Battlestar Galactica

Chains of Tartarus

Chapter III

Standing solidly in place I waited patiently for an entire room to settle in for the first of many meetings. An entire hall had been meticulously cleared of any objects, or hindrances for distractions. More so it wasn't allowed to be overhead as every word became strictly confidential to those inside it. I gave those orders personally signifying a group effort was crucial for maintaining balance, order and absolute loyalty to trust in each other whenever times got rough. I wanted to play it safe now, or risk losing whenever cylon incursions against our fleet became too dangerous to ignore any longer. I stood on a podium with only the Colonial Fleet's insignia indicating this meeting was of top military personnel.

Every captain of all Orion-class vessels were sitting at small tables provided by Tartarus's surplus of resources. Better be a good host, or not give an impressive first introduction to get everyone's attention on board. It doesn't matter how good I perform in combat, I'll still be criticized badly and someone in future endeavors will refuse to obey. Play to your strengths Julius, I know what I'm lacking compared to them so this will be your weaknesses, if anything academy taught yourself to play both sides to reap the rewards!

Glancing over to my immediate right were both Adrian and Irene looking somewhat comfortable due to their interactions with fellow executive officers. Every captain on these vessels brought their seconds as a token of trust, I needed them to know I took leadership incredibly serious and having opinions to orchestrate our next moves. Moves in our future which certainly aided in signaling for myself obviously lacking literal experience. Experience which some of these other fleet officers had decades on me, so I wasn't going to be an arrogant idiot and not think it'd help me otherwise! Ten thousand souls banked on us six to get the job done, to survive and eventually start conducting war against cylon forces inevitably.

I looked over to see a new addition as the Odessa had found one more Orion-class vessel conducting guerrilla style attacks on cylon raider patrols. So where does this leave me? I hardly knew our latest reclaimed member of fleet as it was a woman. She had about a decade underneath her belt and I felt a skeptical stare rooting me behind said podium. I wasn't making any friends with her it seemed. Yet it brings my supporting escorts to five exactly, almost an entire battle group's worth of resources and now it's time to figure out what's our next goal.

All five captains ranging from old seasoned veterans to seasoned officers and down to several newly minted leaders who needed guidance. I found myself ironically in that last camp mainly out of being humbled, if not outright concerned to maintain morale. Coffee had been provided through Tartarus's own stores, or brought over from other ships to give a sense of hospitality to make this group discussion fairly kind in nature. I soon understood everyone's mood uplifted once sipping on home grown Caprican coffee beans! Now I wasn't an exception and quite frankly Zeus blessed us with considerable quality.

Clearing my throat I got an entire room's attention as they all stood at attention snapping salutes in formal ceremony. Giving a few tense seconds of pausing I firmly told them all, "At ease, captains!" They relaxed immediately finding time to get comfortable to remain in a loose circle around my standing position. I felt as though I were on trial yet it wasn't so tense given I received somewhat appreciative smiles of thanks. I broke an awkward ice with a rather humorous question,"Everyone have a good night's rest? No wet dreams, or some fraking thing like that?"

Several chuckled inside knowing I'd started this council to get ourselves very situated on the state of our fleet. I waited patiently before continuing, "I'd like to welcome everyone to what I call, 'Orion's Council', if you'd forgive my Zeus forsaken bluntness of said name." No one complained given it suited our purpose and intentions absolutely, "I want to let you all know this is a closed meeting where your voices matter, all opinions are heard and I want to hear every thing on whether what we should focus on long term as a fleet."

The Odessa's captain rose her hand to which I gestured politely, "Admiral, if I may speak?" This woman was Venus Drakos whose eccentric expression stood out among all inside, "I'm not here to question our command structure. Yet I as in myself, is incredibly grateful you're taking an unprecedented initiative to showcase your maturity in being aware of...concerns on your part, sir." I nodded in agreement admitting rather tiredly knowing I'd spent nights confirming her assessment, "No offense taken, captain Drakos."

One our most senior officers in Marcus Baros raised his glass of steaming coffee. His tone brokered no mistake of confidence in my actions so far, "Kid's got brass balls of fraking Zeus to say he don't know squat. Getting our crusty faces in here means he's thinking ahead, a good sign and I'm not saying this is terrible." Nods of approval made up most of in attendance as I smiled somewhat humbled giving out my quiet thanks. I definitely needed more practice in the long run, a skill to showcase I had the spine to face down experienced soldiers who knew war and combat.

Brutus Elias voiced an old friends agreement while inhaling on a half lit cigar nodding, "Beats bitching up a traditional chain! Like pissing some guy off underneath our old admirals, so if something's wrong, eh Baros?" Both men in near familiar fashion gruffly chucked sharing an inside joke as he agreed verbally, "Frak yeah! It doesn't hurt that the kid's got a victory notched, a good sign and one I hope the gods keep giving us all."

