Chapter Twenty-Three: To the Bitter End

Sitting together on the deck along on of Moya's chamber walls, Chiana was leaning back against Daniel's chest with his legs stretched out on either side of hers. His arms lay across her stomach, while Chiana had firmly interlaced her fingers with his. They sat together quietly, simply enjoying each other's company during this lonely uncertain time, when their friends were off to battle Scorpius and the Peacekeepers.

It was hard for them to get any quality time together, ever since word had gotten out that Daniel was from Earth. Every Colonial on Moya, and representatives throughout the fleet, wanted to meet him and shower him with a thousand questions about his home world. Thankfully, Boomer and Jolly were able to hold off most of the prying questioners, at least until Adama could, hopefully, get back with the Galactica and a few more Earthborn humans. Then they could address the questions properly.

Now, all that Daniel wanted was to be left alone to spend what time he had with Chiana. Fortunately for the two of them the young Nebari knew every hiding spot on Moya, and before long she had led Daniel deep into the lower decks of the Leviathan, to a small storage chamber. This was Chiana's favourite spot whenever she wanted to be alone.

Where do you think they are now? Chiana asked in a quiet voice, her hair softly brushing against the left side of his face, as she rested her head back against Daniel's shoulder.

Daniel slipped his hand free from hers and peeked at his watch. It's been close to twenty-three hours. They must be at Tobin by now. They'll have engaged the Command Carrier. He couldn't help, but smell Chiana's hair, which smelled a bit like... peppermint. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, letting the scent fill his lungs, trying to blot the image of sudden death and vast violence form his mind.

Chiana interrupted his thoughts by saying, The thing that I hate most is that we won't know what's happened until they... If they get back.

Daniel could hear the sadness and worry in her voice, so he held her a bit tighter. I know, I'm right there with you. And everyone here feels the same as you do right now. Waiting is the worst.

Maybe, but Crichton and the others are more important to me than you'll ever know, Chiana said.

Daniel frowned slightly. How so?

She turned her head to look at him. They're the only friends... the only family that I have now. I never told you my reason for fleeing from my people and my planet. On my world you have to be a good little Nebari and conform to their rules, or be mentally cleansed.

Daniel stared at her dumbfounded. Mentally cleansed? You mean like brain washed?

She nodded slowly. Only much worse, it's like having your brain completely rewired. It destroys who you are. Imagine living in a society without laughter or love. Just a world populated by billions of walking zombies... At least that's what it felt like to me. My brother and I had had enough and we simply fled from our world to escape that nightmare. As my luck would have it, I got captured eventually. I was well on my way to being taken back to my world to be mentally cleansed, but the Nebari transport I was on had a little accident along the way.

What happened? Daniel asked, still holding her.

Their ship collided with Moya, Chiana said with a slight shiver. If it hadn't been for that amazing fluke, I wouldn't be here. Crichton and the others saved me from a fate that would have been literally worse than death.

She turned slightly to rest her head just under his chin. Daniel in turn lightly kissed the top of her head, pausing to nuzzle her spicy sweet hair as his hand continued stroking her back. I'm grateful that they did.

Chiana smiled, losing herself in his warm and loving embrace. Me too. Daniel made her feel safe.

After a moment, the archaeologist asked, What happened to your brother?

Chiana shuddered. We were separated after I was captured... He died...

Chiana's voice drifted off, so Daniel decided to let it be and changed the subject to try and lift her spirits. They'll be back before you know it. Commander Adama strikes me as one hell of a soldier, as well as a miracle worker, and Jack is just too stubborn to allow himself to be beaten in any fight. As for John Crichton... well, he didn't survive out here for three years just to have it end in defeat now. With those three leading the charge, they'll make it back. Trust me.

Chiana shivered again. Except that you've never faced someone like Scorpius, Daniel. The words evil genius' were created, just to describe him. I fear things will end badly, for everyone.

Did you have another vision that I don't know about? Daniel asked softly. Chiana pulled her head back answering. No, but...

Then lets keep the faith, Daniel said firmly. Until we know otherwise, we have to believe that everything will work out. We owe it to them

Chiana stared at him, remaining silent for a moment, before nodding her head in agreement. She then rested her head against his shoulder again and the two cuddled for a while. Nothing needed to be said between them, they simply drew comfort from one another's presence. Eventually, Chiana sat up and pulled from his embrace to turn and face him.

Daniel, I would like to go back to my quarters and get some sleep... The Nebari's eyes darted to the floor and back up to look into his eyes. Chiana's hand reached up and rested on his shoulder. Slowly, she rubbed her hand down and across his black T-shirt. ...And I want you to come with me.

