Somewhere Beyond the Heavens part 14:
"Starbuck! By all that's holy!!!" Apollo said, his heart skipping a beat.
"There's nothing holy about me, Apollo", replied Starbuck. "You know that."
"Where have you been all these yahrens bucko? We thought you were dead!" exclaimed a joyful Boomer.
"Oh---playing pyramid with my good friend Cy on Planet Starbuck, mingling with strange women who have immaculate conceptions---that sort of thing", said Starbuck playfully.
Apollo wiped away a tear as he studied Starbuck's familiar, yet aged, face on his small cockpit monitor. The yahrens had not been kind to his lifelong friend. His skin was sun burned and dried out, like the hide of a Lupis that was used for personal containers. His hair was as long as ever, even savage like, with gray overtaking blonde as his predominant color. The uniform he wore was not familiar to Apollo, but he assumed it to be the gear of the Draconians since Starbuck was flying a Marauder. His handsome features still shone through, but Starbuck had obviously been through a lot.
"You look good, old buddy", said Starbuck. "You're looking a lot like the way I remember your father."
"I hate to break up this touching reunion fellas, but we're about to engage one mother of a ship", Buck said impatiently.
"You're right, Captain Rogers", Sheba interceded. "Let's tighten up our formation. All fighters prepare to engage!"
Sheba would take charge for the moment, allowing her husband Apollo and Starbuck a micron to compose them-selves. She looked down at the small holo-pic of her father that she kept under her C.O.R.A. unit and smiled. The Lords of Kobol had granted them one miracle today, the Return of Starbuck, could another such miracle be all that much to ask?
"I'll make you proud, daddy", Sheba whispered to herself.
The Cylon Basestar above New Phoenix stopped its' bombardment of the city to concentrate on the human squadrons now approaching it. All four of its' squadrons collided with the allied human attack force. These Cylons were about to receive a fight unlike any other they had ever taken part in. The human force they were now engaging would be the fighting equivalent of an All-Star Triad Team of the ages. The Colonial Warriors included Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba, Boomer, Dietra, Croft and Troy. Representing the Earth Defense Directorate was Buck Rogers, Wilma Deering, and Hawk. Then, there was the elite forces of the Draconian Guard and the legendary Fighting 69th of the Earth Space Marines. These Cylons didn't have a chance. If only this incredible fighting machine could be at each of the battlefronts, the human race might have had a chance.
That thought stuck in the back of Apollo's mind even as he engaged his familiar enemy. Twenty- five Basestars pummeled Earth cities around the globe, another twenty five were en route to Earth after their quick massacre of the Mars Colony, and the Super-Basestar still remained in the red planet's orbit. It certainly looked hopeless, but what else could they do but stand and fight? Then, there were the feelings of dread as Apollo thought quickly of the rag-tag fleet of Colonial civilians hiding at the edge of the star system. What would become of them? Apollo felt an unbelievable rage come over him. He would not let them die!
For long Centons, the combatants zigged and zagged in and around the gigantic Basestar, the humans taking heavy losses but managing to damage the Cylon ship severely nonetheless.
"Father! I'm reading their shields are gone!" reported an excited Troy. "Their Tylium reactor is unstable as well!"
"Nice work, Boxey. Now take your head out of your scanner and heads up! You've got a Raider on your tail!" shouted Apollo.
Troy dodged and darted through the skies of New Phoenix, desperately trying to evade his attacker. Realizing the enemy pilot was about to have a lock on him, he jammed his control stick forward, sending his Viper in a severe dive towards the Earth.
"That's it, son", cried Apollo. "Down on the deck! I'll be there as soon as I can!"
"No need, old buddy", said Starbuck before the lasers from his Marauder found their mark on Troy's attacker
The Cylon ship was still a fireball as Starbuck's Marauder did a roll through the burning debris. "That ones' a gift from your long lost Uncle Starbuck, Boxey!"
"Nice shooting!" shouted Boomer.
"Captain Apollo?"
"Yes, Captain Rogers?"
"If you want us to hit these guys where it hurts the most, tell our friends in the Fighting 69th here where they can drop their bombs", suggested Buck.
"Transmitting now", said Apollo without further question.
"Coordinates received, Captains", reported Noah Cooper. "Just give us some cover and let the 69th do the rest."
"I'm with you, Noah", said Wilma as she punched in attack coordinates for her Starfighter Wing.
Starbuck, Apollo, Hawk and Buck also took up flanking positions around the Sleds of the Earth Space Marines. As the group closed on their target, the Basestar opened fire with a newfound ferocity. Deadly beams of energy exploded all around the Earth Defenders. Hawk took a particularly devastating hit to his undercarriage, which caused all kinds of system failures throughout his unique fighter, a starship built to look like a giant bird---a Hawk.
