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Woo hoo and update!  Looking forward to see what happens. keep it up!

Double update hope you enjoy feel free to comment

Seven

One Year after colonization of New Caprica

Shane Vansen brought her Hammerhead level as they moved around the moon.  Behind her were six Terran Destroyers she knew out there Nathan West and his own squadron of Destroyers would be moving into position as well.  Opening an encrypted frequency with the Destroyers Shane addressed her people “alright Diamonds our mission is nice and simple the complete and total destruction of the Battlestar Pegasus.  She's a beast but she's been hurt by previous strikes.”  She said, two costly attacks before had seen Hawke and the fourth Terran Hammerhead taken out of the flight along with two thirds of the Terran Destroyers the Pegasus was just too big.  Now they were reduced to hit and run attacks trying to slow the Colonial vessel.

“These people have been our friends and our allies but now they are our enemies.  The completion of their goals mean the complete and utter failure of our own.”  She said making sure every pilot understood the threat the Battlestar posed for the last six months they had trained alongside the ship now they needed to beat her.  “Hearts Squadron will strike at the same time as us, remember I will take the Vipers attention and get close enough to paint the Battlestar with my sensors.  When I do you will all fire as one that kind of fire power will breach the Pegasus point defence and cause some penetrating hits.”  She reminded them as they turned around the moon, on the other side Pegasus was clear to be seen already.  On Vansen's sensors she could see the areas in detail where the Battlestar had been hit previously locking on one she plotted her attack course then kicked in her afterburner accelerating away from the bigger slower Destroyers.

As soon as she entered the Pegasus' defence zone flak began to fill the space around her while Vipers filled the gaps.  Blasting with her forward gun she smiled as she saw three Vipers fall out of the formation damaged by her weapons.  Pushing straight through them the Hammerhead's rear guns disabled another Viper as she continued on target closing within missile strike range she targeted the Battlestar volleying all her own missiles at the same time.

There was a flick of light and Shane Vansen felt her fight move heavily to the port side as it took damage from enemy fire.  As she fought to control the fighter she saw that her destroyers had done exactly what she had ordered and fired all their missiles once a lock had been achieved.  There was another flick of light then a heavy “thud” as her fighter's power nearly completely shut down, weapons control disappeared, engine power dropped to minimal and sensors passed to passive mode.  Moments later her main screen came to life with a single red line “FIGHTER DESTROYED” it read just as her communications gear activated “You're dead, Captain” Lee Adama said simply before cutting the line.

On her passive sensors Vansen saw the missiles inflict heavy damage on the sensor image of the Pegasus but the Battlestar remained active and turned on the Destroyers which quite rightly scattered as the ship approached.  The Pegasus' forward guns came to life downing three Destroyers in a single volley before the ship's secondary armament ran the other ships down.  Soon after the last Terran ship had been lost Shane Vansen's fighter miraculously recovered from its damage and she received instructions to return to the Pegasus the exercise was over.

Although the Colonials had no plans too attack Terra, in fact day after day the Colonials and Earth troops helped bolster the Terran defences the Pegasus attack showed clear threats to the Terran system and although they had crippled the ship with their attacks the Pegasus would still had reached Terra and the system would have been lost to the Terrans.  Cylon ships could not take the damage that the Pegasus had and continue their advance, but Chig craft could meaning the Pegasus simulated attack was quite a valid one to the Terran people.  One that so far they did not have a clear answer to.

Onboard the Cloud Nine a luxury cruise liner of the Colonial Fleet the Quorum of the Twelve Colonies met.  Unlike some of the ships in the fleet the massive seven hundred-and-fifty metre long vessel was unable to land on New Caprica.  Instead the Cloud Nine and nearly two dozen other ships including the Galactica, Icarus and Phoenix remained in orbit over the moon.  President Roslin had chosen it as the location of the Quorum's latest meeting “as we can see the transfer of Pegasus Viper production facility to the surface has provided jobs for nearly three hundred people while our health care reforms are proceeding rapidly.”  Roslin said “our deal with the Terran people has provided enough medicines to care for any and all eventuality while breakthroughs by Caprica delegate Dr Gauis Baltar” she said turning towards the surprised scientist “have edged us closer to making production of our own medicines by our own people ever more a reality.”

“She builds you up after trying to tear you down” a blonde woman with a striking red dress said as she perched on Dr Baltar's desk.  If anyone else could see her no-one would have taken their eyes off her but no-one could see her only Baltar.

“She is playing the political game” Baltar said quietly not to arouse suspicion “she knows that now with us having a place to call home the people will question the need to have a school teacher as their President.  And begin to look further afield.”

“Gaius Baltar's star continues to rise?”  She said smoothly.

“More likely Tom Zarek's...”

“A convicted killers I think not humanity is not that stupid.”  She said nearly hopefully

“Or Marcus Bryant” Baltar said looking over at the head of civilian security.

“A man who's ideas reflect that of a military man not a civilian.  If they did that they may as well put Adama up for the position.”

“And wouldn't that be a turn up for the books” Baltar whispered as Roslin continued.

“...reports from Admiral Adama states that the Battlestar Pegasus continues to train with our friends from Terra and that they have encountered, engaged and defeated the Terran rebellion forces.”  She said there was a polite applause at the act “the Terran Government has also agreed our second stage of military upgrades for the trade of two further FTL engines.”  She said

“Two more ships will be traded away?  With our population recovering in numbers is this really the time to trade away our ships?”  Perah Enyeto the female delegate from Tauron asked.

“We still have enough capacity to carry every single one of our people military and civilian” Roslin said defensively “also with the agreement that has been made when the Pegasus returns from her assignment with the Terran people the Battlestar Galactica will receive much needed maintenance and upgrades.”  She pointed out

“Leaving our defence to the Battlestar Pegasus” Tom Zarek said quietly “please forgive our people for not being happy with the prospect of being protected by that ship.”  He said reminding everyone of what the Pegasus had done under Admiral Cain, as if people needed such a reminder.

“Under Commander Adama's command the Pegasus has put its past behind it and tried to forge a productive future for this fleet.  Much like you have tried to do Mr Zarek.”  Roslin said quietly “just like many people have.  I would also like to remind people that it will not only be the Pegasus but also the Phoenix and Icarus that will defend us and Marcus Bryant's civilian security forces will continue to provide security and keep the law on New Caprica.”  She said glancing towards Marcus who sat off to her side, although she was under no illusions that he too had his own political motivations for now he at least supported her.

Elsewhere within the fleet aboard the Icarus Colonel TC McQueen sat beside the infirmary bed of Commodore Glen van Ross the commander of the USS Saratoga.  This morning his life support had been switched off and he had begun to breath using his own lungs.  Doctor Cottle, the fleet's Chief Medical Officer and surgeon, had said it was up to Ross now to recover and wake up at his own pace McQueen had chosen to remain at his bedside since the equipment was switched off.  Colonel McQueen as well as commanding the Icarus day to day was also the most senior member of the United States Navy within the Colonial Fleet retaining overall command over all those stationed on the Icarus, on board Galactica and those currently deployed to Terra.  Reading through an old Earth book he'd found aboard one of the APCs McQueen, despite waiting for Ross to waken, barely noticed as the Commodore awoke and slowly reached over to the table beside the bed grasping for the glass of water.  He had a finger on the glass before it began to topple, suddenly in a flash Lieutenant Sharon Valerii had caught the glass and its contents surprising both McQueen and Ross with her sudden arrival.  Slowly she handed the glass back to Ross allowing him to drink for the first time since the destruction of his warship.  “Welcome back Commodore” Sharon said smiling.

