From: Adam C Stacey Subject: Round Robin #1 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ROUND ROBIN STORY #1 By the Battlestar Galactica Listserv The summary of the story is that the Galactica has been hijacked by a group of terrorists who demand sanctuary on the nearest habitable planet and a promise that they will be left alone. They have seized control of the bridge with Commander Adama, Lieutenant Athena and Jolly as hostages. Sheba and Bojay are on board the Rising Star. Boxey and Muffit are wherever you want them. Omega is hiding in an alcove with access to the bridge. What's going to happen? I'll begin the story and set up this scenario. Where the story goes from there is up to you. But the terrorists must be an integral part for the most part and can't be dumped right away to do something else. You can throw in a Cylon attack somewhere and see how they react. In fact, I'd encourage that. No major characters can be killed, only red shirts or their Colonial equivalent. Wounded yes. Killed no. Oh, by the way, Borellian Nomen are running amok. Maybe that's a bit too extreme, you decide. And please, no crossovers. "Omega, where is the present location of Colonel Tigh?" asked Commander Adama from his command alcove overlooking the bridge of the last battlestar. "He and Captain Apollo are inspecting the new modifications to our Vipers," replied the dutiful bridge officer. "Very well. I'll be in my quarters if you need me." "Yes, sir-" A large sound reverberated off the walls of the bridge. Smoke issued out from behind a control panel on the far side of the deck. "Fire teams to the bridge," ordered Adama. "Omega, see what's happening." Omega left his station, indicating for Athena to carry out the Commander's orders. The panel was blown out with sparks emanating from inside where the wiring had been ripped apart. Omega did his best to put out the fire with an emergency extinguisher located nearby. Meanwhile, he was inspecting the panel to see which system would be affected by the burnout. Just then a second sound erupted across the bridge. This one even more powerful than the first. Omega looked across the bridge to see a wall panel ripped to shreds from the explosion and a team of paramilitary figures running out through the opening. Noone had time to react as the dozen citizen soldiers scrambled around the bridge with their weapons trained at the crewmen. Three security officers tried to stop them but were gunned down immediately, without inflicting any casualties of their own. Commander Adama reached down to grab the laser pistol stashed in a compartment atop his command pedestal but was kicked in the back before he could reach it. He looked up from his dazed position to see a large man dressed in ragged clothing pointing a laser pistol at his head. "Commander Adama," said the dark haired man above him. "My name is Sargon. And you are my prisoner." Colonel Tigh and Captain Apollo were inspecting a Viper up close while the leader of their engineering team was giving them a tour of the modifications he had made to the existing design. "We've increased the engine output by thirty percent while introducing a higher grade of solium that we've been experimenting with which should maximize fuel efficiency. We've only run tests in the simulator but the results are promising." "When can it be ready for a test flight?" asked Colonel Tigh. "I can have it ready in a few centaurs. That is if I could find anyone crazy enough to believe our reports of its safety." Apollo gazed at the machine and a small smile spread across his face. "I might be able to find a volunteer." "I thought you might say that. We've also taken the liberty of installing this model with new scanning devices we've developed. In case any of our pilots has time to eject in a battle, this Viper should be able to pick up human lifesigns within a half a million metrons." "Fantastic, Dr. Boros." Before Tigh could say another word, the lighting went into battle mode and began flashing red. But no klaxon accompanied the altered lighting. "That's odd," said Dr. Boros out loud. "I wonder why the klaxon didn't sound?" Tigh's and Apollo's faces had grown several shades paler as they recognized what it implied. "It's because there isn't an attack on the fleet," said Apollo. "Colonel?" "Right with you, Apollo. I'll summon all warriors on duty. I'll meet you at the bridge in ten centons." "What's going on?" said the doctor, obviously puzzled. Tigh had gone to the nearest communications unit on the wall and began issuing orders. When he was finished he turned to Boros to explain the situation. "That lighting is a signal. Commander Adama devised it long ago when Baltar and some Borellian Nomen nearly took control of the bridge. It means that the bridge has been taken hostage." "Good Lord," said the doctor. "I hope he is because we can use all the help we can get." Tigh strode out of the landing bay towards the lift as he moved to join Apollo outside the bridge. Two Vipers streaked through space as they returned from a deep space reconnaisance probe to investigate the flight path of the Battlestar Galactica and its entourage. Little did the pilots know that everything was far from normal on their baseship. "Starbuck?" "Yeah, Boomer." "I'm not getting any signal back from the Galactica. I've checked the instruments and we're well within direct communication range of the fleet." "I'll try to raise them. Hang on a micron." Starbuck toggled the communications channel and talked into his helmet communicator. "Starbuck to Galactica do you read?" Nothing followed. "This is Deep Recon One to the Galactica, come in please?" Still no response. "It's not your equipment Boomer, I can't get them either." "Well my scanner still reads them straight ahead," said Boomer more puzzled than ever. "And there's no sign of any Cylon activity in the area." "Well we're not going to find out anything out here," returned Starbuck. The two Vipers continued on their course as they moved closer to the mysteriously silent battlestar. "Sheba?" said Bojay, pestering his former wingmate for the fifth time. "Relax. We came here for a break, remember?" "I know Bojay. And I'll try. It's just so hard." "Yeah, I know. I miss the old war daggit too. Sometimes I can't believe that it's been a yahren since the Battle of Gomoray." The two remained pensive for several centons, remembering old times on the Pegasus. Bojay had suggested this excursion, no doubt to try to get Sheba's mind distracted at this joyless time. He knew that she still missed her father very much, and he couldn't blame her. She had been at his side almost her whole career. It would be the same for Apollo if he had been forced to suddenly leave his father and join another ship. The monitor above them was broadcasting the monthly production that the children put on. This play was about a fairy who gest separated from her friends and leaves the Enchanted Forest for the real world. It was an attempt to retain some of the culture that had been wiped out at the Peace Conference and convey the history of their people onto a group of children who could barely remember walking on terra firma looking up at a sky instead of the cold metal plates of their new homes. The broadcast was interrupted suddenly as a slender woman came onto the screen with the news booth behind her. Bojay and Sheba both caught the change and strained their ears to hear the message. "This just in. Reports are that all contact with the Galactica has been cut off. There is no sign of any equipment malfunction or evidence of Cylon attack. Even now, ships are scrambling to send shuttles to the battlestar in the hopes of discovering what is happening. We'll keep you informed as we learn more about this situation." Bojay and Sheba exchanged a quick glance and headed for the landing bay. They had come over in a Galactica shuttle which needed to deliver some supplies to the Rising Star anyway. At least they had a way of getting over to the Galactica. Most of the other shuttles would be tied up with intrafleet travel. As Sheba left the room, she caught an image out of the corner of her eye that seemed rather odd. As she hurried to the landing bay, she went over the picture in her mind and could have sworn that she had seen a Borellian Noman. But her mind quickly returned to the crisis at hand and she dismissed the thought, continuing onto the landing bay on board the Rising Star. Next! Okay, a tally will now be conducted. If anyone doesn't like where this is going or where it started, speak now before the next in line writes part two. From: Eugenia Horne Subject: Round Robin #1...Part 2 [Well, here you go...I bet you never ask to contribute again...hahaha...you'll be begging for those crossovers...] ROUND ROBIN STORY CONTINUES...PART 2 "This is really odd, Bojay," Sheba muttered, while again trying to hail the Galactica from the shuttle. "There's nothing on any frequency." She continued to try various bands. " - is Recon One to Galactica..." Starbuck's voice suddenly came through the shuttle's communications console. "Hellloooo? Is anyone there?" "Starbuck, this is Sheba. Are you having difficulty raising the Galactica?" "Difficulty?" Starbuck answered. "I haven't even been able to raise static." "Something's really wrong," Boomer said. "They've been silent too long." "Adama would never let communications be out this long," Bojay said. "It would cripple the fleet's defenses." "I think there's something going on here besides an accidental malfunction," Boomer said. "And if the Galactica is having troubles, it might be unwise to make a landing there until we know what's going on." "Well, we can't just keep flying in circles." Even Starbuck's usual light tone sounded strained. "We're on the Rising Star. Rendezvous here for the time being," Sheba suggested. "Save a gambling table for me," Starbuck acknowledged. "We'll be right in." "Hey, what's all the noise - " Jolly trotted onto the still smoky bridge. He stopped instantly as someone pointed a rather large laser pistol in his face. Knowing he was in serious trouble he raised his hands, dropping the planned flight roster he had been carrying. It had just been his luck that it had been his turn to deliver the flight roster to Adama this day. "Over there with the rest of them," his assailant snapped after disarming Jolly. "I'm going. I'm going. No need to get pushy." He stepped over to where the rest of the bridge crew had been herded. Jolly blanched as he saw the damage that had been done to the bridge. Omega wasn't with the survivors which surprised Jolly. That man never left his post; the only logical alternative was that he wasn't able to continue his duties. Jolly shuddered. He glanced at his captive comrades. Athena, blood staining her face and uniform, looked pale and ready to cry, while Rigel looked stoic. The others appeared to still be in shock. "It'll be all right," he took Athena's cold, trembling hand. She had apparently been near the explosion as evidenced by the severe laceration on her forehead. Her uniform had also been torn in several places and no doubt she had suffered further injuries the extent of which Jolly was unable to determine. Tigh unlocked the door of the auxiliary bridge several decks below and behind the main bridge. Apollo and the hastily gathered backup crew