5 Years 5 Months Ago
Battlestar Pegasus
Vanessa Garrett stood waiting for the door to open, she wondered why the XO had called for her? Could have been worse though, it could have been Cain who wanted to see her. Moments later the door opened and Colonel Jurgen Belzen stood smiling at her.
"Major, please come in." he said stepping aside and ushering her in.
"Is everything okay?" she asked nervously.
"It is, please sit, can I get you a drink?"
"No, I'm fine." she said as she sat down.
She took a moment to assess the XO. She had always thought he was a kind man. Always there with a positive word of encouragement or an ear to listen to problems. He had such respect from everyone, other than the 'Cain Purists' as Lieutenant Hoshi called them. They tended to try and emulate Cain's harshness, Vanessa had always thought it was just an excuse to be nasty. Despite being the ships 3rd officer, she often felt like an outsider who really didn't belong. Colonel Fisk was about as much use as a chocolate teapot, she skipped him as often as possible and went straight to the XO. Fisk was all hands and excuses. Belzen was the senior officer who had her respect. He towered over her as he hovered around her.
"Okay, to business." he said clapping his hands together and flashing her one of his smiles, "Where do you see your future?" he asked as he sat opposite her.
She hadn't been expecting that question, where did she see her future? "Erm, I'm not sure. Recently I haven't given it a lot of thought. I'd love to command a Battlestar one day, but with the Admiral not willing to even let me stand watch I don't even know how I'll move up to XO let alone anything else." she said with sadness in her voice.
Belzen smiled at the young LSO, "Well when you've stood watch for me when the Admiral hasn't been onboard, I've been impressed with what I've seen. Have you heard about the Battlestar Orion?"
"Only rumours, over twice the size of Pegasus, made for war." Vanessa said.
"And that's just the tip of the iceberg. It's full of tech that makes this ship look like it's from the stone age. It's CO, Commander Johannson is looking for an XO."
Vanessa didn't know what to say, she let out a chortle, "I don't think I'm ready for that yet."
"Well, that's where we disagree and that's why I applied for it on your behalf." Jurgen said smiling again.
"You did what?!" she exclaimed her jaw hanging in surprise.
"You're never going to progress if you stay stuck in that tiny room sending out our birds and bringing them back in, you needed a push and here it is."
"He's never going to pick me, there are so many more qualified people who will be applying for this."
"I don't know how much you know about Johannson. He's a veteran of the Cylon war and he stayed in the service ever since. Rumour is he's turned down the promotion to Admiral at least five times because he refuses to be sitting in an office on Picon. One thing to note and this is the most important bit, he has a reputation for taking inexperienced officers who he sees potential in and turning into some of the highest regarded members of the fleet," he picked up a piece of paper as he spoke and handed it to her, "And he wants to speak with you, tomorrow."
"What? Are you serious? But what if he finds out it wasn't me who applied?"
Belzen gave a smirk."He already knows I applied on your behalf. I spoke to him after I sent in the application. He was so impressed by just what I said about you that he's pushed you to the top of his interview list. He'll be expecting you on Picon tomorrow afternoon."
"Cain is never going to let me go at such short notice." Vanessa replied.
"Oh ye of little faith. There's a Raptor waiting for you on the hanger deck and you've been taken off rotation for the next five days. After you've had your meeting use the other days to relax, you deserve it."
Vanessa was in shock, she had always got on well with her XO, but knowing the absolute faith he had in her was a proud moment for her.
"I don't know what to say." she said.
"Just get the job, you deserve it. I don't stick my neck out for just anyone. For me, the only thing you're lacking is confidence, which is a total surprise to me as you're so good at what you do."
"I won't let you down Colonel."
One Day Later
Vanessa hadn't been to Colonial Fleet Headquarters in a long time. She always felt nervous and out of place there, as though she was an imposter who would be found out at any moment. Sitting in front of Commander Johannson in his temporary office, she felt more nervous than she had in a very long time. As the Commander shook her hand and then closed the door, she couldn't help but let out a quick smile at the irony of where she was, in an office, on Picon, with the man who had done everything to avoid an office on Picon.
"It's very good to meet you Major, since reading your application and speaking to Colonel Belzen I've been looking forward to this meeting." he said.
"It was certainly unexpected. I kind of feel as though I'm wasting your time, I have next to no command experience. I'd love to be your XO, but you must have had more experienced people applying?"
"Over one hundred," he replied, "But you were the application that stood out. Vanessa, may I call you Vanessa?"
She nodded her head, "Yes sir."
"I look for very specific things when trying to find a new crew member and this position is one I've been considering the most. I'm looking for someone with ambition, with drive and most importantly, potential. Yes 99% of the applicants have more experience, but from what your XO tells me, you have 99% more potential."
Vanessa smiled, "Thank you sir, that means a lot."
