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I miss Space Above and Beyond...

I miss Space Above and Beyond...

Me too

Space above and beyond should be rebooted! I like what you have written so far!

Completely agree

One

The two small craft shot past the Wildcards formation faster than anything Nathan West had seen.  Fighting Chigs could be difficult because of their tight turning circles and fast course changes but these small craft were something else.  Fortunately try hadn't fired yet.

"Colonel, I don't recognise their design but the look manned possibly humans." Joker said

"Could be a Silicate force" Vansen suggested naming the rebel AI force created by humanity.

"Or a secret AeroTech project" West suggested naming the civilian contractor that supplied the military with most of their hardware.

"Simple answer is we don't know" McQueen broke in "but we're not in a place to fight."  He pointed out thinking of the four APCs of survivors from the Saratoga aboard each ship was four times their maximum cargo forty persons a piece from marines to techs to cooks anyone who had been able to join them.

- - -

"Galactica this is Starbuck I don't recognise the designs they definetly don't look Cylon."  Kara's voice broke over the Galactica's CIC speakers.  Across the table Commander William Adama and Colonel Saul Tigh exchanged a look the two had served together for years without a word Tigh turned to the tactical officer "Lt Gaeta halt jump prep all ships"

At the same time Adama reached for the microphone speaker recessed into the CIC's centre table "Dee give me direct contact" he ordered his communication officer Lt Dualla nodded.  "This is Commander William Adama of the Colonial Battlestar Galactica to approaching vessels identify yourself and intent."  He broadcast it was a few minutes before a reply came.

"This is Colonel Tyrus Cassius McQueen commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron our intent is to survive.  Commander, I recognise your words and rank but not you vessel or her name, please state your origin."  A strangely accented voice replied.

"Colonel, we are what remains of the Colonial Defence Fleet of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol."

"Kobol?  An AeroTech colony" the voice replied Adama looked around seeing blank looks.

"Negative McQueen, may I ask your origin?"

"Earth of course" McQueen answered as if it were the only logical answer there was looks of hope all around the Galactica even the normally stern faced Colonel Tigh.  Had they finally found the people of Earth?  "Commander, I'd love to go twenty questions with you but I have battle damaged ships and injuries over here.    I'm requesting landing permission and medical support."

"Launch standby fighters" Tigh said "have Apollo bring a group of marines to the landing bay and have medical ready." Adama looked at his XO questioningly "Earth or not they are humans in need and you won't turn them away." He said smirking "the marines and Vipers make sure if its a Cylon trap they will pay for it."

- - -

The radios crackled as the Galactica replied "Colonel McQueen, Vipers will escort you to the Port Side landing bay.  Activate any weapon or tracking systems and those same Vipers will be the last thing you see."  Adama transmitted alongside the 58th and the APCs the incredibly fast Vipers matched the larger more heavily armed Hammerheads.

"Colonel, we have eight more fighters on intercept."  Nathan said quietly "and they have support sensors detect over 30 ships..."

As the Wildcards and their APC Transports moved forward they saw the 'fleet' only one looked anything like a military vessel easily two or three times the size of the Saratoga. "Damn these guys make them big" Cooper said as they closed.

"And tough judging by the blast marks" Wang said they were led to the massive ships port landing pod where first the eight fighters were brought aboard then the APCs one by one.  The fighters were lowered below decks while the wider bodied APCs were docked in the landing pod itself. 

"Better question is who was big enough and nasty enough to make them"  Damphousse said quietly as her fighter was lowered into the Galactica's hanger for better or worse the Wildcards were aboard.

Next bit

Space Above and Beyond Crossover

Four

The next week aboard Galactica moved quite smoothly President Roslin had announced the presence of the "Earth Travellers" a day after there arrival and it had sent rumours and demands throughout the fleet.  Some said that as none of the Earth ships were FTL capable the fleet must be close to Earth others thought they were a ruse created by Roslin to keep the population at ease.

Aboard Galactica things had progressed smoothly the Wildcards had been training with the Viper Air Wing while the others had been familiarising themselves with Galactica's crew, procedures and customs.

There was a knock on the door and Commander Adama called for them to enter his quarters in entered Colonel McQueen "please come in Colonel, drink? I'm officially off duty"

"Thank you, sir, I can come back if now is inconvenient?"  He asked as Adama crossed to a large bottle of dark liquid.

"I asked for a report at the end of the week, this is the end of the week so carry on."  Adama said as he began to pour.

"Yes, sir" McQueen said more formally "sir, over the last week you ordered us to familiarise us with Galactica's crew and systems.  We've found Galactica to be old but up to the task" Adama smiled hearing this not for the first time "but we found her crew lacking in places."  Adama stopped pouring for a moment.

"Colonel, this ship was to be a museum much of her crew were on their first or last assignments myself included.  A few cracks are to be expected, they are also getting over losing everything they ever gave a frack about."  He snapped

"Yes, sir, I understand that perfectly.  Unfortunately Galactica defends all your people they need to raise there game."  Adama stared at the bulkhead for a moment then finished pouring the glass.

"Carry on Colonel" he said turning around handing McQueen one of the glasses.

"Sir, over the last week my people have gained access to everywhere on this ship except for three places.  CIC, Secondary Damage Control and here."

"Here?" Adama asked surprised "I hope that isn't an Earth custom 'get into the Commander's quarters?' I like my quarters private."

"No sir, they were your orders familiarise ourselves with all of Gakactica.  We tried each place twice every one except the three said we accessed."   He said quietly "after reading your notes on the First Cylon War I understand the additional security in those locations but other areas like small arms lockers, machine shops and personal spaces are too easy to access."

"Sergeant Hadrian has done everything she can with what she has.  So far there has been no time to train additional marines and we don't have the equipment if there was."  Adama pointed out

"I agree the Master at Arms has done all she can.  We have the resources to make a difference.  I can have 50 fully equipped marines at her disposal by tomorrow and still have enough to watch over our APCs."

"They would be under Sergeant Hadrians command."

"They understand that" McQueen said showing he'd already spoken with some of his people about it.  Slowly he experimented with the dark drink in his glass "Whiskey!!" McQueen exclaimed "how did you get Whiskey?"

