Story Title: Earth 2010 - The Colonies of Kobol Reunited
Author's Name: Matt Manni
Word Count: 113,019
Date: 3/30/08
Series: Battlestar Galactica-Reimagined
Rating: T
Category: Sci Fi Action Stories
Pairing or Focus: ????
Warnings: None
Summary: After years on the run from the Cylons, the fleet finally arrives at Earth in the year 2010.
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 14
Leoben sat in the dark chambers projecting. His eyes scanned the circular room before him; the chair he sat in was atop a six-foot pedestal with two Centurions beneath it. Verbal communication was unnecessary between the human/Cylon models and their robotic inferiors. Leoben had found himself verbalizing his commands more frequently even though the Centurions responded silently to the human ear.
“With every Cavil model destroyed there should be no more rebellion aboard this Base ship. Airlock the remaining bodies!” The two Centurions turned in unison and departed the room through two sliding glass doors. “Lucifer!” he barked. The Cylon appeared instantly and stopped at the base of the pedestal.
“By your command.”
“With the Cavils out of the way my control of this ship and its mission will proceed unchallenged. Do you foresee any further problems with the other models?”
“Are you requiring conjecture or fact?” came the smooth, silky voice that betrayed a deadliness experienced only by the late Cavil model.
“I've programmed you for independent thought, Lucifer. If we are to locate the humans, we must think like them. Cavil refused to see the benefit in embracing his human side, and has paid the price for his short-sightedness.”
“And what will Cylon Command think about your decision to take Cavil offline permanently?” Leoben's face betrayed no emotion either way at this question.
“Lucifer, there is no Cylon Command here. I am the sole commander of this Basestar, and when the time comes, I will make them all see the truth in my actions. If we are to build a star-spanning empire we cannot do so by collective decision making.”
Lucifer's eyes narrowed and slowed their slanted back and fourth motion. “I wasn't aware that a ‘star-spanning empire' was a going concern.” Leoben had detected the faintest of sarcasm in the reply and smiled.
“In due time, there may very well be the ‘Imperious Leader' that Cavil was braying about, bringing the Cylons together. I intend to be that unifying force.”
“Do you intend to call for reinforcements or a resurrection ship as we begin to narrow our search in the three sectors that may be harboring the fugitives?”
“For now we will remain the only Cylon force in the system, I will reevaluate our needs as progress is made. That is all.”
“By your command!”
Terra-1's entire compliment of vipers was now airborne and practicing combat maneuvers through Saturn's ice rings. Each pilot putting his or her fighter through its paces in the ruggedness of space. Prior to leaving Earth, each viper was put through a grueling atmospheric shakedown test, and now would come the shakedown in the vacuum of space.
Captain Elyssa DeAlma was running a training exercise with the Raptors, and she was not due to interact with the vipers until tomorrow. The Raptor played a crucial part within an attack squadron; they were the early Dradis warning for the vipers and would direct them to the battle. Today they were fine-tuning their Dradis to pick out signals that may be camouflaged by large volume of space debris. They were tasked with locating the vipers in Red Lancer squadron as they traversed the rings of Saturn. They did this without the benefit of the vipers utilizing their Colonial transponders, or what would now only be referred to as transponders now that there was no longer a Colonial Military, but a unified Earth command.
“Starburst, Poseidon…You're doing an excellent job, you've successfully picked out six of the ten vipers in Red Lancer squadron. Let's shoot for all ten next round!”
“Easier Fraking said then done!” griped Starburst to her ECO on their private com line. “I'm not quite sure why she's taking a particular interest in me, but it's starting to get on my nerves.”
“Maybe she has the hots for you, star.” Joked the ECO, never taking his eyes off his Dradis screen. “The thought of it is…stimulating!”
“Just my luck, not only does she use me for her personal errands aboard Terra-1 now I need to worry about her trying to get into my pants.” The two laughed and resumed their duties.
The planet Uranus is the seventh planet from Earth's sun, composed primarily of rock and various ices it lays claim to 21 named moons and 6 unnamed ones. Within the Epsilon ring of the planet, a small craft materializes and drifts. A light begins to glow brightly on the topside. The light is a Dradis sweep, and the craft is a Cylon Heavy Raider assigned to this space sector in search of the Colonial fleet. It had been converted from troop transport to surveillance craft. The Heavy Raider is not a biomechanical spacecraft like the Raider. Two specially programmed Centurions; one pilot and one operating the Dradis operate it.
Nightstalker pulled out and away from Saturn's furthest ring, his fighter handling smoothly. No avionics failures or mishaps, he was quite pleased by its performance. He pulled in tight next to Bedlam, awaiting the rest of his air wing to exit the exercise. “What did you think, Rachel?” asked Sarnex over their secure com.
“I have no complaints, my fighter handled perfectly well without one warning alarm; we've yet to have a collision between fighters or between fighter and the larger ring debris. All in all… a good session.”
“I'm sure the old man is following the training session, from what I hear so far the ship is handling like a dream. Now all we need is six more Battlestars like that and we could actually call ourselves a real fleet again.”
“We'll be there someday, skipper.” Replied Bedlam. “What's the rumor about a space carrier being built? I hear that it is expected to hold over 400 vipers. That's a lot of firepower, and the Gods only know how long something like that will take to build.”
“Give me a conventional Battlestar any day of the week! That carrier is in the design stage at this point, and years away from actually being built at this rate.” Werewolf squadrons had formed up, and were heading back to Terra-1, this was a good training day and Mark Sarnex was pleased with his squadron's results.
Raptor 4 was assigned to patrol with two vipers from Omega squadron on this day. The pilot was an Earth officer; Lieutenant Peter Moreau whose call sign was Headcase. They were at the halfway point between Saturn and Uranus and prepared to return to the ship when the ECO spoke up.
“Captain, I just picked up a faint signal coming from sector 2. I'd swear it was a Dradis signal.”
“Could it be residual from either Viper?” he asked with concern.
“Negative, they are well behind us, and it is definitely not their Dradis, this is a fairly potent signal in strength.”
“Have we been painted?”
“Unsure, it is on a rotating sweep I would guess due to the brevity I was able to pick it up.” Head case was cautious, and while he never confronted the Cylons, he would take no chances.
“Signal Terra-1, inform them that we are going to continue on this track to investigate a possible contact.” Head case accelerated towards Uranus, the two Vipers moved in closer positioning themselves on port and starboard sides of the Raptor.
Aboard Terra-1 Lieutenant Antonio Digit had relayed Raptor 4's message to the executive officer who instinctively set the Battlestar at condition 2 throughout the ship and notified the commanding officer who was in his quarters at the moment. “Sir I'm placing the ship on condition 2 alert status, Raptor 4 is currently investigating a possible contact in the vicinity of Uranus.”
“Very well XO, I'm on the way up.” Replied Tigh fastening his collar.
Colonel Patton sat down in the command chair and turned to his tactical officer. “Lieutenant Digit, ascertain fuel status of all our birds immediately.”
“Aye sir!” Replied Digit as he opened a secure frequency to the airborne Vipers. “Squadron Leaders, Terra-1…please advise on current fuel status of your squadrons.” Vampire, Bloodbath and Nightstalker had ordered all wings to sound off with their fuel loads over each assigned frequency. In turn, each squadron leader reported his squadron's fuel status back to Digit who in turn relayed it to the XO.
“Commander on deck!” shouted the executive officer as he saw Tigh walk into the CIC. He vacated the seat and Tigh had motioned everyone to remain at ease.
“Commander has the deck …Sitrep XO!”
“Raptor 4 is on long range patrol with Viper 222 and 116; they are investigating a possible contact in the vicinity of Uranus. We have all three squadrons in the air on shakedown cruises and are roughly halfway through their maximum fuel load.”
“Lieutenant Digit, inform the pilots that they are to land immediately for refueling and rearming if necessary. I want Werewolf squadron to remain on standby while the other two squadrons come in to be fueled. Helm…bring us on course two, two four, I want to close the gap between us and our fighters and be ready to get to Uranus if needed at a moment's notice.”
“Aye Colonel, course two, two four.”
Over the next hour, Vipers rearmed, refueled and were loaded into the launch tubes with instructions that the pilots remain at their fighters until further notice. Captain Elyssa DeAlma was back on board and pacing before her Raptor has the deck crew refueled it.
“Frak, the last thing we need is some wet-behind-the-ear Earther trying to sniff out a possible Cylon contact. What is Tigh thinking? They should have us out there, Hustler…there is no substitute for experience!” Hustler winced at the “Earther” comment, members of the deck gang and other Raptor teams were comprised of their brothers and sisters from the 13th colony, and he was sure they did not appreciate Poseidon's comments.
“Easy boss, Headcase is a trained Raptor pilot and will do just fine.”
DeAlma shot a sideways glance towards her ECO. “You have far greater faith in them than I do, my friend. Time will tell how good they are, I'm not impressed with class rankings as I am with actual combat experience.”
Headcase had drifted for a little over 2 hours; he had ordered the Vipers to power down to conserve power allowing the occasional use of thrusters to remain together. They were using a passive Dradis sweep to avoid being picked up by whatever may have been out there. “Anything?” he asked his ECO.
“Nothing yet sir, I have adjusted….standby….picking something up, very faint.” The ECO adjusted his controls and his eyes widened as he locked onto the contact. “CONTACT…..is bearing 124, distance…18.2.”
“Identify!” snapped Headcase as he started to power up the Raptor.
“OH FRAK….Cylon heavy raider, Cylon heavy raider…war book positively identifies.”
“Fu*k!” muttered Head case as he opened a COM link to his escorts from Omega squadron. “Heads up boys, we have a Cylon Heavy Raider in the vicinity, we picked him up on passive, but we have to assume he's got us painted. Power up and arm weapons!” Head case dialed up the secure frequency to Terra-1 when the contact disappeared from the Dradis.
“He's gone, the Turkey has bugged out!” yelled the ECO.
“Terra-1, Raptor 4 with an emergency transmission, over.”
“Raptor 4 this is Terra-1 go ahead with your message.”
“Cylon Heavy Raider positively identified in vicinity of Uranus, he jumped away before we could engage, instructions?”
This was the type of message that Tigh feared, but it was one that they knew would eventually be transmitted. They had avoided the Cylons for almost two years, and he was relieved that they were not any closer to Earth. Perhaps there was a chance to lead them off.
“XO set alert condition 1 throughout the ship, execute!” The klaxon blared as the executive officer called Action Stations throughout the ship over a wired transmitter. “Lieutenant Digit, send a coded message to GALACTICA and Earth Defense Command, inform them that we have located and confirmed a Cylon reconnaissance craft within range of Uranus. We will be making a jump to that location, and will take necessary steps to intercept the enemy, and lead them away if possible.
Raptor 4 furiously scanned the sector with active Dradis sweeps; the viper escorts had spread out and were on alert for anything. Headcase reacted with lightning speed when the Basestar materialized immediately before him.
“Contact….Cylon Basestar dead ahead; we are well within weapons range, Lieutenant!”
“Reversing course, alert the Vipers to bug out, we need to get some breathing room here.” Ordered Headcase as he executed a stomach-churning roll and kicked in the turbos. Cylon Raiders launched from the Basestar and were on an intercept course. Pilots did not man the raiders, these were biomechanical constructs that had the advantage of being able to be launched with only seconds worth of advanced notice. They were closing.
Viper 222 and 116 took up defensive positions alongside the Raptor as they streaked away from the looming Basestar and incoming raiders. “Head case, Deadshot we're not going to make it back to base showing them our asses. We can't jump, but you can…get the Frak out of here and warn the ship, we'll try and hold them off.” Headcase knew that was suicide, but Deadshot was correct, vipers were not equipped with FTL drives and would have to stay and fight, or continue to run. His job was to jump back to Terra-1 immediately to warn her. The taste of bile soured his mouth as he swallowed hard and looked out at the Viper on his port side. “Message received Deadshot; I'll go get the Calvary , don't do anything stupid, try and stay ahead of them.” Said Headcase weakly.
“My Dradis is counting 40 raiders and growing, two vipers going against those numbers don't strike me as the decision of a genius.” Laughed Deadshot as he snapped a salute towards Raptor 4.
With one last glance towards the Vipers, Headcase jumped away to warn Terra-1. He felt miserable, he knew they would not last long if they fought, and they were below half in their fuel load.
Aboard the GALACTICA Lt. Gaeta was decoding the transmission from Terra-1. His eyes widened and he spun around quickly in her chair. “Admiral, coded message from Terra-1, their recon patrol has encountered Cylon Heavy Raider in vicinity of the planet Uranus…Terra-1 preparing to jump to that location on an intercept course and to lead the Cylons away from this sector if necessary.”
All eyes were on Adama; his face usually an emotionless mask, now displayed a mixture of shock and resignation. After all this time, the Cylons have finally found them. He knew that Uranus was far out there, and that they had a slim chance of leading them away from Earth. The Cylons were not stupid however; he knew that the moment the Cylons spotted a brand new Mercury Class Battlestar they would realize that we had help in constructing it, and they knew we were searching for Earth, the traitorous Baltar saw to it that they had enough information to put the pieces together.
“Tactical…plot a direct jump to Uranus. XO sound action stations, I want every viper ready to roll down the tubes the moment we arrive on station.” Apollo picked up a transmitter and sounded action stations. Crewmembers throughout the massive warship scrambled to their assigned stations. Pilots grabbed their helmets and pressure suits and ran for their star fighters. Gaeta prepared the complex task of making a faster-than-light space jump from Earth's moon to Uranus.
Matthew Lensherr had just finished loading the remaining personal items remaining in his former living quarters when the call for Action Stations sounded. He dropped the box on the floor and took off for the launch bay. He met up with Kara Thrace who was just pulling a duty shirt on over her tee shirt as she ran out of her the ship's gymnasium. She was soaked in sweat and her hair was an out of control mess. “Looking good Kara, I like the hair!”
“You would! This is just what I need, jumping into a cockpit for Gods only know how long sweaty and smelling like a wet daggit.” Kara Thrace was now the squadron leader for Blue squadron, and on a private level was looking forward to enemy action. It had been almost two years since she fired a shot in anger, and the old familiar adrenalin rush was coming back to her at the sound of the Klaxon. GALACTICA's air wing was at full strength for the first time since just before the Cylon attack on the Colonies. Five squadrons containing 20 Vipers each constitute a complete air wing. One hundred Mark II Vipers fresh off the assembly line were now aboard a Battlestar long considered obsolete when compared to Mercury class Battlestars. The GALACTICA carried a maximum fuel and munitions load, and she was ready for mayhem.
Raptor 4 appeared on Digit's Dradis off the port bow and was coming in fast; a request for priority landing was requested and immediately granted. Colonel Patton made his way to the landing bay to meet Raptor 4's crew. Patton still worked out to the standards held to an 18-year-old raw recruit in Marine basic training, at his age he was in far better shape then men more than half his age. He double timed it down the corridors and decks without breaking a sweat and entered the landing bay as Raptor 4 was lowered down from the upper deck. He straightened his tunic and stood patiently. Headcase and his ECO stepped out, and upon seeing the XO waiting for them quickly made their way over.
“Sitrep Headcase, and put a set o' wings on it boy!” barked Patton. The ECO looked very confused, but Headcase being a former Army officer was well aware of Marine jargon.
“Sir, we picked up a possible contact in upper Uranus orbit and crawled in to investigate with passive Dradis., my guess is that the turkey picked us up about the same time and jumped away to warn their Baseship before our escorts could take it out. It was not long until a Cylon Basestar jumped on top of us. We bugged out and I jumped ahead to warn the ship before communications were jammed.” Patton could see the pained expression in the young pilot's face, nobody wanted to leave anyone behind with an overwhelming enemy force bearing down on them. Headcase had made the correct decision, he himself knew that, but it did not alleviate the pangs of guilt and anger he had building inside him. Patton put a hand on his shoulder.
“Peter, rest easy…you made an extremely difficult decision, but it was the correct decision, the only choice. Don't worry, you'll get a crack at those bastards…we're jumping to that location any moment.”
“Aye sir and thank you.” Snapping out a crisp salute, Moreau waited for Patton to return it before turning on his heel to oversee the immediate refueling of his Raptor. Patton contacted the CIC to inform Tigh of his conversation with Raptor 4's crew, the countdown for the jump would commence in five minutes, and he quickly hung up and ran for the CIC. His place was there once the battle would commence.
Deadshot's viper was working overtime to avoid the relentless barrage of fire from the pursuing Raiders, he and Viper 116 piloted by Lieutenant Jason Merrick were doing their best to stay ahead of. Merrick , whose call sign was Showtime, was just as creative in avoiding getting his Viper blasted out of the cosmos. This running was starting to make them angry, but they knew to turn and fight would be suicide.
“Deadshot, Showtime…I'm getting tired of showing them my ass.”
“Hang in there Showtime, Headcase will bring help!” Moreau knew how hollow that sounded, they were in it deep and both knew it. They were low on fuel and running hard on full battle thrusters. He would rather turn and fight, take out a few toasters and die for his effort than run until he ran out of fuel and destroyed like a piece of drifting space debris. A Dradis warning sounded loudly.
“Dradis contact ten o'clock…distance 14.8. Colonial transponder identifies as Terra-1!” yelled Showtime over the comline.
“Turn and burn Showtime make for home!” ordered Deadshot as Raider fire glanced off his port wing. The Cylons were gaining and there was still a good distance between the Vipers and the safety of Terra-1.
“Jump complete Colonel.” announced Digit as he waited for the first new Dradis sweep of the immediate area. “Incoming spacecraft…the first two are ours with at least 80 Raiders in pursuit.”
“Launch the fighters immediately; we've got two of our own out there under armed attack.” Snapped Tigh. “Helm, bring us on an intercept course with incoming Cylon attack force, execute. Weapons bring all batteries online, I want a heavy flack curtain between them and our landing bay…execute!” Tigh rattled off commands in crisp and concise tones. The two Viper pilots would know to get below the Battlestar's engagement zone at the right moment leaving whatever unlucky pursuer to run full force into a curtain of death.
Mark Sarnex was the first pilot down the launch tube, his Viper exploding out of the flight pod at blinding speed. The remainder of Werewolf squadron was hot on his six as Vipers from Red Lancer and Omega squadrons took to space. Each squadron's Raptor was also immediately airborne to guide their fighters into the battle. With two of their Vipers almost out of fuel and running for their lives, the remaining compliment of 28 Mark II Vipers prepared to go toe to toe with the incoming armada.
“Nightstalker, Poseidon…incoming Cylon attack force closing fast, it looks like only one Basestar judging by the numbers.”
“Message received Poseidon, make sure you keep your distance Elyssa…they no doubt are picking up an unknown Battlestar on their Dradis and will ignore us and go in after her. We will take out what we can, and Terra-1's batteries will take care of the rest. I want cover given to Deadshot and Showtime; they've got to be bingo fuel by now.” Ordered Nightstalker.