followed the Colonel in and began powering up the various consoles. Tigh went to one particular instrument panel, immediately engaging the controls. After a few moments, an overhead view of the main bridge appeared on the small screen. Tigh could clearly see and hear what was taking place. "Have you re-established flight communications?" Apollo asked, standing next to the communications officer. His father had been fairly emphatic about the importance of restoring flight communications between the Galactica and the fleet first in the event of a disaster. "I'm having a little trouble re-routing," she said, working at the problems. "This should do it." She snapped a final switch and the normal, although subdued, chatter came through. "Try to locate Recon One," Apollo said leaning over the officer. A moment later, Starbuck's voice came through. "Hey, we were wondering what happened to you." "Where are you?" Apollo asked. "Heading over to the Rising Star to meet Sheba and Bojay. What is happening over there? " "We think the bridge has been seized; by whom, we don't know yet." "Oh, frak. Doesn't Council Security ever learn?" "Evidently not. I'll get back to you." "We'll be waiting." Apollo strode over to where Tigh was watching the happenings between Adama and another man on the bridge. "It looks like a concerted group of people have taken over," Tigh muttered. "How did they manage to get to the bridge without being challenged?" "I don't know. Probably an inside source..." "What do you want?" Adama snapped, glowering at his captor. "We want free from this insane quest," Sargon growled back. "You've dragged us along in pursuit of a fable for an eternity now." "I won't turn this fleet aside." "Did I say I wanted the fleet? All I want is a few ships, some supplies, and the coordinates to the nearest inhabitable planet." "I can't do that," Adama stated flatly in that tone intending to convey that no argument was possible. He had considered this possibility long ago. The fleet needed every resource it had brought from the colonies or salvaged en route. To give up even a few of those resources could be devastating in the future. For him to give in to the demands of one fanatical group would only weaken his authority among the diverse population held together only by the common goal of survival. No doubt the fleet would fragment into smaller groups reducing any one ship's chances of reaching a sanctuary. "Yes, you can..." Sargon hissed, glaring at Adama. A sudden cry among the crew broke the deadlocked gaze between Sargon and Adama who both turned to look. "She needs a medtech," Jolly gasped, kneeling by Athena who had collapsed. Sargon smiled crookedly and returned his gaze to Adama. The Commander remained outwardly controlled, but fury burned in his eyes. "I won't consider another one of your petty demands until you release her to the care of a medtech." "Fine, but I'm not letting your daughter out of this room," Sargon said almost cheerfully. "Call a medtech. Then we'll talk." "Omega - " Adama began automatically, then realized Omega wasn't at his post. He paused and stepped over to the communications console. It was inoperative. He tried the emergency inter-ship line with no more success. He briefly glanced up towards the ceiling as he made a few more motions with his hand. "Tigh, get me a medtech here. Now." "And while were waiting, we can have that little discussion about my demands." "I will not discuss anything until a medtech arrives," Adama said flatly, crossing his arms. "I'm know what I'm doing," Cassiopiea said to Apollo, who had traversed the Galactica in order to relay his father's order. Internal communications had still not been fully restored, although the flight system was up and operational. Patrols were again surveying the area. "You could get yourself killed," he said. "That's funny coming from someone who regularly puts himself in front of the enemies' target sights," Cassiopiea laughed walking down the hallway towards the bridge. "Cassiopiea, you don't understand. If something happens to you, Starbuck will kill me." "Look, Apollo, you and your father have continually made a place for me on the Galactica. It's time I return the favour. And you can tell Starbuck that I'm not going to kill off my old rival," she smiled reassuringly as she entered the last hallway to the bridge. Apollo sighed and trotted off to return to Tigh. Cassiopiea entered the bridge under the watchful eye of Sargon and his gang. Adama walked over to her. "Cassiopiea, thank you for coming," Adama murmured. "It will be all right," she replied softly, as she knelt by Athena's side. Jolly was still holding Athena's hand and looking rather worried. Cassiopiea ran a cursory scan with the equipment she brought and administered a dose of medicine. Athena moaned. "I've stabilized her for the time being," Cassiopiea told Adama. "She needs to be taken to the Life Center but at the moment she and her child are doing fine." "What?" Adama's jaw dropped. "Athena's pregnant; didn't she tell you?" From: Michele Martin Subject: Round Robin #1...Part 3 Okay, you asked for it. And I even managed to refrain from dragging in characters from any other television show.... ********************************************************************** "Galactica to Recon Patrol," came Tigh's voice over Starbuck's comlink as he prepared to land on the Rising Star. "Right here, Colonel. What's happening?" Starbuck replied. "It looks like the situation is deteriorating. I'll need you and lieutenant Boomer back onboard as soon as possible." "How bad is it?" Boomer asked. Tigh hesitated before responding, "It appears that there are injuries on the bridge, but the hostage-takers are not allowing anyone to go free. Instead they called for a medtech. We're waiting on the report now." Starbuck had a bad feeling about who the medtech in question was. He angled his viper back toward the Galactica and kicked in the turbos. Boomer followed closely on his tail. *If _anything_ happens to her....* Starbuck thought angrily to himself as he prepared again to land, this time on the Galactica. *...Tigh and Adama will be the _least_ of those terrorists' problems.* "She's _what_?!" Adama finally managed to gasp after Cassiopeia's revelation. He couldn't believe it. The last thing he needed on top of everything else. Sargon seemed to find the situation highly amusing. "Tsk, tsk, Adama. I would've thought that _you_ of all people would've raised your children better. Think of the scandal! I wonder who the father could be?" Adama wondered that himself. One name sprang almost immediately to mind--Starbuck. Oh, he recalled quite clearly the day that Athena had tearfully announced that the lieutenant had finally officially broken off their relationship...but that was almost a yahren ago, long enough for the man to have had second thoughts. He certainly wouldn't put it past Starbuck to have another brief fling with his daughter--all the while _pretending_ to be seriously involved with someone else. Cassiopeia. Adama glanced down at the medtech, who looked a bit pale and tight-lipped. Apparantly some of the same thoughts were going through her mind as well. However, she seemed to put aside her own personal musings as she turned to Sargon. "She really needs to be taken to the Life Center. In her condition these injuries could prove more dangerous than they look." "Is there any danger of her getting worse in the immediate future?" Sargon asked coldly. "We can't be too careful...please, let me take her..." "No. I'm not letting her off the bridge," Sargon stated adamantly. He turned to Adama, "If anything, your daughter's condition works in our favor. You can't afford, for her sake, to delay on your decision to help us." "I refuse to even consider your terms unless you release her..." "No! You are in no position to argue with me, Adama. I know you're a stubborn man, but we are desperate. And desperate people do desperate things. Don't forget that...and _don't_ underestimate how far I will go in order to make you listen." Sargon turned back to Cassiopeia, who was helping Jolly make Athena more comfortable. "I thank you for your help. Now, leave." "What?" Cassiopeia answered, looking confused. "Leave. Go. Get off the bridge. You've served your purpose. I don't want our intrepid leader here to get any ideas that you might improve his daughter's condition enough for him to hem and haw over our demands. I'm letting you go." "But if you won't let Athena go, I need to stay here and...." "GET OUT!" Sargon yelled as he grabbed Cassieopeia none too gently by the arm and shoved her toward the exit. "Hey! You can't do that!" Jolly angrily said, standing up to face Sargon. In response, the terrorist leader negligently backhanded the sargeant, knocking him to the floor beside Athena. "You'll do well to remember who's in charge here now, my friend. Keep an eye on her if you're so concerned about her safety. But don't interfere with me again! Now, Commander, shall we discuss my people's demands?" Omega watched the scene unfolding on the bridge in anger in frustration. Anger over the callous manner in which Sargon treated his hostages, especially Athena who, from this angle, looked like she was really in need of further medical treatment. And frustration because he couldn't do a blasted thing hiding here in the service alcove. He was also, like everyone else on the bridge, amazed at the revelation of Athena's pregnancy. How could it have happened? Well, there wasn't anything he could do about it now...unless he could figure out some way to get in contact with Tigh. Unarmed and blocked from any access to an escape route, the only way he could be helpful was to spy on the terrorists in hopes of finding a weak spot that others could exploit. But first he had to fix this panel. Having reached a decision, Omega went to work. Upon their arrival, Starbuck and Boomer immediately headed toward the auxiliary bridge to rendezvous with Colonel Tigh. They noted that internal communications were still out, making it all the more difficult to organize some sort of counter strategy. Especially when there were hostages on the bridge. Tigh filled them in on the entire situation, including the fact that Athena was injured and Cassiopeia had volunteered to go and help her out. They'd just received word that the terrorists were releasing the med tech but not Athena. Apollo had gone to meet her. "No word on her condition?" Starbuck asked, concerned. "No, but Sargon--that's the leaders name--seemed highly amused about _something_. I believe he plans to use Athena as a bargaining chip against Adama to force him into making a faster decision," Tigh replied. "We should've known something like this would happen sooner or later. We've all noted how restless some of the civilians are getting. I can't say I really blame them, cooped up in tight quarters and on strict rations for what seems like forever. It's bad enough for us, and we're used to it," Boomer interjected. "But this is NOT the way...we have to work together if we're all going to survive. That's what Adama's always believed. Even with everything that's at risk, I doubt he'll give in to their demands easily. He's counting on us to come up with some sort of plan. If we could just get the internal communications working it'd be a big help," Tigh