Chapter 27 - Leaving The Colonies

TN:- Sorry for it being a bit more than a week since my last post. I have been working a lot lately. Also it might be a bit more than a week till my next post as I need to sort out a few characters and their roles in the story going forward so don't worry this isn't a sign of another incomplete story.

TN:- Just to let those who say it's not a crossover know that Stargate will slowly start to ebb into the story over the next part of the story until it makes an explosive entrance so just be a bit more patient and you will see how the story connects.

Ragnar Station - Secondary Tunnel - Evac T-Minus 15 min

Leo stood watching as the station slowly made its way to the exit of the secondary tunnel ready to defend the entrance as the fleet of ships as they made their first jump on their journey to safety. As with the upgrades his company did the station has a large amount of interceptor missiles and with its hanger decks they can current launch 6 full squadrons of vipers so it made sense in using the station as a way to block any possible fire from hitting the civilians which is why the station has the bare minimum of crew to operate its weapons and run its critical functions.

He was going over the last of the reports but he was more worried about the fleet of ships that are due to distract the Cylons at the other entrance and what possible loses they could sustain but they needed the Cylons to think they are trying to get away through there and then draw them in when the fleet retreats again as there will be a little surprise waiting for them if they do.

The last report he came to was detailing a large amount of shuttle traffic to colonial one before they left and he wondered what the president was up to that couldn't wait for after they had got away but he let the worry fade as once they were safe he would be leaving for New Altera and she will be someone else's problem.

He waited till the countdown reached 5 minutes and ordered. "Send the Go order to Admiral Stokes." He then looked on as they received the confirmation as the distraction fleet started its advance towards the waiting Cylons.

At 1 minute to launch he ordered the Raptors to jump to within short jump range of the main entrance and await the signal from Admiral Stokes to commence operation hammer and anvil.

Right on time the fleet started to jump starting with the first half of the military ships who will secure the targeted jump location. He then waited while feeling a bit antsy with the fact that while he is here people under his command are fighting a battle where they are outnumbered and outgunned.

Entrance To Main Tunnel - Admiral Stokes

Admiral Stokes received the go order from the other tunnel through the relays they left along the tunnel. "It looks like it's time, Open a channel to the fleet." He ordered and waited till he was given confirmation. "We stand at a point where we fight to secure the survival of our race, Some of you fight for revenge and some of you fight to protect those who are making the journey to safety. What we all have in common is that we will fight with everything we have to protect those who can't fight or dont have the conviction to do what is needed." He left that seat for 10 seconds before continuing. "So fight smart and if we are to pay the ultimate price to do our duties make it as costly as possible on those who hold no compassion or remorse for what they have done. Now take a moment to center yourselves and know that no matter the outcome it is my honor to fight alongside you and if needs must die alongside you. SO SAY WE ALL."

His speech was followed by the crew of the CIC and those out in the hallway repeating with increasing intensity. "SO SAY WE ALL, SO SAY WE ALL."

He let them be for half a minute before he ordered. "Ok let's get down to business. Have all Vipers Launch and have S+R Raptors on standby as we wont be hanging around once the job is done. Prepare missile batteries with a 1 to 3 mix of nukes to general missiles. and have the Flaks guns loaded and ready."

He waited as confirmation of each order was given and the ship seemed to hum with excitement at going into battle. "Sir, All Vipers launched. Raptors at the ready and all ships report ready for combat."

"Ok Commander, the ship is yours to command." Admiral Stokes said as he moved towards the fleet command level that was an upgrade to the Mars Class that was encouraged by Leo for all Flagship's as he believed that an Admiral should have a separate way to relay orders that won't interfere with a commander's ability to fight his ship.

"Yes, Sir" The Commander turned to the Ships CIC and started giving orders to prepare the ship for combat.

The fleet of 2 Battlestars and 3 Gunstars made their way to just inside the tunnel opening and got into position where their flak screens will overlap with extra support from the Gunstars that have taken up position on either flank and between the two Battlestars.

The Vipers that were launched took up position as two large groups ready to fight out the duel between fighters that usually occurs on either side of the flak screen. Then there was the small group that took up position behind the battlestars and Gunstars ready to move forward and take out any fighters that made it through the flak and viper screens.

