This chapter was co-written with Expatkiwi.
CIC, HYPERION (1800 HRS)"Sir, the board is clear. No signs of cylons." Lt Walker announced from her station.
"Extend Flight Pods. Have TRINITY and JUNO launch Combat Air Patrols immediately." Hayes ordered as he looked through the charts of the area.
"Walt, have the fleet come to heading 010 degrees, speed one nine five. Maintain this heading for thirty minutes and then come to 350 degrees." Tillman ordered.
"Yes, sir." Hayes replied.
SITUATION ROOM, TERTIUS (1810 HRS)Braylen understood his brother's reasoning. His presence would be a distraction at the meeting. Jason wanted to pull Garris Cain aside and explain his situation. Garris was old school and didn't have a warm spot for Black Ops. Just then, Coe entered Braylen's office.
"MSgt Coe reporting as ordered, sir." Coe announced in his usual way.
"Paul, please at ease." Braylen began as he leaned on the display table. Admiral Tillman has an assignment for you.
"Yes sir." Coe responded figuring it was some sort of babysitting job with the arrival of the two battlestars.
"As you're aware you are the ranking Master Sergeant in the fleet. The Admiral wants you to get an assault and rescue team together for a mission down the road." Braylen started as he walked around the room. "JUNO has cleared its starboard flight pod to accommodate about seventy-five marines for this mission. You are to report there in six hours. Sgt Ginnis will be your second."
"Seventy-five? Sir, that's the size of a small platoon. Captain Garth is the senior ranking officer. Protocol dictates this operation should be his." Coe replied as he correctly pointed out the chain of command.
"He knows the rank structure of the core and knows that you're the next ranking officer. That's why he's also promoting you to Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SgtMajMC.) Braylen said respectfully.
Coe was shocked by the promotion and couldn't fine the words to express himself.
"Garth might be the senior surviving marine officer but the Admiral wants someone who will follow the assignment without question!" Braylen responded. "The Admiral wants this unit worked hard and in tip top fighting condition. This mission won't be easy and some won't return. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir!" Coe said before saluting and leaving.
Braylen watched Coe exit his office thinking that Coe was the perfect choice for the mission if it ever happens.
CIC, HYPERION (1830 HRS)"Admiral", Walker reported, "DRADIS reports FTL-entry of two large ships. CAP Three is moving to intercept!"
"Ready the alert fighter!" barked Hayes.
"IFF?" Tillman demanded.
"Sir, Dradis is reading colonial transponders! Walker began, "Warbook shows that they are the GALACTICA-class PEGASUS and COLUMBIA-class CEREBRUS".
"HYPERION/ Cap Three," Capt Lisa Jackson began. "Mark One Eyeball two battlestars incoming!"
"Confirm with authentication codes." Tillman ordered as he turned to Ensign McCall.
"Colonial vessels please authenticate identity with recognition codes immediately!" She requested. After a moment Ensign McCall announced that the coded were authentic.
"Looks like our guests have delivered our messages okay", Tillman said to himself.
"DRADIS reports that both battlestars are launching fighters", Walker said next.
"Admiral", the officer at the Communications console said, "Incoming communication from Fleet Commline Alpha!"
Tillman walked up to the communications console, saying, "punch it up".
The communications officer did so. Immediately, the image of Commander Garris Cain appeared on the monitor above the plotting table.
"Good afternoon, Admiral", Cain said, "I bring you greetings from the Battlestar PEGASUS".
At that, the personnel in CIC broke into applause. Tillman let it go on for a few seconds, and then he waved his hand to quiet them.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, Garris", Tillman began, "but I see that you and your support ship are launching fighters. We aren't hostile, you know". He finished with a smirk.
"Just a little something that the PEGASUS and CEREBRUS would like to do in order to cheer up your civilians, Admiral", Cain replied with a smile.
"Admiral", Walker reported, "Sixty-four fighters have deployed from the PEGASUS and a further twenty-four from the CEREBRUS. The PEGASUS fighters are moving into two double-diamond formations. The CEREBRUS fighters are in an arrowhead formation directly in front of them. Looks like they're maneuvering to do a fly-by of the fleet from behind".