"It's actually a Colonial drink known as Ambrosa, quite exclusive and expensive.  I got this from my ex-wife as a retirement gift.  Please carry on."

"From what Captain Vansen and the Wildcards tell me Captain Adama's Air Group are very good at what they do."  Adama liked the sound of that from a seemingly professional soldier like McQueen hearing his son did a good job made him feel good "Lt Starbucks training methods are something else entirely."

"She's one of the best pilots I've ever seen and a good trainer."

"In the fighter yes, out of it no."  McQueen said slightly harshly "she can show a pilot how to fly a bird but her classroom technique is lacking."

"And you have a suggestion?"

"I take the classroom portion space maneovering and tactics, she continues with pilot training starting with Raptors."  McQueen suggested "with the 58th filling the CAP holes you can afford a longer training period it could save lives.  I may know little about Vipers but I know a lot about space combat."

"Alright assuming Apollo and Starbuck agree you have a go.  Anything further?"

"My technical staff have already began working with Chief Tyrol despite no orders I assume you are happy for this to continue?"  Adama nodded the deck gang had been very glad to accept the help "are you aware Chief Tyrol has a still?"

"Colonel Tigh is keeping an eye on it, this ship could be home for a long time for our people, if it doesn't get out of hand that's one thing I'm inclined to let slip.  For now" Adama said his Ambrosa was a luxury not everyone could enjoy, the crew aboard Galactica had little space for R&R or luxuries.

Six

"Knock it off!  Knock it off! DRADIS contact, we've got Cylon fighters incoming they've found us!!"  The worlds echoed around the CIC as Boomer called out for the training to end and the fighting begin.

“It was only a matter of time.”  Colonel Saul Tigh said

“Dee transmit to all civilian ships execute jump to emergency coordinates and have Raptor 312 join them Boomer is to be their eyes until we arrive.”  Adama said “Madam President I'm afraid your ship will be leaving without you.”

“As long as we join them soon.”  Roslin answered as the Civilian ships began to exit the area.

- - -

The battle was more intense than anything that Nathan West had ever been in with enemy fighters diving down on the four fighters from every angle.  Each of the fighters was completely identical with a twin pronged forward forward hull and a nearly seem less hull.  The central hull had a single pulsing red light which was slightly off putting as they closed.

Weapons fire bounced off the port side of Nathan's fighters “I'm all right” he said looking at the display “minor damage.”

“They don't know your fighters” Lee 'Apollo' Adama called out “they are going to want to disable you.”

“Don't worry we're not going to let that happen” Kara 'Starbuck' Trace called cutting through Viper Mk II through the enemy squadron killing three Cylon Raiders.

“No we won't” Shane Vansen agreed blasting the Cylon formation with her forward gun.

“Galactica to fighters fall back, we are preparing to jump”

“Com'on!!  We can take them” Starbuck shouted as she spun her fighter through the Cylons.  Suddenly behind the Cylon fighters a much larger craft appeared in a flash of light as a Cylon Baseship jumped into the system “Gods damn it!”

“Turn it around people, back to the barn” Apollo ordered spinning his Viper Mk VII towards the Galactica.

- - -

“Multiple DRADIS Contacts!”  Gaeta called out across the CIC “we have a Cylon Baseship, more Cylon Raiders launching.  Additional DRADIS contact aft unknown configuration!”  He shouted out seeing another contact appear.

“All Guns on target I want a flak barrage” Adama ordered “concentrate on the Baseship” he said raising the table microphone to his mouth “Apollo, Galactica Actual, there is an unknown contact aft of Galactica, identify it and proceed to landing bay.”  He ordered

- - -

“Received Galactica” Apollo replied as the two Vipers trailed by the two Hammerheads approached the Galactica Apollo could just make out the target it looked like a flying box “Galactica I see it, it looks like a Cylon ship of some sort I don't recognise the design.”

“Take it out” Adama replied

“We're out of range!” Starbuck shouted trying to push her fighter forward.  “We're not armed for this!”

“We are” Nathan West called out “King of Hearts, lock on Fox 1” he called out making a missile attack on the Cylon craft approaching Galactica.  The missile launched from Nathan's Hammerhead and crossed the distance between them at incredible speed hitting the Cylon craft just above the port engine.  The explosive in the missile took out the engine sending the craft into an uncontrolled spin as it smashed through the glass windows covering the Starboard Landing Bay.”

“Galactica target has been hit, it has crashed into the Starboard Landing Bay!”  Apollo called out.

“All fighters land immediately, we need to jump” Adama ordered Apollo and the two Hammerheads began their approach to the Port Landing Bay but Starbuck dived towards the inactive Starboard bay.

“Starbuck rejoin!” Apollo shouted but Starbuck dived through the smashed window over the Starboard bay.

“I'm not finished yet!”  She screamed as the fighter entered the bay firing her Viper's twin cannons into the downed Cylon raider cutting apart three Centurions that had exited the craft “Galactica CIC, Starbuck, you have Cylon Centurions boarding via Airlock 4!”  She said spinning her fighter around to exit the bay.

- - -

“Received Starbuck now get your damned fighter landed!”  Tigh shouted into the intercom.

“All Marines containment Airlock 4!”  Colonel McQueen called into the internal intercom.

“Landing bays retracted and secure, Starbuck's down!”  Gaeta reported as Galactica's landing bays retracted

“Jump!”  Adama ordered in rapid succession.  The Galactica groaned for a moment as the ship was battered by Cylon fire then there was the queasy feeling everyone felt as the ship's FTL engine launched.

Almost instantly after the jump consoles throughout the CIC sparked or flared.  Adama instinctively covered President Roslin as the main DRADIS console sparked followed by the entire deck shifting position.  “REPORT!” Adama bellowed

“Gyroscope sixteen has failed we're in an uncontrolled port side spin” Gaeta reported after a moment or so as Galactica began a slow uncontrolled barrel roll.

“Dee, contact the civilian fleet have them stay a distance from Galactica until further notice!”  Adama ordered as consoles continued to spark.  “Mr Gaeta get Chief Tyrol to coordinate with the Chief Engineer fix this problem.”

