This chapter was co-written with Expatkiwi. You will find that most of this chapter is the same as PEGASUS Book 10: Return to the Fray Chapter 9. (Except the point of view is from my characters.)
The two stealth ships continued to watch CEREBRUS recover fuel for almost an hour. When a Cylon baseship jumped near the mouth of the chute.
"Thumper, the cylon baseship is firing missile and launching raiders! What should we do?" asked Addison knowing that the old battlestar was originally built more as a carrier and not an offensive battlestar like her successors.
"Sir another dradis contact! Colonial battlestar, Galactica type! She's firing her forward batteries and launching vipers as well!" Timmons shouted.
"Tico, have your ECO bring PDS three online! Get a targeting solution for that baseship. I'm going to find out what battlestar that is!" ordered Nix as his co-pilot Lt. Sanders activated the crafts' FTL drive.
Nix jumped below the fray and piloted the Nighthawk within visual range of her nameplate on her starboard flight pod. "By the lords, it Garris Cain's PEGASUS" Major Nix whispered as he piloted the stealth-star through the debris field.
"Did you say PEGASUS?" Sanders blurted. "My brother is on her!"
"Glen is on her? Nix asked as they return to the safety of the asteroid field.
"Yes, He's part of Commander Cain's senior staff!" Tom said excitedly. "We have to contact them!"
Nix discussed contacting the two battlestars with Addison on a secure line and after a moment muttered "I hope this doesn't comeback and bite me in the ass!" as he changed frequencies on his wireless to a TAC channel he knew would be monitored by the two behemoths.
"Colonial Battlestars", Nix began, "This is Archangel Flight Leader. We're sending FTL jump co-ordinates to you now. Recommend that you get your vipers back on board and make an immediate jump. I estimate five minutes before the tin-heads return."
"Archangel Fight Leader?" mused Addison aloud as he piloted his raptor near the newer battlestar.
"Shut up, it's all I could think of!" Nix replied who, by this time moved closer also.
A viper that perused Nighthawk One waggled his wings at the barely-visible raptor, and then he turned around and headed back to the PEGASUS at high speed. Which drew a smile from the raptor crew.
"Archangel Flight, this is Home Plate Actual", the male voice communicated, "Are you receiving me?"
"Affirmative, Actual", Archangel replied.
"We have the jump co-ordinates. And by the way, thanks for the help. One less base star to worry about", Cain replied.
"My pleasure, Actual", Archangel acknowledged, "and by the way, it's good to see more of the fleet".
"Archangel", Wright communicated from the CEREBRUS, "this is Hammerhead Actual. We have the jump co-ordinates as well. Will you be making the jump with us?"
"Affirmative, Hammerhead", Archangel answered, "We can get better acquainted after the jump. You'd better get a move on". A moment after the last viper landed on the battlestar all the ships jumped to the Varden Sector.
"PEGASUS/Archangel Flight Leader, requesting permission for my flight to land". Nix asked as the two stealth ships headed for the rear of the battlestar.
"This is PEGASUS. Transmit your IFF-code for confirmation, Archangel", the communication officer asked, "and also your locator beacon. You're rather hard to see, you know".
"Transmitting IFF codes now," Nix replied
"Archangel Leader, our bays still have to be cleared from the recent combat landing of our viper wings. Recommend you proceed to the CEREBRUS and get landing clearance there".
"Understood," Nix replied.
"Archangel, this is CEREBRUS Comms", the voice of Petty Officer Markesan communicated, "Our blast doors from our landing bays have been lowered and the environmental force fields have been reactivated. You are clear to land in the starboard landing bay".
"Understood, CEREBRUS", Nix acknowledged, "It's good to see a legend from the last war fighting again. We're heading in".
DAY ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN – CEREBRUS (2315 HRS)After the two ships landed and came to a rest no less than a dozen marines and their commanding officer greeted the raptor. Addison followed by Timmons exited.
