. Every test comes up the same. These Medallions are identical in every way to the Medallions awarded to the members of the quorum. I kept one with me while on Kobol, but was unable to identify a lock similar to the one Commander Adama discovered in Eden, so they are still untested. But it is my belief that they would function exactly as Adama’s Medallion did.” “What are we going to do with them Commander?” commander Tolen was still looking them over as he asked the question. “Well, we have 20 Medallions that we assume to be keys of some sort. I know Adama has 2 of them in his fleet right now. His own, and the one he took from Baltar on the surface of Kobol. I am going to put aside 12 of them and lock them in a secure box. Then place that Box aboard the Lupus. The Lupus is currently storing the bulk of our currency. These are to be turned over to Adama immediately upon rejoining his fleet and to be handed to the standing Council of the 12. With the 2 extras available for use at their discretion. The 8 we have, well, I will be giving one to each warship commander. In case we run across more ruins along the way. The last three will be available at my discretion.” “now, you will note that there are 10 other Medallions. The Sigil on it is different. I kept one of them myself as well, but again, found no lock for this key. I am assuming, with the help of some of the historians and scientists, that this might be the Sigil for the 13th tribe. This assumption is based on the fact that there were more than just 12 medallions among the 12 Colonies. But all of them were identical. None of them looked like these 10. Of the type found in our Colonies, there were some handed down in prominent families. We just knew 12 of them had been put aside, one by each Colony to be granted to their Councilor. But to be clear, there are no examples of this second one anywhere in colonial history. This is the basis for the assumption that it belongs to the 13th Tribe.” The raised Sigil on these medallions consisted of an 8 pointed star. The top and bottom points were the longest, with the left and right one not extending past the diamond found on the Colonial Seal. 4 equally sized sub points rose up between each major point. “I am going to therefore Seal 6 of them with the Council Medallions and keep the rest for use if we encounter signs of the 13th tribe along the journey.” Cain gave everyone a chance to object or voice their opinions, but no one seemed to have any other suggestions. He nodded over to Colonel Oded who brought over a Military Lock box and carefully wrapped each Medallion before placing it into the box. The box was sealed and witnessed by Commanders Tellis and Tolen. “Now, we may be going over the information taken from Kobol for some time and as of now, we haven’t gotten some mystical guidance to help find the 13th tribe. But what we do have is a lot of information that will be of historical importance. We got lucky being able to steal all the information the Cylons seemed to have collected in the yahren they were there. This is especially true of the fact them seemed to destroy almost all discoveries of any significance. Again, this might be why we failed to find any locks that these keys would open.” Cain hit a few more details on the Kobol Operation, especially commending everyone involved. The Military side of things went perfectly, including most of the ground engagements that occurred. The fleet only lost 2 Warriors in the ground actions. Several more were injured, but they would heal and rejoin the fleet. A ceremony was planned to remember the 2 dead Warriors, and to give them the burial in space that was fleet tradition. That would take place in about 5 centars. “Now, we have a refueling stop ahead, based on the Log from Galactica. I intend to take every one we can, seeing how we do not know what the Cylons may have discovered in the last yahren. After that, our next stop will be the planet Equellus. Captain Apollo of the Galactica crashed on this planet and discovered a human society there. It seemed to be completely isolated from the Colonies, not even knowing what a Cylon was, according to his report. The main reason I want to stop there is that Apollo reported that a woman Vella, had married a Warrior by the name of Martin, and had a Son. The Warrior had died before Apollo encountered them, but the woman and child were still there. I believe Martin was a member of the crew of the Battlestar Argo. And as such, I want to offer Vella and her son a chance to join us. Another reason to go there anyway is they are an agro community; it will give us a chance to trade feed and animals. Diversify the herd we have aboard the Bovine. Or that is what the Experts aboard the ship tell me, I am hardly a boviner.” The room chuckled a bit at the thought of Cain tending Bovines or Cropping. I doubt anyone could picture Cain doing anything but commanding a Military Ship. “I intend to keep the bulk of the fleet outside the system, both to protect ourselves and this community. The Tanga and the Bovine will go in system. I will transfer to the Tanga for the duration of the mission. Colonel Oded, you will have command of the Pegasus, but Commander Tellis you will command the fleet in my absence.” “Commander, I know we have room for more civilians, but what do we do if the entire community wishes to join us? I do not think we can handle all of them.” Commander Tellis raised a good question. “I don’t plan on announcing our presence there. Apollo crashed onto Vella’s Farm, fortunately at night. We will send a team down, also at night, in a shuttle, wearing civilian clothes. We’ll approach Vella, and talk to her. Even if she doesn’t wish to join us, we’ll find out from her who we need to talk to about trading, and who we need to avoid. Based on Apollo’s report, the old Community leader isn’t likely to be a problem. Seems a Cylon ship crashed sometime after Martin, and they were able to recover a severely damaged Centurion. The Community leader used this Cylon to extort the rest of the Community.” Captain Edan was checking a few things on his hand computer and then addressed the Commander. “Who will be going on planet with the contact team? I think it should be a small group. No more than 3 or 4 Warriors.” “I’m thinking 2 Warriors, a Boviner, to make sure we can sound convincing, and myself. I sent the Argo out here, I intend to talk to the family of one of her crew. I owe it to Martin.” The look on Cain’s face made it clear that arguing the point would be worthless. “Check the Bovine, and see if one of the ‘Viners is willing to volunteer to join us. If you get volunteers, I will accept 2 knowledgeable people to join us.” “Do we leave a team with the Shuttle?” Edan followed up. “Yes, We should have 3 or 4 Warriors stay with the Shuttle. I want them in Civilian Clothes as well. Just in case. If there is nothing else on that, let’s start going over Fleet reports and statuses. I know we suspended Warrior training while on approach to Kobol, I want to know where our Cadets stand, and what we need to do to get them better prepared.” And with that the meeting continued, discussing everything down to ship fuel consumption. All rather routine, but required to make sure the fleet continued to function. But through it all, Cain had no idea how Adama could do this with over 220 Civilian ships following the Galactica.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Dec 29, 2013 13:40:54 GMT -5
The Bovine and Tanga settled into a polar orbit around the planet. Communications with the rest of the fleet were kept to bare minimums. Every precaution to protect the location of this human settlement was being taken. To his Credit, Cain did everything in his power to not interfere with the Operation of the Tanga. Yes, he did join Colonel Tores on the bridge as soon as he came aboard, but he acted as an observer. Watching the operations and letting the crew handle themselves. Of course, the fact that Cain was dressed in clothes more in line with rural civilians may have had something to do with it. The shirt and jacket he wore would look like it belonged to any elder man in a farming community in the colonies. Short boots, and pants pulled over them completed the look. Edan likewise stayed out of the way, staying with the shuttle and the contact team that he would be taking down to the planet. His simple tunic and pants were consistent with those of a cropper. Only the 2 ‘viners that Edan had picked up from the Bovine were dressed in their usual clothes. As an escort, Edan had picked Lt Morrigan from Ice Squadron. She wore a simple dress and blouse that matched the Commanders. Making it look like she was family. The shuttle had an armament Cabinet that Edan had checked and was rechecking, but they wouldn’t go armed to meet with Vella. The Warriors that would stay with the Shuttle consisted of Geras, Savage, Danae and Ajax, all sporting Civilian gear, but since they weren’t leaving the Shuttle, they currently had Lasers strapped on. It would be a quiet trip there. More for the Commander to talk to the widow of one of his warriors then for information. Edan was a warrior, if they hadn’t had the mission to contact Vella, he’d have just gone into the town Apollo described and asked around. It would be more direct, and he would be there simply to trade. But Edan fully supported what the Commander had planned.