Patiently taking in their antics I looked over to see possibly the only other person younger than I was raising her hand slowly. Raising a hand calmly I spoke very lightly, "Captain Leva! Floor is yours to speak up!" The girl, or young woman barely eighteen slowly read off a concern that I'd been hoping one of them could bring up to get a ball rolling per say. Her executive officer kindly passed over sheets of paper pertaining to a dangerous fuel situation soon, "The Triton is lacking sufficient fuel deposits, sir. What is fleet's overall contingency in events of emergency rationing of fuel, if jumps have to be conducted?"

My voice hardly fluctuated considering I'd been up a few nights getting what I could from civilian vessel schematics. Gesturing for Irene I informed the Orion's council in its entirety, "These are the latest up to date counts of fuel, food and water based on current estimations. I'm well aware of crisis's involving deteriorating necessities to keep us alive, I can say immediately captain Leva!" She looked up hopefully as I smiled reassuringly, "Tartarus's reserves are far above surplus for us to do an immediate refuel at your discretion. I got my engineering teams on standby ready to transfer it on secure lines."

Various looks of astonishment, disbelief and perhaps dare I say pride arose when it became clear I'd had thought ahead. She meekly smiled knowing I'd overcome one obstacle for her effortlessly, "My thanks to you, Julius." Perhaps my confidence got too infectious as Drakos informed me slightly apologetic, "If it's not too much of a problem, sir? The Odessa needs some refueling as well, I didn't exactly have time to keep her full after we jumped earlier. Apologies in advance since we're all trying to get our fraking heads together, right?"

Scribbling down an adjustment which wasn't too straining in our current well documented supply I informed her rather honestly, "No harm done, captain." Leaning back I gave them the truth on it all, "Your own request hasn't made a dent in our reservoirs. But the point is made clear!" I told them all very intently, "If we can't feed, hydrate or fuel ourselves any operation is doomed to fail with us dying. So I'm proposing an act that I'm requesting you as captains weighing in on, I want no bullshit assessments and for you all to speak your minds. As of now I need real gods honest information to gauge our next choice efficiently."

All of them sat upright awaiting my order which I wanted to accomplish without question and without doubt. Irene pulled up a vanilla folder where scans of potential asteroids, planetoids and old colonial outposts used for refining tylium. Giving them time I thanked the blond officer who smiled smug at me, "As you can see from commander Mathias's dedicated work from behind desks, computers and other such things she's complied an extensive list for a better lack of words." I complimented her rather heavily because credit due was credit deserved in spades, I'd been working tirelessly to prepare for plenty of scenarios logistically speaking.

Behind me Adrian coughed to mask a word suspiciously synonymous with book worms and I smiled finding it entertaining. Soon first of many questions arose from Brutus mentioning, "Half of these supply depots are either destroyed, or fried into dust. Don't expect easy pickings, or I'll guess cylons got eyes on those not too damaged as baited traps." He inhaled on a cigar puffing out smoke reading over all known routes to places which could help their behinds. Far too few existed once it became clear inevitably.

"If we were closer to Canceron I could get you all the nicest and quietest of all fueling stations this side of the universe has to offer." I heard Venus mention rather tiredly as I expected this task to have hurdles, "What a fraking headache!" Everything seemed to be going to plan based on their willingness to entertain objectives that were critical to our survival. These captains thought ahead like I did but I'd go even further to remain several above all. I had my own reasons to play this kind of game in order to keep many confident in themselves and keep doubts astray.

He who consolidates absolute power is doomed to treachery, but he who shares it is doomed to lose everything. An overly morbid thought when it came to the twelve colonies during historical lessons implemented inside my cranium, I had to establish some sort of line for people to accept legitimacy and leadership to prove I had capability. Just sticking to regulations in emergency times wasn't going to convince, or showcase what strengths I had except making my rank more of an excuse and possibly exposing for someone else to take it up. I have to do this to find you, I have to play a game of cat and mouse just like you'd say back home.

All Orion captains indulged themselves absorbing the sheer scope of what I was hinting at in terms of establishing logistical supply. I kept my gaze aloof waiting for someone to speak up about idea, or methods so I could dive right into it. Two seasoned veterans who've seen the end of our first war against Cylons, they believe in me wholesale as trial by fire dictates to those in battle. They'll support me but for how long? And then there's those three captains, two seasoned officers who know what they're doing along with...an old classmate of mine.

Falling onto Cassandra Leva's expression who looked over what had been amounted to an extensive reconnaissance probe told me she was unsure. I remembered very clearly those small little 'gangs' that formed in Caprica's fleet academy, I'd been their target as a commoner of blood. Subtle acts of hazing, trickery and some questionable methods to bully me into submission failed. I'd gotten close to getting some of them into a fist fight, an age old human instinct of settling scores by blood and pain yet I had pulled through. Friends in higher places kept their petty grievances in check, a few instructors recognized potential and I'd been shielded mainly out of honest integrity. Fortunately I had enough integrity to set aside those school yard days for something far more important and incredibly worth dying for.