“Thank you Lieutenant” he said seeing her uniform insignia “what ship is this?”  He croaked glancing around as his senses returned.  Sharon began to reply then closed her mouth again “Lieutenant, I do not know who your commander is but, if I ask a question I'd like an answer, what ship is this?”  He snapped frustrated by her lack of response.

“That is a longer answer than the Lieutenant can give” McQueen said stepping forward allowing Sharon to make a retreat “welcome back to the land of the living Glen.”

“Ty, this isn't one of our ships” he said it was a statement of fact not a question.

“No sir, well not technically anyway” he said correcting himself “this ship is the Icarus, she's mine.”  McQueen said proudly, he was proud of the Icarus and all her crew, both the US Navy and the Colonial.

“Your ship?”  Ross said “I send you away from my ship with a couple of APCs and you come back with a ship?  Fortune shines on you Colonel, safe harbour and a ship to call your own the Navy must have decided it is your lucky day.”

“Yes, sir, on me the Wildcards and all the survivors of the Saratoga” he said seeing Ross wince at the name of his destroyed ship “however we are not 'home' Glen, we have no idea where we are in relation to Earth.  These Colonials have taken us in, embraced us, but I think our journey may be a long one.”

“Colonials? Ty, I think we have a lot to talk about, maybe you'll be able to explain why you've afflicted yourself with someone other than the United States Navy and why you seem to have settled for not reaching Earth your true and proper home?”  He asked angrily his frustration was gone now he was a lot more angry than anything else.

For the next three hours McQueen explained to Ross where they were and why they were sticking around and supporting the Colonials.  Ross had suggested trading the Hammerheads and the APCs for sole control over the Icarus however McQueen had said that Admiral Adama would not be in favour of it.  “Their military has been devastated they will not give anything up.”

“Could we take it by force?”  Ross asked after a moment of thought.

“I wouldn't suggest it as a course of action, sir, we could take the ship.  But we are not experts in their technology if we have a serious problem with any of the critical systems then we could find ourselves stuck in space.”  McQueen pointed out “also we have fought and died with these people.  I do not think our own people would support actions against them.”

“Better the devils we know” Ross said quietly “hopefully once I am on my feet you can introduce me? Colonel” Ross said more formally as he slipped back to sleep.

“Of course Commodore” McQueen said raising from his chair Sharon Valerii still stood at the door waiting.  “Yes Lieutenant?”

“Sir, I wondered if I could speak with you about Captain Agathon.” She said seriously speaking about his Colonial officer XO “he's asked me to marry him.”  She explained McQueen saw the issue she was a Cylon, Agathon was a human, he knew that the Colonials would hate that match up.

“One crisis at a time, Lieutenant” McQueen replied closing his eyes then with a small smirk he opened them again “do you love each other?” She nodded as he glanced into the infirmary.  “Frak it” he replied using the Colonial term for how he felt defying every regulation he could think of. “As the most senior member of the United States Navy active within this fleet and as your immediate CO I'd like to congratulate you and give you my full blessing.”  He said seeing her smile “assuming that is what you want?”

“Yes, sir” Sharon replied “very much so.”

“Make sure my invite doesn't get lost.” McQueen said moving past her heading back towards the CIC glancing back he saw Sharon was still routed to the spot looking up at the ceiling smiling.  Even when you felt lost, and didn't know where to go, there was something to brighten you day.

Eight

Nineteen months after colonization of New Caprica

Onboard the Colonial One President Laura Roslin looked up as Admiral William Adama entered “Admiral, welcome to New Caprica” she said raising from her chair “it's been a while since you have been on planet.”  She said indicating to the chair in front of her desk.

“Affairs of the fleet and of a Battlestar Commander” Adama answered taking a seat.

“Affairs which I believe you have temporarily been relieved of?”  She asked knowingly

“Sort of” Adama confirmed “Colonel Tigh has taken the Galactica to Terra he will be effectively in charge of her while she undergoes the first parts of her refit.”

“An Admiral without a Battlestar what will you do with yourself?”  She asked surprisingly Adama had an instant answer

“Well for the next six months at least I have a job, it's the reason I came here today, Madam President.  I want to make you aware that I have temporarily transfered my flag to the Battlestar Pegasus.”

“Pegasus?”  Roslin said surprised “Admiral, Lee is an able Commander you do not need to put yourself into service just to keep our people happy.  They need to understand that Pegasus' past is in its past.”

“Lee is a very able Commander but he will not be aboard the Pegasus.  He's going to be on his honeymoon.”  Adama said quietly smirking

“Honeymoon!”  Roslin nearly shouted in surprise “When did he?”  She asked surprised she'd known that Lee was involved romantically with Jenna Adar but she hadn't realized that it had progressed so far.

“They were on Terra representing the fleet and following a dinner with the Chief Executive they chose to elope.”  Adama explained

“Elope?”  The President asked unfamiliar with the term.

“It's a Terran term for marrying without any ties or any fuss, according to Colonel McQueen it happens on Earth as well. By Terran law at least Lee and Jenna are husband and wife.”

“Colonial Law wouldn't recognize it” Roslin pointed out Colonial Law was more strict when it came to marriage she hoped that the population did not find out about 'eloping' thinking of the religious problems she could face because of it.  There was already trouble with groups questioning Colonial law with the discovery of Terra, the sacred scrolls of Colonial Law and Religion spoke of 13 Colonies of man they had encountered people of Earth, the Thirteenth Colony.  Terra was an unexplained element which worried many people.

“I do, they do” Adama said, obviously not thinking about what Roslin was, “for now that is enough.  In time I think they will make it official under Colonial Law and by the Gods should they choose but for now they are both going to take some much needed time off.”  Adama said he was not a great believer in the Gods he wasn't really sure about his son and little to nothing about Jenna's beliefs.  “I have authorized Lee to take a Raptor and supplies they are going to find somewhere on New Caprica where they can be themselves for a while.  I think that's the least they deserve.”
 
“What we all deserve Bill, we've all been running away from our lost lives for so long.  Perhaps this world is a place we can heal?”

“Maybe” Adama admitted “once Lee returns I'll take a six month break of my own perhaps I'll find a spot and build a cabin.  I've always wanted one.”  He said chuckling “then I'll relieve Colonel Tigh and allow him to take a break while overseeing the end of Galactica's refit.”

“You'll have to get to know her again, Admiral” Roslin said but the Admiral just shook his head.

“Other than a couple of minor changes she will be like the ship I first served on as a member of the Colonial fleet.  With the Terran's help Galactica will be returned to her prime.”

“A worthy goal” Roslin admitted she knew some members of the population would have rather seen further housing and resources spent on the ground rather than on the Galactica.  She also knew that the upgrades being made to Galactica would provide, according to the briefing on the upgrades she had received, four times the protection she currently had, two fully functional flight pods with the ability to launch, recover and maintain twice the number of fighter than she was currently able.  Coupled with Pegasus, Icarus and Phoenix New Caprica would be very well defended even if Terra chose to try and extend their will to the colony.  “I hear Commodore Ross is make a swift recovery?”