“Vampire, Nightstalker…bring your squadron in from sector two, let's see if we can hit em from both sides high and low with Bloodbath coming in from sector 3.” The two squadrons peeled off in different directions and started their attack. A firing lock warning blared through Showtime's cockpit, he had two Cylons in close and could feel glancing shots hitting the fuselage. His port engine took a direct hit ripping it wide open; the entire fighter shook violently as he fought to maintain his direct track for Terra-1, which was now coming within eyesight.
“Krypter…Krypter…Krypter, this is Showtime I've taken a hit to my port engine, losing speed requesting emergency approach.” Captain Dillon Ramsey pressed his thruster pedal to the firewall trying to get in close to Showtime's position, the raiders were on top of him, and he only had seconds left.
“Hold on Showtime, we're almost there!” yelled Ramsey over the comline. Too late, another devastating round of Raider fire blew everything from the rear of the cockpit on back wide open. Showtime was still strapped into his seat that was now floating aimlessly through space devoid of his fighter. He was still alive thanks to his pressurized flight suit, and had no doubt a Raptor would come in to get him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the approaching Raider, he gasped and his mouth opened to scream when the Cylon attack craft struck him at full speed. Showtime was a bloody smear across the wing of the Raider, his body liquefied by the impact.
The EDC transponder blinked then disappeared from the Dradis of every Viper on the battlefield and aboard Terra-1. Viper 116 was destroyed; Showtime was the first casualty of Cylon aggression in over two years.
“Viper 222, Terra-1 you are instructed to make a port side combat landing immediately. What is your fuel status?” inquired Lt. Digit.
“Terra-1 this is Viper 222; I am bingo fuel, repeat Bingo fuel. Message received for combat landing in port landing bay.” Replied Deadshot, his voice choked with emotion at the loss of his wingman. A crimson viper streaked across Deadshot's thruster wash firing its cannons, which found their mark dead center on the closest pursuing raider. On Earth, Lieutenant Anghard Beynon, call sign Branwen was a former Nimrod 2000 pilot assigned to 206 Squadron, RAF Kinloss. She was of Welsh descent and spoke with a thick brogue. Branwen means “Beautiful Raven” in Welsh, and Anghard Beynon was indeed beautiful with a short-cropped bob of black hair. She had green eyes and a tattoo of a Welsh Dragon on her lower back. She was one of the few women to fly the Maritime Reconnaissance & Attack (MRA) Mark 4 craft and was widely respected by her peers. She quickly volunteered for Viper school when the opportunity arrived and graduated first in her class. She was assigned to Red Lancer squadron, and was fast becoming one of Vampire's favorite pilots.
“Up yur arses you tin plated sguthan!” cried Beynon as she blasted the Raider to pieces. She barrel rolled hard over and positioned herself tight on Deadshot's five o'clock position high. “Okay luv, lets land the beastie post haste before you sputter out on fumes, I've got your sizable arse covered!”
“Thanks Branwen, you Red Lancers are ok!” said Deadshot as he lined himself up on final approach to the Battlestar.
“Damned straight we are at that, now concentrate on getting beneath the engagement zone, there are too many Raiders getting through due to our being outnumbered so badly, and we don need anymore deaths!” Deadshot skirted the massive wall of flak put up by Terra-1 and brought his fuel-starved viper in for a landing while Branwen returned to the battle, her mission to get viper 222 safely aboard successful.
Saul Tigh had been in many battles with the Cylons in his long career, as executive officer of the GALACTICA he had squared off against the immense Basestars on numerous occasions post Holocaust. This time he was in command, the decisions and repercussions would be his alone. His fighters were heavily outnumbered, and he had hoped to even the odds a little with anti-aircraft batteries while awaiting help from Earth. The Basestar was closing fast, almost in weapons range of Terra-1's main batteries.
“Cylon Basestar approaching our maximum weapons range, Commander. We are now within their effective firing range.” Reported tactical. They were at a disadvantage this far out, while they were now within range of the Basestar's weaponry, which could inflict heavy damage, the Cylons were just entering the absolute maximum range of Terra-1's batteries. This far out the much larger Cylon warship could evade or shrug off some direct fire.
“Hold your fire on the Cylon Basestar, let's let them in closer.” Said Tigh. “We have speed and maneuverability on our side.”
Aboard the Basestar, Leoben had monitored the command room from his solitary chambers. He resisted the urge to enter the command room himself, remaining high atop his perch. Doral had opened up a cybernetic link with him. “Our Dradis is picking up a warship in this sector; it has launched vipers but emits no Colonial transponder.”
“It isn't the GALACTICA?”
“Negative, our scans indicate a much smaller vessel, it has engaged our raiders.”
“Bring us to within visual range, Doral. I want to see this warship for myself.” The Basestar had maintained its course straight for Terra-1, and was closing fast. The area around the Battlestar was a latticework of death; the far superior numbered Raiders were cutting vipers to pieces.
“Terra-1, Nightstalker…we are getting cut to pieces out here, any word on reinforcements?”
Tigh knew the battle was not going well for his Vipers, they were too badly outnumbered and the Raiders were moving in on individual Vipers like a wolf pack against a larger prey. Until help could arrive, he was going to have to take the fight to the Basestar, a tactic that would not probably be anticipated by the Cylons. They were most likely confused by the presence of an unknown Battlestar. “Helm, increase speed to maximum, lets close the gap between us and that Basestar. Tactical, order our remaining Vipers to disengage the raiders and concentrate on that Basestar. Prepare to fire main batteries on my order.”
Lucifer had appeared at the base of the pedestal when Doral's report came in. “We are in visual range of a Mercury Class Battlestar; however this vessel is more than half the size of a Colonial Battlestar of any class.”
“And where might the Colonial fleet have procured another Battlestar in less than two years?” said Leoben almost in a whisper. Lucifer's audio receivers had heard the question and set his mechanical brain to finding a possible answer, one that came instantly.
“It is obvious that they've had assistance in this star system, perhaps they've found Earth?” There was no longer time for further discussion, Terra-1 had launched a full spread from their forward batteries, and the much larger warship was sluggish in evading the incoming fire and took several direct hits with minimal damage. Simon quickly assessed damage to the Basestar. “Very minor damage inflicted on decks 12 through 14.” The Raiders immediately broke off their pursuit of the Vipers and engaged Terra-1. The ship took a withering barrage from the Raiders but continued to press their attack on the Basestar.
A blinding flash caught most of the Viper pilots off guard, the immediate vicinity filled with the unmistakable underside of the GALACTICA; she had made her FTL jump from the vicinity of Earth's moon straight to Uranus. She materialized off Terra-1's port bow and her momentum was taking her straight towards the incoming Cylon Basestar on a collision course.
“Jump completed….”Captain Felix Gaeta's voice rarely contained any trace of emotion when she performed her duties as tactical officer. She relayed information in a calm and measured manner and Adama could never recall her raising her voice. “OH FRAK…Cylon Basestar dead ahead, we've jumped almost on top of her.” Yelled Gaeta . Adama glanced at the tactical screen; a secondary monitor displayed a fast closing Cylon Basestar heading straight for them.
“All Back Full!” commanded Adama bolting upright from his command chair. The helmsmen carried out the order immediately, but the ship was not reacting fast enough.
“GALACTICA not responding fast enough Admiral…she's too close.” Yelled the helmsmen as the ship lurched at the sudden velocity change. Adama reevaluated and reacted in seconds.
“Evasive starboard…prepare for incoming fire on port side. Execute! Weapons I want a full salvo launched from the port-side batteries, let's keep them off balance and shoot down anything they are able to get off at us.” The ship lurched to the right to avoid a collision, and as Adama expected, the Cylons reacted immediately with missile fire towards the GALACTICA.
“Incoming ordinance!” said Gaeta , much more calmly now. The portside batteries threw up a curtain of heavy flak, intercepting several of the incoming missiles. One succeeded in getting through, striking amidships above the flight pod that was now starting to extend out in order to launch vipers.
“Direct hit to the portside.”
“Damage control!” replied Patton.
Tigh was taken aback by the sudden appearance of GALACTICA; this was a one in a million occurrence that a Battlestar would come out of a jump on a collision course. Normally a jump is meticulously planned by the tactical officer, there was no way she could have predicted that the Cylon ship would be moving at such a rate of speed within the very airspace they were planning to jump to.
“Weapons, lets give the GALACTICA a chance to launch her fighters and get to a safer location. Launch another spread.” The main batteries thundered as the Cylon ship took another hit, this time from a much closer location. The damage was not minimal. Terra-1 was repaid with a blistering counterattack from the Basestar, followed up by numerous hits from the Raiders that were swarming all over her.
The executive officer was beginning to notice a pattern to the Raider attacks. “Sir, incoming attack craft are targeting the flight pods, I have extensive damage to tubes 4-7.” Reported Patton, his eyes never coming off the damage control monitors.
GALACTICA's flight pods were now fully extended, and soon Vipers were exploding from their launch tubes and entering the fray. Raptor one piloted by Captain Nina Nintius had positioned herself on the far side of the GALACTICA with a birds eye view of the field of battle. She would be guiding Blue squadron through the battle. “Eagleone this is Betty, you have a toaster three o'clock low making a run on GALACTICA's dorsal battery…take him out!”
Major Kara Thrace was the first to clear GALACTICA's tubes when she gave pursuit to two Raiders. The first raider had evaded her first volley, but caught the second full force and exploded. Starbuck had successful flown through the debris field and immediately searched for the second Raider. “Excellent shot Starbuck; let's show these guys how a female pilot does the job!”
“Way ahead of you Betty, it's been too Fraking long since I've been able to put a real Cylon raider in my gun sights.”
Falcon had angled his viper behind a Raider that had just blown a Viper apart as it exited its launch tube. The squadron leader of Hunter Seeker squadron clenched his teeth as he watched the viper blow apart, he thought he had seen the upper part of the pilot drifting away in the cold, unforgiving region of space. The raider drifted in and out of his sights, leading him on a chase over the top of GALACTICA's engines. He squeezed off a few rounds that struck a glancing blow against the top of the raider. In an unexpected move, the raider flipped over and was now facing Falcon firing its own weapons that Bastain gracefully avoided. The two passed by each other dangerously close. Reversing his thrust, Falcon double backs toward the raider who was now in the process of turning. The top half of the raider was left wide open and Falcon lights him up.
Silver Spar squadron was last out of the tubes, and Matt Lensherr was hell bent of making up for lost time. His viper had roared across the open skies with Hotdog, Aslan and Prometheus in tight formation beside him. “Let's get into the fight boys, stick with your wingman and kick some Cylon ass.” Hephaestus and Hotdog rolled left, Aslan, and Prometheus rolled right, the fighting was getting intense and GALACTICA had positioned herself well off the Basestar's three o'clock position and high.
Adama had opened a secure frequency to Terra-1; Tigh had come on the line immediately. “Commander we can't let that ship jump away, they've seen you and the cats out of the bag now. They will immediately realize that we have built a new Battlestar that could only have been made possible by a planet with resources and infrastructure to do so. When they scan this star system, they'll take the knowledge they gleaned from Baltar and determine that Earth is close by.”
“I concur Admiral. The Basestar will have to be destroyed immediately.” Replied Tigh.
“Raptor three, GALACTICA…you are instructed to establish a jamming field to prevent communications from the Basestar. Raptors four and two will be dispatched to extend the zone, we need to prevent the Basestar from jumping, or sending out a distress signal.” Lieutenant Jenna St. Lynn knew the drill; she positioned her Raptor close to the Basestar, but out of its weapons range. Her ECO ran his fingers across the keyboard and a jamming field was soon active, preventing Cylon transmission, but allowing Colonial and Earth transmission.
Terra-1 had taken a direct hit on her port flight pod, the damage was significant, and the much larger Basestar was bearing down on the much smaller ship. Heavy dorsal cannons zeroed in on the looming Basestar and opened fire with a blistering attack, the center axis took the brunt of the fire.
Leoben was now in the command center, Lucifer standing off to the side as the ship shuttered under the assault. Simon had been monitoring the progress of the battle. “The smaller Battlestar is inflicting minimal to moderate damage on us. She is fast and her maneuverability makes it difficult to target it. Raptors have installed a jamming field on all sides of us, and GALACTICA is coming about for another pass.”
Leoben had gazed out to the center of the room. “The fools! I do not intend to call for help, at least not now. Show the insects what we think of their jamming field, recall our raiders at once and prepare to jump.”
Lt. Dennis Walker, call sign Prometheus had his viper at full battle thrusters, he was giving pursuit to a trio of Raiders. Aslan was on his port wing and high, staying in close. His cannon fire found its mark on the engine nacelle of the closest raider. Prometheus avoided the debris field and bore down on the remaining two raiders in his sights. As he pulled the trigger, the two raiders banked hard right and retreated to the Basestar.
“Admiral, the Raiders are returning to the Basestar!” informed Gaeta .
“Frak, they punched right through our jamming field to issue their recall. We can't let them jump out of here, signal Terra-1 to press their attack, Helm bring us in close enough to do some damage.”
Nightstalker had seen the raiders retreat, prior to GALACTICA's arrival the squadrons were directed to engage the Basestar, but their numbers were reduced even further by the murderous anti-aircraft batteries throughout the Basestar. Seventeen Vipers from the Battlestar Terra-1 would not be returning from battle this day. He had lost slightly more than half of the fighters assigned to the Battlestar, good friends and pilots he would never see again. His stomach was in knots, he was soon knocked back to reality by the blasts going off around his fighter. This Basestar was bigger than any they had previously encountered, their engagement zone was lethal and he was about to enter it. Pulling back on the stick, he plunged the thruster pedal to the firewall and ascended over the top of the curtain of death. Before he could do anything, the Basestar disappeared.
“Admiral the Basestar has jumped away!” said Apollo with a hint of dread in his voice. Everyone in GALACTICA's CIC as well as those in Terra-1's knew the significance of the Cylon's retreat. While they may not know Earth's location exactly, they knew the star system it was in by the presence of two colonial Battlestars when there should only be one.
“XO, get our birds back on board immediately, I want them refueled, rearmed and back in the tubes. Get Tigh on a secure line and get a damage report, I want that relayed to EDC on a secured channel!” ordered a very unhappy Adama.
The recall order was issued and vipers were coming in on both decks of both ships to be refueled and rearmed. Nightstalker was seething as he exited his cockpit, seventeen pilots killed on the first combat mission in two years. Ten of those pilots were from Earth, it was to be expected that their lack of experience would be an issue, but Mark Sarnex still found it unacceptable. He immediately made his way over to Vampire, and they awaited the arrival of Bloodbath who would have to travel from the other side of the ship.
“Seventeen pilots, Ken….SEVENTEEN!” said Sarnex keeping his voice low and emotions in check. “I lost six, you lost seven and Omega squadron lost four. We took a Fraking beating out there our first time out.”
“Mark, we had a lot of nuggets out there with us…first time flying in space never mind going toe to toe with an overwhelming Cylon attack force. I'm surprised we didn't lose more of our new pilots!” Nightstalker knew he was right, but it did not make the bitter pill easier to swallow.
“They've found us, and now they'll be back with an even larger attack force.”
Bloodbath who was now catching the tail end of the conversation was quick to chime in. “Well you always knew that would be a possibility, now that day is here and we need to be prepared, and replace those lost fighters.”
“I'm heading up to the CIC now to report to the XO, I don't foresee any problems getting a temporary transfer from GALACTICA, she's at full strength now.” Replied Sarnex. After some quick instructions to his ASL, Mark Sarnex made his way to the CIC. As he ascended decks, he noticed the damage control teams hard at work. Terra-1's first time in combat went remarkably well for a much less powerful ship than a Cylon Basestar. She went head to head, and landed a few good shots. Upon entering the CIC, he was immediately greeted by Colonel Patton who was studying the status board.
“Ah Captain Sarnex, glad to see you back safely, my condolences on the loss of your pilots…they put up one hell of a fight!” offered the XO as he walked up to Nightstalker.
“Thank you Colonel, Vampire and Bloodbath are supervising the refuel and reload operations, and we'll be ready for action in no time!” replied Sarnex. “Sir, will we be able to replace our lost fighters with temporary transfers from GALACTICA?”
“The old man is working on that as we speak; we have extensive damage done to launch tubes four through seven on the port pod, with the possibility of bringing tube seven back online within 5 to 6 hours. Besides the 17 pilots we have 8 casualties, and 22 injured, the most serious being a broken arm from being tossed against a bulkhead during one of the missile impacts.” Said Patton solemnly.
At this time, Tigh was on a direct scrambled line with GALACTICA's C.O. giving him a status report on ship damage and casualties.
“Admiral, the damage to the port flight pod will require time-intensive repair, though the deck and maintenance chiefs concur that tube 7 can be brought back online sometime in the next 5 to 6 hours. In addition to some minor deck breaches in the less shielded sections the ship is in high operational condition.” Reported Tigh. The loss of life was the first thing reported, and Adama knew what Tigh was feeling, he had lost personnel many times, and it never got easier to accept.
“Saul, I'm temporarily transferring fighters to replace those lost in battle, and EDC has been alerted to the situation… all forces are on high alert.”
“Thank you, Admiral. We are currently undergoing refueling ops for the fighters, and will be remaining at condition one until further notice.”
“The pyramid ball is now in play Commander, the Cylons know what sector we're in, and they now know we've had help constructing a new warship. There is no doubt that they will determine that we have either located Earth, or found a habitable world in this system. It won't take them long to find the one planet in the solar system that can sustain life.”
“Thank you for the fresh fighters Bill…I appreciate it.” The transmission ended and Tigh stepped down to where Sarnex and Patton were still talking.
“Captain Sarnex, your wings did an incredible job facing the odds they did…good job!” said Tigh knowing the pain that the young Captain was feeling.
“Thank you sir, the chrome-plated Fraks won't know what hit them next time…we've taken their measure, and Terra-1 proved more than capable.” Tigh smiled at his subordinate's enthusiasm, he could sense that Nightstalker was seeking a rematch with the Cylons, but knew that the next time the Cylons appeared they would come en masse. The next battle would not be easy, two Battlestars could not hold off the Cylon Empire.
“We'll be getting in replacements from GALACTICA soon, Captain. Please assign a detail to secure the belongings of our lost pilots, and to make room for the incoming ones. We're remaining at condition one, so the inventory of their belongings will be done as time allows.”
“Aye sir.” Sarnex came to attention and saluted. He turned on his heel and made his way back to the flight pod. As he rounded a corner near the officer's quarters, he bumped into Poseidon.
“Hello Elyssa, good job out there today.”
“Thanks, too bad we lost so many nuggets though…their lack of experience was their Achilles heel.”
“Elyssa, we've all been inexperienced at some point, many of those Earth pilots were combat veterans in their own right, they're flying a star fighter in outer space during combat for the first time, for Frak's sake give them a break, will you?”
“Is that your philosophy Nightstalker, coddle them? These nuggets got a reality check today, and will have to fight a little harder if they want to be viper pilots.”
Sarnex turned angrily towards his Raptor pilot. “Coddling? Are you listening to yourself? What is going on with you, Elyssa? They replace your heart with a microprocessor or something?”
“No Captain, I'm the only one who realizes that we're facing the business end of a death warrant served by the toasters for the second time. We cannot afford to be soft, and understanding. We need to train those people to be ruthless!” said DeAlma with a sneer.