Daniel eyes widened. Excuse me?! he blurted out

Chiana smiled coyly, emphasizing every word.

Daniel's mouth dropped open and for a second he thought that his glasses were going to steam over. There was no mistake about it now. He had indeed heard her right.

Still sitting just in front of him, Chiana continued to give him her best come hither' smile, and raising her eyebrows above smoky eyes she ran her gloved hand over his chest in a slow lingering caress. Her voice was extremely enticing and husky. Well, how about it?

was the only response that he could get out because his brain was too busy trying to process what was happening and what he might be getting himself into. He was about to spend the night with a beautiful alien woman... Maybe this was why he was feeling like Captain Kirk all of a sudden!

Grinning, Chiana stood up and, with wiry strength, helped pull Daniel to his feet. He let Chiana lead him by the hand as they headed for the door, but just before they entered the corridor he stopped to ask her.

Chiana? I just need to ask something... he struggled for words, Ah... What will we be doing? Uh... exactly?

What do you think we'll be doing? Chiana giggled at Daniel's naiveté and the way he was hopelessly blushing. He was so adorable! Those females back on Earth were idiots to let this one run around loose.

Well, you are an alien, Daniel leaned forward whispering hesitantly. We're not going sit and do something cerebral like.... a Vulcan mind meld all night?

A feline smile played across the Chiana's lips. I have no idea what a Vulcan mind meld is, but I think that you'll like the sort of melding that I have in mind for you.

***

And thar she blows! O'Neill proclaimed loudly.

From their vantage point in the cloaked Tok'ra shuttle that was trailing the Battlestar, O'Neill almost applauded as he watched the Galactica giving the Peacekeeper command carrier both barrels of her huge bow mounted turbo laser cannons.

The twin beams sliced into the Command Carrier's armored aft section, carving it like a Thanksgiving turkey as they punched through into the capital ship's engineering compartment. The Galactica's main batteries had struck the mighty warship directly in its most vital area, the very heart of the ship. The Peacekeepers didn't even have time to raise their shields to defend themselves.

The blast had been well aimed and precise, like a surgeon's blade. Adama didn't want to outright destroy the command carrier, if it could be avoided. By destroying the command carrier's engines it would deprive the rest of the vessel of power for its weapons and shields while leaving the rest of the ship, including the crew compartments, intact.

I'm reading a massive power drop-off throughout the Peacekeeper ship, Colonel O'Neill, Freya reported from her position in the co-pilot seat. With the exception of emergency power, the carrier is for all intents and purposes is dead in space.

Score one for the good guys! O'Neill crowed triumphantly as he watched the victorious Galactica sail by the now powerless and drifting Command Carrier while the Battlestar was quickly launching the Silver Spars squadron into space. Unfortunately, O'Neill knew enough about bad guys in general, and these bad guys in particular, to know that they still might have considerable fight left in them. They still had to tackle the base on the planet below them before they could rescue Carter and Crichton.

He just hoped that they were holding their own.

***

...Bake me a cake as fast as you can!

On the last word, with the Ribbon device held down at her side, Major Carter fired a wide and powerful blast behind her. The shot rippled through the air and smashed the entire group of Peacekeeper Commandoes, knocking them about like dry leaves in a strong wind, and with bone crushing force. Their armored suits and helmets did little to protect them when their bodies slammed into the heavily overbuilt stonewalls of the room.

At exactly the same moment, Crichton brought both of his weapons forward and let loose a barrage of pulse blasts into the second group of commandoes up front, first targeting and killing the PK lieutenant. Together Carter and Crichton then turned their attention to the remaining commandoes.

There were about eight Peacekeepers still facing them. And, with the initial devastating surprise gone, those Peacekeepers started to return fire while ducking for cover wherever they could find it.

Dodging under several incoming pulse blasts, Crichton continued to fire back as he moved up and behind the long stone table in the centre of the hall. He peeked up for a moment and took aim at one Peacekeeper who had broken cover to run for a flanking position in the shelter of a stone column. Crichton drew down with his pulse pistol and fired, dropping the Peacekeeper in his tracks.

I got another one Sam, Crichton shouted. How are you doing SAM!!

Crichton turned, fully expecting to see her ducked down behind the stone table beside him to take cover, but instead he saw her still standing upright directly in the line of fire. She was just blasting away with the pulse rifle in one hand and the ribbon device in the other as if she didn't have a care in the world. He watched as blasts from Peacekeeper weapons sizzled by her, drawing ever closer.

