OBT Forum

Four

President Roslin half sat half laid on her couch as Marcus Byrant explained his idea "with both Galactica and Pegasus dedicated to this battle I can't help but wonder what would happen if both these mighty ships didn't come back?" He said it was an open question which he didn't wait for a reply "Madam President, I am sure that the Phoenix and Icarus would spend themselves in the defence of this fleet but neither has the personnel to police this fleet."

"Admiral Adama has already said he isn't a fan of the idea." Roslin agreed "he says if the military have to deal with the people, then the people become the enemy. And marines are trained to kill the enemy."

"In this I am in agreement with the Admiral." Byrant said "which is why I propose we create a Civilian Justice Department." He said "this force could keep the people under control, investigate crimes and prosecute criminals." He continued elaborating "we already have a prison ship the Astral Queen. If we can identify a ship we could headquarters this department."

"Because Colonial One is not good enough?" She asked half jokingly

"Because our Government shouldn't be too centralised" he said, he'd obviously thought about it.

"Okay Marcus keep going with this idea we will bring it up at the next Quorum meeting."

"Which you'll be making?" He asked "you should see a Doctor" he said the President looked very weak despite what she was trying to put across.

"My next appointment is with two." She replied

"Then I will leave you be" Marcus said standing up leaving the room soon after Doctors Gauis Baltar and Sherman Cottle entered.

"Gentlemen" she greeted them "what do you have for me?"

"A possible treatment that you'll hate." Cottle said quietly

"Madam President as you know Admiral Adama has me continuing to look through blood samples."  Baltar began "as part of this screening I have also been testing Sharon Valerii's blood since she joined us. As part of that I have also tested her child's blood." He explained "it's mixed human-hybrid blood has none of the weaknesses that human blood has."

"And that child will be a very lucky girl" she said "or boy" she quickly corrected.

"That child's blood could save your life." Baltar said

"The bit you won't like." Cottle said

"I need to give you injections of the hybrid blood." Baltar said seeing Roslin's eyes widen at the prospect "it is the only thing that will save you." At that moment Billy appeared

"Madam President Galactica and Pegasus have jumped" he announced

"If you want to live long enough to see their return you'll take this treatment" Baltar announced after several long moments Roslin nodded uncovering her arm.

Not long aster the two Battlestars had jumped the Blackbird piloted by Lee Adama jumped as well.  The small craft part fighter, part Raptor, part stealth ship leapt across space entering the same area of space Galactica and Pegasus.

Already in the area Lee was surprised to see the levels of destruction he saw fighters from both sides floating wrecked beyond a Cylon Basestar floated burning and beyond that ship the battle continued as Galactica and Pegasus battered two Basestars.

Lee could see that parts of Galactica and of Pegasus burned from Cylon missile strikes. He knew in his head that the Battlestars were built for such an engagement but in his heart it hurt to see the Colonial capital ships burn. Fortunately the Colonials clearly has an upper hand in this engagement meaning that at least the first part of the plan had worked.  Firing the Blackbirds control thrusters in short bursts to stop being detected he saw the long triangular Resurrection Ship.

Locking on the ship he hit the Blackbirds main thrust for a single short burst before cutting the engines again.  His ballistic course quickly brought him to the Resurrection ship. The Cylon raiders and Baseship had no time to react as he activated his targeting system and fired two missiles.  Moments later as Apollo turned his fighter away the missiles struck destroying the FTL.  "Apollo, Queen of Hearts, FTL is history!"  He sent through the Wireless bringing the Blackbird alive.

Now stealth didn't matter fortunately the Blackbird had plenty speed clearing the Cylon ship Apollo spun the craft quickly avoiding a destroyed Raptor.  Diving wildly to avoid the incoming Hammerheads he flew straight towards two Cylon Raiders which both instantly opened fire on the unarmed Blackbird.  Several shots struck the starboard wing before Apollo spun the fighter away "Krypter, Krypter, Krypter, Apollo needing some help!"  He called out spinning the small craft avoiding more fire.  He looked down at the FTL controls to see it flash up as offline. “Frak” Lee cursed spinning the fighter again he'd used his only two missiles in taking out the FTL the ship had no other weapons.  The two Cylon Raiders pursing him continued to fill space with weapons fire.

“Pegasus Silver Spar Squadron Leader to Apollo we are on our way!” a female voice said over the comm.  Lee continued to fly the Blackbird evasively avoiding the Cylon weapons fire.  Moments later weapons fire crossed across space but this time it wasn't at the Blackbird instead the the incoming Vipers cut through the Cylon Raiders chasing down Apollo's damaged fighter.

“Apollo you're all clear” the pilot called out bringing her Viper Mk VII and her wingman alongside the Blackbird.  “Blackbird can you jump?”

“Negative pilot” Apollo replied checking the FTL again.  “I'm going to need to recover to Galactica or Pegasus.”

“Understood, we'll clear the way” she said the two Vipers picked up flanking positions around the Blackbird as they headed for the Pegasus which continued to engage the Cylon Basestars.

“My thanks, what do I call you Viper?”

“My callsign is Sheba” she replied as they continued on.

“Thank you for the assist.”

While Pegasus and Galactica continued to pound the remaining Cylon Baseships the Fifty-Eighth Squadron had other priorities ignoring the Cylon Baseships and its attending Raiders the seven fighters changed course. “Wildcards this is Queen of Hearts, we have a go for strike mission Resurrection Ship dead ahead, flying V formation.  Prepare all missiles for launch, rear cannon to auto defence fire” Vansen ordered.  As the Hammerheads continued forward their rear weapons spat out downing several Cylon Raiders that had been pursuing the squadron the massed fire from the Hammerheads leaving little space for the Cylons to escape to.

Once in range the Fifty-Eighth fired as one against the Resurrection Ship between them fourteen missiles were fired two per fighter.  The Resurrection Ship was unable to avoid even one of the missiles, and unable to jump away, was cut to pieces as the missiles struck all along the length of the vessel setting the ship on fire and opening it to space.  With the destruction of the Resurrection Ship the Cylons didn't waste time or risk further death instead every Raider and the remaining Baseship nearly immediately disengaged and jumped not willing to risk further loss.

It was a complete victory for the Colonials but a costly one ten Vipers and three Raptors had been lost along with more than half of their pilots, sixteen more Vipers, five Raptors and the Blackbird would need repair work.  Fortunately the fleet had Vipers and Raptors on Pegasus, Galactica, Icarus and Phoenix to rely on so the losses while costly were not crippling.  Returning to the fleet Major Lee Adama completed his transfer to Pegasus replacing Saul Tigh as Commander Gardner's new XO.  Captain Aaron Kelly promoted to rank of Major officially took command of the Phoenix from Lee Adama with Captain Felix Gaeta as his XO while Lt Kendra Shaw completed her transfer to Galactica.  There was one final duty change for now which Admiral Adama planned to see to personally.

There was a knock at the Admiral's quarters door “Enter” he called before hearing the door handle spin open in entered Petty Officer Anastasia “Dee” Dualla who stood at attention not far from Adama's desk.

“Petty Officer at ease” he said glancing up before raising to his feet “I have heard that you have been taking officer extension classes?”  He asked from what Colonel Tigh, Major Adama and Captain Gaeta had said she had approached them and asked for the tutoring and course work on her own time.

“Yes sir, before the war started I planned to return to Caprica for Officer Training School after my tour on Galactica ended.  Continuing my plans seemed like a way to keep things on track.”  She explained

“And from what they say you have done very well.”  Adama said seeing a small smile of pride from Dualla.  “With the Icarus, Phoenix and now Pegasus joining the fleet we find ourselves with room for promotion and opportunity.”  He explained before when it was only Galactica opportunities only became available when someone was killed or severely injured in action.  “Kendra Shaw will be joining Galactica's CIC Watch on a permanent basis filling in for Mr Gaeta's transfer.”  He explained seeing Dualla's annoyance at that announcement Gaeta as well as being the tactical and navigation officer was also Galactica's third-in-command behind Adama and Tigh.  “She will not however replace Gaeta behind myself and Colonel Tigh, I would like you to consider accepting the position?”  He said lifting a small box into view “along with the rank of Lieutenant” he said opening the box revealing two rank insignia for a Lieutenant Junior-Grade.  Her face immediately brightened with her eyes glistening with tears of joy and pride.

“I accept Admiral” she said proudly “you won't regret it.”

“I know I won't, Lieutenant” Adama said “you will have to continue your studies.  Major Adama and Captain Gaeta have agreed to continue to assist you despite their transfers while I am sure Colonel Tigh will be his usual helpful self.”  Adama continued with a smirk offering her his hand in congratulations Dualla shook it then came to attention saluting the Admiral who returned the formal salute.

