FLEET COMMAND CENTER

NEAR QUEENSTOWN, PICON

It had been several hours since the Staff Meeting as Admiral Corman stepped into the busy Fleet Command Center. He instantly knew that something was wrong. He could feel the extra tension hanging in the air. "Is there a problem Colonel?" He asked walking over to Colonel Matheson who was the current duty watch officer.

Turning, Colonel Matheson looked at Admiral Corman with surprise. He hadn't seen the Admiral enter the Command Center. He would have to remember to have some curt words later with the two heavily armed marine guards standing at the entrance for failing to announce the Admiral.

"We've lost contact with the 12th and 15th Battlestar Groups," Matheson responded with a hint of worry in his normally calm voice. "We've tried all the regular fleet communications channels and have received no response. Admiral Simmons is currently over at fleet communications. He has used his authorization code to send an emergency sub space signal on Fleet Com line Alpha to the two Battlestar Groups. There still has been no response!"

Now Corman began to feel some anxiety. How could two Colonial fleets loose communication with Fleet Command? Two fleets in the Caprica system no less. Admiral Simmons was the Chief of Staff for the Colonial Fleet, or second in command behind Corman, if he couldn't make contact with the two fleets there was something very seriously wrong! Corman looked up at the far wall where the huge HD screens of the Caprica system were located. He noticed that several were covered in static.

Admiral Corman then looked around the massive Fleet Command Center. They were over twelve hundred meters below the surface of Picon. The Fleet Command Center was located deep underground beneath heavy bedrock, spreading through numerous underground levels, protected by massive blast doors, and a sprawling military base up above on the surface. Huge Dradis and sensor arrays continuously swept the skies and nearby space to warn of any impending danger. Massive rail gun and interceptor missile batteries sat ready to engage any hostile detected. It was the most heavily defended ground base in the Colonies. On its spaceport, over one hundred raptors and eight squadrons of vipers sat in specially shielded bunkers ready to be deployed at a moments notice. Four heavily armored shuttles were in underground hangers ready to evacuate key personnel if necessary. Now this base had lost communication with two Battlestar Groups!

Admiral Simmons hurried up to the operation's station where Admiral Corman and Colonel Matheson waited expectantly.

"What's going on Admiral?" Corman demanded looking at his Second in Command. "Why can't we contact our fleets and why are some of the view screens of the Caprica system not functioning?"

"Sir, we have just received this from Olympus Station. At approximately 1020 hours a partial message was received at Olympus Station in the Caprica System from Admiral Reynolds aboard the Battlestar Tauri," Admiral Simmons reported handing Admiral Corman the communiqué.

"What does it say?" Corman asked impatiently, wanting to find the underlying cause of what was going on. Occasional loss of communication with a ship or two was not uncommon, but two entire fleets!"

"Admiral Reynolds stated that a large body of unidentified ships had just jumped into extreme Dradis range and that he was closing with them to investigate. He also reports sending a coded message to the 12th Battlestar Group to join him," Admiral Simmons reported with a tinge of worry on his face. "There were no further messages after that. Repeated attempts by us as well as Olympus Station have not received any response."

"Has there been any contact with any of the other ships of the 12th or 15th Battlestar Groups since Admiral Reynolds sent the original message?" the Fleet Admiral asked with growing concern. This definitely was not normal! Admiral Reynolds was a very competent Admiral, there was no way he would risk his ships needlessly. Something was wrong, very wrong!

"No sir," Simmons replied. "We are having a hard time with communications in the Caprica system. We have lost several of our sub space information feeds causing some of the Caprica system's HD screens to be covered with static."

"What do you mean by that?" Admiral Corman asked sharply looking intently at Admiral Simmons. He couldn't recall this ever happening before.

"It started just a few minutes ago," Admiral Simmons replied in a worried tone of voice. "We have lost contact with a number of fleet stations as well as Aquaria and Aerilon in the Caprica system. We still have contact with Tauron, Caprica, Caprica Station, and Gemenon but very little else. He paused as a message came over the mini com in his right ear.

"What is it?" Corman asked seeing the agitated look of shocked surprise spreading across Simmon's face.

"We just lost contact with Olympus Fleet Station!" Simmons reported apprehensively "There is some type of interference that is affecting regular communication and it seems to be spreading. This may also be what is stopping us from contacting the two Battlestar Groups. But we have never experienced this type of interference before. Not across such a large area!"