“Yes according to Colonel McQueen he is doing well.  I've invited him aboard Pegasus during the next few months perhaps give him a chance to see how a Battlestar operates.”  Adama suggested

“And allow you to see how the man operates?”  She said knowingly

“Indeed” Adama admitted “I heard there was increased troubles on the surface?”

“Religious troubles” Roslin admitted “the people do not believe that this is Terra, they think this is Earth, and they despise that this world is run by corporations and is not a democracy.”  She said

“There troubles and our troubles are our own.”  Adama pointed out “these people could be the Earth that never was.  They could be a splinter faction of our own colonies, there were groups that left in the early years of the First Cylon War” he suggested “or they could be a faction of the people of Earth, it seems they have similarities to those on Earth.”  Adama said continuing after talking with McQueen and hearing other members of the Earth forces within the fleet Adama could easily believe that Terra was a split faction of the people of Earth, although there was no proof.

“Two plausible ideas Admiral” Roslin admitted “however the groups that left during the First Cylon War were small and unsustainable.  While the 58th Squadron and the other Humans we've found confirm that although Earth was beginning to stretch into the stars but none of her colonies were named Terra.  Their technology is so unlike that of the Earth forces we have encountered.”

“Another fantastic mystery of the deep.”  Adama commented.

“I hope it is one that remains a mystery, Admiral, Marcus Bryant's forces were formed to keep control over criminal elements of our population.  I do not want to see them used as riot police or to fight off an insurrection because some of our population think that Terra is a world that defies the Gods.”

“Even if she is, as long as I get my Battlestar back...”  Adama said half jokingly he knew many did not trust Terra due to there being no mention of them in the sacred scrolls.  However he'd also be the first to point out that there was no Cylon race in the sacred scrolls either, nor were there Sylicates or Chigs in short the Scrolls only detailed a small portion of what the universe held.  Of course saying such a thing to the religious groups in the Colonial population could cause a riot.

Shane Vansen pulled off her flight helmet as her Hammerhead Fighter came to rest within the Battlestar Galactica's Flight Pod.  The fighter's cockpit canopy rose moments later as she climbed out she saw Colonel Saul Tigh approaching immediately she saluted beside her Nathan West who also saluted.  Saul Tigh returned the salute immediately then dropped it as quickly “Welcome aboard both of you” Saul said greeting them.

“It's good to be home” Shane Vansen immediately replied without thinking.  She hadn't realized how much she had become attached to the old Battlestar.  It did feel good to be back in the Galactica's hanger with familiar faces.

“As I understand if you are still serving Earth interests during this time?”  Tigh asked Vansen nodded “well then you'll be interested to meet our next guest.”  He said both Nathan and Vansen turned to see a Terran shuttle.  First off the shuttle stepped Kaylen Celina, Nathan's girlfriend, who immediately ran into Nathan's arms.  Second was Dr Gaius Baltar “that sack of crap had to come back.” Tigh muttered so only Vansen could hear and finally a man in a business suit.  Tigh stepped forward “Dr Baltar, welcome back aboard the Battlestar Galactica.”

“Thank you, Colonel, it's delightful as always” Baltar said looking around glancing at several of the female crew members on board. “Allow me to introduce Mr Burke of the Terran Government's Aero-Tech group, he's in charge of the Galactica's refit.”

“Welcome aboard” Tigh greeted shaking the man's hand.  Vansen and West were reserved exchanging glances.

“This is going to be fun” the blonde woman in Baltar's head said.  In his mind he saw her stepping towards the two pilots “you see that instant dislike?  That instant worry?  Time for some fireworks.”  She whispered glancing back in Baltar's direction.

“Aero-Tech?”  West asked very cautiously.

“Yes producing the best weapons of defence for the Terran Defence Forces” Burke replied as if reading from a script.

“If only he didn't sound like an advertisment board” the woman said mockingly, she was suddenly beside Burke staring into his eyes “you can almost see that he's hiding things.  Maybe he wants to kill you all...”  She said to a horrified Baltar “or maybe he does want to help.”  She suggested

“Welcome aboard” Vansen said stepping past Nathan West shaking Burke's hand.

“If you'll come this way” Baltar said quickly as if nothing had happened “I'll show you our office space.”  He promised leading the man away the blonde woman in his head following.

“You three briefing room now!”  Tigh snapped marching into the Pilot's Briefing Room “give us the fraking room!” He bellowed at the crewmen who had been removing one of the wall panels to begin maintenance.  Both moved out of the room quickly “shut the fraking door behind you.”  He ordered before turning back towards West, Vansen and Kaylen Celina.  “Just what kind of greeting was that to a guest of this ship?  You may not be Colonial officers but you know what is expected aboard the Battlestar Galactica.”  He said angrily

“Colonel, we could have a serious problem...”  West began his voice trailing off as Tigh glanced at him.

“If it's a serious discipline problem then I whole heartedly agree with you, Lieutenant.”  Tigh snapped cutting him off.  “This is a ship of the Colonial fleet as a result visitors are to be given the respect they deserve.  You may not be in the Colonial fleet mister...”  Tigh began

“Colonel!” Vansen broke in “Aero-Tech not only controlled all military contracts to the Earth militaries but also had their hands in almost every level of the Earth Governments.”  Explaining their reaction “the name took us by surprise.”

“Earth?”  Tigh asked surprised “we're not on fraking Earth Captain, the words Aero and Tech are quite common ones especially when talking about military equipment.  Funny enough the 'Aero' part describes what you fly while the 'Tech' keeps you flyers in the air!”  He reasoned looking at Kaylen Celina.  “Tech, while on Terra did you feel anything was off?”

“Honest answer Colonel?”  She asked Tigh simply nodded “their whole system is off, they are run by the corporations,  AeroTech is not the only company that provides military equipment but they are the biggest and most powerful.  Chief Executive Maxwell originates from the same company.  But I didn't feel like there was any of the links to the Earth company.  They have as much power but they work purely within the rules and are generally good workers, anyone that doesn't meet the position required is cut.”  Neither West or Vansen looked completely convinced in the time he'd known them Tigh hadn't known either pilot to cause trouble or speak out of turn.

“Right keep an eye on them.”  He saw both West and Vansen like that idea “discretely.”  He added “do not interfere unless I give the fracking command.  You remember that it isn't just your personal feelings that are at stake here?”  All three nodded “good, carry on.”  He said dismissing all three allowing them to leave.  The Admiral trusted him to make sure the Galactica was returned to her best Tigh was going to make sure that happened.

Ten

30 months after colonization of New Caprica

Commodore Glen Ross entered the Battlestar Pegasus CIC standing at the centre planning desk was Admiral William Adama “Admiral” Ross said saluting as he approached.

“Welcome back aboard, Commodore” Adama said returning the salute.

“It's good to be back, I was ground side for too long” he said “President Roslin sends you her regards and reminds you that you still owe her that dinner you promised her last week.”  He said smirking “I also have Blue Squadron's report, Commander Adama appears to be making some progress.”  He said raising his notepad

“Interesting reading?”  Adama said knowingly he had read the same report.