replied, frustration evident in his voice. "I think I may be able to help out there," Boomer said. "At least it's something to do." "If you don't mind, sir, I'd like to go to the Life Center and make sure Cassieopeia's okay...and to see find out more about what's happening on the bridge," Starbuck asked. Tigh could see that he looked more than a little bit anxious. He nodded, and the lieutenant hurriedly made his way toward the Life Center. Following up on orders they'd received from Colonel Tigh, Sheba and Bojay were trying to reassure the nervous personnel and passengers on the Rising Star that everything was under control. Even though they, personally, didn't really believe that. Especially when Sheba could swear she kept catching glimpses of what looked like Borellian Nomen. Which was odd since the Borrellians had been mostly confined to their own ship after Maga and his group had persisted in their bloodhunt against Starbuck's friend Chameleon. She hoped they weren't also prowling around. It'd be the last thing they needed on top of all their other troubles. "This sort of thing would've never happened if my father were in charge," she muttered to herself. Well, that was unfair--Cain had never had to deal with a fleet full of tired, bedraggled, and frustrated civilians. Just tired, bedraggled, and frustrated military personnel...and there was a big difference between the two. As these thoughts flashed through her head, she and Bojay rounded another corner...and came face to face with a Nomen. The Nomen seemed almost as surprised as they were, but only for a fraction of a micron. Then it drew out its laser boles. "Frak!" yelled Bojay as he and Sheba dived for cover. The laser boles slammed into the wall next to them. In the distance they could hear cries of alarm and sounds of fighting. Bojay turned and fired a blast at their attacker. But that's when he realized that there was more than one Nomen there...and more were coming. Too many for two warriors caught off guard. They fired a few more rounds as they retreated back to the launch bay with one thought in mind--warn the Galactica. The Nomen were loose. Starbuck arrived in the Life Center to find Apollo and Cassiopeia both there. They looked like they were having a rather animated conversation, which ceased abruptly as they became aware of his arrival. He was relieved to see that Cassie was unharmed. But she looked more than a little anxious, as did Apollo, which didn't bode well for Athena's condition. "Tigh told me what happened. Is Athena okay?" he asked. He was caught completely offguard when Cassiopeia's hand slammed across the side of his face. "You...you..." she sputtered angrily. Surprised, he rubbed the sore spot on his cheek as he demanded, "What the frak was _that_ for??!!" Apollo supplied the answer. "Athena...is pregnant." "What??!" Starbuck was stunned. "You heard me, _lieutenant_...she's _pregnant_," Apollo repeated, in a tone that indicated he had a definite idea about who the responsible party was and he was _not_ happy about it. "Now just hold on a micron...you're not insinuating that _I_ had anything to do with this, are you?" Starbuck began. From the look on both Apollo and Cassiopeia's faces, the answer was obvious. "You _are_! I can't believe this! You honestly think... Cass, you gotta believe me. I broke it off with Athena almost a yahren ago! You know that." "Just like you broke up with Aurora? I don't know why I ever believed you! Well, it looks like your womanizing ways have finally caught up with you!" Cassiopeia declared. She looked like she was about to say a whole lot more, but instead she angrily whirled and stormed out of the room. Starbuck made a move to go after her, but Apollo grabbed him by the arm. "Just where do you think you're going? We haven't finished this conversation. I want to know what you intend to do about my sister. You're not going to squirm out of your responsibility that easily..." Apollo angrily began. Suddenly furious with all the accusations and mistrust flung in his direction by his supposed best friend, Starbuck shook off the Captain's grip. He whirled to face Apollo and fixed him with an angry glare. "If you paid more attention to your sister, _Captain_, you wouldn't be making such a frakking stupid accusation!" With that, he stalked out of the Life Center, leaving Apollo to puzzle out the meaning of his parting words. Starbuck hurried to try and catch up with Cassiopeia, even though he wasn't sure where she'd gone after she'd left. Actually, he was tempted just to let her fume by herself, upset that she trusted him so little as to think he'd been cheating on her with Athena. It really galled him, especially now when he was actually, perhaps against his better judgement, serious about his relationship with Cassiopeia. Which was probably why he was trying to find her. He had to convince her of his innocence by pointing out how ludicrous the accusation was. Well, in truth, it wasn't all that ludicrous. After all, his reputation with regards to relationships wasn't that good. Okay, so maybe that was his own fault. In fact, it probably wasn't that surprising she suspected him of cheating on her...especially when his own "best friend" backed up her worst suspicions. He muttered angrily to himself about trust and betrayal....and nearly ran Boomer down. "Whoa, buddy! Slow down," Boomer remarked as the two almost collided. "Sorry, Boomer, got things on my mind. Have you seen Cassie?" "I thought that's where you were going...well, nevermind. We got other things to worry about. We just got word from Bojay and Sheba. Apparantly the Nomen no longer feel the need to remain under interdict on their own ship. They're all over the Rising Star, apparantly trying to take it over. And if they're there, they could be on other ships..." "Good Lords!" Starbuck exclaimed as Boomer's words sank in. "Tigh told me to get you and Apollo back to auxiliary bridge so we can figure out what to do about this...." Boomer was continuing. But Starbuck wasn't paying attention. He was thinking about Nomen and blood hunts. Specifically the blood hunt against Chameleon, the man he'd once thought was his father. Chameleon was now on the Retirees Ship with Siress Blassie. And if the Nomen could overrun the rather well defended Rising Star they'd have no trouble with the poorly defended Retirees Ship. He had to get over there and warn Chameleon, if it wasn't too late already. "I'll take care of it," he told Boomer hastily, then darted off towards the landing bay. "Starbuck?" Boomer called after him. Then, thinking Starbuck was going to inform Apollo, he headed back towards the auxiliary bridge. But Starbuck had no intention of telling Apollo anything. In part because he was still seething about the whole Athena incident. And in part because, he doubted Apollo would let him go. He was almost to the landing bay when he saw Cassiopeia ahead of him. Not bothering to question why she woul've come down here, he called out for her to wait as he hurried to catch her. She ignored him. He caught up to her and tried again. "Cassie, please. Listen to me. It's not what you think..." "Can it, Starbuck. I don't want to talk to you, so just go away." "Dammit, Cass, look at me!" With that he grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him. He immediately let go when he noticed that she'd been crying. He couldn't tell whether it was because she was angry, upset, or both. Probably both. He took a deep breath as he considered his next statement. "Okay. Just tell me one thing--how far along is she?" Cassiopeia narrowed her eyes angrily as she spat out, "So, you admit it." "I'm not admitting anything. Just answer the question." "I couldn't tell exactly with the equipment I had on me, but I'd say about 3 sectons. Satisfied?" "Yep. That puts it just before we destroyed that Cylon basestar or thereabouts, am I right?" She thought about it for a centon before nodding. "Okay, then. Tell me when, during that timeframe, I was supposed to have.._been_..with Athena?" No response..but he could see she was considering what he'd just asked. He continued, "As I recall, for the past four or five sectons I've been spending almost all my spare time with you. Except for the times I've been with my other friends..and I'm sure you can even verify that with them." She was definitely listening now, and he could tell that he'd finally gotten through to her. But she still looked doubtful. Okay, one last shot. "Cassie, I don't blame you for doubting me, all things considered. But you have to trust me. Please?" She looked down at the floor for a centon, then looked back at him as she replied softly, "I'm sorry..it's just that...well, what was I supposed to think? You and she had been so serious before...." "But it's over. It's been over for a long time. I'm in love with _you_, not her. I still care about her, but I'm not about to go running back to her. Besides, I doubt she'd take me back anyway." He grinned as he said the last sentence, trying to lighten the mood. She looked at him for a moment before smiling herself. "Can you blame her?" she remarked facetiously. "Hey! Well, anyway, I'm glad we got that settled. Now, do me a favor...tell Apollo that the Nomen are loose and may be trying to take over some of the other ships in the fleet," he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before continuing on toward the landing bay. "Wait! Where are you going, Starbuck?" she called out, taken aback by his sudden departure. "If the Nomen are loose, I've got to warn Chameleon!" he yelled back as he disappeared around a corner. Sargon was getting increasingly frustrated. Despite all the advantages he had, he still couldn't get Adama to budge. Even with his own daughter's life at stake. Well, maybe not at stake. Athena didn't seem to be getting worse, though she occassionally moaned in pain from her position on the floor next to Jolly. The sargeant was so solicitous of her Sargon wondered if perhaps he was the father of her unborn child. Well, that mystery wasn't really any of his concern, though he did enjoy the discomfort it caused Adama. He motioned to one of his subordinates who was carrying an odd looking object, indicating that the man should hook it up to the communications consle. "What is that thing?" Adama asked suspiciously. "I was hoping we wouldn't be here long enough to use it, but you are more stubborn than I expected. I need to find out what your Colonel Tigh is planning, therefore I need to eavesdrop. I know you have an auxiliary bridge set up nearby, just in case of such an emergency as this. And I'm quite sure that your friends have gotten in touch with the rest of the fleet by now. I don't wish to have to deal with a 'surprise' attack from that quarter. So I brought along this little device, just in case. It's called a Peripheral Listening-in On Transmissions Device. Perhaps you've heard of it?" "A P.L.O.T. Device? Yes, I've heard of such things," Adama replied grimly. As the device was being installed, another of his group motioned to Sargon from her position hear Rigel. "What is it?" he demanded. "Another viper has just launched. I think it's one of the ones that returned recently." He looked at Rigel for comfirmation. She hesitated, glancing at Adama. He motioned for her to answer Sargon. "Yes. It's Lieutenant