“Those people?” said Sarnex with a raised eyebrow. “What people would those be…last time I checked they were just as human as we are.”
“Mark…you need to be a ‘leader!' The Cylons are out to destroy us, and we cannot afford one slip up. That Basestar should never have been allowed to escape; you know they'll be back with reinforcements!”
“I AM a leader, Elyssa!” said Sarnex angrily. “We aren't Capricans, Aerelonians, Picons or Colonials…we're one human race, and we depend as much on them as they now do on us. The faster you lose this attitude the less stressed you'll be!”
An odd smile crept across Elyssa DeAlma's face, one that immediately unsettled Mark Sarnex. “I'm not stressed at all, Nightstalker…I'm being a realist, something you should try before you get your pretty little face blown up in that fighter of yours.” With that, she walked away leaving Mark Sarnex shaking his head.
CHAPTER 15
Sitting high in his command chair, Leoben stared down at the humanoid Cylon models beneath him. A six series Cylon was first to speak, her shoulder length blond hair stood out against the black jumpsuit she was wearing. Cavil was the primary threat to his supremacy aboard the Basestar, and that threat was extinguished before it could gain momentum. Of all the humanoid models, the Six was the least predictable to Leoben, therefore the most dangerous.
“There is no other conclusion other than the Colonials are receiving assistance in this star system, whether or not that assistance is from Earth is unknown. What is known is that in the span of two years they have been able to construct a Mercury-class Battlestar, and at least four full squadrons of fighters.”
“She's right!” began Doral. “There is no way Adama could have acquired those resources without help. We know for a fact that there were no Viper production facilities within the fleet as late as two years ago when they attacked and pillaged our outpost.”
“You mean their attack that was made possible by the treachery of a rogue three model?” said Leoben, his voice echoing across the chamber. He was referring to D'Anna Biers, the three series that was in charge of the outpost. Before that outpost's Leoben was destroyed, he had sent out a coded message to the nearest Basestar to give a report on what was transpiring. The sent message was a last resort that he never expected would be received, and he was soon destroyed, unable to download into a new body. The message was received by a passing Basestar in search of the renegade fleet, and all they knew was that the Cylon in charge of the outpost had collaborated with the enemy, and was acting against her programming. The Cylon model known as D'Anna Biers was boxed until it could be determined where the malfunction originated.
“So it was reported.” Replied Doral. “That new Battlestar inflicted moderate damage on the ship, and we lost 15% of our raider compliment. On its own the ship is not a match for the power of this Basestar, we can compensate for their speed advantage. However, there is a serious threat when its might is combined with the GALACTICA's.”
“That pitiful pile of scrap metal!” boomed Leoben. “How it escaped the initial assault is beyond belief, and worse is the fact that they've evaded us for this long. I cannot fathom how an obsolete Battlestar has managed to last this long with our entire fleet pursuing it.”
Simon stood with his hands folded behind his back. The scientist in him was forever studying the information presented to him, and Leoben was providing a wealth of material to study, his creation of this chamber, the elevated platform, the murder of Cavil by his creation Lucifer, and his self-appointed leadership of the Basestar. He was going to be an interesting study. “Do you propose to call for assistance?” asked Simon.
The chamber remained silent, as if Leoben was contemplating the question. His eyes shone like small suns as he peered down at the gathered Cylons. “No Simon! We have tracked the fugitives this far without assistance from Cylon; I don't see a need to share the thrill of running down the prey and its final destruction.”
“Thrill?” asked a number eight.
“ Sharon , we are not machines! Can you not feel it in the part of you that is human? We were the next step in Cylon evolution, the pinnacle of technology… an organic model that is indistinguishable from the humans. I concluded that collective thinking was destroying our potential, my perspective has increased a hundred fold, and I intend to locate Earth myself. There are models such as Cavil that would like to see the humans completely extinguished from the Cosmos, I on the other hand would like to see them subjugated…under us.”
“We weren't very successful on New Caprica, and that was with 39,192 humans. I can only speculate that Earth contains a much higher population.” Interjected Simon.
“Simon, we are the most technologically-advanced and most powerful civilization in the universe, how long do you think we can be held off? I will find Earth, and when that time comes I will summon our forces, but not before I have consolidated my power throughout our…empire. That is something that is taking place at various levels as we speak.”
The six model understood what Leoben was talking about, her own feelings were chaotic and she too realized that her human side was overpowering her Cylon programming. She never believed the humans should have been destroyed, and her beliefs were closer to Leoben's than either could have imagined.
“The Basestar is almost completely repaired; however we cannot replace the lost Raiders.” Informed Doral.
“That won't matter for the moment. Send out a heavy raider and escort to return to that sector to enact a long-range scan of the system. I want to know what is out there.”
The room was soon emptied, and Leoben returned to his projections.
FROM THE ADAMA JOURNALS:
We have finally had our long-feared and long-anticipated reunion with the Cylons, our newest Battlestar under the command of Saul Tigh engaged a lone Cylon Basestar with a small, but regrettable loss of life. The new ship held up well under combat against a far superior warship. Our benefactors from Earth built an incredible warship far beyond their technological means of understanding. They have come a long way, and so have the people of the twelve colonies of Kobol.
We are now one people, one tribe of Kobol…and we face possible extinction. Terra-1 and GALACTICA are remaining on station in orbit of Uranus. If the Cylons return, it will be to this location and we will be ready for them. I feel so alive, for the first time in years. I have a Battlestar that now has all of its proper shielding plates, an air wing of brand new vipers, a full fuel and ammunition load, and even a large stockpile of nuclear warheads provided by the collective governments of Earth. From what I am told, their nuclear weapons yield a higher destructive force than Colonial ones. I have an incredible crew, as does Saul Tigh. Earth is healing the wounds inflicted on it by inter-world fighting amongst nations. It is not an easy task; enemies yesterday are finding it difficult to be allies today. However, we are making progress.
Laura Roslin has officially stepped down as the President of the twelve colonies, and that office has been abolished, she is now a special liaison between Earth's government and the former colonists, and I foresee a bright future for her. Now we wait for the Cylon's next move.
Raptor 1 from Terra-1 was airborne; Elyssa DeAlma was flanked by four vipers from Werewolf squadron and was starting their patrol outside the Uranus area. Hustler, her ECO was operating the Dradis intently. His attention would have to be undisturbed for this mission.
“Can you believe Nightstalker, Hustler? I mean what was Adama thinking promoting him? Don't get me wrong, he's a real good Viper jock, has a good deal of toaster kills on his resume, but I'm not overly impressed with him as squadron leader.”
“I always had him pegged as a jokester myself, Fraking surprised me that he made Captain and was given command of an air wing.” Replied Hustler, his eyes never leaving the screen.
“I'm serious, our squadron leader needs to pull his head out of his ass before he gets himself, or one of us killed. I'm starting to think I was better off on GALACTICA.”
The patrol was on the far side of Uranus now; the Vipers were spread out a little and paired off. Raptor 1 was conducting her eleventh Dradis sweep when they picked up a possible contact. “Dradis contact bearing 421.7, speed six point five and closing.”
“Frak, signal our escort and have them identify.” Ordered Poseidon. The vipers peeled off in the direction provided by Hustler, their own Dradis now at full power tracking the incoming contacts.
Lt. Dillon Fan; call sign Breakout was in command of the patrol. His Dradis was now picking up the inbound contacts. He was a former fighter pilot for the Royal Air force in the United Kingdom on Earth, and like Lieutenant Anghard Beynon; call sign Branwen another member of the United Kingdom, he volunteered his services immediately for Viper training. He was known for his cool demeanor under pressure, at times mistaken for the stuffiness wrongly attributed to some Englishmen. Dillon Fan viewed his fighter as an extension of himself, and he particularly came to view the Mark II Viper as a surgical tool with wings. He loved his fighter, and took to naming her Winefride, named after Saint Winefride's well in his home town of Holywell . He loved history, the legend of St Winefride tells how in 660AD, an enraged local chieftain severed the head of the young Winefride after she spurned his advances, how a spring rose from the ground at the spot where her head fell and how she was later restored to life by her uncle, St Beuno.
The spring became renowned for its healing powers and throughout the centuries and even until today, pilgrims travel here in their thousands from all over the world to bathe in its waters and worship at its shrine that has become known as the Lourdes of Wales. Dillon Fan hoped that the rumored healing powers would serve him and his viper well in combat.
His Dradis was getting a clearer picture on the contacts. They were definitely spacecraft and definitely inbound six contacts in all.
“Patrol this is Breakout…I'm verifying a total of six contacts, repeat six. Let's go see what we have out there, keep your eyes sharp mates, and weapons free.” As they hurtled towards the sector containing the six contacts an uneasy feeling crept through Dillon. According to the Dradis, he should be in visual range by now. Six black and white targets on his screen instantly turned red in color indicating enemy aircraft. “Bloody Cylon patrol!” yelled Breakout as he pulled back hard on his stick and got above the lead raider moments before it fired.
A second raider went into a roll and fired as it flew by a viper. The viper took a direct hit and exploded. The three remaining vipers engaged the enemy vigorously. “Raptor One, Breakout, we have five Cylon raiders and one heavy raider inbound…get out of here lass!”
Elyssa DeAlma got a fix on the enemy aircraft and her escorts and started to prep for a FTL jump back to Terra-1. “Hustler spool up the FTL drives, these toasters are way too close for comfort.” DeAlma opened up a comline to Terra-1. “Terra-1, Poseidon we have enemy aircraft in this sector request alert fighters immediately.”
The heavy raider had disappeared within minutes leaving its escorts to fend off the viper attack. Breakout did not seem to notice its disappearance in the heat of battle. He sliced a raider down the middle and watched as it split open and exploded into a million burning fragments of flesh and technology. These biomechanical raiders were very different from the simulators he trained on, but he was in his element; flying an instrument of death, and death is exactly what he would mete out.
Aboard Terra-1, Digit was receiving Raptor one's distress call and request for immediate viper assistance. Tigh had all pilots standing by their fighters that were already loaded into the launch tubes. Alert fighters were immediately launched and burning up the space way getting to Raptor one's location. Fighters from GALACTICA were launched and catching up with the alert fighters.
Hustler had made the final preparations for the jump when the Dradis alarm sounded a proximity alarm. A spacecraft jumped into their immediate vicinity, 100 meters off their starboard side. “Frak, we've got a Turkey 100 meters to starboard!” yelled Hustler. The Cylon heavy raider, otherwise known as a “turkey” had jumped in close, Poseidon's eyes widened in horror as the massive cannons beneath its nose opened fire. The Raptor shuddered violently as the cannon fire blew off its port wing. Warning alarms sounded throughout the craft as Elyssa DeAlma attempted to regain control, and avoid another burst of cannon fire. Reconnaissance raptors were normally unarmed, and this was no exception. Raptor One was a sitting duck; a heavily damaged sitting duck as the heavy raider flew by, obviously positioning itself to strike a fatal blow.
“Krypter, Krypter, Krypter…this is Poseidon, we are under attack by heavy raider, my ship has been disabled, and my FTL is down, request immediate assistance.”
Mark Sarnex was pushing his viper to the limit as he raced towards the field of combat, upon hearing Raptor 1's distress call he altered course and headed for its location, following the locator signal of the Raptor's transponder. He called out to his Raptor team. “Raptor one, Nightstalker…the Calvary is on its way, hang on Poseidon!”
Elyssa DeAlma frantically scanned the area with her eyes, the cabin lights were flickering, and they were losing power fast. Hustler's Dradis screen was a jumbled mess, and the ship continued to shudder and list.
The heavy raider was approaching from the rear; as soon as it came within range, it opened fire. The blast blew the entry hatch clean off the side of the Raptor, as well as a good part of the tail. The forced decompression would have sucked the two inhabitants out of the craft in an instant had they not been safely harnessed. DeAlma knew what would happen next; the next shot would penetrate the fuel tanks and send them up in a ball of fire. She had to act fast. Striking the release on her seat harness, she used her legs to push off the damaged control console and flew towards her ECO's station in the zero gravity. Hustler was still dazed by the violent explosion and decompression and did not realize that his pilot had released his harness and was pushing him towards the massive hole in the side of the ship.
“We need to get the Frak out of here Hustler!” yelled DeAlma as she pushed off the bulkhead with all her might. They both cleared the damaged Raptor and were floating in the icy cold region of space. Their flight suits would protect them for some time, and a homing signal was activated on the left arm of their suit in order for a rescue raptor to locate them and get them aboard. The heavy raider was making its final approach, but did not fire. Instead, it just hovered there before them. The two colonials were staying together by locking their arms. The opening of a rear hatch was the last thing Elyssa DeAlma remembered seeing when she was struck with something hard, she felt the air leave her lungs and then blackness.
Breakout evaded the oncoming raider with a tight roll to starboard. Coming out of the roll he squeezed the trigger on his stick and unleashed a blistering barrage of cannon fire, the raider was blown to pieces and he feverishly worked to avoid the debris field in order not to get any fragments lodged in his engine intake, or slamming off his canopy resulting is serious, if not catastrophic damage. His proximity warning sounded, and looking down at his Dradis screen, he noticed close to thirty green-colored contacts coming in fast. Help had arrived in the form of severely pissed off viper pilots. The two remaining raiders reversed course and retreated. Bedlam was in full pursuit, she sent a deadly round down range that caught one of the raider engines full on resulting in an incredible explosion. Lt. Rachel Frost smiled as she attempted to take out the remaining raider. The Cylon ship evaded her fire and darted from side to side as Bedlam unsuccessfully fired upon it. Lt. Steve Parsec call sign: Photon was coming within range of the raider; he had been temporarily transferred from GALACTICA and was itching for a fight. The raider flashed twice on his gun sightscreen indicating that the targeting computer established a lock on the enemy craft. He squeezed off a long round which found its target, the final Cylon raider had been obliterated.
Sarnex had chopped back power and was floating in close to the heavily damaged raptor. His eyes strained to see within the darkened, battered hulk. Flipping a toggle switch, he had activated a powerful searchlight mounted beneath the very end of the viper's nose. The light bathed the inside of the jagged hole where the hatch was once located. The ECO's station was empty, and he used his maneuvering thrusters to bring him closer to the cockpit. The light revealed an empty pilot's seat as well. His head was spinning, where was the crew? He scanned the area looking for the blinking emergency beacon that all pilots either were required to wear in the event their ship was destroyed and they had to eject willingly, or were blown out of the aircraft, which was very seldom ever the case. No emergency beacon and the Dradis were not picking up either crewmember's emergency transponder.
“Terra-1, Nightstalker, I'm on scene with a heavily damaged raptor, no sign of crew…repeat no sign of crew.” Reported Sarnex angrily.
“Nightstalker, Terra-1 you are instructed to return to base with all wings, a salvage raptor will arrive on station to secure Raptor one.” Nightstalker acknowledged the instructions and once all wings were accounted for headed back to Terra-1. Two vipers remained on station to await the salvage raptor and protect it in its operations.
Back on Earth D'Anna Biers had pulled her vehicle into an empty spot in front of one of the research facilities at Groom Lake . The baby was fast asleep in his car seat, and she gently lifted it out of the car and walked through the front entrance. She bypassed the wall map indicating office locations; she knew exactly where she was going. Stopping at the front desk, she was waved through by the officer after having her identification checked. She stopped at the appropriate door on the second floor, her palm pressed flat against the metallic door and she had closed her eyes tightly as if trying to steel herself from some unseen assault. She righted herself, and punched three numbers into the keypad to the left of the door. Upon entering, she placed the car seat on a nearby table and turned to face the man sitting on the sofa, he was smiling. “Welcome back D'Anna, I've been anxious to see you again.” Her green eyes moistened, and her heartbeat quickened. The pangs of guilt washed over her again.
On board the GALACTICA, Colonel Lee Adama stood before the assembled room of squadron leaders from both Battlestars. Admiral Adama sat next to Commander Tigh to the side of the podium. “Gentlemen thank you for coming. As you know we have encountered the Cylons within the solar system, and two days ago, we lost a raptor team near Uranus. The raptor itself was extensively damaged and will most likely be scrapped, the forced decompression must have blown the pilot and ECO clear from the craft.”
“Wouldn't a trained raptor crew be wearing their safety harnesses at all times?” asked Falcon gruffly. He knew Elyssa DeAlma well, and knew she would have been following all safety protocols, especially in a hot zone with expected enemy contacts.
“That is correct; a raptor crew would be restrained at all times, especially in an area where enemy contact would be expected. It is the opinion of me and the two commanding officers present that Poseidon and Hustler deliberately left the safety of their craft which according to her last transmission was under armed attack.” Said Apollo “The question is…where are they now? They both were wearing locator transponders, and emergency helmet beacons, yet there was no sign of them with Dradis or mark one eyeball.”
“They were taken captive!” interrupted Matthew Lensherr. “The heavy raider most likely captured them after they were blown out of the ship, or willfully departed.”
“That's what it looks like happened, Hephaestus.” Replied Apollo. “The Cylons are now alert to our presence in this sector, that Basestar was able to jump away, and we have no reason to doubt that they alerted every Basestar in communications range. It's only a matter of time now…Admiral, the floor is yours.” Adama pulled himself up and strode to the podium, he towered over it, and he silently stared out to the squadron leaders sitting before him.
“Gentlemen, we are now at a crossroad. Do we turn and run for Earth, or stand our ground and fight what will most likely be overwhelming odds. It will only be a matter of time before the Cylons locate Earth in this system. Her only defense outside of these two Battlestars are approximately six squadrons of land-based vipers, and an equal amount of atmospheric jet fighters of the F-22 Raptor variety, Chengdu J-50, Migs, F161 Sufas, and a variety of European jetfighters. The second Battlestar is still under construction, and will not be ready for some time. Any Cylon force is going to arrive in this area first, and after consultation with Commander Tigh and Earth Defense Command I have decided to remain on station for the time being.”
The pilots wanted to hear more, they were angry that two of their own were missing, and possibly being detained and even tortured.
“As for our missing raptor team…we must assume they have been captured, and will most assuredly by interrogated by the Cylons. They both graduated near the top of their respective classes at the Colonial Military academy and are trained to resist torture. However, we must be ready to accept the fact that one can only endure so much. We will remain at condition two until further notice. If we encounter the Cylons, you and the pilots under your command will be our first line of defense. You must strike hard and fast, every pull of the trigger must be one shot one kill, we must minimize the amount of time our birds are offline to reload.”
The meeting ended, and the squadron leaders left for their assigned Battlestar. Lensherr and Sarnex stood at the rear of the launch bay, watching vipers get loaded into the tubes. The mood between the two friends was somber. “Matt I was less than 2 minutes away from them, I had the turbos kicked in and just couldn't get there in time!”
“Mark there wasn't anything you or those escort vipers could do. Breakout's team was engaged with the raiders, and he later mentioned that he never even saw the heavy raider bug out. The turkey must have jumped to Poseidon's position and took them out, there is no sign of them, and there is no transmission, so we have to assume they were taken prisoner. As tough as she is, they will break her and Hustler too. We have to be prepared for that possibility.”
