Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, this story has been done but RL has gotten in the way of posting. Here is Chapter Six of Pythian Mission. Read and Review. :)

Chapter 6

The Pilots bunk was quiet when Lauren walked in. "Alpha pilots come with me." The pilots stood up and followed. Once Lauren reached the Ward Room she directed the pilots inside and shut the hatch behind her.

"I know you're scared." Lauren looked at each one of them as she walked around the room. "I scared too but this is the trick. You have to know how to use that to help you. All it is energy. Trust yourself. You've all been trained we all have confidence in you. Mouse How are you doing? You look a little shell shocked in there."

"I'm fine Sir." Her voice was shaky.

Lauren put her hand on the young woman's shoulder. "It's Okay. You've all be hand picked for this because we like your leadership, skill and ability to think on your feet. Chuckles, You Okay?"

"Yes, Sir."

Is Everyone Else Okay?

"Yes Sir." They all answered.

Remember we are all in this together. If any of you need anything you all know where to find me." Lauren smiled. "Now, you all should get some down time, have some fun because you all need to get a good night sleep. We leave early.

--

"I happy with the teams we have."

"Yeah, they'll be fine Lee. Don't start over thinking.

"I'm not."

Kara and Lee were interrupted by on knock on the door.

Captain, Lieutenant May I have a moment Sirs?"

"Of course, Hotdog."

"I've always wanted to be a pilot. I know I can handle the pressure."

Kara stepped up. "What's your problem?"

"Kara!" Lee warned her and turned to Hotdog. "Do you think you can handle the team lead or would you like me to assign someone else?

"Sir, I couldn't…"

"No one will think less Hotdog…No one. I should have done this in the first place." Lee put a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Get some rest… you're going to need it.

Yes Sir." Hotdog saluted "Thank you Sir."

Kara and Lee watched Hotdog exit the room. "He's being a baby."

"He's not. It's his first mission. It was a lot to expect. I'll move Wildcard to Strike One leader but leave her orders to make him her second. That should help build his confidence."

--

The Hanger Deck was quiet, all except the sounds of clanging tools and moving planes. "Cally number seven is ready that's mouse's bird."

"I'll get it fueled up."

"Good, then we need to do per-flight maintenance checks on Apollo and Wildcard's birds and the Raptors."

"We got it Chief Seelix and Socinus are working on the Raptors." Cally said with a smile as she walked with Tyrol over to Apollo's viper.

"I still want to have a look before we launch them."

"Yes, Chief." Cally smiled knowing he wouldn't rest until he had put his hand on every piece of equipment going into the battle.

--

"Hey, there you are?" Lee entered the officer's bunkroom.

Lauren peaked out from behind her locker door. "Hey yourself how are you?"

Lee came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'm fine." Lee kissed the back of her neck."

"Hmm. I see." She turned in his embrace. "We really don't have time for this though.'

"I know. Lauren." Lee sat down on her bunk.

"I know that tone. What can I do for the CAG?"

"I made a bit of an error. I put all nuggets on Strike Force one."

"Hotdog having second thoughts?"

"Yeah, but I'd like you to use him a your second. Let him make a lot of the mission reports to Galactica. He can do this we just have to show him. I'm sorry but I am moving to lead for Strike Force one."

"You don't have to apologize, we should have caught it earlier. I make sense to me to have veteran pilot on each strike force." Lauren leaned over and kissed Lee. "It's a good call I'm not disappointed.

"I can see that."

"Lauren stood back up and shut her locker. I should go down to the flight deck and check my bird. I'll see if I can find Hotdog too." Lauren started to leave and turned around. "Hey do me a favor. Try and get some sleep tonight and take care of Strike two."

"I will and you sleep tonight too and soon it's getting late."

"Will do, Apollo."

--

Lauren walked down the empty corridor toward the recreation room. The ship seemed to take on a different energy before a big mission. It always did. It was quiet yet anticipatory. She heard the commotion before she reached her destination. It was good to hear the nuggets having a bit of fun before their dose of reality.

"Nice job, Kat."

Whooooo, see what happens when Starbuck isn't at a card game.

Lauren smiled watching the group. "I see we couldn't keep a secret." She said with a smile.

"Lieutenant on deck!"

"As you were. Lauren stepped up to the table. "I'm glad to see you all enjoying yourselves." Lauren picked up a glass and smelled it. "And being smart at the same time." She put the cup down. "Try and remember we have an op in Ten hours. You all need to get some sleep."

"Sir Yes Sir." The table of pilots responded.

Lauren looked over a Hot Dog. "A moment Hot Dog, Please."

"Yes sir." Hotdog looked over to the corner table at another group of pilots involved in a game and conversation. "Fury, want the spot."

"Yeah, man, always." Castanza moved away from the table allowing Fury to have the seat and hand. He follow Wildcard into the corridor.

"Sorry for the delay sir."

"No worries."

"Listen, Apollo assigned to lead Strike Force One. I hear you were concerned about the wing. "

"Yes, sir. I don't doubt my leadership. I felt that we would benefit from veteran's wisdom.

"Nice Hotdog. I like the way you wiggled out that exit." They both laughed at the suggestions that Lauren was old. In fact she wasn't but in their current situation she was one of the most experienced in combat situations. "Okay, you will fly my wing and be my second. I will make some of the combat reports to Galactica but not all. I'm leaving that to you. Can you live with that?

"Yes, sir."

"Good." Lauren smiled. "Don't worry Hotdog. Go in there and have a little more fun and then get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."