"Permission to come on board, Sir?" the Addison requested.
"Permission granted, Sir", the senior officer replied as he held out his hand.
"I am Gale. Executive Officer of the Battlestar CEREBRUS", Gale introduced himself.
"Lt. Tom Addison and this is my ECO Ltjg. Dina Timmons of Battlestar HYPERION," the raptor pilot reciprocated.
"She's okay?" Gale asked to which Addison replied with a nod.
"I wish that I could say the same for the TANTALUS", Gale replied.
"I thought that your name sounded familiar. We declared you M.I.A. since we haven't heard from TANTALUS since your departure from Naylor. We assume the tin-heads got you." Addison replied,
"Yep, but we found the PEGASUS, and the CEREBRUS. What was left of the TANTALUS got the CEREBRUS back up and running", Gale explained as he watch two pilots emerge from behind the raptor.
"Major Gale," Addison began, "I like to introduce the flight leader. Major James Nix CAG of HYPERION and his co-pilot Ltjg. Tom Sanders."
Gale escorted the men as they exchanged greetings to the control center. Once they arrived they were directed to the conference room where they were introduced to a legend.
"Gentlemen", Gale said to Wright, Cain, and Sanders, "This is Major James Nix CAG of HYPERION, commanding Archangel Flight, and his colleagues from the Battlestar HYPERION".
"Lt. Tom Addison and his ECO, Ltjg Dina Timmons", Nix began, "and my co-pilot…"
"I know who he is!" Sanders suddenly said, standing up and walking over with a large grin on his face. The pilot of the other stealth raptor smiled and walked up to Sanders. They hugged.
"Tom, I thought I'd never see you again!" Sanders said after breaking the hug.
"Glen, I had thought the same until I saw the PEGASUS", Ltjg. Thomas Sanders replied, "You're a sight for sore eyes!"
"A Major now?" Thomas Sanders asked after taking in the rank insignia on his brother's collar, "I still won't salute you!" He laughed as he hugged his brother again."
"What's with the stealth-star, Tom?" Glen asked, "I thought you were still flying vipers".
"Improvising bro," Thomas replied, "and when we got these new ships of ours, I was 'persuaded' to do TDY with the reconnaissance flight".
"Comms", Cain broke in, "I know it's great for you to see your brother again, but let's get the debriefing done first. We all have a lot to talk about".
As they all sat down at the large conference table, Nix looked around.
"The last time I was on board a COLUMBIA-class battlestar was at the Picon Fleet Museum", he said, "And the amount of space in here really makes a welcome change from the newer warships".
Cain nodded. The battlestar that Nix had referred to was the GLORIOUS. The fleet museum – before it was destroyed in the recent war – was in geosynchronous orbit over Picon. The GLORIOUS – as well as certain other retired fleet vessels were there as museums for civilians to visit.
"Well, Major", Cain, said to Nix, "I assume that you know Sub-Commander Wright and Lieutenant-Colonel Gale from the TANTALUS".
"Yes, Commander", Nix replied slightly confused by the modified rank, "Colonel Gale told me a little about what had happened after we came on board. I'm sorry to hear about the TANTALUS, but the CEREBRUS is a definite plus as a trade-off".
"She will be, once we can improve her armaments, and get more pilots to fill out the Viper II's that came with her", Wright pointed out, "but we can't do that until we rendezvous with the HYPERION. I take it you both came from her".
"Correct, Commander", Nix replied, "We were on a recon and shakedown flight with our new 'acquisitions', and checking on the remnants of Naylor Station was part of the mission parameters. We expected to encounter just the wreckage of the previous battle. We didn't expect two battlestars!"
"Speaking of those 'acquisitions', Major", Cain interjected, "how did you get them?"
"A recent mission to Picon found a transport ship loaded with four modified raptors, and another stealth-star class vessels", Nix explained, "which makes a nice addition to our fleet".