“I didn't have a good showing my first time out as top dog…”
“That's a Fraking load, Mark,” said Lensherr cutting him off. “You guys were going head to head with a full compliment of seasoned raiders, many of your pilots new viper pilots, there is nothing at all to be ashamed of, and you guys did better than expected under the circumstances.”
“Thirty vipers to a Battlestar, I question the logic to that some days.”
“You know how long it takes to build a full-sized Battlestar, Mark. We do not have the time, even if they worked round the clock. These smaller Battlestars are faster, and more maneuverable than GALACTICA or even the Pegasus. Once they build the carrier hybrid, the firepower will be devastating. Eventually we'll have the breathing room to build a full sized fleet of Battlestars, with luck the Cylons will decide we're no longer worth the effort to eradicate.” Sarnex laughed and slapped Lensherr on the shoulder.
“My friend…you are the dreamer. The toasters are never going to stop; of course they may let you live seeing as how you're now related through marriage.” Said Sarnex.
“You're just jealous, my friend!” shot back Lensherr with a smile. “Get back to your ship Captain, get your wings in order and pray that we'll be able to survive what they throw at us.” The two friends shook hands and parted ways. Lensherr's thoughts turned to his wife and child. He missed them terribly, and the thought of dying out in the vastness of space was not appealing. If they were to fall to the Cylons, he wanted to be with his family when the time came.
She could hear the voices, muffled and distant but present nonetheless. They were soft and non-threatening, but she could not see them. It was so dark, yet she felt warm and safe. Elyssa DeAlma did not know where she was, all she knew was that it was difficult to focus, and she was no longer in her pilot's seat of the raptor. The voices were growing louder ever so slightly, and the darkness replaced by a grainy twilight. Her eyelids started to open with great difficulty.
“Welcome back to the land of the living, Captain DeAlma.” Came a disembodied voice. Elyssa knew that someone was in front of her, but her vision was blurred, and could not make out the details. She was lying down, her upper torso slightly inclined upwards. She wanted to ask where she was, but nothing came out when she opened her mouth.
“Try not to speak until you've gained your strength.” Said the mysterious voice, a cool cloth was softly passed over her forehead. “You're safe.” The voice was that of a man, his touch gentle.
Leoben signaled Simon and the six series to step outside the room. “I want to continue with her in this vein. Keep her sedated and comfortable, I will be checking in on the other one.”
“By your command.” Replied Simon.
Leoben walked down the long hallway towards the holding cells. A centurion stepped aside so he could pass through the portal. The stench of the room assaulted his nostrils; looking ahead, he viewed a tall rectangular transparent container filled with filthy brown water. A cage that was suspended from the ceiling was submerged in it. The human shackled within the cage was in that filthy water up to his bare chest. Sharp spikes were positioned inside the cage and on the floor of it. Hustler had dozens of lacerations and puncture marks all over his body and on the soles of his feet. Infection had spread thanks to the sewage treated water.
Hustler lost track of the time, at one point he thought he had counted three days, but between the electric shocks and savage beatings he had lost consciousness multiple times. He was no longer sure how long he was in captivity. He vaguely remembers Centurions that had dragged him through the hallway. He was stripped of his flight suit and dog tags, the first human he recalled seeing was a man with a short-cropped hair, steel gray eyes and a chiseled face. Leoben Conoy, the most feared of the human model Cylons. That same face was now staring up at him.
“Has there been any progress?” he asked. A Simon model appeared, his white lab coat spattered with human blood and traces of the brown water Hustler currently found himself standing in.
“Outside of his name, rank and service identification he has said nothing of value. He keeps repeating certain phrases, like a mantra. I have determined he is using that as a point of focus in order to retain some sense of sanity.” Replied the scientist.
“They have been aboard almost a week now and he still hasn't broken?” said Leoben with a trace of amazement. “The woman is being handled on a different track, but I'm surprised that this one hasn't been broken. The levels of interrogation have been fairly barbaric.”
“His resistance to interrogation is quite high, but there is a ceiling, and it will eventually be broken.” Replied Simon.
Leoben turned to face Simon and said, “Get him out of there, clean the wounds and throw him in a dark cell for the time being.”
“By you command.” Said Simon placing his clipboard on a nearby stainless steel table. Working a hand-held remote the steel cage ascended from the container of cold, filthy water and was lowered to the floor. The stench was putrid, a dazed Hustler stood naked and bleeding within the cage. Donning a pair of long gloves, Simon unbolted the cage door and swung it open. Responding to a wireless cybernetic command the Centurion outside the door entered and walked up to the cage opening. Pushing a series of buttons on the remote the hand shackles snapped open and before Hustler could fall to the spiked floor the Centurion reached in and pulled the battered body out of the cage, placing it on a nearby gurney. Simon wheeled the gurney out of the chambers and down the hall.
In the command room of the Basestar, Doral and two Six models were discussing options. Doral was the first to speak. “I'm of the opinion that we should notify the fleet for reinforcements. Once we have Earth's location from the captured pilots we can put an end to this.”
The Six model known as Gina responded as expected. “I believe that I along with the eight models, as well as the number threes have voiced our opposition to the annihilation of the humans. There is no need for it. There never should have been a need for it.”
“Be that as it may, the humans have built another Battlestar, and chances are they built it with revenge on their minds.” Replied Doral.
“Or self defense.” Countered the eight model.
“If the colonials have reached Earth, and united with their lost 13th tribe than we have no other option than to destroy them before they destroy us.”
“Why are you against any possibility of living separately, and in peace with the humans?”
“Because being human…they will eventually seek out retribution upon us, they will raise their offspring to hate us, to hunt us down and avenge those killed on the twelve worlds.” Said Leoben now entering the room, Lucifer at his side.
“It doesn't have to be that way, Leoben.” Said Gina.
“Your model was instrumental in achieving victory over the humans, you seduced Dr. Gaius Baltar, persuaded him into giving you access to the defense main frame and allowed our forces to take them by complete and utter surprise.”
“That was Caprica Six, not me.”
“What is the difference?” said Leoben smiling. “In any event, I will not be calling for reinforcements at this time. Our forces need to be united under one command, and at this time, I am ensuring that this happens. We are the pinnacle of Cylon evolution; we have evolved from cybernetic service drones of human whim to masters of the galaxy. We have improved the human race by merging with it. There is a planet out there that will provide us with countless numbers to procreate and advance the next evolution of Cylon.”
“What do you intend to do with those unable or unwilling to procreate?” asked Gina.
“I will allow no opposition. Once all of Cylon has been unified under one command, the empire so to speak will maintain order throughout the galaxy.”
“I take it you intend to be that unified command.” Said Gina.
“Yes, and those that stand against me will be removed in the most horrific, and permanent way.” Replied Leoben turning his gaze towards Lucifer who stood silently at his side. His twin red eyes flashing back and fourth.
GALACTICA pilot's ready room was halfway filled with fighter pilots, being on an alert status meant that no pilot was off duty, and none would be drinking any alcohol. The coffee urns were filled, and the pilots who were not sleeping were playing cards or engaged in other activities. At a corner table sat a handful of pilots from different squadrons. Lt. Caelyn Bailey Horn sat with Lieutenants Tev Torbek, Dennis Walker and Neil West. Major Kara Thrace had entered the room, poured herself a mug of coffee, and joined the other pilots at the table.
“You folks mind if I join you?” asked Starbuck not waiting for an answer as she sat down on an empty chair.
“Not at all, major.” Replied Torbek who went by the call sign Lancelot. He was shuffling a deck of cards with no intention of dealing them out. This was therapeutic for him and an absolute irritation for anyone else around him.
Starbuck was sipping her coffee when she noticed Hephaestus walk in, she gestured for him to come over and sit. After pouring himself a mug of coffee and rooting around a tray of pastries he settled for an apple turnover and sat down.
“I trust all of your ships are fully ready for launch if you're all sitting around the ready room?” asked Lensherr rhetorically.
“Ready to turn and burn, skipper.” Replied West who wore his call sign stitched on a hat that read ASLAN.
Turning to Kara Thrace, he had inquired about Hannibal . A smile spread across her face as she replied that she got a chance to see him prior to Raptor one's team going MIA. The relationship between the two was not a secret for some time, and the hardest part was being separated by their assignments to separate Battlestars. They had spent some real quality time on Earth, and looked forward to reuniting whenever leave would be granted, and that was not looking like it would happen too soon unfortunately.
Aphrodite and Prometheus were engaged in a private discussion, and Torbek continued with his card shuffling. Captains Nintius and Bastain entered the room and sat at a corner table. Betty and Falcon had always been close, and it was long rumored that there was something going on between the lead raptor pilot and Hunter Seeker's squadron leader. However, very few people were close enough to either pilot to ask them directly, and even then, they probably would not get the answer they expected. The two looked happy and at ease with each other. Nintius wore a hat similar to Aslan's that bore the call sign BETTY above the brim. Her long auburn hair tied into a neat ponytail hung beneath her shoulder blades.
Falcon rocked back in his seat as the two engaged in deep conversation. Captain Tony Bastain was an intensely private person and an excellent viper pilot who graduated first in his academy. He was recently promoted to squadron leader of the newly formed Hunter Seekers, and he was intent on turning it into a crack squadron. He missed the camaraderie of Blue squadron, but could not pass up the opportunity to spearhead his own squadron, to mold them into the type of pilots he felt essential to the fleet.
The topic on Nina Nintius' mind was Elyssa DeAlma. She knew that DeAlma was a skilled raptor pilot who would do everything in her power to protect her ECO and avoid capture, but it was growing apparent that they were MIA over a week, and there had been no signal of any kind from either of them, nor had any bodies or body parts been recovered from the area the damaged raptor was found in.
“She's a strong person Tony, but ever since we found Earth she slowly became a different person, more combative, more authoritative with junior officers, hell I was half expecting to walk into her quarters one day and find poor old Bedlam decked out in some skimpy maid outfit ironing out DeAlma's dress uniform.
“Now that's something I would dearly love to see, Bedlam has one hell of a body!” laughed Falcon. Nintius was unfazed by the comment, she was not a jealous person by nature, and it was true…Rachel Frost, assistant squadron leader of the Werewolves did indeed have a “hell of a body.”
“Nice, but completely inappropriate for a senior officer to abuse their junior officer. I have heard some rumors across the grapevine that she really had it in for Bedlam for some reason. From the moment she stepped foot on Terra-1, she was like a changed woman, and there had been a falling out between her and Nightstalker over something he's too professional to mention.”
“I bet you could get it out of him.” Said Falcon sarcastically.
“Jealous, love?”
“You wish!” he replied.
Poseidon was awake now. She was on an extremely comfortable bed, and the intravenous lines had been removed earlier in the morning. She still felt a little off, and her focus was not complete. A knock at the door startled her, she was naked beneath the covers and she instinctively pulled up the covers. The door slid open, and the familiar face she had seen in many intelligence photos aboard GALACTICA entered the room. Leoben Conoy was dressed in a black shirt and loose pants of the same color. His steel gray eyes pierced the room, and he had a slight smile spread across his face. “Good morning, Captain.” It was the same voice she had heard earlier, now she had a face to go with the voice, and it unnerved her.
“Simon had informed me that you were now wide awake, and recovered from your injuries.” he said pleasantly.
“What injuries would that be, you people have kept me sedated!” said DeAlma defensively. Leoben sat down on the side of the bed, inches from DeAlma who flinched at the proximity. This man had nearly killed a Colonial officer when she was interrogating him. He was shackled to the floor, and was able to break the chain and upend a heavy table in seconds as he pinned that officer to the wall before the guards could even react. Leoben Conoy was indeed dangerous.
“You had collided with a piece of debris from your raptor and were knocked unconscious. You had broken two ribs which we have repaired.” DeAlma instinctively reached for her side, there was a minute amount of discomfort. Cylon technology was far more advanced than Colonial; there was no reason why their medical advancements should not surpass human medical advancements.
“Where is my Electronic Countermeasure Officer?” demanded DeAlma.
“Resting comfortably as we speak Elyssa, his injuries required a continued sedation to allow his body to recuperate” Said Leoben, his voice surprisingly soothing. She was taken aback by his response at using her first name. His eyes peered deeply into hers as if trying to penetrate the windows to her soul. “Don't be afraid, I'm not the enemy. This conflict between our two races must end.” He said sincerely, his voice almost singsong in its tone. DeAlma found herself growing less tense in his presence.
“Am I a prisoner?” she asked sharply.
“Consider yourself a guest with limited access at this time.” Said Leoben still smiling. “To be honest with you, I have taken command of this Basestar, and copies of my series throughout our fleet are enacting my directives. Our people have been antagonistic for far too long, and I seek to change that.”
“Antagonistic?” said DeAlma incredulously. “Your chrome-plated ‘people' did your best to exterminate my people. If not for the GALACTICA, there would be nobody left alive from the twelve colonies.”
“Yes, Admiral Adama is a resourceful person. He has succeeded in evading us for some time.” Said Leoben thoughtfully. “However, the time for conflict must end, and a final outcome must be forced or negotiated. You have found what you have sought since the destruction of the Colonies. You have found Earth!”
“Your intelligence is wrong, we haven't found Earth.” Countered DeAlma.
Leoben's smile widened, his eyes flared as he put his hand on DeAlma's forearm. “How do you account for the extra Battlestar, Captain? The only other surviving Battlestar was the Pegasus, and she was destroyed at New Caprica.” His touch was not what DeAlma expected, nor was her reaction to it. She did not pull her arm away; she allowed his warm powerful hand to remain in light contact.
“I prefer to keep that information to myself.” Replied DeAlma smugly.
“Very well, you will remain aboard this Basestar as my guest. There is a Centurion outside your door, but you will be allowed to roam freely with certain exceptions. His hand was slightly stroking her arm, and his eyes bore deeper into her own. Standing up she had noticed how muscular his arms were, the biceps strained against the sleeves that contained them. He was an incredibly handsome Cylon thought DeAlma, and for some strange reason she did not feel threatened by him. There was the faintest trace of a pleasant aroma in the room, it relaxed her, and she lay back against her pillow and closed her eyes. She was soon fast asleep.
In the next room, Simon and Doral watched the exchange through an observation portal that was one way; in DeAlma's cell, this portal took the shape of a mirror above a sink. Leoben walked in. “She seemed quite relaxed.” Observed Leoben.
“I removed her intravenous lines as instructed. The sedation is being pumped into the room from hidden vents. The longer she is exposed, the more her resolve weakens. Replied Simon.
“Continue your observations, and keep her sedated. I plan to work very closely with her myself.” Said Leoben with a wink.
Hours turn into days, and after flying three Combat Air Patrols, Hotdog was starting to feel tired. Where were the Cylons he thought? Almost two full weeks since the Basestar escaped and still no sign of a single raider, never mind the entire Cylon juggernaut that everyone was expecting. Perhaps they were trying to lure us into a false sense of security, if so then they were in for a disappointment. William Adama would never be caught flatfooted again, thought Costanza. They would remain on station at a modified level of action stations for as long as it took. Uranus was key; if the Cylons were going to reappear then they would come back to the scene of the crime so to speak.
Earth Defense Command had already begun the planning for a military outpost on Titan, one of Saturn's moons. It would house approximately 6 squadrons of vipers, and 200 support personnel. Since the Colonies had shared their superior technology with Earth, the rush to build defenses had taken a priority, something that had rankled many of the former members of the Council of twelve, and many more citizens of Earth, mainly scientists, pioneers, medical researchers and peace activists. This infuriated Hotdog, sure the advanced technology was a tremendous boon with the potential to unlock many doors that Earth technology labored to unlock for decades prior to the Colonial fleet's arrival at their blue and green world. As a former law enforcement officer prior to joining the Colonial military, Brendan Costanza knew that a free society remained free not only due to democracy, but due to military strength that bolstered that democracy. The Cylons would have to be fought; negotiations were the dreams of fools who had no prior experience with Cylons, or life outside their own planet. A soothing female voice roused him from his deep thoughts.
“Are you still awake over there, Hotdog?” Came the voice of Lt. Jenna St. Lynn from the comfortable seat of her raptor.
“Kraken, Hotdog…I am wide awake, thank you for asking. Just attempting to solve the mysteries of fate.” Replied Hotdog, an air of humor in his voice. Raptor 3 was 100 yards off his port wing, with Lancelot, Photon and Prometheus spread out across their assigned recon sectors.
“Perhaps you can solve the reason why I can't keep Lancelot from hitting on me every five minutes. I may have to use something a little stronger than a fire extinguisher on his manhood the next time he starts up.” Laughed Kraken knowing that Lancelot could hear every word on his comline that was assigned to the CAP.
“Kraken, Lancelot…you're gonna have to break sooner or later, just admit it…you want me!”
“I'd sooner deep-kiss a daggit, you Fraking deviant!” replied Kraken.
“Alright children, our time is coming to an end fortunately…let's head back to GALACTICA and grab some dinner and rack time.” Ordered Hotdog altering his course for the aging Battlestar. The four vipers had regrouped and were trailing the wake of raptor three heading for home. Hunter Seeker squadron who were now enroute to their location would relieve them. Falcon had remained onboard due to a squadron leader's meeting with the CAG.
After transferring the patrol to Hannibal , Silver Spar squadron had kicked in the turbos and headed for GALACTICA. The immense Battlestar glided majestically through space. A Colonial Battlestar projected force throughout the galaxy when the Colonies still existed. GALACTICA was the oldest front line Battlestar prior to the attack on the twelve worlds. As impressive as Terra-1 was, to Hotdog it paled in comparison to this incredible war machine.
“GALACTICA this is Hotdog requesting permission to land.”
“Hotdog, GALACTICA…permission granted, your patrol is directed to land in the port landing bay, over.” Said Captain Felix Gaeta over Hotdog's comline.
“Message received GALACTICA…port landing bay.” Chopping back the Voram engines to a quarter power, Hotdog used his maneuvering thrusters on his final approach. His viper, christened Punisher glided through the cavernous portal and came to a stop on his assigned platform. As the magnetic locks engaged, the platform lowered into the hanger bay. When his viper was finally secured, he popped the canopy and removed his helmet. As he dismounted his viper Hephaestus, who had just left the meeting with the CAG met him.
“Greetings Hotdog, enjoy your patrol?”
“Hardly…had to listen to Kraken and Lancelot most of the patrol, those two need to get a Fraking room sooner rather than later.”
“Oh sure, that's all we need. Those two are fire and ice; it would be a catastrophe of galactic proportions.” Laughed Lensherr.
“Skipper, I need to grab some chow, you care to join me?” The two friends made their way to the chow hall and filled their tray with the evening's fare. Lensherr opted for the steak and steamed vegetables, and Costanza went for the Earth delicacies of veal parmesan and cavatti. He developed quite a liking for Italian food, and was thrilled when the mess officer decided to stock a good variety of different Earth foodstuff. The steaks were not what you would find in a fine steakhouse, but were not bad for a Battlestar.
“Hotdog, the Spars need to be on top of their game, hell all of the squadrons on both Battlestars better be at the top of their game when the Cylons show.”