"Sir we have received confirmation that the evacuation has started and the Raptor force has moved into position ready to initiate operation hammer and anvil." Called out the comm officer.

Admiral Stokes was glad everything was going to plan so far. "Have the fleet move forward into weapons range then stop. Each ship is to focus fire on the center of the three base ships that are present and leave the flanking ones for now."

The orders were relayed and the ships engines flared as the colonials made their slow but determined move towards the waiting Cylons.

Cylon Base ship - Entrance to Ragnar Anchorage

James Leoben was connected to the ship's command net when the Colonials exited the tunnel and took up position to attack. The sensors were telling him the enemy fleet was a total of 2 Battlestars and 3 Gunstars which wasn't much but he was under orders to inform John when they made their attempt to escape.

He contemplated what to do and decided he has had enough of John's commands and decided to fight it out himself with the ships he had. He ordered the launch of all reserve raiders and the launch of the heavy raider units.

As the other ships followed his orders a Three on one of the other Base ships saw a chance to increase her standing so she ordered one of her Heavy raiders to jump away during the launch of the small craft and make its way to the nearest colony and inform them of what's happening.

James was so focussed on the battle ahead that he missed the Heavy raider jump and sealed his fate but he didn't know that so he continued with his plan to fight it out with the Colonials.

He watched as his raiders and heavy raiders formed up in front of the base ships as they waited for the Colonials who had stopped at the entrance and started launching their own small craft. He was surprised at how complete their squadrons were as he was expecting reduced numbers and beat up craft but what he saw was fully formed squadrons with functioning small craft.

He filed away his observation for after that battle to find out where they got the craft as according to the records they had Ragnar anchorage only had munitions and no small craft were supposed to be stored there so where did they get the vipers and even more where did they get the pilots.

Battlestar Olympus - Fleet CIC - Admiral Stokes

The two fleets were getting closer to each other a few miles each second; they were just getting within the confirmed missile range of the Cylons when Admiral Stokes gave the order. "Vipers to the flanks and flak screens to engage as soon as they clear."

As his orders were relayed he watched the bigger and more detailed dradis screen show the vipers spread to either side of a set area where the flak screens would be when they start firing. He watched as the Raiders as they have done time and time again since this war restarted just pushed on ahead as if they have no fear at what they will face when the guns start spitting death at them.

He waited and waited till the raiders were just reaching the middle of the area when he ordered. "All ships to commence Flak screens and to open fire on highlighted targets."

While that was happening the Vipers on the flanks faced their own meeting with fate as they engaged the raiders and heavy raiders that made up the Cylons flanking forces. The Dogfight was fast paced and deadly if you lost your concentration for even a second and even if you didn't if lady luck turned her gaze away from you for even a second you could still end up on the end of a Cylons gun.

Admiral Stokes looked on as the battle started and he waited for the Cylon reinforcements to arrive before they could spring their trap. Things continued like that for the next 5 minutes as the fleets fired massive amounts of munitions against each other and both sides had suffered damage but it was the Colonials who were controlling the tempo of the battle.

That is until a force of Heavy raiders diverted from the dogfight on the left flank and proceeded towards the Battlestar Hades and while the vipers flying close protecting managed to destroy 3 out of 5 craft the last two managed to crash into the flight deck of the Starboard Pod.

Admiral Stokes ordered. "Lt have the reserve marines made ready to support Hades if the situation warrants it." He then picked up the receiver and said. "Hade's Actual this is Stokes. Do you require additional support to repel boarders?"

"This Hade's Actual, No need Admiral we took on extra marines before we left just for this eventuality and have secured both known targets of the Cylons but thank you for the offer." Replied Commander Christoph

"Roger that Hades, Good luck and good hunting." Replied Admiral Stokes as he replaced the Receiver and continued to oversee the battle. As he was looking over the Dradis he started to worry if their plan was going to work as the Cylon still hadn't sent reinforcements to the battle.

"Sir, The center Base ship is breaking up and has gone quiet." Informed the Comms officer. "Ships are requesting orders for which ship to target next."

