Up in the conference room on the apex of the space elevator, Number One read the post-combat report once more. Number Seven - who had delivered the report - was watching her digest the unpleasant information contained in it. The human emotion of anger was starting to emerge as she absorbed the information from the report and she struggled to contain it:
TWO BASE STARS HEAVILY DAMAGED BY NUCLEAR MISSILE STRIKE FROM HUMAN BATTLESTAR IN PROMAR SECTOR CO-ORDINATES 139-890. BATTLESTAR ONLY SUFFERED MINOR DAMAGE BEFORE LEAVING SCENE OF BATTLE. NO POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF BATTLESTAR COULD BE MADE. METHOD OF DELIVERY OF NUCLEAR MISSILES UNKNOWN. ADDITIONAL FTL-JUMP NOTED FROM SURVIVING RAIDERS TWO MINUTES AFTER BATTLESTAR MADE ITS FTL-JUMP - SHIP TYPE UNKNOWN. NO FURTHER CONTACTS REPORTED SINCE BATTLESTAR LEFT SECTOR. AWAITING ORDERS.
"What is the extent of the damage to those units?", Number One asked Number Seven. Number Seven immediately heard the undertone of suppressed rage in One's voice when she asked the question.
"Both Base Stars were hit with at least two ten-kiloton warheads. Both were hit at the control deck. Damage repair will take a considerable amount of time", he replied quietly, "In addition, we lost thirty-three raiders to the battlestars' viper squadrons. We were hit hard by these humans".
"So you know where those base stars were hit, with what, but not how", she said, making it sound like a statement instead of a question.
"The problem is harder to solve in that a base star's control deck is where the intelligence directorate gathers information. When the warheads took out the control deck areas of both ships, it destroyed what data they collected. The only intelligence that we could get was from several of the surviving raiders", Number Seven explained.
"And the destroyed human vipers?", Number One inquired,"any intelligence we can get out of those?".
"Six viper type sevens were destroyed, judging from the wreckage found. The corpses had no identifiers on their uniforms and the fighters had all of their identifier numbers removed as well", Seven replied, "also, intercepted wireless transmissions only provided code names - none of which we have on our database".
One considered what Seven had said for a few minutes, then said, "Okay, this all took place in the Promar Sector, where we know that the GALACTICA and the convoy of human survivors fled to after escaping from Ragnar, so it could very well be the GALACTICA our base stars engaged, but none of the raiders reported seeing any other human ships apart from the vipers".
"Yes, Number One", Seven answered, "and there are other anomalies. For example, all of the wrecked vipers were of the type seven variant, and the telemetry we did secure from the surviving raiders indicated that the battlestar deployed two fighter wings - all of them type seven. We know for a fact that the GALACTICA at Ragnar used primarily older vipers of the type two variant, so if this is the GALACTICA, why were the type twos not used?".
"You think that this could be the rogue battlestar that's been giving us so much trouble?", Number One asked.
"Possibly, but I'm not sure, Number One", Seven replied, "It could be that there were a lot of type Sevens that the GALACTICA chose not to deploy at the battle at Ragnar due to our ability to shut most of them down. If so, then it would be logical to assume that their software had been changed since then so that they would no longer be vulnerable, and thus be able to be deployed".
Number One considered what Number Seven had said. There was no reason to think that this rogue battlestar was in the same sector as the GALACTICA, but if it was the GALACTICA, then why would Adama pursue such aggressive tactics? It would leave the human civilian ships vulnerable. Plus the fact that the identifiers were gone from both the vipers and corpses of the pilots indicated that there was something that was being very carefully kept hidden from their intelligence. If indeed the rogue battlestar was in the Promar Sector, it could really cause a disruption in their hunting down of the GALACTICA. She looked at Seven.
"Recommendations?", she demanded.
"Without being positive of the identification of the battlestar, I'm loathe to suggest we detach more units in the Promar Sector from chasing down the GALACTICA in an effort to find it", Seven answered, "Besides, the increased raider patrols from our task forces were what found them. They can find them again without having to divert additional base stars. If it is the GALACTICA, then Adama is resorting to reckless hit-and-run tactics which will not only expend his fuel and ammunition quicker, but expose the human convoy to discovery and destruction. If it is the rogue battlestar, then when it makes it's rendezvous with this other group of survivors from the destroyed battlestar ITHACA, we can deal with it - and the peregrine - at that time".