"Hawk! Are you ok?" Buck shouted.
"Hawk! Get out of there!" cried Wilma. "You can't do us any more good in that condition."
"I'm afraid you're right, Colonel", replied Hawk in a most pained voice. "Breaking formation to-"
Hawk's transmission ended abruptly--- as did his life. His fighter exploding was a sickening sight for his friends from the Searcher. Wilma could hardly draw a breath as she flew directly through her friends' scattered remains.
"Hawk!!!" Wilma cried.
"Those bastards!" cried Buck.
Enemy fire continued to rain down on Hawks' friends and allies. There was no time for remorse and every Starfighter pilot knew it--- especially Buck.
"It's now or never, Noah!" he shouted. "Do it now!"
"Bombs away!" Noah reported gleefully.
The ancient bombs, which resembled naval torpedoes, nose-dived towards the soft spot in the Cylon's defensive posture. Noah's accuracy was flawless. The bombs struck the baseship directly above the Tylium Reactor, starting a chain reaction.
"Now, let's get out of here!" Apollo warned. "That things' gonna go up like a Supernova!"
The Vipers, Starfighters, Marauders, and Attack sleds, followed Apollo's lead and peeled up and away from the Cylon Basestar. Apollo would make for the heavens, knowing the Earth's atmosphere would shield them from the blast. However, when the Basestar exploded, it was the Sleds that had delivered the deathblow that were caught still within the blast radius. They were just too heavy and bulky to have pulled off the evasive maneuver successfully. Noah Cooper, Big Red and the rest of the 69th were killed instantly.
The Fighting 69th were not the only ones caught, though. The Cylon Raiders, having pulled back to protect their base ship, were also obliterated. Only the Vipers, using their Turbo thrusters, were able to easily outrun the fiery death throws of their inhuman enemy. Starfighters and Draconian Marauders struggled mightily to reach the safe distance. Starbuck pushed the pedal to the metal, squeezing every last microbe of power from the unfamiliar fighter he now piloted. Fire began to surround his ship and he swore a vulgar term or two under his breath at his longtime enemy. Then, quite abruptly, the fire vanished. It had been sucked away by the freezing vacuum of space and replaced by the glittering stars of outer space.
"Holy frak! That was close", Starbuck gasped. "Well, one down---49 to go."
A cheer rose up on the Galactica Bridge as the main viewer displayed the Basestar above New Phoenix exploding. Colonel Tigh, however, was not in a cheerful mood.
"Athena, order Captain Apollo to return to Galactica. We must re- fortify this sector before we reach the main attack force! Our Earth friends will have to do there best to defend their cities on their own."
"Yes, sir!"
As Athena dutifully punched in the orders to her brothers' ship in standard short, scrambled code, a sharp image permeated her thoughts---her very soul felt as if it were being downloaded with a sensation she could not comprehend. She stood up and headed towards the turbo lift. She was being beckoned by a most beautiful being, though she could not actually see it.
"Athena? Where are you going?" asked a perplexed Tigh. "We have 25 basestars bearing down on us, just 60 microns out!"
Athena did not answer, and somehow Colonel Tigh knew there was none coming.
On the far side of the Cylon fleet, Killer Kane and Princess Ardalla pondered their predicament on the bridge of the Royal Star Fortress. They had just engaged their new enemy and were already realizing the futility of the maneuver. An almost tangible dread could be felt among the Draconian soldiers on the command deck. They most certainly had never encountered anything like the Cylon Empire, not even in their worst nightmares.
"We are suffering massive casualties, Kane!" barked the Princess.
"Since when do you give a damn about those who serve you?" Kane asked sarcastically. "We're holding our own Princess. These Cylons have impressive technology, but their flight skills leave much to be desired."
"Yes, but their numbers are overwhelming", argued Ardalla. "Perhaps we should withdraw temporarily. My father should have some say when it comes to the fate of his Royal Fleet!"
Kane paused a long moment. "We'll give the Galactica just a little more time to initiate whatever plan they have in store."
"And if they do not have a viable plan?" said Ardalla with a smile.
"Then we will withdraw", sighed Kane with some measure of disgust.
Baltar set coordinates for deep space. He would pilot the Avenger far away from the enormous battle and search for a safe place to affect minor repairs to his battered freighter. After clearing the Star Fortresses launch bay, the traitorous human had quickly decided against re- joining his Cylon friends. Their victory was a certainty and therefore his value to the Cylon Alliance would be nil. He had escaped execution once above the Tylium rich planet of Carillon when he had convinced Imperious Leader that he could lead the Cylons to the humans. When the Galactica and her fleet were finally destroyed, the Cylons would probably see Baltar as expendable.
