2669.324. Bridge of TCS Excelsior: Captain Jakoub Daniels was pacing the bridge when the call came through from the task force.
"Captain Daniels. It's good to see you again.".
"It's good to see you to Vice-Admiral Wilford. How soon before you arrive?".
"Were about an hour away, any more word from Captain Eison?".
"No sir, and that worries me sir.".
"Have your ship ready to jump when we arrive. Then we'll find out what's going on.".
Captain Daniels gave orders to his crew, and the ship was at condition one when the task force arrived. As the task force was enroute, Captain Daniels looked at the incoming ships. One heavy carrier, two light carriers, two cruisers, two frigates and four destroyers. The twelve ships jumped into the Rygannon system and set course for the last known position of the colonial fleet.
On the bridge of the TCS Bostonia, Admiral Wilford sat patiently. The sensor ops tech spoke to him,
"Admiral, we have 3 Base-stars on long range scan, 1 hour away, and on course for the colonial fleet position.".
"Have they detected us?".
"I don't believe so sir.".
Admiral Wilford just smiled, "Comm., fleet wide broadcast.".
He waited for the thumbs up from the comm. Tech. "Attention all ships, set course for the Base-stars. Top fleet speed, maximum possible stealth. They don't seem to know we're here, and I want to keep it that way as long as possible.".
He nodded at the tech who ended the broadcast. "Tactical, time to intercept?".
"One hour and 15 minutes Admiral." Admiral Wilford just nodded.
On the lead Base-star, Lord Baltar sat in his command chair and waited for the time to launch his raiders. The colonial fleet was just over two centars flight time away. His Base-stars were moving closer to the colonial fleet with every passing centon. He activated the communication switch on the command chairs arm.
"Launch all raiders, destroy the colonial fleet.".
In less then 5 centons, 300 raider ships were on course for the colonial fleet. Baltar smiled,
"Well Adama, I have finally beaten you and your pitiful fleet. I'm only sorry that you weren't around to see their demise."
then Baltar began to laugh. His revelry was disturbed by the arrival of Lucifer. "By your command Lord Baltar.".
"What is it Lucifer?".
"It seems that our scanners are picking up three large ships coming toward us. The battlestars Galactica and Pegasus and another ship we can't identify, and at least 5 squadrons of fighter ships.".
Baltar smiled, "A vain attempt by Apollo to stop us. Have the raiders destroy the colonial fighters, then destroy the other ships.".
"By you command Lord Baltar."
On the bridge of the TCS Victory, Captain Eison watched as the Base-stars started launching their raiders. He opened the comm. channel to the Galactica and Pegasus,
"The cylons are launching now.".
Apollo gave the fleet wide order "All ships launch.".
When all of the fighters were launched, he gave the order for full power to all systems.
"Set course to stay between the Base-stars and the fleet.".
Col. Blair was in the lead Confed fighter. "Blair to all fighters, remember people, we wait until they're through the mine fields." As the raiders were getting closer, the pilots each knew that this was an all or nothing fight. The attack plan was for the confed fighters to take the point, and to try and take out as many of the raiders as they could with their missiles. Col. Blair smiled,
"Alright Victory squadron, they're past the mine fields. Let's welcome them to the Gemini quadrant, Confed style."
The confed pilots all waited until they had missile tones, and fired their missiles. 90 Image Recognition missiles went straight for the raiders. The lead cylon pilots immediately began to peel off of their formation to avoid the small torpedoes fired at them. The cylon pilots behind them were unable to process what happened next. The small torpedoes followed the lead raiders. In less than a centon, the cylon force had lost 72 raiders. The confed pilots continued to fire their missiles, and in less than 2 minutes, the cylons had lost almost half of their raiders. Now the colonial vipers entered the fray at full turbo.
Soon the sky was filled with multiple explosions, most of the explosions were cylon raiders, but not all of them. Major Jolly had just destroyed a raider, when two of them got behind him.
"Look out Jolly, you've got 2 on your tail." Starbuck shouted.
The lead raider fired and hit Jolly's viper, and sent him into a twirl. Jolly was surprised that the viper was still in one piece, more or less,
"Holy frak, this armor stuff works.".
Then he saw a confed fighter wax the two cylons on one pass. Jolly called out, "Thanks for the help.".
Maniac responded, "No problem Major." then turned toward more cylons.
Soon the raiders were recalled, and Col. Blair ordered the vipers and fighters to regroup to await the Base-stars arrival.