“Quite interesting” Ross admitted “in each engagement Blue Squadron make they can defeat the Destroyers without support unless the Destroyers have superior numbers.  Even then they have a good chance of success.”

“They are some of our best pilots.”  Adama pointed out.

“Indeed” Ross agreed “unfortunately the battles against the Barracuda are less predictable.  The fighter is tougher than the Destroyers and more manoeuvrable than them in space.”  Ross said the Barracuda was capable of atmospheric flight but it faced a serious disadvantage with only small wings at the rear of the fighters providing lift.  Based more on the Hammerhead than on the Viper, it had been named after the Earth species of shark in honour of the Earth knowledge that had made it possible, it was easily a heavy fighter.  “If it carried a full weapons load then they could be very very dangerous.”

“And we still don't know where they are built.  Or the purpose of their construction.”

“Possibly we scared them in our stories of the Chig and Cylon threat” Ross suggested “or they could be worried about a resumed rebel threat.”

“The Pegasus previous encounters with the rebels put an end to almost any threat they could be.  And considering the numbers Lee has said they have built I'm unsure what they plan to accomplish.”  Adama said quietly around them operations continued in the CIC as Major Elena Rand entered the CIC both Ross and Adama saluted her as she approached “Major, you have the CIC.  All is quiet” Adama informed her “Commodore, walk with me.”  He said exiting the CIC.

“There are still hold outs Admiral they could plan to occupy the asteroids.”  Ross suggested as they walked down the corridors “or they could threaten us.  Correctly armed enough Barracudas could threaten Galactica or even Pegasus, not to mention our smaller ships.”

“But together along with our Vipers they wouldn't stand a chance.”  Adama pointed out together the two Battlestars could destroy Terran fighters until they ran out of ammunition and still have their FTL drives to escape.

“They have been studying our APCs and your Raptors but neither would give them the capabilities to match us.”  Ross said “although if they did add your FTLs to all their Destroyers it would give them further options.”  So far they had only fitted FTLs to a squadron of destroyers after the Colonials traded them several badly damaged Raptors in exchange for supplies for the civilian population.

“We simply don't know” Adama said as they reached his office door “hopefully Lee, and Blue Squadron, have some better results.”

The Colonial squadron had been invited to a party as part of their tour of Terra they had been treated to many traditional Terran dances, food and drink by the cream of Terran society.  However now they had been invited to join with the Terran in enjoying the music and the night.  Even if one didn't know the music or the right dance moves it was a nice change from the constant training Lee and Jenna had danced their night away “I'm going to go get a drink” Jenna whispered cleaning close to Lee.  As she moved off the dance floor leaving Lee to dance.  Moments later a beautiful blonde haired woman approached Lee dancing beside him.

“Good Evening, Commander” she said as they danced.

“I'm sorry do we know each other?”  Lee replied continuing to dance.

“No we don't” she admitted “but I think we should talk” she said as they danced “in private” she whispered closing on Lee. Glancing around Lee noticed Jenna was returning and she had seen the woman.

“And how am I supposed to do that?”  Lee asked as they danced “we're constantly watched.”  He pointed out Terran security was quite effective in keeping the Colonials on their mission and away from sensitive areas.

“It won't take long, Commander, and it'd be worth it.”  She said slipping off before Jenna returned.  Lee's wife didn't look happy.

“Just what the hell was that?”  Jenna spat still holding both their drinks Lee took one.

“You need to look like you're pissed at me” Lee said continuing to dance with Jenna “okay you are pissed with me.”  He corrected “there was nothing there, she wants to meet me again” Lee said seeing Jenna becoming even more angry.  “I think she knows what the Terrans are hiding from us.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Hit me” he said Jenna didn't need any further persuasion.  Moments later she hit him again and began shouting angrily.  The actions brought the attention of the Terran security officials to the centre of the dance hall allowing Lee, in the confusion, to slip back through the crowds and out a door marked as a fire exit.

Outside the air was cold around the planetary capital the season was approaching the winter and Lee wasn't used to the planet's seasons yet.  In the shadows the blonde woman waited Lee moved over to her slowly “just who are you?”  He asked

“Who I am Commander doesn't matter, what matters is what is in Sector 21.  You remember that Sector 21?”  Lee nodded he knew the area it was one of many that were off limits to the Colonial personnel.  “You need to see it Commander, you all do” she said before running off into the dark.  Moments later two Terran security officials arrived.

“Sir, you need to return inside” one said remaining at a respectful distance.

“I'm just grabbing some air” he said “got a little heated in there.”

“Yes, sir” the guard admitted. “I believe the young lady has calmed down sir, she wishes to speak with you.  We'd prefer that happened inside sir” the man said taking a step closer.  Lee flung his hands up in a mock surrender as if the man's approach had convinced him.

“It's fine” he said stepping passed the guards back into the dance hall rejoining Jenna at the bar.

“Was that worth it?”  She spat, he wasn't sure if she was still acting for the guards or if she was really annoyed at him.

“Maybe” he said quietly “we need to speak with all our people.  They need to go easy tonight.  We're going flying tomorrow.”  He said leaning in “we need to check some things out.”  He explained she still looked annoyed at him but not quite as angry.

The next day Lee stood with Captain Amy Watkins “so it's simple, we're going to swing over this ridgeline and cut across the Destroyers flight path.  If they are awake we should catch them completely unaware.  This is similar to Cylon tactics a sweeping approach followed by devastating assaults before repeating it.”  He explained, he could see Watkins was studying what he had said.  “The engagement floor will be 500 metres that should make sure there are no unrecoverable accidents.”

“You can't follow this flight plan Lee” Watkins said over the past six months they had gotten to know each other Amy Watkins was an excellent pilot who tended to fly by the seat of her pants but this time she looked worried.  “If you enter Sector Twenty-One they will shoot you down” she explained.

“Where's sector twenty-one?”  Lee asked feigning ignorance about this area.

“From where these trees have been cut, across this section here until just before this ridgeline is a restricted flight zone.”

“Why?”  He asked pushing for information the Terran Corporation which was what all the pilots of Blue Squadron now considered Terra to be, a big all controlling company, had several restricted areas.  Most were in the city certain buildings that only executives could enter.  Others were on military bases due to the storage of weapons or hazardous materials.

“I can't tell you that” she said “mainly because I don't know Commander” she explained formally “what I do know is that if you stray into Sector Twenty-One they will shoot you down and explain it as a weapons malfunction.”  The way she describing it she'd heard of previous accidents.

“So what do the Terran Government have to hide?”  Lee asked pushing the subject.

“Nothing, its AeroTech that administer that area of operations.”  She answered

“Then having a look shouldn't hurt.”  Lee said the look from Amy told him that what he had said would not go down very well.  Later Lee sat down with the other pilots of Blue Squadron “today we are going to break the rules slightly...” He said explaining his plan.

Several hours later the squadron were flying through Terra's atmosphere, against them were a squadron of Terran Destroyers “all right people as we discussed.” Lee said as the Vipers approached the Destroyers “in three, two, one... Break, Break, Break!”  Lee called out the squadron as one executed an immediate one hundred and twenty degree turn “full speed Athena you still with us?”  He called out to the Raptor pilot.