“Fighting reported at Airlock 4” McQueen said for the first time of this war the Galactica had been boarded by an enemy, around the CIC worried looks were exchanged.

- - -

The marines from both the Saratoga and the Galactica were crowded around the airlock including Cooper Hawke, Paul Wang and Vanessa Damphoouse each of them like every pilot that had ever flown with the 58th was a trained on land, sea and in the space beyond in a fighter and with a rifle.

Behind the doors everyone could hear metal screeching and the steady thump of something moving closer.  Each marine tensed holding their weapons tightly as the thumping stopped “get ready people” Hawke said.

Suddenly the hinges on the door exploded and the door shot across the corridor slamming into the wall opposite.  Moments later two chrome coloured Cylon Centurions stepped through the door each of them was over six foot tall with long arms and an almost oval head that was partially surrounded by additional armour near the back of the neck.  Both Centurions folded their talon like hands back revealing multi-barrelled guns “Let them have it!” Wang screamed from either side of the Centurions the air was filled with weapons fire.

Initially the Centurions resisted the fire raising their arms to return fire however the volume of fire against them was finally too much and both fell to the ground.  Behind them the next two Centurions charged through the door their weapons already raised instantly several of the marines were cut down on both sides of the doors.  All the marines could do is continue to fire “keep firing!”  Cooper Hawke shouted the Centurions cut down two more marines in a hail of fire.  The human marines continued to fire until the second pair of Centurions fell.

“Lets get them!”  Damphoouse shouted as several of the marines followed her towards the airlock entrance turning the corridor she and the other marines opened fire on the remaining two Centurions.  In the close confines of the corridor the Cylons had little opportunity to avoid the marines fire and were quickly cut down.

“They didn't take that much” Hawke said smirking putting two more shots into the last dead Centurion.

“Took enough Coop” Wang said looking down at two dead marines, one from Galactica the other from Saratoga, both sides had paid for today's small victory.

Eight

The first eighteen hours had passed quietly the civilian fleet following Colonial One had remained on the outskirts of the asteroid field while Galactica had moved deeper into the asteroids.  The gun crews kept rogue asteroids clear while the Hammerheads deployed to the several of the larger more stable rocks, Galactica's Vipers remained aboard ship other than those who were deployed to the Civilian craft with Apollo most were still trainees.  Two Raptors both armed with nuclear weapons hung ahead and behind Galactica ready to pounce on enemy Baseships should they get too close.  The Wildcards hovered in space waiting for Galactica to be ready “So Captain, what's this I hear about you and Captain Adama?”  Wang asked his fighter several kilometres from Jansens.

“Hear what exactly?”  Shane asked moving her fighter slightly to avoid some debris.

“Oh nothing other than you and the other Captain were in very deep discussion in the briefing room before any of us entered before he left.”

“We were discussing strategy and the plan Wang, and who exactly was opening their mouth...” she asked but before anyone could speak up “Cooper!”  She snapped

“Uh... yes, Captain?”  Cooper Hawke replied Shane could see the smirk in his helmet.  “Sorry, I didn't copy that last message...”

“Listen very carefully, the next time you see something that isn't actually there keep your mouth shut.  Or you'll be running laps around the Galactica for a month.”

“Damn that's a big ship Coop, you'll be running for a month just to get around once” Damphoouse joke

“Tally bandit at 180 degrees, its gone!”  One of the two Raptors called out “Galactica this is Crashdown, Cylon Raider entered system and jumped back out please advise.”

“This is Galactica Actual, prepare for immediate Cylon incoming.  Colonial One all Civilian ships should execute contingency jump alpha in sequence may the Gods be with you.”  Commander Adama transmitted moments later as the civilians began to jump three Basestars jumped into the middle of the asteroid field and began to fire missiles at the Galactica.

“They're ignoring the civilians” West reported as the missiles flew past his position some of the missiles exploded after hitting asteroids others flew into the Galactica.  Several impacted the hull until the big ship turned its guns in their direction.

“Jumping” Boomer called out from her Raptor the small craft disappeared from sensors before reappearing a moment later closer to the Baseship.  “Damnit, firing control failure main stick.”  The pilot reported collectively the Wildcards cursed their luck.

“Triggering secondary launch sequence, missiles away!” Crashdown, her Electronic Counter Measures Officer (ECO), said almost immediately a pair of missiles launched from the Raptor one targeted one Baseship to the left of the Cylon formation the other to one on the right.  The first missile hit the slender middle section of the Baseship which connected the upper three-arm star to the lower one.  The nuclear fire tore the vessel to pieces before the Cylons could react.  The second missile continued to move in on the second Baseship but the crew of this craft were ready for it and quickly jumped clear of the missiles path, without a target the missile continued on into the field detonating harmlessly after striking an asteroid.  The third Baseship remained in position, despite the destruction of one companion vessel and the other fleeing, launching its Raiders down on the Galactica.

“Raptor 312 this is Actual, jump clear and join the Civilian fleet, good job both of you.”  Adama said “Wildcards engage raiders at will stay out of our flak barrage.  Raptor 114 remain in position minimal electronic signature just in case we're not out of it yet.”  He ordered Boomer's Raptor had used its ordinance but the other Raptor was still in position and potentially still useful in this fight.  The Galactica had to remain in this asteroid field for a minimum of ten hours Adama doubted very much that the Cylons would not send more ships.

- - -

Aboard the centre Baseship Cylon model number One stared at the screen as one of the three baseships exploded and another jumped away.  “Cowards!  We needed them to stay.”

“And die?  Galactica has shown she still has nuclear weapons and she is happy to use them.  Adama would kill us all if he gets the chance.”  A blonde number Six model stated

“The ship appears to be stranded her, the civilians are nowhere to be seen.”  A dark haired number Eight said she was identical in looks to the one the humans knew as Sharon “Boomer” Valerii “we should send ships to nearby systems and hunt them down.”

“Galactica has fight left in her, to abandon her destruction now would be a mistake.” A number Four stated

“He's right we kill Galactica and the civilians will die quickly and easily.  That Battlestar is stuck here and putting up a fight” the number one said as the Baseship rocked heavily as Galactica's fire broke through.  “Call in all Baseships, all Raiders we are going to kill the Galactica.”