“Thank you sir” she said lowering her salute before leaving.  Adama looked at the door for several moments content with his decision before returning to his desk to look over the President and Marcus Byrant's new proposal for a Civilian Security Force.  He was in two minds about the idea one thing that was good took civilian troubles out of Galactica's hands, in other respects it potentially put weapons in hands of those not in Adama's command.  Of course he still had two Battlestars and two “Marauder” Patrol Ships along with nearly two thousand marines if he needed to use them he knew he'd come out on top but the death toll from such a conflict would likely destroy the fleet.  He vowed silently to himself that things would not get to that stage.

Five

Lee Adama heard his quarters lock being overridden he'd half expected this to happen sooner his appointment aboard Pegasus had not been a popular one among the crew.  With Michael asleep in the other room he moved slowly towards the door as it slid open.  Unlike Galactica's ancient hinged doors everything on the Mercury-class Battlestar was new and advanced even the doors which slip open as the person entered.  As they did Lee drew his side arm only to see it was Starbuck “Wow Apollo hold the firepower” she said without even another thought moving past Lee “I don't think there are any assassin's looking out for you.”  She said giggling as she moved into the room “nice digs maybe I should be the XO” she joked entering the room she knew fine that the quarters were those of former Admiral Cain.  The new Commander of Pegasus Barry Gardner had refused to take Cain's quarters stating that he was happy with those he had and since Lee had his young son with him Gardner had offered him the quarters.

“Since when did you want rank and power?”

“I don't I just like the digs” she said walking around “not as snug as a Viper” she pointed the obvious Lee could see she was passing time.

“So I hear you joined a new team?”  He said quietly taking a seat in the corner as she laughed again

“Yes well Sam thought it might promote some enjoyment in the fleet if we had a Pyramid league” she said naming the popular Colonial sport several members of the resistance movement that had been rescued from Caprica had been members of the Caprica Buccaneers a popular team.  Since returning to the fleet they had been split up onto various ships Sam Anders, former Captain of the Buccaneers, had volunteered for Marine duty aboard the Pegasus after his experience with the resistance he was now a Marine Sergeant.  With his old team split up Anders had the idea of starting a league for the fleet to support and rally behind.

“Well I wanted to join the Leagues once.”  She admitted “we all get second chances.”  She said smirking.  “So I heard that one of my pilots has the hots for the new XO.”  She said Lee stopped what he had been doing and turned looking at the pilot “sooooo you've heard too?”  She teased quietly “Sheba's a good pilot same with her squadron.  She's a looker too.”  She said sitting on the couch opposite him.

“I don't think the Commander would approve...”  Lee began

“Who cares what Gardner thinks he's an ass and an engineer” Kara said her comment about Gardner's former position on this ship nearly like a curse “he doesn't have a clue about command why do you think the Admiral sent you here?”

“The Admiral and what would he think?  I'd be undermining everything he needs from the military engaging in a relationship with one of my subordinates?”  Lee said the passion raising in his voice Kara smirked again realizing that not only did Lee know about Sheba's interest but also felt something in return.

“You do know this is the end of the world Lee?”  Kara said this time she wasn't the hotshot pilot “we need each other as much as anything else.”

“Speak for yourself, a certain Marine is more than a little interested.”  Lee said pushing he and Sam had been speaking about Kara as much as she seemed to be happy to speak about him.

“Well I guess we'll both have to wait and see what happens.”  Kara admitted “and Sam's not under my Command, Major” she joked technically marines were under the direct command of a ship commander not the officers under him which allowed Commanders to maintain direct control.  Marines were known for their powerful loyalty towards their Commanders and that was returned in kind.  “Well I've got to get back to work.  Enjoy your time in CIC with Gardner” Starbuck joked “and say hi to little Michael from his aunt Starbuck when he wakes up.”

Several hours later Lee headed for the CIC his son safely in the guardianship of the couple who had helped Gianne care for him on Caprica.  Entering the CIC for the first time Lee tried not to smile the ultra modern Pegasus CIC was surrounded in bulletproof glass and had the best displays available to the Colonies before the fall.  Unlike Galactica's massive and sometimes intimidating CIC everything on Pegasus was closer easier to access.  There were less crewmen meaning less chances of mistakes.  He saw Commander Barry Gardner standing near the central table approaching he saluted crisply “Major Lee Adama reporting for duty Commander” he said Lee was surprised when Gardner didn't return the salute instead he extended his hand and shook Lee's.

“Welcome aboard, Major, just in time in-fact.”

“Sir?”  Lee asked surprised unaware of an ongoing situation.

“One of our training Raptors has gone missing Major” he said raising his voice so all could hear “I plan to take Pegasus to their last known coordinates and rescue them.”

“Have you spoken with the Admiral?  Sending a Battlestar after one Raptor...”

“Is what Major?”  Gardner snapped “overkill?  May I remind you that we are all that is left of Humanity every life counts especially members of this crew.”

“Yes sir, but a Raptor recon force may be more appropriate for such a task?”  Lee asked thinking that one missing Raptor could easily be a lure for a far bigger prize.

“This ship is more than just a hammer Major.  It is a very versatile ship and we are going to prove to this fleet that we can do anything when we set our minds to it.  Question is are you on the right ship Major?  Are you with us?”

“This is the ship I have been assigned Commander, I'm with you.”  Lee said moving around the table.

“Good to know, helm, set the jump clock and turn us away from the fleet.  All hands this is the Commander set condition one.”  Gardner called out moments later the Pegasus was turning away from the fleet before disappearing in a flash of light.  “Scan DRADIS find me our Raptor”  Gardner ordered.

“Nothing on... wait one Raptor!”  Hoshi reported from his station resulting in a cheer around the CIC “no life-signs” he said after a moment.

“Deploy rescue Raptor” Gardner ordered resulting in a look from Lee “the crew deserves a proper Colonial send off.”  The Commander said after a couple of moments just before the Pegasus rocked heavily from several impacts.

“Heavy Damage to rear!  FTL off-line, primary power out on several decks switching to back-ups.  DC teams on their way!”  One crewmen called as the Pegasus rocked several more times from hits.

“Nothing on DRADIS!”  Hoshi shouted Lee looked at Gardner who didn't seem to hear the reports flying around.

“Deploy air wing have them ID our targets visually and engage.  If these are Cylon craft we need to find out how they avoiding our DRADIS before we return to the fleet.”

“Return to the fleet!”  Gardner seemed to snap back into reality “have the rescue Raptor jump clear and warn the fleet.”

“The Rescue Raptor is gone, destroyed almost as soon as we were hit!”  Hoshi called out as the Pegasus took several more hits.  From both sides of the Battlestar Vipers were launching to engage this unknown enemy.

“Everyone stick with your wingmen, we need to find these toasters and eliminate them!”  Starbuck called out from her Viper MK VII almost as she spoke three Vipers exploded as red bolts slammed into the fighters destroying them instantly “FRACK ME!”  Starbuck screamed as two more Vipers exploded.  Moments later Starbuck caught a glimpse of the enemy fighter it was roughly trangular in shape with weapons ports at the end of three angular wings that came out of a round central hull.  The ships were a dark colour not quite black but still difficult to see against the backdrop of space for several moments Starbuck felt the twinge of panic not recognizing the craft before she remembered where seeing them “Pegasus this is Starbuck, we are up against Chig fighters!”  She reported diving after one of the craft.

In the CIC Gardner looked more surprised than anything he couldn't speak Lee grabbed the table phone “Starbuck, Apollo, confirm assessment” he ordered.

“They are frakking Chigs Lee!”  She snapped back “I saw them on the Hammerheads battle computers and from the Wildcrards descriptions.  All Vipers this is Starbuck continuous random movements don't fly in a straight line these things prefer to fly in wide arcs diving down on you or using their speed to get in behind.”  She called out remembering what the pilots in the Fifty-Eighth had said.  As the Vipers began to change direction randomly they avoided the Chig fire far better Starbuck saw her target had decided the Vipers were no threat and was turning back towards Pegasus.  “Pegasus full flak barrage in my direction NOW, NOW, NOW!  All Vipers break!”  She screamed

“We can't shoot at our own Frakking pilots, she's insane!”  Gardner called out apparelled by the idea

“She knows what she's doing” Lee said looking back at the Commander “Mr Hoshi order all gunners to fire full Flak Barrages at point blank range.”  Lee said the crewmen turned to Gardner who didn't countermand Lee.  Moments later the Pegasus guns began to spit flak into the space all around the ship something must have hit one of the Chig craft because the DRADIS lit up.