“Apollo, Helo, we're with you and so is Kasper.  Boomer's busy right now.”  The pilot's ECO reported.

“Understood I want your scanners looking at everything when we cross that line.”  Lee ordered they were charging into Sector Twenty-One.

“We've got company” Kasper called out “those Destroyers a pushing it trying for an intercept.”  He said as the Terran aircraft attempted to catch up with the squadron.  “Deploying full countermeasures.  ECM defence bubble up.”  The pilot called out covering the squadron's path.

“We've got contacts raising from ahead as well Apollo, incoming transmission!”  Helo called out on the fighters DRADIS enough to match the Vipers.  “Beginning DRADIS scans of Sector.”

“Colonial fighter squadron this is Assistant Director Cameron Piccilo you are ordered to turn around land and surrender your sensor records.”

“This is Commander Lee Adama of Blue Squadron we apologise we seem to have strayed into the wrong airspace.  We need to return to the Battlestar Galactica to refuel then we'll return the DRADIS logs.”  Lee said as the Vipers rushed towards the incoming squadron Lee could see they were Barracudas in numbers that would allow them to defeat the Vipers in a fight.  Switching wireless channels “All craft pull up we're going to the Galactica!  Helo, focus on where those 'Cudas rose from.  Squadron begin assent.” he ordered glancing out the left hand side of his fighter he noticed that Sheba was still with him in tight formation.  “Galactica this is Apollo, we are raising to dock.  We have to refuel Code Black Seven.”  Lee called out

“Apollo, Colonel Tigh, confirm refuel code?”  Tigh responded from Galactica CIC.

“Black Seven” Lee repeated “Athena, Kasper charge your Jump Drives head for New Caprica.”  Lee ordered the two Raptor pilots as the slower craft began to be left behind by the Vipers.

Onboard Galactica there was a hive of activity since the assignment of Blue Squadron to Terra Admiral Adama had transferred much of the Battlestar Pegasus' marine company to the ship.  Now on-board the Galactica there were more Colonial Marines than naval personnel which was perfect for Commander Adama's 'Black Seven' order.  “Lieutenant Anders” he said turning to Sam Anders the Marine detachment's commander, since joining Pegasus the former pyramid player, had done well in his duties as a Colonial Marine leading several missions against the Terran rebels.  “Pass the word all to your marines Terran engineers are to be detained and taken into holding.”  He ordered after a moment Anders nodded moving off.  “Lt Shaw, set condition two.”  He commanded the young woman nodded.  Turning around he looked at Mister Burke, the man who had been overseeing the Galactica's refit, beside him stood Gaius Baltar “Mr Burke, I'm afraid you will be detained for a short term.”  He said as a pair of marines moved in from either side.

“Colonel Tigh neither Burke or any of the other Aero-Tech employees have done anything to warrant this...” Baltar began

“Dr Baltar you can shut your trap too or find yourself detained indefinitely.”

“On what charge are we being detained? Colonel Tigh” Burke asked before Baltar annoyed the Colonel more.

“Whatever you can think of now get out of this CIC.”  He ordered neither Burke, Baltar or any of the Aero-Tech engineers in the CIC resisted as they were led out of the command room.

From Terra's atmosphere the fighters flew out of the atmosphere behind them the two Raptors flashed out of existence as their FTLs completed charging and the coordinates were plotted.  Further behind were the Barracudas and Destroyers which were trying to catch the small craft.  “Apollo, we could turn and burn these suckers and just end this now?”  Starbuck suggested

“No-one's fired a shot yet, Starbuck, we won't start it.” Lee said back ahead he saw still moored to the space dock.  Lee smirked Colonel Tigh had understood his code which meant that Blue Squadron was potentially in a hostile situation but hadn't been engaged yet.  “Begin landing procedures.” Lee ordered the squadron each of the twenty Vipers flew towards Galactica's port landing bay narrowly avoiding the dry-dock frames that surrounded her hull.  The Terran craft chasing them moved into a holding pattern nearby.

The speakers in CIC blared out at Colonel Tigh as Assistant Executive Cameron Piccilo continued to rant about Blue Squadron's actions.  “You will surrender Commander Adama and the sensor logs.”

“The DRADIS scans are not in my hands and you can frak off before I hand over Commander Adama.”  Colonel Tigh snapped back as Lee Adama entered the CIC “you stirred the hornets nest this time Commander.”

“Sorry sir, we were led to believe there were things in Sector Twenty-One that we needed to see.”

“And were there?”  Tigh asked

“Yes Colonel”  Lee said as two contacts began to rise from the planet both were about a third the length of the Battlestar Galactica.  “Those” Lee said “they are building a fleet of warships.  Can we get loose from this facility?”

“Hull armour upgrades are complete, four of our turrets are still not operational.”  Tigh explained

“This is Chief Executive Harry Maxwell Battlestar Galactica, you will stand down and release Commander Adama to us to face charges of Trespassing and Espionage.”  The voice said as the two vessels move into flanking positions either side of the shipyards.  Unlike the destroyers they were built using technology gained from the Colonials and the Earth forces both ships were almost like flying boxes with multiple ballistic turrets lining their hulls.

“Looks like they've skipped the investigation and gone to judgement” Lee said quietly.

“They don't like lawyers and judges can't argue there.” Tigh commented surprising Lee it sounded like he agreed with them “just not their methods.  Set Condition One.  Helm reverse engines pull us away from the facility.  Bring defence grid online and charge FTL drives.”  The Colonel ordered the Galactica rocked slightly as she tore herself free from the shipyard sections moving back into open space “we don't have the crew or the ammunition for an extended fight so let's make this a quick exit.  Plot a jump towards New Caprica.”  Tigh ordered

“Multiple DRADIS contact!”  Shaw shouted looking up at the main DRADIS console in the middle of the room “it's the Cylons...”

Part Five

One

Alarms sounded throughout Pegasus as Admiral William Adama entered the vessel's CIC already present was Major Elena Rand and Commodore Glenn Ross.  “Someone want to silence those alarms before the CMO declares us all deaf?”  He asked moments later the sirens silenced “what's going on?”

“Sir, Raptors and the Blackspurs have returned Admiral reporting that a massive Cylon fleet has jumped into the Terra system.”  Rand reported Adama immediately looked up at the DRADIS screens “they are on the far side of Terra Admiral, we are shielded by the gas giant New Caprica orbits.”  She continued.

“Send out the recall message to the crews of Pegasus, Icarus and Phoenix.  Double the CAP until further notice.”  Adama ordered “Commodore Ross, I want you to land on New Caprica and bring Galactica's crew together they will Coordinate the civilian population's evacuation.”  He said Ross looked at him quizzically.

“Admiral, we don't have the lift personnel for all our civilians.”  Ross pointed out Adama already knew this the civilian population had been growing since the Colonials had landed on New Caprica and they had traded FTL capable vessels for supplies.  “Even if we double or triple book all our ships Pegasus and Galactica included.”

“Do what you can” Adama ordered Ross nodded and headed out “I'll inform the President.  How long until New Caprica comes around the gas giant?”

“Fourteen hours” Rand said looking at the readings.

“I want to speak with the Blackspurs commander after I've spoken with President Roslin.”  Adama said stepping back out the doors several of the crewmen exchanged glances at the Admiral's calm manner.

