5

With our command crew declared ready by Commander Cain, launch preparations and crew training took on a whole new meaning. One issue that came up was damage control. The Pegasus CAG, Captain Starbuck, told me a rather harrowing tale of how he and his former CO were nearly stranded in space after having set solonite charges on the Galactica hull when a Cylon attack had caused a major fire.

That the principle worked however was one thing he vividly remembered, It was the application he said that could use some refinement.

In the meantime trucks started coming with everything and more. It varied from food to spares for anything and everything from Earth that we carried.

This being a Navy vessel, though yet uncomissioned, somebody very probably succeeded in getting booze aboard and stowed in a hidden cache.

It didn’t bother me that they tried for that showed resourcefullness to me. I would be very pissed if anyone worked with this technology if they were drunk though.

Something, or rather someone else that bothered me, was Commander Cain. During his last visit, he had looked a little worse for wear. Slight trouble breathing and some trouble with his walking were amongst the things I noticed. Just prior to the launch day, Cain had even elected to stay aboard his ship.

Some of the newly installed ESM gear told me that he was watching things from just beyond the Moon.

A bit more surprising was the fact that we were able to jam Pegasus scanners now, though only partially.

Though no launch date was set like it is on shuttle missions, our systems checklist continued unabated. As soon as they were complete, we would launch.

In the meantime practice continued for the fighter wing and now for the crew as well at an unrelenting pace. I was just happy that we didn’t get any accidents.

I also attended one of the marine gunners training sessions. Here, I watched Starbuck's wing in action again. Simulating Cylon fighters, they came in at angles as the Marines tried to track them. The Marines had a 65 percent kill ratio against the Vipers.

Colonel Merryweather explained it to me “Most of my boys and girls love playing video games, sir. With setups like these, they don’t miss.”

As an afterthought she added “Heck, Captain Starbuck had us targeting stuff from the base first. Compared to this, those Hornets were a milk run.”

“Is it really going to be that though up there?”

I nodded positively with regards to her answer “probably even thougher.”

“You know Commander Cain’s briefing as well as I do. I figure we can expect at the very least a target rich enviroment. Just tell your boys and girls to be spot on with their first shots, or at least try. That mock battle against the Pegasus will be a real killer, if we are to believe Cain.”
For myself I didn’t really have any illusions about the battle. Cain would very probably kick our collective buts around the moon and back.

But it would serve as a very needed excercise to see if everything worked and give us some much more needed experience.

My thoughts were interupted by the communications panel buzzer going of. I immediatly switched on the panel.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Sir, communications are picking signals from the Pegasus, it seems she’s under attack!”

The words were out of my mouth before I even realised it. “Start launch preparations, I’m on way.”

I ran to the bridge.

An ensign handed me a headset as I got there, over it came the following message “Battlestar Pegasus to Atlantis, we have been attacked by superior Cylon forces, request help immediatly.” The rest fizzled out into static.

I looked at Caldwell who was in the command pit “Message repeats after that, sir. She still seems to be near Mars, as far as scanners can tell.”

“Status on launch preparations?”

“Hatches are secured. All personnel present and accounted for. Engines and power system on standby.”

“Set the ship to condition two, then warn Groom Lake to clear the area for departure.” The standard Navy answer of 'Aye sir' soon followed.

My crew responded better to me then Groom Lake did. It took the base ATC 30 minutes to clear the area.

By then we were ready. “Allright, power to thrusters, helm take us up.”

From the outside it looked as if Atlantis was rumbling, indeed as if the entire area was rumbling. Soon the first whiff of exhaust fumes turned into a torrent of smoke as thrusters did their work.

The tremors and rumblings seized as Atlantis arose.

Much like the now ancient Space shuttle, Atlantis left a plume of smoke as she rose.

Although we didn’t have a clue as far as plasma or any kind of other fuel residue was concerned, I had already decided to play it safe. We would light main engines at threehundred thousand feet up. Then we’d rotate the bow upwards, and ‘boldly go wher no man had gone before’.

As I watched the digital altimeter numbers climb, I ordered the main engines to standby.

When the numbers clicked over, I gave the order.

Just like the firing of the thrusters, the startup of the main engines gave a brief rumble which quickly subsided as Atlantis began to move forward. All of this was visible through the forward porthole.