"What about the rest of the Colonies?" Corman demanded starting to feel really concerned while trying to maintain an outward look of calm. A cold shiver spread across his back as if trying to warn him of impending danger.

"We still have contact with them; so far the only problem is in the Caprica system," Admiral Simmons replied looking up at the numerous screens, feeling reassured when he saw that they still showed normal views of the other Colonies and bases.

Corman shook his head deep in thought. "I don't like this. We need to send someone to investigate the Tauri's last reported position. A report of unknown ships in the Caprica system is a major concern, especially with today being Armistice Day. Order Admiral Nagala to take the Atlantia and her escorts to those coordinates immediately and investigate. He is not to engage any unknown ships but to report back here immediately. If there are indeed unknown ships, we need to identify them, find out who they are! We need to know exactly what we are up against, is this just pirates or something more serious."

"The Atlantia jumped a few hours ago. By now they're halfway to Canceron," Simmons said about to suggest they could send one of the two Battlestar Groups currently in orbit around Picon.

"I don't care! Send an Alpha One priority message to Admiral Nagala immediately. Tell him that, on my orders, he is to go to the Caprica system and check out this report of unknown ships. We need to know what is going on and we need to know now! Tell him to proceed very cautiously!" Admiral Corman said sounding slightly irritated. "Colonel Matheson I want the 23rd and 27th Battlestar Groups, which are currently at Valhalla Anchorage to be put on combat alert to support Nagala if need be. Inform them they may be making combat jumps against unknown hostile ships in the Caprica system!"

"Yes sir," Matheson replied as he hurried to pass on the orders.

"Sir we are beginning to lose contact with some of the other Colonies and bases. Communications are failing everywhere!" Admiral Simmons spoke worriedly as an ensign handed him a report and more disturbing information came across his mini com. Across the Fleet Command Center, the huge HD view screens, which showed views of the other Colonies, shipyards, and Colonial fleet bases were slowly being covered with static. Admiral Simmons closed his eyes briefly trying not to feel panic. Then he opened them looking over at Admiral Corman.

"Frak it." Corman hissed as he realized that this was not an isolated incident. Something serious was happening in the Colonies and this report of unknown ships really worried him. "Contact the Secretary of Defense and get him in here, he is currently visiting Queenstown. Contact the nearest fleet ship we can near Aquaria and order them to pick up the Vice President. He is touring a new rail transit tube between two of the underwater cities. Open up the emergency fleet communications channels and order all ships, shipyards, and bases to go to Condition One immediately!"

"What about President Adar?" Admiral Simmons asked looking questionly at Admiral Corman.

"Contact Admiral Clements at Caprica Station and see if he can do anything," Admiral Corman replied recalling that they still had contact with the massive station and shipyard above Caprica. "Have him inform the President to evacuate the government to the deep bunkers beneath the Capitol."

"Do you really think this is all necessary sir?" Colonel Matheson asked his face looking bewildered. "This could just be a bunch of pirates or a convoy off course. The interference could be caused by some type of spatial anomaly."

"If it was just the Caprica system I might believe that. But look at the screens; whatever this is it's spreading and spreading rapidly!" Corman replied as he moved past the Colonel and pressed a button on a command console, which allowed him to speak to the entire Fleet Command Center. "Attention; this is the Fleet Admiral. Moments ago, we began loosing contact with a number of our Colonies and bases. On my authority, I am moving us from Condition Four Alpha to Condition One Zero Zero. All off duty personnel are to report to their duty stations immediately!"

BATTLESTAR ATLANTIA

IN TRANSIT TO CANCERON

Admiral Nagala was in his quarters going over ship status reports when the alarms suddenly began to blare.

"Action stations! Actions stations! Set Condition One throughout the ship! This is not a drill. I say again this is not a drill!"

Nagala hit the button on his com unit on his desk and was instantly in contact with the CIC. "This is the Admiral: Sit rep." Nagala snapped with an impassive face wondering what the frak was going on. Nagala listened in silence, nodding his head every so often, a worried expression growing on his face. "Very well. Spin up the FTL drives and prepare for a combat jump. Have two squadrons of vipers in the tubes fully armed and ready for launch! Same for the other Battlestars. Recon raptors ready to go. I will be in the CIC shortly."

A few minutes latter, the Atlantia and her fleet jumped to the outskirts of the Caprica system.

"Jump complete," the navigation officer reported looking over at Commander Owens.

