Gods among us - A Harry Potter and Battlestar Galactica crossover
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Acknowledgement: Thank you to my Technical Guru XRaiderV1and my Beta Rhynimy.
Re-edited on the 20/10/2015
Last time:
Emma ran a hand through her hair. A habit that Kyle knew meant that she was nervous. "That's not all Sir. I heard one of the deck crew calling their ship Apollo's chariot."
"Oh just great so now they're demi-gods? Right, XO set up another meeting with our two visitors. Doctor I'll expect you to be there as well I think we need to find out exactly what our two young friends are capable of."
Chapter 4
Triton – CIC
"Jump complete," reported Junior Lieutenant Barrington at navigation.
Almost immediately Lieutenant Callet announced a contact, "DRADIS contact….IFF is coming back as Colonial."
"Action Stations," ordered Kyle, "Get them on the wireless."
"Contact claims to be the Priestess …..A civilian transport," reported Ensign Paul.
Kyle turned to Emma, "XO I want our CAP launched to escort the Priestess in. Order their captain to hold their position until the escorts arrive."
Kyle watched the tactical display and let out a small sigh as the contact seemingly slowed to a halt.
"The Priestess has complied and is holding position. Sir, they are asking for medical assistance they apparently have injured aboard."
Kyle rubbed at his tired eyes. Injured civilians certainly changed the situation. "Get a message to life stations. Let the Priestess know we have help on route for their injured...let the CAG know that I want a raptor with a medic and marine escort in the air ASAP."
oOoOoOo
Flight Deck
The Raptor barely touched the deck before the hatch unsealed and opened. A medic waved over several others and the unloading of three injured civilians began. Emma watched the medics working for a moment before waving over the senior Marine from the armed escort.
"Report Marine," ordered Emma.
The Marine saluted, "Sir it's a mess over there. These are the worst three but...well I'd venture that most of them are pretty busted up. Medic's will likely be telling the doc they need to evac a few more."
Emma nodded accepting the report until she had time for a full debrief. "We'll get some more medics over there soon. Did you get where they were from?"
"Their Captain said he escaped from the outskirts of Tauron City right after the Cylon attack began. He and his crew grabbed their families and as many people as they could and got off the planet. From the way he talks, he sounds ex-military."
"How many onboard?"
The Marine shrugged, "I asked he said that he's got twenty-six others on board, quite a few children. I didn't get a head count as we were helping with the wounded."
"Very well, write it up and get something to eat before the doc orders you out again."
oOoOoOo
Raptor 198
Daniel started preparing his two equipment bags as the SAR Raptor docked with the large transport. As the ECO released the hatch, he stood and followed Nurse Orla Thane as she exited.
It appeared that most of the crew and passengers were gathered in the cargo hold. He had been told that there were quite a few injured, but he hadn't been prepared for the sheer number of injuries.
"Daniel"
Daniel turned as Orla waved him over, "Daniel can you triage the crew while I start with the children?"
The first off the rank was an older man in dark green overalls and a bullet proof vest. Daniel noted that he had a dressed wound on his upper arm as well as a burn on his neck. He also noted the holstered military pistol the man wore on his hip.
As Daniel pulled on a pair of gloved the man gestured toward Daniel's field kits, "You a doc?"
Daniel shook his head, "Medic, we are just working out the order we need to send the wounded over to the Tritons Doctor. Can I ask what happened to your arm?"
"Shrapnel clipped me when we were pulling out the others. Fraking Cylons started landing in force as we got the last of our passengers aboard."
Daniel nodded and gestured to the bandage, "May I?"
As he received a nod, he began to remove the dressing. The wound appeared to be a straight through and through of the Biceps Brachii. Someone had done a reasonable job of cleaning the wound and it looked to be healing quite well.
"Whoever patched you up did an excellent job of cleaning the wound up. I'm going to give you a shot of antibiotics and some clean dressings, but otherwise it looks to be healing well."
The man nodded and Daniel prepared a shot of broad spectrum antibiotics.
Three hours later he was finishing off the last of the passengers. Orla had just returned in the Raptor after transporting two children and a woman with a broken and burnt wrist back to the Triton.