Baltar also knew that he would never surrender to the fool Adama again, under any circumstances. He'd rather die than spend another single day aboard the human's pitiful Prison Barge. No, he would head for deep space---survive to fight another day.
The aging former Count was quite pleased with himself. He had once again done what Baltar did best---he had found a way to stay alive. The battle was now far behind him and there was nothing in front of him except a beautiful field of stars.
"Goodbye Adama---goodbye Galactica. You're finished", sneered Baltar aloud. "To my Cylon friends, I propose a toast---"
Baltar reached into the small container beneath his chair and pulled out a large bottle of Ambrosia. The man had slowly begun to madden over the yahrens and often talked aloud to himself. Now, he would propose a toast to his former enemies and allies alike. The cork of the bottle burst off of the bottle, allowing the fermented ale to spew all over his green cape. Ignoring the mess he had made of himself, Baltar poured himself a tall glass of the vintage Colonial drink.
"Ha ha!" laughed Baltar. "Yes, where was I? To my Cylon friends, especially old LUCY, wherever you are---may you get what you deserve----you miserable pieces of frakkin' felgercarb!"
Baltar raised his glass to the starfield shining brightly through his cockpit window. He finished his drink in a single, long gulp that was followed by a boisterous burp.
As he wiped his mouth clean, his weary eyes noticed four stars suddenly burst to life right before him. They shone ever so brightly and were spaced at perfectly even intervals, forming a diamond formation. Then, there was what would have sounded like a clap of thunder had he been in a planetary atmosphere, followed by a blinding flash.
When Baltar's vision returned to him moments later, an enormous ship dominated his cockpit window. He believed the ship had just secured from warp through what he now realized must have been some advanced intergalactic transit system. The monolithic ship that now dwarfed his stolen Nomen freighter began to circle him like a predator stalking its' prey. Baltar lunged for the controls, desperately trying to key in an escape vector, only to find the ship unresponsive. He was in some sort of tractor beam, a sitting duck. Baltar's lips began to quiver and he wept openly. Baltar now stood toe to toe with the Battlestar Pegasus.
"Baltar---long time no see", came the familiar legends' voice over the Avenger's loudspeakers.
"Cain!!!" cried out Baltar. "It's not what you think!!! Please, my old friend---I am defenseless."
"Yes", said Cain in almost a whisper. "You are aren't you? Just like billions of Colonial men and women were after your treachery all those yahrens ago."
"No!!! Nooooooo!"
"Burn in hades you soulless bastard!!!" said Cain before depressing the firing switch of the Pegasus batteries himself.
A single Pegasus turret blasted the Avenger into a million pieces. Count Baltar, the man who had betrayed an entire civilization, the most diabolically evil man to ever live, was finally dead.
Apollo led the viper squadrons away from Earth at full turbo. He hated leaving Buck Rogers and the others alone to defend their homeland, but their really wasn't any choice. A viper pilot's prime directive was to defend their battlestar and he had received a direct recall order from Athena. Besides, if this were indeed the end, he would want to be fighting alongside his family on the Galactica.
Behind the squadrons of vipers, which now included one Marauder piloted by Starbuck, a brilliant Ship of Lights appeared and quickly closed on the Colonial Warriors.
"Apollo! Something's coming up behind us!" shouted Boomer as he held his hands to the sides of his helmet.
"It's so loud---I can't stand it!" exclaimed Troy.
Then, as abruptly as it had appeared, the Ship of Lights was gone.
"Whew. What was that?" lieutenant Croft asked.
"I don't know", answered Boomer. "Dietra?"
"I'm still here, Boom-Boom", answered Dietra playfully.
"What do you make of that, Apollo?" asked Croft.
When Apollo did not answer, an ache grew in the pit of Crofts' stomach. Apollo must not have made it. What would he tell his wife, Athena? For that matter, would he ever see Athena again to even have the chance to console her?
"Boomer, I've lost my dad on my scanner!" cried Troy.
"I'm so sorry, Boxey", whispered Boomer.
"Boomer, take another look!" gasped Croft. "I've lost Starbuck and Sheba on the scanner as well!"
"Oh, no", whimpered Dietra sadly.
"We've got to go back and look for them!!!" cried Troy.
"No, Troy. They're not out here", said a now enlightened Boomer. "They're someplace else, someplace beyond our reach. Trust me, I know. This has happened before."
"There's the Galactica!" interrupted a Red Squadron cadet.
The Warriors didn't need a scanner. They were in visual range of their battlestar and could see that she was already under heavy attack. Cylon Raiders were swarming all over the Galactica like an angry horde of insects.