After orbit was set, and some quiet scans were made of the surface, Commander Cain entered the Shuttle launch bay, followed by Colonel Tores. “We think we located the wreckage of Lt Martin’s Viper. Based on what Captain Apollo reported, we have the likely location of Vella’s residence and the Captain’s crash site. I will Copilot for you Edan and show you where to bring us into. Apollo reported that the sound of his Viper coming in was heard for some distance. Can we avoid that?” “I think so Sir, the Shuttle will not be traveling as fast as Apollo’s Viper was, plus he had exhausted his fuel, he was uncontrolled in his entry. The shuttle will come in much slower and land a lot softer then that Viper. We can’t avoid noise all together, but it should be easier to mask our entry.” Edan had studied Apollo’s report a number of times since being chosen by Cain to take part in the mission. The few scans Apollo took, both on entry and exiting the system and the details he had dictated into the official record. When they were able to add in more detailed scans of the planet, taken as the ships approached, Edan had begun to overlay what he could piece together onto the detailed map. “What should help is this storm front coming in from the south. If we delay launching for a Centar, the storm should add more cover. Yes, we’d be coming in during the middle of the night, but we can take the extra time to hide the Shuttle. Then approach the house during the day.” “Ok then, we have a Centar till we launch. I don’t expect trouble, but I do want you two to carry Lasers. I asked the boviners here to bring civilian packs for you. Put a laser, some food and medical supplies in them. We can’t risk using the Powersled, since Apollo reported only mounted animals in the town. So we walk. Colonel, thank you for your support, but if you’ll excuse us, we have to prep for launch.” Cain looked very ready to get started, and wasn’t happy about the delay, but understood the importance of keeping a low profile. “Certainly Commander. Captain, when you are ready, contact the bridge and I’ll give you immediate clearance for launch.” With that, Tores turned and left the bay. Edan removed the 2 Lasers and handed one to Morrigan, who, out of habit, checked the charge and made sure it was ready to use, if the need arose. Edan also handed her a communicator. “Just in case we need to split up, I want to be able to stay in touch.” Then both warriors added the other items the Commander asked them to bring. Finally it was time to seal the shuttle and launch. Cain had been in the copilot seat for most of the Centar, and Edan saw he had been keeping himself busy. “The shuttle is set, preflight check is just about complete and engines are warming, ready for ignition. I just contacted the bridge and they are clearing us to move to launch position.” “Thank you Commander. All external hatches are sealed, bringing systems from ready status to green. Ignition on both engines. Tanga control, Shuttle Pegasus ready to launch.” Edan finished the checklist and began moving the shuttle into launch position. “Core systems transferring launch control to shuttle craft. Launch when ready.” Was the reply and without waiting, Edan fired the engines and brought the ship out of the bay. Coming from a polar position, Edan oriented the shuttle and began to move to the correct coordinates. The black clouds covering the intended landing area did look worse than Edan had thought they would. But the storm was not so severe to endanger the shuttle. Even a direct lightning strike wouldn’t be enough to harm the shuttle in any way. The shuttle entered the atmosphere and the turbulence did start bouncing it around a bit, but Edan was a sure hand at the controls. A couple of centons later, Edan smiled. “Commander, I have a fix on Captain Apollo’s Crash site. I bet the location looks restored on the ground, but a yahren wasn’t enough time to fix the damage completely. I have a landing site picked out.” “Take her in Captain. Just make sure you can bring it out again when we are done here.” “Aye Sir. Starting the Landing cycle now.” And about a centon latter, Edan was shutting the ships systems down. With the noise from the engines gone, the passengers could hear the sound of the thunder cracks. “I doubt anyone heard us coming down in this. Systems are on standby. I’m popping the hatch to let some fresh air in. We’ll be ready to move out come morning.” “Very good Captain. I’m going to rest, split the watch between the warriors. Also, as of now, no Rank. Keep it casual.” Cain turned to Morrigan, “You want first watch or last watch Morrigan?” “I’ll take last watch. Let Edan there stay up late. I’ll see to our other passengers. Put the security team to work securing the site.” Smiling at Edan, the Redhead moved from the flight deck of the Shuttle and moved back into the main compartment. “You heard the lady Edan, go check the hatch and maybe walk a circuit. See if anyone is coming to see what landed. Do not get too far from the shuttle though. Once the Security team has the shuttle hidden, split them into the rest of the watch shifts. I’ll be sleeping.” “As any rational Crop owner would do at this hour. I’ll see to it.”