Venus Drakos, a person I've heard in rumor. I moved onto seeing an elder woman whose clear style hair ended just below both ears. Not even thirty yet had almost a decade of experience of being adverse to naval combat, or at least confident to conduct it. She'd been extremely skilled to score our first kill on cylon vessels, so by default I respected that result without doubt. Her crystal blue eyes stood out among black hair which was dark as space's void itself, I'd never met anyone from Canceron specifically until today. Least I could do is make good impressions by refilling the Odessa, I'm thanking the gods that we know Tartarus's tylium reservoirs aren't going to take a significant hit at least for another six months.

However all observations ceased when it came down to one pair of eyes staring unimpressed at everything around themselves. I met a pair of amethyst like eyes which couldn't have been natural yet they were clear cut. Framed by dark red hair pulled into a pony tail leisurely crossed over a shoulder I found ideally who the skeptic was among them. Several lose strains of hair fell just left of an eye which took in information either quickly, or disinterested as a whole. This person reminded me of someone who I'd grown accustomed to admire when I was younger, I'd been fearing such people yet I had to remind myself this was a person who'd usurp my position to say at least.

Captain Athena Angelos, a person I already feel does not particularly think I'm remotely competent as an admiral of fleet. She had clear ancestral traits of an upper upbringing as per a sharp jawline of near flawless skin. I'd make no mistake to think she was a person not groomed to lead, I had next to nothing pertaining to what I knew of her history, or habits alone. Among all captains gathered I'd peg her along who was a second in command extremely bored, or far too used to proceedings where hospitality was a necessity rather than an exception. Basically my own worst enemy, fears and obstacle which found it's voice heard.

Her voice smoothly interjected through all chatter so perfectly I almost shuddered, "Admiral Servius." Raising a hand to have all voices lower themselves respectfully I inclined to respond, "Captain Angelos." Her expression hardly changed from a pleasant smile that sent tingling warnings up my spine as those eyes narrowed briefly, "Your intentions are sound, if I may say are done pragmatically. I'll state one cannot argue how true of keeping our fleet supplied is crucial for future operations. Could you perhaps enlighten us as to what nature they'll be conducted in?"

I framed my smile to such a degree I almost believed itself to be too natural. Her eyes crinkled finding an attempt of a novice mimicking politeness rather amusing. None of the other captains wished to intervene as yet due to them their interest piqued at our exchange. I expected as much initially so I wasn't too startling given I folded my arms nodding visibly. As much as providing information on keeping us afloat indicated pragmatic mindsets, I still needed to go beyond into practical and inevitably ambitious agendas to start winning a war against an overtly powerful adversary. The price of leadership meant I'd have to spend lives eventually.

"Until we've established sources of fuel, water and food to keep ourselves alive to conduct a war soundly captain." Her eyebrows lifted slightly noting a challenge which turned out to be surprising at least, "Strictly speaking Battlestar Tartarus and her escorts will be on the defensive against cylon incursions without question. We're also seeking out survivors who are out there alone, defenseless and need us to get them to safety." I maintained an outline for what needed to be done for a time since I'd dare to say none of them questioned it. Least in trying to deny that retaining more firepower, resources and people who were out there looking for aid wasn't proactive.

Furthermore I drove a proverbial spear into any doubts on that matter alone, "War is not won in one, or two battles against an enemy that has had forty years to prepare." Angelos nodded ever so subtly taking in a lack of arrogance to see humbleness, if not caution to avoid certain endeavors that risked our ability to wage said war. I told them all without even masking rage which all of us felt within our chests, "This is going to be a Zeus be damned long war. We paid our price once those nuclear warheads sent billions into ash for remaining complacent of old rules, old beliefs and I will not see us destroyed over petty...ideals."

Athena Angelos decided to avoid provoking a potential verbal sparing fest until another time based on her next actions. She gave me a beautiful smile that covered nastier thoughts, "You have my support sir and I hope we all succeed in destroying our enemy, together." I tried not feeling uneasy since if she really wanted to spar doubts out, I'd probably lose in the long run yet this was a test. A test passable mainly out of what I had in store, I'd say for sure she wasn't someone to displease given our situation currently speaking. Too many problems, too many what-ifs and I found myself alone facing down dangers everywhere.

"Thank you for your sincere words, captain." I pleasantly returned back at her courteous rather genuinely much to a silent tension dissipating around us. Sweat had started going down my back when I got back to friendlier topics, "Odessa and Triton will refuel with Tartarus once this monthly meeting is adjourned. In thirty standard days we'll meet back up together to discuss another choice I have to make to centralize potential concerns, problems or challenges from our civilian counterparts who cannot be alienated from us as well. I'll need everyone's detailed input, honest opinion and recommendations of civilian captains to voice our people's concerns to us."