On Galactica things were far less calm as the Cylons continued to close on the planet.  They didn't recognize the Terran ships so they were approaching slowly giving the defenders time.  Galactica had too many marines and not enough naval personnel and was responding very slowly to Colonel Tigh's Condition One order.  “Chief Executive Maxwell this is Colonel Tigh aboard Galactica, we will stand with you if your people are willing to put our differences behind us?”  He asked

“We are ready Colonel but these Cylons are numerous.  Perhaps if we spoke with them we would be more successful.”  Maxwell suggested Tigh looked at Lee Adama and shook his head.

“You're more likely to get a nuke landing where you were transmitting from.”  Tigh shot back “if you won't stand Maxwell let me know now.”

“We have fighters raising from the surface, Colonel, we will stand.”  He replied

“Very good, have your ships move forward and aft of ourselves.  Full defensive flak barrage on my command.  Have your fighters rendezvous with Galactica's we will teach these toasters exactly who they are messing with.”  Tigh said cutting the transmission “your choice Apollo, pilot or Commander of Galactica?”  He asked Lee was a Commander higher in rank than the Colonel but Tigh knew the crew and the ship better.

“I'm on detached duty, Colonel, I'll fly my Viper.  I have to ask how long can we hold against that many Baseships and their fighters?”

“That depends on how well the Terrans built their ships, how well you trained their pilots and how long it takes Pegasus to get here.”  Tigh said seeing Lee's surprised glance “Adama had Raptors and Blackbirds deployed throughout this system they will have jumped back to Pegasus by now.  We need to keep them busy long enough for the Admiral to reassemble the crew and get that Battlestar here.”

Aboard the lead Basestar the Number One, Cavil, in charge watched on the video screen as the Battlestar Galactica with its new set of armour moved clear of the shipyard facility into formation with the two unknown ships.  “It seems the Colonials have found allies.”

“More from Earth?”  A Number Three, D'Anna, asked looking at the screen she sounded almost hopeful.

“These ships are like but unlike the ships previously encountered.”  The number Four, Simon, said analytically.

“Regardless they cannot stand against us all” the Number One said “have the Hybrids move us into attack position deploy all Raiders and Heavy Raiders.  I'd like one of those alien ships captured we must find out what and who defends this world.”  He said.

Back among the Viper pilots Lee Adama looked through the cockpit canopy with a small sense of awe as Galactica and the two ships from Terra all opened fire at the same time creating a massive flak canopy over the three ships and over Terra.  “Apollo to all Destroyers you are our anvil remember you volley fire your missiles into your targets and you will cause some serious damage.  Everyone else we need to keep the Raiders and the Heavy Raiders off the Destroyers and our Capital Ships.”  He said swapping back to his squadron's channel.

“Oh my Gods look at them all” Sheba whispered looking at the massive amount of Cylon craft massing beyond their forces.

“Stay focused Sheba, we fight the targets we can beat” Apollo cautioned her.  “Here they come people, I'll see you on the other side!”  He said turning his Viper towards the Cylon craft.

“Apollo this is Barracuda One stand-by for volley fire.”  One of the Terran fighter pilots communicated before Apollo could even ask what a volley fire command was all thirty of the Barracuda fighters clustered together in formation opened fire together with their forward cannons.  The primary armament of the Barracuda was based on the Wildcards Hammerhead fighters unlike the Viper's main guns which fired directly forwards the Barracudas spread fire over a large area.  This made the fire from individual craft less effective in eliminating enemy targets but the concentration of craft filled the air with deadly fire.  The weapons fire tore through the massive formation of the Cylon craft eliminating dozens of ships.

“Very nice” Starbuck commented

“I agree, Barracuda One this is Apollo, that was a nice piece of work.”  Apollo said watching as the Cylons reformed giving Apollo “if they group together again try to hit them again.  But be careful they adapt as they fight.”  He warned “Vipers our turn split them up and knock them down.”

On board Galactica things were not as triumphant as the Battlestar rocked from several missile impacts “increase defence fire.”  Tigh ordered as the Galactica rocked again fortunately the ship's new external skin of thick armour was preforming better than the Battlestar's guns.

“Sir, the gun crews are undermanned and are still getting used to the new weapons this is hardly ideal test conditions!”  Shaw called back from her position at tactical.

“No-one said this was ideal! Lieutenant” Tigh nearly shouted turning towards Dualla “Dee, order the Terran ships to overlap their fire over our own.”  He said planning to cover the Galactica's current troubles “but make sure they don't leave themselves vulnerable because of it.”  He said

“Colonel, with the refit Galactica's weapons are as effective as Pegasus' in a head on fight or a firing pass.”  Shaw pointed out Tigh just looked at her a silent indication for her to continue.  “Sir, we leave the Terrans to defend their own soil and we take Galactica on the offense.”  She said crossing from her console “we take Galactica along this course and concentrate all our fire on these three Basestars.  We put them on the defence.”

“Can the Terrans defend their planet and the shipyard if we follow this course?”  He asked but without waiting for a reply he pushed on “can we survive that pass without the Cylons gutting us?”  He asked arguing back “Lieutenant, we only got this Battlestar back into fighting form I don't plan on sacrificing her on a suicide run.”

“It's better than being pecked to pieces” she shot back as the Galactica rocked heavily again from another hit “Colonel, if you don't risk this ship we could lose the entire fight!”  Tigh looked at the table then up at the DRADIS screens thinking as Galactica took another hit.

“Set your course, Lieutenant.”  He said Shaw nodded and moved to her station. “Dee, send a message to Apollo that we're moving order the Terrans to close ranks we're not leaving this area but we are moving to a better position.”  He said glancing at Shaw who nodded “alright Lieutenant let's go.”  He ordered

Outside several of the Viper pilots called out their surprise as the Galactica lit her main engines moving out of her defensive formation.  Instead of general flak fire the Battlestar was making far more concentrated weapon strikes.  The Battlestar rolled as it cut through the battlefield smashing through several of the Cylon Raiders and Heavy Raiders as it went.  “Hull breach Observation Deck!”  Shaw called out moments later Dualla followed.

“Reports of small arms fire forward sections forty and forty-two.”  She said “we've been boarded.”

“Dee, get a hold of Anders direct him to the Cylons.  Tighten defences around CIC and Secondary-Damage Control.”  Tigh ordered “Helm, keep us on course.  Shaw, give me a firing solution on the first Basestar then fire on the others as we pass.  We are not stopping when we pass through.”  He added this was not a stand-up fight, it was not a head on charge, the Galactica was cutting over its enemies sights drawing fire and presenting the Cylons with a very dangerous target.  The Battlestar rocked several times under the increasing amount of fire the Cylons were able to target on the ship as it closed.

“It's working” Shaw said triumphantly “the Terran ships have less to deal with.  Two minutes to optimal target position.  Primary weapons stations standing by.”  She reported

“Anders reports he's bogged down the Cylons Colonel, the pressure doors sealing off the observation deck are slowing the Cylons progress they aren't built for this kind of punishment.”  Dee reported Tigh smiled grimly the Cylons seemed to customize their Centurions of different types of battle, tougher armour for assaults, deadlier close in weapons for close quarter battles and heavier weapons for planetary assaults.  This group had probably been designed to assault the planet not expecting Galactica and the other ships to stay and fight.