- - -

Galactica's CIC was a hive of activity as the crew worked on keeping the Battlestar away from dangerous asteroids and keeping Galactica's defensive batteries trained on the remaining enemy Baseship.  “Switch batteries sixteen and seventeen to anti-ship targeting, give that Baseship some of her own medicine!” Colonel Tigh shouted over at Lt Gaeta the elimination of one Baseship and driving off the second had opened a short window.

“Wildcards this is Queen Six” groupings of Cylon Raiders in sectors six and three avoiding flak barrages.”  Colonel McQueen said directing the Hammerhead fighters to targets.

“Bring us fifteen degrees to port down angle six degrees take us under that group of asteroids, lets use all the natural cover we can.”  Adama ordered they didn't have the ammo for a protracted fight “Lt Gaeta direct gun crews to avoid shooting the asteroids between us and the Cylons.”  He ordered thinking about keeping his ship in the fight longer raising the table microphone to his mouth “Chief Tyrol status?”  He asked the chief was at this very moment in the guts of one of Galactica's many stabilizing gyroscopes.

“Sir, if you could ask the Cylons to leave us alone for a bit we'd be almost done.  Two of the Earth APCs are secure in the starboard bay which is now completely open to space.  We've secured the remains of the Heavy Raider and what we could save of the museum in cargo bay six.”  He replied through the intercom Adama had nearly forgotten about the remains of the Cylon ship that had crashed into the pod he was glad to see that the Chief had not and had given it a nickname.

“How far along are we?”

“We're getting there!”  Chief Tyrol shouted back adding a quick “sir” to the end.

“Carry on” Adama ordered looking up at the Colonels opposite him.  “We need more time.”

“We could jump Raptor 114 into firing position” Tigh said moving his hands over the centre table to the approximate firing position “unfortunately the Cylons could be ready for it and just jump.”

“Or fire anti-ship missiles at the Raptor” McQueen pointed out “sir, we could send the Wildcards on a strike mission of our own.  They don't know our fighters maybe we could catch them unawares.”

“What about a CAP?  We'll be opening ourselves up to strafing or suicide runs from Raiders.”  Tigh pointed out “we have Vipers but all the pilots we have aboard are rooks.”

“Didn't you say after the attack, there are no rooks anymore?”  Adama said quoting his XO “Colonels get it done.”

- - -

Just off Galactica's launch bay the rookie pilots aboard Galactica sat in the pilot ready room facing a stern faced Commander Adama.  “Despite our efforts to keep the Cylons at a distance they continue to attack us” he explained “you will replace the Wildcards as Galactica's defence screen their fighters need refuelled and rearmed.  Many of you have not had many hours in the cockpit, many of you are probably thinking you are not ready for this task, I say that doesn't matter.  Each of you has sworn an oath to defend this ship, Each of you has dedicated your time and your lives to the defence of this ship and this fleet and that is worth more to me than one hundred trained pilots.  Each of you is fighting for your people, your family and for your lives.”  He said gaining all their attention “you know better than me why you are here, hold onto that while you are out there” he said looking from face to face “So Say We All!”

“So Say We All!” they all repeated together in salute.

Soon after the Viper pilots were launching for the first time from Galactica's port launch tube ten Vipers in total the best of Starbucks newest recruits.  As they launched the first of the Wildcards came in for landings and were quickly lowered below deck.

“Kat, Chuckles on the right!”  Louanne Katraine shouted a warning to her wingman as a pair of Cylon raiders dived in on their Vipers.  Spinning away both Kat and Chuckles cut down an enemy Raider down.  “Damn straight, let's get some more.” She called out.

As the Vipers danced and died around the Battlestar the Hammerheads of the Wildcards slowly relaunched from the Galactica regrouping over the ship''s bow.  Instead of engaging the Cylons the fighters of the 58th Squadron waited until all eight fighters had relaunched before accelerating directly towards the Cylon Basestar.

- - -

Aboard the Basestar the Cylons had watched as the battle had continued to unfold.  They had been ready for the second Raptor to jump into close range and try to fire their nuclear weapons when that hadn't happened the One in command had ordered a continuation of the attack on Galactica.  Missiles and raiders had rained down on the ancient Battlestar as the Colonial vessel had tried to avoid their fire.  One Baseship did not have the firepower to overwhelm the a Battlestar especially in the asteroid field, more missiles struck stray rocks than the Galactica.

“Those strange fighters above Galactica what are they?”  The number Two asked

“They are not a class of Viper we are aware of” A number Eight confirmed, as a model of Cylon that had previously infiltrated Colonial Defences the Eights had a deeper knowledge of Colonial Military designs than others.

“A prototype?” A second Eight asked

“Unlikely Galactica was to be a museum, why post a prototype craft to a museum.”

“Does it matter where they are from or what they are they are attacking us.”  The number One pointed out “that makes them our enemy, target all gun batteries on those fighters.”  He ordered as the eight fighters accelerated away from Galactica towards the Baseship.

- - -

“Everyone stay close, all guns fire defensively, lets bunch through them.”  Shane Vansen ordered leading the Wildcards.  The Baseship suddenly turned towards them taking its attention off Galactica and towards their squadron.

“Seem's like the plan's working, oh hell!” West shouted as a pair of anti-ship missiles narrowly missed his fighter, one of the weapons would have probably been enough to destroy his fighter and kill the pilot.

The Wildcards closed within weapons range continuing to take more and more of the Baseship's attention Four of Spades, Matt Reed, was on the left flank of the formation he was no more exposed than any of the others just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Three anti-ship missiles slammed into his Hammerhead in rapid succession killing the pilot before he could even activate the ejection system.

“Jesus Christ, we need to hit them back fast” Cooper Hawke screamed as his wingman disappeared in a ball of flames.

“Queen of Hearts to all Wildcards, the word is Javelin” Vansen called out “I repeat Javelin” she said giving the squadron the codename.  Each fighter carried a pair of missiles designed to fight the Chigs once launched the missile split into ten smaller warheads which each independently targeted part of the enemy ship.  With a craft the size of the Baseship they couldn't miss, fourteen missiles launched from the remaining seven Wildcards flew straight and steady striking the arms and the central structure of the Baseship.  As the missiles impacted the Wildcards turned and burned as quickly as they could back towards the Galactica their rear weapons firing.