Starbuck's viper." "Hmm...I wonder what _he's_ up to?" Sargon asked. Adama wondered as well. He secretly suspected the lieutenant was trying to avoid the combined wrath of Apollo and Cassiopeia. He was sure by now that word of Athena's...condition...had spread to the relevant parties. But the fleet really wasn't big enough for Starbuck to hide from _him_. If he ever got off this bridge. Still fuming about the entire Athena affair and his friends refusal to face up to responsibility, Apollo made his way back to the auxiliary bridge. When he arrived on the bridge, Tigh immediately asked him about Athena. "Well, she's was injured by the blast and has some cuts and bruises and possibly more serious internal injuries. Nothing immediately threatening, but she can't go too long without treatment. Especially not in her....condition," he answered. "I'm not sure I follow you," Tigh answered, looking concerned. Well, he might as well know. Everyone would soon enough. "She's pregnant." "What? Is Cassiopeia positive?" Apollo nodded. "And it's not too hard to figure out who the responsible party is..." "I take it you confronted Starbuck about the matter? That explains his sudden departure." "Departure?" "Just before you arrived. You two were supposed to report back here so we could discuss the Nomen situation, but..." "Wait. What Nomen situation?" Boomer looked up from where he was helping the communications officer try to piece the internal communications back together. "He didn't tell you? I thought he said he'd take care of it?" "Will someone _please_ tell me what's going on?" Apollo asked impatiently. "Lieutenants Bojay and Sheba reported that a large group of Nomen are running amok on the Rising Star. It may be indicative of a larger movement by the group to take over several ships," Tigh replied. "Just what we need--another splinter group," remarked Apollo. "Any idea where Starbuck was headed?" "According to our instruments he just landed on the Retiree's Ship," remarked the auxiliary bridge officer. "Retiree's ship? Why in Hades would he go there?" asked Tigh. "He's gone to warn Chameleon," answered Cassiopeia, who'd just entered the bridge. "He's afraid the Nomen are out to continue their blood hunt." "By himself? If he's right, he may be in serious trouble--considering that he interfered the last time, Maga and his crew may have expanded the hunt to include him," Boomer remarked. "Ensign Incidental, see if you can contact Lieutenant Starbuck," Tigh ordered. The communications officer with a rather odd name nodded. But she was unsuccessful in reaching Starbuck. "That means he's left his ship already. I hope he doesn't do anything rash," Tigh commented. "Colonel, when have you known Starbuck _not_ to do anything rash?" Apollo responded. *No one in the landing bay...this is not a good sign* Starbuck thought to himself as he crept along the corridor. The Retiree's Ship was hardly the most active ship in the fleet, but he should've run into someone by now. His anxiety level was increasing. Suddenly, he heard a movement in the corner. He whirled around to face the potential threat, his weapon raised. "All right, I see you. Come out, slowly." In response two men, one old and one a bit older than himself cautiously came out. He recognized the older man. "You're Councilor Bink, the new representative for the Aquarians, correct?" The man nodded. "And this is my son, Dor, who came over to help me and my wife move to the new quarters on the Galactica. And you're Lieutenant Starbuck, aren't you? I hope you're here to help." "Help?" "Yes. It seems that someone...several someones...have taken over the ship." "Uh-oh. These wouldn't happen to be big, hairy, menacing someones would they? Like Borellian Nomen?" "We're not sure--I was showing Dor around when it happened. The lights went out and there was some yelling. Then the power came back on but we could still hear fighting. We headed back the way we came...I was worried about my wife, you see...but there was so much confusion we couldn't really tell what was happening. I'm afraid we got a bit turned around, which is rather unusual." "Probably lucky--you might otherwise have run right into the fighting. So you don't know who it is?" "Well, it wasn't our main concern...but we could find out," answered Dor. He turned and addressed the wall, asking it to see if it remembered any unusual people coming aboard the ship. Starbuck watched this exceedingly odd behavior for a micron before turning to Bink. "Um, why is he doing that?" "He's trying to find out that information you wanted." "He's talking...to a wall" "Yes. He does that. It's really a rather useful talent to have. People don't guard what they say or do in front of inanimate objects, so if you can converse with such them you can usually find out all sorts of things." "Are you saying that he talks to inanimate objects and they talk _back_ to him?" "Oh yes--but you probably won't hear it. I don't mean to be insulting, but you strike me as being a bit, well, too mundane to understand these sorts of things." "Ah...no offense taken." It confirmed what he'd always believed, really. Members of the Council of the Twelve _were_ absolutely goofy. Bink seemed like a nice enough fellow, but he...and his son...apparantly weren't all there. "You're right, lieutenant. It _was_ Borellian Nomen. It seems a shuttle full of them arrived about half a centar ago and immediately overran the landing bay personnel. They seemed rather intent on a goal inside and didn't bother to place any guards. Do you have any idea what they might be after?" Dor said as he finished his...conversation...with the wall. Starbuck hesitated, not sure how much he should reveal to this bizarre pair. Oh well, it wouldn't hurt.... Suddenly there was a sharp whine from behind. Starbuck spun in time to see a Nomen appear, aiming a laser bole directly at Councilor Bink. "Bink! Get down!" he yelled as he dove for cover, dragging Dor along with him. Bink turned, startled, as the Nomen let fly. There was no way Starbuck could get to the man in time. Amazingly enough, however, the Nomen's aim was off. The bole whirled harmlessly by the older man without so much as singeing a hair on his head. What incredible luck! Nomen were had notoriously accurate aim. The Nomen was stunned by his failure as well, and his hesitation gave Starbuck enough time to grab the Councilor and pull him to safety. "Are you crazy?! Why didn't you duck?! You could've been killed!" he hissed as the trio crouched behind some equipment. Frak! He was cut off. He had to get back to his viper and warn Tigh and the others. Or go forward and rescue Chameleon...no, he'd need reinforcements to do that. "Oh, there was really no danger, lieutenant. For some reason my father seems immune to the sorts of mishaps that befall everyone else," Dor replied. Starbuck just shook his head. He couldn't believe these two. "Listen--I need to find a way to get back to my viper so I can warn the Galactica about these Nomen. It's going to be hairy to get through with all these Nomen about, so I want you two to stay put. You'll be safe here." "Actually, I think we'd better come with you. I don't think you can make it back by yourself, and I'd feel bad if anything happened to you," answered Bink. "Look you don't understand--this is _really_ dangerous. I can't expose a member of the Council to that sort of risk...." "Oh, don't worry about me," Bink replied with a grin as he headed out of cover down the corridor to the landing bay. Dor followed after him. "Hey! You can't go out there alone!!" Starbuck shouted after them. *Great! Just great!* he thought as he followed. Amazingly, Bink's luck seemed to hold. They passed no less than four armed Borellians, none of whom seemed able to score a hit on the trio. Starbuck was impressed. Finally he asked, "How is this possible? There can't be _that_ many poorly trained Nomen!" Bink just grinned and replied, "It's a kind of magic." They finally made it to the landing bay. As Starbuck reached his viper, he turned to the two men. "Okay, I don't know how long it'll take help to get here. We might be able to wait it out." "Oh, I'm sure we'll be fine," responded Bink placidly. "I can ask the walls, floor, ceiling, bulkhead, litter, ships, and crates to yell if they spot anyone coming," offered Dor. "Uh, yeah. You, um, go ahead and do that," replied Starbuck as he inched away from Dor over to his ship. Weird. That guy was _really_ weird. Too bad. He seemed nice enough otherwise. Starbuck shrugged as he reached into the cockpit of his viper and signalled the Galactica. The group in the auxiliary bridge were still trying to plan their next move when Starbuck's call came in. "Starbuck to Galactica. Come in, Colonel Tigh." "Lieutenant! What do you think you're doing over there? I order you to get back here on the double!!" Tigh responded angrily. "Sir, I think you should know this situation with the Nomen is getting out of hand. I think they've taken over the Retiree Ship as well, and I'm going to need reinforcements. Any more news from Bojay and Sheba?" "No. And you are NOT, I repeat, NOT to engage in any action on the Retiree Ship. There're too many lives at stake for you to embark on a personal crusade! Now get back here!" "With all due respect, Colonel, I really don't think we can afford to let this situation with the Nomen progress any further before we act on it." Tigh sighed in frustration, then motioned to Apollo. "Maybe you can talk some sense into him." "Oh, I'll talk to him all right. Starbuck, what the frak are you up to? If this is your idea of an excuse to avoid that little conversation we were having..." Starbuck's made some irritated noises, clearly annoyed with the sudden shift in the conversation. He replied impatiently, "I really don't think this is the time to discuss your sister. I know you're upset about it but it's not my fault. If you were paying attention you'd know that." "That's the second time you've said that. Just what is that supposed to mean?" Apollo ignored Tigh's attempts to get him off the line. Apparantly the Colonel had just realized that, given everything that was going on, Apollo wasn't the best choice of people to talk to Starbuck. "It means that for you to imply that I am the only person who could possibly be responsible for your sister's condition is insulting not only to me but to your sister. I happen to know that she's been seen socially with several people within the relevant timeframe including, but not limited to, Bojay, Omega, Boomer, Giles, Jolly, and Greenbean." "For someone who's supposedly no longer interested in Athena you certainly seem to know an awful lot about her doings," Apollo retorted after shooting an accusatory look at Boomer. Boomer just shrugged in reply. "Oh, for Sagan's sake, Apollo, it's no big secret. For your information, I saw her several times while I was with Cassiopeia. Let's face it, sometimes you get a bit too wrapped up in your work to even pay attention to your own family." "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" "Oh? Then where's Boxey?" "What?" "Boxey. Can you tell me where he is right now?" Apollo was speechless...horrified, he realized that he didn't have a clue as to where his son was. In all the confusion, it had completely slipped his mind. Tigh took the opportunity