Who the hell did she think she was? The Terminator? In disbelief, Crichton screamed at her. SAM! GET DOWN!! He was about ready to run back and tackle her to the ground before a Peacekeeper could take her head off with a well placed shot.

Before he could move however, one pulse charge struck Major Carter square in the chest area, but it was stopped just short of her. Crichton saw a glow from some sort of force field surrounding Carter, shielding her from hostile fire. With an annoyed look, the blond Major raised her right hand and fired another blast from her Ribbon device. The concussive force released from the Goa'uld weapon leapt across the room and shattered a stone column, as well as the unfortunate Peacekeeper hiding behind it.

A now quite amazed Crichton watched as Carter walked forward with confident strides as she closed with the remaining Peacekeepers, firing as she went.

Crichton muttered in disbelief as Major Carter marched by him, firing steadily, Great! Now she thinks she's Ms. Robocop!

Hauling himself to his feet, Crichton moved up from behind the table and directly behind Major Carter. Taking advantage of the protective shield about her, Crichton fired on the Peacekeepers on his right, while Carter worked on the left.

It was a completely one-sided match between them and the Peacekeepers. Major Carter was untouchable with the Ribbon device. For Crichton, walking behind her was like being behind a tank. Together they were picking off the remaining Peacekeeper commandoes, one at a time.

***

After launching from the Galactica, Sheba and her squadron quickly formed up and were now racing away from the Battlestar and towards the final battle up in orbit around Tobin. There were still many Prowlers and Marauders remaining and those pilots were apparently determined to fight tooth and nail against them.

Silver Spars, the command carrier is dead in space, she said over the comm. system. Now lets get in there and help out Blue Squadron and Talyn.

***

In a matter of moments, Captain Souchis' mighty command carrier was rendered nearly lifeless, like a rock drifting in space with the exception of emergency power.

The huge Human warship had taken them completely by surprise. They hadn't even able to raise their defensive shields before they were struck, and the Humans had known exactly where to hit them. Just one powerful blast had rocked his command carrier and main power throughout the ship had failed instantly.

Emergency lighting and backup power quickly kicked in. The bridge main monitor was still functional and it showed the Human fighters and their mothership racing by the crippled command carrier as if it was no longer worthy of their attention. They were focusing on taking out his remaining fighter force. This apparent insult only made Captain Souchis more furious.

Damage report!

Main energizers one through three are damaged. However engineering reports that number three might be repairable, one Tech reported.

Do we have any power for the weapons? Souchis demanded.

Not on emergency power, the Tech replied. Even if we can restore energizer three, I doubt we will be a match against that in our current condition, he pointed to the main monitor which showed the Galactica as it sailed effortlessly by, circling around to settle into orbit about the planet Tobin.

Captain Souchis glared angrily at the Human warship, and then a plan formed and took root in his mind. He would show those Humans what a Peacekeeper was capable of. Order all nonessential personnel to abandon ship and get every available hand working to restore energizer three and main engines... NOW! I want this ship to MOVE!

***

On board the Galactica, Omega was closely monitoring the surface of Tobin, targeting the Peacekeeper base when his sensors detected activity from the command carrier behind them.

Commander. I'm reading hundreds of escape pods being launched from the Peacekeeper ship. It looks like they're abandoning it.

Adama gave a small sigh of relief. He wanted to avoid inflicting any more casualties on that ship than he absolutely had to. Keep an eye on them just in case. Have you located the positions of those surface batteries yet?

Omega checked his console and after another moment reported, I have a confirmed lock on fifteen planetary weapons emplacements and the dome shield.

It was time to launch the second phase of their plan, Adama thought. All turbo batteries, open fire on those weapon positions and that shield, but don't hit the base itself.

High above in orbit, and just out of reach of the surface frag batteries, the Galactica rained down a heavy barrage of turbo laser fire. Within seconds, all the planetary-based guns were reduced to smoking craters lined with slag. Then the mighty Battlestar's guns focused on the dome shield. For a minute, the shield held up to the punishment. After two minutes under the relentless pounding, it began to glow under the strain that the sustained bombardment was causing. Three minutes into the assault, the dome shield completely collapsed. The base was now wide open to them.

Colonel Tigh inspected the damage that they had inflicted from a second console. All Peacekeeper weapon placements and defenses are eliminated. The base is intact.