“Damn that ship can fly” one of the Barracuda pilots commented looking at Galactica cutting through the enemy formations as he pulled up alongside Starbuck's Viper.  Starbuck's wingman had been cut down by a Cylon it seemed the Barracuda's had been lost also everyone was paying the price of this fight.

“She's not the only one, you're on my wing” Starbuck said it wasn't a question she didn't care for his rank or position in the Terran military instead she'd made the choice.  Diving after a group of Cylon Raiders that were arcing towards the Terran Capital Ships she straffed the targets with her weapons cutting down one Raider.

“Nice, my turn.  Firing missiles!”  He called out Starbuck hadn't even been aware the Barracuda's were carrying external munitions instead of going straight to guns the heavier Terran fighter pilot engaged the Cylons with four missiles instantly claiming two Raiders with three direct hits.

“Nice yourself” Starbuck commented as the Cylon formation broke “let's get the rest!”  She shouted laughing as she spun her fighter after a target surprisingly the Barracuda stayed with her despite its larger frame.

“We're in position Colonel” Shaw said in the Galactica's CIC the ship had come through the Cylon fire surprisingly well but now had Cylons on two sides.  Even with the new armour Tigh did not expect them to last long.

“On you're order, Lieutenant” Tigh said despite himself and the likely cost he was proud her plan had worked.  Shaw didn't reply instead Galactica's guns instantly began to spit out at the first Basestar.  The higher calibre of weapons fitted to Galactica's primary turrets now set the Battlestar in better stead than she had been this entire war and instantly her strikes began to get results on the weaker armoured Cylon vessels with several secondary explosions on the first target.  “Helm, roll us onto the other target.”  Tigh ordered

Aboard the Basestar the Number One was furious “we should have never allowed them to escape so far!”  He screamed “Galactica has better weapons and armour now than she has ever had!”  He continued furious as the Battlestar's first target spun out of control burning.  Even though Galactica was taking more hits now the ship's destructive capabilities were not something easily ignored.

“But they are closer now we can kill them quicker” a Number Six said her blonde hair and her passion setting her apart from the others.

“We had better be able to or we're all dead!” Number One snapped glancing at another screen “deploy the Raiders to Primary Targets all force authorized.”  He ordered seeing a gap in Terran defences.

“Is that wise?  These people that Galactica fight with could be worth study” a Number Three said her brown hair and careful words making Number One think over his order.  “There are also no Colonial ships other than Galactica present.  We may need prisoners...”

“Not today” Number One “deploy the frakking Raiders!”  He snapped.

Lee Adama noticed a change in the Raider behaviour almost immediately the “Personnel Carrier” Heavy Raiders were pulling back while the smaller “fighter-type” Raiders were breaking off their dogfights heading for the shipyards, the Terran capital ships and Terra herself.  “All Destroyer commands support Galactica's assault on the Basestars concentrate your fire and Coordinate with Galactica's gunners.  Vipers and Barracudas we need to protect Terra, on me!”  He ordered even as he turned his Viper Lee saw the first nuclear detonation on one of the Terran capital ships.  “Oh gods!”  He shouted seeing the ship weather the hit then take a second almost immediately afterwards.  “All fighters break, break, break!”  He shouted seeing two Vipers and a Barracuda eliminated in the nuclear fireball.  A third nuclear missile struck the Terran ship consigning it to a slow death losing power from the multiple detonations the ship rolled out of formation with its sister ship into a collision course with the shipyards.  There was no way to stop the burning ship as it tore through Terra's orbiting facilities and continued towards the planet tearing through the atmosphere.  Moments later a nuclear fireball erupted inside Terra's atmosphere.  “Not again” Lee whispered seeing the destruction brought to the Twelve Colonies brought to Terra.  “All fighters that's the last one that gets through!”  He shouted into the wireless system “we cut down every raider we see!”  He ordered as there was suddenly a series of nuclear detonations all originating from Galactica consuming the Battlestar in a massive flash “frak me” he called out blinded by the flash “has anyone got eyes on Galactica?”  He called out not seeing the Battlestar “no...” he whispered seeing no trace of the ship.

Two

“Radiological alarm multiple angles we have incoming nuclear warheads.”  Dee called out

“We can't take take that punishment” Tigh realized “jump the fraking ship!” He snapped looking at Shaw.

“We don't have jump coordinates preprogrammed we could end up in the sun!”  She replied her hand on the jump controls.

“Pegasus survived a blind jump so can we Shaw jump this ship now!”  He shouted Shaw didn't disagree a second time.  The Galactica shuddered heavily as the ship was struck by the first nuclear warhead Shaw pushed the jump controls into their slot activating the jump drive.  As the Galactica disappeared in a flash of light the rest of the nuclear weapons flew into the first explosion each detonating as they stuck the flare.  All around where Galactica had been raiders, Vipers and Barracudas were consumed by the flames.

On New Caprica Commodore Ross had been packing people into transports and shuttles unfortunately they were coming up short on the numbers short by a lot.  “Commodore, we've got Admiral Adama on the wireless!”  One of the Colonials, Able Thornton, shouted out.  Able had been an officer on Pegasus before leaving Colonial service to start a life rebuilding the Colonial society in fact he had built the building that Ross was coordinating the evacuation from.

“This is New Caprica base” Ross said formally

“New Caprica base, this is Pegasus Actual” Adama said using his position as commander of the Battlestar “status of evacuation?”

“We are sixty percent full” Ross began “however I suspect we will be 6-8,000 places short on the evacuation.”  He said with a lower voice.

“Understood continue evacuation Commodore, use every seat, I'm taking the Pegasus to Caprica to support Galactica and hopefully find us some more transport space.”  Adama explained.

“And if the Terrans are using every seat?”  Ross asked carefully

“We are getting our people off that moon Commodore Ross...” Adama began however in the background one of the crewmen shouted out a warning.

“Admiral, multiple nuclear detonations around the Galactica's coordinates... she's gone.”  The crewmen said

“Ross this is Pegasus Actual we're jumping now.  Continue evacuation plans” Adama replied before Ross could even wish the Admiral luck.

Lee Adama struggled to take stock following the Galactica's disappearance six of his Vipers were destroyed along with the disappearance of the Battlestar.  The Cylons outnumbered them heavily the single remaining Terran ship had no chance against them and neither did the remaining Vipers and Terran fighters.  “We could really do with some luck” Lee whispered.

“I think it's called a miracle” Sheba answered he wasn't aware that he was transmitting over his wireless.

“Assault One to Apollo we're making our attack run!”  The Destroyer commander reported Lee had forgotten the Destroyers were supporting the Galactica nor were continuing their attack.

“Negative Assault One!”  Lee called out but it was too late.  As the Destroyers reached weapons range the Destroyers, as Lee and the other Colonials had taught them, volley fired their weapons at the Cylons.  Unfortunately they did not concentrate their fire of the remaining six Basestars the Destroyers targeted four different targets.  Multiple explosions slammed into each of the four Cylon Basestars causing damage but nothing critical.  The Cylon counter-attack was far more devastating on the smaller Destroyers as individual missile hits crippled or destroyed them the Terran craft flew through a storm of missiles losing more than two thirds of their numbers before returning towards Terra.  The Cylon long range fire continued to strike out at the Destroyers the Cylon missiles accurate at far greater a range than the Terrans.