"This is the Battlestar Orion," as he spoke a holographic image appeared over his desk, slowly turning to show the ship in all its glory. "Seventy seven decks, three miles long, triple flightpods on each side, a FTL capable of jumps over twice the distance of a Mercury class. Nearly 5000 personnel. While President Adar may be cutting the size of our fleet by nearly two thirds, we are building six of this class to pick up the slack."
Vanessa couldn't believe her eyes, sleek despite the size, she lost count of how many gun emplacements that included some of the heaviest cannons she'd ever seen. The LSO in her noticed just from the flighpods on one side, Orion had to be capable of launching at least three hundred fighters at a time.
"Wow, she is a thing of beauty."
"Vanessa, I'm going to cut to the chase, then we can get to know each other, if you want to be my Executive Officer, the job is yours."
Today
Vanessa walked through the corridor's of the Battlestar Orion on her way to the CIC. The crew were busy preparing the ship for their mission. One hundred extra marines had been brought over from the troop carrier, the same amount had been stationed aboard all the other ships preparing to go into the fight. She wasn't going to take any risks, if this was to be the final battle, she wasn't going in half cocked. She had been thinking a lot about Commander Johannson recently, wondering how he would have dealt with all the problems they'd faced over the years, where they might be if he was still in command, still alive. She knew they could win this, they'd overcome everything thrown at them so far and fingers crossed, this would be the final hurdle. As she walked onto the CIC, Bojay was waiting for her at the DRADIS console.
"Sit-rep." she asked.
"Everything is on schedule," he replied, "I've just spoken to the Chief, all the birds are ready. As usual he has all the standby fighters ready for anyone who needs a reload."
"Good, I'm hoping they won't even need to launch." Vanessa replied.
"Our luck isn't that good." Bojay replied with a chuckle.
"Do you remember when we first met?" Vanessa asked with a smile.
Bojay smiled, "I do indeed, I remember you didn't like me too much. I did make a spectacular entrance though."
"It was quite the first impression," Vanessa replied laughing, "A simpler time."
"Would you go back if you could?"
"Go through all that again? Not a chance, we've been through way to much. It'd be a lot easier with the Commander still here."
"It'd be a lot easier to be Squadron XO again, but we're not those people any more."
"You're right there. I couldn't do this without you Jimmy."
"Right back at you Vanessa." Bojay said with a wink.
"Admiral, Hydra reports ready to take the President back to the Starburst." Lieutenant Phillips said.
"Please let me know when she's in the air."
"Yes ma'am." Phillips replied.
5 Years 3 Months Ago
Wedge and Jawbreaker sat in the office of Commander Ruby Singer, commanding officer of the Battlestar Columbia. They both fidgeted nervously in their chairs as they waited for her.
"Are you sure you haven't done anything?" Wedge asked. It was a justified question, even though Jawbreaker was his best friend, he wasn't blind to the fact that he had one hell of a temper. He'd seen it many times, thankfully though it had never been directed towards him.
"No, nothing." he protested, his eyes widened when he remembered one thing, he paused for a moment, "Well there is one thing, did I threaten to punch the XO? Yes. Did he deserve the threat? Yes. But I was never going to do it and the Commander knows that. Maybe it's just to find out if we made squadron leaders or not? Why would she call you here for me making a hollow threat?"
"I hope so. We all know the XO is a dick, but you need to know when to reign it in." Wedge replied.
Both men stood to attention as the Commander walked in.
"At ease Lieutenants. Please, sit." she said. Commander Singer despite her short stature was a imposing figure. She had a reputation for taking zero crap from anyone. A lot of people found her tough, those who knew her best knew she was more bark than bite and fiercely loyal to her crew.
She sat down behind the desk facing the two pilots and looked at them both for a moment. First Wedge, then Jawbreaker.
"I'm sure you're both wondering why you're here? You can both stop looking like you're about to piss yourselves, it's nothing bad," she smiled at them as she spoke, "First I want to tell you, you're both two of the best and most promising officers I've known in all my years of service. I am sorry to tell you both though that you haven't made squadron leader this time. I know you both know, there were a lot of people applying for that job. Don't be down heartened though, I know one day you'll both make CAG."
"We understand Commander, thank you for considering us." Wedge said starting to stand up.
"I appreciate that Lieutenant, but I'm not finished." she said pointing him back to his chair.
"Sorry Commander." he replied as he sat back down.
"I was asked recently by an old friend of mine if I knew of any pilots I'd recommend for a new ship that has just finished construction, the Battlestar Orion. I've recommended you both for the position of squadron leader. As much as it pains me to lose you, both of you need to be somewhere you can progress and progression is always going to be slow on this ship. You both know better than anyone, this is one of those ships that attracts people because of the name."
"Is this for real?" Jawbreaker asked.
"Very real and as much as I don't want to lose you both, you have to take the jobs, you'll regret it for the rest of your lives I you don't."