“DRADIS contact!”  Hoshi called out “we can track and kill them.”  He said triumphantly

“Negative not straight away” Lee said as Pegasus shook from another Chig strafing run.  He noticed Gardner at the engineering console trying to figure out what was wrong with the FTL, the Commander as the former Chief Engineer was probably the best person to figure it out.  “Scan the craft fully before taking it out and copy it into our database.  The sensors should reconfigure to that profile.”  He said as the ship took more damage from an attack.

“We can't take much more of this.”  Hoshi pointed out

“Then get scanning”  Lee ordered “Apollo, Starbuck, you need to buy us time I want those fighters scanned before we kill them.”

“We'll do our best but we're taking losses here!”  Starbuck shouted back already she'd counted ten destroyed Vipers there were probably more.  To make matters worse other than the Chig fighter she had identified she didn't know how many more there were.  Spinning her Viper wildly she shot off a volley of fire at the Chig fighter seeing her fire slam into the craft but the bigger alien fighter continue to fly off.  Glancing down she noticed her target spinning towards other fighters “Silver Spar Squadron you have incoming!”  She warned “as one I want you to fire towards me.”

“Starbuck, we could cut you down!”  Silver Spar leader warned

“Well Sheba, I'm counting on you being a good shot like you are bragging in the mess!”  Starbuck taunted as she spun her fighter after the diving Chig she saw the Silver Spars turn towards her and open fire the Chig fighter hadn't been ready for that move and took several hits from the front before exploding under the fire.  A strange green puff of smoke came out of the craft as it exploded Starbuck continued forward through the Silver Spar squadron cutting her fighter up onto its side to avoid two of the other Vipers.  “WOOOOOHOOO!”  She screamed in exaltation “fantastic shooting Silver Spars!”

On the Pegasus CIC Hoshi reported to Lee as Gardner was still engrossed in discussion about the FTL “Sir, ship scanned and committed to memory banks.  Sending image to all gun-crews, we should be ready for full firing in thirty seconds.”

“Fully scan the area before we begin firing, I want to know how many there are.”  Lee ordered as Gardner moved over “sir we have the enemy fighters scanned, we can now track them.”

“Excellent news Major, you need to take command here I'm needed in Engineering.”  Gardner said seeing Lee's surprise “they don't understand the problem, I can fix this and get us out of here.”  He promised Lee.

“I've never commanded a Battlestar.”

“Me either” Gardner said “you're doing a far better job than me Major.  Carry on.”  Gardner said coming to a full salute Lee returned it then offered the man his hand.

“Good Luck Commander” Lee said Gardner nodded then left the CIC without another word “I have command.”  Lee said glancing at the table below seeing Gardner's watch still sitting there “Mr Hoshi DRADIS Scan status.”

“Complete sir” Hoshi replied glancing at the screens Lee saw that there were now eight red dots around the Pegasus, one almost instantly winked out.

“Okay seven left” Lee said “have gun crews begin immediate suppression barrages on all flanks.”

“Our rear areas are still on secondary back-ups, we won't have full coverage.”

“That's why we have an air-group” Lee said grabbing the table phone again “Pegasus Actual to Starbuck, we need your fighters to cover our rear areas.  Pegasus defence grid is online but aft defence grid on secondary power.”

“Understood Apollo, we're on our way!”  Starbuck called out all the Vipers turned towards the Pegasus battered rear sections as the Battlestar dived down through their formation the ship's guns became active cutting through the Chig fighters ahead of the ship.  Three of the alien fighters exploded in green puffs as the massive ship moved.  “All Vipers stay close to Pegasus, we need to keep them off her!”  Starbuck called out as another Chig fighter made a run at the Battlestar cutting over its hull burning it with red energy bolts.  “That's enough of that!”  She shouted diving after the craft combining her fire with those of the Pegasus to destroy another Chig fighter.

“Major we have several more contacts appearing, they match the enemy's profile.”

“We can't take on them all.  Gardner's got to get that FTL online or we're dread.”  Lee commented holding Gardner's watch as he watched the CIC screens as Gardner reached the main engineering consoles seeing the problem immediately.  Even as the Commander began his repair work all around Pegasus' aft section the Vipers continued to engage the remaining Chigs from the first wave.

“We got another one!”  Sheba called out from Starbuck's left while another Chig fighter exploded off to the right.

“Only one left!”  Starbuck shouted turning her fighter towards the last Chig fighter which had turned away and was heading back towards the incoming Chigs.  “I don't think so”

“Pegasus to Air-Group land immediately we are preparing to jump.”  Lee ordered over the wireless.

“Not yet!”  Starbuck screamed accelerating after the Chig craft beside her she saw another Viper “Lee said get your damned fighter on the deck Sheba, consider that to be an order from me too!”  She shouted at the other pilot.

“Not without a wingman!”  Sheba called back keeping up with Starbuck as the two Vipers tracked down single remaining.

Onboard Pegasus the fighters were being counted aboard as the FTL repairs finished “sir, FTL online, all Vipers accounted for except for Starbuck and Sheba.”  Hoshi reported

“Reverse orientation one hundred-and-eighty degrees, engines to fifty percent.”  Lee ordered Hoshi moved over joining him.

“Sir, we can't risk this ship for two pilots” Hoshi said “we should jump now while we have time.”

“And leave those pilots to their fate?”  Lee demanded looking at Hoshi “Gardner came here to save the crew of a single Raptor.  I thought that's what Pegasus was all about, every member of this crew counts.”  He said looking around “so tell me, was he right?”  No-one answered or countered him Lee nodded “so we wait” he said looking at the DRADIS “com'on Starbuck!”

Outside the Pegasus approaching the Chig fighters Starbuck and Sheba fired nearly constantly at the retreating Chig fighter “Com'on!!”  Starbuck shouted as her fire connected with the enemy fighter but it carried on.  Sheba's fire also hit the craft but it continued on for several moments before spinning along its axis opening up with its weapons narrowly missing both rolling Vipers.  Given a new lease of life the two Vipers continued to fill the Chig craft with fire until their weapons seemed to penetrate the armour and it exploded in a green puff of smoke.  “Let's get the frak out of here!”  Starbuck shouted as the two Vipers turned tail and began to retreat towards Pegasus.

As they fell back a bolt slammed into Sheba's fighter incinerating the back of the ship the pilot reacted quickly pulling the ejection cords sending her cockpit module clear of the the doomed fighter “Sheba!”  Starbuck screamed watching the pilot be flung clear of the fighter with no chance of reaching the Pegasus.

“Go Starbuck Go, don't stop until you hit that deck!”  Sheba replied

“We can still get you Jenna”

“Not this time” she replied as the Chig fighters over-ran her escape pod.

“We're coming back” Starbuck promised as her fighter landed on Pegasus deck “Pegasus, I'm aboard.  Sheba isn't making it.”

Lee looked down at the table seeing the watch hand strike the hour “Jump the ship.”  He ordered in a low voice when no-one acted “JUMP THE FRAKKING SHIP!”  He snapped and the Pegasus disappeared in a flash of light returning to the fleet.

Seven

The next morning Kat and Starbuck were flying CAP through the asteroid field and their disagreement had not ended.  “Face it Starbuck you are getting comfortable on the Pegasus shacked up with your Pyramid player, you've lost your edge.”

“I've lost nothing, Kat, which is why I'll be killing Scar”

“Only in your dreams, Starbuck” the younger woman said shifting her fighter up onto its wing avoiding some asteroids.  “You should retire to your trainees” she taunted the other pilot.  Both pilots were some distance from Galactica now patrolling a thick section of the asteroid field.

“There's plenty time left to retire, Kat, and it won't be today.”  Starbuck said quietly glancing around the rocks there was a glint of light in the asteroids as something caught her eye.

“Tally, Tally!  One Cylon Raider!”  Kat shouted moments before Starbuck called in the raider as it began to retreat Scar didn't like a straight up fight. “Haha Scar you're mine!”  She said diving her fighter after the retreating Raider.

“You got lead, Kat, I'm your wing!”  Starbuck said diving her fighter after Kat's fighter.

The Icarus emerged in the target system depositing its complement of Vipers before jumping immediately to its second set of coordinates leaving the Wildcards to their own fight.  “Queen of Hearts to Wildcards, our mission is simple we take out the four Chig fighters and open the door for Paul and Vanessa to lay down their hammers.”  Vansen said as the Vipers formed up “our Vipers have twice the firepower of the Mk. II and Mk. VII models but we still can't match the Hammerheads.”  She said “make sure you use your missiles to weaken the Chigs” she reminded them all.