"Pass the word to all ships in the fleet to let them do their fly-by. Garris Cain himself is letting us all know that he's here", Tillman replied with a broad smile.
Admiral Tillman turned and gestured to his communication officer again. McCall opened a channel fleet wide.
"PEGASUS and CEREBRUS take positions mid fleet. Please transmit ship status and personnel manifests as soon as possible. TRINITY, JUNO and DEADALUS Actual's are to report to HYPERION by 1915 hours." McCall requested.
"Why do they want the personnel manifests?" asked Major Glen Sanders who was standing next to Cain at the plotting table.
"Security. The manifests contain photographs of everyone onboard. They're going to check them against their photos of known cylons." Cain told to his junior officer.
"Sir, Admiral Tillman also requested that the senior CAG and Captain Cain accompany you to HYPERION. They're also requesting the same from CEREBRUS." Sanders informed Cain.
"Confirm the request." Cain ordered.
"Wilco, HYPERION. PEGASUS acknowledges orders." Replied the communication officer.
All over the fleet, people were crowding toward view-ports to see the large number of in-formation vipers do their fly-by of the fleet. The various pilots could see people waving at them through the view-ports of the various ships as they did so.
"Flamboyant, aren't they?" Lieutenant Kirby said to Commander Roberts who at the same time, was looking at his son.
"What can I say, Dad?" Michael Roberts said, "Commander Cain likes to make an entrance."
"I'm glad for that," John Roberts replied.
HYPERION'S STARBOARD HANGER BAY (1910 HRS)Garris Cain was looking out the raptor's hatch window as it came to a stop. Cain was watching as more and more people gathered into the hanger. The raptor hatch opened to thunderous applause. Protocol suggested that his junior officers exit first. But, Cain stepped out first and spotted his old friend John Roberts who was standing next to Admiral Tillman and approached them.
"Commander Garris Cain, Battlestar PEGASUS." Cain said firmly as he saluted the ranking officer.
Tillman returned the salute and them extended his hand. "Welcome aboard HYPERION." He said they shook hands.
"I believe you recognize Commander Roberts," Jason began as he started to introduce the senior officers around him.
"I know you all have met my daughter, Captain Tricia Cain." Cain started. "This is Major Eugene Syke, CAG Silver Spar Squadron. I would have brought Major Voight who is the CAG of the Black Knights with me but, I wanted to leave one of my CAG's on PEGASUS."
"Totally understandable." Tillman agreed. " Why don't we continue this in the wardroom." He finished.
A few minutes later all senior officers were in the wardroom. Each of the PEGASUS and CEREBRUS officers had broken into separate groups and was exchanging stories with the other officers when Jason asked everyone to sit.
"Commander Cain, I'm sure you have question. So, please go ahead." Jason asked.
"Admiral, what do we know about the other survivors?" Cain asked.
"The cylon have confirmed the continued existence of at least twelve different battlestars. NEMESIS, TYCHE, POLYCAON, HYPERION, GALACTICA, THERON, ANDANIA, and Admiral Cain's." Jason began. " They have been unable to identify the other four by name which includes yours. They have also confirmed the existence of three other battlecruisers AGENOR, CHIRON, and GOLIATH."
"Any idea where they are and how the survived?" Major Syke asked.
"According to fleet records POLYCAON and TYCHE were part of 56th Battle Group and they were on maneuvers in the Sigma sector. We know that THERON was assigned to the 92nd Battle Group and there last known position was near Aquaria. She was the only ship to escape but had suffered heavy damage." Commander Jones disclosed.
"Our fleet will head for the Sigma sector and start our search there." Tillman announced for the first time to everyone. "Those battlestar are key if we are going to mount an counter offensive someday."
"What about GALACTICA?" Garris asked as he learned on the armchair.
"Unfortunately, it seems that the cylons have been tracking GALACTICA. They've traveled past the Prolmar Sector and possibly past Sector 218. " Roberts said. " They have been tracking her since the attacks nonstop."
"But why? Why would she go so deep? And why are the toasters following her? Captain Cain asked as she looked to Admiral Tillman.