Wedge and Jawbreaker both looked at each other leaned in and started mumbling to one another, the way the Commander had noticed the two friends often did. She had always known they were the best of friends and knew they'd make this choice together. Oh the whole they were both quiet gentle men, despite Jawbreaker sometimes letting his anger get the better of him. Thank gods for Wedge, he always knew exactly what to say to calm any situation. She couldn't hear what they were saying to each other. As they stopped talking they both looked back at her, as she expected, it was Wedge who spoke.
"We very much appreciate you putting us forward for this Commander. We love this ship, but we will definitely be taking the jobs." he said with a huge smile.
Commander Singer smiled at the two young men, "Good and congratulations. I do have one piece of advice for you Andy."
"Any advice would be welcome." Jawbreaker replied squirming in his chair.
"Don't threaten to punch your new XO."
Today
Wedge walked hand in hand with Carrie towards the hanger deck.
"You know I'd be perfectly fine staying on Orion." Carrie said.
"And you'll be back as soon as we've finished with this mission." Wedge replied.
"I never thought I'd be back on the Starburst so quickly." Carrie said.
"It's for the best," Wedge replied, "I need to know you're both safe."
"You're not going to be." she said quietly.
"I haven't been for the last five years, but I've got hundreds of pilots watching my back, it'll all be fine. Like I've said to you many times before, not even a thousand Cylons could stop me from getting back to you."
Carrie stopped and pulled her husband towards her, "I love you." she said quietly.
"I love you too." he replied before he kissed her.
The hanger deck was busier than Carrie had ever seen it. Vipers were lined up ready to be put into the launch tubes with more ready behind them, all in dozens and dozens of neat queues. They both walked past them all and the many crewmembers and pilots working on the ships. It took them a few minutes to reach Hydra's Raptor at the far end of the deck. Archangel and Skeeter stood waiting for them.
Archangel hugged his sister and kissed her on the head.
"Trying and hold of giving birth till we get back." he said with a smile.
"I'll do my very best." she replied punching her brother on the arm. She turned to Skeeter, "Are you ready to go?" she asked him.
"Yeah, about that, I'm staying on Orion." he replied.
"Why?" she asked him.
"I was there five years ago when it all started on Sagitarron, I need to be here when it ends."
Carrie nodded and hugged him. She tried to hide how disappointed she was, Skeeter had been by her side every day since she'd taken office, he had been her strength so many times, her other brother. After she hugged him she turned back to her husband and hugged him.
"I love you." he said quietly.
Carrie looked up at her husband and smiled, "I love you too." she said before kissing him.
She climbed up the side of the Raptor and turned to look at the three of them and smiled, "I'll see you all soon." She watched them as the door closed and then wiped tears from her face when they were finally out of sight. Every time they launched into battle she had what felt like a knot in her stomach getting tighter until they were home safe. Usually they could keep track of what was happening to a certain extent, enough to keep the worry from getting on top of her. She put her hand on her baby and took a deep breath, she had to focus on her little one.
As the back hatch closed Archangel turned to Wedge, "If you want, you can stay and command the birds left with the fleet?"
"Nah," he said smiling, "You need me if you're gonna come through this alive."
5 Years 2 Hours Ago
Milo Vents sat on his private shuttle, waiting to go to the Starburst. He looked at his watch, they were over half an hour late and he was getting more and more irritated by the minute. He looked up as the co-pilot, Ash Dexter walked in.
"Mr Mayor, sorry to be a pain, but we're going to need to leave soon." he said nervously.
"Can we wait just five more minutes? If my son isn't here by then, we'll leave without him." Milo replied.
"Of course sir." Ash replied before walking back to the cockpit.
As Milo took a sip from his whiskey, he heard a crash coming from the docking bay door. He looked up as he saw his son stagger into the compartment, clearly drunk. Milo stood up and walked over to his son.
"Matthew, I asked you two very specific things today, don't be late and don't be drunk." Milo said angrily.
"I've told you Dad, I go by my middle name now. My new lady prefers Jasper to Matthew." he said with a smug grin.
Milo fought to keep his cool, he gently punched his hand against the side of the door, "Please tell me you didn't bring her with you?"
"Of course I didn't, you asked me not to. She's going to meet me on the Starburst tomorrow."
Milo could feel his anger surge, he let out a deep breath and looked angrily at his son, "Sober up and do not embarrass me. If I see one drink in your hand for the rest of today there will be consequences. Do you understand me?"
Jasper nodded his head, "Yes father."
"Go through to the back, sleep it off and clear yourself up."
Jasper nodded before walking into the back of the shuttle.
"Please inform the pilot we're ready to go." Milo asked one of his aides.
Today
Milo sat in Dr Green's office aboard the Battlestar Orion, whatever the reason he'd been summoned to see the Doctor, he knew it wasn't going to be good. Despite knowing he was going to die any time soon, he was at peace with it.
"So how are you feeling?" Dr Green asked.
"I feel fine." Milo replied.
"Milo, you don't need to lie to me." he replied bluntly.
Milo sighed, "On the whole I do feel fine. I've been tired a lot more over the last few days."
"Since you've been working with the Admiral?"
