CHAPTER THIRTEEN
In PEGASUS CIC, Tolen and Sanders watched the viewscreen as the damaged bulk of the heavy cruiser TANTALUS closed in on the docked PEGASUS and CEREBRUS.
"Her condition doesn't look good, does it?" Sanders opined. Tolen nodded.
"The GUARDIAN-class are supposed to be able to take a lot of punishment, so it looks like the TANTALUS bit off more than she can chew. When we get their damage control report, we'll soon find out, but judging from first appearances, she was lucky to escape her last battle", Tolen replied.
On the TANTALUS, the helm officer had carefully set a course for the bottom-side of the CEREBRUS. Luckily, the maneuvering thrusters on the heavy cruiser were still operational.
When the TANTALUS had come into visual range of the PEGASUS – docked with the CEREBRUS – cheers had erupted on the TANTALUS CIC. Colonel Wright and Major Gale shook hands and let the CIC personnel blow off steam at the sight.
"Well, Ensign", Wright said to Anderson, "That truly is a sight for sore eyes. Seeing two legends of the Colonial Fleet is much more that we could have hoped for".
"I'm sure that Commander Cain feels the same way about encountering the TANTALUS, Colonel", Anderson replied.
"Excuse me, Colonel", the communications officer - Petty Officer Paula Markesan – said, "Commander Cain is on the scrambler".
"Yes, Commander?" Wright said into the scrambler commlink.
"I've been informed by my people on the CEREBRUS that the life station personnel and extra damage control teams are standing by at the bottom-side airlock", Cain stated, "While we take care of your wounded and battle damage, I would like you and your XO to come on board the PEGASUS at your earliest convenience. We have a lot to talk about".
"Understood, Commander", Wright acknowledged.
The final moments before docking seemed like hours, but it was actually only a few minutes. TANTALUS' helm officer expertly brought the TANTALUS in below the CEREBRUS. Activating their docking collar, Helm gently brought the heavy cruiser up and into the CEREBRUS' docking port.
A slight shudder indicated to all present that the docking had been completed. Helm shut down the maneuvering thrusters. The three warships were now attached, looking like a giant sandwich: the TANTALUS and PEGASUS being the 'bread' while the CEREBRUS made up the 'filling'.
"Commander", Markesan reported, "our party at the docking bay reports full integrity on the docking bay latches. They are requesting permission to open the hatch".
"Do so", Wright ordered, "and have Doctor Sedona transfer over the most serious cases".
"Yes, Sir", Markesan acknowledged.
Wright turned to face Anderson and Trelawney.
"Looks like we'd better get you back to your base ship, Gentlemen", Wright stated, "If you will accompany Major Gale and myself…"
"Yes, Colonel", Anderson replied.
"Comms!" Wright said to Captain Fawcett, "You have CIC. Co-ordinate with Damage Control and make use of the PEGASUS personnel coming over to help".
"Yes, Colonel", Fawcett acknowledged, saluting.
With that, Wright, Gale, Anderson, and Trelawney left CIC, heading topside to the docking bay now connected to the CEREBRUS.
A few minutes walk got them to the docking bay. They had to pass a few damage control teams, but all four of them could see that PEGASUS personnel were already on board.
"This is really great, Ensign Anderson", Gale commented, "Not exactly a fleet dry-dock, but these days, we'll take anything that's offered!"
As they walked through the docking bay, the four came across Captain Engle, who had just come down from the CEREBRUS' bridge.
Wright saluted the colonial seal on the bulkhead beside Engle, and then saluted Engle.
"Commanding Officer of the heavy cruiser TANTALUS requesting permission to board the Battlestar CEREBRUS, Sir", Wright formally requested.
"Granted, Sir", Engle replied, "I'm Captain Engle, Senior Salvaging Officer for the CEREBRUS. Commander Cain asked me to get you over to the PEGASUS as quickly as possible".
"I gathered that", Wright said dryly, "This is my XO, Major Gale", he introduced.
Wright saluted Gale, who returned the salute, then extended his hand. Wright shook it.
"And I believe that you already know these two gentlemen", Wright added, referring to Anderson and Trelawney.
Wright nodded, smiling. He shook both of their hands.
"Our vipers are back down in the landing bay, Captain", Anderson reported, "so we'll have to get them back to the PEGASUS before CAG rips us a new rear end".
"I don't think that CAG will overly mind", Engle replied, "but both of you are to report to him for debriefing before you do anything else".
Engle then turned his attention back to Wright and Gale.
"Sirs, if you will follow me?" he requested. Nodding, Wright and Gale followed Engle while Anderson and Trelawney walked behind.
"Where are your salvage parties, Captain?" Wright asked as they walked through the CEREBRUS, "I thought that you were busy on board her".
"When the TANTALUS came on the scene", Engle replied, "Commander Cain directed all spare personnel on the CEREBRUS to drop everything in order to assist your ship. I heard that she had suffered some battle damage".
"More than a little", Wright replied, "but we're glad that you're here".
The party entered an elevator, which quickly took them up to the topside of the CEREBRUS.