to regain control of the comline. "Enough! Lieutenant, if you're not back on board this ship in twenty centons, I'll..." "Oh, frak!" Starbuck suddenly said. "Ah, I think I _may_ be in trouble here..." suddenly there was the sound of laser fire, then static, then nothing. "Starbuck? Starbuck!!" Tigh yelled into the com. There was no reply. Adama had been listening to the whole exchange between Starbuck and the auxiliary bridge, courtesy of the P.L.O.T. device, with growing consternation. Not only were Borellian Nomen running amok in the fleet, but it also seemed that Athena had been seeing almost every available bachelor on the Galactica. The father could be _anybody_, except, apparantly, the one person he'd been sure it had been. To top it off, Starbuck may have been captured or killed and no one seemed to know where Boxey was. He groaned to himself. Well, at least things couldn't possibly get worse. Baltar, having recently been rescued by his Cylon "friends" and fortunately (for him) able to convince them of his undying loyalty to their cause, had just been informed that the Galactica and her fleet had finally been located again. He was about to that things could indeed get worse. Much, much worse. *************************************************************************** .....characters from books, on the other hand, are an entirely different matter :) . Sorry, Adam, it was just too good to pass up. Don't worry, I don't think they'll get too involved in the major plot.... You're up, Liz. From: LizBeth258@aol.com Subject: Group Story Project, pt. 4-1 It was a little longer than I expected, but Michele _did_ inspire me... Starbuck was thrown from his cockpit as the laser boll exploded. *Ooooh. Ow. I think I hurt myself.* He forced open his eyes and saw Dor and Bink tugging at him. "You two better get out of here, I think I'm really..." "There isn't a scratch on you," Dor interrupted. Starbuck sat up and saw a few Nomen closing in on their position. The sight of the drawn laser bolls was enough to inspire the lieutenant to advance _very_ fast in the opposite direction, following Dor as closely as possible. To his surprise, the older man turned into an almost invisible alcove. Starbuck stopped, unsure that the cubby hole could do more than hold the councilor. "Get in. It'll fit all three of us," Bink hissed. Starbuck complied and found that it _was_ larger than it appeared. The trio crouched in the alcove as a several Nomen shot by them, speaking excitedly in their dialect. When all was quiet, Starbuck checked himself to make sure that the adrenalin rush wasn't disguising a serious injury. "I don't believe it!" he whispered. "Not a scratch." "Lucky break, yes?" Dor asked with a bit of amusement. "Oh, now don't you two go on about how you carry luck in your back pocket," Starbuck muttered. "Then again, considering I should be dead, you might be right there." His head snapped up. "I don't suppose you two would like to go with me on a trip to the Rising Star?" "It isn't _that_ kind of luck," Bink muttered. "Shhhhh. I'm trying to find out what's going on. You sure?" "Am I sure what?" Starbuck asked. "He's talking to the wall," Dor clarified. Bink then looked at Starbuck in what the lieutenant thought was the oddest way before turning to face the wall. "Well, you're the third source, so it _must_ be true." He sighed before turning to face Starbuck again. "They're not after Chameleon." "Why would they be after my wife?" Dor asked. "Not _your_ Chameleon. _His_ Chameleon," Bink nodded at Starbuck. "Kamilion? Ohhhh, you mean Chameleon." To Bink and Dor, it sounded like Shamilion and they looked at him in surprise. Starbuck shrugged and explained, "It's the Caprican pronunciation for the same name." Bink nodded. "Your Chameleon isn't here anyway. He left yesterday for the Orphan Ship. Something about him doing community service as part of his rehabilitation?" "I know what that's about," Starbuck nodded. "What a relief. Chances are he's out of harm's way. Thankfully our big, dark and hairy friends didn't know that." "Weren't you listening to what I said?" Bink asked, frustration edged in his voice. He wasn't sure how the lieutenant was going to take this news. Frankly, he wasn't taking it too well himself since _he_ was in a rotten situation because this _mundane_ decided to play hero and fall into the Nomens' trap. "What are you talking about?" Starbuck asked. "They're _not_ after Chameleon," Bink said. "This whole takeover of the Retiree Ship is a trap. They're out to get _you_." Starbuck digested this information before issuing a carefully worded, "What?" "According to my sources," and here Bink nodded at the wall, "The bloodhunt is off on Chameleon. However, they called one on _you_." Starbuck looked at the ceiling. "Terrific. Just great. First, terrorists take over the bridge. Then, we find out Athena's pregnant. _Then_ everyone blames yours truly, even through I hadn't even so much as pecked her on the cheek during the relevant time frame. And _now_ you tell me that the reason why the Nomen are running amok is because they want to skin me and nail my hide to a wall." He looked back at Bink. "Did anyone ever tell you that you have an incredible talent?" "All the time," Dor said. "I'm not talking about _that_. I'm talking about his talent for pouring water on a drowning man," Starbuck said sourly. "Well, there's a bright side," Dor said cheerfully. "Bright side?" Starbuck asked. "_Where_ is the bright side?" "At least you're beginning to believe the walls have ears," Dor said. Starbuck looked at the two of them. He still thought they'd been sniffing too many plant vapors, but..."Given the day I'm having, I'm prepared to believe _anything_." Back on the Auxiliary Bridge, everyone was pretty convinced nothing _else_ could go wrong. Wrong. Actually, the wrong thing disguised itself as a _right_ thing. At first. "Colonel?" Tigh ran over to the communications console. "Bojay! Thank the Lords! What's going on over there?" Bojay's voice sounded puzzled. "The Nomen just up and left." "What? Why?" "Unknown. They basically fought a rear-guard action to make sure we all stayed put while they cleared out. And before you ask, no, I don't know where they went," Bojay said. "Curiouser and curiouser," Tigh muttered before addressing the intercom. "I want you to stay over there and find out what's going on. Send Sheba over here right now so she can land a hand at this end." "Sorry. We can't do that." Tigh sighed. He knew it was going to bad news. "Why not?" He sounded resigned. "The Nomen destroyed every single ship on the Star. There's simply no way to leave, unless someone can come over here and shuttle us off," Bojay said. "Are you telling me that they smashed up every single ship capable of flight? Did I just hear you right?" Tigh asked incredulously. "Let me put it to you this way...it looks like a used shuttle dealer is holding a fire sale for damaged equipment," Sheba said in the background. Tigh stifled a nervous laugh. "I heard Sheba. So I take it the situation is bad?" "Very." "Can't you cobble together at least _one_ ship capable of getting Sheba and whatever other warriors are over there off the Star?" Tigh asked. "Maybe," Bojay sounded doubtful. Another bad sign. "It's going to take awhile. I'll let you know if we can put something together." "Bojay, normally I'd say do the best you can, but..." "But I better do better than my best. Got you, sir. Bojay out." Tigh turned around, acutely aware that everyone in the room had heard the latest situation. He was going to say something, but Cassiopea's pale face caught his eyes. She wasn't just pale, she was dead white. Well, actually, it looked like all the blood had been sucked out of her body. Cassiopea had figured out what else had gone wrong. What went wrong was her memory. Or more precisely, Cassiopea just remembered what was wrong with the Nomen situation. And it was _all_ her fault. "Cassiopea?" Tigh tentatively asked. When she turned to face him, her eyes seemed hollow. "I think I know where the Nomen went," her voice sounded dead. "How would you know?" Apollo demanded. She turned to look at the captain. "They went to wherever Starbuck is." "The Retiree Ship?" Tigh asked. "Why? Is it because of Chameleon?" "No. They're after Starbuck." Cassiopea let the news sink in a few microns before adding. "At least I'd bet a secton's pay on it and we all know I'm not a betting woman _despite_ my association with a notorious gambler." "Why would you say..." Apollo never got to finish his choked question. "Right after the incident with Chameleon, Adama sent me over to the Nomen to negotiate their calling off the bloodhunt on him," Cassiopea explained. "Why would he do that?" Tigh asked. Cassiopea shrugged. "I was the only one he knew on the Galactica that could speak their dialect _and_ I have experience in mediating feuds. What can I say, being an ex-socialator has its uses." "Cass..." Apollo said. "Well, anyway, I was able to successfully negotiate the end of the bloodhunt on Chameleon and for the return of hoarded electronic parts and other assorted hardware. In exchange, they called off the hunt and got to keep the hoarded food," Cassiopea said. "So _that's_ why no charges were ever filed," Tigh said. "I always wondered why we never heard anything more about it." Cassiopea nodded. "It was all done _very_ hush-hush so no one else would get the idea that they could bargain their way out of trouble and come out better off than they were before." She bowed her head like a defeated woman. "And like an _idiot_ I forgot to negotiate for Starbuck's safety. I should have _realized_ they would eventually go after him." "But why?" Apollo asked. "Because he was the one ultimately responsible for them getting caught in the first place," Cassiopea explained. "If Starbuck hadn't interfered with the bloodhunt against Chameleon, we would've never found out about the hoarding." She slumped. "Starbuck's facing down an entire army of angry Nomen on a bloodhunt. He's probably going to die and it's all my fault." Continued.... From LizBeth258@aol.com Fri Jun 23 07:30:02 1995 Date: Thu, 22 Jun 1995 20:56:26 -0400 From: LizBeth258@aol.com Reply to: star-l@netcom.com To: star-l@netcom.com Subject: Group story project, pt. 4-2 Part 4-2, continued... *And mine,* Adama thought to himself as he heard Cassiopea through the listening device installed on the Bridge. *We _both_ should've thought of that, but we didn't think...* No, that was the problem. He didn't think. It appeared he didn't think many times. In a way, he agreed with Sargon. Wandering through unknown space in search of the mythical Earth was probably not the best thing to do. But given the situation on the Colonies, it seemed like it was the _only_ thing to do. Now that they had started the course, there was no turning back. If Adama gave in to Sargon, the Fleet would crumble into so many specks of dust. It wasn't that Adama _wanted_ to force everyone to go to Earth. That _wasn't_ the point. The _point_ was that there _wasn't_ enough resources to go around to allow every group who wanted to leave to set up a colony and give the settlers an even shot at survival. Even though he agreed, in theory, with Sargon's sentiment, that everyone who wanted to leave _should_ be allowed to leave, in practice it was simply impossible. The end result: Adama becomes military dictator. *Terrific. Now _I'm_ turning revolutionary,* the commander thought dejectedly. *I just wish I knew how Sargon managed to take over the bridge so easily in the first place.