Stokes looked on and decided to change tactics. "Order the Olympus and the Gunstar Trinity to target the Starboard Base ship and the Hade's and the other 2 Gunstars to target the port side Base ship. Let's see if they feel threatened when they are facing destruction."

He had just finished his orders when the ship shook. "Reporting Nuclear detonation on Portside flight pod. Minimal Damage but Flak screen reduced to 97%." He looked at the screen and noticed that the Vipers on the starboard side of the battlefield had taken more casualties so they left a hole for the raiders to punch through.

"Have a reserve squadron reinforce the Starboard side and have the Gunstars cover the hole in our Flak coverage." He ordered.

Portside Base Ship

The Three in charge of the ship watched as the ship holding James Leoben broke apart under the concentrated fire from the Colonials. She shouted at the Five on her command deck. "Send a message to all ships in range to reinforce us and make it clear if they dont the colonials will escape." She was pissed and when she saw James again she was going to give a fully paid trip back to the resurrection chamber.

The Five responded after a few minutes with his hands in the Gel interface. "Reinforcements are 12 minutes out, we need to hold them till they get here."

She looked at the display in front of her and decided that they needed to change tactics. "Call back the Raiders from the center and send them to the right and overwhelm the Colonials. Once they have punched a hole through them, send all available Heavy raiders through the hole and focus their attack on the Gunstars. We need to weaken the Flak screen so our missiles stand a better chance of getting through." She ordered and the four in the room did as she ordered as he relayed the new instructions to the Cylon Raiders.

A Six decided to contribute as well. "We have a chance to cause more damage to the Hades if we can get more Centurions aboard to reinforce the boarding party already on it."

The Three contemplated what she said for a few nanoseconds. "Fine, have 2 detachments of Heavy raiders attempt to board her and support the Centurions already on her." The Six walked over to the Gel when she got the Confirmation of her plans and put her hands into the Gel interface and relayed the orders to two of the Heavy Raider squadrons in the reserve forces.

Battlestar Hades - Commander Christoph - Ship's CIC

Commander Christoph was busy directing the ship as more and more reports of boarders came through the internal comms. They had already made their way to the main hallway of the ship and were currently following the same tactics as during the first Cylon war and they were currently targeting both the CIC and Aft Damage Control.

He had ordered blockades set up at several points along their paths but so far they have been less than effective. "Sir, The marines are falling back to secondary positions and have sustained heavy casualties." He received a report from the Marine comm's specialist that was stationed in the CIC to monitor and direct the marine units.

"Have able bodied crew who are not essential to the operation of the ship to take up arms and assist marines. Also order the armories to release explosive rounds to those crew members or they will just be fodder in the way of those machines." He ordered the marine.

"Yes, Sir will relay the orders as directed." Replied the Comm's specialist.

Commander Christoph walked back to the chart table while checking his own service weapon as he may be forced to use it sooner than he would like. "Colonel, I want you to set up a firing position just outside the CIC and have heavy weapons set up and also disable the emergency decompression function here and order the same at the Aft Damage Control." He ordered his XO.

Colonel Hobbes confirmed the order and got to work setting up their final defensive position while the marines who were guarding the CIC helped by setting up a heavy weapon they procured from the armory set up near the CIC for just an occasion.

"Corporal, do we have numbers on enemy borders?" Christoph asked the marine in charge of comm's.

"No confirmed numbers as of yet sir but estimates put them at 2 dozen of the newer model centurion and what appears to be a human directing them." The Corporal answered.

Commander Christoph didn't like the uncertainty and lack of information but he would work with what info he had. "Very well keep me informed on their progress."

"Yes, Sir" Was the answer he received as the Corporal went back to doing his job.

Apart from there internal problems they were facing more and more enemy small craft that where getting through the Viper's and where causing problems as they seem to be targeting there Flak guns and its weakening there Flak shields allowing more missile's to get through as there was only so much the Gunstars could do to pick up the slack.

Tunnel Entrance of Ragnar Anchorage.

It had been a long 15 minutes and the battle was still being fought by both sides, The colonials had slowly gained an advantage on one flank while the Cylons gained a major advantage on the other when they redistributed there forces and managed to punch a hole through the viper screen allowing there heavy raiders to make it through will little to no losses' to their number.