"I can only guess is that Adama thinks that we are all dead. None of the other ships answered his regroup order. He had such a large civilian fleet to protect that running was his only option." Garris surmised.
"As to why? We have no idea. But according to the cylons, Adama's fleet found Kobol. " Roberts added.
"Commander," Tillman said as he stared at Garris, "What would you like PEGASUS role to be?"
"Now that the CEREBRUS has been delivered, I want to do what you had alluded to in your letter, Admiral", Cain replied, "to resume searching for the GALACTICA… and for my sister as well".
Tillman nodded. While he had thought about retaining the PEGASUS – as well as the CEREBRUS – in his fleet, the fact that the Cylons were hot on the tail of the GALACTICA and its fleet of refugees, plus the fact that Helena Cain was out there in her MERC-class PEGASUS meant that an effort had to be made. Garris Cain was the best person available to do so.
"I agree, Commander", Tillman said, "and we'll make sure that before you depart, that you are fully provisioned and crewed. You will also be given a formal warrant for Admiral Cain's arrest".
"Speaking of provisions and crew", Cain said, "This is an excellent opportunity to start rotating crew members. I understand that there are a lot of family reunions resulting from our arrival, and these people could be transferred over to your fleet in exchange for volunteers from your side".
"That would definitely help morale", Wright added, "not that the arrival of the PEGASUS and CEREBRUS haven't already provided a badly needed boost to everyone after the Naylor debacle".
"Actually Dave, I was thinking of detaching the Black Knights from the PEGASUS", Cain said to Wright, "your battlestar is still undermanned, and you'll be needing a strike wing. No insult intended, Captain Wise, but two under-strength squadrons is not going to be enough", Cain added.
Wise nodded. Cain's suggestion made sense, but of course, with such a transfer, Major Voight would become the CEREBRUS CAG.
"Well, Commander", Wise replied, "Major Voight's wing would definitely be a boon to the CEREBRUS. As for me, well… I was thinking about going along with the PEGASUS, and I'm sure that a number of my pilots want to come as well. You think Silver Spar could use us?" he asked rhetorically.
"We can sort these things out later", Cain said, "but what this rendezvous means for all of us right now is a chance to relax some. Captain Cain told me about the AULUS, and that will be a welcome tonic for our crews".
"No argument there", Tillman agreed, "in any case, I do want to take time to review your ship logs and to get a survey done of the CEREBRUS. That will give you and Commander Wright a chance to get the PEGASUS and CEREBRUS crews some 'shore leave' on the AULUS. After that, then we can talk about personnel transfers.
"Actually, Admiral", I'm only a Sub-Commander by temporary combat-commission", Wright pointed out.
"Not any more, Dave", Tillman said as he took a box out of his pocket and passed it to Wright. Wright opened the box to see the insignia of a full Commander.
"Thank you, Admiral", Wright said quietly. Tillman passed over another box to Wright. This box contained the insignia of a full Colonel.
"I'll let you have the pleasure of awarding those to your X.O.", Tillman said, "after all, battlestars are supposed to be commanded by Commanders and have Colonels as executive officers, and the CEREBRUS – however old she is – is a battlestar".
Cain and the others applauded Wright for his promotion. Tillman joined in, and then raised his hand to quiet them down.
"As the DAEDALUS is the priority right now for repairs, the CEREBRUS will not immediately be upgraded, unfortunately", Tillman said, "but it is my intention – once that is done – to send the CEREBRUS out to find the GOLIATH and her fleet".
Just then, Captain Kieran Garth, the fleets ranking Marine Officer, interrupted. The others at the table turned towards him.
"Admiral", he began, "do you think it's a good idea to send the PEGASUS back out, and dispatch the CEREBRUS to look for these others? The extra firepower that those two battlestars have would be of more – and immediate - benefit to protecting this fleet. No insult intended, Commander Cain, but you're here, and your battlestar is operational".
Tillman gave the marine a vexed look. He said sternly, "I considered that, along with other options before reaching my decision. The PEGASUS – once her crew is rested – will resume the search for the GALACTICA, and the CEREBRUS will be dispatched to track down the GOLIATH. My decision is not up for discussion".