“Com'on you frakkers you need to shoot better than that!”  Starbuck screamed spinning her fighter in the path of the missiles gunning down five of the Cylon missiles before they reached the remaining eight Destroyers.  “Lee, we need to do something before they reorganize and wipe the floor with us!”  She shouted through the wireless.

“They are going to wipe the floor with us anyway!”  Lee snapped back as missiles slammed into the remaining Terran warship now the Cylon Basestars were able to concentrate their fire.  “Chief Executive Maxwell, this is Apollo, you need to withdraw your forces closer to the planet or they are going to be wiped out.”

“If we withdraw our craft Apollo then we will confirm our own destruction.  They need to keep the Cylons back...”  Maxwell said coughing heavily.  Before he could continue multiple missiles slipped through the fighters defence lines into the atmosphere and exploded there was a rumble over the wireless before it dead.

“Maxwell, Maxwell respond?” Lee called out “anyone on Terra?” There was no answer from Terra just as the second Terran warship exploded.

“Apollo!” Starbuck shouted moments later Lee dived his fighter away from the wreckage of the craft flying on instinct trying not to think of their worsening situation at this rate they were all going to be killed.

“This is Commander Lee Adama to Cylon Fleet...” he began just as the Battlestar Pegasus appeared near the Cylon fleet.  “...Prepare to be frakked!”  He'd rather surrender than send everyone to their deaths.  “All fighters form up on Pegasus, check your fuel and ammunition levels.”  He ordered very glad to see the Battlestar.

Instantly the Pegasus went on the offensive unlike the Galactica's strafing attack the Pegasus was more direct in her attack.  As Vipers and Raptors left the Battlestar's bays its forward weapons engaged the enemy Basestars.  The Pegasus fire instantly got results destroying one of the Basestars instantly not stopping the Battlestar banked sharply onto its port side opening fire on a second Baseship shattering it.  Moments later Pegasus Raptors defended by Vipers opened fire on a third Basestar off to the starboard side of the formation causing considerable damage coupled with the destroyed Raiders and Heavy Raiders the tide of the battle was turning quickly.

With the Pegasus making such an impact the Cylons began to jump out immediately the fighter's wireless activated “Pegasus to all Terran fighters you are to land in the Battlestar Pegasus port landing bay until we can establish communication with the surface.  All Vipers not designated for CAP duty are to proceed to designated bays.”  Admiral Adama ordered no-one argued.  Lee glanced down at Terra he could see the clouds that were rising due to the nuclear detonations turning away he looked back to the Pegasus and noticed six black fighters leaving the Battlestar immediately diving towards the planet.

Elsewhere the crew of Galactica were recovering from the blind-jump unfortunately the Cylon Centurions which had boarded the vessel had not been affected by the jump.  Charging through the Battlestar they had killed nearly thirty marines affected by the jump and now they were closing on CIC and Secondary Damage Control.  Samuel Anders and a handful of marines now held their ground near Damage Control while Colonel Tigh defended the CIC the Galactica had at least another twenty minutes before the jump drive was recharged.  “We need to hold them back” Anders said looking between his troopers “whatever it takes, we're going to get through.”  He promised them, it was an empty promise he knew this so did they but what else was there.

Down the corridor the “clanging” of metal against metal came closer and closer as the Centurions closed on them.  Suddenly the five Centurions appeared charging down the corridor firing as they came instantly cutting down two of the marines.  The marine counter-fire destroyed two of the Centurions however the remaining three continued forward cutting down more of Anders marines “High Explosive Round!” Anders shouted a warning to the remaining marines even as he fired, destroying two Centurions, two more marines were cut down leaving Anders alone against the last Cylon.  Even as he reloaded the Centurion reached Anders grasping his body with it's metal claw he felt the claw pearce his skin raising his head Anders looked straight at the Centurion.

For a moment everything seemed to stop as Anders looked straight into the Cylon's pulsing red eye both Anders eyes and the Cylon's flashed a bright red.  Instantly the Cylon released Anders, dropping him to the ground, before it began to retreat down the corridor.  Anders could only look down the corridor at the metal beast unable to even raise his weapon.  On the CIC Tigh engaged his own Cylon assault party suddenly the Cylons stopped falling back away from the colonials avoiding further engagement.  “This is Colonel Tigh medical team to the CIC!”  He shouted into the internal intercom system.

“Activity at the airlocks!”  Dee called out “the remaining Centurions are walking into space... there are no Cylon ships to collect them?”

“What the frak are they doing?” Shaw asked.

“I don't care get us out of here before they decide they want back on!  Jump this ship to New Caprica Lieutenant” Tigh ordered.

Back onboard the Pegasus Lee Adama entered the CIC of the Battlestar moving through the ship he'd been stopped by several members of the crew each welcoming him back onboard it was a very good feeling.  After briefly visiting his son Michael in his quarters, under the care of his carers, he had moved onto the CIC.  “Commander on the deck!”  Major Elena Rand called out as Lee entered the CIC.

“Welcome back Commander” Lt Hoshi said from the side Lee nodded his thanks and stepped closer to his father.

“Admiral nice timing, anything on the Galactica?”  Lee asked his father shook his head “and the Blackspurs?”  He questioned.

“We need further transport assets for our civilian population.  Even if Galactica has survived Commodore Ross suggests that we could be short on 6-8,000 places as part of the evacuation of New Caprica.”  Adama explained to his son “we've traded too much of our ships and our population has grown too much we need transports.”

“And if the Terrans need them?”  Lee asked

“We'll accommodate as many of them as we can” Adama began “but looking at Terra's atmosphere I do not believe there will be many remaining that will look for evacuation.”

“We tried to stop the fire but there was too many” Lee admitted “why haven't the Cylons returned?  We're sitting ducks here.”  He said the elder Adama just nodded not having an answer for why their enemy had not returned.

On board on of the surviving Cylon Basestars the Number One in command was furious not only had they been turned back from the world that the Colonials had made their home on, not only did it appear that they had begun a process of aggressive reconstruction and rearmament but now his very own ship was refusing to return to the battlefield.  “Why the frak won't you just do what I ask!?”  He shouted at the Hybrid which controlled the vessel instead of answering the Hybrid continued to talk rapidly.  Nearby a Three stood quietly “any insight?”  He asked looking at her.

“Five hidden faces.... Five of Thirteen... But only Twelve remain...” the Hybrid continued to say over and over “one of the hidden faces has been revealed... four remain... investigate... only now can the Temple of the Five be found.”

“Five hidden faces” the three said “the five that are not with us must be with the Colonial Fleet.”  She said

“Impossible” the One stated.

“The Temple of the Five will point to Earth.”  She stated

“Another impossibility!  Earth is a fraking myth” the One snapped.

“Earth is where all rivers end” a number Two said entering.

“We're in space!” The One said angrily “there is no water just nothingness.  We need to go back to that planet and eliminate the humans once and for all!”  He said no-one replied knowing the One would not be broken from his anger by words only the Hybrid continued to talk about the Five, the Temple of the Five and the Cylon's destiny.