Orla came over and knelt down next to Daniel as he pulled on another pair of gloves in preparation for treating the last patient, "Almost finished here?"
"Just strapping this ankle and I'm done."
"Good work, okay I think I'll speak to their Captain and let him know what's happening with the people we transferred over to Triton."
After he had finished bandaging, he handed his patient's friend a fresh bandage and a packet of painkillers along with instructions to rest his ankle as much as possible. Both his patient and his friend thanked him and he nodded absently in acknowledgment of their thanks.
He quickly packed up and returned his gear to the Raptor. Stowing the unused supplies and marking off what he had used on the official paperwork. With a sigh, he stood and looked out the hatch to see if Orla had returned. What he saw made him freeze in shock. An older man dressed in dark coveralls was talking to Orla. Probably the Captain but accompanying him was a very familiar face.
One.
One, the likely architect of all this madness he had always pushed for a war of extermination against their makers. One as he preferred to be known among his enemies John Cavil had destroyed his entire line. In his insanity turned against his creators….his parent's wishes.
The humans had to be warned. Cavil could only be here as an infiltrator or saboteur. Even worse was the fact the One was just the thin edge of the wedge. His poor misguided brothers and sisters would not be far away.
Given the recent miraculous events in Life Stations, it wouldn't be long until One heard of the two mysterious travellers. Would he want them destroyed or would he study them in an attempt to understand or control their power?
He had to do something but what?
Once aboard the Raptor Daniel fought to hide his growing sense of fear both of discovery and for what his insane brother might do next in his quest.
oOoOoOo
Commanders Quarters – Triton
Kyle stood and greeted the Captain of the Priestess as soon as the older man walked in the door, "Welcome aboard Captain Emerton."
Captain Steven Emerton braced and saluted before smiling, "Major…..sorry old habits."
"How long?" asked Kyle with his own smile.
"I did twenty as a knuckle dragger in the fleet and got out as a Warrant officer," replied Emerton as his smile disappeared, "Can't say I expected to be fighting after I retired."
"What happened?" asked Kyle.
"Cylons invaded. First they nuked the city then they started landing troops. I was loading fuel and cargo from my families dock," seeing Kyle's look he explained. "We own a shipping business. Anyway, once the toasters started killing I got my family and those that I could and took off. The whole thing was a blur. The last thing I saw on the ground were humans leading squads of Cylons. Fraking cursed traitors."
Kyle could feel his own anger rising at the thought but forced it back down, "Have you seen anyone else?"
Emerton shook his head, "No but then again we jumped as far out as we dared. The Priestess was pretty close to the red line as it was, how about you sir?"
Kyle gestured for the merchant captain to sit, "We picked up the crew of a merchant vessel and a…small shuttle. I've had reports that there are others out there. Captain Tor received a message that the Galactica survived along with a civilian fleet. Apparently they made for Ragnar Anchorage to rearm I suspect. I'll give you a full brief later for now I have a few questions, Captain."
"Ask away Major."
"First up what is your ships condition?"
"Excellent Major the Princess just had her major overhaul."
As his interview continued, Kyle was pleased to hear that the Princess and her crew were experienced with a few being military veterans. Even some of the passengers had useful trades. Emerton was also happy to lend his people out to under-staffed Battlestar. Another pleasant surprise was that her cargo was mainly food.
Emerton pointed to a name on the list, John Cavil. "We even have a Priest on board. Found him in a bar of all places."
Kyle raised an eyebrow at that, "Really, well he might come in useful. We've had some stressful days and I'm sure a visit from a priest will help ease some cares."
"I'll bring him over for a chat."
oOoOoOo
Life Stations
Hermione smiled as Daniel entered with a tray of food. "Harry's just ducked to the loo." As she took the tray she was surprised to see Daniel's hands were shaking.
"Daniel…..what is it?"
Daniel looked back at the door where the two marine's stood watch. "I…I need to speak to you."
"Should we wait for Harry?"
Daniel looked even more worried, "I don't know how much time I have before….well before I need to go."
"Is it a patient, do you need us outside?"