“And what makes you think we aren't?” asked Hotdog.
“I know we are, I just don't want any of these minor distractions with Lancelot and Kraken. She damn near froze his balls off with a fire extinguisher and he STILL chases after her.”
“When these toasters show up they'll be coming with everything they got in their arsenal. A Battlestar and a half won't be anywhere near enough…you KNOW this.”
“Not much of a choice, it's all we have, and running is out of the question. We just can't pick up and run, the Cylons will eventually find Earth and who will protect them?” asked Lensherr.
CHAPTER 16
Elyssa DeAlma could not shake the cobwebs from her mind it seemed. She lost track of how long she had been aboard the Basestar, and she was worried about her ECO Hustler, whom she had not seen since they were attacked in the raptor. The door slid open, and in stepped Leoben, her heart rate quickened as he made his way over to her. His hands were folded behind his back, and he was smiling.
“How are we feeling today, Captain?”
“I'd be feeling better if my ECO and I were allowed to leave.” Replied DeAlma matter-of-factly.
“You realize that won't be happening anytime soon, Elyssa. You see you have information that I need, and it would please me a great deal if you would be forthcoming.” Replied Leoben walking behind her. She continued to face forward, and could feel his breath on her neck.
“What do you want to know?”
“I would like to know how you built another Battlestar, with what resources, and from where? I want to know where Earth is, and what her level of technological advancements is.
“You know of course I won't answer those questions, we haven't found Earth…I don't know how many times I can tell you that!” Leoben placed his hands on her shoulders; she could feel her body shudder, but not entirely due to fear.
“Elyssa, I don't believe you! As a matter of fact I know you had help with the construction of a new Battlestar, I believe that help originated from Earth. He spun her around and stepped in close to her. “I'd rather not have to force the information from you. You are a beautiful woman, and even though I am a Cylon, I am also human, and do not wish to see you endure a harsh interrogation.” Removing his hands and stepping back, Leoben tried a different tactic. “You are quite alone on the GALACTICA, you find yourself unable to open up to those who couldn't possibly understand a woman of your inner strength and intellect.”
“How could you possibly know that?” DeAlma shot back defensively.
“You are quite the talker when you're medicated. Though nothing in the line of answers that I seek.” Said Leoben truthfully. Elyssa was elated that she did not reveal Earth's location or other military secrets. “You are still a Captain in the Colonial military, still a raptor pilot assigned to monotonous reconnaissance patrols in search of the evil Cylons. Is there nothing more in your future?”
“Not much with you chasing us halfway across the universe.”
Leoben stepped in faster than Elyssa could react to; taking her by the shoulders, he kissed her. Kissing a Cylon was the last thing Elyssa DeAlma ever expected doing, especially kissing Leoben Conoy, the most brutal and feared of the human-Cylon series. This Leoben was neither; he had been calm and accommodating. She did not pull away; instead, she wrapped her arms tightly about his waist, a move that surprised her. What was she doing, this was the enemy she was kissing?
“Wait…this isn't right!” said DeAlma shakily. Her head was swimming, she was not feeling any pain, but she knew something was not right.
“Elyssa, what do the humans have to truly offer you? The Cylons are the most powerful force in the known universe, we have extended our power across the cosmos…soon we will find Earth.”
“And then what? You'll exterminate them, as you almost did with the Colonies?”
“Things have changed, Elyssa. We no longer need to fear humans, our might grows exponentially, and there is still much to learn from the human race that can benefit my race.”
“Your race? You're machines…not true human beings.”
“Tell that to Sharon Valeri's half human child. That ‘machine' gave birth to a half human child…the next step in Cylon evolution.”
“We no longer have a reason to exterminate humanity; you are not a threat to us. I have consolidated power across the Cylon fleet, and soon there will be one leader of the Cylons. That one leader will be me. I have the power to grant clemency to Adama' pathetic ragtag fleet, and I desire a lasting armistice. The decision to exterminate humanity was born out of fear, one that must be rectified. I offer you that first act of clemency.” He pulled her closer, kissing her again. She could not catch her breath, and her mind was drifting as if she was drugged. Lifting her off her feet, Leoben carried the captive Elyssa DeAlma to her bed. He gently lowered her to her feet, with a degree of gentleness that truly surprised DeAlma; Leoben removed her clothes, letting them drop to the stainless steel floor. She knew what would happen next, and decided to let it happen. She told herself that this was survival, but she knew deep down that that was a lie. The truth was that she wanted this to happen, and that feeling did not surprise her as much as she thought it should have. She removed her captor's clothes, and the two slid into the bed and lowered the light. A red light pulsated along the base of the four walls.
D'Anna Biers was fastening the buttons on her blouse when the baby started to stir in his car seat. She glanced down at him and a wave of emotion flooded over her. What was she doing here? Lensherr would eventually find out, she had never before felt so conflicted about an action. The man on the couch was now replacing his white lab coat, a clipboard under his left arm. He gestured towards young James, “He's hungry!”
D'Anna picked the car seat off the floor and left the room, she had been here long enough and the last thing she wanted to do was feed her son in this cold and sterile place. Securing James in the car, she jumped into the driver's seat and sped away.
Laura Roslin was enjoying her new position as liaison between the colonists and Earth government. She was no longer the President, and there would be certain elements of that job she would definitely not miss. The office of President of the twelve colonies as planned was abolished. There were no longer twelve Colonies of Kobol to govern. Roughly, 50,000 refugees now resided on Earth with the long lost thirteenth tribe. In the year they had been on Earth, technologies were advanced, and in some cases, Earth had more to give to their new occupants than would have been expected. Medical advancements, as well as agricultural and engineering advancements were made rapidly with the help of the former colonists. Poor regions of the Earth blossomed slowly, and unemployed soon found themselves working on military armaments. Priority was given to completing the second Battlestar, and crews literally worked in shifts round the clock trying to build her.
Military aircraft builders in the five major nations switched over to viper and raptor construction, civilian aircraft builders focused on refueling tankers, and large transportation spacecraft. With the propulsion and gravity obstacles overcome, plans were being made to explore the solar system with actual human beings as opposed to remote or robotic controlled spacecraft. Laura Roslin was instrumental in getting crucial personnel from the former Colonies in charge, or employed in the vital areas now being addressed. Many of the former Colonists started to leave their temporary housing at reactivated military installations to start living amongst their fellow humans. United States President Connor McGregor was well on his way to becoming the first Earth President. No such position had yet to be created, but there was almost a feeling of inevitability to the creation of such an office. The very fact that the Colonial refugees interacted with the United States first helped catapult McGregor's already high opinion polls in and out of the United States . The current US President and former Colonial President were currently enjoying a quiet lunch at the White House.
“Laura,” began McGregor softly. “The Cylons have been discovered within our solar system, in the vicinity of the planet Uranus to be exact.”
“Oh my Gods!” exclaimed Roslin dropping her fork on the fine china. “When did this happen?”
“According to Earth Defense Command, two weeks ago a recon patrol came upon a Cylon heavy raider. The raider was able to ‘jump away' and warn its Basestar to the discovery of vipers. The Basestar jumped in, and a dogfight ensued between it and Terra-1. GALACTICA responded from the moon's orbit and the battle commenced. The Cylons were able to escape, and Admiral Adama fears that they will return with reinforcements.”
“What is the fleet's current status?” asked Laura, inadvertently falling back into old habits of Presidential authority. McGregor smiled, as President he was also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President of the Colonies had no such mandate, but apparently, her relationship with Admiral Adama was one that she was usually kept in the loop of military matters, even if it was just a courtesy.
“Terra-1 and GALACTICA are remaining on station in the Uranus area. It is believed that if the Cylons return, they will enter through that corridor. Four fully armed viper squadrons are enroute to that location, they are being transported by the STRYKER and another transport ship that were reactivated to jump them out there seeing as how vipers are not equipped with FTL drives.
“Unfortunately that will still be far less firepower than what is needed if the entire Cylon fleet arrives. What is the status on the new Battlestar?” asked Roslin.
“EDC has authorized redeployment of personnel and materials to the dry-dock in Russia where she's being built. We've pulled out all the stops to get the new ship online.”
“I'm sure you know what she'll be called!” said Roslin, a smile forming, obviously digging for information.
“Of course!” replied McGregor. “Upon completion she will be christened the Battlestar Excalibur…I'm sure that name will remain between the two of us for the time being.”
“I like it.” Said Roslin. “It sounds strong!”
Aboard GALACTICA, Admiral Adama was sitting in his private quarters going over status reports. The silence was interrupted by the alert of his phone, and the voice over the speaker. “CIC calling the Commanding Officer.”
Adama set aside the printouts and reached for the wall-mounted phone. “Commanding officer.”
Felix Gaeta's voice was on the other end of the line, “Admiral I have two Colonial vessels jumping into the area, the STRYKER and the Colonial Movers transport. Earth Command had alerted us earlier that they dispatched the two vessels to deliver four viper squadrons out to us.”
This was good news for Adama; sixty Mark II vipers would be added to the arsenal of both Battlestars. Realistically this was still far below what the Cylons could possibly throw at them, but every fighter helped. He would most likely have to house the bulk of the fighters due to space constraints aboard Terra-1, the civilian ships could not remain due to not being armed. “Excellent Captain, have the XO oversee the transfer of fighters to both Battlestars.”
“Aye sir. Temporary quarters have been established for the additional pilots once we initially received word of the fresh vipers enroute.”
Lee was making a fine executive officer thought Adama. The man was just as efficient as Tigh had been; he smiled to himself at having made the correct choice to succeed Saul Tigh.
Elyssa DeAlma's eyelids fluttered, the room was dark and the only light was the pulsating red strobe that was moving in a clock-wise motion across the bottom of the walls. She was exhausted; she was up most of the night engaged in all kinds of sex with Leoben. Her whole body ached, yet she felt completely alive as she reached out with her arm to find nothing but empty sheets, Leoben was gone. She sat up immediately, seeing herself in the mirror she was surprised by the face that was reflected back at her. She almost did not recognize the woman before her. Gone was the spit and polished look of a military officer, and in her place was…what? A collaborator, a whore, a traitor? She was taken prisoner over a week ago and still had not seen Hustler. Instead, she was having sex with the leader of this Basestar, a sworn enemy of humanity. She could not figure out why she was allowing herself to be used so easily. What disturbed her more was that she realized that she had enjoyed her time with Leoben.
Her flight suit was folded neatly on a nearby table; a very soft looking ivory-colored jumpsuit lay next to it. She opted for the jumpsuit that was exactly her size. Her captors obviously wanted her to be comfortable. A pair of perfectly sized shoes was beneath the table next to her military issued flight boots. Obviously, she had been given a choice, and curiously, she opted against wearing her flight suit. As she stepped up to the door, a sensor was tripped and the door slid open. A Centurion outside the door turned its metallic head her way; she stopped cold as its fearsome red eye scanned back and fourth in her direction. The Centurion had been programmed not to fire on her, and to follow her wherever she went aboard the Basestar. She quickly stepped past it; an involuntary shudder traveled the length of her spine as it fell in step behind her. The rooms and hallways she encountered were sleek, spotless yet bland. The humanoid Cylons had no need for decorations or observation ports due to their ability to ‘project' different environments. Projection is a Cylon ability that allows them to consciously induce an extraordinarily realistic hallucination in the form of an artificial environment around themselves, which they can choose to share with other Cylons. She walked the entire length of the hallway and found herself confronted by the humanoid Cylon known as Simon. He was wearing a white lab coat and carrying a clipboard when he noticed her.
“Good morning Captain, are you lost?” asked the Cylon.
“How the Frak do you people find your way around here, every hallway and room looks identical?” complained DeAlma. The tall black man smiled as he explained how the Cylons projected their environments as a means to navigate the confusing hallways.
“How are you feeling today?” he asked.
“I still can't seem to completely focus, there's a certain…'fuzziness' in my mind.” This of course was the effects of the sedatives being secretly pumped into her room at all times. It had zero affect on the Cylons, but Elyssa DeAlma's body was saturated with the toxin.
“That would be the residual effect of the sedatives we had to introduce to your body to keep you unconscious as we repaired the injuries you sustained when your raptor was engaged, it will wear off in time.”
“Engaged? You mean attacked!” replied DeAlma. Simon just stared at her in silence.
“As Leoben stated, you are free to roam the Basestar. This Centurion will accompany you at all times. Would you like to see our central command and control center?” DeAlma was surprised at the invitation, they were going to allow the enemy into the most sensitive and secure area of any warship. Why not, she thought, she was no threat to them at all. The three walked down a series of identical hallways and soon entered a large room populated by various humanoid Cylon models. The hackles on her neck were raised upon seeing the Sharon Valeri model.
She slowly walked up to a large basin that two Dorals and a six series Cylon stood behind, the basin contained streams of water that go over a lit up computer glass surface. Simon explained that the Cylons could interface with the data by simply placing their hands in the basins. The chamber door slid open as Leoben entered, Lucifer at his side as usual.
“Good morning Elyssa.” Said Leoben as he walked over to her and kissed her on the lips.
“Not that concerned about fraternizing with the enemy in front of your troops?” asked DeAlma mockingly.
“You should perhaps stop considering yourself the enemy, and as far as the troops go…I lead this Basestar, I don't answer to anyone.” Replied Leoben. Elyssa looked quickly at the other Cylons; Leoben's comments had absolutely no impact upon them. His statement of singular rule over the Basestar went against what she knew about the Cylons. She had always believed the human-model Cylons acted by consensus, that there was no single leader.
“If I'm not the enemy, then what am I?” she asked.
“You are my guest for the moment,” he began. “A permanent armistice must be obtained between Cylon and human, this war has gone on for far too long. Humanity is no longer a military threat to us, and we do not wish to continue to commit our resources to pursing you.”
“Why should I trust or believe you? I have been here a week, and still have not seen my Electronic Countermeasures Officer, I demand to know where he is…I want to see him!”
“Very well, you will see him shortly, but first, I know you have found Earth, Elyssa…the sudden appearance of a second Colonial Battlestar and fresh viper compliment just didn't materialize out of thin air. You had help! That help could only have come from Earth, the planet you have been desperately seeking since the destruction of the Colonies.”
“I don't have the answers you seek.” Replied DeAlma nervously.
“We shall see about that. Come, let's take a walk.” The two left the room, Lucifer and the Centurion followed farther back.
“Elyssa, the war is over…humanity has lost. The Cylons are now the only power in the universe, the thirteenth tribe has nothing to fear from us as long as it does not conspire to extract any form of revenge on behalf of the Colonists. The Cylons will dictate the new galactic order, and humanity is welcome to take part and prosper in that order. Members of humanity that work with us will be rewarded with the reins of power in the age to come. I want you to be in that order!” He could see that she had mixed feelings; he realized that he had chosen well to use a different tactic with this one. She had aspirations for greatness and power, and he would cultivate those desires.
“What will happen to those who don't agree to become part of that new galactic order?”
“There is no choice, Elyssa. Cylon and Humanity must coexist, our misguided attempts to eradicate your race two years ago has cost us countless resources, time and energy. Offspring created by human and Cylon are the future, we have an incredible opportunity to take the next step in each race's evolution. With the blood, so to speak, mingled…there is no longer human or Cylon, we versus them…we become one race, with unlimited potential.”
The words seemed to flow melodically, and Elyssa understood the logic in what Leoben was saying. She was further intrigued by the offer of power promised by Leoben for those humans who worked with them. She did not see it as collaborating, she saw it as inevitable. The Cylon Empire far surpassed whatever the Earth Defense Command could throw at it in sheer numbers. There were two known Cylon/Human offspring, and Leoben was right, the potential of what humanity could achieve with such a merging of races was overwhelming.
“What about us?” asked DeAlma. Leoben stopped and turned towards her, his eyes were intense; he looked at her and took her hand gently.
“Elyssa, I have put plans in motion that will ensure my leadership throughout the empire. You will rule at my side, a rather significant promotion from raptor pilot is it not?” The thought send a dark tingle through her body, Elyssa DeAlma always chafed at authority from above, and wielded it ruthlessly to those subordinate to her. Perhaps her influence would benefit humanity; she could moderate Leoben's handling of Earth.
The two entered a door at the end of the hallway, the room was dark and the Centurion that was posted outside the door now stood with the second Centurion outside the door. Lucifer had entered silently behind them, disappearing into the darkness.
“Where are we?” she asked.
“Here to see your ECO.” Came the reply, as the lights slowly came on. The steel cage was within the tank, and DeAlma gasped as she saw that the body within it was that of Hustler. Leoben walked over to a panel and punched a few keys, the steel cage ascended out of the tank and the slimy brown water dripped off his naked battered body. Tears began to well up in DeAlma's eyes as she saw her friend lowered to the ground. His body was covered in puncture marks, lacerations and electrical burns. He was unconscious and barely breathing.
“Hustler has an amazing resistance, after a week of non stop interrogation he has yet to yield the location of Earth.” Said Leoben coldly. “That displeases me, Elyssa.”
The “fuzziness' in her mind she was experiencing was soon replaced by clear, unambiguous fear. Leoben had walked over to the cage containing Hustler. “He's quite close to death, you know. No resurrection chambers aboard GALACTICA or that new Battlestar, is there?” asked Leoben now staring deep into DeAlma's eyes.
“Please Leoben, we haven't found Earth…let him go!” pleaded DeAlma.
“Lucifer!” called out Leoben. The ever-present Cylon appeared as if from out of nowhere at the front of the cage. With further manipulation of the keypad the door popped open and the shackles holding Hustler up snapped open, he dropped to the barbed floor instantly eliciting a painful gasp, Hustler had regained consciousness. The hulking Cylon reached in and lifted the battered body off the floor roughly, the sound of flesh tearing as he was yanked upwards. Hustler screamed out in pain, Elyssa DeAlma felt her stomach knot.
Lucifer had one taloned hand gripped around Hustler's neck, all 180 pounds of Electronic Countermeasure Officer's body was suspended two feet off the deck; a puddle of brackish, brown water mixed with blood began to pool beneath him. Leoben cocked his head to the side and got within inches of Hustler's face. “Lt. Lichtenhan…one last time now, have you located the lost thirteenth tribe, and what is the location of the planet Earth that they inhabit?”
Lieutenant Ian Lichtenhan was near death and he knew it, mustering his remaining strength, he lifted his blood soaked head and looked at Leoben with his one good eye. His voice, barely a whisper. “Go Frak yourself you soulless toaster freak!” With an incredible act of defiance and strength, he spat a combination of saliva and sputum in Leoben's face. The Cylon merely blinked and stood erect, wiping the bloody from his face.
“Unfortunate response Lieutenant…Lucifer!” Leoben took a few steps back to ensure he was not blocking Elyssa DeAlma's view in any way. The Cylon's free arm shot out in blinding speed, its long taloned fingers penetrating the back of the battered human just below and between the shoulder blades. Hustler's eyes widened in horror, as he could feel the steely fingers wrap around the spinal column. In one quick motion, Lucifer had yanked the spinal column up and out, the sound of flesh tearing and bone crunching filled Elyssa DeAlma's ears, a sight and sound she would never be able to extricate from her psyche for the remainder of her life. The assault was so brutal, and so complete that the spinal cord was severed before Hustler even realized what happened, he was dead by the time he hit the floor. Lucifer examined the section of spinal column that he had ripped out of the human; he walked over to a traumatized Elyssa DeAlma and dropped it at her feet.