"And where is your fleet, Major?" Cain asked next.
"They're in a secure location for now and you won't find them on the ships database, commander. Nix replied.
"What would happen if you were captured? The cylons would eventually get the info out of you." Glen Sanders asked.
"They can't make dead men talk!" Addison replied as he pointed to his top flightsuit snap."
"What's that going to do?" responded.
"Poison pill." Cain answered soberly remembering the option from the first war. At that moment the rest of the men in the debriefing understood.
"So we can't go to them, in other words", Wright noted, "a sound precaution, but we had made a very lengthy jump to get to Naylor, and we only managed to get a partial amount of fuel from Naylor before the tin-heads attacked".
"Commander", Glen Sanders interjected, "we could – of course – add some emissaries to fly back in Addison's raptor, but perhaps we could send another ship to go with them".
"What say you to that, major?" Cain asked.
"That is an idea and it certainly would get a lot of attention from Admiral Tillman when we arrive".
"Admiral Tillman?" Wright asked. Tillman was a commander when the TANTALUS had departed.
"Commander", Nix said to Wright, "Admiral Greene is past away a two weeks ago. A couple of days before he slipped into a coma he promoted Commander Jason Tillman to the rank of Admiral in order to protect our fleet."
"Why wasn't Cmdr Roberts promoted? He's the senior officer." Cain inquired.
"Sir, I don't know. The word is that he declined the promotion. Could be for the same reasons he rebuffed taking command of the fleet months ago." Major Nix informed Cain while looking at Wright
"I see", Wright replied, "But the rest of the fleet is okay?"
"We lost two Guardian class escort cruisers the BOREAS and ZEPHYRUS and a civilian transport vessels that was evacuating Naylor, as you may have deduced from the debris field there, but the rest of the fleet – and that includes both the HYPERION and the TRINITY – are both intact and battle worthy", Tom Sanders answered before Nix could stop him.
"When it is time for you to depart, then we'll have the peregrine go you", Cain stated, "but let's get the debriefing done first, and wrap it up quickly before the HYPERION declares you overdue and sends out other ships to find you".
Nix nodded. Cain turned to Glen.
"Major, get on the horn to the PEGASUS and let them know that the FLEET AVENGER will not be heading back there just yet, then get both Hondo and Coffin up here. They are going on a little trip".
"You don't mean Ensign 'Coffin' Sims, do you?" Ltjg Timmons asked.
"The very same", Glen Sanders replied, "I take it you know him?"
"We were at Raptor Transition Training together", Timmons answered, "Looks like there's going to be a lot of reunions coming up!"
"Get going, Major", Cain reminded Glen. Nodding, Glen Sanders left the conference room to carry out Cain's instructions.
"Let's get things under way, Gentlemen", Cain ordered. The debriefing began in earnest.
"Sir, I'm afraid I won't be able to tell you about detailed numbers until we know that your ships are secured." Nix stated.
"Secured? What do you mean secured! Gale huffed.
"Commander Cain," Nix calmly began. "Are you aware that there are now humanoid looking cylons?"
"Yes, we found the female type onboard and later executed her." Cain replied.
"How many? Nix responded.
"Just the one." Cain retorted.
"Sir, our task group has identified no less than seven multiple humanoid versions." Nix stated to the astonishment of the room.
"Frak!" Gale muttered.
"We found this out after TANTALUS left the station. And we confirmed through our database that they had no humanoid types onboard when they left. Until we confirm that these two battlestars are clean, I'm reluctant to disclose any detailed information." Nix stated knowing that it could be interpreted an insult for not disclosing any real information.
Cain was displeased revelation about the multiple humanoid versions and that more could be on his ship. Before Garris could ask another question Addison spoke.
"Sir, My ECO could retrieve photographs of these versions from our raptor. I would ask that the two marines stationed outside the room and Colonel Gale escort her.
"Why them?" asked Wright.