Contact the Tok'ra shuttle. Tell them that the path is clear and we'll cover them. Open communication with Crichton, let them know that we're here, Adama ordered, giving a wry smile, That is, if he hasn't already guessed from the amount of noise that we've just created.

***

A few moments before, Carter was in the middle of dispatching another Peacekeeper with her ribbon device when the entire hall shook and dust drifted down on them from the ceiling braces.

What's happening? Carter glanced about in confusion. Was it a planet quake?

Behind her, Crichton blasted another Peacekeeper, before saying with a big grin. That'll be the Galactica knock, knock, knocking on our chamber door. It has to be.

In that few seconds of distraction, the last surviving Peacekeeper commando peeked about another stone column clutching a combat knife. This commando was well trained and knew the one weakness in all Goa'uld personal defense shields. Seeing his opening, the Peacekeeper carefully threw his knife, aimed at Major Carter.

Crichton suddenly heard Carter let out a wailing scream as she collapsed to the floor. As he turned to help her, Crichton spotted the Peacekeeper who threw the knife, going for his pulse pistol to finish both of them off. Crichton however was faster on the draw and beat him to the punch

With the last Peacekeeper dealt with, Crichton knelt down to Carter's side and was shocked to see a knife sticking up to the hilt in her right thigh. She pushed herself into a sitting position grimacing. He could already see blood soaking through her green combat fatigues.

Just hold on Sam, don't move, Crichton said calmly. His first thought was to put a tourniquet on it to stop the bleeding. He started to unbuckle the belt from his pants, but before he could do anything more, Carter grabbed the knife and jerked it out with a small cry.

Damn it! he couldn't believe what she'd just done. I said don't move!

I'm... fine. We're fine, Jolinar's voice croaked in agony.

Crichton didn't believe her from the amount of blood he was seeing. You don't look fine.

The wound... will heal. Help me up! She reached over gripping Crichton's shoulder. We must keep going or risk being recaptured!

Jolinar had her left arm around Crichton's neck so she'd have her right hand free to use the ribbon device. Crichton discarded his pulse pistol so he could use his right hand to grab her combat belt to support her while still holding the pulse rifle in his left. Jolinar groaned loudly as Crichton pulled her up to her feet. She hobbled on her good right leg.

Crichton watched her struggling. You don't look that good.

You are no vision of beauty either. Jolinar grunted with a grin while staring at Crichton's bruised face.

Crichton laughed as he helped Jolinar up the stairs and asked the Tok'ra, Why didn't your shield stop that knife?

Jolinar gasped out with every step she took. The shield doesn't stop slow moving objects, like thrown knives.

Crichton tried his best not to jerk her too much as he half carried her up the stairs. If you ask me, that's a major oversight.

The shield is designed to deflect... energy weapons or high-speed projectiles, like stones skipping off the water. In order to stop that knife, the... shield would have had to be completely solid. A solid shield would not have allowed me to walk freely or to breathe inside it.

I see your point, Crichton replied. Suddenly, he heard Colonel Tigh's voice through the tiny Colonial implant placed behind his ear.

Crichton. This is the Galactica do you read us? Over.

I read you, Colonel. It's good to hear your voice, Crichton said with a smile on his face.

Jolinar glanced over at the Human who was helping her to walk, and carrying her when she couldn't. Crichton, who are you talking to?

It's the cavalry, Crichton told her. Then, at her puzzled look, he quickly added, I have a tiny communicator implanted under my skin. That was another thing that I couldn't risk telling you about in that cell.

Where are you Crichton? Tigh asked. The shuttle is on its way down. Can you make it outside for pickup?

We're on our way, John said with a hell yeah' sort of grin. Tell O'Neill to keep the motor running for us.

***

The Silver Spars squadron quickly joined up with Blue squadron and Talyn to sandwich the remaining Prowler and Marauder craft between them. The Peacekeepers had just lost their Command Carrier and the sudden appearance of fresh Human fighters was proving to be too much for them. Still, the besieged Peacekeepers fought valiantly and stubbornly on, hoping to inflict as much damage as possible on their tormentors.

A few Peacekeepers actually tried to attack the Galactica, to assault the vulnerable looking hangar bays, but that attempt was stopped cold when nearly forty point defense turbo laser batteries opened up. The sheer volume of defensive fire that was unleashed on the Peacekeepers overwhelmed them. It was like a swarm of bees trying to assault a flame-thrower. A few survivors did get close enough to take some pot shots at the warship, but they could hardly inflict any damage to help change the course of the battle, and if they got close enough to get off one shot, they didn't last long enough to get off a second shot.