"Viper squadrons and recon raptors are launching," Owens reported as he listened to the various departments of the ship report in.

"Report all contacts," Nagala ordered looking up at the Dradis screen, which was beginning to clear from the jump interference. He saw the vipers form up in a protective shield around the massive Battlestar and the other ships of the fleet.

"Sir, I'm picking up a large field of objects at extreme range. From the varying sizes and trajectories I would say its debris of some type," the Dradis officer reported as he scanned the area around the Atlantia.

"Are you picking up any emergency beacons?" The Admiral asked with a sinking feeling in his gut. The huge view screens around the CIC showed nothing but empty space around the Atlantia. There were no signs of any Colonial ships!

"No sir," the com officer replied as he scanned all the emergency frequencies. "All channels are clear, no beacons!"

"Where are the 12th and 15th Battlestar Groups?" Commander Owens asked looking at the Dradis and then the view screens in confusion. "I can't imagine Admiral Reynolds allowing both fleets to be destroyed; he is too good a Commander for that!"

"Me neither Jason," Nagala replied feeling more confused about this situation, desperately wanting more information. Just what the frak was going on?

"Admiral," the communication's officer interrupted, his voice tinged with concern. "Recon raptors just found the starboard flight pod of the Battlestar Kallen. They also report that most of the wreckage matches the remains of Colonial ships!"

"Frak!" Admiral Nagala swore feeling his gut cave in. "Have them search the wreckage and try to identify what other ship remains are out there, we need to find out what happened." He knew that it would have taken an overwhelming force to take out Admiral Reynolds and his two fleets. He couldn't imagine the two Battlestar Groups not causing the enemy some major damage.

"The Kallen," Commander Owens spoke his face looking stunned. "That was Commander Trask's ship. I spoke with him less then a month ago! His daughter is starting her first year at the Fleet Academy on Picon."

"A very competent Commander," Admiral Nagala said remembering the officer, feeling pained at the thought that the Commander's young daughter would soon be getting a visit from a Colonial officer bearing bad news about her father and his ship. It looked like a lot of people would be getting visits. "What are we picking up on the communication channels?"

"We can't pick up anything in the Caprica system at the moment except the Caprica shipyards; the other channels are filled with some type of static. The shipyards are still broadcasting in the clear," the communication's officer replied. He couldn't understand why transmissions from the other Colonies and bases were not being received.

"Nothing from Olympus Fleet Station?" Nagala asked in surprise. He wasn't surprised about Caprica Station; they had the largest and most powerful communication system in the Colonies.

"No sir, whatever the static is, it's interfering with both normal and subspace communication," the communications officer reported frowning.

"I don't like this!" Admiral Nagala said as he moved to navigation and studied the detailed map of the Caprica system that was up on the main screen. He had a very worried feeling in the back of his mind. "Navigation, plot an in system jump to Olympus Fleet Station. Commander Owens I want the vipers and raptors back on board, have our vipers ready to launch upon my command when we arrive at Olympus. Order our escorts to standby for combat. If Olympus is under attack, we will engage whatever hostile forces are there. If not we will use Olympus as a base for our investigations."

"Admiral I must remind you that Admiral Corman specifically ordered us not to engage any hostiles until we identified them and reported back to Fleet Headquarters," Commander Owens commented looking over at Nagala with worry in his eyes.

"I know Jason," Admiral Nagala replied patiently. "But we might have to engage these forces in order to identify them, and we can't let a fleet station be destroyed if we have the power to save it!"

After recovering the recon raptors and vipers the Atlantia and her escorts jumped. Moments later the eleven ships flashed into existence at the planned coordinates.

"Dradis contact," the Dradis officer reported as soon as the screens cleared of static.

Olympus Fleet Station was a massive space station and fleet base, the second largest in the Caprica system, only Caprica Station was bigger.

Command Owens and Admiral Nagala both looked up at the Dradis screen expecting so see Olympus Fleet Station. But its familiar Dradis signal was not there!

"Picking up a lot of debris and an unknown ship," the Dradis officer reported scanning his screens quickly. A red threat icon had appeared moving slowly through the location of where Olympus should be.

"Scan that ship, I want to know what it is and who it is," Admiral Nagala snapped. "Commander Owen, bring our weapons systems on line and prepare for combat. I want our heavy KEW batteries targeted on that ship. I want a firing solution yesterday! Order our escorts into standard diamond attack formation around the Atlantia. Standby to launch all viper squadrons! If that ship is responsible for this, I want to take it out and find out who the frak they are! Olympus Fleet Station was heavily armed, it would have taken a lot of firepower to destroy the station and the ships stationed here!"