As Baltar watched, his raiders were approaching the 5 squadrons of fighters. He then saw the lead squadron begin firing small torpedoes. He was dumbfounded when the small torpedoes followed after the raiders. He watched in total disbelief as more and more of his raiders were being destroyed. He switched on the comm. system and recalled his raiders, but only 4 were able to return. He called Lucifer in central command.
"Have the other two Base-stars attack the Galactica and the Pegasus. Show them no mercy.".
"By your command Lord Baltar.".
The order was sent to the other two Base-stars, and they increased their speed to close the distance between them and the colonial Battlestars. Captain Eison watched from the bridge of the Victory, as the two Base-stars got closer.
"Weapons, activate all mines on my mark. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Mark.".
"Aye aye sir.". the weapons officer shouted as she activated the mines.
Captain Eison had waited until the Base-stars were in the middle of the minefields before activating them. Now the mines were moving in toward the Base-stars. Soon, both Base-stars were being hit by multiple explosions on every section of their ships.
In Baltar's chambers, he saw that the other two Base-stars were being attacked, but from where?
Lucifer entered his chambers, "By your command Lord Baltar.".
Baltar's chair rotated around to face Lucifer. "Where are these attacks coming from Lucifer?".
"It seems that the colonial warriors have set a large mine field between us and the Battlestars.".
"What is the extent of their damages?".
"Both Base-stars have suffered large amounts of damage to their hulls, and most of their surface weapons.".
Baltar smiled, "Have them continue to advance, and use their Mega-Pulsars on the Battlestars.".
"Lord Baltar, both Base-stars have also lost their shields, and would be easy targets for the missiles from the Galactica and the Pegasus.".
Baltar had a look of rage on his face, "Do as I ordered. NOW!".
"By your Command Lord Baltar." Lucifer said as he backed out of Baltar's chambers. The two damaged Base-stars continued toward the colonial Battlestars.
While the Base-stars were in the minefields, Col. Blair gave out assignments.
"Ok people listen up. Silver and Gold Spar squadrons and Hellcat wing will sweep the Base-star on the right. Red and Blue Squadrons and Arrow wing will sweep the Base-star on the left. Target any remaining turrets or missile ports. After that, Maniac and his wing will do a torpedo run on the one on the left, and Primates wing will do a run on the one on the right."
As the Base-stars cleared the minefields, the vipers and fighters attacked; followed by the torpedo runs. After the strafing runs and the torpedo runs, the Base-star on the left had only a few turrets left, and only one Mega-Pulsar remaining. The Base-star on the right had only a few turrets left still functioning. Col. Blair ordered all ships to return to their Bravo rally points.
Troy, Dalton and Hera were cleaning up the last of a group of turrets. Hera was lining up on a turret, when one fired at her from the side. The multiple blast hits took out her shields and shorted out most of her systems.
"Hera, are you alright?" Troy shouted.
"Not really Troy. My panel keeps cutting in and out on me.".
"Can you make it back to the Galactica?",
"I think so, but it might be tricky.".
The three vipers turned around and headed for the Galactica. Vagabond saw that the three vipers were farther behind the others and turned back toward them. As he got closer, he ran a scan on the damaged viper.
"This is Arrow Leader to colonial vipers. Can you guys use a hand?".
Hera felt a sudden wave of relief come over her, "I sure could." she said jokingly.
"Hera, I've scanned your viper, and I think you should land on the Victory.".
"Why Vagabond.". Dalton asked.
"With the all the damage that her viper has taken, I don't think she'll be able to safely land on either the Galactica or the Pegasus. But the Victory can tractor her in using it's ALS. It's your call Hera.".
"Troy, you and Dalton head back to the rally point, Vagabond and I will head for the Victory.".
"Roger that Hera, good luck.",
"Good luck Hera.".
Troy and Dalton then headed for the rally point.
Apollo watched from the bridge of the Galactica, as the Base-stars entered the minefield. Everyone was waiting, and then began to see the explosions on the Base-stars.
A cheer went up on the bridge, but Apollo and Omega quickly quieted them down. Then watched as the Vipers and Confed ships made their runs. The Base-stars were damaged, but not out of the fight yet.
"Omega, open a channel to the Pegasus.".
"Yes Commander.".
Apollo was soon looking at Athena, "Athena. It's ladies choice, do you want the one on the left or the right?",
"I'll take the one on the right.".
