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Before It's too Late

Dragonlots aka Dana Bell

Chapter 21: Battle at Mars

"Frak," Starbuck cursed as the Starfury beside him exploded. He avoided the debris and tried not to look at the silver suited body spinning past.

"That was too close," Boomer said as he smoothly maneuvered his viper next to his long time friend.

Small bluish white fighters moved ahead of the Minbari warships and engaged the Earth fighter pilots. Bright explosions lit up the blackness of space.

"Bojay, you've got one on your tail." Starbuck heard Tad's voice inside his pyramid shaped helmet. He was part of Silver Spar squadron who were protecting the Pegasus. Not that he could really see anything but he tossed a look over his shoulder to see how Apollo's ship fared.

"Starbuck, watch yourself!" Boomer warned.

The warrior jerked his attention back and fired without thinking on the enemy fighter. He nosed his ship up as Minbari ship disappeared in a satisfying ball of orange red flame.

"They aren't as easy to hit as Cylons," Bri's chatter reached him.

"No, they're better than the tin cans," Jolly returned.

Though he'd never been one to believe in Lords of Kobol, Starbuck suddenly hoped they were watching over all their descendents. If they lost here, than the hope of settling on Earth would only be a dream and they'd be set to flight with a new more deadly enemy in pursuit.

And he, for one, was tried of being chased.

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Rock and dust fell from the ceiling of the cavern as an explosion sounded overhead. A few women screamed, scrambling away from the unsteady area. Others brushed at their hair trying to get the dirt out it.

"Whimps," Katherine muttered as she absently flicked some debris off her black dress.

"I don't know about you, but I'm also scared." Anna Sheridan glanced overhead and hugged herself.

"You have nothing to fear, ladies," the cultured voice of Barnabas Collins reassured them. "We have a combined military force overhead protecting us, one that repelled the Minbari before."

"But surprise was on their side," his quiet assistant Shannon reminded him.

He shot a disapproving frown in her direction. The young woman glanced away.

"She's right," Anna agreed.

"I've heard much about these Colonial warriors," Barnabas said. "They are very skilled in battle and have survived more than anyone in the history of the human race has ever had to endure."

Another explosion rocked the cavern bringing more dust upon them. Without discussion they moved further down the tunnel, taking refuge around some crates stacked along one wall.

"I hope John is okay." Anna twisted a bit of pink skirt in her fingers.

Katherine reached out and placed her hand on the other woman's arm. "John and Jeff are seasoned veterans. They'll survive this." Her pretty oriental face took on a hard look. "If Jeff doesn't, he knows I'll hunt him down and kill him."

Her words caused Anna to smile. "You sound like you've known him for a long time."

"A very long time."

"You also sound like you should be married."

"We've discussed it from time to time."

"What's holding you back?"

Anna shrugged. "Timing."

"Don't wait too long. You never know what could happen."

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"Status," Adama boomed as he strode onto the bridge and took his place.

"There's a dozen Minbari war cruisers incoming and I'm not sure how many fighters." Tigh glanced at something on one of the computer screens. "All squadrons have been launched."

The commander nodded, regretting the loss of two of his best squadrons, Gold and the Hawks. Quickly he accessed the battle and made a decision. "Positive shield now. Bring the Galactica about and engage the nearest cruiser."

"Sir," Tigh asked quietly, "are you sure that's wise?"

"We've done it before, Tigh."

"Yes, sir." Tigh put his hands behind his back.

Slowly the battlestar came around and headed straight for the nearest blue fish shaped cruiser.

"Fire!" Adama ordered.