Milo nodded, "Even though I'm feeling more lethargic, I'm feeling more alive than I have in months."
"Despite that, I want you to go over to the Medstar, at least until we get back." Green said.
"No," Milo replied firmly, "I'm staying here till the end."
"The Admiral can do this without you."
"Of that I have no doubt, but I'm still staying." he replied with a smile.
Dr Green sighed, "You're going to start feeling more and more tired. I'm going to assign a medic to the CIC in case you need any medical assistance. I'm also going to give you these tablets," he said handing Milo a bottle, "If you start feeling too tired, take two and they'll wake you up a bit and keep you on your feet. Once it's over though, you'll sleep for hours."
"Thank you." he replied with a smile. "I'll probably be in the way, but I owe it to the people we've lost due to my orders and the people who are still fighting to see it through with them. If it means I'm going with them to our deaths, then I'm fine with that too."
Green nodded, understanding completely, "Milo I need to be honest with you, you really don't have long left, a week, maybe two at the most. In a few days you're not going to be able to do much of anything at all. When that happens all we'll be able to do is make you comfortable and wait for the end."
"Okay." Milo replied quietly.
"You need to speak with your son."
Milo nodded his head and then stood up, "Thank you doctor, I appreciate everything you've done for me." He then turned and walked out of the office.
As Milo walked across one of the gantry's that ran along the top of the hanger deck, it didn't take him long to find his son. He watched and smiled as he saw Jasper, laughing and joking with a number of other pilots down below. It was good to see his son so happy. Despite feeling more tired than he had in days, he started to make his way down the metal steps leading to the deck below.
"Dad are you okay?" Jasper asked rushing up to his father and helping him down the last few steps.
He nodded and smiled, "I'm fine," he lied, "I just thought I'd come and see how you're doing."
"I'm good, I've just finished checking over my Viper. Are you heading over to the Starburst?"
"No, I'm staying here to assist the Admiral." Milo replied.
"Did Doc Green have much to say?"
"Not really, just my every other day visit. No change." he lied with a smile, "I don't want to keep you son."
"We'll have a drink when all this is over." Jasper said before he hugged his father, "I love you Dad."
"I love you too son."
Battlestar Sulaco.
Captain Anthony "Buck" Wilkins sat in his office with Lieutenant Malia "Hulk" Hale. He sat slumped in his chair with his elbows raised awkwardly upwards as they sat on the armrests. To Hulk, he looked like a man whose energy was running away at the end of the day.
"Is your Raptor ready?" he asked in a less authoritative tone than she was used to.
She nodded, "Yes sir it is."
"Good," he said before carefully phrasing the question, "Are you clear on what you need to do?"
"Sit half way between the Battle Group and the Medlia and report back any COM traffic from Ghost." Malia replied.
"While we don't know the exact range of the weapon, you'll have plenty of time to get out of the way should it fire at you."
"Okay." she replied.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
She nodded her head again, "I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous as hell, but I know it needs to be done." she gave a nervous laugh.
"I've given you the job because I know you can handle it, you're the best Raptor wrangler I have. I have faith in you Malia."
She smiled, "I appreciate that sir. No matter how nervous I am, you must be worse, you're leading the mission to the moon after all."
Buck laughed, "Yeah, thanks for reminding me. I just remind myself we have to do this, we have no other choice. I'm not saying I'm looking forward to it, or that I wouldn't have jumped at the chance to stay and command the birds left with the fleet." he paused for a moment, "But needs must."
Both pilots sat in silence for a few moments. Buck reached into his desk and took out a bottle of whiskey with two glasses. He poured them both a drink and then handed one to her.
"Thank you." she said as she took it.
"One for the road." he said holding up his glass.
"And those we've lost along the way." Malia replied.
"Here here." Buck replied before they both downed their drinks in one.
"Can I ask you something?" she asked.
"Anything, you know that." Buck replied.
"Do you wish we'd gone back with the Icarus to the Colonies?" she asked as Buck poured them both another drink before putting the bottle back in his desk drawn.
Buck paused for a moment as he pondered her question. It was something he had asked himself yet avoided answering several times but now she had forced him to finally voice his answer.
"Now there's a can of worms," he replied, "Before we found Orion I would have given anything to go back home. When we found out what had happened to them, no, I don't think I would have handled it very well if I'd gone home to Scorpia and seen my family home destroyed. You?"
"I'd never thought of it like that," she replied, "Before we left my sister had a baby who I've never met. I was so desperate to get back to see if I could find them. I almost asked to be moved onto one of the Battlestars going home."
"What stopped you?" Buck asked.
"I lived in a tiny little town on Leonis. I realised that if we went home we'd have to put up such a fight, there was probably no way I'd even be able to get there. That and I knew you'd fall apart without me to keep you on your toes."
"You know you'll be fine right?"
Malia nodded.
Buck continued, "As soon as this weapon is destroyed and we move forward get your ass over to the Sulaco double time. I'll need you to take command of our birds till I get back from the moon if there is any delay."