All the advantages were on the Colonials side, but still, the growing slaughter was becoming too much for Captain Apollo. If they had been Cylons, he would have had no problem with destroying a bunch of robotic machines, but these were living beings, just like he and the pilots under his command. He had to put a stop to this.

He broadcast a message on all channels. This is Captain Apollo of the Colonial task force to all Peacekeeper units. You cannot win. We have neutralized your carrier and we have proven that you are no match against our ships. Power down your weapons, and I promise you won't be harmed.

But the Peacekeeper ships only answered by continuing to battle against the Humans, and more and more of them fell to the guns of the Colonials.

Apollo repeated his message. I say again. To all Peacekeeper ships, power down your weapons and surrender. I promise you won't be harmed.

Still no answer came for Apollo's offer of mercy. It looked hopeless when he heard Aeryn's voice breaking in over the comm. and picking up the urgent plea.

This is Aeryn Sun to all Peacekeeper ships. Stand down. I repeat, stand down. Listen to Captain Apollo. You can trust him and the rest of his people. We will not harm you.

Sitting back, Apollo held his breath hoping that Aeryn would have a better chance of getting through to her people than he did. Then an uncertain female voice from the Peacekeeper forces answered.

Officer Sun? Is that you?

Yal Henta? Yes, it's me. Apollo could hear a smile in Aeryn's voice as she talked to Henta. Obliviously the two knew each other.

Aeryn continued. Henta. Listen to me. You must convince the others to stand down and surrender. We won't hurt you.

There was a pause and Henta replied showing a hint of disdain in her voice now. We won't hurt you? My, my, Officer Sun. Look and see how truly you have fallen. You really have to have become irreversibly contaminated to fight alongside these aliens against your own people.... to murder us, your comrades in arms.

Listen to me, Henta. If we wanted you all dead we wouldn't be talking and the Galactica would have simply blasted the Command Carrier with its entire crew still onboard instead of only crippling it. Now, please trust me and stand down! Aeryn pleaded to her.

Trust you? Henta laughed, taunting. Where's your honour, Officer Sun? You are nothing now and your words are just as much meaningless. Why should I believe the word of a mercenary who whores herself out to the highest bidder. What are these Humans offering you to turn on us?

Apollo did not like this exchange between the two women. The Colonial Captain quickly checked his sensors just as Aeryn answered Henta. Her voice was steady and confident.

What they offered me is something you could never understand unless you experience it for yourself, Henta. What I have learned in these last three cycles is far greater and far more satisfying than what I learned in my entire life as a Peacekeeper. You say I have not honor, but you're wrong. I have found my honor, here with my friends. Now I ask you again Henta to be my friend for one centon longer, and to trust me and stand down. We can be so much more than we were taught to be.

There was a long silence. Aeryn called out over the comm. again when no reply came. Henta? What is your answer?

Apollo finished checking his scanner with a curse as he shouted over the comm. Aeryn! They've traced your transmissions back to you. You've got hostiles closing in fast from all sides. Ignite the turbos and get out of there!!

Aeryn glanced at her scanner. Apollo was right. It showed seven Prowlers closing in at attack speed on her Viper. It looked like Henta and a few other Peacekeepers wanted to see her dead. They'd given her their answer.

Hitting the turbo thrust, Aeryn powered away her Viper, just as Henta's mocking voice filtered in over the comm. again. Officer Sun, your new master sounds quite concerned about you. What did you offer him to gain such warm and caring favour?

Something you obviously can't comprehend, sister! Sheba suddenly answered as her Viper appeared from out of nowhere and blasted one of the Prowlers pursuing Aeryn. And by the way, the master' is with me!!

Just as quickly, Starbuck's Viper joined Sheba, also saying loudly over the comms. Here's a quick lesson that you might comprehend, Henta and for anyone else who is listening. Aeryn is a Colonial warrior now, and to pick a fight with one of us, you then have to fight all of us! he fired and struck down another Prowler in a blinding explosion.

Apollo also charged forward, firing and strafing two more Prowlers, blowing a wing off one, severely damaging it and destroying another. Keep moving Aeryn, we have your back! he said.

Explosions rocked Henta's Prowler as the Colonials picked away at remaining ships in her squadron. The Humans seemed determined to protect Aeryn. She dodged and weaved as more Vipers pounced, destroying another Prowler off her port wing, then another until she was the only one left.

Aeryn's voice suddenly shouted over the comms. Cease fire! Silver Spars! Blue squadron! Cease fire!