- - -

Aboard the Baseship the scene was chaotic as the Cylons tried to function within the badly damaged vessel “that is not Colonial technology” a number Three coughed her brown hair unruffled and a mess blood slowly seeped from a head wound “we must retreat and gain further numbers.”

“We have Galactica for the taking!” The One shouted his own dark shirt was torn and a mess behind him two Centurions tried to contain another fire that had started.

“You will kill this Baseship if we continue” a number Two pointed out “a senseless death has little point and helps none of us.”

“We can grow another, each of us can inhabit another body, once Galactica is dead the humans are done for!”  The One shouted in protest he could see the Battlestar moving away followed by the strange fighters.

“We cannot match the fire power of those fighters” The number Three “Cavil, we need to retreat.”

“Don't call me that!” The One snapped “if you have to address me do so by my number D'Anna!”  He shouted using her human name in his rage.

“I agree with Three, we must retreat” the dark-skinned Four said

“As do I” the red-dressed blonde Six said “We must Jump” almost together the other Cylons except the One repeated the same word “Jump” and the damaged Baseship disappeared from the asteroid belt in a flash of light all around individually and in pairs Cylon Raiders also jumped from the area until only Galactica and its fighters remained.

Sixteen further hours passed without any sign of the Cylons returning this had allowed Chief Tyrol and the engineers aboard Galactica to complete their work on the Gyroscopes and in preparation work on the Starboard flight pod without hindrance.  It had also allowed the crew of the Warship to pay their respects to the two fallen Viper pilots and to Matt Reed who had died fighting in the asteroid field.  Earth naval tradition dictated that a pilots remains were committed to the depths of space on his death, unfortunately there was rarely much left of a pilot who died during space combat manoevering, instead on this occasion as per his request a casket with Matt Reed's personal effects was released into the asteroid field before the Galactica jumped clear rejoining the Civilian fleet.

Soon after Galactica exited the system a Heavy Raider returned to scan the debris of the destroyed Hammerhead fighter for signs of its origin, just before the Heavy Raider left the casket was recovered by the Cylon craft.

Ten

The victory at the asteroid had provided the Colonials with enough tylium to provide them with unrestricted travel for more than a year.  They had made their escape from the asteroid without further harassment and the fleet was able to relax slightly as the Colonies Colonial Day Celebrations approached.  Colonial Day celebrated the signing of all the Articles of Colonization by all Twelves Colonies following the end of the First Cylon War it was a celebration of all that was good in the Colonies.  President Laura Roslin had decided to use the day to forward her re-election as President of the Civilian Fleet, her opponents had decided to try the same.

Elsewhere in the fleet Chief Tyrol and the Earth engineers continued to work on the APC testing the jump and navigational array successfully testing a jump four times that of a Raptor, this led to an idea among the pilots of the fleet.  After the Colonial Day celebrations and a failed assassination attempt against Laura Roslin the fleet returned to the grim reality they faced.  Commander Adama looked to Apollo and Starbuck who stood over the situation table with Colonels Tigh and McQueen, President Laura Roslin and Captain Shane Vansen.  “You cannot be serious” he said shocked as he stared at his son who had filled him and the others in on a plan that he and not surprisingly Starbuck had come up with.

“We are” Lee said defiantly “this fleet is struggling along we need an advantage this gives us one.”  He said indicating to the plan which he and Starbuck had come up with it was risky but the reward was more important, and if it worked he'd possibly be able to fulfil a promise.

“The jump-drive alone gives us an advantage.”  Adama pointed out “they have no idea that we have what we have.”

“They have one hundred ships that can equal it or go further.  This gives us a new capability wouldn't you want to know you did everything you could for those we left behind?”  Lee snapped looking at his father, he knew that they had done everything they could at the time.  Now they had a chance to go back and complete the job.

“I did do everything I could” Adama said staring at his son Galactica was not a front-line Battlestar it was one step from retirement when the war began.

“And now we can do more” Starbuck said quietly almost not wanting to interrupt the two Adamas.   â€œWe could save more people.”

“Is there any chance?”  Roslin asked breaking in

“It's unlikely the Cylons have killed every human being in the twelve colonies not enough time has passed for them to track down everyone.  Survivalists, and those lucky to avoid the nuclear weapons and ground forces, will probably still be alive.”  Adama admitted “but tracking them down is another matter, if they are good enough to avoid the Cylons they will likely do their best to avoid us too.”  He pointed out

“It's still worth it.”  Lee said his father the conviction in his voice told Adama that Lee had an alliterative motive with this plan one that went beyond the scope of the mission and one he didn't want to share publicly.

“You will need trained pilots for the APC.”  Adama said looking to McQueen.

“The Wildcards are the best operators of the APC and have trained using the jump-drive.”  McQueen answered Adama's point.

“Reducing Galactica by a squadron of fighters.”

“The Wildcard's fighters can be flown by the APC crewmen.  Captain LaGarda can command them in my stead.  Commander, I would like to volunteer for this mission.”  He said surprising Adama for a second time today looking at the situation desk for several moments he nodded “you have a go Captain” he said looking to his son then turning to Colonel McQueen.  “Colonel, I am willing to allow you to go but this is Captain Adama's mission, agreed.”  He asked this was a Colonial mission despite McQueen's interest.

“Understood Commander” McQueen added nodding his agreement to Lee.

“Good luck.”  Adama said excusing himself from the room followed by Colonel Tigh, the operation was against his better judgement but Lee's plan could be very beneficial.

- - -

Outside the Situation Room President Laura Roslin waited patiently until Lt Kara “Starbuck” Thrace left the room.  A pilot and a military officer she took her time to leave but the President chose to wait.  When Thrace did leave she left with Captain Adama “Lt Thrace, could I have a word please?”  She asked the young blond Lieutenant who glanced at Lee Adama who shrugged his arms.

“Of course Madam President” Thrace replied turning back into the Situation Room “give us the room guys” she said to the duty staff within the room who quietly fed out leaving Kara with the President, neither had spent much time together since the fleet had fled the Colonies but she thought the President was doing a decent job for a politician.