Number One nodded. Number Seven did make a lot of sense. But there was still something that had to be found out.
"We need to know how the humans managed to detonate those nuclear warheads at the precise location where they did the most harm, despite the counter-battery fire that those base stars were putting out. We also need to know if that other FTL-exit that our raiders detected had anything to do with it. Find out, Seven", she ordered.
"By your command", Seven replied.
The party in the o-club had finally died down. Most of the pilots had celebrated their recent victory in grand style over the last few hours, and now they wanted to get some sleep before getting back to the business of being pilots. Hunter had managed to get a good look at the heavily damaged ships before returning - with Benson and Tomlinson in tow - to point 'Quasar', which was several systems away from the battle. His images of the heavily damaged base stars made for quite a celebration.
The party had finally finished with Syke offering a toast to the absent Captain Logan Masters, whose battle plan had made the victory possible. The end result was that those two base stars would be laid up for repair for a good long time - if they didn't end up getting scuttled, that is.
"Thanks for allowing the party, Commander", Voight had said to Cain when the initial celebrations had quieted some.
Cain replied, "Hey, it isn't every day that we manage to give the tin-heads hell. You all deserve to celebrate, though of course, we still have to stay alert...", he finished off. Voight nodded. Despite the victory, they were still alone in hostile space. That meant not being complacent. Hunter and Sims were the center of attention as it was their peregrine piloting skills that had made the victory possible. Cain had thought about it all since their arrival at Point 'Quasar'.
Earlier that afternoon, at the combined wings combat debriefing, Cain and Tolen were going over the reports of both the battle, and of Gorde's recon probe whose discovery had resulted in the battle . Gorde's data had painted a not-so-rosy picture for this sector.
"According to your scanner data, Newguy", Sanders said, "there was nothing there in that area of space. No planets, or ships of any kind".
"I'm afraid that's the case, Comms", Gorde replied, "There was no reason why those raiders were there".
"Unless they are running more aggressive patrols", Cain interjected, "because as we well know, the GALACTICA is somewhere in this sector and the tin-heads are trying to hunt it, and the other civilian vessels down".
"Well, at least one of their task forces won't be joining in the hunt for a while", Syke said, "the damage we inflicted on those two base stars will take some heat off the GALACTICA - even more so if the tin-heads think we're them".
"Unfortunately, CAG", one of the pilots present at the debriefing said, "that puts more of the heat on us. The tin-heads won't be taking the loss of two base stars lightly".
"Should we not go ahead with the P.V.S. then?", another pilot asked, "after all, we lost a half-dozen vipers and giving the GOLIATH eighteen of our reserve ships is going to leave us a little thin on spares".
"The P.V.S. is going ahead", Cain said emphatically, "because the GOLIATH needs the squadron more than we do. Our remaining reserve craft will be utilized to cover our losses. True, it is a major contribution from our reserve, but we have more than enough vipers left in both wings to do the job". He then turned and nodded to his daughter, who stood up.
"The memorial services for the lost pilots will take place tomorrow at 1000", Tricia announced, "Black Knight Wing's will be in starboard bay five and Silver Spar Wing's will be in Port bay two. Those of you not on standby are expected to attend", she finished quietly.
That news quieted the assembled pilots. Four pilots from Black Knight Wing and Two from Silver Spar Wing had been killed in the recent battle. True, they had destroyed a lot more raiders, but still, it was an unpleasant facet of this war.
"For those who volunteered, thank you for doing so. The final list of pilots for the P.V.S. will be announced within the next forty hours", Cain then stated, drawing the assembled pilots attention away from brooding about their earlier losses. Ensign Vansen had brought back the volunteer list to Syke earlier. Thirty names from Silver Spar Wing were on the list. Voight had mentioned to him earlier that Black Knight Wing had twenty-seven volunteers on their list of hopefuls. That meant that both Syke and Voight would have to choose the final eighteen from the fifty-seven hopefuls as soon as possible.
After dismissing the pilots from the debriefing, Cain gestured to Syke and Voight to remain behind. When the others had all left the room, he said, "Not only will I need the final eighteen who will fly the new squadron's vipers, but I will need to know which raptor crew will be detached, Captain Syke. Also, I will want both of you to make a recommendation on who will command the squadron once the list is finalized".
Both Syke and Voight nodded. Cain stood.
"Then I'll leave it in your hands. Let your respective deputies take care of the memorial services as getting the P.V.S. up and running will take priority, as far as you're concerned. Good day, Gentlemen", Cain concluded as he left the room.