"Because they don't look like any of the seven we know about!" Addison replied
Cain motioned to Gale who responded to the signal and escorted Timmons out of the room. He then dismissed Tom Sanders to find his brother leaving only himself, Wright Addison and Marshall.
"Sir, I can now tell you a few more basic details about the last forty-two days since Commander Wright left Naylor, now, that it's just us." Nix began. "Thirty days ago we rescued five ships. Over two thousand civilians and one old Defender Class escort cruiser named TERTIUS. Paulo Jensen a retired admiral restored this ship to full operational status for the fleet museum. He died shortly afterward escaping the attacks. Admiral Tillman's brother Braylen, who was working for Jensen, took charge of the ship.
"Braylen Tillman is a convicted felon!" Wright barked.
"Sir, It seems that Braylen was in a Black Ops unit directly under the command of Admiral Corman and the fleet Admiralty. When he refused to follow through on a questionable mission, they railroaded him. We have proof of these transactions from Admiral Greene who was working with Admiral Nagala on exposing Corman and his conspirers. " Nix responded. Garris knew about the allegations about the fleet admiralty, including his sister, through his personal contacts within the fleet headquarters.
About a week ago, Admiral Tillman sent a recon mission back to the colonies and they recovered these prototype raptors and stealth-stars. They also recovered some important intelligence, but did not disclose it to me." Nix told everyone.
"What about HYPERION and your fleet status?" Cain asked trying to focus on the here and now.
"We lost KALLIOPE when we rescued TERTIUS and DAEDALUS was heavily damaged and lost her commander. She was under repair at the station when the cylons attack. I really can't divulge any other information. Sir." Nix told Cain who understood the Majors' orders and reluctance to reveal any further information.
"Commander Cain, may I speak to you in private?" Nix requested now that what he wanted to tell him was very personal. Cain granted Major Nix request by excusing Wright and Addison.
"O.K." began Cain, "What is it?"
"Sir, I have the pleasure and regret to inform you that your sister, Admiral Helena Cain is still alive and out there somewhere." Nix announced.
"What do you mean by regret?" Cain said sternly.
"Admiral Cain's battlestar also survived the cylon onslaught." Nix began, "She also shepherded a small civilian convoy of survivors. Shortly afterwards, she stripped the refugee fleet of useful hardware and personnel with deadly force, and left them stranded without FTL engines. As a result of these actions, she has been declared an enemy combatant." Cain, whose back was turned to Nix, winced at those final words.
It took a moment for Cain to find his next words. "You have proof of these actions?"
"TERTIUS encountered the only ship to escape. The crew of the transport overpowered her security contingent and fled." Nix stated. Cain acknowledged Nix's statement as Hondo and Coffin followed by Wright, Addison, and the others entered the wardroom.
Cain had gestured for Nix to sit back down after his informing him about Admiral Cain's disposition. Nix could see Cain successfully fight to keep his emotions under control, he wore the same stoic façade of command, but Nix's information – and the conformation – had shaken him.
"Okay, people", Cain said to Wright and the others, "Let's get back to business".
After the officers took their seats, Cain spoke to Hunter and Sims, who had been called up from the starboard-landing bay.
"Cain introduced Lieutenant Hunter and Ensign Sims' the primary flight crew of Peregrine Prototype Five. Better known as the FLEET AVENGER.
"You'll be accompanying Archangel Flight back to their fleet." Cain informed them, "so as soon as the FLEET AVENGER
"Yes, Commander", Hunter acknowledged, "Will we be carrying any passengers with us?" he asked. Cain thought for a few seconds, and then nodded.
"Lieutenant Cain will go with you as my personal emissary", Cain replied.
"I'd like to suggest another person." Sims interjected.
"Who would that be, Ensign?" Wright asked.
"The TRINITY's commander is John Roberts", Sims replied, "His son is a viper pilot in Black Knight Wing".