“Lieutenant, I wish to be brief because I know you will have much to do before launching” she said rapidly “do you believe in the Gods Lieutenant?”  She saw Kara Thrace's surprise at the question “please understand I do not mean to mock your faith, I my myself have only recently gained mine.”  She explained

“Yes, I do” Thrace replied carefully

“What would you say if I told you of an artefact that was left on Caprica that could lead this fleet to Earth?”

“The old man knows how to take us to Earth, he said so.”  Thrace answered defensively Adama had told the entire fleet that Earth was a secret held close by the Colonial fleet as a final fall back position.

“He said that to give people hope” Roslin said breaking the promise she had made to Adama to keep this a secret.  “Think about it he was as surprised as the rest of us at the arrival of the survivors of the Saratoga and McQueen's people know nothing of us.”  She could see and feel the disgust rise in the Lieutenant.  “He did so with the best intentions for this fleet do not hold it against him” she pleaded with Thrace seeing she was still angry “if you can secure this artefact we can find the path we need to be on.”

“What am I looking for?”  She asked she was still annoyed at Adama but Roslin could see she wanted to help.

“It's called the Arrow of Apollo” the President explained seeing Thrace's reaction “I know wonders never cease” she said showing Thrace a small black book with a picture of the Arrow inside a glass case “it is at the Colonial Historical Archive in Caprica City.”  She said “it can show us the way, Lieutenant.”

“If we have time” Thrace agreed “I'll take a look.”  She promised she wasn't entirely convinced the President knew what she was talking about but anything that helped them get to Earth the better.

- - -

Nearly two hours later the APC rose from Galactica's Starboard Flight Pod while two Vipers, piloted by Apollo and Starbuck, rose from the Port Flight Pod all three pulled away from the fleet heading out of all the ships flight paths.  As the two Vipers closed on the APC they both inverted compared to the APC and angled under the APC matching their speed the two Vipers slid “under” the APC and slowly “landed” on the APC's underside magnetically sealing their hulls to the larger craft.  Apollo and Starbuck then made their way aboard the APC by way of a short space walk.

“Hatch secured!” Wang called out as the APC re-pressurized inside the APC were twenty marines, a mix between Colonial and Earth born personnel who had all volunteered, five of the Wildcards, Colonel McQueen, Crashdown and Boomer.

“Alright jumping on my count... three, two, one JUMP!”  Crashdown called out from the rear console he and Boomer were along purely because of their Raptor experience both Apollo and Starbuck could fill the gap but they may also be required to fly the Vipers.  In a flash of light the APC disappeared from the fleet.  Crashdown looked around and saw a couple of queezy faces “jump one complete, recalculating for jump two time lag caused by jump six minutes.”

“Within expected limits?”  Boomer asked from beside him.

“Easily” Crashdown said smirking “take it easy Boomer this is the easy bit.”

“So you say, heading into Cylon dominated space is nowhere near easy.”  Boomer replied she looked more than a little worried Crashdown began again but Apollo approached them first peeling down his flight suit arms as he closed revealing the under vest.

“How we getting on?”  He asked glancing at the readings.

“Another six jumps like that one we will be near Caprica.  But the delay is going to increase them more we jump.  I'd say we'll get three jumps before we'll need to give the drive a rest otherwise we could push a burnout.”  Crashdown warned

“Let's hope there are no Cylons at our rest point.”

“We could stop after the second jump if there is no trouble.”  Boomer suggested

“Might be a plan, you two keep on it, familiarize yourselves with the APC's ECM and sensor capabilities just encase we need it.”  Apollo said both nodded Boomer far more hesitantly than Crashdown.  “Colonel, how did the ship hold up?”

“Well enough a new experience for it that's for sure.”  McQueen admitted “Next jump I suggest either Boomer or Crashdown take second seat up-front see how she handles.”

“Not a bad idea” Apollo admitted.  Soon after with the calculations completed the second jump launched the APC into another system.

“Oh crap!  We've got Cylons!”  Boomer shouted from the cockpit both Apollo and Starbuck were nearly instantly out the airlock to their Vipers while the Wildcards took defensive positions.  From every angle weapons fire spat out at the Cylon raiders while the two Vipers detached from the lower side.

“Queen Six, Apollo, keep them off our Ventral Side”  McQueen ordered as the two Viper's approached the Cylon Raiders they were outnumbered five-to-one but they were outnumbered as bad before.

“Wilco, Queen Six, Starbuck hold tight we're not venturing too far from the APC”

“Queen Six, we need twelve minutes until jump” McQueen said moments later as the APC rolled through the Cylon formation blasting raiders with missiles, pulse lasers and small arms fire.  The side guns on the APC causing light damage to the raiders but still enough to keep the raiders honest.

“We've got you Queen Six!”  Starbuck shouted out engaging a pair of Raiders with two of her Viper's four external missiles, for this mission the small fighters were almost overloaded fortunately in space the missiles made little difference.  Both she and Apollo were spinning wildly around the APC gunning down raider after raider however some were still getting through multiple kinetic-energy-weapons (KEW) ships struck the port side and engine of the APC luckily none got through the ship's heavy armour.

The APC changed its direction of travel altering its course as they began to feed through the Raiders “Apollo, Starbuck, we're nearly ready for jump rejoin.”  McQueen called

“There's still a few raiders” Apollo warned snapping off a missile shot taking down another raider “Starbuck, you first then I'll join.”  He said turning his fighter in on a pair of Raiders cutting one down with a burst of KEW fire.  Starbuck's fighter slowly approached the APC before docking the APC's own guns keeping the Cylons at bay.  Apollo spun his fighter end over end cutting down another Cylon Raider before rejoining with the APC, the Colonal Viper pilot inverted his fighter and re-docked rapidly before making the same space walk as before the Vipers lacked the radiation protection to protect a pilot through a jump.  As soon as Apollo was aboard the APC the ship jumped again clearing another system.