With the Morning, the storm had passed and Morrigan made ready to wake everyone. For a moment, she had felt bad for Edan when she woke; Danae relayed the image of Edan soaking wet and waking Geras for his watch. He was wet, having been outside the shuttle with Savage and Ajax, making sure to hide signs that it had landed. He looked terrible, but Morrigan had made sure Edan took steps to dry his clothes dry by morning. Seems Edan set up a bunk in the engine compartment and left the wet clothes on the energizer running the stand by systems. The heat from the exchanger dried his clothes nicely. The part that did stir the bad feelings was the downpour had slowed about halfway through Geras’ watch and by the time Morrigan woke; the rain had almost died completely which kept her dry when she had to venture out of the shuttle. Danae made a number of jokes about it during their watch. Edan took it in stride. Joking that he’d would remember this next time duty rosters had to be filled. The 5 Colonials set out after a quick meal and made good time heading towards the farm house. The four Warriors staying behind wished them luck and Geras took the first watch at the shuttle. As the contact team approached the farm, they could hear the herd of bovines, and the sounds of chores starting up in the morning. “Edan, you keep these two here for now. I’m going to move ahead with Morrigan. An older man with a cane and a woman may be less threatening than the entire group. Stay out of trouble. Apollo did say there were Lupus in the area though.” “I’ll be fine. I have the Communicator on top in the bag, when you feel its ok, have Morrigan contact me and we’ll move up.” “Excellent. We will let you know.” And with that, Cain and Morrigan began to walk around the property looking for the main entrance to the house. Edan looked around and noted that both ‘Viners had found a place to rest and were enjoying the experience of being on a planet again. Smiling, Edan found a tree stump and sat down. Just as he settled, he heard a branch snap behind him and a young voice curse. When he spun around, he was facing a boy about 11 yahrens old, holding what looked like an old rifle at him. “Hey son, careful where you are pointing that. We don’t want any trouble.” “Then why are you three hiding on my property? Where did you come from?” the boy was scared, no denying that, but he was determined to protect his family. Edan had his hands raised and away from his body now. But there must have been something in the way Edan looked that was familiar to the boy. “Do you know Apollo?” “I never met him, but I do know him. I have 2 friends that are going to see you mother right now. An older man and a woman. They were going to explain everything to you before we all came up. You’re Puppis, right?” The barrel of the rifle lowered a bit as the boy became more trusting. “Yes. That’s my name. What’s yours?” “I’m Edan, this is Sofie and Sam. They are Boviners, just like you and your mom.” “But you’re not, you’re a Warrior, like Apollo.” The boy stated. “Yes, I am a Warrior. I’m also a Captain, just like Apollo. The 2 people who are probably talking to your mom now are Cain and Morrigan. What do you say we go see them; you can keep that rifle pointed at me, make sure you protect mom.” Edan lowered his hands a bit but made sure he kept them away from his body. The boy nodded and let Edan and the Viners move out ahead of him, sure enough, the boy followed, but there must have been trust brewing there, the rifle wasn’t pointing at anything specific. “Apollo mentioned you used Numos here. Is that one?” “It is, it belonged to my Uncle Bootes. Redeye killed him and then Apollo broke my Numo. I understand why now, but…I just wanted to help my uncle. Bootes was brave, but he was forced into facing Redeye.” “Redeye? Was that the Cylon?” “Yes, that’s what Apollo called him. We just always called him redeye cause of his one glowing eye.” The boy seemed to be happy talking about the events. Chances were that it wasn’t something that the locals encouraged anyone to talk about. “Do you guys have Laser pistols? Apollo took Redeye’s pistol after the fight. Said no one should have one here. Sometimes I look up at the stars and wonder where Apollo is now.” Edan smiled, “We do have Laser pistols, but, I agree, they shouldn’t be here. Especially if there is only one.” The four of them were now walking up to the front door, and Edan was looking to see if Cain or Morrigan would be visible, to no avail. Whatever the greeting they got, they were allowed in. Just as he was nearing the front door, it opened and out came a blond woman. “Puppis, what are you doing? Put that Numo away. You are supposed to be tending the herd!” “But mom, I found them hiding out that way. I wanted to make them to go away, they don’t belong here. Cousin Mal told me that’s how we should treat strangers.” “Cousin Mal has too much of Bootes in him for his own good. And you shouldn’t be listening to everything he says!” “But Mom, these people know Apollo.” “I know Puppis. Cain told me.” As Vella mentioned Cain, he appeared behind her in the doorway. And Vella looked back over her shoulder at him confusion playing on her face. Probably wondering how much to tell her son. “He also knew your father.” “Father? Really? Is that why he came?” “Cain moved next to Vella and nodded. “Yes Puppis, that is why I came here. I wanted to talk to your mother.” “Now, go tend the Herd.” Vella clearly didn’t want Puppis in on this part of the conversation. But Puppis wouldn’t be easily distracted. “Puppis, would it be ok if Sofie and Sam helped you? They are actually here to trade in bovines, see if there is any advantage to mixing the herds. It would help,” Edan looked to Vella, hoping he wasn’t crossing a line with her. “That sounds fine, Puppis, take them with you and go do your chores, you can talk to Cain and the others when you’re done.” “Ok mom” the boy said, not happy but satisfied he’d still get to talk to the strangers. The three of the moved off. “Thank you….” “Edan, you can call me Edan, ma’am.” “Edan. I’m not quite ready for Puppis to hear Cain’s offer. Come in, join us. There’s no reason for you to stay out there anymore.” “Thank you Ma’am.” Edan settled into a corner of the common room, close to where Morrigan was sitting and let Cain handle everything. Morrigan leaned in and whispered, “I was just about to call you to come in, what happened?” “Well, it seems the Boy got the drop on us. Saw us, and ambushed us with his Numo. Definitely the son of a warrior.” Edan replied just as quietly, both warriors laughed a bit. “So, you have come to take us away from here? And give us what? Apollo didn’t say much, but he did say you were on the run from these Cylons. And they were to be avoided at all costs.” “Apollo was, is right. But at the same time, Puppis there also comes from our people, and as I said, I was responsible for Martin ending up here. I owed it to you to give you the choice to learn more about that side of Martin, and allow Puppis the chance to see where his father came from.” “So he can grow up to be a