"The PEGASUS' power is helping power the CEREBRUS at the moment", Engle explained, "Both the CEREBRUS' main energizers are beyond repair though the auxiliary energizer is working tolerably well".
"I'm impressed that the CEREBRUS looks okay, by and large", Wright said.
"Commander Tyler tried to FTL the CEREBRUS in its final battle, but at the moment the FTL activated, she was hit by a large amount of Cylon ordinance, causing an overload of the CEREBRUS' systems and flinging her away out here in the Erenkoy Sector", Engle explained, "Structurally, the CEREBRUS is sound - battle damage notwithstanding - but the trashed energizers are something we can't fix out here.
"And her crew?" Wright asked.
"By the time of that last FTL, most of the crew had abandoned ship. There were fifty remaining corpses found on board by us. They evidentially decided that since they could not abandon ship due to the power loss, and that they were in remote space with no hope of returning or rescue, to introduce Carbon Monoxide into the ship's atmosphere".
"A hell of a way for Commander Tyler to go", Wright commented quietly.
"His body was the last one removed from the CEREBRUS. Once things are completed here, we are intending to bury him and the other CEREBRUS crewmen with full honors", Engle explained.
At that moment, the elevator opened. All five officers exited the elevator car. With Engle leading, the party walked for a minute down a passageway, and then entered the topside primary docking bay of the CEREBRUS.
"Well, let's get over to the PEGASUS", Engle said, gesturing to the open docking port.
The party entered the docking port and walked through to the PEGASUS. Waiting for them there was Colonel Tolen. Wright smiled. He remembered Tolen from earlier and happier times.
"Commanding officer of the TANTALUS requesting permission to come aboard the PEGASUS, Sir", Wright said formally to Tolen as he saluted.
"Permission granted, Sir", Tolen said before abruptly dropping his salute and holding out his hand to Wright with a broad smile on his face.
"Geoff!" Wright exclaimed, taking the hand, and then hugging his old friend, "long time, no see!"
"You too, Dave!" Tolen replied. Breaking the hug, he looked fondly at his friend.
"So, commanding a heavy cruiser now, huh?" Tolen said, "and here am I just a measly XO".
"Yeah, of a battlestar!" Wright replied, "a little bit bigger than my bucket!"
Wright turned and gestured to his XO.
"Geoff, this is the XO of the TANTALUS, Major Samuel Gale", Wright introduced.
Tolen returned Gale's salute, and then shook his hand.
"Welcome aboard, Major Gale", Tolen greeted, "Well, Commander Cain is expecting you both, so please follow me up to CIC. He's waiting for you there".
"Excuse me, XO", Anderson said, "We have to report to CAG for debriefing".
"Then you'd better get going, Ensign", Tolen replied, "Besides, Captain Syke will probably want you to bring his vipers back".
Quickly saluting Tolen, Anderson and Trelawney headed over towards Silver Spar Wing HQ.
"Thanks for taking care of them, Dave", Tolen said as they started to head over to a transporter.
"My pleasure, Geoff", Wright replied. Wright took the time to look around.
"Commander Cain runs a tight ship, doesn't he?" Wright asked, "It all looks like the PEGASUS is ready to stand a full fleet inspection".
"He reminds us that we are a military unit and not a bunch of bushwhackers", Tolen replied, "and since we know of other fleet survivors, then we maintain things according to fleet regulations".
"So does Captain Tillman", Wright replied.
"The HYPERION survived as well?" Tolen asked, recognizing Tillman's name.
"Yes, along with the Battlecruiser TRINITY and a number of civilian ships", Wright answered, "though its been thirty days since we were last with them".
"Still, that's going to make some people on this ship very happy", Tolen said as they boarded a transporter.
"Apart from Commander Cain, you mean?" Wright asked as the transporter moved off.
"Shaker Roberts commands the PROTECTOR-class Battlecruiser TRINITY, doesn't he?" Tolen asked.
"That's correct", Wright confirmed.
"Then he'll be pleased to know that his son is here on the PEGASUS, along with the rest of the PACIFICA strike wing – The Black Knights", Tolen explained.
"Oh, he's going to like that news!" Wright confirmed, "So the Black Knights managed to avoid sharing the fate of the PACIFICA, eh?"
"Yep, and they and Silver Spar Wing have been doing well keeping the PEGASUS going", Tolen said as the transporter stopped.
Stepping out of the transporter, Tolen, Wright, and Gale entered an elevator. The elevator closed and started to move.
"Do either of you happen to know a pilot by the name of Ensign Thomas Sanders, by the way?" Tolen asked.
"I do", Gale replied, "He's assigned to the Eagle Strike Wing on board the HYPERION".
"Then perhaps you should take the time to get acquainted with the PEGASUS Comms", Tolen said, "His name is Major Glen Sanders. Ensign Sanders is his brother".
"Good news all around, I think", Wright said as the elevator stopped. Tolen lead the other two out and – after a short walk – entered the CIC of the Battlestar PEGASUS.
The personnel on duty in CIC broke into applause as the newcomers entered. Tolen raised his hand to quell the applause. Cain walked up to the party.