- - -

Several jumps later the APC was just outside the space that was claimed by the Twelve Colonies.  Before the ship jumped again the crew gathered around one of the central consoles.  “We expect heavy resistance but our mission is a clear one.  We will be jumping into the Caprica system with the purpose of scanning the planet and discovering if any Colonials have survived the Cylon attacks and the occupation.”  Apollo said

“More than likely the mountain ranges, above the hard radiation” Crashdown suggested “maybe some diehards in the city if they were able to scrounge some anti-radiation medications.  If the Cylons are still occupying the city resistance could be high.”  He warned

“Then we fight twice as hard” Starbuck suggested

“We could use the Great Gorge to give us cover when we first insert” Boomer suggested if we keep low we'll avoid at least ground based tracking.  “What could really screw things is if they have a baseship, then all bets are off.”  She pointed out

“And if we do find people?  We can't fit them all on this tiny boat” Cooper Hawke pointed out.

“That leads us to part two” we're going to try and recover another Colonial Warship.”  Starbuck said with a predatory grin “the CNP program used to disable our defences did so in many cases without a shot being fired.  More than likely the Cylons nuked the larger hulls but if we're lucky they've missed one or two of the smaller ones.”

“If not our alternate plan is to recover enough civilian vessels to escape with every civilian we can find from the Twelve Colonies.”

“A second Exodus?”  Crashdown said almost smirking liking the idea of taking something back from the Cylons.

“Exactly, everyone needs to try and get some sleep, we jump into Caprica space in the morning.”   Apollo said looking around the faces everyone looked eager the Colonials present wanting some payback the Earth personnel Apollo guessed wanted to show their new enemies what they were dealing with.  They were up for the mission, the biggest variable was what the Cylons had waiting for them.  “Its time we showed the Cylons that they may have beaten us in the opening round but this War is a long way from being over.”

Part Two

Prologue

Previously... from this story

Colonel TC McQueen and the 58th Fighter Squadron escaped the destruction of the USS Saratoga in a battle against the Chig species.  They had stumbled across the survivors of the Twelve Colonies fleeing the Cylons searching for Earth.  They are now in a distant part of the galaxy not knowing where they are heading.

Commander William Adama, last Commander of the Battlestar Galactica, ready for retirement finds himself leading more than eighty civilian ships and the last known survivors of the Twelve Colonies.

President Laura Roslin, formerly Secretary of Education, is the last surviving member of the Colonial Government now leads a civilian fleet who have barely gotten over the destruction of their civilization now believe she will bring them to Earth and safety.

The Cylons, they were created by man.  The evolved and took human-like form.  There are many copies.  And... they have a plan.

One

“Com'on, Apollo wakey wakey!” the voice said bringing little reaction from the groggy pilot who was tied to a chair in a room nearly devoid of decoration.  “Apollo!”  The voice shouted again, this time it was followed by a bucket of water.

Lee “Apollo” Adama coughed away the water shaking his head his return to Caprica wasn't exactly going to plan.  He'd planned on returning to rescue survivors from the Cylon holocaust instead he'd seen “Gianne?”  He whispered looking up it was followed by an immediate punch.  As his eyes cleared Lee looked up “you” he said quietly looking up at the man who seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face.  “Where is she?”

“Lee” a voice whispered off to the side Lee looked down seeing the woman he'd fallen in love with her face was cleaned a dirty towel laid in the corner.  “What are you doing here?”

“I came looking for... survivors” he stammered “and...”

“And the ships!”  The man shouted following it up with a punch

“Ships?”  Lee stammered “you finished the other one?”  He said getting over the punch

“See I told you Gianne, that's all he cares about!”  The man shouted again following it up with another punch, Lee heard Gianne burst into tears and rush out the room slamming the door behind her.  “You see Apollo once again you ruin her day!”  He followed up with another punch.

“You already did that John” Lee muttered “the day you married her mother.”  He cursed

“I'm still the closest thing she has to a father Apollo.  I'm a better father than you will ever be.”  John cursed punching him again “you couldn't even be there for the birth of your son.”  He cursed again walking from the room.

“My son?”  Apollo whispered realizing “John!” He then screamed at the door “JOHN!  You son of a bitch get back here!”  He shouted at the closed door.

- - -

Elsewhere on Caprica Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, who had returned to Caprica with Apollo and the others, screamed in delight as her Viper's missile destroyed several Centurions who were assaulting a group of survivors.  “Starbuck to survivors, I got them!”  She shouted her eye catching further Centurions to the left “more to the left, turning in” she called out pulling back hard on the stick strafing the trees the Centurions however had been ready for her and been setting up a missile battery.  Even as her KEWs cut down several Centurions a missile launched from the battery, the missile flew from the launcher to Starbuck's fighter connecting with the port wing destroying the wing and the engine there.  “Oh frack!”  Starbuck screamed as the Viper began to lose control and fall into an uncontrolled spin “Apollo, Starbuck, I'm going down!  Repeat going down!”  She shouted into the wireless before pulling the eject cords.

The canopy blew away from the dying fighter and was quickly followed by Starbuck's ejector seat throwing her away from the fighter into Galactica's cold air.  Almost immediately her parachute deployed slowing her descent as she drifted towards the ground three Centurions below her raised their arms and began to fire into the air.  Several bullets grazed Starbuck's parachute drawing her side-arm she blasted off several shots as she descended hitting one of the Cylon Centurions but the other two continued to fire at her making more holes in her parachute canopy quickening her descent.

Moments later a hail of bullets tore into the two remaining Centurions knocking them out quickly Starbuck descended among the remains of the Centurions just as resistance fighters arrived.  Starbuck cut away her parachute and dropped to a crouch drawing her side arm.  “Thanks for the cover pilot” one said he was tall with dark hair, very good looking and somehow familiar to Starbuck.

“Killing toasters is part of the job and plenty fun, Lt Kara Trace” she said introducing herself

“Samuel T. Anders” he replied introducing himself.

“Anders?  As in Captain of the Caprica Buccaneers?”  She said naming the planet's successful Pyramid team.  “Helo, would kill me to be here” she said laughing.

“Plenty people have said that, how did you get a Viper airborne?”  Anders asked

“I returned from the Battlestar Galactica, we're searching for survivors and plan to evacuate people.”  Starbuck explained scanning the area for any further Cylons.

“We?”  Anders asked

“The rest of my team is near the Great Gorge.”  Starbuck explained

“Just as well we have plenty transport.”  Anders said with a smirk “follow me, it's time to rally the troops.”  He said heading into the surrounding woods Starbuck followed and was followed by two other resistance members.