"Yes sir," Commander Owens replied as he moved swiftly to comply with the Admiral's orders.

The CIC was deathly quiet as they gazed in shock at the view screens, which were focused on where the station should be. It was obvious that Olympus Fleet Station had been destroyed. A slowly expanding cloud of glowing gas and debris was all that was left in orbit where the huge fleet station once resided. Other drifting debris looked like the remains of destroyed ships. Olympus Fleet Station had been a heavily armed and a major fleet base. It would not have been an easy target to take out, something here was not right. With the heavy defenses and viper wings the station had at its disposal, plus the ships normally at the fleet base it should have been able to hold its own until help arrived.

"Sir we have two more ships jumping into range. All three ships are of Capital ship size," the Dradis officer warned as two more red threat icons appeared on his screen.

On the Atlantia's main view screen a deathly silence filled the CIC as a dual Y shaped warship with a large central axis filled the screen and began launching squadrons of raiders. With the launching of the raiders there was no longer any doubt about who the attackers were.

"Fraking Cylons," Commander Owens swore softly into the stunned silence of the CIC. "They're back!"

"Emergency jump!" Admiral Nagala ordered as he stared at the large view screen. They had to get this information back to Admiral Corman. As much as he would like to strike back at these ships, it was more important to get this information back to Fleet Command. The Cylons had returned and from the looks of things were launching an all out attack on the Colonies. He hoped his daughter Andrea was safe out in the Caspian system. Nagala knew that with its resource rich asteroid field, it would be a prime Cylon target. He had placed some fleet assets there just in case, but he had not expected anything like this.

The Atlantia and her escorts vanished just before the lead Cylon raider was able to hit the Battlestar with a coded communication. The raiders continued flying through the former location of the massive Battlestar, their attempt to activate their deadly network virus ineffective for now.

COLONIAL FLEET HEADQUARTERS

OUTSIDE QUEENSTOWN, PICON

Fleet Admiral Corman watched as the situation rapidly deteriorated. His eyes roamed across the massive Command Center seeing panic and fright on many of the faces of the men and women manning the stations. Looking up at the wall, he saw that many of the large HD screens were blank and only a few still showed information. Fear of the unknown was spreading through the Command Center.

"Bring up the tactical display from Scorpia," he commanded seeing that they still had some communication with the Colony and bases around it. The Pegasus was there as well as the rest of Admiral Cain's Battlestar Group.

Immediately the screen in front of him displayed the Scorpia system with her eight planets and the ships and stations scattered throughout. "Display grid sector Scorpia-one-alpha," he ordered his gaze focused intently on the screen. The planet Scorpia appeared on the screen and seemed to be peacefully floating in space. For a moment, Admiral Corman allowed himself to relax. Then he saw what looked like large explosions tearing into the Scorpion shipyards. The shipyards were under attack!

"Who the frak is attacking the shipyards!" Colonel Matheson uttered in shock, as what was obviously a nuke went off tearing apart one section of the massive Colonial shipyard. "What's going on?"

"Contact Admiral Davidson and have him jump to Scorpia immediately and secure the situation there!" Admiral Corman snapped. "There are two other Battlestar Groups in orbit around Scorpia plus Admiral Cains; they are to be placed under his command. I want him to deploy his ships to screen and protect Scorpia and her moons. Also order the fourth and sixth Battlestar Groups to reinforce him there." He wondered if Admiral Cain had escaped the attack on the shipyards. He hoped so; he could use her resourcefulness in what was to come.

"Admiral, I have an incoming priority signal from the Atlantia. It's Admiral Nagala!" Announced Admiral Simmons hurrying up to the Admiral his eyes wide in disbelief at what he was seeing on the view screen.

"Put him through," Corman said as he activated his mini com, still staring at the screen that showed the Scorpion shipyards being reduced to glowing debris. They had yet to identify the attackers. "Atlantia, this is Admiral Corman, what is the situation, did you find Admiral Reynolds?"

"Fleet Command this is Admiral Nagala," Nagala's calm voice reported. "The 12th and 15th Battlestar Groups have been confirmed to have been destroyed. We jumped to Olympus Fleet Station and it to has been destroyed. However at the station's position we encountered a number of large warships which we believe were responsible for the stations destruction and probably the two Battlestar Groups as well."