"Don't worry about me."
"I worry about all my pilots." Buck said as he finished the last of his drink.
"And we worry about you."
Lieutenant Selina Samm sat with the Admiral and her team of marines and demolition experts.
"We're ready to go Admiral," Samm said, "We have all the nukes ready. When we get to the surface, we're going to have someone set up the remote for the nukes back on the Raptors."
"Why can't we do that now?" Vanessa asked.
"We've been checking out the atmospheric details. Because of all the crap flying around down there and all the interference they both need to be synced on the moon. Once we've placed the first nuke we'll be able to do it." Samm replied.
"Who's going to set up the remote on the Raptor? Will any of the pilots even know how to do that?" Vanessa asked.
"That's where I come in," Skeeter said as he appeared and stood next to Vanessa, "I've had a look at the tech and it'll be a piece of cake."
"Are you sure?" Vanessa asked.
Skeeter nodded, "Yeah, it's not going to be a problem."
"Well okay then," Vanessa said, "Let's get this show on the road. Good hunting down there."
Lieutenant Samm walked over to the Admiral as she turned to leave.
"Admiral, I have a quick question." Samm said.
"Shoot." Vanessa replied.
"What do we do with chuckles over there when the nukes are in place?"
Vanessa casually looked over at the Cylon number 5 sitting in the back of one of the waiting Raptor's by himself.
"I think you already know the answer to that," Vanessa replied with a wink of her eye, "Make sure the others are aware as well."
"Aye aye Ma'am." Samm replied.
As she finished speaking she turned and walked over to the nearest phone and picked it up.
"CIC." she said, moments later Lieutenant Phillips voice replied to her.
"CIC, this is Lieutenant Phillips."
"Lieutenant, is Colonel Johnson still there?" Vanessa asked.
"Yes Ma'am he is, would you like me to put you through to him?" he asked.
"Please."
"Go for Bojay." he said with a quiet chuckle.
"Colonel, please prepare the Battle Group, I want to be underway in thirty minutes. I'm on my way to the CIC."
She put the handset down and turned to walk to the CIC.
"Battle Group, this is Colonel Johnson. All hands take your positions, repeat all hands take your positions. Mission starts in thirty minutes. Clock starts in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1." Bojay said over the COM.
As she walked to the CIC crew members walked and ran to their positions, ready for what was to come. Heavily armed marines stood ready in key places. She seemed to walk past everyone unnoticed, everyone was so focused on their jobs. As she turned into the corridor that would take her to the CIC, she felt someone grab hold of her hand and pull her into the small armoury next to her. Archangel kicked the door shut, pulled her close to him and kissed her.
"You made me jump." she said with a smile.
"Well you didn't shoot me, so small mercies." he replied with a chuckle, "You okay?"
She smiled and nodded her head, "Sure am, looking forward to this all being over if I'm honest. I'm trying to not let myself think that this could finally be an end to it all and on the anniversary of it all starting."
"We can finally start that other life we spoke about all those years ago." he said before he kissed her again.
"You watch your ass out there, you hear me?" she said. She looked up at him, he was the bravest person he'd ever met, he made her feel braver just for being with him. He smiled at her as though they didn't have a care in the world, like it was just any normal day.
"Always," he said looking her in the eye, "I love you."
"I know." she replied.
"I'll be on the hanger deck. I'll see you after all this is done." he said before he kissed her one last time.
"See you soon." she replied.
He smiled, gave one last wave and was gone.
As she walked onto the CIC she smiled at Bojay as she joined him at the DRADIS console.
"Mr Phillips, can you get me Commander Reynolds please?" Vanessa asked.
"He's ready." Phillips replied moment later.
Vanessa picked up her handset, "Cryxus Actual, this is Orion Actual, we're ready to head off."
"I wish we were coming with you." Mal replied.
"I wish you were coming with us as well, but I need to know someone is commanding the fleet who can keep them safe," she replied, "Are you happy with what you need to do?"
"If we haven't heard anything in twelve hours we start to make our way back to Haven. If you're late, you'll catch up with us. You better be back in 12 hours." he replied dryly.
"We will be Mal, they're not taking us down at the final hurdle." Vanessa replied.
"Touch wood," Mal replied, "Good hunting Admiral."
"The fleet is yours Commander."
"See you soon." he replied.
As she put the handset down, she looked up at the countdown clock as it hit five minutes.
"No turning back now." Bojay said.
Vanessa smiled at her XO, she felt nervous, but she was determined not to let it show.
"Admiral, the Chief reports the first wave of Vipers have been loaded into the tubes and Raptor attack squadrons are being loaded onto the flightpods." Phillips said.
"Set condition one throughout the Battle Group." Vanessa said.
As the familiar sound began to ring out, Phillips spoke again, "Admiral, the Baseship is on the horn."
"Listen in," Vanessa said to Bojay as she picked up her handset again, "Orion Actual."