"Ok, Warriors---let's go!" growled a bitter Boomer.
Apollo awoke to a gleaming light shining down on him. He found himself lying on his back on some sort of transparent table. Cautiously, he rose to his feet and scanned the area. Crystalline structures abounded throughout the heavenly world he now stood in. A mist covered the ground, making it impossible for him to see even his own feet. It wasn't until he took his first step that he realized that his battle jacket and pants had gone from their normal, soft brown to a pure white.
"Apollo!"
Apollo turned to see Starbuck and Sheba running at him. Their clothes were now white as well. Then, through the distant mist, a clearly puzzled Buck and Wilma appeared.
"Where in heaven's name are we?" Wilma asked.
"Heaven may be a very good choice of words, Wilma", said Buck softly as he took her hand in his.
"Strangely, there is some truth to your misgivings", boomed a familiar voice.
The startled group whirled around in perfect unison to see a larger than life Adama standing atop a short pedestal. The pedestal was low enough to the floor that the mist covered it entirely, making it appear that Adama was floating. The Commander's familiar military tunic had been replaced by far more elegant robes, which of course were white. Dr. Zee appeared from behind Adama, his appearance startling the usually unflappable Starbuck.
"Hello, father",Zeus said to Starbuck.
"You look just like me", gasped Starbuck.
Starbuck felt a tug on his arm. He didn't react initially, as he was caught in an awestruck gaze with Dr. Zee---an almost identical version of him as a young man. When he finally did respond to the hand on his arm, his heart almost burst through his chest.
"Athena!" he shouted before lifting her off of her feet in an engulfing embrace.
Slowly, Starbuck set Athena down and they both turned their attention to Athena's father.
"My children", said the Adama. "Welcome to Atlantis."
Vulpa's three brains were assimilating a continuous stream of reports coming in from this unprecedented military campaign. He could not have been more pleased. In short order, his forces had destroyed all of the Earth's pathetic outer outposts surrounding the small solar system and routed its' largest colony on Mars. It was only a matter of time before the Earth itself would fall. Nothing could save Adama now.
"By your command, Supreme Leader", Lucifer said. "We believe we have detected the civilian ships of the Galactica's fleet. They apparently went dark to avoid our scanners, but a concentrated scan has detected Tylium emissions on the far side of the 9th planet of this system."
"Good. Send a Basestar to deal with them. It should take no time at all", replied Vulpa.
"By your command", Lucifer said before leaving the chamber.
Spectre now stepped forward to make a report of his own. He waited patiently for the Supreme Leader to acknowledge him before speaking. Vulpa stared down at Spectre in an almost human gesture of annoyance.
"Report, Spectre!"
"By your command, Supreme Leader, we have lost all contact with Cylon. I have tried every bandwidth and frequency. There is no reply", reported Spectre.
"I have no time for such trivial things, Spectre. I'm sure there is a logical explanation. Perhaps one of our intergalactic communication buoy's has malfunctioned", replied an uninterested Vulpa.
"No, you fool! Nothing malfunctioned except perhaps your haphazard battle plan", raged Count Iblis.
"Master! Where did you come from?" asked a now alert Vulpa.
"This battle should be over already! Remember, it was I who gave you a second chance to rule, Vulpa! Destroy the humans now! Hold nothing in reserve! Send all of your ships and squadrons to destroy Galactica and her fleet! Commander Adama and his offspring must die now!" Iblis commanded.
"My master", said Vulpa as he retracted the tall command pedestal down to the floor. "Everything is proceeding perfectly."
"You fool! The Imperious Leader felt your wrath because I believed you would succeed where he had failed. And what have you done? You left all of the Cylon territories unprotected to destroy this motley gathering of human survivors! There are revolts springing up throughout the galaxies. The Seraphs have gathered together to battle my minions across the universe in order to punish me for my abuse of their powers. This battle must end now, before the Lords of Kobol themselves can gather their sons and daughters to defend the human abodes!"
"Your eminence, it appears that the thirteenth tribe does indeed have some military might. A number of large warships have engaged our rear flank and their cities did have shielding that took some time to penetrate. Therefore, I felt it wiser to---"
"I don't have time for your pitiful excuses, Vulpa!" raged Iblis.
"By your command, master. I have already sent a ship to destroy their fleet. I will recall all Baseships from Earth orbit and advance all attack waves. The Galactica will be destroyed momentarily", said Vulpa, whom now stood face to face with true evil.
TO BE CONCLUDED: The FINAL (I Promise) entry to the concluding chapter of this story, followed by some notes from the author as well.
(BATTLESTAR POSEIDON: The Website is still under construction but Coming Soon!)