* A low moan caught Adama's attention. No mistaking that voice. It was Athena. "The least you could do is allow me to go to my daughter," he said. "Sorry, commander. But we have _special_ plans for you," here Sargon nodded to one of his men. "Take him to the storage closet, you know the one I mean, and leave him there with a guard until he's ready to accept a free and open exchange of ideas." Two men sprung forward and grabbed Adama by either arm. A third nonchalantly pointed a laser rifle in Athena's general direction, just to let the commander know what might happen if he chose to make life tough for himself. Sargon's face suddenly appeared on the Auxiliary Bridge's scanner. *That man is as cool as quava fruit,* Tigh thought. *You would swear that he's holding all the cards.* "I think it's time for you to make a decision, colonel. You know our demands," Sargon said. "You heard the commander. What makes you think..." Tigh began. "What makes me think that you are the man to talk to is because we have special plans for Adama," Sargon said. Apollo exploded. "If you've hurt him..." "Don't worry, captain. He's fine. It's just that the situation has forced us to go to Plan B. You see, colonel, we've thought of _every_ possibility," Sargon said. Tigh decided to try something that he'd never done before. Bluff. "_Except_ for one thing." "And what would that be?" "Athena getting injured." Tigh fought very hard to keep his voice cool. The response took Sargon off guard. "What does that have to do..." "You see, I'm not just second-in-command of this Fleet, I'm also like this," here Tigh crossed two fingers in a graphic illustration, "With her Commander. One thing we've talked about is what he would do _if_ someone hurt his children." Tigh let this thought sink in before adding more fuel to the fire. "Now, you're talking about a man with _absolute_ power. This man would use _all_ of his resources to go after the party responsible for them even being _hurt_. Now, one of his children is on that bridge with serious, and I mean _serious_ injuries. If she dies, we're going to assault the bridge with everything we have. I mean _everything_." "You wouldn't dare," Sargon said. His eyes narrowed. "You're bluffing, colonel." Tigh fought to control his voice. "No. I'm not. The commander lost _everything_ during the Destruction." Sargon sniffed. "So did everyone else." "Yes, but he's got two children left. They are _everything_ to him. If she dies and you're responsible...let me put it to you this way, I'm under orders to hunt down whomever is responsible with _extreme_ prejudice. In short, we'll go in with lasers blazing and let the Lords of Kobol sort the sorry lot of you out." "Then he should be inspired to..." Sargon began. "Give in to your demands? No. But let me put it to you this way, if you give him nothing to loose, you're in for a whole lot more trouble than you ever bargained for." Sargon thought about it for a moment before saying. "What are you asking for?" "I want our medtech allowed back on the bridge, once every half-centar, to monitor Athena's health and to make sure she's stabilized," Tigh said. He fought the urge to scratch the trickle of sweat working its way down his back. Sargon digested the request. It didn't _seem_ extreme, but...on the other hand, the medtech could serve as a _very_ useful messenger and, given her lover's current situation, probably wouldn't put up much of a fight if they "needed" her. "Very well." He looked at his chronometer. "Starting now." Then he cut the connection. Cassiopea immediately protested. "But..." "No, buts," Tigh said as he firmly grabbed her by the elbow and dragged her into the hallway outside. Apollo followed close behind. When the door closed behind them, he turned to Cassiopea and said, "Look, I want this plan to be just between the three of us." "_What_ plan?" Cassiopea asked. "We need _someone_ to keep their eyes and ears open on the bridge. Now, they've already let you in once, so I knew they'd be more inclined to let you in again," Tigh said. "So you _don't_ want her checking on my sister?" Apollo asked. "I do," Tigh said. "But, while you're there, just keep your eyes and ears open and report directly to me or Apollo. Also, make sure that you do it _privately_." "Why?" Cassiopea sounded suspicious. "Those revolutionaries did _not_ get onto the bridge _without_ some inside help. We don't know _who_ is responsible, but until we do, I say let's keep your little mission just between the three of us," Tigh said. "Are you ready?" Cassiopea looked angry for a moment, but sunk in defeat. "No. I'm not. But I can't help Starbuck, so maybe this'll make me feel useful. Maybe." After entering the captured area under heavy guard, and after enduring yet _another_ body search by one of the female terrorists, Cassiopea was _finally_ allowed on the Bridge. However, instead of letting her go to Athena directly, the let her cool her heals at the entrance (under guard, of course) while Sargon consulted with a few of his followers. Cassiopea fought the helpless fury building up in stomach. It wouldn't do for anyone on this Bridge to see _any_ expression on her face, let alone an anger that clearly telegraphed that she no longer cared what happened to her, just so long as she could lash out at _someone_. She hoped the fury would die down with any further visits because she knew if she lost control of her temper she, and probably one or two others, would find themselves _very_ dead. Instead, she focused on the task at hand. To drink in _everything_ she could with her eyes and ears. There was sweet- natured Jolly, hovering protectively over Athena. There was Sargon, whispering to his people. Oddly enough, there was a guard standing outside of a door near corner opposite her. She wasn't sure where the door went, maybe it was an entrance? She couldn't remember. What was even _more_ odd was that she couldn't see Omega. She'd subconsciously noted his absence on the command console, but had been too busy with Athena to really notice it. Now that she was here in her role as combination spy/medtech, Omega's absence practically screamed at her. Where was he? She tried to fix the bored, impatient look of a medical professional who'd been kept waiting too long on her face as she glanced around the Bridge, hoping against hope that it would be enough to fool everyone. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a movement in an alcove. She tried to study it without studying it. Could it be another terrorists, or could it be... "All right, you can see her now." Cassiopea jumped slightly. She'd been so intent on studying the movement that she hadn't noticed her female guard standing in front of her. Why didn't anyone see the movement? Could they all be that blind? Or was whoever in there someone working with them? Okay next? From: Sea Witch Subject: Round Robin #1 - Chapter 5 Okay...here it is! Remember, be kind, it is my very first fanfic story ever! Melyssa ******************************************************************** "Things just _can't_ get any worse!" Starbuck thought to himself. He was crouched behind a storage crate in the corner of the Retiree Ship's landing bay. Next to him were Bink and Dor. As they watched, yet another shuttle landed and began offloading its passengers. "How many Nomen are there???" he asked. Dor answered, "Well, Lieutenant, so far we have seen five shuttles land, each with ten or so passengers...so that's....." "Never mind, I don't want to know!" He was trapped on a ship full of retirees, being hunted by ever increasing numbers of Borellian Nomen, his only assistance two strangers, one of whom liked to talk to walls.... "Nope, it can't get any worse." he sighed. "What _else_ could go wrong?" Apollo asked himself. He watched the screen as Cassie was searched and made to wait. She was angry and upset, which was completely understandable. Apollo was feeling the same, with the added burden of confusion. Athena was pregnant? Apollo didn't know what to think. He was happy at the thought that there would be a new family member, but it hurt that she hadn't confided in him. "Too wrapped up in your work to even pay attention to your own family!" Starbuck had said. Was he right? Apollo knew that he tended to be introspective, but he had always thought he made sufficient time for his family. But the list of men Athena had been seeing had taken the Captain by surprise. Apollo's attention was suddenly jarred from his thoughts by the expression on Cassie's face. "Colonel! Did you see that?" Tigh came over to the monitor. "See what, Apollo?" "Ensign Incidental, replay the last couple of microns on the secondary screen, tight on Cassiopiea's face." "Yes, sir. It's coming up now." Tigh and Apollo watched as the renegades searched the medtech and left her to wait. "There!" exclaimed Apollo. "Did you see her face?" "She looked like she was studying something...but what?" mused Tigh. "Ensign, widen the focus of that camera. See if you can find what she was looking at." Slowly the view expanded. Nothing looked unusual, the bridge showed fire damage. There was a console that looked like it had exploded, a fire extinguisher leaned against it. "Wait! There! What's that dark space behind the blown out panel?" "That's just a service alcove, Apollo. There isn't any access to it except from the bridge. It won't do us any good." Tigh answered as he turned away. Apollo leaned closer to the monitor. He thought he saw something moving in the alcove. "Can we get a closer shot of that alcove?" The camera tightened in. Tigh turned back at Apollo's gasp. "That's where Omega went...." Athena felt like she was fighting her way out of a deep well. Pain throbbed through her body, pulsing in a regular rhythm. She made the mistake of moving her head and instantly regretted it. "Ooohhh....that hurt..." "Athena? Can you hear me?" It sounded like Cassie's voice, but it was coming from far away. "Cassiopiea?" "Just lie still, Athena. You've been hurt. You have a cracked vertebrae and several burns and cuts. I've gotten you stabilized but we can't move you to the Life Center just yet." Athena felt Cassie's hand against her cheek. "Father? Is he all right? There was an explosion....and people breaking onto the bridge....Jolly?!! He hit Jolly!" She tried to sit up again and felt the pain go shooting through her back. "It's all right, Athena, I'm here and they didn't hurt me." Jolly's face moved into her line of sight. "You have to stay lying down. You will only make yourself worse if you keep moving around like this." "So....our little damsel in distress is awake. You can leave now medtech, your time is up!" Sargon was standing over them. "I think that your father would be interested in hearing the medtech's diagnosis, don't you?" he smirked. He signalled two of his people who then pulled Adama back out onto the bridge and led him over to the little group. "Your daughter is awake again, Commander, and is in great pain. Her vertebrae is cracked and she needs to get to the Life Center. Of course, all that you have to do is give us what we