As the fighters continued towards the station being detected by the station's sensors eight Chig fighters launched to engage them.  “Jack of Spades, I have double the fighters we were expecting!”  Hawke called out

“Twice as much fun” West called back as he and Vansen broke high and to the left following the first Chig fighter.  The other Wildcards broke in various angles as four pairs tried to keep the Chigs busy Paul Wang and Vanessa Damphoouse tried to avoid the Chigs, their fighters each weighed down by nuclear warheads.

The Chig fighters although bigger and less manoeuvrable than the Vipers were still fast and still had plenty advantages almost instantly two of the Wildcards Lynch and Hunt were dead cut down by the Chigs.  “Got one!”  Hawke shouted as missiles struck one of the Chig craft and it exploded spinning end over end Hawke's fighter was quickly facing the opposite direction and a second Chig fighter was behind him he immediately opened fire with all four cannons and his last two missiles “make that two!”  He shouted out triumphantly.

“Two over here too, keep your flight suit on Hawke!”  West shouted back

“You boys are having way too much fun” Damphoouse called back fighting against the G-Forces “we could use some assistance!”  She said as Chig fire flew past either side of her fighter.

“Vanessa, we're on our way” Vansen called back spinning her fighter towards Damphoouse and Wang the two fighters had been avoiding the fight but now were being chased by two Chig craft Paul Wang's craft was ahead of Damphoouse but both craft were under fire.

“One more second” Paul Wang said angling his fighter towards the station.  Moments later he fired off his nuclear tipped missile without a moment's hesitation he spun his craft and began to fire his cannon's at the incoming Chig fighter.  Damphoouse flew straight past his fighter into her own firing position “I've got your back!”  He called out screaming as his fighter charged at the Chig craft, the larger fighter was unstoppable however and in front of the rest of the squadron Paul Wang's fighter exploded as the pursuing Chig fighter rammed it destroying both fighters.

“Missile away!  Paul you did it!”  Damphoouse shouted triumphantly spinning her fighter around straight into the weapons fire from another Chig craft.  Damphoouse's fighter followed that of Paul Wang as it exploded in a ball of flames moments before the first of the two nuclear missiles struck the space station.

Even as the Wildcards fought and died Colonel McQueen was landing on the planet aboard the Raptors.  Moving up a sand dune near the facility he peered over the edge and saw a Cylon Centurion standing guard “Cylons Colonel they have formed an alliance.”  One of the marines said bracing his sniper rifle at the Centurion.

“No wait look” McQueen said sat beside the Centurion a humanoid with cut skin revealing circuitry underneath.

“Silicates” the marine cursed sighting the AI with his sniper rifle.

“Steady marine” McQueen said watching the Silicate and Centurion move in the same exact way. “Marines take the Silicates, they are slaved into the Centurions, take two kills with one shot.”  He called into his radio moments later there was a series of shots that rang out gunning down four visible Silicates at the same time taking out the Centurions beside them.  “From now on we take the Silicates where possible now move in.”  He said across the sand dune the dozen or so marines and Colonel McQueen charged towards the facility.  Across the installation battles raged between the marines, the Silicates and their Centurions with the marines rapidly gaining an advantage.

With the external areas secured the marines began blowing the doors charging into the facility engaging the Silicates inside the building.  Several of the marines were killed in the close quarters but even suffering the casualties the marines held their upper-hand.  Standing outside a pair of blast doors McQueen stood with the marines as a demolition trooper set a timer.  All the marines took several steps away from the doors before the explosion rocked the entire building charging in the marines levelled their weapons at a single individual inside.

Like the Silicates before him he was a humanoid but like the Centurions his body was entirely chrome other than a brightly lit head.  “Good Afternoon, my name is Lucifer, I would assume you are here for the human captives held on this planet?  Would you require these Centurions to be activated for your use?”  He asked bowing slightly looking down at a Cylon Centurion which lay on the desk.

“Not at the moment.”  McQueen admitted glancing at the Centurion then back at Lucifer “how many humans are here?”

“Five hundred-and-ninety-seven” Lucifer said as matter of fact McQueen was stunned by the robot's revelation he hadn't expected as many.  There could be people from the Colonies or from the Saratoga, friends he or the Colonials thought they had lost could be in the number.

“We're going to need a bigger ship” McQueen admitted.

Half way between the planet and the Wildcards battle the Icarus reappeared from its second FTL jump in near perfect position beside the Cylon freighter.  Immediately the patrol ship locked weapons onto the freighter “this is Captain Karl Agathon to Cylon freighter.  You will surrender or be destroyed.”  Karl Agathon transmitted through the ship's Wireless.  There was a series of beeps in reply before any spoken words replied.

“You have recently attacked our ground forces and our space station?”  The female voice asked followed by a second series of beeps.

“Correct, and you'll be our next target if you don't surrender now.”  Agathon said

“If we surrender you will destroy us.”  The female replied followed by several more beeps.

“Use the ship's escape pods we won't bother you.”  Agathon said “you have my word as a Colonial officer.”

“How can we accept the word of any human?  After all our kind have done to yours?”  She replied again there were several beeps.  Karl guessed these people had encountered the peoples of Earth before without any of the Earthers on the bridge he had little other options.

“Listen Miss Beep” he said not knowing her name instead using the beeps as an identification without another word only more beeps he continued “I don't care who you are or what you have or haven't done I just want the ship so get the frak off it or we will come and get it ourselves.”

“We will comply I thank you for your compassion human.” Miss Beep replied with several more beeps.  Several moments later the freighter ejected a small shuttle which immediately turned away and began to burn its way clear of the ship.

“Bring us alongside marines are to board the ship and ensure there is no-one left aboard.”  Agathon said getting used to command of a larger ship.  “Contact Colonel McQueen inform him we have the freighter.”

“Communication from the planet Colonel McQueen reports planet facility secured and that he needs the freighter intact.”  One of the crewmen reported Agathon leaned against the console and smiled.

“For once something goes right” Agathon whispered in response.  “Once the prize crew is aboard we're going back for the Vipers, hopefully the Wildcards have been as lucky.”  Soon after the Icarus found that the Wildcards had not been so lucky although the station had been destroyed by the nuclear weapons, and the Chig fighters had eventually been destroyed, five of the squadron had died in the attack including Vanessa Damphoouse and Paul Wang.  The other Wildcards were feeling shell-shocked following the battle, they had lost people before but Vanessa and Paul had been with the squadron from its start and their loss had hit home.  Even with the recovery of more people from the planet it did not make up for the losses the squadron had taken.

Elsewhere Kat and Starbuck were involved in their own battle the Cylon Raider known as Scar the sole enemy fighter had avoided them continuously ducking and diving behind asteroids which took their fire for it.  Other Cylon fighters had jumped in but they had been taken care of by Galactica's other Vipers instead Kat and Starbuck had been left to Scar alone so far Scar had not been able to strike at them either but neither had they “Com'on!”  Starbuck screamed seeing Scar escape from her grasp again she and Kat had taken turns at making runs against the Cylon fighter but neither had been able to take a clear shot.

“If your screaming was weapons fire half the Cylon fleet would be dead, Starbuck.”

“And if your cursing was as deadly Kat then the other half would be dead”

“An entire fleet between us lucky us plenty targets.”  Kat joked as Scar flew over an asteroid and weapons fire cut between the space between them.  “Motherfracker!”  Kat screamed as her fighter took several hits “Starbuck, I've lost an engine!”

“I've got his attention Kat, recover your fighter!”  Starbuck said leading the Cylon into the asteroids the two fighters exchanging weapons fire as they went.

“Negative Starbuck we don't abandon our wingmen your first lesson” she said diving her damaged fighter after Starbuck and Scar.  “The first one I listened to anyway!”  She joked as she followed her damaged Viper wasn't even nearly fast enough to keep up with the other two craft.

Starbuck continued to dodge Scar and asteroids nowhere she went was she able to get a clear shot on the Cylon Raider.  “Alright Kat I have one job for you...”

“I'm not heading back to the ship” Kat broke in

“...that's not what I was going to say.”  Starbuck said spinning her fighter back towards Scar firing off a burst of fire at the Cylon “I'm going to get this son-of-a-bitch right in front of you.  Don't miss him or we're both frakked!”  She cursed looking her Viper over an asteroid behind Scar followed her fixating on her Viper knowing that Kat's damaged craft was of little threat to it.  As Starbuck's Viper looped around the asteroid it brought her onto a direct course with Kat.