"Starbuck! By all that's holy!!!" Apollo said, his heart skipping a beat.
"There's nothing holy about me, Apollo", replied Starbuck. "You know that."
"Where have you been all these yahrens bucko? We thought you were dead!" exclaimed a joyful Boomer.
"Oh---playing pyramid with my good friend Cy on Planet Starbuck, mingling with strange women who have immaculate conceptions---that sort of thing", said Starbuck playfully.
Apollo wiped away a tear as he studied Starbuck's familiar, yet aged, face on his small cockpit monitor. The yahrens had not been kind to his lifelong friend. His skin was sun burned and dried out, like the hide of a Lupis that was used for personal containers. His hair was as long as ever, even savage like, with gray overtaking blonde as his predominant color. The uniform he wore was not familiar to Apollo, but he assumed it to be the gear of the Draconians since Starbuck was flying a Marauder. His handsome features still shone through, but Starbuck had obviously been through a lot.
"You look good, old buddy", said Starbuck. "You're looking a lot like the way I remember your father."
"I hate to break up this touching reunion fellas, but we're about to engage one mother of a ship", Buck said impatiently.
"You're right, Captain Rogers", Sheba interceded. "Let's tighten up our formation. All fighters prepare to engage!"
Sheba would take charge for the moment, allowing her husband Apollo and Starbuck a micron to compose them-selves. She looked down at the small holo-pic of her father that she kept under her C.O.R.A. unit and smiled. The Lords of Kobol had granted them one miracle today, the Return of Starbuck, could another such miracle be all that much to ask?
"I'll make you proud, daddy", Sheba whispered to herself.
The Cylon Basestar above New Phoenix stopped its' bombardment of the city to concentrate on the human squadrons now approaching it. All four of its' squadrons collided with the allied human attack force. These Cylons were about to receive a fight unlike any other they had ever taken part in. The human force they were now engaging would be the fighting equivalent of an All-Star Triad Team of the ages. The Colonial Warriors included Apollo, Starbuck, Sheba, Boomer, Dietra, Croft and Troy. Representing the Earth Defense Directorate was Buck Rogers, Wilma Deering, and Hawk. Then, there was the elite forces of the Draconian Guard and the legendary Fighting 69th of the Earth Space Marines. These Cylons didn't have a chance. If only this incredible fighting machine could be at each of the battlefronts, the human race might have had a chance.
That thought stuck in the back of Apollo's mind even as he engaged his familiar enemy. Twenty- five Basestars pummeled Earth cities around the globe, another twenty five were en route to Earth after their quick massacre of the Mars Colony, and the Super-Basestar still remained in the red planet's orbit. It certainly looked hopeless, but what else could they do but stand and fight? Then, there were the feelings of dread as Apollo thought quickly of the rag-tag fleet of Colonial civilians hiding at the edge of the star system. What would become of them? Apollo felt an unbelievable rage come over him. He would not let them die!
For long Centons, the combatants zigged and zagged in and around the gigantic Basestar, the humans taking heavy losses but managing to damage the Cylon ship severely nonetheless.
"Father! I'm reading their shields are gone!" reported an excited Troy. "Their Tylium reactor is unstable as well!"
"Nice work, Boxey. Now take your head out of your scanner and heads up! You've got a Raider on your tail!" shouted Apollo.
Troy dodged and darted through the skies of New Phoenix, desperately trying to evade his attacker. Realizing the enemy pilot was about to have a lock on him, he jammed his control stick forward, sending his Viper in a severe dive towards the Earth.
"That's it, son", cried Apollo. "Down on the deck! I'll be there as soon as I can!"
"No need, old buddy", said Starbuck before the lasers from his Marauder found their mark on Troy's attacker
The Cylon ship was still a fireball as Starbuck's Marauder did a roll through the burning debris. "That ones' a gift from your long lost Uncle Starbuck, Boxey!"
"Nice shooting!" shouted Boomer.
"Captain Apollo?"
"Yes, Captain Rogers?"
"If you want us to hit these guys where it hurts the most, tell our friends in the Fighting 69th here where they can drop their bombs", suggested Buck.
"Transmitting now", said Apollo without further question.
"Coordinates received, Captains", reported Noah Cooper. "Just give us some cover and let the 69th do the rest."
"I'm with you, Noah", said Wilma as she punched in attack coordinates for her Starfighter Wing.
Starbuck, Apollo, Hawk and Buck also took up flanking positions around the Sleds of the Earth Space Marines. As the group closed on their target, the Basestar opened fire with a newfound ferocity. Deadly beams of energy exploded all around the Earth Defenders. Hawk took a particularly devastating hit to his undercarriage, which caused all kinds of system failures throughout his unique fighter, a starship built to look like a giant bird---a Hawk.
