Syke had been rather less than pleased to find out - when he had returned to wing admin - that Tricia had decided to go down and man one of the fighters in 'Ratchet' Halley's squadron as part of the Condition Two alert. He immediately ordered Ensign Vansen to issue a recall for her and to have her report back up to Admin immediately.
"Damn it, Sheba!", Syke exclaimed when she came back into the Admin annex five minutes after receiving the recall, "I don't have a deputy CAG just for the purpose of sneaking out on every little alert. When I'm not present, you need to be here running the wing!".
"Calm down, Bojay", Tricia replied, "Ratchet had informed me that two of her pilots are in sick bay - down with 'flu - and that her squadron was short handed. As Jet was here, I used my command discretion and made myself available".
"You could have assigned Jet instead of yourself", Syke said, referring to Vansen, "and as a matter of fact", he then said, turning to Vansen, "get your flight gear on and report to Ratchet, Jet".
"Okay, CAG", Vansen said, smiling. He headed straight out of the annex with a broad smile on his face.
"You can cease that annoyed look, Sheba", Syke said to Tricia after Vansen closed the door, "I'm going to needing you for another task".
With that, Syke filled her in about what Gorde had discovered on the asteroid. Tricia calmed down from her initial annoyance as Syke outlined Cain's decision to insert a platoon of marines onto the surface of the asteroid with the FLEET AVENGER, and that Silver Spar wing would be assigned to make sure that the armored Cylon freighter cum warship would not be in a position to either mess up the mission, or to escape and get reinforcements.
"So you see the situation we're in", Syke said when he finished his briefing, "Silver Spar will be taking on something pretty well-armed and we'll have to come up with a plan to ensure that we don't get our butts kicked".
"Dragon may already have something we can use in his list of op plans, Bojay", Tricia replied after a few seconds of silence. She reached for the hard copy of the op plan lists that Masters had drawn up. She quickly scanned through the titles and drew out one of the sheets. The code word ANVIL was broadly stamped upon it.
Syke looked through the op plan. He saw immediately that it was geared ideally for the peregrine to use for distracting a base star, but he realized that it could be converted for a raptor...
"Let's get Newguy and Snoopy up here", Syke said to Tricia, "I think it's time we acquainted them with ANVIL".
Down in the admin area adjoining the barracks area that was devoted to 'Nebula Force', Lieutenant Howe was already picking out the forty marines from the contingent of one hundred and twenty marines that he had available to them. Sergeant Haig nodded with satisfaction with the choices that Howe was making. As this mission would be an on surface combat recon, they were going to need the most experienced.
After Howe had given Haig the final list, he went over to the P.A. system and issued a call for the forty marines. As the PEGASUS was on a Condition Two alert, several of them were at alert stations, but Haig got other marines to relieve them so that they could come down to the briefing room.
Within twelve minutes, all forty of the selected marines were assembled in the briefing room. Howe was at the door, checking off their names as they entered. All of them were at 'seats attention' position, meaning seated upright in their seats looking straight forward.
"Room, Attent-HUN!", Haig roared as Howe walked into the room. All forty stood to attention.
"Seats at ease", Howe ordered as he walked to the front of the room. He looked at the faces of the marines in front of him.
"In a little under nine hours, we will be deployed down onto the surface of a Cylon-occupied asteroid", Howe said by way of introduction. That got the marines' attention. Over the next twenty minutes, while Howe briefed them on the discovery of the mine and Cain's suspicions about it, a screen behind Howe displayed the sensor data from Gorde's raptor. The layout of the complex and the surrounding landscape was clear for all to see. After the data had finished displaying, Howe looked at his marines again, looking to see if they had properly absorbed the data that they were given.
"Permission to speak, Six? ", Corporal Lance Jones asked, referring to Howe's callsign of 'Nebula Six'. Howe nodded.
"Judging from this data, the size of this asteroid, plus if the commander's theory of a trap is correct, this is going to preclude a close-in drop, necessitating our landing zone a fair distance away. So how are we going to be able to get to this complex to do a comprehensive recon, given the fact that our combat space suits' mission radius is rather restricted?". Jones was referring to the fact that a combat suit was not something that a person could do long marches on.
"I was just getting to that, Corporal", Howe replied, "As you know, the peregrine will be taking us down to the surface, but there will also be a converted landram on board. The peregrine will land as close as possible, then the landram will be taking us most of the rest of the way. Our mission is more than recon. If the situation warrants it, we take out the tin heads and render the complex safe for shuttles to pick up the mined minerals".
"That means the landram will have to take enough materiel in order to assure that we can take out the complex's defenses, and since the sensor data could not locate anything obvious, that means we have to assume the worst case and take all we can carry. That makes the landram a rather dangerous vehicle as it's not armored like an APC", Jones pointed out.
Howe really liked Jones' way of thinking. He really should have been an officer, but when he had offered to endorse a request to Marine HQ for him to attend OCS, Jones politely declined, stating that he didn't want to block the careers of more deserving officers. Howe knew then that Jones rated zero for ambition. Like countless NCO's like him, Jones had found the ideal compromise between power and responsibility.