“Bow at fifteen degrees positive bubble, beginning climb at maximum velocity.” A voice in the distance announced. I watched the helm controls on the floow below the command dais move in concert.

While were climbing out to space, I did another com check with Caldwell “Any more messages from Pegasus?”

The young lieutenant shook his head. “No sir, just receiving static on all channels.”

In the meantime another report reached my ears “Artificial gravity has kicked in.” A quick look around showed no objects, or people for that matter, were in anyway free floating over the deck.

Somewhat later, I got confirmation. “We’re officially in space, sir.”

“Good, congratulations on a job well done, now set a course for the Pegasus last known location, then go EMCON, and stay on condition 2.”

With Atlantis on EMCON, I hoped we would not be picked up through our electronic emissions. Although it would mean the men manning the passive sensors would have to be on their toes. In this way the waiting game began.

Not waiting however, was the Commander of Cylon baseship 3058. Aware of the electronic signals eminating from the solar system his ship was now entering, the commander figured it a worthy investigation.

Perhaps he might even find the still at large battlestar Galactica and her fleet!

Although it was standard practice by both the Colonials and the Cylon empire to send out patrols, this time the Commander refused to do so. The electronic signals, which included some Master Control identified as 'entertainement broadcasts', left no doubt to the Commander that he was on the trail of yet another human settlement.

“Launch a patrol, minimum force. They are to reconnoiter this system, but do nothing else. Have them fly to their maximum patrol range, then return.”

The reply the Command Centurion got was the same since the very first Cylon was activated and received instruction, “By your command.”

Not much later a squadron of the well known and feared Cylon raiders left their baseship, on a trek deeper into the system.

“Passive sensor contacts, bearing 355 by 10 by minus 85.” At the mention of the word contacts I figured we had picked up a Pegasus patrol that was looking for us. I walked over to the scanner station and asked for an update.

The senior sailor manning one of the consoles looked at his screen while talking to me “ A few minutes ago we picked up some contacts that tunred out to be a squadron size formation, for some reason they’re using the planets to mask their approach to Earth.”

Textbook scouting approach, using every available means of cover was the first thought to enter my mind. “Continue to track them, and see if you can come up with a point of departure.”

“Aye sir.”

A quick look at the plotboard showed a squadron formation of red Xs appearing near one of the moons of Jupiter. “Get the pilots to five minute readiness.”

In another part of the ship, a speaker began to broadcast “All pilots to their ships, launch status is ready 5.”

Before running out to join his pilots, the CAG made a mental note to call the bridge.

“Hangar bays reported pilots at their fighters, oh and Captain, the CAG wants a word.”

“Put him on.”

“We’re tracking them, squadron strength, heading in system.” Steve knew the mission parameters as well as I did.

“Their version or ours? ”

“For now we’re assuming its the Pegasus wing, still too far to get confirmation from Jane’s though, so we’re tracking them on passives and trying to establish where they came from.”

“Good call, for once I’d really like to surprise that card shark.” There was a bit of an edge with that last remark I knew Starbuck loved games and that he had played against Steve and his pilots on several occassions, beating them at Pyramid (the Colonial version of poker).

Once he started to teach them the game things didn’t change all that much, a rumor had circulated that he was suspected of cheating. For some reason the rumor persisted after the guys tought the captain how to play poker.

Add to that Starbuck beating Steve’s wing a number of times before they got their act together. It could get ugly in there. “Thanks CAG, don’t let it get out of hand though.” I warned him.

“I won’t.” He switched off. I didn’t feel any better, yet.

An alarmed voice cried out, “Captain, they’re on course for Earth!”

I ran back to the scanner station.

“We’re still working on backtracking sir, but these bozos are on course for Earth. The're acting as if we’re not even there.”

“Alright, increase speed just enough to come into range to identify them.”

“Aye sir.”

Atlantis picked up speed. I watched yet another meter tick down. “In range, activating Jane’s.”

There was an ominous silence which persisted for a few minutes.

The warbook sequenced through all compatible craft indicated by sensor data profile and narrowed down to one entry.

“It’s them.” The scanner tech breathed in that surreal moment, then composed himself.

“Targets identified, multi-person ships, they’re not Vipers!, no Human life signs.”