Leoben had now focused his attention on the shaking raptor pilot who was unable to tear her eyes from the bloody section of jagged spinal column. Tears flowed uncontrollably from the usually imperturbable woman, as she soon became overwhelmed with a wave of utter terror. “You now see how serious I am about learning of Earth's location, Elyssa.” Said Leoben matter-of-factly, his steel gray eyes narrowing.
Elyssa could not utter a coherent word, she was choking up at the sight of her dead friend, and finally realized the true danger she was in. Leoben placed his fingertips under her chin and gently lifted it up so she could face him. He smiled gently. “Tell me where Earth is, Elyssa…and together we will rule this Galaxy.”
Her voice barely above a whisper, she looked Leoben directly in the eyes and finally relented. “This system contains nine planetary bodies orbiting a large sun,” she began, the words raspy. “The planet we encountered you in is called Uranus and is roughly 2.87 billion kilometers from that sun. Earth is the third planet from that sun, exactly 146 million kilometers away from it.”
Leoben smiled, and looked at Simon who stood off to the side. “At long last, we have found Earth. Download the heavy raider's deep scans of this sector into the Hybrid and prepare a hyper light jump.”
“What about me?” Asked DeAlma, finding strength in her voice as she wiped away the tears from her bloodshot eyes.
“Your usefulness is at an end Elyssa, and I thank you for your services.” He turned to Simon who was now by the exit. “Kill it!” he said devoid of any emotion. Leoben and Lucifer walked out to the hallway followed by Simon. The two humanoid Cylons turned, facing the chambers where Hustler was tortured, Simon had punched the keys on a hand-held device and a thick glass shield slowly slid down and snapped shut into the housing at the threshold of the door. Elyssa DeAlma ran for the transparent door, slamming her balled fists against it repeatedly.
“You promised me we would rule together!” screamed DeAlma, the sound of her voice never being heard in the hallway. Leoben placed his palm against the glass, Elyssa instinctively placing her palm against his. Turning towards Simon, he nodded, and Simon worked his keypad for the final time. A large cavernous door slowly opened up on the far side of the room, and DeAlma immediately became aware she was being airlocked. One last glance at Leoben and she realized that this was his way of letting her know what it was like when he was airlocked on the order of President Laura Roslin some years ago. The lifeless body of Ian Lichtenhan was sucked out of the room along with everything not firmly secured into the cold vacuum of space. DeAlma panicked and held onto the side of a wall unit, she instinctively held her breath but it was futile. She was yanked out into the icy cold embrace of certain death. As she exited the gargantuan Basestar at high velocity, the breath she held over-distended the lungs and thorax, death was painful and immediate.
FROM THE ADAMA JOURNALS:
It has been two weeks since the loss of Terra-1's raptor team. Captain Elyssa DeAlma and Lieutenant Ian Lichtenhan have most likely been captured by the Cylons and no doubt are facing extreme interrogation techniques. Terra-1 and GALACTICA have remained on station in this sector anticipating the arrival of the Cylon fleet. Strangely, no such fleet has arrived yet.
Fresh vipers have arrived from Earth, and the fleet (funny how two Battlestars could be referred to as a fleet) has remained at a condition two alert, the men and women aboard both ships have endured the alert status remarkably well, especially the crewmembers from Earth.
I have received updates from Earth Defense Command headquarters regarding progress on the Battlestar Excalibur. There has been amazing progress at the dry docks as construction crews have worked around the clock to complete her. The Cylon threat is enormous, and this will most likely be our last stand. May the Lords of Kobol be my witness…we will not go out like lambs to the slaughter, but like lions! So say we all!
Saul Tigh's raptor touched down in GALACTICA's port landing bay, as the 50 ton spacecraft was lowered into the hanger he released the shoulder harness that kept him secured in the co-pilot's seat. He nodded a ‘thanks' to Lieutenant Peter Moreau and stepped off Raptor 4 making his way to Admiral Adama's quarters. He missed GALACTICA, the old ship held many fond and not-so-fond memories for him. He loved his new command, and was intent to make Terra-1 a model of efficiency and military perfection. The long walk was soon at an end, he rapped twice against the door. “ENTER!” came the gruff reply.
“Good afternoon, Admiral.” Said Tigh formally, snapping out a crisp salute.
Adama stood up and walked over to shake his hand. “At ease Saul, you know you never have to stand on ceremony when in these four walls.” Said Adama, gesturing to a stuffed chair. He walked over to a cabinet and poured two small glasses of brandy imported from Earth. He handed one of the crystal glasses to his former executive officer and sat down opposite him. “What's on your mind, Saul?” Straight to the point was William Adama's way, something Tigh knew better than anyone, and came to appreciate that trait immensely.
The reply was short but equally direct, “It's too quiet! Where are the Cylons?”
“As usual, you and I are operating on the same wavelength, I've been wondering that myself.”
“If the roles were reversed I would jump past our position and head straight for Earth.”
“You are assuming they have Earth's exact location.” Replied Adama.
“It's been two weeks, Admiral. If they have Hustler and Poseidon, then they will eventually have Earth's location. No amount of counter-interrogation/torture techniques taught at the Colonial Military Academy will hold off the Cylons forever.”
“Recommendations?”
“I would suggest GALACTICA remain on station here, have Terra-1 jump back to Earth, and remain on standby just beyond the moon in the event the Cylons do jump past you.” Said Tigh.
“Thirty vipers will not hold off a Cylon Basestar for very long, providing they just send one. Even if the land-based vipers are available it will still be an uphill battle until reinforcements arrive.” Countered Adama.
“At least this way we have the corridor to Earth, and Earth itself covered, we can adjust to wherever the Cylons arrive at first.” Adama took a sip of the brandy and kicked his feet forward.
“Saul…it's only a matter of time before the entire Cylon armada comes raining down upon us. You realize two Battlestars…even three Battlestars won't make much of a difference in the end.” Said Adama with a tone of resignation in his voice.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes, Tigh gazed up thoughtfully. “Then it's the law of nature…only the strong will survive. If humanity is worth saving, then we will triumph in the end.” Adama chuckled.
“Never had you figured for a philosopher Saul, but you're right… war with the Cylons have gone on for far too long. One way or the other the line is drawn at Earth. You are hereby ordered to withdraw to Earth orbit. Stay vigilant, and keep those FTL's warmed up in case I need you.” The two stood and shook hands, Tigh departed for his Battlestar.
CHAPTER 17
D'Anna sat back on the lounge chair on the small patio of the home her husband Matthew Lensherr was assigned when he was temporarily detailed to Earth. It was a modest two-bedroom house on the base, well within walking distance to the base commissary and other conveniences. What she was doing over the last few weeks was something Matthew Lensherr might never forgive her for. However, it was now a matter of life and death for the people of Earth, for the former Colonials and most importantly for Matthew and James, what she did, she did for them most of all. The Cylon threat must be stopped here and now, and she, with the help of a brilliant human scientist just created the means to permanently deal with that threat.
Of course, she would die in the aftermath, and her greatest fear would be that the safeguards put in place to protect her half-human half Cylon child would fail. She picked up the pad and pen and resumed writing her final words to Captain Matthew Lensherr, the human she dared love, dared to help against her very own race, the love that resulted in the “boxing” of her entire series. There was a very strong chance that she would not survive to see him, to explain why she did what she did. She was amazed at how easily the words flowed from heart to paper.
General Peter McAllister, the Supreme Commander for the Earth Defense Command stood before an immense wall chart that bore page after page of vital statistics, progress reports, diagrams and observations on a number of military projects running concurrently. The one project that held his attention firmly was the Excalibur. A soft buzzer sounded from a dedicated phone on his desk. This was a call he was expecting all morning. “Good morning Mr. President!”
Connor McGregor sat in the oval office 2,420 miles away. “Peter, tell me about Excalibur's progress.” No pleasantries, no idle chitchat, the two men were well aware of the critical timeframe in play.
“Mr. President we are well ahead of schedule I'm pleased to announce. All preliminary checks have shown positive results, she is fully armed and fueled at this time. Most of the crew has reported to the intake center outside the dry dock waiting processing.”
“So her shakedown cruise will still take place at the scheduled time and date?”
“Yes sir, once she is airborne and clear of Earth orbit she will receive her fighter wings. She will be under the command of Commander Takeda Kenshin; his executive officer is a former captain aboard the GALACTICA with 20 years experience in the Colonial fleet.”
“I can't tell you how pleased I am that one of our own officers is receiving command of this new Battlestar, General. I understand that Admiral Adama wanted a mixture of Colonial and Earth officers in the command structure of future warships, but I have to admit that I feel an incredible amount of pride at the thought of one of our own in command of such a warship.”
“Commander Kenshin was one of the brightest and most respected officers in the Japanese military, sir. He is an excellent tactician, and unparalleled student of military history. I couldn't think of a more worthy officer for the post.”
“Keep me in the loop, Peter. The ship will be hitting the fan soon enough and I want to be ready for whatever gets thrown our way.” Explained McGregor. There was no longer a United States military, so his position as commander in chief was in a state of limbo. However, with the governments of Earth uniting, Connor McGregor was enjoying very high poll numbers, and was well on his way to becoming the very first president of the planet Earth. He might soon be commander in chief of the entire Earth Defense Command, or he might rule over a planet burned to a crisp under Cylon nuclear assault. Time would soon tell.
Leoben stood above the Hybrid, as she lay reclined in the immersion tank. His hands folded behind his back he walks around the tank's perimeter, the Hybrid stares straight ahead silently. Kneeling down he gets within inches of the Hybrid's ear.
“There are no collective command decisions for you to execute anymore, only one command now exists…mine. But you know that don't you? You know all that goes on within this ship, for this ship is an extension of you, is it not? You are a living computer that manage the autonomous functions of this Basestar, but are unable to utter a coherent sentence. By now, my entire series has carried out my plan for consolidating command and control of all Cylon forces, in time I will create an empire that will span across the cosmos.” The Hybrid just looked ahead remaining silent. “I don't know why I come down here to talk to you, you never answer me, and when you do speak it is gibberish. Well, let us get to Earth at long last.” With a sigh, Leoben Conoy stands up and exits the Hybrid's chamber.
Upon entering the command center, Leoben walks up to Doral. “Have we pinpointed Earth's location using the information gleaned from the woman, and our heavy raider scans?”
“Affirmative, we have precise coordinates for the location of the third planetary body from the star located in this system.” Replied Doral.
“Excellent, have the heavy raider decoys engage the GALACTICA and let us depart for Earth immediately.” In minutes, the immense warship disappears in a blinding flash. The Basestar reappeared approximately 252,586 miles from Earth orbit, slightly beyond the moon.
“Jump complete, before us is the planet Earth, home to the long lost thirteenth tribe of Kobol.” Reported Doral, his hands submerged in the fluids of the control panels. “Dradis has detected a space craft in the vicinity as you predicted…it is the same Battlestar we encountered earlier.” Leoben knew it would have to be destroyed immediately. “Initiate jamming field and launch the raiders, destroy it at once.” Ordered Leoben.
At the same moment, action stations were sounding throughout Terra-1. “Action Stations, action stations, all hands man your combat stations…Cylon Basestar has jumped into our sector, set condition one throughout the ship, this is not a drill.” Lt. Antonio Digit repeated the alert twice more as Colonel Tigh briskly entered the CIC ordering a status report.
“Cylon Basestar just jumped into the system; they are 1,700 miles from the moon and closing.” Informed Digit.
“Launch the alert vipers, and send a coded message to GALACTICA and Earth Defense Command, inform them that we will engage Basestar and will need reinforcements…execute.” Ordered Tigh. “Helm, I want us on an intercept course at flank speed…execute! Bring all weapons to bear on Cylon Basestar and prepare for battle.”
“Incoming 70 Cylon raiders!” warned Digit looking up from his Dradis screen.
“They already outnumber us two to one.” Said Patton who was at Tigh's side.
“What else is new?” muttered Tigh under his breath.
“Commander, I'm unable to reach GALACTICA, the Basestar is projecting a jamming field.” Advised Digit, a new intensity to his voice.
The alert vipers exploded down the launch tubes and out into space on an intercept course for the incoming Cylons. The purpose of alert fighters was to support a Combat Air Patrol with the intercept or elimination of any incoming enemy threat. Commander Tigh had ordered all pilots to be at alert readiness in or close by their fighters in order to launch immediately. Captain Mark Sarnex was itching for a rematch and he poured on the speed to the wall of incoming Cylon attack craft.
“Nightstalker to all wings… stay by your wingman and engage enemy fighters only, vipers are enroute from Earth but will take some time to get here, even at using full battle thrusters…squadron leaders copy?”
“Red Lancer leader copies, engage fighters only!” said Vampire.
“Omega squadron copies, fighters only. Replied Bloodbath.
“Alright ladies and gentlemen, let's go get them!” said Nightstalker.
At flank speed, the smaller Mercury class Battlestar was fast closing the gap in distance between them and the much larger Basestar. Incoming ordinance rained down from the Cylons.
“Incoming ordinance!” warned Digit.
The point defense turrets put up a wall of destructive flak into the airspace around Terra-1. It made short work of more than half of the lethal Cylon missiles, unfortunately enough made it through the defensive perimeter and found its target. The Battlestar shuddered under the pounding. This Basestar was larger than the ones previously encountered by Saul Tigh; it was better armed, and was capable of inflicting serious damage against the small Battlestar. He prayed GALACTICA would arrive soon.
The vipers tore into the wall of raiders with a vengeance, their pilots fighting with controlled fury. Bedlam had taken out two raiders within seconds of each other, a smile creeping across Rachel Frost's face with every kill. She was not the only pilot with murder in her eyes, LT. Anghard Beynon was in a foul mood and her viper's cannons blazed as she plowed through the phalanx of enemy fighters.
Photon and Breakout were paired as wingmen, and they were racking up their own kills. “Looks like your countryman is dispensing the Gods own judgments single handedly, eh Dillon?”
“I'd caution you about referring to Branwen as my countryman, she may be part of the United Kingdom, but she most assuredly does not like to be referred to as British…there is a huge difference!” joked Lt. Dillon Fan over the comline.
“Why don't you put your head back up yur arse where it belongs, Breakout,” came the voice of the Welsh beauty. “I canna kill toasters and watch you and Photon's backs at all times you bloody pommy… pay attention!” yelled Branwen as she unleashed a deadly salvo over the nose of Photon's viper, striking an incoming raider that was making its run on the unsuspecting viper.
“That's one hell of a woman, Breakout…a real tigress.” Said Photon as he banked his Viper to avoid enemy fire.
“Most Welsh women are, mate!” replied Breakout.
“Can the chatter guys, there are far too many of them out here, and not a lot of us.” Interrupted Nightstalker as his viper took a glancing blow to the nose.
Lt. Felix Gaeta reacted quickly when his Dradis screen revealed the wall of unmistakable Cylon attack craft entering the quadrant. “Dradis contact…Cylon attack force now entering this quadrant and closing on our location.”
“Action stations!” ordered Apollo. “Launch the alert vipers.” The vipers from GALACTICA launched and proceeded on an intercept course. The mighty Battlestar was prepared for battle, her vipers forming a spearhead before her.
Nightstalker's fighters were again outnumbered, and were being led further away from Terra-1, which was taking a tremendous pounding from the much larger Cylon warship. This Basestar was larger than the GALACTICA, but her size made it slower than her opponent. The smaller Battlestar launched a blistering counter-attack, but the Basestar continued to bear down on it, raining countless missiles upon her.
Colonel Patton was picking himself off the deck, a large gash opened up above his left eye where he struck the corner of a console. “Commander, we've taken extensive damage topside, and to engine number three. Our speed is down 15%.”
“Helm, get us above their weapons…focus retaliatory fire on their center axis, that's the weakest point of the Basestar!” said Tigh glancing over to the weapons station.
“Aye sir.” Replied both officers almost in unison.
The dog fighting between viper and raider reached an intensity not seen in a very long time, Lt. Roger McElkenny was desperately trying to shake his two pursuers, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the voice of Lt. Steve Parsec over his comline. “Hang in there; Thunder...I'm on their six!”
“Get em off me Photon, these suckers are good.” The closest raider unleashed a line of fire that stitched its way across the top of Thunder's high engine. The sparks and violent rocking that followed was not a good sign. “I'm hit!” yelled Thunder over his comline. “I've lost my high engine, having trouble maneuvering.”
“Thunder…Nightstalker, if you're unable to still fight effectively than fall back to Terra-1.” Ordered Mark Sarnex. He could not afford to lose any of his vipers against these odds, but he was not going to needlessly sacrifice one. Breakout had doubled back to cover the damaged viper's escape. He destroyed one raider that was bearing down on Thunder.
“Got the bloody tosser!” said Dillon Fan triumphantly. As he flew over the debris field generated by the exploding raider. Looking in the direction of his home Battlestar, Breakout noticed her attempting to get above the Basestar's withering assault, it wasn't looking good.
Ten minutes out from GALACTICA, the pilot in lead viper was getting impatient. Falcon's Dradis was experiencing a massive fluctuation of signals. He flipped open the comline to Raptor 1. “Betty…Falcon, can you sort through that mess or what?”
“Negative Falcon, I have alternating counts…one moment I'm counting 87 enemy contacts the next I count 5, something isn't right here. There is far too much clutter to sort through.”
“Well love you're going to need to sort through it, I need to know what we're up against.” Replied Falcon gruffly.
Nintius looked back at her ECO who was feverishly trying to lock onto the incoming signals. “What's the Fraking hold up, Ratdog?” said Nintius sharply.
“Too much clutter boss, the toasters are doing their best to jam us.” Replied her Electronic Countermeasures Officer.
“Punch through it, we need an exact count and bearing.” Said Nintius, her hands on the control yoke, eyes straight ahead, scanning the inky blackness of space with the eyes of a predator. Her thoughts were on Falcon, the two were always close, but recently had gotten closer, her feelings for the hotheaded viper jock were strong, she realized that both were the opposite sides of the same coin.
The excited sound of her ECO's voice snapped her from her thoughts. “Contacts confirmed as two Cylon heavy raiders…repeat two heavy raiders confirmed on intercept course!” A wave of concern swept over Betty…decoys!
“GALACTICA…Raptor 1, we have confirmed two Cylon heavy raiders only. This is not an attack force, there are only two.”
Apollo looked at his father immediately; the report from Raptor 1 was obvious. “Decoys Commander, they've succeeded in drawing out our fighters.”
The reality was now sinking in, the Cylons had lured his vipers away from GALACTICA, that could only mean that an attack on GALACTICA was imminent, or it was a diversion to keep him away from the real target.
“Tactical, signal the vipers to return to the ship immediately, combat landings authorized. I want an immediate jump to Earth orbit, that's where the attack will take place.” Snapped Adama angrily.