None of the others seemed to mind come back again in a month as expressions of agreement arose for various reasons. I'd extended an olive branch to which none refuted for its potential alone and among all I kept my gaze focused on one person. Athena Angelos stared right back smiling kindly, innocently and absolutely predatory in those eyes of a hunter as though the very gods gave her ample bounty to observe. My position was the prize! I was an obstacle, or so I believed to be always to someone who wanted to lead and I had to contend with it, if anything more I was the game which a hunter wanted to bag.

"Sir!" Brutus spoke up returning our general mood to more pragmatical requests, "Question!" I gave him the floor as he voiced out simply, "Are all ships authorized to go on reconnaissance runs, if we find friendly pings and possible leads on other survivors?" An interesting question to keep fleet's morale up while seeking out more resources to gather, "All of you have my go-ahead to do so. Tartarus has enough support assets and firepower to defend civilians vessels, but I'd prefer at least two of your vessels remain for assistance just in case. If you manage to isolate something send up to my command bridge and I'll give you a standard twelve hours before jumping to new predetermined coordinates as our rendezvous...in case of cylon interception."

Marcus downed his mug of Caprican coffee volunteering to go out again, "Cerberus is green to go, sir. Baros and I swapped star charts on our way here isolating hot spots, we'd be set to head off and get back on your orders." I wasn't going to start making enemies so soon as I agreed to their requests indicating I wasn't shy about people in getting away, "Both of you stay safe out there gentlemen. Remember in twelve hours we won't be here and you'll get back to us at our next stop alright, I want no exceptions!"

Both seasoned veterans stood up saluted while saying together giving off a close to our first Orion gathering, "Aye, sir!" They began their preparation as I looked over to see Angelos request a similar mission to keep her busy, "Sir!" I nodded to her saying the same thing to both men previously, "Twelve hours captain, be safe and...good hunting." Her expression hardly changed from its pleasant facade except an upper curving of a grin indicating I'd allow some liberal usage of force, "Aye, sir. I'll see you soon enough."

She did an about face walking away deliberately in such a fashion I turned away to deal with my immediate objective. Coming around the podium I nodded to Venus and Cassandra who I informed them, "Have Odessa and Triton link up onto our flanks! I'll send word to get our engineering crew set for tylium transfers. I recommend in the meantime have your crew come aboard and try to get some down time for a few hours, it'd do us all some good." Neither captain found my suggestion to be negative as they saluted together before moving out to their respective vessels. It left me alone with my own crew after a few minutes.

Once those doors closed with an audible hiss I fell backwards skidding downward despite exhaling loudly. I felt a headache looming and placed my head between both arms trying to ward it off, "Not too shabby." Adrian commented stepping off a small incline of steps leading up to the vacant podium where I'd been maintaining my ability to command. While muffled I was capable to retort tiredly, "Felt like I was standing in front of a Zeus damned firing squad. Frak me, I still can't believe you two suggested I do something like this fraking crap. I was boxed in no matter what questions, or doubts got thrown at me."

Irene slipped down beside my hunched over form firmly patting my padded shoulder, "Best get used to it when you have momentum and have done good, so far." Her touch lingered once I mustered enough will to slowly get up again bitterly smiling, "Doing good? Yeah, if I hadn't I'd have been removed and Zeus knows what would happen next at that point. I'm still trying to cope with playing politics to keep order among our ranks, I'm not enjoying it either!" I hissed nearly coming to lean against a podium's stable foundation trying to ease myself down.

Adrian took one decent swig from his canteen saying like how it is, "That's democratic government for you, kid. Everyone gets a say, no matter what and like it, or not it's what keeps illusions of power stable for military command." He only patted my right shoulder before walking away humming lightly leaving Irene and I alone. The doors closed ahead of us as I started to collect any lose paperwork to be utilized in another standard month. Being cursed with mathematics I already began a clock ticking down and how long I had until another power struggle again.

Seven hundred and thirty hours until I see all five of them again to have them judge every action I take. If I were actually an admiral promoted, evaluated and selected by the Admiralty Board I'd have nothing to worry about superficially. Wistful thinking considering I'd technically disobeyed orders once those nuclear warheads launched and my rash actions in getting out proved to save a considerable amount of lives. No one knew the truth about those crucial seconds which meant I hadn't told Irene or Adrian yet I harbored that weight of guilt inside. What's done was done, I had to uphold command and do what was needed to survive.