"Is it the Cylons?" Admiral Corman asked afraid of what the answer was going to be. He had been dreading this moment for years. Had the Valkyrie incident precipitated this attack, or even worse had the Cylons detected Admiral Reed! "We are currently showing an attack in progress at the Scorpion shipyards. I have dispatched Admiral Davidson and several Battlestar Groups to Scorpia to take control of the situation."

The com line was silent for a moment and Corman thought he had lost the connection. Then Nagala's familiar voice returned. "Yes sir. The ships are of a new and larger design then the ones they used in the last war. They launched raiders when they saw us. We believe from the technical data we were able to gather and from the raiders that we saw being launched that it is indeed the Cylons!"

"Do you have any idea how they managed to destroy the 12th and 15th Battlestar Groups and Olympus Fleet Station?" Admiral Corman asked concerned that the Cylons had developed some type of new and deadly weapon. He also wondered just how the frak they were hitting the Scorpion shipyards so successfully. The shipyards were heavily armed and had a number of viper squadrons available for their defense. Where were the fleet units that should be protecting Scorpia and the shipyards? Counting Admiral Cain's there were almost three complete Battlestar Groups at Scorpia.

"No sir," Admiral Nagala replied. "We didn't stick around long enough to find out. Do you want me to jump to Scorpia and assist Admiral Davidson?"

"No Admiral, you are to begin gathering as many ships as possible for a counter attack," Admiral Corman ordered coming to a quick decision looking up at all the blank and static filled screens that lined the huge Command Center. "We have lost communication with a number of the Colonies and some of our fleet bases. We have to assume that a massive Cylon attack is under way. Until we know more, particularly how they managed to destroy Admiral Reynold's ships, I want to hold some of our forces back. You are to jump to Virgon immediately and begin assembling your fleet. Do not engage until I get back with you. We are still assessing the situation."

Admiral Corman knew that Virgon had a large fleet base in orbit, as well as several valuable shipyards, and was heavily fortified with orbital defenses. It was currently on the far side of its orbit away from Picon. The tenth Battlestar Group was also currently in orbit plus a number of ships that were docked to the shipyards for resupply and refit. It would be a good fall back position and allow the fleet time to assess exactly what was happening. They needed to know how Reynold's ships had been overwhelmed, as well as the powerful defenses of Olympus Fleet Station.

Nagala's voice came back over the com. "Yes sir, Atlantia out."

On the wall, more of the display screens began to flicker, their crystal clear images dissolving into static almost as if they were mocking the Admiral. Admiral Corman felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach knowing they were losing control of the situation very rapidly. If it was the Valkyrie incident or Admiral Reed's mission that had caused this, then the Admiral knew that he was to blame, because he had ordered both!

"What's going on?" Admiral Simmons demanded of the computer officer in charge of the Center's systems as even more screens began to fail, including some of the sensor and Dradis screens.

"Sir, it's some type of virus that's attacking our systems!" The computer officer replied breathlessly as he frantically tried talking to several of his assistants at once. "Either our systems have been hacked by an outside source or we have been sabotaged internally. We are trying to isolate the problem!"

"The Picon Fleet Shipyard is also reporting system problems," Colonel Matheson reported listening to a report over his mini com. "They are reporting power fluctuations and their main energizer has just gone off line! They are operating on their backup energizer at the moment. They did manage to get all fleet ships out of their docks before they lost power."

"What do we have in orbit," Admiral Simmons demanded looking up at a short range Dradis screen, which was still operating. All the long range screens were out!

"There are two Battlestar groups currently in orbit," Colonel Matheson replied. "Battlestar Groups 28 and 17, they have been reinforced by two Valkyrie Class Battlestars from the shipyards, two Assault Gunstars, and four Escortstars."

"Very well," Admiral Simmons replied nodding his head, they had a pretty powerful force in orbit, then turning to the communication's officer. "Contact Planetary Defense and have them ready all ground based viper and raptor squadrons for immediate deployment. Also inform them to bring the Planetary Defense Grid fully on line if they haven't already."

"We're blind," Admiral Corman said with growing worry looking at all the blank screens around the CIC, which were supposed to keep them informed of the status of the Colonies and fleet bases. "I want those screens back up as soon as possible. Increase security throughout the Fleet Command Center. Do what ever is necessary to get our systems back up. We have to know what's going on; the future of our Colonies might depend on it!"