“Starbuck break!”  Kat shouted in return as the other Viper approached her head-on behind Kat could see glimpses of Scar as it appeared and disappeared from view.  “Get out of the frakking way!”  She shouted

“Not yet Scar isn't getting away this time!”  Starbuck shouted back as Scar's fire came closer to her Viper.  At the very last moment Starbuck jinked clear just as Kat opened fire cutting through the space Starbuck's fighter had just passed through into the Cylon Raider known as Scar.  The Raider for all it's infamy within the Galactica's Air Group had no more armour or lives than any other craft and it exploded under Kat's fire.  Both Colonial pilots cheered at the loss Starbuck had given up the kill to Kat but by the same throw of the dice Kat hadn't abandoned her wingman despite having a damaged fighter which made Starbuck just a little proud.

Nine

After President Roslin had spoken with the Terran family Admiral Adama had called for all leave to be recalled and for senior officers to report aboard Galactica.  Deep within the vessel they met in one of the briefing rooms.  “Ladies and Gentlemen, according to the information gathered by President Roslin we are heading into a potentially dangerous part of space.”  Adama said “not only do we have the Chigs and Cylons in our path but we also potentially have the Terran Government and the Anarchists.”  He said naming the two factions that battled for control of Terra.  “From what President Roslin learned it appears that the Democratic elected Government has not the power or the abilities to keep the space around its world and its colonies secure.  The Anarchists believe that a bloody Jihad is the only way that their society can move forward and they are willing to attack anyone.”  Adama explained

“We don't need another enemy” Karl Agathon said “even with our increased firepower we can't defend against three enemies.”

“It sounds like they are preoccupied with themselves.”  McQueen pointed out “assuming we don't want to get involved with their fight?”  He asked Adama nodded “then we need to find a clear path through their space.”

“Combat Raptors or FTL modified APCs could do the job” Lee suggested

“Between our Techs and Chief Tyrol's people we've modified two of the remaining three APCs” Shane Vansen reported.

“Raptors are better equipped, Pegasus has nearly a full complement, and we've nearly completed our repairs.”  Lee said “if we want to make sure there is no way this could come back to the fleet Pegasus could jump ahead of the fleet then deploy Raptors to the surrounding systems to ensure we have a clear path.”  He said “if we encounter resistance we could make several jumps away from the Fleet before turning back in.”  No-one disagreed with the Pegasus' Commander.

“Pegasus could become very isolated in that scenario” Adama pointed out.

“She's a good ship with a good crew” Lee said proudly “we can do this Admiral.”

“This will be a scout mission” Adama said looking past the others to his son.  If you find the enemy you are to jump to the next system or back to the fleet.”  He cautioned his son

“Yes, sir” Lee replied.

“Your operation begins in eight hours, Commander.  The rest of the fleet will remain at Condition Two.”  Adama said “we are going to make the most of this downtime ladies and gentlemen.  There are ships within this fleet that have completed more jumps in the last two-hundred-and-fifty days than they were designed to in their entire lives.  We'll give our people some time to recuperate and conduct some repairs.”

“That's going to eat into our supplies, Admiral” Major Aaron Kelly, commander of the Phoenix pointed out.

“We'll ensure we keep a reserve” Adama acknowledged “but at least if we make these repairs now if we have problems further down the line it will be easier.  Commander Adama's scouting mission can search for resources as well as a safe path for this fleet.”  He said looking to his son who nodded his agreement.  “The Cylons have given us an opportunity let's take advantage of that.”  The Admiral said looking around the faces none disagreed.

Several hours later Lee Adama was stood in the Pegasus CIC when his new XO entered the command centre for the first time.  She was about his age her uniform still bearing a couple of the scars from her incarceration by the Chigs and still bearing the Battlestar Ares crest on the shoulder.  “Major Elena Rand reporting as requested sir.”  She said crisply saluting.

“Welcome aboard Major” Lee said returning the salute of the candidates available she was the biggest mystery to him, but hopefully the one with most promise.  According to her reports she had served as the tactical officer on the Ares for two years before its destruction, Ares had been the same class of Battlestar as the Pegasus which would immediately give her a step up from the other three candidates.  According to her psych evaluation she had come through her time as a prisoner-of-war better than the others only time would tell.  “You've arrived just in time, we are preparing for our first jump, when the Raptors return with the all clear we go.”  He said briefing her looking across the table her dark hair was tied back with a small fringe she looked perfectly at ease within the CIC.

“Yes, sir” she replied “I read the mission briefing, textbook pre-war planning.”

“Other than we are using a Battlestar as a scout” Lee joked.  In the past before the war Pegasus would have been the centre of the formation with smaller support vessels doing the scouting.  Today the central vessel was Galactica and neither Icarus or Phoenix had the resources to complete this mission as well as Pegasus could.

“Sir, Raptors One and Two have returned both report all clear in target system.”  Hoshi reported

“Very good, begin jump clock, jump when ready.  Have Raptors One and Two jump with us they can land when the CAP launches.”  Lee ordered glancing up at his new XO who simply nodded she was quite quiet he guessed she was just fitting in he'd soon see if she changed or not as their mission progressed.

“Jumping in five... four... three... two... one... JUMP!”  Hoshi called out and Pegasus was gone from the fleet and into a new system.  As the ship began to move under its sub-light engines two Vipers left by the launch tubes from port starboard launch bay.  Unlike Galactica the Pegasus flight pods were fixed in position during a jump meaning there was no delay in getting the fighters in the air.

“Who do we have out there?”  Elena asked

“Starbuck and Showboat, Mam” Hoshi replied

“Thank you, Lieutenant” she replied curtly turning to Lee “good sticks?”  She asked not aware of the pilots aboard her new ship.

“Two of the better pilots” Lee said “Starbuck is one of the best Viper pilots we have on any ship.  She's also the chief fleet instructor, she normally serves aboard Galactica but has transferred here temporarily.”  He said Starbuck had been sent to Galactica by his father to give him some much needed back-up on a ship dominated by officers who had been trained by Admiral Cain.  “Showboat is a very solid squadron commander.”  He said if he was being honest he didn't know much about Marcia “Showboat” Case her combat scores were as good as any of the Pegasus pilots and her squadron had low amounts of losses so it pointed to her being quite good.  He knew that Pegasus former CAG Cole “Stinger” Taylor spoke highly of her but since his transfer to the Phoenix as CAG of that ship's Viper complement he couldn't turn to him for advice.  He could ask Sheba what she thought of Showboat, he silently wondered what Elena Rand would think of his involvement with the young pilot.

“Sir, DRADIS Scan no enemy detected” Hoshi reported.

“Very well.  Have Raptors One and Two land.  Raptors Three and Four are in play for target system two.  One hour we launch Raptors Five and Six for system three and so on until we have at least ten Raptors on rotating patrol.  We are going to push this ship to the maximum of its capabilities everyone needs to be at the top of their game.”  Lee said briefing the CIC crew.

Several hours passed with several Raptors deployed Starbuck and Showboat were coming to the end of their patrol “Com'on Showboat sing out, let me know I'm not alone out here.”

“Haha you wish Starbuck” Showboat replied her fighter in close proximity to Starbuck's “how about 99 bottles of Ambrosia?”

“Showboat!  You're taking me back” Starbuck laughed in reply

Within the CIC Elena had taken to pacing slowly around the room checking on the crewmen's progress glancing over at Lee from time to time.  “Spit it out, Major” he said seeing her mind moving.

“She isn't the most disciplined of officers.”

“If she teaches these pilots to fly half as good as she does then we'll come out on top.” Lee promised Elena didn't look convinced but he'd known Starbuck for years she had a way that wouldn't change for any man, woman or Cylon.

“Wow Pegasus, we have company!”  Starbuck called out “I count twenty contacts, make that twenty-four” she corrected, “they appeared out of nowhere Pegasus!  I don't recognize them.”

“Starbuck, Pegasus Actual get back to the barn we're not here for a fight.”  He said there was a couple of glances around the CIC but they were cut off by Lee “Mr Hoshi have the ready Raptor jump to each of the deployed Raptors positions order them all to return to the fleet using their own power via uncharted jumps.”  He ordered

“That will take them a while to get home, Commander” Hoshi reminded him Raptors couldn't match  a Battlestar jumping alone.

“I am aware” Lee said “but we don't have a rendezvous coordinate.”  He said “have our course take us in an indirect path back to the fleet, we are not leading these guys back to Galactica.”