Garth looked like he wanted to press the point further, but he realized that this was something that should have been raised with the Admiral in private. He nodded his understanding.
"Carry on, please Commander Cain", Tillman said.
"When their message drones didn't make the last two rendezvous' co-ordinates, we suspected that something might be amiss. It was my intention to – until the TANTALUS came on the scene – to divert from the hunt for the GALACTICA to see what was amiss with the GOLIATH. Commander Hawke would not overlook scheduled rendezvous' for a good reason".
"That is certainly correct", Tillman replied, "I will need what information you have on the GOLIATH".
Cain passed over a satchel containing discs and hard copy to Tillman.
"This is from the information exchanges that we had with the GOLIATH's emissaries – they have a peregrine as well, by the way - plus the fleet tender WARLOCK", Cain explained, "This should be of benefit in helping the CEREBRUS with her upcoming mission".
""That it will", Tillman replied as he handed the satchel to an aide. " We'll be transferring one of the stealth raptors (5404) to PEGASUS. I think you'll find it useful. We also recovered prototype EMP warheads developed by the weapons division. We can spare two of them. Its range is the same as a fifty-kiloton nuclear warhead. Have your X.O. contact Colonel Hayes with your current ordinance inventory and we'll begin the process of replenishing your stores."
"Won't that be placing a strain on your fleet?" asked Garris.
"Yes it will. We have the resources to mine for the raw materials needed much easier than you do." Responded Tillman knowing it was a calculated question by Cain.
"Yes, sir. I will." Cain replied as he motioned to Major Sykes.
"Well I think that should do it." Tillman said as he looked to Roberts.
"Enough serious talk." Roberts began. "Let's take a shuttle over to the AULUS. We'd like to show you some fleet hospitality. The Lords know that you and Commander Wright deserve it. Besides, we have that sacred obligation to 'wet-down' his promotion".
The others chuckled at that. Fleet tradition dictated that newly promoted officers had to pay for drinks as a means for celebrating their advancement.
Tillman stood, followed by the others. As Tillman headed out of the exit, he instructed his aide, "Inform all ships concerned that the X.O.'s have control for the time being".
The two Jason's – along with Hunter and Sims – were chatting with some of the off-duty CIC crew when Tillman and his party exited the wardroom and entered CIC. The duty personnel came to attention.
"As you were", Tillman said. The crew resumed their duties. Cain gestured for Hunter, Sims, Gorde, and Dundee to come over.
"Hondo", Cain said to Hunter, "I want you and Coffin to ferry us over to the AULUS. As for the two Jason's, I want you to get back to the PEGASUS and bring Major Voight over to the AULUS. Captain Brady will assume the role of Acting CAG until we return".
"Two Jasons?" Tillman inquired.
"Yes, Admiral", Cain replied, "The nickname for our raptor crew. This is Ensign Jason 'Newguy' Gorde and his RSO, Chief Jason 'Snoopy' Dundee.
"Looks like my name is more common that I thought", Tillman quipped. The others quietly chuckled.
"Permission to get going, Commander?" Gorde asked. Cain nodded. Quickly saluting Admiral Tillman, Gorde and Dundee left CIC. They had an errand to do.
"McCall." Tillman called out, "Relay Commander Cain's instructions to Major Voight on the PEGASUS".
"Yes, Admiral", McCall acknowledged.
As McCall went to communicate with the PEGASUS, Tillman left the bridge. Cain, Wright, and the others followed him out.
"I'm looking forward to flying in the peregrine, Lieutenant Hunter", Tillman commented as they headed down to where the FLEET AVENGER was parked, "Major Nix spoke volumes of praise about her".
"The peregrine is one heck of a piece of firepower, Admiral", Hunter replied, "it was a pity that the FLEET AVENGER is one of only two left in existence".
"Speaking of which", Cain interjected, "we had received – shortly after our escape from Molecay Anchorage – a Cylon intercept that only indicated that four colonial warships were unaccounted for. Finding out that more of that number survived means that either Cylon intelligence is more flawed than we thought, or that the other survivors covered their tracks pretty well".
"Anything that they overlook is something we can use to our advantage", Roberts commented.