"Admiral, I trust you're ready to go?" 1 said over the COM.
"We are. Here's your last chance to fess up, if you're planning on screwing us, now would be the chance for you to bug out."
1 laughed at this, "Admiral, we want this to work as much as you do. As we said to you before, we're as committed to this as you are."
"Well then, here's to our final truce."
Carrie sat in her office onboard the Starburst looking out of the large window which looked out on the fleet. She rubbed her bump and felt more at peace than she expected she would. She watched as Orion, the Cylon Baseship and the rest of the Battle Group moved out of position and moved towards their jump point.
"How are you?" Gwen asked as she walked into the office and sat next to Carrie.
"I'm good thank you. Just watching the fleet."
"Can you believe we're back here already?"
Carrie smiled, "It was home for so long before I married Anthony, I never thought I'd think of that place as home." she said pointing to Orion.
"I don't think anyone in the fleet could have imagined we'd end up here." Gwen replied.
"You know something I realised I've never asked before, where did you live before all this?" Carrie asked, suddenly feeling a little bit ashamed that she'd never even thought of asking this of someone she considered to be such a close friend.
"Canceron. My fiancée was Captain of a merchant ship. He loved being at sea. I missed him so much when he was away at sea for months on end."
"Is that where Dante was when the attack happened?" Carrie asked.
Gwen nodded, "He was. I was here onboard the Starburst. I was on a hen weekend. I miss him so much."
"I'm sorry." Carrie said.
"For what?" Gwen asked.
"For not asking before. I couldn't do what I do without you. You, Skeeter and I, we're all so close and yet I never even asked this before."
Gwen smiled, "We've had a lot on our plates."
In front of them, the Battle Group started to jump away. Carrie suddenly groaned.
"Are you okay?" Gwen asked.
"My water just broke." Carrie replied.
"Jump complete." Ghost said.
"Begin scans and launch EMP's." Major Lewthwaite ordered.
The Medlia sat in a high orbit above the moon. Minutes after the Medlia had jumped in, twenty five EMP warheads fired from the ship. The blue streaks fired from the ship until all it's entire compliment of warheads was gone.
"Scans complete," Ghost said, "Imaging shows there is nothing out of the ordinary and the EMP's have attained local area saturation. Jumping back to the fleet in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1."
In a blink, the Medlia was gone.
"Battle Group, this is Hulk," Malia said from her Raptor, which was positioned half way between the moon and the warships, "Ghost reports everything went as planned. Launch demolition crews."
Captain Wilkins and the two other Raptor's with the demolition crews sat on the starboard flight pod of Orion. Skeeter sat next to him in the cockpit, the back of the bird full with his ECO and a team of very heavily armed marines and six nuclear bombs. The tension onboard was thick enough to be cut with a knife.
"Buck, this is Lieutenant Phillips, you are go to launch." the voice said over the COM.
"Okay boys and girls it's show time," Buck said as he pulled back on the Raptor's control stick causing it to seemingly leap off the deck with the other two little warships following close behind, "Everyone stick to my six and jump on our mark."
All three birds launched together, all three of them as heavily armed as the marines onboard them.
"You ever done anything like this before?" Buck asked.
"Far too many times." Skeeter replied. "Back on the Colonies we jumped from inside Sagitarron's atmosphere into Caprica's."
"That must have been choppy." Buck replied.
"It was something I've waited a while to repeat." Skeeter said with a chuckle. How far they'd come in five years. They'd all lost so much, but gained so much in return.
"Okay, Raptor's prepare for intra-atmosphere jump on my mark," Lieutenant Elena "Beta" Danvers said from her ECO position, "Jump in, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1."
All three Raptor's jumped away, a moment later they jumped into the upper atmosphere of the small moon.
Alarms started to go off onboard all three Raptors. Skeeter felt himself be pushed back into his chair from the force of the jump. It was a feeling that he remembered from when Archangel had done the same kind of jump into Caprica's atmosphere all those years ago. He watched as Buck brought the Raptor under control with visible ease, as if it was the easiest thing in the world.
"You okay there?" Buck asked.
"Just grateful I have a strong stomach. Good job by the way. Barely felt a thing." he lied.
"I am just glad I had Bowman as my instructor at Raptor School."
In the distance, they could see the huge cannon.
"Look at the size of that thing!" Skeeter exclaimed.
It was massive, the barrel of the cannon was 600ft on it's own, it was held in place by four huge legs which looked as though they had been smashed into the ground. Like the robots who created it, it was silver coloured with sharp jagged edges all the way down looking like the could slice through metal. There were four large DRADIS dishes next to it pointing up at the sky and what looked to be a small control centre of some kind.
"I've never seen anything like this, do you think the nukes we brought are going to be enough?" Skeeter asked not really expecting a reply.
"I sincerely hope so." Buck replied, "Hulk, this is Buck, can you hear me?"
"Buck, Hulk, loud and clear." Malia replied.