"No, it's…" Daniel paused as the door to the small toilet swung open and Harry re-entered the room.
Harry grabbed a drink from the tray as he sat on the bed, "I thought I heard your voice, Daniel."
Hermione waved her hand at Harry, "Shush Harry, what is happening are you in trouble?"
Daniel looked like he was going to be sick as he leaned forward, "It doesn't matter. Listen you know about the war?"
Hermione nodded, "Rebeka told us about the war."
"Then you understand why it is so important that the Cylons never find Earth. The Cylons have been led in to a war against humanity, not just the twelve colonies." Daniel was speaking so fast he was almost incoherent.
Harry leaned forward putting a hand on Daniel's shoulder, "Daniel slow down, what happened?"
Daniel took a deep breath, "I know someone on the ship. I….I'm not sure, but I think he is an enemy. It made me think about what I said to you before. There are people that wouldn't hesitate to kill everyone on board if they thought you were from Earth."
Hermione looked like she was about to stand and call for help, "If he's dangerous you've got to warn the crew."
"No, no wait. I don't know if I am right about…..I could have mistaken someone else for him."
Hermione glanced over at Harry, who shrugged, "Daniel there is something you are not telling us."
Daniel looked torn as his eyes flicked back and forth between Harry and Hermione. "Did Rebeka explain about the twelve colonies?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes but not in a great deal of detail."
Daniel leaned forward, "For most people there are twelve tribes of men. The founders of the twelve colonies, however, the sacred scrolls tell a different story."
"Sorry, but what are the sacred scrolls?" Harry asked.
"They are a history of man and they tell of the Thirteenth tribe who left Kobol sometime early in history. What little is said in the ancient scrolls only tells us that they travelled a different path to the other twelve tribes. Eventually, they made their home on a planet called Earth."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Wow that is….I mean it could just be a coincidence."
Daniel shook his head, "That doesn't matter to the leader of the Cylons. Coincidence or not your people are humans. That's enough for you to be a danger. If you add in your….powers you will become a priority target."
Harry frowned as he considered Daniel's words. "How do you know all this Daniel?"
"I can't tell you that. Please just trust me on this you need to be careful."
"Daniel…" began Hermione only to be cut off by Daniel's raised hand.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you more," with that Daniel reached the door.
As soon as it swung shut Harry was moving following but Daniel but Hermione grabbed his arm. "Wait we were told to stay here."
Harry looked rebellious for a few moments before nodding, "I know and that's another worry. I thought we had an understanding with their boss and yet we are still locked up."
"Well in all fairness we no doubt caused a bit of a hullabaloo using magic."
Harry ran his fingers through his hair, "I know, but we did it helping save some of their damn crew. Yet here we are. Then Daniel tells us we should be damn careful with which I agree but in his case it's because people will kill us if we tell them where we are from. To be honest unless we hear the Cylon side of things we can't be exactly sure who is telling us the truth here."
"They started a war of extermination against man," responded Hermione but without any real passion. In truth, Harry had a good point. Short of using magical means they had no real way of knowing who was being truthful.
"Which started because mankind enslaved them," Harry replied in a somewhat subdued tone. "What a bloody mess we've found ourselves stuck in the middle of."
Hermione's expression changed to one Harry was intimately familiar with. He and Ron had dubbed it the 'thinking face'.
"Harry I think we need to get the ship working soon or we'll need to find another way off this ship. Right now they don't trust us how long will it be before they fear us?"
"I don't think we are far from that now and if we take Daniel's warning at face value. It's a bloody minefield." Harry gestured toward the door. "We need to find out where we stand."
Harry walked to the door and knocked. When the Marine opened it Harry gestured toward Hermione, "When will Hermione and I be allowed to return to working on our ship?"
"I'm sorry sir, but the XO gave us clear orders."
Harry frowned at the Marine but held back his response when he felt Hermione touch his arm as she stepped forward.
"Are we under arrest again?"
The marine shook his head, "Sorry Ma'am but you'll need to take that up with the XO."
Hermione nodded, "Could you please pass a request on for a meeting?"
"I'll pass on your request ma'am."
The Marine left and both Hermione and Harry noticed that he locked the door after closing it.