"Julius?" Subtly biting my cheek I looked up tiredly seeing an elder woman look worried, "I know it's stressful but this is the right thing to do." Without any sort of legitimacy to civilian government officials not among the living, or military leadership we were left playing pick up. We had to start from scratch regardless how fragile order was away from chaos, "Once the people aboard our fleet see what you're trying to do, I know they will not betray us or you. You won a battle to save them, you saved an entire Battlestar's crew from being nuclear dust when we were docked or do you think so little of your own ability to save others?"

Shifting through papers into neatly packed stacks I let my executive officer speak her mind. I wasn't going to deny so far we lucked out, I wasn't denying I hadn't gotten us out alive and well. I was denying a fact I'd be capable to continuously keep us going that way. All it took was one mistake, a single decision and we'd be closer to death because I had chosen wrong. There were things no book in an academy, or essay could have prepared any person for seeing everything first hand. I felt every piece of weight crashing onto me every second.

"We'll find out if me saving others is a natural talent, or a unique skill." I grimly uttered before folding all stacks of papers into one folder neatly. Irene visibly allowed her shoulders to slouch as she followed me towards a doorway. As I activated its mechanism manually she whispered loud enough for me to wince, "No! You mean more to the crew, to the fleet and to me far more than you'd ever believe in just yourself, Julius."

The ever loud sliding door revealed an corridor with armed marines posted vigilantly. I refused to answer, or acknowledge what she said in favor to focus on work to be done. I didn't want to get an ego for thinking I could do something so stressful, selfless and good in a place where war denied everything in favor of victory. As we departed I looked back to see the podium with our colonial flag underneath a light which died out. My hand clasped around a cool bronze cast locket before those doors slammed shut and walked off prepared to get things done.

Leaning against the raptors interior with a hand propping itself for Athena Angelos to lean against offered comfort. Watching distant stars flickering while on her way back to the Olympus proved to be a soothing experience. Noting internal fleet traffic of civilian freighters moving closer together, a rapid local series of pods docking together and transports linking up indicated an attempt of normalcy among civilian populations. It was an admirable feat for one responsible to keep their people strong and confident to at least be appeased of anxiety. As good as one could hope, or reach without stepping on any toes per say.

"Still an upstart whose in over his head." She finally relented smiling widely finding their situation also a joke of the gods testing their ability to survive. Being discovered by their sister ship Odessa a week, or so ago proved to ignite hope they weren't alone. Communications were established zealously and both crew came together embracing each other, a joyful experience which left hope blossoming in their hearts. Venus Drakos had been an extremely welcoming sight to behold despite their rivalry years back among active fleet service.

Yet astonishingly her disbelief couldn't end until finding out the true extent of their finding. An honest to Zeus battlestar had survived the cylon bombardment, a miracle in itself and she'd been rapidly trying to pin a name as to who pulled that fraking stunt off. Venus had dropped the name in her usual excitable mannerisms which wasn't unwelcome to put her in a familiar setting again. Once information connected itself into exactly what happened, Athena ceased to drop her calm evaluation to stare in sheer shock alone. Venus had promised once it all hit her afterward, or rather forced her to swear by her mother's soul to never tell anyone to see her normally composed attitude break down into violent disbelief ever.

"Julius Servius." Testing her admiral's name proved a little surreal considering his innate personality, "An upstart's personal invested beneficiary has command of Battlestar Tartarus and is leading us in a war against the innumerable cylons." She waited several moments taking all of this surreal ludicrous reality to finally start laughing loudly, it never stopped her to let it all out and had covered her entire face. Laughing earnestly for how long to realize an insanity of their fate resided in the hands of a love struck school boy, "Gods be damned! You must hate our people so much if you've damned us this hard against an enemy who hate our existence."

None of her crewmen paid attention to their captain due to them knowing better. Athena crossed both legs trying to finally do away with entertainment. It wasn't entertainment since every action that boy who presented an adequate front to them all held authority. His unique circumstances were simply that as unique, an impossibility of survival and by regulations ingrained into them all was legitimized as an Admiral of Fleet. Remembering past events had made her dismiss his name due to being hand led into their command structure by another upstart. One who wielded considerable backing to make herself think twice to say.

Orion's council is a nice way to dress up and say we're your evaluation board though. Her invariance refused to say it was exactly a genuine extension of him asking for their help. Such foresight wasn't exactly a fool's gamble, or so she believed without digging deeper. Lightly tracing her lips to wonder in thoughts an answer came clearer than a star not even far from their safety. An intriguing opportunity presented itself in the longest of games, if one held intellect to play it to their strength it'd be beneficial to afford patience.

"You maybe in over your head but you're success measures itself to say otherwise." She mused tapping a polished boot against metal comfortably going over what facts presented, "Pragmatic is ideal for maintaining survival. Your organizational structuring is far too meticulous to be nothing less than natural talent, if so you'll keep us well supplied." Presently it was far too early to plan out certain contingencies just in case, or they'll fall apart at the seams when encountering crisis's which would inevitably develop. Athena shut both eyes in favor to concentrate on accomplishing two objectives with one opportunity.