warrior? Like you, and Apollo? Martin walked away from that, he was happy to be here with his family, and if it wasn’t for Redeye……” “No, Puppis does not have to grow up to be anything more than he is. Both the Galactica’s Fleet and my Fleet have a supply of bovines that will need tending. Especially after I reunite with Galactica. But, if you excuse me for saying it, I feel Puppis has the right to choose what path he follows. Not now, he’s young and it is your job to teach him, but to truly choose, he needs to know about where he’s from. Martin’s side. With Martin crashing, even with Apollo crashing, this was never a real choice, but there is now.” “You’ve been to town, haven’t you?” Vella asked, hiding something there. “No, this was the first place we came, why? Is something wrong?” Edan asked the question, maybe questioning more based on his encounter with Puppis. “Is something wrong? We thought things would change when Redeye was no longer Lacerta’s enforcer. That things could settle down. And at first they did. But then everyone figured out that Apollo left. And took his Laser pistol with him.” Vella shook her head, clearly bothered by the events of the last yahren. “Then Lacerta figured out that he could reclaim his spot, but it would take more men to do it, so he hired them. Marco was the first to return. He’d always wanted the position Redeye had. Then some more came in from out of town. The Tributes were demanded again. They never actually attacked people. But Herds would be thinned. Crops destroyed in the night. Lupus attacks that made no sense. It’s worse than ever now. At least there was only one Redeye.” “We can go…”talk” to Lacerta. But it sounds like there may be more willing to take his place, you and your family can come with us now. I promise you a place on our agro ship. A place to work, and fair pay for it. No pressure to Puppis, or anyone you bring. But the boy must be free to choose when he comes of age.” “I’d want Bootes’ Family and my brother Jason’s family to come too. They are my family. Bootes has a son and Jason has a family as well.” Vella looked worried, was she asking for too much. “Maybe 20 total?” “That’s fine. I would have to check, but we might be able to take most of your herd as well. That would be based on the report my boviners give. You will lose nothing here. It can all be brought.” Vella nodded, then got up from her chair, and went into another room. It was a centon later that she returned holding a Warrior’s Jacket. “This was Martin’s. He kept it and the rest of his uniform. Locked it away, but never gave it up.” She unfolded it and put it on, wrapping herself up in the jacket. “I guess I don’t have to hide it anymore. It is part of our life, you are right. After Apollo left, I was hoping he’d return and be able to take us with him. Maybe not on adventures, but just a new start.” Cain stood up and moved to the woman, placing his hands on her shoulders in a fatherly way. “In a way, Apollo has sent us to give you that chance. I’ll explain it all later, but for now, we have to get you and your entire family ready to go.” Cain looked over at Edan and nodded. Edan stood up and moved past the two, indicating to Morrigan to join him. What caught Edan’s eye first was the patch on the Jacket. Even with all the briefings, and all the files on the Argo project that Cain had given to the Fleet, just seeing that Patch for that Battlestar, there in front of him, in reality, made the prospect of finding Earth REAL. It wasn’t some story told to people to give hope. It wasn’t anything abstract anymore. It was as REAL as the Pegasus patch on his own Jacket. “Morrigan, you stay here, help with the packing. I’ll arrange for 2 more shuttles to come down when ready. And move our shuttle when the time comes. I’ll have Geras and Ajax come to the house as well. They can help pack while you contact Jason and Bootes family. I’m going to contact the Tanga and report to Colonel Tores. Then, I think I’m going to go into town. This Lacerta got off easy last time. I may make it a bit harder on him. And Marco was mentioned in Apollo’s report. I think I can find them both easy enough.” Edan had a smile on his face, but one that didn’t convey humor. Morrigan gave the Captain a warning look. “Don’t worry. No lessons till we’re packed and in the process of leaving. I also want to arrange a salvage of Martin’s Viper. If for no other reason than it erases all Colonial traces from the planet. Keep your laser handy in case anyone comes to make trouble in the meantime. Or arm yourself with a Numo. The rest of the family sounds like they might have a spare.”
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Jan 3, 2014 9:10:42 GMT -5
As it turned out, Edan didn’t have a chance to go into town, there was too much packing to do. 2 special civilian shuttles would be dispatched from the Bovine to pick up most of the combined herds of the 3 families. The rest were being given to a neighbor who had helped the families. All the neighbor was being told was that the families were going to be leaving. Mal was a little older then Edan expected. Seems he’d only just returned to rejoin the family in the last yahren. He’d been in another settlement working in town. His father’s death was enough for him to come back and work with his mother and Uncle Jason. He also seemed to be extremely interested in how the Shuttle worked. Edan had asked Morrigan to work with Mal to get the family packed and transport the Material to the shuttle landing field. Edan and Cain had picked a field between the family properties to land. It was in a valley, and offered the most concealment for the operation. They also picked the darkest night, where there would be no moon illumination. Puppis was excited from the moment Vella had told him that they would be going with Cain. Edan had him helping the ‘viners from the fleet, along with Jason, but every chance he could, he’d talk to Cain. It seemed the Commander was making an impression on the boy. Edan was riding one of the family mounts, moving around the property making sure no one tried to get involved in the operation. And it was Edan who saw the 4 riders approaching first. Edan rode out to see what the visitors wanted. Before even a word was exchanged, Edan knew there would be trouble. “Hold up Friends, how can I help you?” Edan challenged in a friendly manner. But the reaction of all four mounted visitors confirmed Edan’s concerns. They all rested a hand on a holstered Numo pistol. “Who are you stranger? Haven’t seen you around. Vella hire workers to help her move?” “Nobody hired me. I’m Kin to her husband. Me and mine are here to help her get relocated with us.” Edan wished he had his laser pistol strapped to his leg, and honestly hoped he used the terminology right. It wasn’t how he was used to talking.” “You’re Kin to Martin, good, he died owing Lacerta money. Now you owe it. Might take some of the pressure off Vella too.” “What’s your name?” Edan knew the answer he’d get, but wanted to be sure. “I’m Marco. Remember that name, cause you are gonna hear it a lot here. You never got permits to move, so we’re here to either collect the fees in cash, or collect Vella’s herd. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen. But I’ll tell you what, you ride back to town, let Lacerta know that I’ll let Vella and Cain know about the fees.” “Cain your father? Maybe I should speak to him myself now.” Marco was pushing for a bribe, so Edan let him have a bit, tossing over the small pouch he was carrying. It had a few of the local silver coins. “Here is a down payment, honestly it’s all I have on me now. I’ll be sure to come into town tomorrow ready to settle the rest of the debt.” Edan was sure Marco had no idea what the real debt was. “See to it you do. It can get real messy if you don’t, you dirty ‘viner. Come on boys, back to town.” Edan collected Geras, who had been watching Edan’s back from the tree line and returned to Vella’s home and he filled in Cain and Morrigan. “Commander, the shuttles will be down in a Centar, but I don’t think Marco, or even Lacerta will let things go the night. I think Marco just wanted to get more help, and the money I gave him was a good excuse to go get that help without letting us know.” “Agreed. But there isn’t much we can do about it. Going into town is no longer an option, and we don’t know when they will be returning tonight. I want all the Warriors we have down here now armed and watching the Ranch. Put those long jackets on. Hide your weapons. Perhaps Jason or Mal have a few Numos you can show to make it look as it should.” “I have the Numos, but I’ll be helping them too. I owe Lacerta for my Pa’s death as well.” Mal had walked up from their flank while the warriors were talking. “If you have a spare Laser, I’ll take one of them too, but I ain’t gonna let you strangers handle our business without me.” Edan looked at Mal, and then back at Cain. He nodded that he’d be ok with this, and he’d be able to handle Mal if things go out of hand. “Agreed, Ajax will stay at the house,, but you four will ride the property. No laser for you Mal, I do not want them shown if we can avoid it. And I trust my warriors to only use them as a last resort.” “Fine, whatever. I’ll get the Numos, and Show Edan, Geras and Morrigan how they work. We just better take care of this.” “Mal, we’re going to do everything we can to avoid a fight with them. Our goal is to delay any action till it’s time to board the ships and leave. Just worry about your new life. That’s what your goal should be.” Edan had a hand on Mal’s shoulder. “I’ll even make sure you get Shuttle piloting lessons when we get to the fleet. I know Morrigan has been giving you the basics. Mal just wordlessly walked away, while Edan assured the Commander that he’d be able to handle the situation, and filled him in on the plan.
A Centar Later, the riders That the Colonials were expecting were seen approaching Vella’s property. 10 riders and a wagon. A fancy Wagon. Seems that Lacerta wanted to come make sure all tributes were paid this time around. But Edan was Ready. Making sure the others were hidden as well as they could be, Edan walked out of the house and motioned for the riders to stop. 2 f the riders took the reins of the mounts and held the animals back as Marco led the 8 others forward to confront Edan. “I thought we were going to settle this tomorrow in town? I have what we figure we owe you ready, if you want it. Cain thinks it’s more than Fair. “Does he now, interesting. I’ll be the judge of what is owed to me. I only ask for so little after all.” Lacerta stepped out off the wagon and moved up to confront Edan. He stopped just a few steps behind his armed escorts, showing that he wasn’t as brave as he wanted you to think he was. Edan threw him a money pouch that seemed to be full. Lacerta picked the bag up, opened the top and poured the contents into his hand. Stones fell before him, and the smile on Lacerta’s face most definitely went away, “What’s the meaning of this?” “Just what I said, it’s what we owe you. Not a thing. Now, my friends and would like you to leave now. I suggest you do, I’d hate for anyone to get hurt.” Edan looked the line of gunmen over and smiled himself, “But none of you look particularly smart, so, make your move, but you are going to be leaving.” And with that, Edan began backing towards the door. Morrigan made the first move, using a numo rifle she had been given by Mal, she saw one of the flanking opponents begin to raise his rifle. She took aim from the barn and fired, striking the man in the shoulder. The man fell and dropped his weapon. Geras moved out from behind a hay bale and holding 2 numo pistols engaged the 2 men closest to him. Both were in the process of drawing weapons, but neither completed the action. Both taking hits to the legs and falling where they stood. Edan had taken the time to draw the Numo he had concealed under the jacket he was wearing. He pushed the barrel into Marco’s face. Marco, to his credit knew enough to stop drawing his pistol. Mal, now coming from the side opposite Geras was holding a numo rifle and covering the 2 men holding the mounts. “You know, Apollo noted that none of you seemed very smart. Don’t bother finishing your Draw Marco. I will shoot you down.” The look on Lacerta’s face changed from anger to fear. “You know Apollo? You didn’t mention it.” “Didn’t see the need to. Besides, I wanted to see if you learned your lesson. Apparently you did not. So, as I was saying, you will be going, for now. But rest assured that I will not be so far that I will hesitate to came back and teach you a lesson you will never forget. For the rest of your short life.” Motioning everyone to begin disengaging the gunmen, Edan kept his pistol in the general direction of Marco and Lacerta. The gunmen lucky enough to have not been shot had begun checking on their wounded, carrying those that needed help back to the mounts. None of the injuries were life threatening, and all could ride, but some would need help keeping to the trails. When Morrigan signaled that everyone was back at the house, Edan holstered his pistol. He walked up to Marco and reached into his jacket, pulling out the coin pouch he knew would be there. “I’ll be taking this back. No reason to leave it with you now, is there Marco?” Edan turned to walk to the door and heard the sound of a weapon clearing a holster. Edan turned, aimed and fired. But not with his Numo. The sound of the laser firing was heard by everyone. the blast shot out and hit Marco in the hand, the hand holding the drawn weapon. Marco’s entire body seemed to tense up and then he fell, his body almost seemed to glow for a second. The numo hit a stone in the walk way and bounced. “I warned you to just go. But I like the result. Lacerta, pick him up and carry him to the Wagon. He’ll be ok in a few Centars. He’s just stunned, Just in case you never bothered to examine Redeye’s laser.” Lacerta began bending down to try and move Marco. It was obvious that the man had rarely, if ever tried to move so much. And Edan smiled at the effort. It was Morrigan standing next to him that reminded him time was becoming an issue. “Ok, all