Cain nodded. He remembered Captain Voight mentioning that fact before the battle at the Cylon 'mining complex'. Commander Roberts would be pleased to know that his son is alive.
"Black Knight Wing was on the PACIFICA, wasn't it?" Lieutenant Addison inquired.
"The PACIFICA's fighter wing managed to get all of their ships and personnel over to the PEGASUS before she was destroyed with the rest of Task Force Five", Glen Sanders replied.
"So you have two strike wings on board the PEGASUS, as well as a peregrine", Nix commented.
"Well, Silver Spar Wing had plenty of room to spare on board for our guests", Cain commented lightly.
The officers chuckled at that comment. After the laughter died down, Wright spoke next.
"I'll send a representative from the CEREBRUS to accompany the other emissaries", he said. He then turned to face Nix.
"Will your ships need refueling, Major?" he asked.
"If the peregrine is going to take some time to prepare, then I won't say no to a top-up", Nix replied. Addison nodded.
"In that case, let's schedule departure for one hour from now", Wright suggested, "That will give us time to get our emissaries ready and the peregrine ready to go".
"Comms", Cain said to Glen Sanders, "Get back to Core Command, and have them send a message to the PEGASUS, directing Lieutenant Cain and Ensign Roberts to get over to the CEREBRUS immediately".
"Yes, Commander", Glen replied, "Will you be sending any personal messages with the peregrine as well?"
"Sub-Commander Wright and I will prepare brief messages. They will be handed to you before departure." Cain answered. He then looked at the other officers.
"Are there any questions?" Cain asked. The other officers looked around, and then shook their heads.
"Very well", Cain replied, "We maintain Security Protocol One for this mission until this order is rescinded. Major Nix will provide you with the jump co-ordinates after departure, Lieutenant Hunter".
Hunter looked at Nix, and then nodded. Cain continued.
"As we are still in hostile space, the CEREBRUS and PEGASUS will be ready to jump to emergency co-ordinates should any tin-heads come upon us", Cain said, "Those emergency co-ordinates will be supplied to you before you depart. Hopefully by then the transfer of the fuel we obtained will be completed".
Everyone nodded. Cain looked once more at them, and then said, "Let's do it, gentlemen".
As the officers stood up and left the conference room, Cain called over Wright.
Lt. Hunter gave the four visitors a quick tour of the peregrine with her crew boosting about her versatility. Sims arrived afterwards an informed Hunter that AVENGER was fueled and the deckcrews had turned to HYPERION's two ships. The officers continued to talk and laughed. It was good to hear the friendly banter of friends who had been parted for so long. Just then, the PA sounded in the cavernous landing bay.
"Incoming vipers from the PEGASUS. Cleared to land. All personnel keep clear", the PA sounded twice. As the stealth-raptor and stealth-star were parked to the side of the flight deck, they were not an impediment to the arrival of the fighters.
"That will be our emissaries", Hunter commented as he saw the vipers pierce the environmental force field and land. He saw the markings on the vipers as they passed and knew who they were.
"Sub-Commander Wright has directed me to join you people in the trip over to the HYPERION", Gale said unnecessarily as he walked up to Nix and the others, "I've got messages for Admiral Tillman from Commander Cain and Sub-Commander Wright", he added, patting his tote bag.
"Glad to have you with us, XO", Hunter replied, "I think you'll find the accommodations on board the AVENGER adequate".
Nix and Addison watched as the two pilots from the vipers made there way to the group
"I take it we report to you, Hondo", the female pilot said.
"Yes, Sheba", Hunter replied, "I'd like to introduce you to Major James "Thumper" Nix. CAG of the HYPERION Strike Wing", he introduced.
"Lieutenant Tricia Cain, Deputy CAG, Silver Spar Wing", Tricia replied as she saluted Nix.
Nix returned the salute, and then offered his hand. Tricia shook it.
"And I take it that this other person is Roberts?" Nix inquired as the other pilot walked up.