The fight between the Larger ships had settled into a slow methodical firefight with neither side coming out ahead and with the damage taken by both sides the amount of firepower brought to bear reduced to the point that neither side could force through a victory at present.

The biggest loss for the colonials is when the Gunstar Trinity was forced to retreat after taking several missile hits and one nuclear missile that reduced its missile tubes to slag and caused hull breach throughout the ship. With the loss of the ship and the reduction in Flak screen more missile's were getting through and the only saving grace for the colonials is that both remaining Base ships had taken a lot of damage in return and had lost the use of more than 40% of their missile launch platforms.

It was just after this chain of events that the Cylon plan became clear as a wing of 4 Heavy Raiders made a run for the Hade's damaged flight pod and after landing disgorged their complement of centurions into the already war torn ship.

Admiral Stokes was made aware of this and ordered two thirds of his marines to board shuttles and make their way to the Hades to aid in the defense of the ship. He had also received a report that the evacuation was reaching fifty percent completion and that the last of the civilian ships would be jumping in the next 10 minutes with only military ships and Ragnar station left to jump at that point.

Battlestar Hades - Hallway Outside CIC

Colonel Hobbes was the type of officer who over-achieved when given the most basic of orders so when he was told to build a defensive position outside the CIC he took to it with as much enthusiasm as you could given the situation.

He first had the able bodied crew in the area pull as many heavy crates from the nearby storage rooms to create a barricade at several points along the hallway to allow them to fall back as needed before actually reaching the outside of the CIC. He also had several Heavy machine guns set up with two set up right outside the CIC as a last resort position. He also made the decision to place a few missile launchers with reloads at several points along the hallway to be used in case there was a chance of being overrun as with there position towards the center of the ship they had little chance of piercing the hull and there were no full lines this far forward of the engines.

He had just finished distributing weapons and ammunition including all the explosive rounds they had when there were gunshots from the access way to the next section of the ship so he ordered his personnel to man their positions. "Get ready, Focus fire on the center of the corridor while the marines take care of any outliers. Only fall back on my orders is that understood."

"Yes, Sir." Was heard from the gathered crew who prepared the rifle's and pistols they had been issued while the marines prepared the heavy weapons. "Sir, do we have permission to use grenades?" asked one marine.

"Not at present save them for when we have to fall back." Colonel Hobbes replied.

They could still hear gunshots and some screams from the other side of the hatch that had been shut, locked and secured.

It was as they were waiting for the enemy to make their breach that he received an update from the CIC. The Cylons had managed to get more forces abroad while they were fighting the ones already here but some good news is that Admiral Stokes has sent over the majority of his marines to help but they were 5 minutes out and the gods know how long till they can offer support here but it improved morale so he wasn't questioning it.

Ragnar Station - Admiral Kosta

Leo was looking at the reports as more and more ships made the jump away but he was more worried with the reports he was getting from the other tunnel as it looked like they may not get the chance to use the Raptors as for some unknown reason the Cylons have not called in any reinforcements as of yet.

Also from the looks of it the Hades was taking a beating inside and out and with one Gunstar already retired he was debating if it was necessary to call back the ships before they suffered any more losses. He was just considering ordering the raptors to jump in and give the two base ships all they got before jumping back out again when the sensor's officer spoke out. "Sir, Sensors are picking up jump points 2 LY away and they match Cylon Base ships. They number 10 Base ships and 7 other unknowns."

Leo breathed a sigh of relief as it looked like they may be able to give the Cylons a bloody nose after all. "Order the Fleet to increase evacuation speed and have Admiral Stokes retreat into the tunnel as the new contacts jump in to draw them in."

"Yes, Sir" The comm's officer sent the new orders and Leo watched as the dradis screen showed the ships coming out of the tunnel speeding up and he hoped that they could get all the civilian ships out of here in the next 10 minutes.

He read the last report and ordered. "Lt have the Rycon, Agios and Hercules ready to remain behind to support the distraction fleet and be prepared to arm the mines inside the other side's tunnel as they retreat." The officer replied in the positive and relayed the orders.