"Unfortunately, that is true", Howe replied, "but as the landram is being converted to be able to handle more armor protection, it gives us a better chance of surviving any hits, but since we are first and foremost a recon unit, we are trying to avoid combat until the optimum moment. This is what we all have been trained for".
The other marines nodded at this. Like Howe, they valued Jones' opinion, but also knew that Howe would make damn sure that all possible bases were covered.
"The platoon will be divided into three squads. Corporals Jones, March, and Marconi will be the squad leaders, while Sergeant Haig will be the NCO in command. I will be going down with you as well. Lieutenant Souster will command the rest of Nebula Force up here on the PEGASUS", Howe announced.
Second Lieutenant Albert Souster - the executive officer of Nebula Force - nodded his understanding, It was unsaid, but he knew that Howe would expect him to ready the rest of Nebula Force for immediate deployment should Howe call for it.
"Very well", Howe said, "Squad leaders are to report to Sergeant Haig for your squad assignments. The rest of you are to get your gear ready based on the T.O.& E requirements for this type of combat environment. Quartermaster has already been alerted and should have the items ready for us about now in the drill area. Let's hop to it people!".
"Room, Attent HUN!", Haig bellowed. The marines came to attention. Howe walked out, gesturing to Souster to follow him. As Souster followed Howe, Haig called ,"Fall out, let's get going". The marines headed down to the drill area (a large hall used for formal parades) in order to draw their equipment. While the marines were preparing themselves for the mission, Gorde and Dundee were up in the Silver Spar wing admin annex going over the revised ANVIL op plan. At first, Gorde thought that the idea could only have originated from a madman, but since this same 'madman' had come up with the successful CORONA and TOUCHSTONE op plans, he willed himself to slowly go over Masters' plan outline.
"It is feasible", Gorde said at last, "though a raptor doesn't have as much thrust as a peregrine. It's going to push things some".
"I know, and size has to be perfect to allow for both the raptor's thrust and the expected counter-fire from that tin head ship", Syke said, "but given that the FLEET AVENGER is going to be needed down on that asteroid, we don't have many alternative options. Dookie's raptor cannot assist you either as it has to remain in reserve in case your ship gets taken out".
"Then Chief had better get some of his staff onto the raptor so that we can do what needs to be done", Gorde replied. He didn't really care to hear about the reason why the other raptor was not being employed, but with the transferring of two raptors already to the GOLIATH, that left just two raptors on the PEGASUS. One at least had to be kept safe in the event of anything happening to the other.
"That's already under way", Syke said to him, "Now, you'll be deploying one hour ahead of the rest of the force so as to find an appropriate sized target. You already have the flight trajectory data of that so-called freighter. Timing is everything. I know I don't need to remind you of that", Syke concluded.
Nodding, Gorde and Dundee stood and headed out of the annex. They had to check on the modifications that the raptor would need for ANVIL to work.
Now, eight hours later, the modified raptor departed the port side landing bay of the PEGASUS and headed out to start the initial phase of the operation. The PEGASUS had just made a short FTL jump to a position (hopefully) out of range of any sensors that the mine complex may have, but close enough to enable Silver Spar wing to be able to deploy to support the raptor, once it was in position.
"What do you think of the overall plan, Geoff?", Cain asked Tolen as they monitored the raptor's departure from the Core Command console.
"It's a chance. I hope that the freighter doesn't interfere with the marines' mission, but if anyone can pull it off, it's Gorde", Tolen replied. Cain grunted an acknowledgment, then tapped on the shoulder of the Core Command duty operator.
"Set Condition One and give Captain Syke his orders to commence the countdown for deploying his wing", he ordered. Nodding, the technician keyed her communicator to the ship's PA system.
"All hands, Set Condition One throughout the ship. Repeat, Set Condition One", she announced as she activated the alert lights and the klaxon.
As the klaxon sounded, the technician re keyed her mike to the command channel for Silver Spar Wing.
"Actual says to commence countdown" , she announced.
"Acknowledged", Syke replied as he and Tricia grabbed their flight gear and headed out of the annex down to the launch tubes. All three squadrons would be deployed to support the Two Jasons.
In another landing bay, the forty marines selected by Howe for the mission were filing aboard the FLEET AVENGER. All of them were wearing their combat space suits and were carrying a lot of equipment. As Ensign Sims were helping them get their gear stowed on board, Hunter was talking to Howe.
"With the landram on board, there's just enough room for your troops and your equipment, Lieutenant", Hunter said to Howe, "but the landram is only going to be able to carry half of your contingent at a time, what with all of the equipment you have".
"That's part of the plan, pilot", Howe replied, "the first trip will consist of two squads without the heavy equipment. They will be the recon squads. There should be enough room for them in that circumstance". Hunter nodded cautiously.
"And the remaining squad?", Hunter asked, "will they remain with the peregrine?"
"Yes, until the squads report in requesting the rest of the contingent and the equipment. After the first two squads are dropped off, the landram will return to be loaded up for immediate deployment", Howe explained.