Apollo smiled at her "Good wishes to you and your crew.".
Athena looked at him, smiling as well. "Good wishes to you and your crew, and when we're done, we both go get Baltar.".
"By your command." Apollo said jokingly, then ended the call.
Both Battlestars increased their speeds to attack speed, and moved toward the two Base-stars.
On the TCS Victory, Captain Eison was watching the battle that was beginning to happen.
"How soon until all fighters are at their rally points.".
The tactical officer looked at him, "Sir, all fighters reported in except for Arrow leader. It appears that he is escorting a viper to the Victory.".
Just then Lt. Rollins got a signal from Vagabond, "Victory, this is Arrow leader, I am declaring an emergency. Over.".
The bridge got very quiet and only Rollins was now talking. "Arrow leader, say again. Are you declaring an emergency? Over.".
"Roger Victory, I'm escorting a badly damaged Viper. She'll be unable to land on the Galactica or the Pegasus. Over.".
"Roger that Arrow leader, stand by. Attention flight deck. Attention flight deck. We have a badly damaged viper on approach, prepare all emergency equipment.".
On the flight deck, the emergency crews were moving before Rollins finished talking. Rachel got on the comm.
"Flight deck to bridge, we'll be ready. Over.".
"Arrow leader this is Victory, what is the extent of her damages over.".
Hera got on the channel now, "Victory, this is Ensign Hera, most of my electronics are fraked, and I don't think my landing gear will work.".
"Roger that Ensign, just line up on the Victory, and we'll bring you in.".
Vagabond was right beside her, "You doing fine Hera, just keep your nose up. Good, now cut back on your thrust. Good, your almost there.".
Hera was following Vagabonds instructions, and for some reason, she wasn't nervous.
"Vagabond, I see the landing bay, reducing thrust.".
Rachel was on the line now, "Activating ALS Ensign, cut your power now.".
Hera cut her power, and felt the viper jolt a little as the tractor beams grabbed her ship. She watched as Vagabond was lowering his gear, as he followed her in. The internal tractor beam of the flight deck grabbed her viper, and kept her ship hovering just above the flight deck as emergency crews rushed up to her ship. Once the viper was braced by the flight crews the tractor beam was shut off. Hera opened her cockpit, and climbed out, when she stood up on the platform, her head started spinning. The flight crew tech caught her as she started to fall,
"We need the medics.".
Apollo watched as the Base-star was coming into range of the heavy laser cannons.
"Open fire when in range. I want a firing solution for the missiles, and positive shields now."
The bridge crew followed the orders and soon the Galactica was firing on the Base-star. Omega spoke as the Galactica took a glancing hit from the Mega-Pulsar.
"All missiles ready Commander.".
"FIRE.", Apollo shouted as the Galactica took another partial hit.
Two missiles launched from the Galactica, and speeded toward the Base-star.
"Evasive course, lets get some distance between us.".
The helm officer followed Apollo's order and was steering the Galactica away from the Base-star.
Athena saw the Galactica launch her missiles. The Base-star that she had chosen was unable to fire it's Mega-Pulsars, so they were able to move in closer.
"Do we have a firing solution Boomer?".
"Locked and ready, Commander.",
"Fire missiles. Helm, get some distance between us, now.".
The Pegasus fired two missiles at the Base-star and quickly changed course. All four Anti-capital ship missiles were on course, and struck the Base-stars at their most vulnerable point, between the saucer sections. 40 megatons of explosive force hit each of the Base-stars, and the whole area was filled with a massive burst of white light. Both of the Battlestars were hit by the EMP wave of the explosions, and suffered system disruptions and damage from flying debris. By being farther away, when the blast wave hit the Victory, her shields were able to withstand the blast.
Baltar saw the two Base-stars explode, and was shaken a little by the blast wave. But he also saw that the Galactica and the Pegasus were damaged by the blasts. He left his chambers and rushed to central command.
"Move in and finish off the Battlestars now.".
"By your command." the gold centurion responded.
Baltar's Base-star was starting to close with the Battlestars. The turrets on the Base-star were able to destroy the few mines that were still between them and the Battlestars.
"How soon until we're in range?",
"Five centons.".
"It all ends here. First target the Battlsestars, and then the third ship.".
"By your command.".
The main scanners on the Galactica and the Pegasus were down, and both Apollo and Athena knew that Baltar would be coming for them. Both Commanders had their damage control people working to get the ships sighted and moving again. On the Victory, Captain Eison saw the explosions, and rode out the blast wave.