Good hunting? She humored the young boy's genuine attempt to keep order in a time where chaos was but a stone's throw away. Twelve hours is more than enough time for us to search for others, but if nothing arises thinning cylon patrols is just as rewarding! I'll speak to you on another day Julius Servius, so hunt good I shall in your authority, sir. Humming lowly of an old folk song did the woman watch as her vessel came into sight. Significant in it's size alone as without question the most powerful of Orion-class's currently settled inside their fleet, Athena wielded it as an iron clad fact she'd exploit every time.

Alarms alerted occupants as their transport flew right into a hanger bay just large enough for two, or three similar craft. Standing up stretching lightly the woman set back onto a flight deck with teams rushing forward to look or any problems, or potential structural failures. Folding both hands behind her back she moved without interruption to a lift where it'd bring her the Olympus's command deck. It was time they prepared for their hunt, or rescue if gods favored them. Results mattered in such fragile states were every boon to their morale shifted them closer to retaliation against all cylon facilities within their range.

"Attention!" The entire bridge sat upright immediately once a lift reached its destination and she stepped off waving them off, "As you all were!" Athena came to settle over an overlay of the fleet's newly minted formation, area and lists of confirmed friendly vessels. Her eyes traced over to see two smaller yellow blips linked to a larger one, "Mam! I'm getting a hail from the Cerberus requesting you pick up and answer immediately."

Rolling her eyes knowing those old fossils would try to stick a pole up her ass wasn't going to be unexpected. Marcus Baros and Brutus Elias held more than forty years of collective experience to mentor any mandible individual who'd value such things. All of that amount happened to resemble a certain Julius Servius. Picking up her receiver she keyed it to humorously state, "No drink and dinner before calling a hot date, Baros? Should I feel flattered you want to hear my voice so quickly after today?"

That deep throat chortling on the other end couldn't mask his annoyance, "Still a smug bitch as always Angelos?" The woman took that compliment in stride retorting kindly, "And you being a fat sack of shit isn't too surprising. You and Elias need to get a room, I'm sure you'll find your way...eventually." The roar of laughter was welcomed after months of being apart and being forced to fight together had perks to use, "Zeus your mouth is still dangerous as always. I pity the poor bastard who catches your eye because he's a dead man walking."

Their bantering wasn't exactly too casual yet she made a point to inquire simply, "Are you sending over those coordinates to my bridge yet?" A reply came quickly from one of few who weren't afraid of her earning her ire, "Keep those tight pants and that ass of yours on straight, alright? Forwarding you them now." Clicking off a receiver to look over to her ensign who gave a thumbs up while proceeding to plug in numbers for their hunting spots. Everything checked out which made their mission far more simpler to micromanage.

Subtle motions indicated an increase of engines thrusting their vessel forward to be cleared for jumping into light travel. Keying her fellow captain ever so kindly, "Thank you, Baros. I'll be sure to return the favor whenever its prudent." She was about to hang up to focus on their objectives before he gruffly warned, "Lass! I'm going to say this once and only...once." Her eyes hardened knowing even in his old age a man of that experience knew how to fight and win.

"Back off from the kid." Both of them knew who he'd referred too, "You pull anymore funny shit and you're answering to me, understood?" Staring ahead vacantly taking in various consequences for defending and siding with their minted admiral cemented sides. Two of them were against her by default which left only three who'd she cultivate a friendly conversation with in their future. Yet it wasn't time to put down some old fossils save for acknowledging a game had been set for them with a prize leading them onward.

Angelo's smirk grew prominent when she replied absolutely sweetly, "Stay safe out there old man. I'd hate to see you die of stress prematurely, Olympus out." Locking the receiver in place she ordered her ensigns sternly, "All hands brace for jump! Switch to stealth emissions, eyes up and look out for enemy signatures! Make no mistake my friends as per our admiral's orders it's safe to say...we're going on a hunt!"

Standing firm overlooking her small yet elite training command staff Athena Angelos found herself grinning hungrily. Being forced to run for weeks, to hide and cower away from cylon patrols while fending off impending starvation had been averted. She now had ample opportunity to extract twelve hours worth of wrath upon any fraking cylon raiders, or lone ships which had been granted by an extremely naive upstart. An upstart who shouldn't have survived yet alone commanded her to do what was needed. But reality rarely ever played out to what human desire so as they jumped she'd vow to make every moment count!

I watched all three blinking signatures belonging to the Cerberus, Icarus and Olympus all veer off into jumps on screen. Technically I'd been relieved from duty by Irene who managed all reports, events or calls on the tylium fuel transfers. Yet I still stood there just simply taking in everything doing what I could to learn, or notice anything oddly without trying to become paranoid. So far nothing stood out save for an increase of civilian transmissions which I ordered to lock down immediately. Gods damn me since I didn't need someone well beyond our capabilities picking up to listen in on gossip from a distance.