ask, we will leave and you can get her treated in time to recover fully. If you delay her injuries may get worse, and you will only have yourself to blame." "NO Father! Don't give in!" Athena gasped as the pain washed over her again. "Athena" Adama knelt next to her. "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" Her eyes widened. "How do you know?" she whispered. "Cassiopiea told us. She assumed that you already had." "Oh Father, I wanted to tell you, but I knew that you would insist on knowing who the father was....and I dreaded your reaction when you found out it was him..." "By your command..." the centurion's tinny voice echoed through the chamber. "Speak, Centurion." Baltar's chair turned and he winced inwardly as that frakking spotlight shone in his eyes again. By the Lords he hated it! "Our long range patrol has picked up transmissions from the human fleet on a frequency not normally used. It appears to be originating from the bridge of the Galactica itself. It appears as though human rebels have taken over the bridge and taken Commander Adama hostage." Baltar's eyes widened. It was a _perfect_ opportunity! "Launch all fighters. Commence a full scale attack." With the bridge in enemy hands the Galactica would not be able to defend it's fleet. "Transfer the transmission up here. I want to see Adama squirming." Evil laughter rang out as the centurion acknowledged it's orders and left. Sargon turned away for a moment as Commander Adama knelt by his injured daughter. He wasn't a cruel man by nature, but strange circumstances make for strange changes. His own daughter had died in the Cylon attack on their homeworld. He and his wife had made it to the transports with only the clothes on their backs. Now his wife was pregnant again and Sargon could not stand the thought that his new child would grow up knowing only metal and the coldness of space. A child needs grass, and sunlight.... "Him? Him, who? Why should you dread my reaction to such news? I love you Athena, and nothing will ever change that. Now, who is the father? You can tell me..." Adama knelt next to her. His face furrowed with concern and love. Apollo leaned forward, wondering why Athena would be so concerned about their father's reaction. He had his own general suspicions about the identity of the father. He remembered a trip to the prison barge to interview the Nomen involved in the blood hunt on Chameleon. Athena had piloted the shuttle for him because she had some other errand there. When he had gotten back she was not there. Later she had returned to the shuttle out of breath and disheveled. Apollo wondered which of the prison guards it was... Athena felt tears welling up in her eyes. Her father and brother were so important to her. But, what she was about to say could cause her to lose them forever. Her feelings were torn, her heart hurt so badly that it made her injured back feel like nothing. Her family had never known about her relationship with the father of her child. They had not know about it the first time, before the attack on the Colonies, nor about it's brief renewal when she and Starbuck had broken up for good. "Father....just remember, I love you." It seemed like the entire universe suspended motion waiting for her next words. "The father of my child is....Baltar." *********************************************************************** There you go boys! Have fun! From: All these worlds are yours Subject: Round Robin #6 To describe everyone's reaction to what Athena said as shock would be a cruel understatement. Adama was different, however. He suddenly felt very old and tired - not wanting to involve himself in yet another crisis, for he'd been fighting too long to let something like THIS ruin everything. He really wanted to get away from all of this, even envying Ilia and how she was able to escape the brunt of new problems he had to face daily as commander of a rag-tag fleet.. Balter? No, that's not right! Athena couldn't believe what she just said. "No, It's not Baltar. It's...Jolly!" she corrected. Shock now became confusion. Adama looked at Jolly, who now looked very sick. OF ALL THE PEOPLE thought Adama. Jolly of course didn't understand, because even though he knew Athena for some time, they have never gotten THAT close! It was common knowledge that NOTHING had ever happened between them. Jolly STILL didn't sound. In addition, why was it getting so cold, and why was the bridge starting to spin? She began to shiver and clutched at her tunic. No, it couldn't be Jolly! Her vision was blurring and she was beginning to feel very sleepy. In s spite of that, she managed to remember who it was: "No, it's not Jolly either. It's Apollo! Yes, Apollo is the one! I'm sorry father!" Her voice indicated pain, and her last statement was more than enough to convince everyone that something was terribly wr ong. Adama tried to go to her but was stopped by Sargon's guards. "Let me go to her!" he demanded. "Not so fast Adama. You will stay separated from your crew." answered Sargon calmly, although visibly nervous. "She needs medical attention now!" exclaimed Adama. As if on cue, Athena began saying meaningless words, mentioning something about being surrounded by monsters. While loosening her clothing Jolly noticed several dark patches on her abdomen and was now suspecting the worst. "Commander, Athena's going into shock and is bleeding internally! We need to get her to life center now!" he yelled. Athena was no longer conscious of the world around her. She was now surrounded by faceless monsters trying to grab her. But she wouldn't let them! She ki ked and screamed as hard as she could to try and keep them off, to no avail. "Rigel, help me restrain her!" ordered Jolly. Rigel took Athena's arms and tried to ease her fears, but Athena kept on fighting. "Hold on Athena! Hold on!" Jolly was trying to say amid the chaos. "Sargon, let us take her to Life Center! She's not involved in this!" pleaded Adama. Sargon looked at Adama for a moment. 'So, he's finally losing control of the situation' thought Adama. "Sargon, remember what I told you." said Tigh over the communications channel. Sargon looked at the screen, then at Adama, then back at Athena. Finally he conceded: "All right. Signal for two medics to take her to Life Center. No tricks Tigh. They will be thoroughly checked.". Tigh began issuing orders without bothering to respond. "Tell Cassiopea to to prepare to receive her patient!" he ordered. It didn't take long for two med-techs armed with emergency medical equipment and a hover-stretcher to arrive at the entrance to the bridge. The short hallway leading to the Galactica's primary command center now looked like a border between two warring nations: one side of the corridor was swamped with Galactica security, while the other was covered by Sargon's men. After being given some quick instructions from security, the two med-techs were thoroughly inspected by Sargon's men. Satisfied that they weren't carrying anything suspicious, the guards let them pass. The med-techs immediately rushed towards Athena. "What's her condition?" asked Hatspauth, one of the med-techs. "Internal bleeding, several fractures including the spine, lacerations, shock and delirium!" answered Jolly. "Let's stabilize her and get her on the hover-stretcher" ordered Hatspauth to his aide. He pulled out his hypo-injector, fitted it with a stabilizer, and injected Athena. Almost instantaneously, she began stopping her struggle, which greatly relieved Jolly and Rigel although she continued to mouth incomprehensible words. They applied some antiseptics to her open wounds, gave her oxygen, put her on the hover-stretcher, and whisked her off the bridge. Strangely, Adama wasn't very worried about Athena. In spite of her injuries, he felt confident that Doctor Salik would be able to make her well again, and remove one of Sargon's bargaining chips in the process. 'Very well Adama, so your daughter is no longer involved in this struggle. But don't think that I will back down on my demands." said Sargon calmly. " Stroth!" "Yes Sargon" answered one of his henchmen. "We are now proceeding with Plan C." he ordered, pointing towards Rigel. "Yes Sargon". Stroth walked over to a tired Rigel, grabbed her by her left armpit with his free hand, and raised roughly her to her feet. Jolly tried to protest but was forced to remain where he was by a guard aiming a laser at his head. Stroth took Rigel away from the other bridge crew and to the front of the command pedestal - where he had cover from 2 guards standing on it. "What is the meaning of this?" demanded Adama angrily. "You have one Centaur to comply with our demands Adama. After that, I will be forced to kill her." responded Sargon. Adama clenched his fists. By the Lords, if so many people's lives had not been in danger, he would have charged Sargon right now and ended all this. But Sargon had the upper hand once again. "Adama, please understand. I have no intention of killing your bridge officer, but we have to keep the threat alive to get your cooperation." "I see" answered Adama coldly. "I will listen for now. But that's all." "That's better". Sargon motioned for Adama to sit at one of the consoles. He refused. "Fine, stand if you prefer. " He began to tell Adama exactly what he and his people wanted. "That's it! We have a capstone of our own Colonel!" exclaimed Apollo, sitting in Tigh's cabin. In all his yahrens of service, he had never been in Tigh's quarters. A sense of satisfaction, but it would have been sweeter if under more joyous conditions. Tigh himself sat across from him on his desk chair. Boomer was right next to Apollo. It was the safest place Tigh thought where they could discuss their plans. No doubt Adama's cabin had unwanted ears who reported to Sargon and Lord knew who else. "Not so fast Apollo. Sure Omega managed to avoid capture, but that's not very useful unless we figure out how we can use him" "Or Omega himself comes up with a scheme." added Boomer. "But it's clear that no one has noticed him?" asked Apollo. "Sargon's would have done something drastic if they did." said Tigh. "What exactly is that thing where Omega is hiding?" asked Boomer. "It's a service crawlway used for repairing some of the bridge equipment that's too bulky to remove easily, like the power, function, and command distribution buses, communications, and environmental systems." Apollo's and Boomer's eyes shot up wildly. "It can reasonably fit 4 technicians on hands and knees, but it can only be accessed from the bridge." "Colonel, that's perfect!" exclaimed Apollo. "We can completely cut off the bridge from the rest of the ship so that Sargon won't be able to do anything catastrophic, then make conditions unbearable inside so that they'll HAVE to leave!". "It's not that easy Apollo. First of all, we have no way of communicating with Omega. Second, Omega isn't an electronics technician. It would take him a long time to do some of the things you propose, and such actions would anger Sargon. Who knows how Sargon would react?". "What about something simple like killing the lights? We know exactly where everybody is, and if we were to black out the bride, couldn't we have security rush in with visibility-enhancing sensors and clean up the mess?" suggested Boomer. "Too risky. The situation would get