"Well this is really is a fine bloody mess isn't it," muttered Harry as he sat on the bed.
Hermione sat down beside him and took his hand as she offered a small smile, "We don't know anything yet Harry. Let's not borrow trouble."
Harry shrugged and offered a half-hearted, "Maybe."
Unsure what to say Hermione simply sat holding her friends hand. They didn't have to wait long before the Marine was back this time accompanied by Ensign Sarah Paul.
"The Commander wants to see you both."
Hermione nodded and stood, but Harry didn't move. Instead, he was studying Sarah.
After a long uncomfortable pause he slowly stood. "Sorry, but in what capacity will we be seeing the Commander. Are we prisoners?"
Sarah shook her head, "No."
"Then why are we in a guarded room?"
Sarah stiffened, "This is for your own safety. We didn't want any incidents after your exploits in Life Stations."
"Our exploits," repeated Harry. "Well let's not leave the good Major waiting."
oOoOoOo
Life Stations
From her bed, Rebeka watched as Harry and Hermione were led away by the Marines before turning to look at Chief Gray in the next bed, "It's not right Chief."
Chief Gray wanted to defend the powers that be, but he found himself flexing his newly healed arm. "Bek…..I don't know what's going on, but you are right we owe them. We just have to keep the faith; the Major will do the right thing."
Rebeka hoped he was right.
oOoOoOo
Priestess – Passengers Mess
John Cavil ate quietly as he studied the humans around him. In hindsight coming aboard the Priestess had been both a mistake and a fortuitous event. He had been in a bar near the outskirts of the Tauron City when the plan had begun. He had wanted to watch the orchestrated death being unleashed.
What he had not expected a Tauron merchant captain to order the bars occupants onto his ship. Such a pity that he missed his long awaited revenge it was to be hoped that his brother Ones had better luck in the rest of the Colonies.
It was rather fortuitous that this disappointing turn of events had led him to another pocket of survivors. Now all he needed to work out was how best to work the colonial Battlestar's destruction in to his plans. He wanted a plan in place for when the fleet arrived. There was no way he'd risk compromising himself without a resurrection ship within range.
He looked down at the rather nice meal and sighed. It was such a pity that this meal was to be his last before returning to the rather less imaginative food on a Basestar.
oOoOoOo
Commander's Quarters – Battlestar Triton
Kyle didn't offer his two guests a seat and from Harry's narrowed eyes showed that the slight wasn't lost on him. Neither was the statement made by the continued presence of the Marines, Emma and Sarah. All of whom were armed.
"I want some answers from you. Straight answers to my questions," Kyle's tone was cold.
Harry continued to stare at Kyle as Hermione replied, "May I ask what it is you wish to know?"
"Well, firstly I want to know what possessed you to do what you did and risk a riot in Life Stations."
"We healed some badly injured patients. Would you have preferred that we let them die?" Hermione countered.
"I would have preferred you to have shown some Gods damn discretion. I now have crewmen thinking we have demi-gods wandering the ship dispensing miracles. How long before they demand you raise the dead or defeat the fraking Cylons?"
"Would you have preferred them dead?" Hermione asked again.
"No of course not but neither did I want your however well-intentioned rescue causing chaos either," Kyle took a deep breath. "Fine, the cat is out of the bag on your healing abilities. We will deal with that. What I want to know is where you are from and what else you can do. I've been lenient so far hoping to build some trust between us. After this incident, I'm not so sure having you two loose on my ship without knowing what you are capable of is the best course."
Harry didn't flinch from Kyle's stare. I f he was trying to intimidate he was going to have to try harder. "I've told you who we are. I've told you what we are. I'm not sure what else you feel you need to know."
Kyle leaned forward, "I want to know where you are from and I want a run down on what you are able to do with your powers."
Harry was well aware of the officer and Marines standing behind him as he continued to match Kyle's stare. "I see and if we don't answer all your questions?"
"Harry," warned Hermione.
"Then I'll have no choice but to lock you in the brig until you do. You are guests on this ship, in a time of war. I have no real background on you and you seem determined to avoid answering questions about you are from."