of you, get this lump off the property. And remember, if I hear of you asking for ANY tribute, I will be back, and I won’t bother with the numo or a stun setting.” When they were gone, Morrigan looked at Edan and smiled. “You just had to draw your laser, didn’t you? The Commander didn’t want us doing that.” “No, he didn’t, but with Marco drawing, I wanted to make sure I beat him to the draw. You three wouldn’t want to explain to the Commander why your Strike Captain had been shot, would you?” “you make it sound like none of us would have covered you. The three of us all had Marco covered. I’m surprised Mal didn’t shoot.” Geras added in a little rib of his own. “I did shoot. Marco won’t be using that numo much. I shot his hand. I bet you didn’t see the blood start flowing after he fell.” Mal was proud of his shot, and he should be. Shooting the hand, even if Marco had been stunned first was a tricky stunt. “Well, we better get our mounts and get to the landing site before Commander Cain decides to leave us here. Or worse yet, head into town looking for us.” Edan made one final look through of the house and then moved with the others to the barn. The mounted up and left Vella’s property. The four riders approached the single shuttle left on the ground and dismounted right at the entry hatch. Edan had removed the long coat he’d used to hide his laser, and had returned the Numo to Mal. He moved up to the Commander and Sgt Ajax standing by the Hatch. “Things go according to your plan?” the Commander asked. “Not exactly, but we made our point. I did have to use my laser, but as I told you, it was set to stun. No lasting injuries and no one dead. A few of them, Marco included will need some time to recover. Did the other shuttles leave ok?” Ajax unsaddled the mounts and released them then sealed the hatch behind everyone. They all walked to the command deck of the shuttle and told Mal to take a seat next to Vella and Puppis. “All shuttles loaded and departed perfectly. It’s just us now, and the faster you get the engines warmed up the faster we can continue on our way.” Cain took the copilot seat again and Geras took a seat across from Vella, next to Morrigan. Ajax made sure all passengers were secure, moved over to Puppis and winked at him. “You ready?” “You bet I am!” Puppis replied excitedly. The look on Vella’s face wasn’t as excited, and might have been a little fearful, but she nodded that she was ready as well. “Commander, the Shuttle is secured and ready for launch. By your leave, sir.” “Launch Edan.” The shuttle lifted off and moved for the skies quickly. Making a slight course adjustment, the Shuttle reached orbit after a few centons. Cain looked back and nodded to Ajax. Who got up and walked over to Vella. “If you and Puppis would like to join me, you can watch our approach to the Bovine up by the Commander and Captain. See your new home from the outside.” “No, I’m ok,” Vella was going to decline for Puppis as well, but she looked down at him and saw the longing, something that reminded her of Martin after he had just arrived on the planet. “but Puppis can join you. If he likes.” The smile on his face as the shuttle docked indicated he liked it, a lot.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Jan 5, 2014 21:57:48 GMT -5
Commander Teck sat in his quarters looking over the scans of Gammoray that Captain Gar-Roc had taken in the Orion ship. Gar-Roc was an Orion, not human, but unlike his fellow Orions, seemed to be an outcast. The bulk of his tanker’s crew had been humans. Descendants from a long forgotten prison asteroid between Colonial and Orion space. A Good man, well, he was definitely male, but man might not be the best description. Anyway, the report itself was almost a crushing blow. Gammoray and most of what had been the Delphian Empire was now in the hands of the Cylons. The Excaliber Fleet would not be able to trade or resupply here after all. Well, not on the planet at least. Gar-Roc had delayed returning the Recon Ship and its Vipers to probe a little deeper into the situation here. Seems Gammoray had been rebuilding most of the Cylon command base. And there was debris in the system that added up to at least 2 very large ships. A major battle had taken place here. There was a sole Baseship patrolling the system now, and Raider patrols as well. As would be expected. Cylon civilian transmissions were also being intercepted. But not enough compared to the scans of the Cylon base. There should have been more civilian transmissions. Even Military intercepts were smaller then should be here with an occupying force. Maybe the rest could be accounted for in the wreckage? But what was happening was Cylon Tankers and Freighters were leaving Gammoray and heading back to Cylon Space. And those Tankers could be preyed upon to supply the fleet. Colonel Stonic was currently making plans to do just that. Raids would be made on the Tankers, utilizing the detachable Delta bay. The Squadrons in Delta Bay would be more than enough to take a couple of Tankers and Freighters. And if the Cylons got off a call for help, the Excaliber could intercept the Basestar and attack. The Orion ship would stand guard over Prophesy 1 and the Civilians while all this took place. Teck had decided it was time to engage the Cylons. Encounters with Cylons had been almost unheard of since they left the wreckage of their once great civilization. In fact, the only forces they had engaged with had been the ever present pirate like groups they had run across. Still no indication of who they are though. One body had been recovered from a recent engagement. The aliens were insectoid, had 6 limbs, 2 legs and 4 arms, and large multifaceted eyes. They were also green colored. And only fighters had been engaged, no indication of what type of command ship they might be using. Teck checked his computron; he had about 30 Centons till the Command staff met to discuss the battle plans. Good, just enough time to dictate a log entry and then move to the meeting chambers.
At the Same Time Commander Teck was drawing battle plans against the Cylons, elsewhere in space Commander Taggart was tired. No denying that. The small Colonial force was making good time now, restocked and refueled from they got from Morgan and his family on Atilla. A good man that Morgan. The fortress that was their home had once been a Cylon outpost. But with the help of a Galactica Warrior named Starbuck, Morgan’s Children had been able to drive off the Cylons. Well, the rather humid and wet environment of the planet had a large part in the Cylons leaving. They had left so fast that they had left practically everything but their ships behind. An entire Armory of small arms, whatever fuel had not been destroyed in multiple raids by the human resistance, and even the Cylon anti assault batteries were still there. Morgan had not had a chance to make them operational since the Cylon withdrawal, but when the Sunflare had scanned them, Taggart had thought they were in for an extended battle. If Morgan hadn’t communicated with the Fleet, Taggart might have just left.