"Hawk! Are you ok?" Buck shouted.
"Hawk! Get out of there!" cried Wilma. "You can't do us any more good in that condition."
"I'm afraid you're right, Colonel", replied Hawk in a most pained voice. "Breaking formation to-"
Hawk's transmission ended abruptly--- as did his life. His fighter exploding was a sickening sight for his friends from the Searcher. Wilma could hardly draw a breath as she flew directly through her friends' scattered remains.
"Hawk!!!" Wilma cried.
"Those bastards!" cried Buck.
Enemy fire continued to rain down on Hawks' friends and allies. There was no time for remorse and every Starfighter pilot knew it--- especially Buck.
"It's now or never, Noah!" he shouted. "Do it now!"
"Bombs away!" Noah reported gleefully.
The ancient bombs, which resembled naval torpedoes, nose-dived towards the soft spot in the Cylon's defensive posture. Noah's accuracy was flawless. The bombs struck the baseship directly above the Tylium Reactor, starting a chain reaction.
"Now, let's get out of here!" Apollo warned. "That things' gonna go up like a Supernova!"
The Vipers, Starfighters, Marauders, and Attack sleds, followed Apollo's lead and peeled up and away from the Cylon Basestar. Apollo would make for the heavens, knowing the Earth's atmosphere would shield them from the blast. However, when the Basestar exploded, it was the Sleds that had delivered the deathblow that were caught still within the blast radius. They were just too heavy and bulky to have pulled off the evasive maneuver successfully. Noah Cooper, Big Red and the rest of the 69th were killed instantly.
The Fighting 69th were not the only ones caught, though. The Cylon Raiders, having pulled back to protect their base ship, were also obliterated. Only the Vipers, using their Turbo thrusters, were able to easily outrun the fiery death throws of their inhuman enemy. Starfighters and Draconian Marauders struggled mightily to reach the safe distance. Starbuck pushed the pedal to the metal, squeezing every last microbe of power from the unfamiliar fighter he now piloted. Fire began to surround his ship and he swore a vulgar term or two under his breath at his longtime enemy. Then, quite abruptly, the fire vanished. It had been sucked away by the freezing vacuum of space and replaced by the glittering stars of outer space.
"Holy frak! That was close", Starbuck gasped. "Well, one down---49 to go."
A cheer rose up on the Galactica Bridge as the main viewer displayed the Basestar above New Phoenix exploding. Colonel Tigh, however, was not in a cheerful mood.
"Athena, order Captain Apollo to return to Galactica. We must re- fortify this sector before we reach the main attack force! Our Earth friends will have to do there best to defend their cities on their own."
"Yes, sir!"
As Athena dutifully punched in the orders to her brothers' ship in standard short, scrambled code, a sharp image permeated her thoughts---her very soul felt as if it were being downloaded with a sensation she could not comprehend. She stood up and headed towards the turbo lift. She was being beckoned by a most beautiful being, though she could not actually see it.
"Athena? Where are you going?" asked a perplexed Tigh. "We have 25 basestars bearing down on us, just 60 microns out!"
Athena did not answer, and somehow Colonel Tigh knew there was none coming.
On the far side of the Cylon fleet, Killer Kane and Princess Ardalla pondered their predicament on the bridge of the Royal Star Fortress. They had just engaged their new enemy and were already realizing the futility of the maneuver. An almost tangible dread could be felt among the Draconian soldiers on the command deck. They most certainly had never encountered anything like the Cylon Empire, not even in their worst nightmares.
"We are suffering massive casualties, Kane!" barked the Princess.
"Since when do you give a damn about those who serve you?" Kane asked sarcastically. "We're holding our own Princess. These Cylons have impressive technology, but their flight skills leave much to be desired."
"Yes, but their numbers are overwhelming", argued Ardalla. "Perhaps we should withdraw temporarily. My father should have some say when it comes to the fate of his Royal Fleet!"
Kane paused a long moment. "We'll give the Galactica just a little more time to initiate whatever plan they have in store."
"And if they do not have a viable plan?" said Ardalla with a smile.
"Then we will withdraw", sighed Kane with some measure of disgust.
Baltar set coordinates for deep space. He would pilot the Avenger far away from the enormous battle and search for a safe place to affect minor repairs to his battered freighter. After clearing the Star Fortresses launch bay, the traitorous human had quickly decided against re- joining his Cylon friends. Their victory was a certainty and therefore his value to the Cylon Alliance would be nil. He had escaped execution once above the Tylium rich planet of Carillon when he had convinced Imperious Leader that he could lead the Cylons to the humans. When the Galactica and her fleet were finally destroyed, the Cylons would probably see Baltar as expendable.