Harry smiled coldly, "So much for building trust eh, I'm happy to discuss what we can do at least in regards to our abilities. Where we are from remains…off the table for now. Why should we trust you with the safety of our entire people considering how we've been treated? We save your crew and heal your sick and we get threats. I can see that you want some idea of our powers. I'm happy to do that. You want to restrict our movements somewhat. I can see that as well. The safety and well-being of your crew is your priority. Well, the safety and wellbeing of Hermione is mine."
Hermione stepped forward to hold Harry's hand, "I understand your concerns and I am happy to explain magic in further detail."
Kyle nodded slowly somewhat relieved that Hermione had acceded to his requests, now for the more difficult conversation. "Thank you. I'll assign an officer for you to brief. Until that happens I'll have to ask you to hand over you weapons."
"I don't think so," replied Harry as he subtly twisted his wrist dropping his wand in to his hand. It was an Auror technique called short gripping that if done correctly allows an Auror to conceal the fact that you were holding your wand.
Kyle locked eyes with Harry, "I insist as ship regulations forbid civilians to carry weapons aboard a Colonial Battlestar."
Harry didn't even blink as he stared down Kyle ignoring the two Marines behind him. "That's easily solved we'll get off your ship."
"And how do you propose to do that?" Kyle asked.
"Harry," warned Hermione with a distinct edge to her voice as she stepped forward. "If our actions have caused you any difficulty we apologise for that. But we will not give up our wands and you should know that taking them will not render us unable to use magic. That ability is a part of us. At best you would simply make it harder for us to be precise when using our powers. If that is unacceptable, then I suggest that you release our ship from your hanger deck and we will find our own way home."
"Your ship doesn't work," Emma pointed out.
Hermione shrugged, "A fact I am well aware of."
Emma narrowed her eyes, "I think you're bluffing."
"Lieutenant," warned Kyle. "Harry, Hermione I am trying to see a way forward here, but I will not put at risk the crew of this ship. I don't know what has happened to the rest of the Colonial fleet. We could be the last surviving remnant and that puts the responsibility for our people's survival in my hands. I cannot risk all their lives by trusting blindly.
Your powers have never been seen before. Your ship is so different from our most cutting edge technology that we can't even understand how it works. Forgive me for saying this but why should I trust you? You could be working for the Cylons for all that I know."
Hermione was silent as she considered Kyle's words, "I can understand your position. Could Harry and I talk for a moment? I'll need to use my wand. I promise you I will not attack you."
Kyle nodded and Hermione cancelled their translation spells. She noted that the Marines had their hands on their sidearms.
"What will we do Harry?" Hermione asked in English.
"I vote for leaving."
"And how do we do that, the ship doesn't work?" asked Hermione.
Harry shrugged, "What then do we give up our wands?"
"No, but maybe we won't have to. We have to show them that we can be useful. Don't forget there is no statute of secrecy out here. What if I offer to help repair their ship as well as helping with the injured? We can keep working on our ship while we do so."
Harry didn't look convinced, "Maybe but will they accept that? They didn't seem too keen on us doing magic at all."
Hermione chewed on her lip for a moment before replying, "They are worried about what we can do but from what I can see they are in a pretty desperate position as well. I'm even happy to have an escort. It worked okay when we had Rebeka. Maybe if we let them keep an eye on us we can build a bit of trust?"
"I'd prefer Rebeka but if it is a choice of a cell or an escort I'll take an escort. I think you are right about their situation as well. Though to be honest I'm not sure if that makes me want to help or leave. And well Da….um the other warning we received. That makes me cautious as well. We are only hearing one side of things here. To my mind, this is a bit like the goblin-wizard Wars or maybe the house elves. Do you trust them?"
Hermione nodded, "Enough to work with them for now."
"I trust your judgment, but I'll be watching them carefully for both our sakes."
Hermione recast the translation spell and turned back to Kyle. "We would be happy to show your representative what we can do. As to keeping our wands would you be satisfied with an armed escort along with our assistance with your wounded and repairs if you should request it?"