"Yes, Major", Roberts, replied saluting crisply, "Ensign Michael Roberts, Black Knights Wing, Squadron Two".
Nix looked at the youngster in front of him. He could see the resemblance.
"Ensign Roberts", Nix said, "you'll be coming with us back to my fleet. Someone is there whom you'll probably be wanting to meet".
"Who is that, Major?" Roberts asked.
"The commanding officer of the Battlecruiser TRINITY", Nix replied.
Roberts' eyes widened as he absorbed the information that Nix had given him.
"My father is alive?" Roberts blurted out.
"Alive and well, along with other your sister and niece." he replied with a smile.
Roberts tried hard not to cry, but the tears were welling up. His family was alive and well! Hunter coughed.
"I think we'd better get ourselves squared away and get ready for departure", Hunter said, "We've got a rendezvous to make".
"Good point", Gale replied, "let's man our ships people".
"Sheba", Nix said, "Why don't you go on board the raptor? That's if you don't mind, Colonel", Nix said to Gale.
"That's fine, Major", Gale agreed. Lieutenant Cain saluted Gale, and then followed Addison over to his stealth-raptor.
With that, the other officers present headed to their respective ships, though not before Glen Sanders giving his brother another hug.
"See you soon, Bro", Glen said, "Please interpret that as an order".
"You can count on it, Glen", Tom replied. He then headed over to follow Nix to the stealth-star. Glen Sanders watched his brother climb into the stealth-star, and then he exited the landing bay. He had to get back up to the bridge to rejoin Commander Cain.
As Nix's and Addison's crews settled into their stealth-ships, Hunter was leading Gale and Roberts up to the flight deck.
"Archangel Flight Leader to FLEET AVENGER", Nix communicated over the wireless, "our ships are tanked up and ready to go. Contact Core Command."
"Will do, Archangel Flight Leader", Syke acknowledged. He changed the wireless frequency to Core Command.
"FLEET AVENGER to Core Command", Hunter communicated, "AVENGER and Archangel Flight report ready for departure".
"Stand by, AVENGER", Markesan – up in Core Command – replied, "Home Plate Actual wants to speak to you all first".
On all three ships, the crews listened to what Cain had to say.
"The best of luck to you all, and May the Lords of Kobol bring our task forces together", Cain said, "but take care as we are in tin-head territory. Get back as soon as you can, and in one piece".
"Will do, Commander", Nix communicated back. He then clicked his wireless mike switch twice to indicate his readiness.
Smoothly, all three ships powered their thrusters up to full power. The flight crews standing a safe distance away saw the peregrine, the stealth-raptor, and the stealth-star lift up off the deck, and then head out.
"Hammerhead Actual to Archangel and AVENGER", he communicated, "We'll be waiting. Don't leave us hanging for too long".
"We'll try not to, Actual", Nix replied, "Archangel Flight Leader out".
As the three ships increased their distance from the CEREBRUS and PEGASUS, Nix activated his secure-laser wireless, aiming it onto the receiver atop the FLEET AVENGER.
"Hondo", Nix communicated, "We're sending over the jump co-ordinates to you now. Is Coffin ready to receive?"
"We're ready, Archangel Leader", Hunter communicated back.
Nix turned back to Tom Sanders, saying, "Send it".
"We're ready to go at your mark, Archangel", Hunter reported after receiving the data.
Down below in the AVENGER Gale was listening to the chatter between the three ships while watching Ensign Roberts, wondering if that grin would ever come of his face. "Probably not" he thought to himself. "If I ever found out that my family was still alive after all these months I'd have that look too"
"Very well", Nix acknowledged, "Are you ready?"
"Ready on your mark, Thumper", Addison replied.
""In five…four…three…two…one…jump!" Nix communicated to both ships
With three near-simultaneous flashes, the stealth-raptor, the stealth-star, and the peregrine FTL-jumped.