"Helm, get us between the Base-star and the Battlestars. We need to by them some time.".
"Aye sir, changing course.".
On the bridge of the TCS Bostonia, Admiral Wilford watched the battle unfold on scanners. He saw the enemy fighters were being destroyed, and then watched as the two Base-stars took massive damage from the mines.
"The Tolwyn maneuver, a classic.", then he saw the fighter sweeps and the torpedo runs.
He watched as the two Battlestars started to move in on the damaged Base-stars. The explosions he saw were huge, and he looked at the scanner feed. He saw that the Battlestars were badly damaged, and that the last Base-star was starting to move forward, he also saw the Victory moving between the Battlestars and the Base-star.
"Time to intercept helm?",
"Six minutes sir.".
He looked at the comm. tech, who opened a fleet wide signal.
"All carriers launch all fighters. All other ships increase to flank speed and attack when ordered. Let's go save those brave SOB'S.".
The Confed ships increased their speeds, and were in range in less than 3 minutes.
On the bridge of the Victory, the sensor ops officer called to Captain Eison.
"Sir, I'm getting 12 new incoming contacts. Their broadcasting Confed Friend or Foe signals sir. It's the task force."
Just then Rollins got a call on Confed secure channel, which he put on the over head speakers.
"This is Task Force Perry. Do you need assistance. Over.".
A cheer went through the entire bridge, but Eison quieted them down. He recognized the caller as Captain Daniels on the Excelsior.
"Task Force Perry, this is TCS Victory, and yes, we could use some assistance. It's good to see you Jakoub.".
"It's good to see you to William.".
In the central command of the Base-star, the command centurion spoke to Baltar.
"Twelve new contacts are on scanners.".
Baltar looked at the centurion, "From where?".
"The contacts are closing in rapidly from behind us.".
Baltar was in shock, "Where did these ships come from?" he thought.
"The ships are ordering us to surrender sir. What are your orders?".
Baltar was now walking around the command room, "This can't be. The colonials don't have this many Capital ships. This has to be a trick. It has to be a trick.".
Lucifer looked at him, "What are your orders Lord Baltar?".
"We must escape Lucifer, so we can warn the Imperious Leader.".
Lucifer looked at the centurion, "Set course for the nearest jump corridor point. Maximum speed. Fire on any ships that come into range.".
"By your command.".
The Confed ships where in range, "Any response to the surrender order Comm.."
"No sir Admiral.".
The tactical officer spoke, "Admiral, the Base-star appears to be changing course sir.".
Admiral Wilford got on the fleet comm., "Well we tried the diplomatic approach. All ships FIRE. And watch out for the Mega-Pulsars.".
The Base-star was then hit by an Alpha strike from all 5 Destroyers and the 2 Frigates and the 2 Cruisers. The 20 Matter/Antimatter blasts tore through their shields and opened massive holes in multiple sections of the Base-star. This was followed by the attack runs of the fighters and bombers. The attacks were tearing the Base-star apart, because of the Intel from the colonials, the gunners on the Confed ships knew exactly where to target the Base-star to do the most damage. Soon the Base-star had multiple fires burning in all of it's sections.
On board the Base-star, Lucifer reviewed the damage reports and then walked over to Baltar.
"It is obvious that we can't defeat these humans, or outrun them. We have suffered to much damage. We must destroy the Base-star."
Baltar looked at him, "Are you mad, you can't destroy the Base-star. We won't be able to destroy the colonials if you do that.".
It was obvious to Lucifer that Baltar was completely out of his mind. He sent a signal to the command centurion. The gold centurion came up behind Baltar and pulled out his sword. Lucifer looked at Baltar.
"Lord Baltar, I have waited 25 yahren for this.".
Baltar was looking at Lucifer, when he felt a sudden pain. He looked down at his chest, and saw the tip of a sword sticking out from his ribs. His last thought was of Adama. Adama was laughing at him, and the laughing was getting louder and louder. Lucifer turned and was walking to the central control panel as Baltar's lifeless body fell to the floor. He activated the self destruct device, and a 100 megaton solonite charge detonated in the central core. The blast instantly vaporized the Base-star, and the resultant EMP wave hit the Confed ships. Their shields took most of the damage, but the closer ships were damaged by the blast. Most of the confed fighters were able to outrun the shockwave, but a few were badly damaged by the blast.