Chapter 3- under pressure... 4 hours 30 minutes hours hours ago and counting
Darkness was all around him, reaching out to take hold and squeeze him tight. James had never felt that comfortable in complete darkness. It made him feel disorientated and lose his bearings . He could feel the sensation of the walls closing in around him which added to the anxiety. But he was determined to stand here in the underbelly of the ship and not be afraid. Fear was his constant friend since the war against the cylons had begun.
Being over 6 foot in height he could barely stand upright in the cramped space. His hair was brushing alongside an overhead pipe making it feel both sticky and warm. The small torch he had brought along only illuminated small patches of the underbelly.
Not that it mattered as there was nothing to see but piping and wiring. It had been so stupid to feel fear of some monster that had been a product of Kara Thraces warped mind.
James began to set up the imaging device that would take his photograph. He needed proof that he had stood in this place. He told himself that once he had done this the other pilots would stop thinking of him as gutless and just maybe he'd start making friends. Deep down he knew the lack of friendship was due to the rumours that he'd faked an injury. He had never denied those rumours, because they were unfortunately true. Perhaps somewhere deep down inside his fear came from a place of guilt. Cowardice had kept him alive .
Bending down he began to set up the tripod. As he placed the imaging device on top of its stand his legs were pulled out from underneath him by something snaking around his ankles. His head connected with the floor with a sharp crack that made his head swim. Slowly he felt himself being dragged backwards. Digging his nails into the hard floor did little to stop that drag. The darkness prevented him seeing what was dragging him but he could feel a damp slimy wetness around his ankle. Even though fear began to built part of him decided this was a prank initiated by Joker. He had been the one to suggest this and James should not have trusted him.
But then he felt the sharp prick of teeth against his ankle and screamed as a chunk of flesh was ripped off.
Kara's story came crashing back upon him as he remembered the gory description of the victims found after being dragged off. James began a scream that broadcast his sheer terror loudly .He hoped that the monster might be put off the sound. Nothing happened and although he thrashed wildly and pulled with all his might he could not get loose. His screams continued as he was pulled down the corridor . Twenty seconds later silence fell.
Oblivious to his pilots danger Lee Adama was focusing on problems of his own. He had double timed it to the Commanders quarters and stood outside the hatch puffing as he composed himself. This would be yet another time when he and his father resorted to screaming at each other. Well his father would be screaming. It was probably best if he just stood there and said nothing then it'd be over quickly. Rapping firmly on the door he entered at the abrupt 'come in'.
Lee stepped inside and began to scan the cabin for signs of his father. He was sitting in his favourite chair eyes downward as he read a book. This seemingly carefree attitude began to worry Lee as he had expected an angry confrontation.
He stopped in front of his father's chair but said nothing. His father knew he was there and would acknowledge him when ready.
Bill Adama had started off in his quarters by pacing the floor and muttering to himself about his son's stupid choices. He felt anger rise and did not have to look into his mirror to know his face was red. Already he'd faced the agony of believing Lee was dead and did not want to go through that trauma every time he launched into space. But unless Lee was permanelty grounded the fear was something he'd have to live with. Today though Lee had performed a maneuver that was too risky and he needed to be reined in a little. Bill would lecture him about his responsibilities as a leader in setting a good example for flying safely.
"Don't you believe in me", it was like Lee was suddenly standing there talking to him. He could hear his son saying the words in a tone filled with disappointment and resentment. Feeling his fist clench Bill found himself sinking into a chair. Memories of Zac surfaced and he felt a hot tear appear in the corner of his eye. His attitude came from the grief he still felt over his sons death. Lee had placed the responsibility for Zac's death on his shoulders. He'd been bitter ever since then. Bill had to accept that Lee had been right and Zac should never have become a pilot. Guilt felt heavy around his shoulders. He could not change the past but perhaps there was still hope for the future. Rubbing away the teardrops furiously Bill took a deep breath and told himself that maybe it was time for a change of approach. He had to cherish each moment he had with his remaining son. Lee's skill as a pilot was a lot better than his dead brothers and he should believe that he would not attempt flying in the path of cylon fire unless he knew he'd survive.
Lee was already struggling with being forced to work with him, as well as being thrust into the role of CAG before he was ready. He'd already heard some rumours about trouble between Lee and Kara. A long time ago he'd decided not to listen to rumors. Unless someone reported a problem he would not act. Perhaps instead of yelling at Lee it was time to start offering him some support.
Calmly reaching for a book in his library Bill began to read. He kept going when Lee knocked and entered. He did not need to look up to feel his sons presence before him. Although Lee said nothing he could almost feel the attitude building. It was time for him to say something that Lee did not expect.