"Colonel Matheson, order the shipyards to launch raptors and establish a Dradis perimeter out to two million kilometers," Corman continued wanting to see anything that might be headed their way. "I also want all viper squadrons on the shipyard to be ready to be launched at a moments notice for combat operations and to reinforce the Battlestar Groups if necessary."

"I hope you're right about all of this," Admiral Simmons commented cautiously looking over at Admiral Corman. "If this turns out to be some kind of accident, if those ships are not the Cylons the President will have you court martialed. You know how he feels about the military and wasted money. What you are requesting will spend millions of cubits just on Picon alone!"

"If this turns out to be wrong he can have my resignation," Corman replied angrily turning to Admiral Simmons. "If Admiral Nagala says it's the Cylons then you can bet your ass it is! Look at the Scorpion shipyards, there is no way that's pirates! You can mark my words that the Cylons will not have launched a minor attack upon the Colonies, no this will be an all out attempt to conquer us or to wipe us out, and so we had better get ready!"

Both men continued to look at each other for a long moment and then Admiral Simmons nodded as he activated the com unit on his Command console. "Operations set Picon Fleet Base's defense status to Condition One War One and standby for further orders, this is not a drill, I repeat this is not a drill!"

Immediately the alarm klaxons began to sound as red lights began to flash throughout the huge underground complex. Upon the surface marines began to hurriedly leave their barracks and take up their assigned defensive positions. Massive defensive missile batteries became active as sensors began probing the sky for hostile targets. Dual defensive rail gun turrets swiveled around until their long barrels faced upwards. Defensive raptors began to take off and orbit the base, their loads of interceptor missiles ready to knock down any incoming target. Pilots stood by their vipers ready to launch at a moments notice. In the underground base massive blast doors began sliding shut as the base switched over to internal power.

"Do we still have fleet communications?" The Fleet Admiral asked after feeling that the base had been made as secure as possible.

"Yes sir, but only on the emergency bands and with no encrypting capabilities. We are trying to get Fleet Line Alpha back up but it may take a while. We'll have to broadcast in the clear," Colonel Matheson replied shaking his head worriedly. "The Cylons will be able to hear everything we say!"

"Then send the following message," Corman said his voice suddenly sounding weary. "To all Colonial Units, we have a massive Cylon attack underway. I repeat we have a massive Cylon attack underway, this is Admiral Corman Fleet Headquarter Picon." The Colonies were going to war!

"Sir," Admiral Simmons said a few minutes later with a pale shocked look upon his face as a communication's officer rushed up to him and spoke a few frantic sentences. "We are getting scattered reports of nukes being used on some of the Colonies. Several civilian channels are still broadcasting on the emergency frequencies and the broadcasts are being picked up by civilian ships and then being relayed on to us. It's definitely the Cylons, which has now been confirmed from other ships. We are also getting reports of power failures aboard some of our Battlestars; their systems are just shutting down when the Cylons appear. We are starting to lose ships, a lot of ships. Not only that, but the Cylons seem to know exactly where our Battlestar Groups are located. They are jumping right into our fleet formations!"

"Some type of computer virus," Admiral Corman replied angrily as he read the list of lost ships, which Admiral Simmons had just handed him. They were losing the fleet.

"A computer virus," Simmons said shocked his eyes widening. "How could they get a computer virus into our ship's systems?"

"Order all ships to disconnect and separate as much of their computer networks as possible, particularly their weapons and FTL systems!" Admiral Corman ordered thinking furiously. He had to preserve as much of the fleet as he could.

Admiral Simmons hurriedly passed on the orders. However, he knew that a lot of ships had already been lost.

"Order all ships to make emergency jumps in case our fleet dispositions have been compromised," Corman continued. "We can't afford massive ship losses this early. We must find out what is affecting our systems. And how the frak did they know our ship dispositions, they are highly classified! Contact Admiral Nagala and Admiral Davidson; they are to avoid any major engagement with the Cylons until we have had time to analyze what is affecting our ship's systems. If this keeps up they may shortly be the only heavy fleet units we have left!"