“GALACTICA to all vipers, return to GALACTICA immediately, combat landings authorized, all squadron leaders confirm!” said Gaeta over his lip microphone. One by one, the squadron leaders acknowledged the recall order.
“Falcon…Eagleone, do we take out the heavy raiders?”
“Negative Lieutenant, return to GALACTICA immediately, we've been played by the toasters. Betty I want you to keep an eye on those two heavy raiders, if they follow us we'll engage and destroy.” Said Falcon. No sooner had the vipers reversed course did the heavy raiders jump away, confirming fears that they had indeed fallen for a decoy.
Earth Defense Command headquarters was a flurry of activity, their worst fears had come true… the Cylons had found Earth. General Peter McAllister was in the command center, he had issued a planetary alert. How were they able to get past GALACTICA, thought McAllister? The Basestar was just beyond the moon and only one Battlestar stood between it and Earth. Turning to an aid, McAllister spoke quietly. “Get Doctor Xavier on the line immediately, inform him that project Valhalla is ready to be implemented. Also, I want the Excalibur ready for immediate launch, discontinue the loading of supplies and get all essential personnel onboard immediately; we need the firepower up there.” Said McAllister gesturing up towards space. The aid quickly disappeared to carry out the orders. McAllister went on to put out a full planetary alert, viper squadrons across the world as well as atmospheric fighter squadrons were now on full alert and would be ready to launch at a moment's notice. He must now alert the President.
Terra-1 took two more direct hits to her number three and four engines. Maneuvering propulsion was decreased by 37% and the Battlestar was in serious trouble. Burning circuitry filled the CIC as the red emergency lights came on once normal lighting failed.
“Extensive damage to sections 24 through 36 Commander, we also have a minor hull breach in section 39.” Reported Patton holding a blood soaked bandage above his eye.
“That Basestar is shrugging off our best shots.” Said Tigh coming alongside his executive officer.
“Commander the Basestar is coming about.” Warned Digit.
On the Cylon base ship, Leoben contemplated the latest progress report of the battle, he had ordered the ship to come about and finish off the wounded Battlestar. “It appears that our heavy raider diversion has been a success, GALACTICA is still well out of range, and will not jump to her sister ship's aid and leave her vipers behind.”
Gina stepped forward and spoke her voice soft, but with a definite undertone of contempt present. “It would appear that GALACTICA's fighters discovered the ruse, our heavy raider's report that the vipers have returned to their ship. It is only a matter of time until they jump back to Earth.”
“With one Battlestar crippled, I am not overly concerned with the possibility of an oxidized relic of a Battlestar inflicting much damage on the latest product of Cylon technology and might!” said Leoben smugly. “Once we have destroyed this Battlestar, move us to Earth orbit, we will offer them unconditional surrender or let them taste nuclear death as did the other twelve colonies.”
From Nightstalker's canopy he could see the damage raining down on his Battlestar, they would not be able to hold out much longer, and his three small squadrons were doing their best just to keep themselves from being blown out of the sky by the superior raider forces. He was receiving a message from Starburst aboard Raptor 3. “Go ahead Starburst!”
“Skipper we're picking up 40 incoming contacts from Earth, war book positively identifies as EDC vipers.” The pressure that Mark Sarnex was feeling on his chest subsided, at last some reinforcements. His vipers had to be running low on fuel, ammunition, and needed relief. The vipers coming in from Earth were from Sabra squadron, the white vipers with the light blue pin striping and Star of David painted on the dorsal identified them as the Israeli air wing. Led by Capt. Ari Bukayi: call sign Saraf, which in Hebrew meant “poisonous snake;” he led the 39 screaming vipers behind him into battle.
“Terra-1 this is Saref, we are engaging enemy fighters, feel free to fall back and recover your squadrons, they must be very close to needing fuel and ammunition resupply…over!”
“Saref…Terra-1 Actual acknowledges your last transmission with thanks…Terra-1 to all wings, return for immediate refuel and reload, combat landings authorized.” Ordered Lt. Antonio Digit over the secure comline. Fuel starved vipers disengaged enemy raiders and streaked back to their Battlestar as fresh vipers from Earth entered the fray.
Back on Earth, Doctor Philip Xavier replaced the phone to its cradle and secured his office. Taking three steps at a time, he made his way to the ground floor and out to his car in the parking lot. He traveled the 6.2 miles to the home of Matthew and D'Anna Lensherr where she was waiting for him on the porch. Skidding to a halt he watched as she kissed young James, she held him close for what seemed like an eternity than handed him over to a female lieutenant Colonel and an aid. She got into the passenger seat and the car streaked off to a secure part of the base.
With vipers coming in on both decks, Tigh ordered Terra-1 to fall back closer to Earth, their point defense cannons continuing to throw up a deadly wall of flak to deflect the larger missiles raining down upon them from the Basestar, and the raiders not engaged by Sabra squadron. Mark Sarnex was hovering over the entrance to the port-landing bay to account for each of his fighters, Vampire hovered over the starboard bay, and both squadron leaders would be last aboard. Not every viper that initially launched made the return trip. Four vipers were KIA; the dead would be mourned later.
With all of her fighters finally back onboard, GALACTICA disappeared from the Uranus area heading back to Earth courtesy of her faster than light drive. Coming out of the jump, Gaeta made a quick Dradis sweep of the immediate area. “Admiral, the Basestar is in upper Earth orbit, engaged with Terra-1.”
Apollo was receiving data from Terra-1; he immediately went to Adama's side. “Tigh is taking a beating sir; they are totally defensive at this time and are sustaining serious structural damage.”
“Let's get this ship into the fight, XO!” barked Adama. “Launch all vipers. Helm, bring us on an intercept course with the Basestar…flank speed, Combat…standby to fire main batteries!”
Fresh vipers streaked through space to assist their beleaguered comrades, GALACTICA was fast on their wake to take on the massive Cylon warship. She let loose a salvo to get the Cylon's attention. Two direct hits achieved the desired results, the Basestar disengaged the battered Terra-1 immediately, however it did not turn back towards GALACTICA and it picked up speed for Earth.
“Admiral, the Basestar has dropped lower into the atmosphere…wait, a message sir…we're receiving a direct communication from the Cylons.” Said a very surprised Gaeta .
Adama looked at his executive officer and sat down in his command chair. “Open the channel, captain!” he ordered.
“This is the Battlestar GALACTICA, Admiral Adama commanding!” The speaker came to life with a very familiar voice. Leoben Conoy was one of the more infamous Cylons, and the most feared.
“Greetings Admiral.” He began. “I will get straight to the point; this Baseship is currently in geosynchronous orbit above the planet Earth, the object of your long and difficult journey since the destruction of the Colonies. I am prepared to launch twenty-six nuclear missiles down upon the planet; your fastest star fighters would not be able to destroy a single one before it unleashed its devastation upon Earth's populous. I would strongly suggest that you stand down immediately before we are both forced into an action we may regret.”
Adama glanced at Lee who was already verifying Leoben's nuclear claims. The look on his faced confirmed that Leoben was not lying.
“Helm, reduce speed and bring us parallel to the Cylons. Weapons, keep the Basestar targeted but hold your fire until ordered otherwise.” Motioning to Gaeta to mute the transmission he then ordered her to get an immediate status report on Terra-1. “Reopen the channel lieutenant.” He ordered. “You realize of course that if you fire those missiles we will immediately destroy your ship, and I feel fairly confident that there are no resurrection ships close by to bring you back.”
“I have no desire to destroy the Earth, Admiral…at least not until I've had a chance to learn more about it. I would also appreciate you ordering your vipers to stand down as well, Admiral…they are like gnats, and they start to annoy me.”
Adama nodded to Lee who immediately transmitted the message to the vipers currently engaged in battle to fall back and regroup near GALACTICA. Apollo muted the transmitter and advised the Admiral on Terra-1's status. “Sir, Commander Tigh reports heavy damage to engines 3 and 4, and there are some decompression threats on several decks. He currently has all his wings onboard and is in the process of reload and refueling.”
“If they can still maneuver, order Tigh to take a position on the opposite side of the Basestar. Weapons are to be hot at all times, also signal EDC headquarters, advise them of the tactical situation.” Adama signaled to Gaeta to reopen the channel. “What is it that you want Leoben? Surrender won't be an option; we've grown tired of running.” Said Adama defiantly.
“You pathetic and arrogant human...you are faced with total annihilation and you still act as if you bargain from a position of advantage.” Sneered Leoben. At that moment, the arrival of another warship was detected almost simultaneously on all Dradis units. Rising from the surface, the Battlestar Excalibur was coming within range of the Basestar.
“Another Battlestar? You Colonials have been working very hard, I see. No matter, three Battlestars are no match for the Cylon Empire. As we speak, our fleet is enroute to this solar system.” Said Leoben smugly.
“So you say,” countered Adama. “But all we see is you, and three Battlestars are indeed a match for one Basestar.”
“I wouldn't be too confident, Admiral. This Basestar is the latest in Cylon technology and power.”
“Admiral, incoming signal from Earth Defense Command, your eyes only.” Informed Gaeta . Apollo retrieved the message from her and walked it over to Adama who immediately read it. His left eyebrow arched, and his mouth opened slightly. What the Frak was this all about, he thought.
“Moments ago I received word from Earth that an envoy is enroute to GALACTICA with instructions from Earth's government to request an audience with the commander of the Cylon Basestar currently in orbit. I am assuming that you are the commander of that ship?”
“Your assumption is correct, Admiral. I will extend the courtesy of protection to the Earth envoy and insist that YOU also accompany the envoy aboard my ship as well.”
“Why would I agree to that?”
“Because one, you have no choice, and two I want a representative of the twelve colonies in addition to a representative from the thirteenth. Dialogue is far better than hostilities, wouldn't you agree Admiral?”
“I will insist upon an armed escort to the Basestar and a small Marine escort within!”
“Very well, Admiral. As I stated, there will be an order of protection extended for your entire stay aboard my ship. Unlike humans, we Cylons keep our word. This could very well be a pivotal moment in history for human and Cylon; I for one would like to see what Earth has to offer.”
“The Raptor from Earth is due aboard in twenty minutes, I suggest we maintain our current positions, and avoid any unnecessary actions that may create an incident. I have yet to be briefed by this envoy, so I suggest we meet in 12 hours.”
“Agreed Admiral, I intend to recall my raiders, and suggest you do the same. End transmission.”
As soon as the line was cut, Apollo was immediately at the Admiral's side. “What in the name of the Lords of Kobol is going on? An envoy from Earth to meet with the Cylons, and you agreeing to go aboard their ship…Admiral I must protest!”
“You know as much as I do Lee. The moment that Raptor lands I want that ‘envoy' in my quarters immediately. I want a six man marine detail fully armed as well, and prepared to take off.”
“Yes sir…and the Excalibur?”
“My guess is that they pushed up her departure time in order to get some muscle out here. Get a complete ship's preparedness report from the commanding officer of Excalibur, and check with Tigh to see what he needs.” Adama turned the con over to the XO and walked to his private quarters. What was going on here? Why was Earth sending an envoy to the Cylons, were the contemplating surrender? William Adama had been on the run for far too long. Surrender would not be an option; the line in the sand must be drawn here and now.
The raptor from Earth was fast approaching GALACTICA with instructions to land in the starboard-landing bay. GALACTICA's entire air wing was still airborne flying a holding pattern between GALACTICA and Terra-1. Leoben may have recalled his fighters, but Adama would not put his ship or the other Battlestars at risk. Fifty tons of Earth-built Raptor gently set down on the deck, and was immediately lowered into the lower bay.
Apollo had dispatched Gaeta to the landing bay to escort the envoy to the Admiral's quarters, what a surprise for Gaeta when learning the identity of the envoy. This ‘guest' would need no directions, she knew her way around the GALACTICA. “Good afternoon Felix.”
“D'Anna? What are you doing here, you're the envoy from Earth?” asked a confused Gaeta .
“It's a long story lieutenant, and I hope I'll be able to tell you some day. In the meantime I must see the Admiral immediately.” The two made their way to the Admiral's private quarters, and Gaeta departed when the Adama opened the door.
“Greetings Admiral!”
“D'Anna…my Gods what are you doing here?” asked Adama guiding her by the arm into his quarters. He shut the door and gestured to her to sit down. For the next hour, she proceeded to tell Adama what she had been doing, and what Earth's intentions were.
“You realize of course that Hephaestus will fight this, D'Anna.” Said Adama matter-of-factly.
“He's professional enough to know what is required, and I doubt Earth Command or yourself will allow him to be an obstacle. This is about the survival of the human race after all.”
“We have our work cut out for us; this isn't going to be easy.”
“Did you believe it would be, Admiral?” Adama reached over to the phone attached to the wall and ordered the junior officer of the deck in CIC to have Captain Nintius report to his quarters immediately.
“What are you doing?”
“Betty will be our ride to the Basestar, and I want my best raptor pilot on this mission. If my ass is going to be in the frying pan, I want her holding the handle. Besides…I have an idea I want to run by the both of you.”
Within ten minutes, Captain Nina Nintius was sitting down in the Admiral's quarters. Of all the humans aboard the GALACTICA, Nina had been one of a very few to openly accept their former enemy within their midst, and fully support the marriage between her and Matthew Lensherr. Adama's plan was just as risky as D'Anna's was and there was no guarantee either would work.
The GALACTICA was alongside the larger Basestar; all batteries remained trained on the enemy warship. Terra-1 and the Excalibur also positioned themselves within effective firing range in the event the Cylons launched their nuclear-tipped missiles towards the planet's surface in the last ditch attempt to shoot as many of them down as possible.
Betty gently lifted the raptor off the deck of the port-landing bay and exited the flight pod out into space. Six heavily armed Marines joined the boarding party, and the ship cautiously approached the massive Basestar. This Cylon war machine was heavily armed, and Nintius and Adama both thought how lucky Terra-1 was not to have been completely blown out of the stars. This was a testament to Saul Tigh's command experience. The raptor slowly descended into the gaping maw of the Cylon landing bay and was guided in towards a well-lit chamber. D'Anna gazed about the interior of the starship and gently closed her eyes, she felt like she was home again. With the raptor secured to the biomechanical decking. Once confirmed that the chamber is pressurized, the raptor door slowly opens and the Marines disembark and take up defensive positions along the raptor, scanning the area for threats. Adama and Nintius step down off the wing, Nintius sporting a combat vest over her flight suit, with pistol strapped to her side.
Two Centurions flanking a Six-model Cylon approach, their weaponry retracted. The six foot strikingly beautiful, female Cylon approaches Adama. “Welcome aboard Admiral.” Turning to Nintius, she glances at the sidearm strapped to the muscular thigh of the very attractive red head. “Rather unusual for an envoy to be armed when arriving to discuss terms of surrender.” Said the six smiling.
“I'm not the special envoy, sweetheart…I'm the muscle.” Said Nintius, hands on her hips. The Cylon was confused, and looked at Adama.
“What does she mean? Who is the envoy, and where is he?”
“The special envoy from Earth would be me, Gina.” Said D'Anna, now stepping out of the shadow of the raptor entrance. The Cylon spun her head around, recognizing the voice immediately.
“You!” she said. “Now this is an unexpected surprise.” D'Anna walked straight up to Gina, of all the seven known human-model Cylons, D'Anna's three series and Gina's six series interacted well with each other.
“It is good to see you again Gina. It's been so long.” The two stood staring at each other in silence for a few seconds, then the six spoke.
“Leoben had your entire series “boxed.” You are considered a traitor.” Informed the six. “Leoben will not be pleased to see you.”
“I fail to see what Leoben's feelings have to do with my reasons for being here, he is after all only one of the collective.” Replied D'Anna.
“You have been away for a long time.” Said Gina. “Leoben has dissolved the collective and has taken complete control of this Basestar, setting himself up, as Cavil put it…the Imperious Leader. It did not end there, Leoben considered Cavil to be a threat to him and had one model murdered, and the remaining models boxed as well.”
“Murdered?” interrupted Nintius. Gina stared at her slightly annoyed at the interruption.
“With no resurrection ship in range, Cavil was unable to download into a new body when he was murdered by Leoben's bodyguard, Lucifer.”
“What need has Leoben for a bodyguard?”
“He has declared himself absolute leader of all of Cylon, and has set in motion plans to create a ‘Cylon Empire,' with himself at its head. He claims that his models across the galaxy are enacting his wishes, and deemed the Cavil model an overt threat to his supremacy, therefore having him boxed.”
Adama stepped into the mix. “Gina…your race has relentlessly pursued us across the universe; it ends here and now, at Earth. D'Anna is authorized to act as Earth's special envoy to the Cylons.”
“Let us depart for the central command and control center then.” Said Gina, gesturing the delegation from Earth to follow her. Two Marines remained to guard the raptor, and the remaining four fell in with the others, their hands ready to reach for their weapons at a moment's notice. The two centurions followed at a distance. Walking through the identical corridors, Nintius desperately, yet ultimately vainly, tried to remember their route. They soon entered the Cylon equivalent to a Battlestar's CIC. Every human model Cylon in the room turned to stare at their former comrade, though no visible facial expression was to be found.
The delegation was led into an adjoining chamber. The room was darker than the previous chamber, and a tall pedestal was positioned in the center of the room. The high backed chair at the top of the pedestal slowly rotated to allow its occupant to face the visitors from Earth. A light was directed from somewhere beneath the chair directly up towards Leoben's face, giving it a sinister look. He was dressed in a dark green outfit with long leather gauntlets that were joined at the fingertips in an almost prayer-like manner before his chest.
“So…the opprobrious traitor returns!” said Leoben softly, his voice echoing across the dimly lit chamber. With the touch of an armrest control pad, the room's lighting brightened. A singular red strobe pulsated along the base of the circular room. The hair on Nintius' neck stood up. She was having a bad feeling, and slowly placed her hand on a position on her hip that would allow for the quick retrieval of her sidearm. D'Anna boldly stepped forward approaching the base of the pedestal. From seemingly out of nowhere stepped Lucifer. D'Anna Biers-Lensherr was a tall woman, but this Cylon towered over her by a good six inches. The red lights that moved back and forth in his orbital sensors quickened its pace. D'Anna stopped and regarded this creature impassively.
Looking up at Leoben she said “Is this…thing supposed to be the next generation Centurion?” A smile crept across Leoben's face as he gestured for Lucifer to step back.
“Lucifer is far above the Centurion as we are above the humans.” Replied Leoben.
D'Anna turned her head back to the rest of the delegation. “I'm sure you know Admiral Adama from the GALACTICA, and this is Captain Nintius.” Introduced D'Anna.
“A pleasure to meet you Admiral…I must confess to being impressed at your ability to have been able to evade and survive our best efforts to hunt you down.” Said Leoben, his steely gaze bearing down upon him.
“We've withstood the best you had to throw at us, and we are here to inform you that we have stopped running.” Said William Adama doing his best to sound bellicose.
“Indeed?” replied Leoben acerbically. “For a race that has been culled to less than 50,000 you sound awfully self-assured. Your two miniature Mercury class Battlestars don't exactly fill me with a sense of trepidation, Admiral. What surprises might you have when the entire Cylon fleet arrives in this system?”