With that comment, the party of senior officers made their way down to Hangar Bay Eight. As they entered the bay, the crew chief in charge of servicing the peregrine came to attention and saluted Admiral Tillman.
"Admiral", the chief announced, "I didn't expect…"
"She ready for departure, chief?" Tillman asked, indicating the peregrine.
"Yes, Admiral", the chief replied.
"Well, Lieutenant Hunter", Tillman said, "I guess you can get us over there now".
"Will do, Admiral", Hunter replied as he took hold of a clipboard that the chief held out to him. Quickly looking it over, then signing his name on the bottom, he handed the clipboard back to the chief, and then gestured to the others to go on board.
"Admiral", Hunter said, "would you like to ride up in the co-pilot seat?"
"Do so, Admiral", Cain added, "It is actually quite an experience".
"In that case, thank you, Lieutenant", Tillman replied.
So as Sims got the others settled into their seats in the passenger compartment, Tillman followed Hunter up to the flight deck, where he sat down in the co-pilot's seat. Tillman looked at the instrument panel approvingly as Hunter started his pre-flight check.
"Militech really designed a user-friendly machine", he commented, "This ship looks so complex from the outside, yet she looks simpler to fly than a raptor".
"It is, Admiral", Hunter replied, "but it packs a lot more teeth than a raptor. The scarab III and longbow missiles alone gives the AVENGER quite a bite – as a number of tinheads have already found out".
"You want a hand with the pre-flight, Lieutenant?" Tillman asked, "If I'm sitting up here in the co-pilot's seat, I might as well act the role".
"That would be great, Admiral", Hunter said, "the pre-flight checklist is in the seat pocket on the right hand side".
AULUS, (2245 Hrs)
There was a buzz onboard AULUS. She was busy and full of visitors. It had been over an hour since AVENGER dropped off its passengers. Most of the senior officers were in the Colony Lounge for a meet and greet reception, after a while Commanders Cain and Roberts slipped quietly out. Their departure did not go unnoticed; after they left Tricia quietly approached Bojay and slipped him a room card and smiled as she exited the lounge.
"It's good to see you again John." Garris began as they continued down a hallway with their drinks. " At first I did realize I had your son onboard. The last time I saw him was at Leanne's service. He's a good young pilot."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when Atasia passed. I didn't hear about it until afterwards." John said as they entered the forward pool area.
Garris looked at the pool and was perplexed by what was swimming in it.
"Yes, they're fish. They were part of the colonization mission. They were running out of room for them on the MYSTIC so we decided to bring them over here." Robert told Garris as he pulled a flask out of his jacket and nodded.
Garris accepted Roberts offer and took a quick swig and proceeded to cough.
"Whoa! I see you finally learned how to make the homegrown!" Garris asked as he wiped his lips.
"Nope. I can't take the credit for this stuff. My deck chief is the master brewer. My tactical officer found the still and brought it to my attention. I told him as long as it doesn't become an issue, not to do anything for now. Let the crew think I don't know. Good for morale." Roberts replied before taking one himself.
"I see your point about Jason." Garris said as he was referring to the note Roberts sent about him before the rendezvous.
"He's a smart young man. Smarter than we were at his age." Chuckled Roberts
"Does he think he can find Spinner (Cmdr. Joseph Massie) and the NEMESIS? Cain asked as he sipped from his glass.
"We have no real information on Spinners' whereabouts. Every time you think he's dead, he shows up." Roberts chortled.
"Operation Raptor Talon!" Cain whispered.
"Battlestar Columbia!" Roberts responded as he thought back how he and his wingman were some of the few pilots to survive her destruction.
"I hear that Tillman's brother survived and has a ship of his own." Garris uttered.
"It's true. Give the man a chance." Roberts stated, "He's not what we thought. He rescued many during the initial attack. Braylen was framed for the conspiracy charges as well. Greene had documents about the Fleet Admiralty and the crap they were pulling."
"Does that include Helena?" asked Garris
"Garris, I'm not sure what Helena knew or did before the attacks. All we know is that since the attacks she's become hard and cold." John replied knowing that what she did was tearing Garris up inside.
The two continued to talk for almost an hour about their children and the different paths their lives had taken before finally returning to the party.