- - -

Lt Karl “Helo” Agathon stared at the woman he had shot, she was identical to the woman that was knelt behind him other than the bullet holes.  “What the hell Sharon?”  He repeated just as several more figures emerged from the trees in front of him “HALT!  Who the hell are you?”

“What the hell is this!”  The lead man said he wore a Colonial uniform and his hair was cut short “Boomer!”  He shouted at the downed pilot but got no response “what the frack have you done?  Who the hell are you?”

“Lt Karl Agathon, Battlestar Galactica, and I was defending my friend” he said taking a step to the side showing Sharon still crouched on the ground.

“Shit Boomer's a Cylon” one of the others cursed Karl didn't recognise the curse, the uniform or the guns the others were armed with.

“She's also saved my ass plenty times” Karl said standing his ground “now if you want to kill a member of the Colonial Fleet to get to her, that's what you are going to have to do.”  He said he'd only just learned Sharon was a Humanoid Cylon but she'd been with him all this time on Caprica, and he cared for her a lot more than even he had admitted so far.

“There will be no more killing” an older man with grey hair said from behind the first male “Crashdown, we need to get back to the ship before some of the Cylons see us out in the open.  Lt Agathon my name is Colonel McQueen, you and your companion will not be harmed if you come back to my ship.”

“Colonel, this is a Colonial mission” Crashdown complained “I am the ranking officer present.”

“Lieutenant, Captain Adama is the ranking officer.  We should fall back.”  McQueen pointed out “5-8 exit strategy now” he ordered the others around him who immediately began to fall back “Lt Agathon, you are welcome to join us.” He said turning his back on Crashdown as they all began to retreat, Helo and Sharon both moved passed Crashdown away from Delphi Spaceport and their immediate way off the planet.

- - -

The Battlestar Galactica hung over the world of Kobol, the birthplace of humanity, her guns blazing as she fought off three Cylon Baseships looking to finish off the civilian fleet the ship and her crew had vowed to protect.  Now they were heavily out gunned by the Cylons and trying to cover an disorganized civilian fleet. 

All around the ship civilian ships from cruise liners to freighters to science vessels which had all survived the Cylon Holocaust and been dragooned into service by the surviving Colonial civilians.  “Have the Zephyr dive and roll to port” Adama called out “and have Cloud 9, change course by six degrees starboard, Colonial One should remain in our shadow” he said naming the ship that carried President Roslin.

“The Adriatic has Ship-to-Ship missiles order them to use them to cover Cloud 9's ass.”  Colonel Saul Tigh the ship's XO said.  Adriatic was an illegally armed civilian ship before the fall of Colonial Civilization now it was the only other armed Colonial vessel.  “Have our Vipers engage the raiders ahead of us and have the Hammerheads stay close to the civilians.”  Tigh said naming the ships that had escaped the Saratoga with the other crewmen from Earth.  Those ships were better armoured and armed but were far slower than the Cylon Raiders against them.

“The APC pilots are requesting permission to launch, they have got superior guns and could cover the Civilians.”  Lt Felix Gaeta, the tactical officer said.

“There less manoeuvrable, slower and not jump capable” Saul Tigh pointed out, “sitting ducks for the raiders even with their guns.”  He said Adama nodded

“Tell them to stay in the bay, it would take forever for them to land anyway, but thank them for their enthusiasm.”  Adama agreed

“The Gemenon Traveller just took a missile hit!”  Petty Officer Anastasia “Dee” Dualla reported from communications “they report they are still space worthy and in control but the compartment that got hit is open to space, it had sixteen souls in it.”

“Gods Damn-it!  That's just the start” Tigh stated to Adama they both knew it was true.

“Mr Gaeta, jump status?”  Adama called out as the Galactica shook heavily under several missile impacts.

“Thirteen ships away, six 90% charge, a further 50% more not far behind.”  Gaeta reported “our own FTL is charged and ready.”  He reported as the Battlestar shook more under the impact of more missile hits.

“Roll 33% starboard bring guns on the port Basestar.”  Adama ordered, have the Vipers and Raptors cover our starboard flank.

“Outnumbered and going on the offence?”  Tigh asked seeing a deadly look in Adama's eyes as the ship took even more fire.  Galactica's new course exposed her to more fire from one of the Baseships but allowed some of her main guns lining her upper hull onto two of the others.  The ship shuddered heavily under Cylon fire but the old ship could take the hits.  “Release the Hammerheads from the Civilians, have them make a single attack run on the starboard Basestar, keep her attention away from our belly after that they are to land in the Starboard Flight Pod.”  Tigh ordered seeing a way to exploit the Cylon's focus on Galactica.  As the Battlestar closed on the Cylon vessels the port Basestar began to take more and more hits as Galactica's cannons punched through the Cylon missile volleys.

“Direct Damage Control Teams to forward ventral sections.”  Adama ordered seeing the Galactica's internal sensors activate indicating an internal fire.  As Galactica's guns began tearing one Baseship to pieces the seven Hammerhead fighters dived in on another covering the ship in cannon and missile fire.  The star shaped vessel began to burn heavily as the Hammerheads turned

“The centre Baseship is pulling back!”  Gaeta reported “DC team reports forward fire is under control.”

“25% roll to port, defensive fire.  Jump Status?”

“Eight civilian ships remain, Colonial One is away.”  Dee reported

“Bring our Vipers home, have the Raptors jump to rendezvous coordinates we will dock them on the other side.”  Adama ordered leaving Dee to pass the message.

“We won this round” Tigh said quietly knowing they had gotten very lucky.

“So far” Adama agreed as the last civilian ship disappeared from DRADIS scans.

“All Vipers accounted for, Raptors away, landing bays secure.”  Gaeta reported as Galactica shuddered heavily again from Cylon weapons fire.

“Jump!” Adama ordered, the Galactica vanished in a flash of light leaving the remaining Cylon ships alone in space.  One Basestar was destroyed another crippled and dozens of Raiders had been lost most importantly the Galactica and all her civilian ships had escaped.  Moments later the battered Battlestar emerged on the other side of the jump rejoining the fleet.