“Tracking someone through a jump is theoretically impossible” Elena said reminding Lee of a conversation he'd had with President Laura Roslin shortly after the initial attacks.

“Theoretically” Lee repeated “but there are twenty-four of them, even if we take them out there could be more.  If they can all jump like Cylon Raiders then they could cover half the quadrant.”  He pointed out “no we are going to be the bait.”

“Sir our job was to find a safe path for the Galactica and the fleet not play the bait” Elena pointed out.

“And by keeping these guys off Galactica we do just that.  We have Raptors returning to Galactica with plenty of data we can deal with this threat right now.”  He said “Mr Hoshi, have our jump keep us in range of their sensors, I want to lead them on a bit.”

“Short jumps tax the drive more.”  The young officer warned

“And Pegasus is a new enough ship to handle it.  Galactica completed 238 jumps soon after the attacks and didn't feel a thing” he said confidently speaking from experience remembering those 130.35 hours on alert like they were yesterday.

“Sir, the enemy fighters are coming into range.”

“Selective barrage, remind gunners we have fighters out there” Lee said.  As Starbuck and Showboat flew back towards the Battlestar its guns began to fire their shells exploding in space all around the Vipers.  The fire from Pegasus cut down several of the enemy fighters but more appeared almost instantly “Pegasus Actual to Starbuck get aboard before we are overwhelmed.”  Lee snapped

“Sir, there's another ship out there far bigger than the raiders.”  Hoshi reported Lee moved over to look at the display.  Elena Rand looked at the DRADIS screens and grabbed the table phone.

“Starbuck, Pegasus XO, prepare for increased point defence fire.  Approach vector six.”  She said turning to another crewman “order all gunners to commence full suppression barrage at point blank range other than to rear quarter.”

Outside Pegasus Starbuck barely caught the XO's warning “Showboat hit the deck!”  She screamed there was no deck under them but every pilot knew that was the order for dive and don't ask questions.  Both Vipers rolled over as every gun on Pegasus other than those under her hull began to spit out flak at their maximum rate of fire.  The two Vipers skimmed the underside hull of the Battlestar avoiding enemy fire as they headed aft once clear of the flight pods both fighters executed a perfect 180 degree stationary spin killing nearly all their momentum before entering the bay.  “Pegasus, Starbuck, we're aboard!”  Starbuck reported.

“Landing bay secure!”  One crewmen reported as Starbuck and Showboat landed their fighters.

“JUMP!”  Lee ordered the Pegasus flashed away from the enemy fighters appearing at their maximum range.

Aboard the lead fighter one of the two silver coloured Centurions piloting the Raptor turned to his gold coloured Commander.  “Sir, the Battlestar Pegasus has jumped however they still remain in range and can shadow the Basestar.”

“All Raiders are to pursue the Battlestar Pegasus at maximum speed until its destruction.”  The Commander ordered his red eye pulsating across the armour's faceplate.

“Pursuit at Maximum speed!”  The other Centurion said turning back to his controls.  All the remaining Raiders turned towards the location that the Pegasus had jumped.  A limitation of the older technology was a far slower recharge rate than the modern Raiders on their jump drives however their larger frame allowed them to keep a much faster sub-light speed than current Raiders.  The chase was on.  “By your command!”

Space Above and Beyond/BSG Crossover

Part Four Two Tales, One Earth

One

The door intercom activated before the door to Commander Lee Adama's quarters opened.  The Commander himself was sitting on a black leather sofa at the coffee table in the middle of the room cradling his baby son.  “Major, how can I help?”  He asked looking up at his XO who seemed surprised to see the ship's commander in a domestic setting despite visiting his quarters several times before.

“Commander, sorry for disturbing you” she started before continuing more formally “but I wondered if you had a plan of action?  We have sat here for eighteen hours and no Cylons they appear to have given up.”

“They do indeed, Major” Lee admitted the Pegasus had completed sixty-two jumps away from Galactica and the fleet before Lee had ordered the ship to cease jumping until it made contact with a Cylon Basestar.  So far not a single Cylon ship had appeared in the area of Pegasus.

“I also hear you suspended further Viper production?”  She asked Pegasus had the ability to manufacture Viper Mk VI and VII fighters, mostly slowly by hand, but it gave the ship the ability to recoup its losses in combat.

“I did our air group is a 90% Vipers we don't have the trained pilots to fill the ships we have let alone need more.  What we lack are Raptors.”  He said because of the plan to scan multiple systems half of the Pegasus Raptor Crews and virtually all their experienced crews were gone.

“I've already begun cross training of Viper pilots on our remaining Raptors we should be able to field all our remaining Raptors within a month.”  She pointed out

“I noticed” Lee said “but Raptors take up twice the crew of a Viper and those pilots will be very green aboard Raptors if they treat them like Vipers we will take higher and higher losses.”

“So what else do we do?  We can't keep jumping blind.”  She said a ship like Pegasus usually jumped after a series of Raptors which scouted the space ahead of the ship.

“No we can't, but there is an alternative” he said leaning forwards holding his son close flicking open a paper folder on the desk “this possibly is.”  He said leaning back Elena leaned forwards and picked up the folder.

“You can't be serious!”  She said after a few minutes “the Blackbird was hand built from scrap it's nearly useless in combat.”

“The Blackbird is a proven scout vessel.  We can refine the design with equipment aboard Pegasus.  We already have a Viper production capability it could easily be set up to work for Blackbird production.  The Blackbird takes up less resources than a Raptor, requires less pilots and should be quicker for Viper pilots to adapt to.”  Lee pointed out seeing he was getting through to Elena.  “We keep going with your plan” Lee said “each of our Viper pilots needs to be cross-trained with the Raptors to make them more effective and it will teach them how to handle jumps in such a small ship.”  Lee said “the production team should be able to build one or two Blackbirds a month.  A few months production and our scouting capabilities will be able to match a ship that has a full complement of Raptors and pilots.”  He said confidently

“If the Blackbirds work” Elena pointed out

“Have confidence Major, and also have the Helm begin to plot a course to the Lion's head Nebula.”

“Lion's head Nebula?”

“A clue from Kobol Major we are going to track down the Galactica and her fleet.”  Lee said glancing down at his son then back at his XO “the Pegasus only just joined our family it's time to see it restored.”

“Yes, sir” she said nodding before leaving Lee to care for his son.

Using data taken from the Pegasus Raptors the Galactica and her accompanying fleet had jumped fourteen times searching for the missing Battlestar and found little trace.  They had found some Cylon fighter remnants but virtually no sign of the Pegasus.  On the fifteenth jump they had found three destroyed Colonial Vipers and a fragment of the Pegasus armour belt it was nowhere near a sign the ship had been destroyed but already there was trouble in the fleet with several claiming there was no need to follow the ship which was more than likely already destroyed.

On three ships the passengers had come into conflict with the crews who had requested assistance from Marcus Bryant's civilian security forces.  It was the first time these civilian security forces had been deployed into an active situation.  Aboard two of the vessels the troubles had passed without incident but aboard the passenger ship Gideon things had gotten out of hand.  The armed civilians security officers had quickly secured the vessel taking several prisoners while providing a nice example of civilian control over the fleet.

Admiral Adama had been impressed the inexperienced civilian security had been able to stop troubles unassisted however he also now had further problems with the President aboard his Battlestar “Admiral, how long will we follow the trail of the Pegasus?”

“Until we find the ship or until we have definitive proof the Battlestar has been lost” Adama said he was surprised they were having this discussion so quickly the Galactica's change in course had almost completely eliminated the Cylon threat with the Battlstar not encountering a single raider since it started following the Pegasus projected course.

“Admiral, we are jumping further and further away from the Lion's head Nebula, people cannot help but question why?”

“We are searching for people of our Colonies.  This is a military mission we will reach the Lion's head Nebula when we reach it.”  He pointed out it wasn't as though the astronomical body was going anywhere.

“And until then we'll just arrest the entire population?”  She asked he already knew she was in the process of pardoning all those arrested on the Gideon citing the stress of living in space and on the run from the Cylons but he knew she had a point.

“It won't get that far.  Lee will turn the Pegasus around before we run into that kind of trouble.  And with the additional Raptors from Pegasus we have a far better chance of finding it.  And then we will bring this planet to the Lion's head Nebula and to Earth.”  He said confidently

“You believe that Admiral?”

“Of course” he replied

The mood on Pegasus was slightly brighter with the news that Pegasus was turning towards the fleet's intended destination.  That did not mean that through each jump the Pegasus alert Vipers were not in their launch tubes ready trouble.  “Emerging from jump” Lt Hoshi announced after several moments he called out “DRADIS Contact, unknown configurations there's at least eight of them!”  He called out immediately Lee and Elena looked up at the monitors.