And if he did, he’d still have his complete fleet with him. The Sunflare and her ships had stayed at Atilla for almost 3 Sectars. Helping Morgan resettle the planet, find more survivors of the Cylon attack and bring life back to his fortress. Taggart had been happy to share supplies with him, and establish a base there to rest the weary fleet. It was thanks to these people that the Crimson Red Freighter now had a very productive hydroponics bay producing food for the ships. But as most of the fleet got ready to resume their search for the Galactica, a sizable portion of both civilians and warriors wanted to stay behind. It was considered a safe planet, one the Cylons were not likely to return to. And Taggart had to admit, his trek was not a simple one. No real manufacturing abilities, no part replacements, cramped quarters for everyone, Warrior and Civilian alike, always rationing food and fuel. When it was all said and done, about a 3rd of the Civilians on the Crimson Red had elected to remain behind, and a sizable number of Warriors did as well. Including the Command crew of the Emerald Frigate. Taggart faced a choice. Force these people to continue, or accept their right to choose. Reluctantly, if truth be told, Taggart had respected their right to choose. The Emerald was left behind with those choosing to stay. The Cylon landing field was large enough for the Emerald to land on, so they could hide the ship, and maintain her for their defense, or to escape the return of the Cylons. It would be a cramped existence, but they could all fit aboard the ship and run from the Cylons if the need arose. Both Shuttles that docked with the emerald also remained behind. Not that there was much choice, no other ship could accept them right now. Well, maybe the Sunflare could with the loss of those 6 Vipers during the exodus, but it would have put more stress on the hanger personnel. But back to the here and now. Honestly, it was a promising set of reports. The lighter strain on the hydroponics bay allowed rations to be increased, and moral was higher, owing that to having more personal space. But those who stayed behind were missed and Taggart guessed that some had to be wondering if they had made the right choice to stay with the fleet. All that changed with the beep of his comm, “Commander Taggart, Colonel Zaga here. We’re picking up a large ship of unknown origin on long range scanners. It does not appear to be reacting to us, but does look to be readying for a fight. I’m picking up increased fighter sized ships flying around it.” “Are there any life form readings with the scans?” Taggart asked quickly. Cpl Ruth answered for the Colonel from the Scanner station, “Yes sir, getting life forms, unknown, but classified as insectoid. Sir, new scans coming in, the unknowns are defiantly moving on something we can’t scan yet.” “Red alert. All pilots to their Vipers, but do not launch. Inform the Tiger, Spirit and Lightning to likewise go to Red alert. Lightning will stay with the Orion Star and Crimson Red. It will protect the Civilian ships.” Taggart could make excuses all he wanted, but honestly, he was tired of running, not even sure where the fleet was in space, and if these unknowns were about to attack someone, he was in the mood to take a swing at them to burn off his aggression.
Just outside of the Kobol System Dracul was using all his power to compute the evidence he’d been able to gather. Stuka had lead Centurians down to the planet Kobol only to discover that someone, most likely human had destroyed the entire Cylon operation there. Whoever it had been seems to have also destroyed the Medusa Scout ship that had been left in orbit. This implied a rather strong military force. Not some rag tag fleet of beings running randomly. Add this to the unexplained events in the Space formerly occupied by humans and only one logical conclusion remained. There were more survivors then just the Galactica and her Fleet. Actually, after looking at every report collected in the aftermath of the surprise attack led by their former Imperious Leader, there had to be at least 3 groups of survivors, including the Galactica. But why had this group stayed in Colonial space so long, and how did they remain hidden? That had always been his main problem with the theory. But no longer. Seems the Colonial outback had several sections that were shielded from scanners by naturally occurring pulsars. The remains of a fleet yard had been found in one such “dead zone”. Dracul would have dismissed it as long abandoned, except for the Solium radiation. Someone set off solium bombs as a way of preventing further investigation. This was an intentional plan, not an accident. Dracul had been allowed to investigate this theory, and now, was following this last group of survivors. There was no telling how far behind they were, what the ship compliment was, or if it was just one ship. But Dracul was betting that they at least equaled the Military might that the Galactica had so far been able to bring to bear against Baltar and Lucifer. Baltar, There was an interesting human. It seems that, based on Lucifer’s latest report to the Imperious Leader, that Baltar had taken his personal fighter and pilots and traveled to the Galactica to investigate an unknown type of ship they were encountering. Some sort of “balls of light” that traveled at great speeds. Really, that IL Cylon needs to be checked. Perhaps living in relation to a human that long was damaging his circuits. The good thing is, the Human, unless he convinces his fellows to release him, would no longer in in charge of the Cylon task force following the ship. Perhaps if the 2 Basestars lost at Gammoray could be replaced in time, the Galactica fleet could be destroyed once and for all. But for now Dracul would be processing the information that Stuka can gain for him. It would seem that this group of Colonials is going to follow the path set by the Galactica, Dracul was now setting up possible locations to arrange an ambush. If only he could arrange for another Basestar. But the Leader would not release one without confirmation of the size of this renegade fleet. There was one other option for reinforcements. Dracul opened a Channel to see if things could be arranged.