Baltar also knew that he would never surrender to the fool Adama again, under any circumstances. He'd rather die than spend another single day aboard the human's pitiful Prison Barge. No, he would head for deep space---survive to fight another day.
The aging former Count was quite pleased with himself. He had once again done what Baltar did best---he had found a way to stay alive. The battle was now far behind him and there was nothing in front of him except a beautiful field of stars.
"Goodbye Adama---goodbye Galactica. You're finished", sneered Baltar aloud. "To my Cylon friends, I propose a toast---"
Baltar reached into the small container beneath his chair and pulled out a large bottle of Ambrosia. The man had slowly begun to madden over the yahrens and often talked aloud to himself. Now, he would propose a toast to his former enemies and allies alike. The cork of the bottle burst off of the bottle, allowing the fermented ale to spew all over his green cape. Ignoring the mess he had made of himself, Baltar poured himself a tall glass of the vintage Colonial drink.
"Ha ha!" laughed Baltar. "Yes, where was I? To my Cylon friends, especially old LUCY, wherever you are---may you get what you deserve----you miserable pieces of frakkin' felgercarb!"
Baltar raised his glass to the starfield shining brightly through his cockpit window. He finished his drink in a single, long gulp that was followed by a boisterous burp.
As he wiped his mouth clean, his weary eyes noticed four stars suddenly burst to life right before him. They shone ever so brightly and were spaced at perfectly even intervals, forming a diamond formation. Then, there was what would have sounded like a clap of thunder had he been in a planetary atmosphere, followed by a blinding flash.
When Baltar's vision returned to him moments later, an enormous ship dominated his cockpit window. He believed the ship had just secured from warp through what he now realized must have been some advanced intergalactic transit system. The monolithic ship that now dwarfed his stolen Nomen freighter began to circle him like a predator stalking its' prey. Baltar lunged for the controls, desperately trying to key in an escape vector, only to find the ship unresponsive. He was in some sort of tractor beam, a sitting duck. Baltar's lips began to quiver and he wept openly. Baltar now stood toe to toe with the Battlestar Pegasus.
"Baltar---long time no see", came the familiar legends' voice over the Avenger's loudspeakers.
"Cain!!!" cried out Baltar. "It's not what you think!!! Please, my old friend---I am defenseless."
"Yes", said Cain in almost a whisper. "You are aren't you? Just like billions of Colonial men and women were after your treachery all those yahrens ago."
"No!!! Nooooooo!"
"Burn in hades you soulless bastard!!!" said Cain before depressing the firing switch of the Pegasus batteries himself.
A single Pegasus turret blasted the Avenger into a million pieces. Count Baltar, the man who had betrayed an entire civilization, the most diabolically evil man to ever live, was finally dead.
Apollo led the viper squadrons away from Earth at full turbo. He hated leaving Buck Rogers and the others alone to defend their homeland, but their really wasn't any choice. A viper pilot's prime directive was to defend their battlestar and he had received a direct recall order from Athena. Besides, if this were indeed the end, he would want to be fighting alongside his family on the Galactica.
Behind the squadrons of vipers, which now included one Marauder piloted by Starbuck, a brilliant Ship of Lights appeared and quickly closed on the Colonial Warriors.
"Apollo! Something's coming up behind us!" shouted Boomer as he held his hands to the sides of his helmet.
"It's so loud---I can't stand it!" exclaimed Troy.
Then, as abruptly as it had appeared, the Ship of Lights was gone.
"Whew. What was that?" lieutenant Croft asked.
"I don't know", answered Boomer. "Dietra?"
"I'm still here, Boom-Boom", answered Dietra playfully.
"What do you make of that, Apollo?" asked Croft.
When Apollo did not answer, an ache grew in the pit of Crofts' stomach. Apollo must not have made it. What would he tell his wife, Athena? For that matter, would he ever see Athena again to even have the chance to console her?
"Boomer, I've lost my dad on my scanner!" cried Troy.
"I'm so sorry, Boxey", whispered Boomer.
"Boomer, take another look!" gasped Croft. "I've lost Starbuck and Sheba on the scanner as well!"
"Oh, no", whimpered Dietra sadly.
"We've got to go back and look for them!!!" cried Troy.
"No, Troy. They're not out here", said a now enlightened Boomer. "They're someplace else, someplace beyond our reach. Trust me, I know. This has happened before."
"There's the Galactica!" interrupted a Red Squadron cadet.
The Warriors didn't need a scanner. They were in visual range of their battlestar and could see that she was already under heavy attack. Cylon Raiders were swarming all over the Galactica like an angry horde of insects.