“Does it match any known Chig or human silhouette?”  Lee demanded seeing two groups of four craft in the immediate vicinity.

“Negative they are completely unknown.  We are detecting what appears to be DRADIS signals being exchanged between the two groups... and us” Hoshi confirmed.

“They are targeting each other?”  Lee asked

“Sir, our alert Vipers?”  Elena prompted

“One second” Lee said holding up a hand to Elena “Hoshi can you confirm they were targeting each other?”

“It did appear that way” he said glancing up catching Major Elena Rand's eye “but we can't confirm that they were slightly different signals to what our own DRADIS transmit.”

“Launch the alert fights” Lee ordered looking over at his XO “have them hold within our defence perimeter.  Mr Hoshi, have all weapons stations manned and ready no active sensors on either group until we know what is going on.”  He said watching as the two groups began to move slowly away from each other.

Outside Starbuck could just about make our the groups of ships they were totally alien to her.  They had a small forward section which was probably twice the size of a Raptor which was connected to a rear engine section which was far bigger.  Each of the ships were about eight to ten times the size of a Raptor.  “Pegasus this is Starbuck” she broadcast in “these things seem to be confused by our arrival and have broken up but I swear to you I can see battle damage on at least two of the ships.”

“Starbuck this is Sheba, I confirm that one of the ships on this side is damaged too.”  She reported from the other side of the Battlestar.

“Pegasus to all Vipers this is the XO stay in defensive positions.  Actual is communicating.”  Elena informed the Viper pilots Starbuck hoped Lee could talk his way out of this one since fighting an unknown craft was not high on her priority list.

In the CIC Lee Adama raised the table phone “This is Commander Adama of the Battlestar Pegasus to the formations off our forward bow.”  He said pausing before continuing “we represent the Colonial Defence Fleet of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol.  We do not mean any hostile intent.”

This is Captain Eli Wilkinson of the Third Defence Squadron.  We welcome you to the Terra system” one of the groups broadcast.

“Commander Adama, we must ask you remove your Battleship from this system it is currently disputed” a female voice said in the message from the second group.  Lee and Elena looked at each other confused a Battleship was an ancient form of wet navy vessel that had been phased out of use decades before the Cylon wars they were nothing like the Battlestar that Pegasus was.

“BE SILENT” Eli Wilkinson snapped “Wolf Pack you have no authority to speak for Terra, withdraw immediately.”

“We will defend the people of Terra from any threat foreign or domestic” the Wolf Pack's leader responded.

“We are not a threat to the people of Terra” Lee Adama stressed until ten minutes before he'd never even heard of a Terra colony.  “We are part of a fleet that is heading for a world named Earth.  If you could assist us we would happily open up trade relations.”

“EARTH IS A MYTH!  Even its mention is a crime against our very being we are the true people of Terra” the Wolf Pack leader screamed in anger.  Lee watched as all four of the Wolf Pack's ships moved from their formations diving down on the Pegasus.

The Vipers suddenly witnessed the Terran ship's strengths from both sets of ships volleys of missiles flew from under the craft's wings.  The Wolf's Pack missiles were targeted on Pegasus while the ships of the Defence Fleet were targeted on the Wolf Pack.  “Pegasus we have incoming from one of the groups of ships, we have lots of frakking incoming!”  Starbuck shouted a warning “all Vipers break by squadron then we form up behind the Pegasus we take these frakkers out.”  She said diving her Mk VII Viper away from the Battlestar.

Even as the Colonial fighters dived out of the way of the missiles the Pegasus own defences activated throwing up a massive wall of flak.  Many of the missiles were destroyed by this defence fire but several made it through tearing into Pegasus' forward armour.  Fortunately none of the enemy missiles were nuclear armed.  As the Wolf Pack's missiles struck the Pegasus the defence fleet's missiles struck the rear areas of two of the Wolf Pack craft, causing heavy damage, both vessels almost immediately turned away from Pegasus leaving their comrades.

Behind the Pegasus the Viper squadrons had all organized by Starbucks order of Pegasus ten squadrons only eight were operational combat squadrons one was a training squadron while the last was made up of all the fighters under repairs or under construction.  Even so eight squadrons of Vipers could make a lot of mess Starbuck had kept it simple two squadrons on each side of the Battlestar two above and two below.  Her own and the Silver Spur squadrons would engage the destroyers while the rest were in place as support.  With two Wolf Pack craft out of commission already that meant an entire squadron would focus on each enemy craft.  Unfortunately the Terran ship seemed to be designed to engage multiple targets at once even as the Vipers approached in the shadow of the Pegasus further missiles these ones smaller than before flew from the Wolf Pack's wings.  In space clear of their launching craft these missiles exploded into dozens of smaller missiles each that had the ability to hunt down enemy fighters.  Some of these smaller missiles exploded in mid-air or caught Pegasus hull signature and slammed into the hull while others struck the Vipers.  Only a very lucky shot would kill a pilot but even a minor missile hit could ruin a Viper's day causing unrepairable damage.

great to see an update to this.  Wondering already what you have in store for the New Year on this!  Keep it up!

Four

Commander Lee Adama stared at the paper work on his desk detailing Pegasus day-to-day paperwork.  The Battlestar had made six jumps away from the Terran system with the limited amount of Raptors aboard the ship hadn't been able to complete military range FTL jumps restricting the ship's efforts to find the Galactica and its civilian fleet.  Not far from his table baby Michael slept silently letting Lee look over the papers in peace as the door intercom sounded.  “Come in” he called out moments later Major Elena Rand entered “Major” Lee greeted glancing over at the crib Rand nodded her understanding as she sat down opposite him.  “How can I help?”

“I wanted to let you know the first four Blackbirds are ready for flight testing.”  She explained “I am assigning them to Silver Spur Squadron, they've shown the most skill with them in simulations.”

“Starbuck will be happy.” Lee commented

“Her skill lies in a Viper fighting, not scouting, the Blackbird is not a fighter.  She's a scout and Silver Spur is better placed for it.”

“I won't argue with you there, Major” Lee admitted he wondered how Sheba would take to the new fighters in her squadron.  “With those ships we should be able to increase our jump range?”

“Yes sir, I've already ordered helm to plot longer jumps and have the Raptors and Blackbirds scout the areas plotted.  Not quite at military range yet but we're getting there...”  She said her voice trailing.

“And there is the catch?”  He said noticing her stop mid sentence.  “If there is something wrong, Major, spit it out.”  He commanded.

“Sir, we've used all but two of our spare FTLs on the Blackbirds four are now active two more will be finished by the end of the week.  If our Raptors or Blackbirds have problems with their FTLs we may struggle to repair them.”  She explained Pegasus was equipped to build fighters.  The Blackbird despite its differences was still similar enough to the Viper that construction was not too much of a hardship but the ship couldn't build FTL drives and had been using what little spares were aboard to complete the work on the Blackbirds.

“I hope to find Galactica before then.  However if necessary we will cannibalize Raptor FTLs for repairs to Blackbirds or additional ships.”

“The Raptor is a more capable frame” Elena protested

“Yes, but the Blackbirds only need a single pilot and they are a lot harder to find than a Raptor.  If a Blackbird jumps in on top of the Cylons she has the chance of getting away free without trouble.  Most Raptors can't say the same.”  Lee pointed out the Blackbird was covered in composite materials easy to produce it also caused lots of trouble for DRADIS equipment.  “How is the Chief Executive and his staff adjusting to the Pegasus.”  Lee said changing the subject immediately seeing a smirk appear on his XO's face.

“Like little kids adjusting to a High School” she joked “the Chief Executive asked for our marines to back off let them find their way.  I ordered the Master-at-Arms only to interfere if they went where they were not welcome.  Within an hour they had gotten lost three times once into the pilot changing areas where Blue Squadron had just returned from operations.”  She said trying not to laugh Blue Squadron had the highest amount of female pilots on the Battlestar.

“I assume they got out alive?”  Lee asked half seriously

“After allowing them to be roasted by the pilots the Marines 'found' them and got them back on the right track.  Mostly harmless fun.”

“I hope so, keep an eye on it Major”

“Of course sir, will you be in CIC for the next jump?”

“Indeed, after I've made a visit to the flight decks I'd like to see the Blackbirds return from their first operation.”  He said the Blackbirds would, with Pegasus' remaining Raptors jump into various systems along the Battlestar's projected path ensuring they did not miss the Galactica and the civilian ships.  It would slow down the Pegasus jumps but would ensure nothing was missed.  “See if the Chief Executive can find his way to CIC by then, maybe he'd like to see how it's done?”