"Colonel David Wright of the heavy cruiser TANTALUS", Tolen formally announced, "This is Commander Garris Cain of the Battlestar PEGASUS".
"Welcome aboard the PEGASUS, Colonel", Cain said as he shook Wright's hand.
"Thank you, Commander", Wright said formally, "I bid you the regards not only of my ship, but also those of the Battlestar HYPERION and the Battlecruiser TRINITY".
"They survived?" Cain inquired. At the mention of the HYPERION, Major Sanders walked up.
"Yes, both of them have survived, and as of thirty-two days ago, they are protecting a number of civilian ships in the Hatari Sector", Wright answered.
"Excuse me. I'm Major Sanders, Colonel", Sanders said, "You mentioned the HYPERION?"
"Yes, Major, and Colonel Tolen asked me about your brother", Wright replied, "My XO - Major Gale - can tell you about him".
"He's alive, Major", Gale said, "and he's still flying vipers off the HYPERION along with the rest of the Eagles".
Sanders beamed at the news. His younger brother was alive and well!
"Well, Comms", Cain said, "I guess that makes your day, doesn't it?"
"Yes, sir!" Sanders replied.
"You have CIC, Mr. Sanders", Cain announced next, "the XO and I will be chatting with our guests in the conference room".
"Understood, Commander", Sanders acknowledged.
Gale handed Sanders a disc, explaining, "This is the initial damage control report from the TANTALUS, Comms. A full report should be forthcoming shortly".
"We'll see what we can do for your ship, Major", Sanders said as he took the disc.
Leaving Sanders and CIC, Cain led Tolen, Wright, and Gale over to the conference room just off from CIC. As they entered, Cain gestured to the seats around the large table. Wright, and Gale sat down while Tolen went over to a servitor on a side table and poured drinks for their guests.
After passing out the drinks, Tolen sat down. Cain did likewise.
"I guess that you two have a lot to tell me. We also have a lot to tell you. In the one-hundred-odd days since the loss of the colonies, the PEGASUS has been through quite a few scrapes, but we have come out of it okay".
"And not just your PEGASUS too", Wright said.
"You know about the GOLIATH?" Cain asked.
"That old battle-cruiser?" Wright said, "No. That one survived as well?"
"Not only survived, we have been in regular contact with her, and a fleet tender – the WARLOCK – that has been swapping supplies between us", Cain said, "Matthew Hawke is giving the tin-heads grief while we try to find the GALACTICA".
"More good news", Wright said, "and that explains who has been doing those hit-and-run missions against the tin-heads back at the colonies. But I was actually referring to the intended replacement for this ship – the MERC-class PEGASUS. Your cousin Admiral Cain managed to save that new ship from destruction. And it's somewhere out in space".
Cain's expression was blank at the news. He should be happy at the news of another colonial capital ship surviving, he knew, but given that it was his cousin Helena, and that the warship was the new PEGASUS, it brought back old resentments.
"How did you know about this?" Tolen asked, trying to hide his concern for Commander Cain's silence.
"Shortly before we came under attack, we had received a message drone from the TRINITY. Thanks to the battle, a lot of the data was lost, but the portion of what we had recovered said that our Task Force had come across some civilian ships", Wright explained, then paused.
"Go on", Cain said, recognizing the hesitation in Wright's voice.
"The drone's data after that was fragmented, but there seems to be indications of Admiral Cain stripping those ships of parts and personnel", he added quietly.
Cain slowly nodded. Given his cousin's ruthless streak, that last piece of information wasn't all that surprising.
"Well, if we come across Admiral Cain, then we'll tackle those issues", Cain said at last, "but the important thing at the moment is your ship, plus making contact with the HYPERION task force. We'll concentrate on those for the time being".
"Very well, Commander", Wright replied.
For the next hour-and-a-half, Wright and Gale spoke about the HYPERION task force and it's last known disposition after which Cain and Tolen talked some about what they had been through.
"Well, that explains about what happened to Molecay, plus the rescue mission we had some intel about. You actually have a peregrine gunship on board?" Wright asked.
"One of the last remaining two", Cain replied, "It has certainly come in handy".
"From what you told me about that Cylon asteroid, I fully concur", Wright answered, "and its good to hear that the tin-heads are not sure who you are. That must be driving them crazy".
"Some of what we found out about them has been driving us crazy as well", Tolen said, "these humanoid Cylons for example, not to mention biologically engineered ships".
"This intelligence will be valuable for Admiral Tillman, that's for sure", Wright said, "so the sooner that the TANTALUS can be repaired, the sooner we can get back to the HYPERION".
Just then, a buzzer sounded from the closed door. Tolen got up and opened it. Major Sanders was standing outside.
"Permission to enter?" Sanders asked.
"Come in, Comms", Cain replied.
Sanders entered, carrying some forms. He did not look happy.
"What's up, Comms", Cain asked.
"I've gotten the follow-up damage report on the TANTALUS, Commander", Sanders said.
"And…?" Wright asked.
"It doesn't look like your ship will be able to be restored to battleworthy condition, Colonel. She is too badly damaged. FTL-ing her again will cause her to disintegrate".