"Ok, Warriors---let's go!" growled a bitter Boomer.
Apollo awoke to a gleaming light shining down on him. He found himself lying on his back on some sort of transparent table. Cautiously, he rose to his feet and scanned the area. Crystalline structures abounded throughout the heavenly world he now stood in. A mist covered the ground, making it impossible for him to see even his own feet. It wasn't until he took his first step that he realized that his battle jacket and pants had gone from their normal, soft brown to a pure white.
"Apollo!"
Apollo turned to see Starbuck and Sheba running at him. Their clothes were now white as well. Then, through the distant mist, a clearly puzzled Buck and Wilma appeared.
"Where in heaven's name are we?" Wilma asked.
"Heaven may be a very good choice of words, Wilma", said Buck softly as he took her hand in his.
"Strangely, there is some truth to your misgivings", boomed a familiar voice.
The startled group whirled around in perfect unison to see a larger than life Adama standing atop a short pedestal. The pedestal was low enough to the floor that the mist covered it entirely, making it appear that Adama was floating. The Commander's familiar military tunic had been replaced by far more elegant robes, which of course were white. Dr. Zee appeared from behind Adama, his appearance startling the usually unflappable Starbuck.
"Hello, father",Zeus said to Starbuck.
"You look just like me", gasped Starbuck.
Starbuck felt a tug on his arm. He didn't react initially, as he was caught in an awestruck gaze with Dr. Zee---an almost identical version of him as a young man. When he finally did respond to the hand on his arm, his heart almost burst through his chest.
"Athena!" he shouted before lifting her off of her feet in an engulfing embrace.
Slowly, Starbuck set Athena down and they both turned their attention to Athena's father.
"My children", said the Adama. "Welcome to Atlantis."
Vulpa's three brains were assimilating a continuous stream of reports coming in from this unprecedented military campaign. He could not have been more pleased. In short order, his forces had destroyed all of the Earth's pathetic outer outposts surrounding the small solar system and routed its' largest colony on Mars. It was only a matter of time before the Earth itself would fall. Nothing could save Adama now.
"By your command, Supreme Leader", Lucifer said. "We believe we have detected the civilian ships of the Galactica's fleet. They apparently went dark to avoid our scanners, but a concentrated scan has detected Tylium emissions on the far side of the 9th planet of this system."
"Good. Send a Basestar to deal with them. It should take no time at all", replied Vulpa.
"By your command", Lucifer said before leaving the chamber.
Spectre now stepped forward to make a report of his own. He waited patiently for the Supreme Leader to acknowledge him before speaking. Vulpa stared down at Spectre in an almost human gesture of annoyance.
"Report, Spectre!"
"By your command, Supreme Leader, we have lost all contact with Cylon. I have tried every bandwidth and frequency. There is no reply", reported Spectre.
"I have no time for such trivial things, Spectre. I'm sure there is a logical explanation. Perhaps one of our intergalactic communication buoy's has malfunctioned", replied an uninterested Vulpa.
"No, you fool! Nothing malfunctioned except perhaps your haphazard battle plan", raged Count Iblis.
"Master! Where did you come from?" asked a now alert Vulpa.
"This battle should be over already! Remember, it was I who gave you a second chance to rule, Vulpa! Destroy the humans now! Hold nothing in reserve! Send all of your ships and squadrons to destroy Galactica and her fleet! Commander Adama and his offspring must die now!" Iblis commanded.
"My master", said Vulpa as he retracted the tall command pedestal down to the floor. "Everything is proceeding perfectly."
"You fool! The Imperious Leader felt your wrath because I believed you would succeed where he had failed. And what have you done? You left all of the Cylon territories unprotected to destroy this motley gathering of human survivors! There are revolts springing up throughout the galaxies. The Seraphs have gathered together to battle my minions across the universe in order to punish me for my abuse of their powers. This battle must end now, before the Lords of Kobol themselves can gather their sons and daughters to defend the human abodes!"
"Your eminence, it appears that the thirteenth tribe does indeed have some military might. A number of large warships have engaged our rear flank and their cities did have shielding that took some time to penetrate. Therefore, I felt it wiser to---"
"I don't have time for your pitiful excuses, Vulpa!" raged Iblis.
"By your command, master. I have already sent a ship to destroy their fleet. I will recall all Baseships from Earth orbit and advance all attack waves. The Galactica will be destroyed momentarily", said Vulpa, whom now stood face to face with true evil.
TO BE CONCLUDED: The FINAL (I Promise) entry to the concluding chapter of this story, followed by some notes from the author as well.
(BATTLESTAR POSEIDON: The Website is still under construction but Coming Soon!)