"Please inform the Battle group we have identified the target and will be setting down in a moment." Buck replied.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Skeeter said as Buck looked for the best place to land.
"Let's get this over with," Buck said, "All Raptors, form up on me, we're coming into land."
Buck had managed to find the flattest part of the terrain for the three birds to land. The ground was extremely rocky, because of this he had tried to find somewhere as close to the weapon as he could so the demolitions team wouldn't have far to go.
"Guys, we're about three clicks out, sorry I couldn't get you closer." Buck said.
"No need to worry Captain," Lieutenant Samm said from the back of the Raptor, "We've had tougher ground to cross than this."
As Buck brought the Raptor to a complete stop Samm opened the back hatch, minutes later the demolition's team and the 5, had all assembled outside.
"Okay people, we need to be as quick as we can. When we get closer to the weapon we'll split into our assigned teams and get this done," Samm said, "When you're done, radio in and then make your way back to the birds. Any questions?" none of the marines replied, "Okay then, let's move."
As the marines began to make a move Skeeter moved to the back of the Raptor, Beta stood up to give him her chair.
"It's all yours." Beta said.
"I feel bad taking your chair from you." Skeeter said as he sat down.
Beta laughed, "Don't worry about it, working with the yahoos I do, no one ever gives up their chair for you, I'm used to it."
Skeeter smiled, "Next time I see you in the mess, I'll make sure I give you my chair." he said as he began his work.
The marines began to cross the rocky terrain towards the massive cannon. All of them with their weapons ready for anything.
"Contact." Corporal Dave Rimmer said, "But it would appear the EMPs have taken them down."
In front of him, six Cylon Centurions, the likes of which they'd never seen before lay scattered across the ground where they had fallen.
"These must be the frakers that killed the Trinity CAG." one of the marines said.
"Put a round in their MCP chips to make sure. They should be located in the central compartment of their chest. Put a round in the head too."
After Samm put a round in the nearest robot she glanced up at 5 who just looked at her.
"Something to say?" she asked.
He shook his head from inside his flight helmet.
"Good, then keep walking." Samm added coldly. He was a creepy fraker, even if she hadn't known he was a Cylon, he still had a look about him that sent shivers down her spine. It was the first time she'd seen one of the skinjobs up close. There was no wonder they'd be driven from their homes, fleeing for their lives. They were so, real.
As the weapon was so massive, it looked as though they were much closer than they were. Wearing jocksmocks was making things hard enough across the terrain, those with nukes strapped to their backs were finding it even harder, but no one complained, they had their part to play and nothing would stop them. As a group they'd had very little to do over the last few years. They hadn't had an off ship mission, life had been boring. Now was their chance to shine.
"How's it going out there?" Buck asked over the COM.
"Slow going, but we should be there in a few minutes. How's Skeeter doing?" Samm replied.
"He's nearly done, he should be ready for when you get there." Buck said.
"Good, never thought I'd be this eager to get back into a Raptor." Samm said.
"Keep me informed," Buck said, "I'm not keen for you to be out there any longer than you need to be."
"Aye aye sir." Samm replied.
As the demolition's teams reached the base of the weapon, a large metal fence ran around the perimeter.
"Drake," Samm said, "Use your cutting torch and get us they hell through this."
"Yes ma'am." Private Nate Drake replied.
As the huge burly man got to work, everyone else took up defensive positions around him, just in case.
"Done anything like this before Lieutenant?" 5 asked.
"Not with nukes or anything so massive, but the principles are the same." she replied.
"We're through." Drake said moments later as a large section of the fence fell away.
"Okay kids, you all know your teams. Let's get this done as quickly as we can." Samm said.
Moments later everyone moved away.
"Where do you want me?" 5 asked.
"You're staying where I can see you. If you see anything that you think looks wrong, I want to know straight away." Samm said.
"Of course." he replied with a slight smile.
As her team began to prepare their nuclear bombs, Samm looked up at the huge cannon, from where she was standing, it was so big, she couldn't even see the top of it. She wasn't surprised it had been able to destroy the Trinity.
Lance Corporal Jonah Clark and Private Carly Harm both busied themselves attaching a nuke to one of the massive legs. While Clark began activating it, Harm attached it in place. As she locked the final piece into position she awoke a group of tiny Cylon nanites which were on the leg, so small she had no chance of seeing them. They danced and swirled together in a small cloud. Unaffected by the EMP as they had been powered down, they locked onto her. When they reached the leg of her protective suit, they burrowed through it and were quickly inside. Moving inside her flightsuit they looked for bare skin, as soon as they found some, they burrowed into that.
"Ouch." Harm said as she felt a sharp, brief sting.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I just felt a sting, like a wasp sting on my back." she replied.
"Well were done here." Clark replied.
As he finished speaking, an alarm began to sound from the Harm's flightsuit.
"Oh shit!" she exclaimed, "I've got a leak, I've got a fraking leak!"
"Calm down, I'll find it and seal it." Clark said.