Kyle considered the two young adults. He was still furious at their lack of judgment, but perhaps he had given too much weight to Emma's arguments to have them summarily disarmed. They had helped the wounded and according to Doctor Jackson they had saved at least two lives. The risk, of course, was that he was wrong and these two represented a significant threat but if they could help at all. The unpleasant truth was that the Triton was still in bad shape even with the recently completed repairs. Could he turn away potential help?
"Ensign Paul will be my liaison with you. When moving about you will have a Marine escort at all times. You will refrain from using your abilities unless confronted with an emergency. For now I will allow you to continue working on your ship with Crewman Toll as long as you assist us to the best of your abilities. Is that understood?"
oOoOoOo
Daniel was relieved when Harry and Hermione returned to Life Stations even if they seemed to still have a Marine escort. He just hoped that they had heeded his advice. This still left him with a massive dilemma. What to do about One. It was likely only a matter of time before a Cylon fleet appeared if he was left free to work his madness. That said it was not like he had any resources to deal with him. He couldn't run and leave Harry and Hermione here and he couldn't warn the Colonials without putting himself at risk.
He hadn't many answers, but he fully expected that when he next spoke to Harry and Hermione that he would need to have some answers for them.
"Daniel can I see you for a minute," Daniel turned to see Doctor Jackson beckoning him toward his office.
Daniel nodded and entered the Doctor's cluttered office,
The Doctor waved Daniel to a seat, "Please take a seat. Daniel before we start I just wanted to say that you have been a real asset here. For a ship's medic, you have excellent skills. You're closer to a surgical nurse specialist. I'd recommend you without hesitation if you ever wanted to sign on permanently."
"Thank you, Doctor," Daniel meant it to. Jackson was an excellent Doctor and what he was offering was if nothing else a huge compliment.
"You deserve the kudos and the offer. I also wanted to talk to you about what happened earlier," Jackson waved his hand at the door. "I've already spoken to the nurses and I'd like to hear your version of events. I know you've chatted a little with our two mystery guests so I'm hoping you can give me another viewpoint."
Daniel hesitated for a second unsure of what the Doctor was wanting. Was this some kind of security investigation or something less troublesome, "Is this an official investigation?"
Jackson waved away the question, "No, no I'm just trying to work out what actually occurred. I may not always show it, but I was raised in quite a devout family. The only thing I can relate today's events to would be some of the stories of Gods granted miracles. Like Asclepius granting prayers for the dying. Our two friends saved a man whose wounds were bad enough that I wouldn't have given good odds even on my best day. I know Major Brack is sceptical, but even he accepts it occurred. He had wanted me in the meeting with them, but I was still treating a post-operative patient."
"I didn't really see anything that could explain it. I saw Hermione and Harry using something…..to be honest Doctor I was rather busy at the time."
Jackson nodded, "Yes the nurse told me a rod of wood. Like the rod of Asclepius, the healer. I….I find myself wondering could they be healers from one of the Temples. There had been rumours of Priests and Priestesses with the gift."
"I don't know Doctor. There are always those that speak of miracles," Daniel offered.
Doctor Jackson nodded absently, "I was hoping you had seen something. Well, if you remember anything else."
"I'll let you know Doctor," Daniel promised, lying through his teeth.
"As I said I noticed you had a reasonable rapport with them, do you think you could ahhh broach the topic of a discussion with them?" Jackson gave Daniel a hopeful look.
"Again I'll let you know Doctor." Daniel managed a smile.
oOoOoOo
From her bed, Rebeka was glaring at the two Marines outside the isolation room. "Why are they still under guard?"
Chief Gray looked over at the Marines and then back to Rebeka. "The Major will do the right thing Bek, he will."
Rebeka looked absolutely mutinous, "Chief does this look like the right fraking thing?"
"Bek you need to calm down. We'll find out what is going on."
oOoOoOo
Outer CAP perimeter picket – Vipers of Lieutenant Eli 'Whiplash' Corven and Lieutenant Taran 'Chaser' Sul
Chaser thumbed his wireless, "Whiplash you seeing these debris?"
"Looks like a raptor foil," offered Whiplash. "Someone had a bad fraking day out here."
"Get it on tape and let's report it in," suggested Chaser.