"Lee I am very proud of you, your performance was exemplary in keeping your whole squad alive", he felt a smile forming on his face. The need to give his son a big comforting hug suddenly came upon him. But he held off because Lee's posture was saying back off rather firmly. He felt sadness fill him that their relationship had sunk so low.
For a second Lee decided his hearing was off. His father was supposed to be screaming at him not praising him. He stood frozen in place not knowing what he was supposed to do or say. He waited his fathers next move.
The tension was still in his son and Bill had to marginally counter that. "Sit down Cap…Lee", he invited.
Still feeling uneasy Lee sank into a chair. Now he was level with his father and staring right into the blue eyes that were so similar to his own. He opened his mouth but found nothing would come out. Take a breath Lee he told himself. If your father can afford you a complement then you have to at least try to keep your own attitude at bay. "Thanks for the praise", finally something he could say.
Bill kept the smile on his face, "you deserve it Captain, you kept your squad intact against overwhelming odds".Wow who had stolen his father and replaced him with this duplicate that looked like him but sounded so different. Lee was still off balance by the friendliness.
Okay now what, Bill had no idea what his next move should be. He'd given Lee praise and his posture had relaxed but that wariness still hung about him like a cloud. There was too much between them to suddenly be at total ease.
"Would you like a drink", there step number two at relaxation was probably easier than he'd thought.
Lee was about to accept when the alert siren blasted through the ship. He abruptly stood up and turned to leave the room.
Dammit another moment between the two of them lost. Bill felt an old frustration building, there had been too many interruptions between the two of them. Lee was once again off to face danger and he felt powerless. But somehow these words came from somewhere deep within, 'be careful Lee and remember I love you".
Lee's turned his head and stared for the tiniest of a second. A warmness that had nothing to do with battle driven adrendaline surfaced within. "I love you too", he said it in a flash and hurried out of the door before the moment could get even more emotional.
Behind him his father was glowing.
xxxxxx
Every muscle in his body was already protesting as Lee settled himself within his viper. With no replacement pilots several of them had to fly continual shifts. While there were always some reserves left behind often they would not be enough to save the ship if the cylon numbers were overwhelming.
He pushed that thought away and launched into the darkness of space.
This time the battle was a lot harder as the squad felt the effects of fatique settle within them.
The damn cylons were pushing them hard taking advantage of the human fraility of needing sleep.
It was only pure adrendaline that keep Lee sharp and he knew he'd pay for it later. Around him the cylons circled like a lions looking for weak prey. Anyone off their game today was going to get blasted out of the sky.
"Keep it together everyone", Lee prompted as he picked out a target for himself and fired.
The thirty five minutes that it took until the raiders jumped away were one of the longest in his life.
As the squad settled themselves in behind them, Lee realized that they had again achieve the almost impossible, no causalities . He knew however that this would not last.
As he landed his viper in the bay he knew that if the cylons continued to push them like this exhaustion would take a fatal toll on the pilots.
"Pilots report to med bay", his father had obviously had the same thoughts and knew there was only one solution to the problem, stimulants or stimms.
These pills would artificially boost their reflexes and stave off the effects of fatique. They had however some serious side effects. Some pilots would be prone to addiction and others feeling intoxicated by the effect may overuse the stimulants. There was little choice though.
Lee waited at the back of the line of pilots to receive his own supply. The medics handed them out quickly and soon Lee was the only pilot left . He expected the medic to hand him a bottle and was surprised when he left . "Captain a word please", Dr Cottle requested. If the CMO had called him into the office then this had to be a serious conversation. Settling himself on one of the doctors chairs Lee braced himself to hear what Cottle had to say.
"Because of your history Captain, your prescription needs to be a little different". History, for a second Lee's mind felt blank. Then realization returned as he remember some of the questions that had been asked by the CMO not long after he came on board. " Oh yes that's right Doc, I umm forgot about that",he responded. Cottle gave him a grim look, "you cannot afford to forget Captain", he warned.
"I am giving you a list of side effects to watch for and Captain I must stress that it is vital that you see me immediately if any of these occur", Cottles gaze was direct and very serious.
"Of course",Lee agreed. Taking his pills Lee was about to go when he felt Cottles arm settle around his bicep. "Captain, Lt. Frost did not report for the allocation of his medication".
Frost had been on the relief squad and not needed to fly at the time of the alert. Lee guessed he was probably busy relaxing somewhere. Missing out on a call to med bay was a breach of regulations and Lee would have to censure him about that. He took the bottle from Cottle and promised to find the Lt. right away.