"Calm down, this atmosphere is toxic." she said, her breathing frantic.
Clark began to search her.
"Corporal Clark, what's happening?" Samm asked from the rock face below them.
"Harm has a breach." he replied as he began to search her flightsuit for tears.
"Have you located it?" Samm asked.
No reply.
"Have you located it?" Samm asked again more firmly.
"No." he said searching her as fast as he could.
Suddenly Harm gave out a loud, brief scream, before falling to the fall. As she started to convulse violently, he tried to hold her down, worrying she was going to do herself more injury. Other screams from other members of the demolition's teams could be heard. The same blood-curdling sound merging together for a brief terrifying moment.
"Carly, talk to me," Clark shouted, "Carly!"
As suddenly as she had started convulsing, she stopped and was suddenly motionless. Clark turned her head to face him.
"Oh frak me!" he said as he saw her. He began to back away from her.
Metal tendrils had burst through the skin on her face. Blood spattered from her mouth, hiding half of her face behind it. Her right eye exploded in it's socket, as he looked at her, where her brown eye had been a red glow appeared. Before he could even react, her right arm grabbed his helmet in a vice-like grip. As he struggled to free himself, she punched him with her left fist, shattering his helmet and with such force, it killed him instantly.
5 began to chuckle to himself. Samm looked at him, anger filled her as he smiled at her. As he opened his mouth to speak, she rammed the butt of her rifle into his helmet, shattering the glass and his nose. He fell to the ground.
"Samm to demolition's teams, can you hear me?" she asked.
There was no reply.
"Buck, can you hear me?" Samm asked, fear dripping from her voice.
"Samm, this is Buck, is everything okay?" he replied, he could hear how scared she was.
"No, not even a little bit. Please tell me Skeeter has a lock on the nukes?!"
There was a brief pause, "Yes he has, all of them."
As she looked up, she could see members of her team stagger towards her, she could tell there was something very wrong. As she turned to face the way she came, 5 stood back up and removed his helmet, that smile still on his face.
"Didn't need this anyway." he said to himself. Behind him, a dozen centurions came into view.
"You need to go," Samm said, "Activate the nukes and go." She fought back tears as she spoke.
"What about you?" Buck replied quietly.
"Go." she said before raising her rifle and shooting 5 dead.
"We can't just leave them here!" Skeeter said from the back of the Raptor.
"Do you still have a lock on the nukes?" Buck asked.
"Yes, but.."
"All Raptor's, we are leaving." Buck said as he powered up his bird, "Skeeter, blow the nukes on my mark."
"But.." he replied.
"I gave you an order," Buck snapped, "I am in command of this mission and you will obey me."
"Yes sir."
As the Raptor's began to take off he could see Centurions approaching them. He opened fire with his bird's chain cannons and cut them all down. Seconds later the three Raptors were rocketing into the sky.
"Do it." Buck said.
Skeeter didn't question him, he activated the nukes, a moment later there were a series of bright flashes. Skeeter looked through the window in the side hatch and saw all the mushroom clouds in the distance, the cannon falling to pieces under their destructive blast.
"Well?" Buck asked.
"It worked." Skeeter replied solemnly.
"Hulk, this is Buck, mission is a success, but he have taken very heavy casualties."
As the three Raptor's broke atmosphere, the clouds could be seen spreading quickly behind them.
"Battlegroup, this is, Hulk. Buck reports mission is a success, but they've taken heavy casualties. Weapon is destroyed, I repeat the weapon is destroyed."
In Battlestar Orion's brig, the Cylon number 4 sat alone drawing and humming to himself.
"What are you drawing?" an ethereal like voice asked from nowhere.
"You're in my head, you know." he replied to the 6 he had been seeing for what felt like forever.
She sat next to him on the his bed and he froze.
"What do you want from me?" he asked.
"It's nearly time for you to for fill your destiny."
"What do you mean? Riddles, riddles, why must you always talk in riddles?!" he replied.
"You know what you have to do, you haven't lost your mind all the way. You don't need me to tell you, because you already know." she replied.
A sudden calm came over him, one that he hadn't felt in a very long time. Both of his eyes suddenly flashed red and he smiled, "Yes, yes I do." For the first time in a long time, he knew what he had to do, why he was here.
"When?" he asked her with renewed vigour.
6 smiled at him, "You'll know when."
"Battlegroup is in position." Lieutenant Phillips said, "Hulk and the Raptors from the moon are 30 seconds out."
Vanessa smiled at Bojay, "Finally. Mr Phillips please get the Baseship on the horn."
"DRADIS contact," Phillips said, "Scratch that, multiple DRADIS contact."
Vanessa and Bojay looked up and saw contact after contact jumping in, "What the frak?!" Bojay said angrily.
Suddenly, the words "Unknown Contact" changed to "Cylon Enemy Contact".
"Oh my Gods?"
"How many?" Bojay asked.
"46 contacts, ALL Cylon." Phillips replied sounding terrified.