"DRADIS contact, no IFF….no wait Colonial military. It's faint, Triton…..you receiving this as well?"
"This is Triton actual we have the IFF you are to close and identify."
Chaser acknowledged their orders, "Chaser Triton CAP will mark one eyeball the contact."
"Nothing on any wireless channels," reported Whiplash.
The two Vipers closed rapidly on the slow moving contact. Once in visual range they slowed and made a pass on either side of the drifting ship.
Chaser thumbed his wireless on as he activated his camera, "Triton the ship is a long range military shuttle. Looks like it is mostly intact save the fact it is hulled aft in several places...the engineering spaces are exposed. I can see internal bulkheads. Wait there is something." Chaser could see something moving in the darkened windows. Pulling back on his controls he bought his Viper to a stop. "Frak...Triton I can see movement in the...there is someone signalling to me. Repeat I have a survivor signalling to me."
"Acknowledged Chaser an SAR Raptor is being readied now, hold position and continue trying to detect any communications."
Chaser shook his head in wonder. Whoever was alive on board the shuttle was the luckiest bastard in the fleet. "Whiplash I'm going to try signal lights. Keep an eye out for our friend."
"Will do Chaser, how do you think they survived?"
"No idea, gods must love them I...oh hold on I'm going in closer something is happening. Triton we may have more than one survivor here."
"Acknowledged Raptor thirty-two is en-route."
oOoOoOo
SAR Raptor 32 – Lieutenant Nikki "Flash' Corinth/ECO Petra 'Red' Nicosia
Flash lined her hatch up with the docking hatch of the shuttle before activating the universal docking collar. "Triton this is Flash. I have a seal. Marines are about to ring their bell."
"Acknowledged Flash, take all necessary precautions."
"Red open our hatch for the Marines," ordered Flash.
The three Marines were now in the docking collar with the junior member carrying a heavy rubber mallet. Three raps later and they received three muffled bangs in return a moment later the hatch unsealed.
Red consulted her instruments for a moment considering what the shuttle's airlock was recording. "Okay, we have air pressure in the shuttle. It may be a bit stale, but it's breathable. You are good to go, Corporal."
The Marine corporal saluted and turned to his two men. "Thanks, Sir. Okay, let's go easy here. We don't have a clue what's happening on the other side of the hatch so let's be fraking careful, understood."
A moment later the hatch of the shuttle opened completely revealing the darkened interior of the shuttle just inside the door a single figure could be seen. She had both hands raised even as the Marines stepped through the hatch. The woman was in a military flight suit.
"Thank the Gods I thought we were alone out here."
The Marine corporal nodded, "Are you injured Ma'am?"
The pilot shook her head, "No Corporal, but the Colonel can't walk I think he broke his ankle when we were hit."
The Corporal's eyes widened slightly, "Where is the Colonel located?"
"Right here Corporal," the Marine's all turned to see a Colonial Marine officer leaning against the bulkhead. "I'm a bit banged up, but I had to see. What ship Corporal?"
The Corporal saluted, "The Triton Sir."
The Colonel shook his head, "Right well we can sort this out later for now let's get off this floating wreck before we suffocate. Lieutenant, take the Marines and get our prisoner. Make damn sure she is restrained."
oOoOoOo
Triton – Hanger Deck
Kyle, Emma, two medics and a Marine honour guard were waiting as Raptor 32's hatch lowered.
Seeing the Colonel being supported by a Lieutenant he stepped forward and saluted. "Major Kyle Brack acting commander of the Triton, welcome aboard sir."
The Colonel returned the salute, "Colonel Richard Sparta Colonial Marines, permission to come aboard?"
The two medics moved forward pushing a wheelchair and the Colonel sank in to it with a grateful look. "Thank you son, Major we need to talk privately before anything else happens."
Kyle nodded and gestured toward the pilots briefing room. 'We should have some privacy there sir."
"Good Major I need an armed guard on the Raptor until we've spoken," seeing Kyle's look he smiled grimly. 'Believe me, Major, it is very necessary."
Bu the time Kyle wheeled the Colonel to the Briefing room six Marines had the Raptor surrounded.