"You should go get some chow, Julius." My blond commander stated knowingly trying to mark down estimated times of fueling compartments filled on either ship. I felt urges to fill said stomach with that mentioned chow as I capitulated to hunger, "Let me know if anything comes up, Irene. Have fun!" I exclaimed dryly to head back past ensigns who'd been on shift not even a few minutes, I'd been apart of the swap for others. This systematic rotation had its bumps yet realistically having numerous backups in case of injury was too ample to pass up.

Moving down a small flight of stairs towards an ever sparsely populated lift I encountered someone rather suddenly. Just as I was about to set foot inside almost bumping into a familiar face which stood out and I blinked seeing Cassandra Leva of all people, "Oh, I apologize captain!" Standing aside she immediately interjected by moving back, "It's okay, sir! Uh, I actually wanted to talk if it's not a problem?" I stared at her for a moment before shrugging since I was off-duty ready to get some sleep, food or drink.

"My command crew just swapped shifts, so I'm free." Stepping inside I closed the doorway setting it to where chow hall was located, "How you holding up?" I questioned earnestly curious as she brushed some loose hair back replying tiredly, "Barely." Unintentionally a smaller frame stood out a lot more than usual considering my shoulders came up to her face alone. Feeling slightly pitiful I asked just as quietly, "You can tell me what's eating you, right? I'm not going to hold it against you, or whatever it is."

The captain of a vessel hitched up to my own smiled tentatively in response as we waited for our floor to arrive. Her expression tightened up considerably, "Julius I just waned to say thank you...thank you for helping me out." I took that in stride yet I warily grinned, "You think I'm going to screw you over because of some academy grudges, Cass?" I used her nickname to break the ice to know I wasn't going that route because of far more serious issues. There wasn't any time for petty disagreements, doubts or agendas on my end to mess with.

"Can you blame me?" She retorted exhausted from pulling stress inducing hours, "I still can't believe I'm commanding the Triton, it's...all too fast." Now I could empathize with someone as I thanked Zeus for some possible kinship in this madness. Rubbing my check I truthfully stated without shame making her smile briefly, "Frak me! Welcome to the club Leva, I'll have to break out some glasses and mark it down." It felt like being back in the academy on Caprica again when we walked hallways filled with people to lunch, I'd joke awkwardly and suck at it, we'd move on with the day doing what we did best to study.

"Trust me when I say I know what you're dealing with." I gestured ahead of us to a descending doorway flatly stating, "Ten thousand souls are relying on me, captain." Cassandra frowned knowing I wasn't kidding around because I explained dryly, "Every day, every hour and every gods damned second I'm responsible for all of them who look up to me...to do right. I fraking hate knowing if I frak anything up, I get the good, the bad and the ugly truth of everything." Shaking my head I didn't hide how much it was driving me up a wall and beyond, I stressed myself out hourly coming up with everything to ease ourselves forward.

My old school friend murmured a bit terribly, "Talk about things getting heavy." I nodded in absolute agreement leaning against the lift's interior wall, "Frak yeah, right?" It felt good just shooting the breeze with someone not addressing me as either sir, or admiral. Leva didn't even notice she'd lightened up as I pointed out, "Feel better knowing you're not the only one with people riding your ass? At least you can bitch at me, if something ever goes wrong." She laughed quickly trying to stop herself because I was smiling rather peculiarly.

The doors opened with a slight pulse of air as I gestured for her to move first. We stepped out into an almost half packed chow hall of various shifts from other sections of Tartarus getting their fill. Cassandra and I slipped right into line making several crewmen try to offer their spots yet I waved them off, "We're alright gentlemen. No rush, okay?" Soon we were well in line getting the best of Colonial Fleet cuisine prepared in greasy, oily and rust stained pots which gave it an extra sweet taste of Caprica.

While in line I had several crew members approach me thanking me profusely about saving their asses back when Tartarus was docked. Apparently they weren't apart of our original roster yet had fit right in crewing the vessel. I remembered painstakingly setting aside excess crewmen to create rotating shifts on engineering decks, to alleviate stressful manning of ballistic batteries and mechanical repairs pertaining to my residential chief of maintenance. Several hundred choices later I was pleased with getting an extra boon to having more people as I slept well that night. But to see them all taking time to thank me of all people?

Awkward assurances aside as I told them we had our jobs and kicked cylon ass we'd be fine. I still felt extremely self aware in full uniform having an admiral's rank reflecting underneath bright lights. Cassandra found my growing irritation amusing as she cheekily joked, "Aren't you mister popular now? You used to want attention and now you're hating it?" I glared partially by muttering a childish reply back, "Shut up! It's an order."