Both Syke and Voight looked at each other and shrugged. Clutching their respective wing's lists, they headed out and back to their admin areas to start going through the lists. Both of them knew that the new squadron would need to take maximum advantage of the time before the main rendezvous to train as a unit, hence the necessity to finalize the squadron personnel listing.
Up in CIC, Sanders was acting as Officer of the Watch when Cain walked in. Sanders saluted and quickly gave Cain a run-down of the repairs to the PEGASUS from the battle damage caused by the missile that broke through the defensive counter-battery fire. The prognosis was good as there were no critical systems damage and that there were plenty of spare parts to repair those systems that had been damaged.
Cain gave Sanders two discs. He said, "The first one is a transcript of the debrief, which I need you to go through when you get a chance. The second is a communication for Commander Hawke. Please ensure that it is encrypted and loaded into the probe's database in time for the next dispatch".
"Yes, Commander", Sanders replied. Cain noticed that Sanders really did go the extra mile in ensuring that his instructions were carried out. He never seemed to get a break at all. He decided to rectify that.
"Both wings are having a victory bash down in the o-club shortly, Comms", Cain said, "and since you played a big role in helping get CORONA set up, that means you deserve to attend it".
"But what about the watch and the debrief disc, Commander?", Sanders pointed out, "Besides, a lot of others played a part in the success of the attack...".
"Consider it an order from me to you to attend, Gle", Cain said quietly with a smile, "Lieutenant Annan is perfectly capable of watching CIC, and you do need to take a break at least once in a while".
Sanders knew that Cain was right, but it didn't feel right to take a break, given his position. Still, he heard the insistence in Cain's voice and knew that it was pointless to argue. Besides, Annan was an able officer and this would be her first watch as Senior Officer of the Watch.
"Thank you, Commander", Sanders said.
Now, several hours later, the party had finally petered out. Everyone present - including Sanders - had relaxed and enjoyed the buffet supper set out by the catering officer. It made for a great way for the pilots and the other guests to let off some steam and relax. And Cain was right: Syke had singled Sanders out for special thanks, along with Chief Krag, Lieutenant Hunter and Ensign Sims for the success of CORONA. Several toasts were drunk to all four of them.
The party was also a dance affair. Syke and Tricia had made good use of the dance floor throughout the evening - along with Krag and Lt. Halley. The fact that these four were involved romantically was very much an open secret among the gathered pilots and other participants, but by unspoken consent, no-one chose to comment upon it. They were all professionals and everyone knew that they would do their jobs well and not let their personal feelings interfere with their responsibilities.
"Well, most everybody has decided to hit the sack", Syke said to Tricia, gesturing to the now almost-empty club, "so I guess we'd better do likewise". Tricia nodded. Both Syke and Voight were pleased that everyone did heed their suggestion earlier not to stay up too late celebrating. After all, they had to resume normal duties as soon as possible.
As Syke and Tricia walked out of the club along with the few others who had remained, Syke turned to the catering officer - who was now starting to clear things up with some of the mess orderlies - and said, "Thanks Brian, everyone really appreciated what you and your boys went through to make this an enjoyable party".
Lieutenant Brian Bowles replied, "No problem, CAG. There needed to be something to celebrate. Knocking the snot out of two base stars seemed a pretty good reason to me, and thanks to the recent food shipment from the GOLIATH, there was plenty to go around". Bowles was a former viper pilot who had been medically grounded after a bad crash eighteen months previously. He never complained about no longer being able to fly and being a former pilot meant being able to have a 'feel' for what the other pilots needed. Plus the fact that he was also an accomplished chef made for excellent meals at his hands.
Syke and Tricia both laughed. Saying, "Thanks again", both of them left. While both of them would have preferred going to either his or her quarters together, they knew that Syke would have to return to duty in six hours and that Tricia would need time to get the memorial service organized.
"Have a good night, Gene", Tricia said as she hugged and kissed him.
Syke returned the embrace and kiss, replying, "We'll have more time together soon, Tricia. I'll see you tomorrow after the service, okay?".
Tricia nodded. She knew that Syke had to get the list of pilots for the P.V.S. pared down as quickly as possible, so he would not be present at the service. Breaking the embrace, she headed back to her quarters. Syke watched her go, then headed to his quarters to get at least a few hours sleep before having to return to duty.