As soon as the door closed the Colonel was talking.
"Major I headed up the Marine operations staff for Rear Admiral Ross of joint operations. I was a Marine first and a politician second. So let me assure you I have no intention of taking over your command. You command Triton and I'll stick to what I know, planning. When the Cylon attack came, I was on Caprica observing a Marine training mission. Thanks to those Marines I was able to get off the planet in a long range shuttle. I had been hoping to meet with other fleet elements when we counter attacked. Unfortunately by the time we fought our way through the toasters and got airborne the fight was over. When a Baseship jumped in right on top of us, I thought we were done then somehow Lieutenant Helios managed to jump us just as a missile hit. Gods know how we survived, but we did." Sparta rubbed at his face his tiredness very evident on his face. "Anyway, that's not important right now. What is important is the prisoner we have aboard. In our fight, we captured the Cylon leading the Centurions."
Kyle nearly exclaimed out loud. They had a Cylon prisoner?
The Colonel laughed grimly as he watched Kyle's expression change, "Oh there's no Centurion in the shuttle Major. No, it's far fraking worse. The Cylons have a new model if you like. They look human."
oOoOoOo
Life Stations - Triton
Kyle couldn't believe what he was seeing. The blond woman secured to the bed to allow Doctor Jackson to treat her in the Life Stations isolation room looked like a model. "Dear Zeus she looks…she looks human. How in the name of the Gods have they done this?"
"No idea first time we saw her I thought she was a traitor. But she isn't human she killed a Marine's with a punch. She got thrown in to a wall when an explosion went off so we took a chance and took her with us. I thought she might make a good hostage after we interrogated her."
"We should kill it," said Emma. "Who knows what it can do."
Kyle shook his head, "It is a prisoner and protected under the Colonial military code. To execute a prisoner we need a military court and a trial, to do that we need a Rear Admiral or a civilian judge."
"With all due respect Sir it is a fraking machine," argued Emma with a look of disgust on her face.
Colonel Sparta gestured toward Kyle, "The Major is right Lieutenant. I'm not saying we won't be executing the prisoner down the line. But for now we treat it, her, whatever she is like a captured enemy combatant. You never know when we might need a bargaining chip. Now, what's the story with your two other guests?"
Kyle turned away from the unconscious 'Cylon'. "That Sir is a long story."
Sparta looked around at the two isolation rooms only a medic and the Marines were in sight, "The short version then."
Twenty minutes later Sparta leaned back in his chair with a calculating look on his face. "I understand your position Major, but I think you are looking at this the wrong way. We have for all intents and purposes just lost a war against an enemy whom now controls nearly all our resources. Perhaps others have survived maybe even other Battlestars but it won't be enough. How will we replace lost ships, how long can we patch together Vipers and Raptor's before we run out of parts? I don't care what they are; I don't care where they came from. I do care that they have offered to help and you should as well. If they can do a tenth of what you suspect, then they will be an invaluable asset to our cause."
As the officers left nobody noticed a pale-faced Daniel standing in the corner.
oOoOoOo
Crew and Passengers of the Battlestar Triton
Commanding Officer: Major Kyle Brack
2IC: Lieutenant Emma Boyd
Acting CAG/Raptor Squadron Leader: Hector 'Smash' Golan
Doctor Stephen Jackson – CMO Triton
Lieutenant Aren Callet – Acting Tactical Officer
Junior Lieutenant Scott Barrington – Navigation officer
Ensign Sarah Paul – Communications Specialist/Linguist
Sergeant Major Richards – Senior surviving NCO – Triton Marine detachment
Daniel Erikson – Medic/Chef crewman from the Athena's Bow
Chief Petty Officer Markus Gray – Deck Crew Chief
Rebeka Toll – Crewman - Engineer
Petty Officer Sarah Nova – Engineer Avionics Specialist
Lieutenant Erin "Whisper" Shaw
Lieutenant Mikhael 'Gorgon' Hobbin
Lieutenant Amanda 'Skimmer' Collis ECO
Lieutenant Eli 'Whiplash' Corven
Lieutenant Taran 'Chaser' Sul