|
|
|
Post by Reaper on Jan 10, 2014 9:30:12 GMT -5
Commander Cain stood on the bridge of the Pegasus and waited for word from the flight controller that all shuttles were aboard . The shuttles were running according to plan, but Cain really wanted to get moving again. It had been a long Sectar since the Operation on Equellus. Vella and her family had settled nicely into their quarters aboard the Bovine. There was some adjustments to be made of course, life aboard ship was quite different from planet based life, but the work was essentially the same, and with the fleet providing most of what they needed, they were enjoying free time they never really had before. Puppis had the biggest adjustment to make, being entered into an education system that would teach him the basics of life in the colonial fleet. He now had access to computers, libraries of information, and theories that most of the people from Equellus never heard of. But he loved it, no matter how hard he had to work. True to Cain’s word, no one pushed Puppis in any direction, as far as future plans go. Everything was centered on making sure he had what he needed to make the choice himself. Cain had decided to bypass several of the Galactica’s stops. Cain didn’t trust that the Clones on Arcta would be able to repel a renewed Cyon interest in that planet and didn’t want to risk finding a Cylon Task force there. Likewise, he decided that an attempt to locate any more forgotten prison astroids would be a waste of time. After all, how many of them could be out there? So, when the Ship left their home Galaxy, Cain had ordered the Ships to Lightspeed and cut the distance to Gammoray by more than half. Cain now needed to resupply and refuel. He had 2 choices. The former Cylon garrison on Atilla, or the Small agro community that Adama traded an energizer for food seed. In order to preserve the illusion that Atilla was devoid of life now, Cain decided to go to the Town of Serenity. Seek out this Sire Bogan and see if he could replenish his supplies. Tylium would be the easiest to replace. Adama reported that while he was on the planet, Colonel Tigh found several astroids loaded with Tylium. The only reason to go to Serenity itself was the seed they got was different than the Colonial Seed it replaced. Cain wanted to trade for some to introduce into his fleet. He remembered how tasty it had been. So, here he was, orbiting the planet that Serenity was located on. The mining operation was nearly complete and even the Stoga was loaded to capacity again. The Pegasus and Calisto already had a full fuel load and the smaller ships were currently finishing taking the fuel shuttles aboard and collecting the mining crews. The next portion of the trip would be made at sublight speeds. This was a corridor where Adama encountered much of his skirmishes with the Cylons. No doubt there would still be a strong Cylon presence here. Plus the Shuttles travelling from Gammoray back to Cylon Space. This put the estimated time back to Gammoray at about half a sectar. But once it cleared this area, the fleet could jump back to lightspeed and arrive at Gammoray. 4 1/2 Sectars after finding the Galactica, then being transported back to the Colonies. Cain was proud of this. It had taken the Galactica a yahren or so to get to Gammoray. Cain did it in less than half that time. And that included time to completely refit the Pegasus from battle damage. Colonel Oded walked over to Cain and waited to be addressed. “Go ahead Colonel.” “Sir, the last shuttles are aboard and the ground team is changing back into uniform. Captain Edan and Lt Killian will be ready to debrief you in 10 centons. Killian sounds excited about what they found. Seed stocks are ready to plant, and everyone up here is excited as well. Seems the analysts have posted some findings from their study of Kobol. Nothing significant to our journey, just historically significant.” “Historical significance is why we stopped there. Never diminish those findings. I am interested in what our warriors have found. Walk with me Oded.” “Yes Sir. I take it you are still upset that I objected to you going to the planet.” “I was, at first, then I realized you are doing your duty. I know I compared you to Tolen in my argument and I stand by the fact Tolen would have quietly watched me leave the ship. Tolen is a good Commander, but he was with me at Molecay. I think he thought me unbreakable. You, you first met me when I was injured, you saw I am very human. I insisted on going to the surface of Kobol, and Equellus, and thank you for allowing that. But you are right, I need to stay with the Fleet. Perhaps when we meet the Galactica Fleet I’ll be free to make planet fall again. But for now, I think you won’t have to stop me leaving for a while.” The two officers were about to enter the briefing room and Oded smiled. “Thank you sir. Perhaps the next time, I might be able to go with our Warriors though.” “Perhaps Colonel, we shall see.” Cain smiled as they walked into the room that had Edan, Killian and Kassie talking among themselves. When they saw Cain enter, they stopped and stood at attention. “As you were. Now, what’s this that has you three so excited?” Edan nodded to Killian and allowed him to report his findings. “Well Sir, we went to Serenity, as planned, and tried to fit in. The town still had the boray constable, and now had a substantial night life, so we decided to take part. I joined a card game and started talking to the locals. Captain Edan went looking for Sir Bogan. Sure enough, the locals were talking about the mythical Colonial Warriors that saved the town. Dipper was the main one talking, I think he was mentioned in Adama’s log.” “Yes, yes, we expected all this, I’m surprised the Boray is still wearing that badge, but whatever, what has you excited?” It was Kassie that spoke up next. “Well, some of the talk in town was that it appeared like the Colonial Warriors had returned some time ago.” “That’s impossible, Adama would not have turned back here, not after making it to Gammoray.” Cain was wondering how much fun the Warriors had on the planet. “No Sir, Other Warriors, definitely not the same group from the Galactica, although the locals wouldn’t know the Galactica moved on. It seemed about 3 Sectars ago a new group of strangers had come to town. Also looking to trade for seed stock. One of the items they were offering was an energizer similar to the one Squire Adama had used for payment. With the Boray threat gone, the trade went smoothly. It wasn’t until the strangers had left that the similarities were noticed.” Killian had finally gotten to the point of the story. “ The names we were able to pick up were Knightstar, Erc and Tiana. Definitely not the Galactica team.” Cain sat back and looked over to Oded. Both men immediately picked up on the significance. But it was Oded that spoke up first. “Any indication of what ship they were from or the direction they were taking? We’ll need to run a check through the records we have aboard.” “No Sir, no clue, but I’d think that it would have to be s decent sized ship, and the descriptions match Warriors, not civilians. Of course we were questioned as well, we fit the descriptions as much as Apollo and Starbuck. But I think it’s safe to say there is at least one more Colonial Ship out there. It would also seem it’s ahead of us, and I’d venture a guess it’s chasing the Galactica. It could be a single warship, or another fleet. If it escaped Cyon detection, as we seem to have, it could be a patrol ship pushing every limit known, or a Battlestar that somehow avoided the Basestars.” Edan had been thinking about this and this was all he could come up with. It wasn’t much, a description of a second group of strangers seemingly fitting the type set by Adama and his group. Very Thin. “Well, it is encouraging. And I am hoping to make up even more time on them now. Gammoray will be our next stop, not the planet itself, I want to take several freighters and tankers to top off our supplies and then plunge in after Adama. All sections are to be on the lookout for this new Ship or Fleet. They seem to be well behind the Galactica, but ahead of us. I want to overtake them, if possible and add their strength to our group. If there are civilians, we’ll assess the situation, and arrange to head out at best possible speeds. Colonel, begin a records search for any known Warriors with the Names overheard. If we’re lucky, we can identify their Ship by a record of all of them on one posting.” Cain checked his Computron and looked around the room. We’ve already departed orbit, based on the instructions I left on the bridge. Get some rest, all of you and good job. I want everyone rested for our arrival in the Gammoray system. Perhaps, if they are still rebuilding, and don’t have Basestars around, I might strike the planet one last time. But that is not official. It doesn’t leave this room.”
|
|