“I'm sure he would so far we've restricted his views of CIC to beyond the marine cordon.”

“I never said he was getting in Major” Lee said mischievously “just that'd he see something.”

“Yes, sir” Elena said standing up saluting Lee remained seated but returned the salute before allowing his XO to leave.

Soon after Lee Adama was in the hanger bay walking around one of the Pegasus built Blackbird fighters.  Unlike the original craft, which was aboard Galactica, these new fighters seemed to be more refined as they had been built by Pegasus Viper production crew instead of with what the Galactica had available cobbled together by hand.  “Impressed sir?”  Lt Jenna Adar asked approaching the fighters had been assigned to her squadron so it was hardly surprising she was interested in what she thought.

“It looks good.  How are they fitting in?”  He asked the Blackbirds were not fighting craft, although they could carry missiles, they were designed for stealth recon missions scouting ahead undetected.

“Quite well, we sent them out on their first mission as pairs just to test their capabilities.  All four fighters did exactly what they were supposed to.  We're going to deploy them all solo next.”  She said.

“Good progression” Lee commented “just remember they could easily outrun your Vipers in squadron moves.  These ships are designed for speed not dogfighting the Viper will kill them in close but if the Blackbird uses flying passes the Vipers or Cylon raiders would struggle badly.”

“Yes sir, not bad for a ship designed by a deck crew of an old Battlestar.”

“Not bad indeed” Lee commented remembering he'd doubted the ship would ever even fly before taking it out on its second mission.  There was an uncomfortable silence between the two as they stood beside the fighter there was something between them they knew it, the deck crew knew it, the whole ship probably guessed it but he was still her Commander and so far it had kept them apart.  “Well I'm due in the CIC, carry on Lieutenant.”  Lee said turning saluting her before marching off.

“Thank you sir” Jenna said quietly watching him leave before looking back at the Blackbird.

Moving through the Battlestar Lee soon made it to the CIC just inside the doors the Chief Executive and one of his aides were standing guarded by a pair of marines dressed in black.  Major Rand stood near the planning table overseeing operations.  Lee waited until the glass doors of the CIC opened before stepping into the darkened room.  “Chief Executive, how do you like the Pegasus.”

“She is a very impressive creation, Commander, I could only imaging what my people would do with such a craft.  To merge a Battleship with a Carrier into such an effective platform is very impressive.  The jump technology you possess adds to the capabilities immeasurably...”

“Which brings us to business” Lee said cutting off the Chief Executive before he could go on much longer.  Despite what he claimed the man was less about business and more about politics.  He may have earned the position of Chief Executive but he knew how to play the game to keep the post.  “Major Rand” he said turning to his Executive officer “jump status?”

“We are ready to go sir, FTLs spun up, coordinates locked, all landing bays secure, DRADIS console is secure.”  Rand responded crisply.

“Excellent, helm jump the ship when ready.”  Lee ordered glancing over at the crewmen.  Moments later Lee felt the tingling as the jump engines released their spun up energy tearing a hole in space launching the Battlestar from one area into another.  Lee was used to the feeling it barely affected him now but looking at the Chief Executive neither he not his aide liked the feeling much.  As the DRADIS console lowered from its secure position Lee glanced up as Pegasus sensors scanned the area.

“MULTIPLE DRADIS CONTACTS!”  Hoshi shouted out as the screen showed both green and red dots appearing everywhere “we have Colonial and Cylon ID tags!”  He called out “we have five Cylon Baseships, the civilians are executing jumps away.”

“Raise the Galactica, set condition one throughout the ship, prepare to launch all fighters” Lee ordered.

“Sir, there is no Battlestar Galactica on our screens.”  Hoshi responded immediately as the DRADIS sweep completed.  There was complete silence in the room for several seconds “sir?  I said there is no Battlestar Galactica in the immediate area.”  He repeated but Lee was transfixed on the screen.

“Launch all fighters, activate the defence grid, Commander your orders?”  Rand prompted Lee for several seconds Lee continued to remain silent “Lee” she said again her use of his name seemed to snap him out of it at least briefly.

“Launch all Vipers, give me fleet wide communications” Lee said gabbing the table phone “this is Commander Lee Adama aboard the Battlestar Pegasus to all Cylon and Colonial units I am taking command of this fleet.  Cylon forces you are to withdraw immediately or be destroyed.”  He said placing the phone back down “helm set a collision course for that Basestar flank speed” he ordered “ready main battery for firing.”

“Sir, something about the Galactica” Hoshi said quietly

“Not right now Mr Hoshi, allow the Commander concentrate” Rand said as the Pegasus shook heavily under several missile strikes.  The Cylons were slowly turning away from the fleet and towards the sole Battlestar.

“Any transmissions or power change to their FTL?”  Lee asked Hoshi shook his head.  “Fair enough we play this the hard way.  Main guns salvo fire.”  He ordered the forward guns of the Pegasus, the ship's primary armament, opened up as soon as the Battlestar was in range.  The first shots missed the Cylon ship however the second, third and fourth shots all struck the Basestar consuming the ship in fire.  “Come to port bring us to the second target.”

“Sir, the Icarus and Phoenix have destroyed one of the targets.  We have received jump coordinates.  Two civilian ships have reported missile strikes including Cloud 9.”

“Have Icarus and Phoenix jump when ready along with the rest of the Civilians.” Lee said as the Battlestar entered range with the second Basestar.  Again Pegasus forward armament spat out death consuming another Basestar.  “Rig the landing bays for additional capacity, we need to collect up Galactica's remaining Vipers, have all Vipers move within our defence bubble.  Galactica's fighters must be running on empty.”  Lee said

“Sir, there are none of Galactica's Vipers present.”  Hoshi said the Commander turned on him “sir, I tried to say there is no sign the Galactica was ever even here.”  The younger officer explained Lee looked at him stunned, why had Galactica abandoned the fleet.

“Where the frak are they?”  Lee said taking several steps towards Hoshi in the background Elena Rand had taken control of operations.  “No wreckage, no fighters?”

“None sir, we have six destroyed Vipers and two destroyed Raptors.  There's wreckage from three Civilian ships that have been damaged and what looks like expanding wreckage from one lost ship.  We took casualties here.”  Hoshi said solemnly.

“Let's make sure they take as many.”  Lee said “then we find out what's happened to the Galactica.”  He said turning back to the table as Pegasus third victim exploded “turn us towards the last one.”

“Energy surge they are jumping out.”

“Starbuck to Pegasus, the Raiders are jumping out too.”  The Viper pilot called in.

“Pegasus Actual to all Vipers begin landing procedures.”  Lee replied into the wireless.  “Mr Hoshi, get ready to make the jump to the fleet.  As soon as we arrive with them I want a wireless signal to Colonial One, Phoenix and Icarus, we need answers.”  He said Rand nodded Lee turned to Chief Executive Maxwell “Chief Executive, I am sorry you have been placed at risk by our enemies.”

“Do not be Commander, it appears you have a powerful enemy, we are very impressed with your handling of the situation.”  The Terran official said.  Moments later the Battlestar jumped away from the site of the battle rejoining the civilian fleet.  Sitting in the middle of the fleet was the Battlestar Galactica.

“Our sensors are spotting new damage points on Galactica.  I wonder where they have been?” Elena Rand asked

“Time to find out” Lee said raising the phone to his lips “Pegasus Actual to Galactica Actual respond.”

“Pegasus welcome back your arrival was well timed.”  Admiral Adama arrived “the Guardians Baseship has been destroyed.”  He replied answering at least in part why the Galactica had been missing from the fleet.  It seemed that Admiral Adama had thought the fleet would be protected enough without the old Battlestar and been caught out as a larger than expected Cylon fleet had arrived at attack the fleet.

“Understood Galactica, sir I need to see you and President Roslin as soon as you are able.  Pegasus has her own findings.”  He said cryptically although military transmissions were encrypted Lee knew that with the ships of the fleet in close proximity it was more than possible for transmissions to be intercepted.

“I will come aboard with Colonel McQueen aboard one of Pegasus' returning Raptors, President Roslin will join us.”  The Admiral replied after several moments.  Lee turned to Chief Executive Maxwell.

“I hope you know what you are going to say” Lee joked “between these two any hopes you may have with becoming an ally of this fleet lay.”

“No pressure then thank you, Commander” Maxwell responded clearly thinking over what Lee had just said Lee had several idea on what Harry Maxwell and the people of Terra wanted but now was when it counted.