“Battlestations! Launch fighters, arm all anti-fighter batteries and ready damage control.” The usual day hue we had installed on the bridge turned to red as a siren began whailing.

Another monitor showed the Vipers launching. Luckily Cain’s planning allowed for the launch of only one squadron of said Vipers. I knew Steve would be leading them.

“Let’s get to work people, wingmen protect your leaders and watch out for the pinwheel attack.” The Vipers swiftly closed the distance and engaged.

From monitors and scanners I watched as deaths fiery blossoms filled the space near Atlantis.

The Cylon Squadron Commander noticed something particular about the engagement as his weapons officer blasted a Viper into nothingness.

“Contact our Baseship, inform them these are not Colonial Humans we are engaging.”

“Unable to comply, we are being jammed.” By then they could see what was jamming them.

“Another Battlestar is responsible for the jamming. Concentrate all attacks.” Like a fly on honey, they came.

“Aegis Alpha.” Was my only response to the report the remaining Cylons were coming our way. In another part of the ship, not to far away from the bridge, a key was turned which shifted a computer into another targetting mode.

Things went very fast from there on out.

First I felt the launches. Augmented SR5 surface-to-air missiles were the first shots fired in anger by Atlantis herself. The 5 round salvo took out three of its intended targets with the two other missiles missing.

Then Colonel Merryweather came on the air, asking me to release the guns.

“Guns released, go get them.” From the screens I watched the shooting begin. Four Cylons fell immediatly to surprisingly accurate fire.

The half dozen others that now remained returned fire, making me recieve damage reports about hits on the superstructure. Fortunately, there were no hull breaches, yet. By then some of the Vipers returned.

With their help, the six remaining raiders were soon blasted out of the stars.

I breathed a short sign of relief. “Get me the CAG, I want an update on his situation.”

Not much later Steve’s voice appeared in my headset “Captain, we got nearly all of them. Losses appear to be light but I’d have to check once we’re back at the barn, out.”

Again Thomas Caldwell approached me “Sir, we’ve managed to back track their course.”

He looked at me as I breathed out “Alright, recover the fighters and go stealth again, then see if we can’t surprise them.” Caldwell nodded and moved away from me. Myself, I headed to the plot board to find the Colonel waiting for me.

“ Colonel, what brings you down here?”

“ Just wanted to know if I need to prepare my gunners for ship to ship combat, sir.”

I didn’t look at her but continued to study the map. “ It’s a distinct possibillity, colonel, very distinct.”

She trotted off to her own command module which had been constructed a short distance from the command bridge. It was an empty compartiment that the Marines had reconstructed into a command module with my permission. From the data on the war provided by Commander Cain one of the things we realized that it might be feasible to have a backup command centre at some distance from the bridge. Incase of a direct hit that would disable the bridge, the secondary bridge would take over operations and either remove any threat or remove the ship from danger.

“I want heavy missile crews on standby.”

We sailed or flew, I wasn’t sure yet of the definition, further on into the solar system, looking for trouble and this time, we were using the full active scanner suite we found on the ship.

Things were interesting to say the least. “Send the data feeds toi the science teams. Maybe they can figure out what we’re seeing.”

Not all that soon thereafter, Serena Quinn appeared on the bridge. As the head of my science departement, and also now a Lieutenant Commander, she had the job of finding out how Atlantis got to Earth.

It wasn’t a job I envied.

“How are you doing, Serena?” She seemed lost in the stars as I asked the question.

Without looking she answered me “Not too bad, considering I never been shot at before.” After a pause and before I could ask more she added “ Is it always like this?”

“Getting shot at, I’m afraid so.” I told her about one of the times I was on a carrier that was under attack. “Just don’t get over it. I find it something of an edge that can get you out of a predicament if needed.”

She nodded and continued to gaze at the stars. “ Ever wonder what’s out there?”

I gave Serena the only answer I knew “Trouble.” And decided to leave it there. There was still a Cylon Baseship on the loose in the solar system, and it needed to be found and taken care of, or else...

“There’s a quite a few place to hide in the solar system.” I commented as the plot screen was updated with new information received by the scannners. The Colonel, who by now rejoined me, remarked that it would be hell to defend the place.

I agreed with her and started wondering if she had already ‘consulted’ some of her own more talented officers about opinions on the matter.