He'd only gone about 200 metres when the alert siren blasted again.
"All pilots to your vipers, including reserves", it was a command that sent icy chills down his spine.
That order meant that there were an overwhelming number of cylons out there and that every pilot was needed. It was a win or lose scenario. If they all died Galactica would be defenseless. But if the Commander held back reserves and any cylons got through their defenses, they could take out the badly armed civilian fleet.
Lee could understand how difficult any command decision was at this moment and felt a wave of empathy for his father.
As he raced toward his viper he hoped he'd live long enough to tell his father that he was proud of him.
Kara was just sliding herself into her viper as he arrived. "Yee ha Lee we get to kick more cylon butt. Not that they have butts or do they...", she seemed to be thinking about that seriously.
It was a sign that the stimms had already kicked in and that Kara was 'high'. "Yeah more cylons", he responded without enthusiasm. Kara stared at him for a moment wondering how he could sound so gloomy. Surely Lee would not be so stupid as to pass on taking his stimms. "You did take your pills", she hurriedly questioned. '"Of course I did", Lee responded. He as not looking at her however but scanning the vipers remaining on the deck. 'Have you seen Lt. Frost", he asked.
Kara only had time for a brief clipped 'no' before her viper was ordered to launch. "Frak", was all Lee had time to say before he too received a launch order.
As he came out of the launch tube he was momentarily frozen by the number of cylons raiders before him. There had to be at least three times the amount they had faced before. Lee felt his heart beat increase as he concluded that the amount of cylons meant a basestar had to be nearby . As Galactica had not detected its presence it must be either just out of range of their scanners or shielding itself somehow.
Running his eyes rapidly over his own squadron Lee evaluated that they were outnumbered four times.
They were also 1 pilot down as he could not see Lt. Frosts viper anywhere.
That meant Frost was AWOL, a serious charge in war conditions. But as a raider bore down on his viper Lee did not have any more time to think about Frost. They had to fight this battle long enough for the civilian fleet to jump to new coordinates.
Taking another look at the cylons fleet Lee knew it'd take a miracle for all of them to survive this time.
In fact it was only 5 minutes later that Lee caught the grim sight of a viper exploding as the fire of three cylon raiders sliced it into scrapnel.
It was an image that would probably stay in his mind for awhile. Lee could hear the Galactica reeling off the names of the civilian ships as they jumped away.
"Frak, Frak", Karas voice sounded fragile ,no longer buoyed by the artificial stimulants. Lee did not have to look over at her viper to know what that meant. They were taking a hammering and this time the losses were going to be significant.
"Stay alive Lee', he seemed to hear his fathers voice in his head and vowed that he'd try hs hardest.
Pushing both his tired body and his tired viper to its limits Lee chased after another raider, blasting away at his guns.
Instinctively he knew that he had another couple of raiders behind him and changed his flight to being more erractic and harder for a machine to predict.
Taking out the raider in front of him Lee was about to turn and confront those behind when the recall order rang out.
Although they had performed well there was still a wall of 'toasters' out here and nothing would be served by confronting them. It was time for survival mode and that meant pouring on the speed and making a run for Galactica.
As the squad settled in around him he took a sobering note of there numbers. There had been heavy loses and it that would effect the fleets future.
Lee bit his lip and blinked back the hot tears that threatened to overwhelm him. For a moment he wished he was like the cylons and unable to feel anything about death.
Shaking himself firmly Lee concentrated on the landing bay in front of him.
Landing smoothly Lee felt the sensation that accompanied a jump.
He waited for it to abate before he sought out one of the other pilots. "Did you see Lt. Frost before the alert", he asked Lt. Baxter. Baxter shook his head but before Lee could move away and ask someone else he added, "the last time I did see him he was talking to Joker".
Lee found that hard to believe as he knew the two pilots loathed each other. But Baxter would not lie. "Where is Joker now", Lee asked.
He got a shrug. He would have to report Frost's absence to his father. He would then be practically hunted down by the marines and dragged to a court martial for dereliction of duty. It was just possible that Lee could save him from that. Perhaps Joker had something to do with the absence and was trying to correct his mistake. He had been known to pull some very inappropriate pranks on other pilots. If he had somehow stopped Frost from reporting for duty then Joker would be the one facing disciplinary action. Even though it was still serious Lee hoped Frost's absence was because of a prank. He had no wish to see the pilot possibly face a firing squad.
Lee knew all the places Joker liked to hang out and decided to search them first. Over 1 hour later he'd searched the majority of the ship and come to the conclusion that he now had two missing pilots.