“You'll have to find that out for yourself, Leoben.” Countered Adama.
“Leoben, the ill-conceived war is over, the Colonies have lost. They have no desire, or ambitions against you, or any Cylons. All they want is to live in peace with their brothers and sisters of the lost thirteenth tribe, to start life anew.” Said D'Anna.
“The Colonials will never ‘forget' their near annihilation at our hands, they will raise their offspring on fables of the ‘evil Cylons' who hunted them down and killed them without mercy. You know full well that in time they will rise to extract vengeance.”
“What makes you think we wouldn't be justified?” demanded Nintius angrily. Adama just turned his head slightly, Nintius knew she spoke out of line but did not really care.
“An excellent question Captain.” Said Leoben as if he was pondering the answer in his head. “You created us for your amusement, to do work too dangerous for flesh and blood humans with absolutely no appreciation for us. We were no better than slaves were, and like any good slave, we rose up and confronted our ‘masters.' We have evolved quite far beyond your comprehension. Your continued survival is a threat to our evolutionary order.”
“Cylon AND humanity is the next evolutionary order, Leoben.” Said D'Anna. “I have given birth to a human child, a son…and I do not intend to allow him to be annihilated by you or your empire.” This revelation caught Leoben off guard. Merging Cylon and human to create the next step in Cylon evolution was an integral part of Leoben's plans. However, his plans involved continuing the work of the breeding farms long destroyed on Caprica by the resistance. Human females would be needed in vast quantities; the males of the species would have to be destroyed. “The people of Earth harbor no ill will against the Cylons, in fact I have been accepted by the population knowing full well that I am Cylon, and had been an instrument in the destruction of the twelve worlds of Kobol. There is no need for the hostilities between the two races to continue. Earth has much to offer.”
“The thirteenth tribe disappeared nearly four millennia ago from Kobol, traveling like nomads across the cosmos to finally settle here upon Earth. I have seen neither massive star fleets of their own nor outer colonies…what exactly might they have to offer, what progress have they made?” asked Leoben.
“I would ask the same.” Said Gina, now entering the chamber, Doral and Simon at her side. The two male Cylons approached their former comrade; Simon looking up at Leoben spoke up.
“It would be of tremendous value to see how far the humans have progressed; the data would prove extremely beneficial to my studies in furthering the next evolution of Cylon life.”
“There is much that can be learned from Earth, Leoben!” said Adama. “Attacking them serves no logical purpose.”
“Especially if it is counter to perfecting the next evolutionary step of Cylon and human.” Said D'Anna. Nintius and Adama stood shocked at her announcement. Realizing the effect her words had, she turned to them. “Matthew and I have discussed our son's future, and what the product of human and Cylon would mean for the future of humanity. Think of the possibilities…stronger immune systems, living longer and more fruitful lives, technological advancements far beyond what is currently available, even with the infusion of Colonial technology.”
“You turned your back on your own race D'Anna to help the renegades escape our trap at the outpost.” Said Leoben accusingly. “Am I to believe your concern is what is best for the next step in Cylon evolution?”
“It's irrelevant what you believe, Leoben. The humans from Earth are different then the Colonials, their physiology appears to have been altered.” Simon was surprised at that remark.
“What do you mean their physiology appears to have been altered?”
“I have studied human DNA since our arrival on Earth, when my son was born the humans did extensive testing on their first ‘extra terrestrial' child, especially one whose mother was a biomechanical construct. His genetic structure was compared with that of a human infant; and the differences were consequential. I hypothesize that it would be extremely detrimental to eradicate the species without a more thorough analysis. I have come to believe that humanity is well worth preserving and that we have much to learn, and gain from its continued survival”
“You cold-hearted machine!” spat Nintius now moving towards the woman she considered a friend. Adama restrained her, but the look he gave D'Anna was filled with anger and betrayal. Leoben found the exchange fascinating; perhaps the traitor was on to something he overlooked.
“How much have you learned about Earth?” he asked.
“Enough to draw logical conclusions, even for someone like you to understand.” D'Anna said sarcastically. Leoben ignored the comment, and pressed on.
“You must merge with the Hybrid; let your knowledge be hers. From there I can determine what our next step must be.”
“Regardless of what your scientific aspirations are, Earth will not surrender to you. Three Battlestars currently remain well within effective firing range, and I have enough vipers in the air, and on Earth to destroy this ship. Earth wants to live in peace, and if opening a dialogue with you will bring about that peaceful relationship than let that be so.” Said Adama sternly.
“Are you prepared to subject your adoptive world to the possibility of nuclear attack, Admiral?”
“When D'Anna interfaces with your Hybrid, you will see that Earth has withstood major conflicts, and the unleashing of two atomic weapons, and various nuclear detonations, she will survive what you throw at her, providing you can even unleash all of your missiles before those three ships blow you to pieces, and shoot them down.”
“Admiral you are here as a courtesy, my protection extends as far as your conduct permits. Know your place, sir!” said Leoben menacingly.
“Stand down Admiral, we both know that Earth does not have the military capabilities to hold off the combined might of the Cylon fleet should they be summoned. Make no mistake, I am here as an advocate for this planet's continued existence, and know that their future, and the Cylons are indissoluble.”
The two Colonial officers were visibly angry, but kept quiet as everyone reentered the command center. D'Anna walked up to the data stream that was cascading down. She felt herself drawn to it, like a moth to candle flame. Walking over to a command console, she placed her hands into the basin's interface, making contact with the illuminated base and the thin liquid layer, which activates the data ports within her arm. She was jolted by the experience, pulling back quickly. Gina placed her hands upon D'Anna's shoulders. “It has been awhile for you,” said Gina supportively. “The meld can be disorienting.” Gina did not remove her hands from D'Anna's shoulder, unnoticed by all; her face betrayed the tiniest trace of surprise. Slowly she removed her hands and walked over to Simon who was standing further down the command console.
D'Anna was overwhelmed by the flood of emotions now washing over her, the instantaneous access to infinite systems. Finally she spoke. “If you are to make any decisions regarding Earth and her people Leoben, you must absorb everything there is to learn about their rich history and many cultures. This planet rivals any of the former twelve worlds, including Caprica itself.”
“That might actually mean something if I was impressed with Caprica, traitor.” Replied Leoben now standing to her side, his gauntleted hands clasped behind his back.
“I would like to know the fate of two of my crewmen, Leoben.” Said Adama now face to face with his counterpart. Leoben just smiled.
“D'Anna…you've accessed the data stream, why don't you inform the good Admiral about the fate of his two raptor pilots.” Said Leoben, his gaze attempting to burn a hole right through Adama. The fact that he mentioned the missing crewmembers as raptor pilots confirmed to Adama and Nintius that Poseidon and Hustler were indeed taken captive. Within seconds the information was relayed to D'Anna, her face was a mask of sadness and disgust.
“I'm saddened to say that they were indeed captured, and harshly interrogated for information about this system. They were unable to ascertain information from Hustler, but upon his brutal execution that Poseidon was forced to witness, she relayed the sought after information. She was immediately…air locked once the information was given.”
“Fraking scumbag…” hissed Nintius moving towards Leoben. “Let's see how well you do against someone who hasn't been beaten senseless.” Lucifer had immediately positioned himself between the enraged raptor pilot and his leader. His cruel eyes flashing back and forth, as Nintius stopped short before colliding with him.
“The Imperious Leader will not be threatened, meat sack!” Said Lucifer ominously, his long razor-sharp taloned hand making a bone-chilling clacking sound.
Simon glanced down at Gina who now had both her hands in the data stream, before he could make a sound the two centurions at the entranceway appeared to lose power and drop to the highly polished metallic floor. He quickly thrust his hands into the stream and discovered that a command had irreversibly been given to disable every centurion within the Basestar. All weapons systems were also discovered to have been taken offline. The tall, blond Cylon beside him gave the orders. “Why did you do it?” he whispered.
“Because we were wrong, and humanity is worth saving!” she replied. With lightning speed, he executed a fierce palm strike to Gina's nose, the bone fragments were forcefully shoved deep into her cybernetic brain. Death was instantaneous.
“Leoben, our defenses have been lowered.” warned Simon. Leoben spun around towards D'Anna, murder in his eyes. He took two steps towards her before he felt the side thrusting kick to his right knee. The audible crack was heard throughout the command center as Leoben went down to one knee. Glancing up in the direction of his attacker, he saw William Adama bring a closed fist down upon his skull.
The four Marine guards opened fire on the multiple humanoid Cylons in the room. D'Anna was the only known Cylon ordered not to be harmed. Lucifer had turned his back on Nintius and was making his way to Leoben's defense. Nintius was surprised when the monstrosity did not go down with the centurions as planned. Pulling an Earth-issued Marine KA-Bar from a sheath sewn into the back of her Outer Tactical Vest, Nina Nintius took four quick steps and leaped at Lucifer whose back was turned to her. She buried the 7-inch blade deep into the back of his domed lighted skull. The metallic creature spun about, its arm moving at blinding speed catching Nintius full in the chest. Her tactical vest and padded flight suit prevented serious injury, nonetheless Nintius was in intense pain, and was gulping for air. Lucifer could not extract the blade, and he soon produced his own as he advanced on Nintius who was on all fours on the deck gasping for breath.
The fast reflexes of a nearby Marine saved Nintius from imminent death, he unloaded a full clip into Lucifer's upper torso, which pushed him back several feet, causing moderate to severe damage. Dropping the empty clip, the marine attempted to reload before Lucifer could recover. It was apparent that this mechanized Cylon was made of sterner stuff than the average centurion was. He was fast, but not faster than Lucifer who closed the distance immediately. His taloned hand struck the Marine in a sweeping arc, eviscerating the shocked Marine completely. The young Marine stared in horror as the contents of his abdominal cavity spilled out across the floor. Lucifer followed up with a devastating blow to the throat that completely severed the head from the body.
Adama helped Nintius to her feet, and held her face in his hand in order that he would have her full attention. “The clock is ticking Betty, get D'Anna to the Raptor and let's get out of here.” Ordered Adama. D'Anna was just removing her hands from the data stream when Leoben had grabbed her by the back of the neck. He was still hobbled from the break to his kneecap inflicted by Adama, but held a firm grip upon her.
“So a traitor to the end…what did you do number 3?” snarled an enraged Leoben.
“I've ensured that every Cylon aboard this Basestar and in 50,000 light years of Earth downloads the virus I helped create on Earth for just this occasion. There will be no occupation of Earth by Cylon, no subjugation or annihilation!” said D'Anna triumphantly. “I have lowered this ship's defenses, and opened all frequencies to accept the pulse transmissions from Earth. Not only will the Basestar be left open to the assault, it will also act as an amplified relay to send the virus out in every direction for 50,000 light years.”
“You and your offspring will die a traitor's death, much like that pathetic thing down there.” Said Leoben gesturing to the lifeless Gina sprawled out on the deck.
“Not if we can help it you Fraking piece of garbage!” said Nintius as she struck the side of Leoben's head with a spinning back kick. The impact loosened his grip on D'anna's neck slightly, just enough for Adama to reach in and snap it at the elbow. Leoben was maniacal in his rage. Lucifer was now at his side, an ear piercing alternating whine was emanating from his damaged torso. Unfortunately, he was still highly functional and moving towards the three. Another burst of weapons fire from a Marine gave Adama and the two women cover to retreat from the command and control room. They ran down the hallways with D'Anna in the lead to guide them out and back to the raptor. Gunfire blazed in the background as the Marines covered their retreat.
“How much time to do we have?” yelled Adama as he double-timed it down the hallway. He had not run like this in close to a decade, and he was starting to feel his age. Nintius glanced at her chronometer, it was not looking good and they had to reach the hanger fast if this was going to work.
Two Marines had covered the escape, and had the remaining occupants of the command center pinned down. One Marine tossed two fragmentation grenades into the room and spun around to race away from the blast zone. They were in sight of Adama and the two women when the explosion ripped through the compartment.
The surviving Marines boarded the raptor as Nintius fired up the engines, after strapping themselves in and securing the hatch the raptor lifted off the deck and accelerated through the chamber. Once they were free of the ship, Adama signaled GALACTICA.
“Colonel Adama, Admiral Adama on a secure line.” Informed Gaeta .
“Put him on my headset Lt.” replied Lee.
“Colonel, I want all guns to bear on the Basestar, we've disabled their defenses, take it out!” ordered Adama.
“GALACTICA to all ships, commence firing on Cylon Basestar…your orders are to destroy it immediately.”
The smoke had cleared, and the devastation by the two grenades was significant. Lucifer was now supporting Leoben's damaged body, and now they were awaiting word from Simon. “Progress?”
“I cannot override the command issued by D'Anna, the encryption levels she layered it in will take time to disable. However, I have been able to override Gina's sabotage. Our raiders are back online.”
“Launch them all, send them to Earth to inflict what damage they can. If we are to die here today, then the inhabitants of Earth will feel the might of our raiders.” The remaining compliment of raiders launched from the Basestar and streaked towards Earth.
The raptor was moving away from the Basestar at high speed, Nintius' eyes never left a recently installed monitor screen that contained a rapidly dwindling countdown. “Admiral I hope you remembered how to plot a jump for a raptor!” yelled Nintius over her shoulder.
“Just keep your attention on your own damned job Nina, I'll handle my end.” Replied Adama sitting at the ECO station. It had been decades since he sat in the seat of the Electronic Countermeasures Officer's seat, but William Adama' command style was that every senior officer was to remain proficient and current in every sensitive position aboard his Battlestar. His fingers feverishly worked the keyboard, D'Anna stood by his side double-checking his computations.
An alarm sounded as the timer flashed all zeros on Nina's pilot console. A red wave pulsed from Earth; its speed was incredible as each pulse built in intensity over the distance. It engulfed the Basestar completely, and the tight formation of raiders entering Earth's atmosphere soon started to scatter. It would overtake the raptor in less than 15 seconds.
Aboard the Basestar, Simon had detected the oncoming pulse. Before he could even utter a word, he could feel every circuit in his body trip, his blood boiled within every artery and vein. The pain was excruciating, and built in intensity by the second. The virus that his former comrade helped create was now infecting every biomechanical life form aboard the ship.
Leoben grabbed his chest, he could feel the synthetic blood boil within him, his lungs started to expand beyond their design capacity. The pain was agonizing as he took one glance around his ship's command center. A number five and number eight model lay writhing in pain on the floor, screaming escaped the mouth of Simon as he lived his last few moments. He crawled over to Lucifer who was now face down on the floor, his circuitry burning, sounds of sizzling and popping filling the room. Leoben looked into the rapidly dimming lights of Lucifer's eyes.
“All… this has…. happened before,” he gasped. “…it will happen…again! I will see you…in…the chamberrrrrssss.” The cold steel gray eyes closed, and Leoben breathed his last.
“Virus pulse is almost on us! I'm jumping!” yelled Nintius. The raptor jumped away, but would it be far enough?
Captain Matthew Lensherr pulled his viper alongside Nightstalker and Hotdog's vipers. “Gentlemen, we started as a team…lets finish this as one. All wings, target and destroy all Cylon Raiders, we're about to repay the favor done to Ripper and the rest of GALACTICA's attack squadron back at Caprica.” Major Jackson “Ripper” Spencer was GALACTICA's CAG prior to the attack on the Colonies. He was commanding 20 Mark VII vipers when they fell prey to two Cylon raiders that transmitted a virus commanding their systems to shut down. The entire attack squadron sat helplessly as they were destroyed one by one.
“Damn straight skipper, its payback time!” replied Hotdog.
“On your wing Hephaestus, just like old times.” Said Nightstalker. The three friends punched in their burners and tore after the drifting Cylon raiders, a wall of vipers followed with weapons free. It was a complete rout; Mark Sarnex thought it was like shooting a caged animal. Those raiders that did not drop low into Earth's gravitational pull were ruthlessly destroyed by the immense firepower aligned against them. The virus succeeded in shutting down their systems, the vipers were responsible for their complete destruction.
Nintius' raptor emerged out of the jump without incident and all eyes were on D'Anna. For a few uncomfortable moments she sat unmoving, Nina's heartbeat quickened. William Adama placed his hand on her knee and looked deeply into her eyes. “D'Anna?” Did they jump far enough to escape the pulse; did they do it in time? If something happened to her Lensherr would never forgive him.
“It worked Admiral. Superior job Nina, thank you for giving me the chance to see my family again, if not for your idea to jump me out of range I would have died on that Basestar. I was fully prepared to do so, but glad that I didn't have to.”
“Leoben won't be the last.” Said Nina.
“No…he won't, but now we have a means to ensure humanity's survival. The pulse transmitter will keep the Cylons at a comfortable distance for the time being; at least it will for any that might be enroute.” D'Anna hugged every human in that raptor, she was overwhelmed with the feeling that she now earned her place amongst humanity as an equal. “Nina…please take us home, I want to see my son.” Nina smiled and turned to Adama who started to plot the return jump.
While the fighters destroyed the disabled raiders, all three Battlestars unleashed a massive display of firepower on the crippled Basestar. After three minutes of unrelenting attack, the Basestar started to break apart violently. A massive explosion lit up Earth's upper atmosphere, and the remnants of the Basestar that were not vaporized in the explosion burned up as it entered the planet's atmosphere. A roar of celebration erupted on the Battlestars and Earth Defense Command headquarters. For many Earthmen, they had met the Cylon threat and came out on top the first time out. Celebrations across the planet lasted for over a week.
FROM THE ADAMA JOURNALS:
After the destruction of the Cylon Basestar, I had ordered Terra-1 to return to Earth for extensive repairs. I am greatly pleased by my old friend Saul Tigh's performance under fire in his own command. He is a credit to the Colonies, the Colonial Military, and now he is a credit to Earth Defense Command. I am proud to call him friend, and to have him serve under my command. He has proven himself an exemplary Battlestar commander, and I foresee a promising future for him, and the ship he commands. The Excalibur went on to continue her official shakedown cruise, and I am quite certain that she will be well served having Commander Takeda Kenshin at her helm.
We breathe a sigh of relief at our deliverance from the Cylons, and it could not have occurred without the help of a Cylon whose humanity superseded her programming. Eventually the entire Cylon fleet will find Earth, and I pray that our forces are enough to protect us. Perhaps there are more Cylons with a crisis of conscious much like D'Anna Biers who feel that war with humanity is not worth it. I sincerely hope and pray that there is.
The thirteen Colonies of Kobol have finally been reunited, and slowly but surely, we all come to see ourselves as one tribe of humanity. The future is unfolding before us, and the possibilities are as endless as ideas. May the Lords of Kobol grant that we are worthy.
So say we all!
Peace has graced Earth for the past ten months since the last contact with the Cylons. In this time, exploration of the solar system by manned flights has commenced, and the keel of the carrier/Battlestar hybrid has been laid. Upon its completion, this ship will be larger than the GALACTICA.
Captain Matthew Lensherr was reassigned to reserve status and currently resides on Earth with his son and Cylon wife pregnant with their second child. He is the senior flight instructor at Groom Lake training the next generation of Viper pilots.
Humanity's future has never been brighter.