Grabbing hot chow certainly improved my mood as we made our way towards a corner of the hall. It wasn't as populated to grab an empty table. Sitting relative peace I dung in eagerly fulfilling one of man's three primary needs, "Tough grub." I remarked chewing to the smaller woman who agreed somewhat, "Tastes like grease...as always." I started to wonder how strange a day could go where not even hours ago I was dreading facing down people who'd be capable to usurp an admiralty, to go to chow hall with a said person and feel as though nothing was wrong? The gods had strange ways to send blessings apparently.

"Hey uh, Julius?" Glancing over to see Leva staring simply she asked, "There's something that's been bothering me ever since the cylon's nuked us." Setting down my drink I swallowed to clearly reply confused, "Yeah, and?" She brushed her hair back which was a subtle sign of concern that I picked up on relatively quick, "How did you exactly...know when those warheads were coming at us at that dock yard above Caprica? Only reason why I'm asking is because I was close to where we'd been off-loading until I heard your voice over the P.A system."

That I never expected of her to ask me as I sat there quietly fiddling with a fork. What was there to say really? I guess I can say, 'Oh I had a hunch or gut feeling ever since cylon raiders were just outside fleet's radar points? They were maneuvering whenever we pinged them as if trying to test our response times?', frak me yeah that's a good idea! As much as I wanted to say something I only shrugged telling the white lie to cover some guilt, "I got extremely lucky and was just on Tartarus's bridge to hear someone call it out to me, Cass."

Clicking my tongue I further explained to at least give some insight on said moment, "I didn't believe it at first until diagnostics confirmed them as cylon technology." Setting my utensil down I sardonically scoffed in disgusted anger, "So much for peaceful intentions! Once we knew what it was I instigated emergency protocols, sounded an alarm and you heard me screaming on open lines to get the frak on-board before nukes sent us to hades, captain." One first clenched when I lowered my head against the other hand telling her, "And I still remember people scrambling for a loading tube until we forcefully tore ourselves free to jump out."

I never expected Leva to boldly cover my larger limb with her smaller hand! Looking up tiredly she had a nervous look, "I...I understand, Julius." She clarified quickly to hide her own shock despite clasping my fist, "I just wanted to know...I had no time either, frak I just reacted and what was left of us on the Triton jumped the frak away." Seemed like both of us harbored some guilt in being alive as I pulled my hand back to nod, "Yeah, sucks right? We live, we're guilty and we feel like absolute fraking shit every other day."

Neither of us resisted to chuckle together since it uplifted our mutual grievances to dead comrades who were dust. So we sat there eating contently for once doing what we could to make small talk. I learned Cass actually enjoyed chess, or some kind of game that involved strategy to which I'd have been inclined to play a match. Overall we spent an hour talking, discussing or comparing problems she faced while I did my best ease her organizational skills into decent points. Turns out I'd have more work later tonight to go through the Triton's logistical woes. But at least an old friend returned to make life just a bit more happier.

End Chapter III

Author's Note: Unlike in the show we've never experienced, or viewed when leadership is tested in order to retain it's legitimacy. There wasn't any other figure we as an audience, or those living among the Colonial Fleet to never doubt Bill Adama considering his ship was the only military protection and power to keep the remaining human populace alive. So in essence I'm definitely going into unknown territory based on keeping a sense of power is up for grabs, in a worse case scenario as you see several bloc's forming on a military council of sorts. It just goes to show there's no easy way out, its one way or another when it comes down to someone viewing our main character as someone incredibly raw when war comes calling. This chapter was just establishing what's going to happen, who to think is friend or foe and more so it is about the struggle ahead.

Julius Servius's strengths are not so clear cut as apposed to those who've been commanding for decades, I stress that comparison because in this setting the fleet is outmatched by military forces. With half a dozen ships, I'd wager anyone seeking to get that kind of fire power underneath them would decide whether conducting offensive strikes over defensive operations would view...opportunity. Power is power even among an end of society, democracy is no different and ironically enough it gives you how fragile its existence can be once times get tough. Again not a fan of it, so it'll come down to what people fear and respect as to be called action. When something has to be done, it gets done and there's no time for exceptions, or luxuries of thinking what-if's. Eventually it'll come to that point but not now, it won't happen for a bit.

The greatest aspect that this fleet has for it to survive? The sheer firepower being well supplied, maintained and competently lead together is Battlestar Tartarus as its pillar. Whenever this story cross into the main show's plot, a point which I'll avoid spoiling when and where, I think you'll see a vastly different outcome when there's issues of authority and legitimacy in place. Will those who are unable to bend their pride refuse to accept when power is needed, or will those with power bend their knee to those unable to accept authority? My point is...you'll find out, eventually!

Hope everyone liked reading this chapter, I'm very out of my comfort zone and soon you'll see trials being inflicted upon these characters. Nonetheless I hope everyone has had a good day, stay safe and I'll post hopefully in another few weeks.