Turning to Colonel Matheson, "I don't care how you do it but get me a secure line to Admiral Clements at the Caprica Shipyards. I also want this communiqué sent to all ships on survey missions or deep space recon." He said handing Colonel Matheson a data disk that he kept on his person at all times. He was about to initiate a plan that he had prayed he would never have to, but the blank and static filled screens around the Fleet Command Center and the massive ship losses that were coming in said it might be their only hope of salvation. The disk had its own encryption, which the Cylons would not be able to break before the orders on the disk were carried out.

Listed below are the ship classes currently involved in Commandstar Aurora. There will be others later.

Mercury Class Battlestar

Length 1,790 meters

Width 600 meters

Height 400 meters

Crew 2,200

Marines 200

420 Rapid firing twin defensive turrets

6 Heavy KEW batteries on the bow

6 Bow missile tubes

34 Medium heavy twin KEW turrets primarily on the port and starboard sides of the ship.

24 Missile tubes. Twelve each on the starboard and port side of the ship

200 vipers. Ten squadrons of 20 each

40 raptors

Mercury Class Battlestars are the most powerful ship in the Colonial Fleet. There are currently 18 active units.

Jupiter Class Battlestar

Length: 1,600 meters

Width: 450 meters

Height: 400 meters

Crew: 2,400

Marines: 250

340 Rapid firing twin defensive turrets

4 Heavy KEW batteries on the bow

4 Bow missile tubes

12 Medium twin KEW turrets on the upper hull

24 Dual batteries capable of firing shells or missiles

6 Medium twin KEW turrets on the lower hull

16 Missile tubes. 8 on each on the starboard and port sides of the ship

160 vipers. Eight squadrons of 20 each

20 raptors

Jupiter Class Battlestars are nearly as powerful as the Mercury's. They are the fleet's second most powerful Battlestar and can act independently if necessary. There are currently 26 active units.

Valkyrie Class Battlestar

Length 1,200 meters

Width 400 meters

Height 225 meters

Crew 1,200

Marines 200

288 Rapid firing twin defensive turrets

4 Heavy KEW batteries on the bow

2 Bow missile tubes

16 Dual batteries capable of firing shells or missiles

8 Medium KEW twin turrets on the upper hull

6 Medium KEW twin turrets on the lower hull

12 Missile tubes. Six on both the starboard and port sides of the ship

80 vipers. Four squadrons of 20 each

12 raptors

The Valkyrie Class Battlestar is the main workhorse of the Colonial fleet. There are seventy two Battlestars built off this design with a few variants built to handle other roles in the Colonial fleet. The Valkyries handle most patrol duties as well as escorting very large or valuable convoys. There are currently 72 active units.

Gunstar Defender Class

Length 800 meters

Width 175 meters

Height 150 meters

Crew 600

Marines 50

144 Rapid firing twin defensive turrets

2 Medium heavy KEW batteries on the bow

2 Bow missile tubes

4 Medium KEW twin turrets on upper hull

2 Medium KEW twin turrets on the lower hull

12 vipers

2 raptors

The Defender Class Gunstar is the Colonial Fleets main escort vessel when a Battlestar is not available or felt necessary. It is used to escort civilian convoys as well as to perform regular patrols to smaller bases. It also plays an important role as part of a Battlestar Group with its defensive fire power. There are currently 86 active units.

Gunstar Assault Class

Length 750 meters

Width 150 meters

Height 125 meters

Crew 450

Marines 35

Highly Advanced ECM Capability

Highly Advanced Communications Array

80 Rapid firing twin defensive turrets

2 Heavy KEW batteries on the bow

4 Bow missile tubes

6 Medium KEW twin turrets on upper hull

4 Medium KEW twin turrets on the lower hull

8 Missile tubes. Four on both the starboard and port sides of the ship

The Assault Class Gunstar is used for quick strike missions. Their ECM package allows them to approach a target almost undetected. The ship can then launch a quick assault with its heavy KEW bow batteries and its multiple missile tubes. Unfortunately because of its size, the Assault Gunstar does not carry large supplies of missiles and munitions. It must be resupplied on a regular basis. There are currently 48 active units.

Escortstar

Length: 500 meters

Width: 100 meters

Height: 75 meters

Crew: 300

Marines: 25

60 Rapid firing twin defensive turrets

2 Medium KEW batteries on the bow

1 Bow missile tube

2 Medium twin KEW batteries on the upper hull

1 Medium twin KEW battery on the lower hull

The Escortstar is the most numerous ship in the Colonial Fleet. It is used as escorts for all Fleet Battlestar Groups as well as convoy duty. There are currently 172 active units.