"Given our capabilities, it seems to be the best option that we have", Hunter agreed, "Well, you'd better get on board. We'll be lifting off momentarily".
Nodding, Howe entered the peregrine and headed to his seat assignment. Hunter took the time to do a final external check of the FLEET AVENGER, noting that the usual array of scarab and longbow ship to ship missiles had been replaced by two titan deep-penetration ship to ground missiles which Chief Krag had placed on the main hard-points. The peregrine was going into action with a full weight load. Hunter hoped that the designers didn't mess up on their figures. After all, he had never flown a peregrine with this much weight.
He didn't let his unease about the weight show however as he entered the peregrine and headed up to the cockpit. He noticed that Sims had already taken his place at his console. Hunter quickly glanced at the photograph of 'Witch' Sever that he had taped beside his primary sensor screen.
"All set, Coffin?", Hunter asked him.
"They're all settled in, Hondo. We're all set to go", Sims replied. Nodding, Hunter headed to the cockpit and to the pilot's seat. Howe was already sitting at the weapons seat just behind him. He gave Hunter a thumbs up as he passed him and strapped in.
"Don't concern yourself about operating the weapons platform", Hunter said to Howe, "all of the defensive systems are tied in to my controls and the missiles are tied in to Ensign Sim's station".
"Understood, pilot", Howe replied, "I see what you mean about being cramped down there with everything on board. It's nice to be able to sit up here. Thanks for that". Howe was referring to the APC deck. Even with two squads on board the landram, the remaining space to stow the equipment and the third squad meant rather close quarters (which was compounded by the fact that the third squad - like the others on board the landram - were wearing their pressure suits). Rank did have it's privileges...
While Hunter was powering up the FLEET AVENGER's systems and preparing to get under way, down in the launch tubes, Syke was briefing the wing over the internal squadron channel. All three squadrons of Silver Spar wing - plus Syke, Tricia, and Vansen - had manned their vipers and were awaiting clearance to launch. Syke spent several minutes going over the ANVIL op plan and Silver Spar's part in it.
"Remember, once Newguy does his bit, it will be up to us to stop that tinhead mini-dreadnaught from jumping back into hyperspace. All of you will guide off your squadron commanders. I'll attach myself to Spar One, Sheba to Spar Two, and Jet to Spar Three", Syke concluded, "so are there any questions?".
"CAG, for this plan to work properly, we're going to have to conceal ourselves pretty well amongst the asteroid field, though still being able to immediately engage the enemy", Ensign Vansen pointed out, "and considering that the entire wing is going to be deployed, the odds of at least one of us being seen is going to be pretty good".
"You maintain a fully powered down status using small bursts of manually operated thrusters only for keeping debris between you and the tin head ship, Jet", Syke replied, "our sensor data indicated that the 'freighter' was only using it's active sensors probing directly along it's flight path. That means that it won't be looking for us and we should be able to maintain the element of surprise".
Vansen acknowledged Syke's reply by double clicking on his communicator. Just then, Syke's voice came back.
"Core Command has informed me that the FLEET AVENGER has launched, so Squadron Commanders, you are cleared to contact your respective shooters", he said.
Halley, Warden, and Macklin immediately contacted the Launch Officers, requesting combat launch clearance. One by one, the vipers in the tubes were catapulted into space and the next group of vipers were positioned into the now empty tubes for their turn to launch.
Up in CIC, Sanders nodded with satisfaction as his monitor screen showed the fighters of Silver Spar wing being catapulted out into space.
"Best of luck, Bojay", Sanders said to himself, "Inflict some more payback for Tom for me".
"Who's that, Comms?", Cain said behind him. Startled, Sanders turned around to face Cain. He realized that his comment was not so sotto voce as intended.
"My younger brother, Commander", Sanders replied. Cain recognized the tone of voice.
"Back on the colonies, Glen?", Cain asked gently. Sanders shook his head.
"He was a viper pilot. Assigned with the Eagles on board the HYPERION", Sanders explained. Cain nodded. He knew the commander of that particular battlestar: Jason Tillman (call sign 'Dodger'). He was not one of Cain's close friends, but he knew that he was a great tactician.
"Any idea what happened?", Cain asked.
"I don't, but since our intercepts indicated that the rest of the fleet - apart from us, the GOLIATH and the GALACTICA - were destroyed, I have to assume that he and the HYPERION are gone", Sanders replied. Cain thought briefly about what Sanders had said, and about what Admiral Hendrix had written to him in that last letter.
"When this current crisis is done with, Glen, See me later on - just before we dispatch the next probe to the GOLIATH", Cain suggested, "There's something I wish to let you know, okay?". Sanders nodded. Just then, one of the Core Command technicians came up to both of them.
"Beg your pardon, Commander, but Silver Spar Group Leader is reporting that all three squadrons are on their way to rendezvous with the raptor", she reported.
"Very well", Cain replied, "Inform Black Knights' CAG to get ready to deploy his squadrons".