When Jupiter came up blank, except for a lot of scientific data, we headed for Saturn.

And again, the senior Centurion strode in to report to his commander “Sensors are picking up an approaching Battlestar.”

The Basestar, having detected the jamming, was in hiding near the rings of Saturn. Later reports would put them squarely in the middle of said rings, but it just wasn’t true. The Basestar was out of the rings, maneuvering in a rather odd pattern.

I started to worry as it began to ascend. We were in range to see her on any screens. Just not in effective range for a combined assault. “Match that!” I shouted to no one in particular as a strange light began to glow near one of the bottom tops that made up the bottom half of something that for lack of better comprehension looked like two spinning tops.

By then, everything started to happen at once.

The scanners reported the Pegasus diving and firing for all she was worth, following by both sides (except us) launching fighters. As Pegasus dove it carried her just in front of us and the Baseship fired. Her first shot hit the Pegasus on the bridge sector. The second and third shots missed. The Pegasus however, started to thumble for a bit.

By then we had put some distance between the battle and ourselves. Time to change that.

“Battlestations! Launch all fighters, tell the Cag he’s to help the Pegasus's fighters with those Raiders. Power to the entire weapons grid! Helm bring us around. Gunnery crew engage that Basestar. Missile crews on standby.”

Atlantis and the Cylon Basestar started exchanging shots with their respective secondary batteries. I called all scanner crews to keep their eyes open. I didn’t want to go down the road of the Pegasus.

Apparently, Colonel Merryweather felt the same. I soon began noticing results as the counter fire from the Cylons began to decrease. Again I heard her voice in the headset “Captain, we shot you a clear corridor. Now finish her off!” It almost sounded as if she gave the order herself.

“Helm, bring us to spitting range.”

On the main scanner screen near the console, the little dot that was essentially the Basestar started to get bigger.

This time I’d take a page fron Cain, fire a point-blank anti-ship volley and roll clear at the very last moment.

At the increased speed, it didn’t take long for Atlantis to get there.

Apparently the Cylons didn't get the memo about the suicidal tactic from Gamoray (since no Cylons survied that engagement) so the machine logic was momentarily stunned at the illogical move. At pont blank range they had trouble locking on with their secondary guns.

And with an eerily familiar rumble, the enormous missiles erupted from their cradles and flew forward like a swarm of angry hornets. Again I was surprised at the Marines’ uncanny accuracy with this weaponry and the laser cannons Atlantis carried for defense.

The Cylon Basestar disappeared in a multiple flashes of light.

“Contact the Cag, ask him for a status report. And, I want Lieutenant Cain up here ASAP.”

The Navy Seal got to the bridge rather quickly.

“David, it’s a SAR mission. I want you and your team to go over to the Pegasus and see if there are survivours. Bring them back if there are any, then asses the damage. See if she can be repaired or if it’s worse.” Cain nodded and left the bridge.

Flight control reported a group of three shuttles leaving not much later.

To my own silent relief, they reached the Pegasus without getting in to any trouble. Moments later, the message reached me that they had landed.

In the starboard landing bay of the Pegasus things were a bit of a mess. A number of people were trying their best with damage control efforts, whilst some others were also working on a number of wounded. Cain directed one of his detachment's medics to help.

Leaving a four man team in the bay, he and the others set off in the direction of the bridge.

Working their way farther in, it soon became clear to Cain that the Battlestar had taken rather serious damage. But what was more telling was the damage control efforts by the crew. Did they know something he didn’t? Cain didn’t stop to wonder as the team moved on.

They made it to the Pegasus bridge, or what was left of it, in nearly record time.

A partial collapse was the first thing they saw. A number of beams had fallen down from the ceiling and had crushed a couple of panels and crewmember manning them. Others, as all the Seals could see, had been burned, or possibly even electrocuted.

Most of the present medics however were focused on the command dais.

The Navy Lieutenant Commander did something rather uncharacteristic then. He rushed up there as well.

The scene he found was rather devastating. Only two medics were working on someone, with apparently all the effort they could muster.

The victim of it all wore the basic warrior uniform. However, there was one exception. Instead of there being nothing on his shoulders, like the common warrior, the victim sported gold braid.

He worked his way onward.

What Lieutenant Commander David Cain saw shocked him to the core.

“ Granddad?”