To Henta's amazement, the Vipers broke off their attack and just ahead of her. Aeryn's Viper reduced speed, letting her Prowler catch up.

Sheba watched with worry, debating whether to shoot and finish off Henta. Aeryn, what are you doing?!

All of you stay out of this. This is between me and Henta, the ex-Peacekeeper declared firmly.

What trickery is this, Aeryn Sun? Henta demanded.

This is no trick, Henta, but it is your last chance, Aeryn said slowly and deliberately. You just got what was left of your squadron killed for nothing, for no reason. Now it's down to you. You can live or you can die. The choice is yours. Now, stand down!

From the cockpit of her Prowler, Henta watched as she gained distance, drawing closer to Aeryn's Viper, edging slowly into the effective firing range of her pulse cannons. She lined the Viper up in the cross hairs of her sights before answering. Aeryn, do you remember a few cycles back, before you turned traitor and ran off on that ship of escaped prisoners. We had a debate about which of us was the better pilot in our squadron. Do you remember?

Aeryn voice replied sadly as her Viper finally entered into range of Henta's cannons. I do.

You sounded very confident that you could beat me one on one. Well, lets find out! Henta's Prowler's guns lashed out against Aeryn's Viper. It was an easy kill.

Or so she thought.

Just as Henta pressed the trigger, Aeryn's Viper did the impossible. It slammed into reverse and flew backwards in the blink of an eye, almost clipping Henta's Prowler with one of her wings. Henta's carefully aimed shots completely missed Aeryn's fighter which was now behind her and giving pursuit.

No Peacekeeper craft could do such a thing, a shocked Henta thought. The sudden and intense G forces created by such a maneuver at that speed, from forward to full reverse within one micron would crush and kill the pilot. The Humans must have inertial dampeners or some other sort of technology to shield the pilot from such forces. The Human fighter was a remarkable craft and in the hands of someone like Aeryn Sun, it was truly a lethal instrument indeed. Henta now realized that she'd never really had a chance. Well done, Officer Sun. Good to see that they didn't corrupted your fighting skills, when they corrupted your heart and mind.

Behind her and catching up fast, Aeryn activated her targeting computer and locked onto Henta's Prowler.

Officer Henta shouted, No mercy Officer Sun. Do your duty!

I'm sorry, Henta, the former Peacekeeper uttered with no malice or hatred before unleashing a volley from her Viper's twin turbo laser cannons.

The searing red laser energy streaking from her fighter's cannons momentarily linked the Viper with the Prowler before incinerating a large portion of Henta's fighter, vaporizing part of the tail and half of the right wing. The remainder of the Prowler seemed to hang in space for another moment before a damaged engine exploded, instantly shredding the rest of it from existence.

Aeryn just watched the final death knell at her one time friend for a long moment before finding the strength to tear her eyes away from it.

Trailing just behind her Sheba, Apollo, and Starbuck breathed a huge sigh of relief. They'd made sure that no other surviving Peacekeeper got any more stupid ideas about attacking Aeryn. But Sheba also knew what her Sebacean friend was feeling.

Sheba whispered over the comm. You gave her every chance to give up.

I know, but that fact still doesn't make me feel any better, Aeryn replied, looking back to where the last bits of debris Henta's Prowler as it burnt themselves out. There was a time when she was my friend...

It was then that Aeryn saw it. Her eyes widened as she called out a warning to the Colonials. Captain Apollo! Everyone! The command carrier!

Sheba turned her head and saw what was happening out of the port side of her cockpit canopy. She cursed aloud, Son of a bitch!

Son of a who? a puzzled Starbuck said just before he spotted the problem. The command carrier was now moving under it's own power again. Oh, Frack!

The huge warship pivoted slowly in space before firing its damaged engines and aiming itself towards the Galactica as it orbited the planet. It moved slowly at first, but steadily picked up more and more speed. There could be little doubt as to its intentions.

Apollo checked his scanner and the data showed that there was no power to the command carrier's weapons or shields. All remaining power that it could summon was being funneled into propulsion. Its intent was easy to determine now and it terrified him.

Blue squadron! Silver Spars! Talyn! That ship is charging at the Galactica for a ramming attack! Engage and destroy it!

Apollo wished that it were only that easy. With the Galactica in orbit about the planet, it would have very little maneuvering room. And it would take a miracle to stop that charging juggernaut fast enough to do any good, even with all the firepower they have on hand, because even if they disabled it now, it's momentum alone might let it's powerless hulk alone do the job of destroying the Galactica!