out of hand. The last thing we want is a firefight in total darkness. Besides, we would still need to tell Omega what to do." "He's not wearing his headset, is he?" asked Apollo. "No. He wouldn't take it with him if he left his post anyways." replied Tigh. "I take it there's no intercom in the crawlway?" asked Boomer. "Unfortunately no". Apollo sat thinking to himself for a few moments. Suddenly, he had an idea. "Colonel, doesn't he crawlway have its own lighting system?" he asked. Tigh thought about this one. "Why, yes it does. Why?" By the Lords, he didn't even need to ask! "That's perfect Apollo! By applying and removing power from them we could use the flash code send simple messages!" "Sure, those terrorists aren't paying any attention to that crawlway, so they probably wouldn't even notice the flashes" added Boomer. "But what do we tell him?" asked Apollo. He was interrupted by an intercom beeping at Tigh's desk. The colonel answered it, spoke for a few moments, then came back looking frightened. "The situation has grown worse. Sargon is going to kill Rigel in less than a Centaur unless Adama complies with his demands. Whatever we do, we have to do it fast." The three officers began planning their next move. Meanwhile, in his lonely hiding place, Omega was finishing his repairs. He sat back satisfied, looking at a mess of wires and circuit boards of the repaired communications bus. Sure, it was ugly, but it would work. Although he was relatively well hidden from view, he had to duck on the floor a couple of times when a guard got too close. He also had to hold back an incredible urge to sneeze. Unfortunately, the situation had worsened. Rigel was now standing with Stroth about 3 metrons in front of the crawlway. He could tell she was terrified, because they had worked together long enough to recognize each other's body language. Stroth's back was to the crawlway, so Omega badly wanted to give her some kind of sign that he was all right, that she wasn't alone, and that he was ready to jump that monster the instant he tried something. But Omega decided against it. There was no telling how Rigel would react to his presence. Any sudden sign of surprise would alert the guards ruining everything. While exploring his little hole, Omega realized that with some tinkering he could make conditions aboard the bridge unbearable, or he could effectively cut them off from the rest of the ship. The only trouble was he didn't know what course to pursue. Before he had a chance to duck, he realized that Rigel was looking in his direction and had noticed him, for her face radiated surprise and even some relief! He immediately put his index finger to his lips. So, the guards weren't alerted after all. For now, all he could do was a thumbs-up to show that he was there for her if she needed him. Rigel acknowledged with a nod. Finally, after a centaur of frenzied activity, the last Borellian Nomen got of his shuttle and joined his buddies in their blood-trail on Starbuck. Starbuck cautiously stuck his head above the storage crate to make sure that no one was left. There wasn't. Good. They heard alot of noise, shouting, and other activity reverberating from the access corridors. He checked his laser blaster's power meter. Almost fully charged. Not that it would help in a firefight where he was outnumbered 20 to 1, but at least he could still do alot of damage. OK then, let's start damaging a few things he thought to himself. "Are you familiar this landing bay?" he asked Bink and Dor. The two looked at each other, then Dor responded "I have spent a few Yahrens here. Why?" "Great! How many entrances does this place have?" asked Starbuck. "Three. One large set of double-doors across from here leading to the Hangar area, plus two on that wall." he answered "Bink, are the Nomen looking for Chameleon?" asked Starbuck again. "No. My sources tell me that the invaders have not paid any attention to him. In fact, the Nomen have even caught up with him and let him be. Apparently, they are only after you and are demanding to know where you are from whoever they run into." answered the resourceful Bink. Starbuck's eyes lit up. "Are you SURE they're not after Chameleon?" "I'm sure. My sources do not lie." Starbuck ignored that statement. This was perfect! So a suicide attempt to rescue Chameleon was no longer necessary! "OK, we have 5 Borellian shuttles here. It shouldn't take me more than 7 or 8 centons." he was going to make it very difficult for the Nomen to follow him. "You two stay here. I'm going to trash their shuttles." he ordered. "Lieutenant, I strongly urge you to take my father with you." pleaded Bink while nodding at Dor. His tone was insistent enough that Starbuck found it difficult to refuse. Plus as crazy as it seemed, Starbuck was starting to believe what the old man could do. "All right, but stay behind me and watch your back." The warrior and retiree began running towards the closet Borellian shuttle. "No! Absolutely not!" answered Adama in what he hoped was a tone that said his answer was final with no arguments accepted. "Come now Commander, you can't mean that our demands are unreasonable. We're really doing you a favor! We want to relieve you of the burden of watching after us!" answered Sargon. "Sargon, we have barely enough supplies to keep the fleet alive! In order to accommodate your needs, we would have to the ship around, and leave you behind with badly needed equipment and perishables." "But you would only have to supply us ONCE!" "Other people would follow. That planet we passed 20 Centaurs ago is nearly on the edge of our star charts. The fleet has now entered unknown territory with no idea of what's out there. You're forcing us to abandon our efforts!" "Anything is better than spending our lives trying to find a planet no one can prove even exists COMMANDER!" hissed Sargon. Adama was growing tired of this conversation. Was Sargon mad? "Do you recall WHY we left in the first place? Our home worlds were destroyed by the Cylons. Whoever survived was to be finished off by ground forces. None of us even want to think about what has happened to those not able to escape!" shouted the commander. "The fleet is being FOLLOWED Sargon. We can't possibly survive a full Cylon onslaught. The only reason why we're still alive is because we're constantly moving and confusing them. No doubt they check every planet they come across. They would kill you all the minute they caught up with you." Adama stressed that last sentence by making eye contact with Sargon's men. "Let us worry about that Adama. Remember Serenity and Terra? I don't recall the Cylons committing any massacres there!" "That's because we eluded them long enough to allow the fleet to leave the area safely." "So you could do that again." "Hardly. We risked our lives to save Terra from a nuclear holocaust, and ended up using alot of fuel. We would have to do the same just for you, and would deplete our fuel supply even more. The fleet would be left vulnerable to attack. I am not prepared to take that risk and neither are YOU Sargon if your values as a leader as the same as mine." Sargon thought for a moment. He next words ruined all the progress Adama thought he was making. "Adama, you're forgetting about your bridge officer. We have spent half a Centaur arguing about the subject and you haven't made any provisions to accommodate our demands. Don't be foolish and sacrifice her because of your stubbornness!" Adama's next words were even more shocking and insane than Sargon's: "Go ahead. Kill her. What will THAT accomplish? And what after that? Will you just pick another target? How many will it take? Look around you Sargon! They have taken an oath to defend the Colonies and would give their lives for them!" Sargon was taken aback by this outburst. "And what happens when you run out of hostages? I could end all this NOW just by self-destructing my battlestar." "Commander!" pleaded Rigel in disbelief. "That's an order Sergeant!" answered her Commander angrily. She composed herself and answered with a disciplined "Yes Commander!" "Don't worry. I will not let them harm you." soothed Adama. Sargon was speechless. Did Adama mean what he just said? If so, then all the Sectaries of preparations he and his people have made would be useless. Adama now knew that Sargon's confidence was slowly falling apart, as well as his people's. Perhaps this wouldn't have to end tragically after all, as long as nothing else- The tension was suddenly interrupted by a beeping from one of the forward monitoring consoles. Everyone's heads turned in the direction of that sound. Sargon's men were clearly confused but the bridge crew, having heard that sound many times before, felt a terrifying chill. "May the Lords protect us." said Adama, helpless aboard his own bridge. Starbuck cautiously approached a Borellian shuttle, being careful not to make any unnecessary noise. Dor was right behind him. He came up to one of the shuttle's entry doors. They didn't even bother to lock it up! "Dor, stay here and watch out for any surprises." he ordered. Starbuck quickly boarded the shuttle and went over to the control area. Sure, it was the fleet's standard policy to keep every possible piece of machinery in working condition, but this was a unique exception. Starbuck stood back about 3 metrons from the forward control console, raised his laser, and squeezed the trigger. A white bolt of energy emanated from the barrel with a high-pitched noise, hit the console, and turned it into an eruption of sparks and shrapnel. Starbuck covered his face and stopped for a micron to examine it. By the time those Nomen figured out where he was he would be long gone and they would be stuck with a bunch of retirees! "Starbuck, I hear 2 Nomen approaching!" shouted Dor. Starbuck heard the familiar sound of laser boles energizing and footsteps approaching fast. "Get out of the way Dor!" shouted Starbuck as he dove out the door. Dor ducked to the right, Starbuck sailed above him and landed heavily on his hands and knees. He turned to his left just in time to see one of the Nomen throwing the laser bole at him!!! With the twin glowing balls of death flying towards him, Starbuck summoned all his speed and rolled sharply to the right. The bole struck harmlessly not more than 2 metrons behind him. He stopped rolling and swiftly got up on one knee, raised his laser, and fired expertly at the Nomen. Two shots connected and one Nomen fell to the ground, the others exploding against the shuttle's hull. "Watch out!" cried Dor, running towards Starbuck as the other Nomen prepared to release his bole. "What are you doing?!?!?" cried Starbuck in disbelief. "Run AWAY from here, not TOWARDS-" But before he could finish Dor was at his side and all Starbuck could do was watch another bole approaching them. OR WAS IT??? NO, IT WASN"T!!! the second bole sailed passed them and missed them by over 2 metrons! But Starbuck didn't wait. He was already aiming his laser at the other Nomen, fired, and dropped him before he could energize another bole. "ARE YOU ALL RIGHT??" asked Starbuck, breathing heavily. He couldn't believe what just happened - AGAIN. "Very much so Lieutenant." answered Dor. "All right then. Let's take care of those other shuttles". Colonel Tigh, Apollo, and Boomer rushed into the auxiliary bridge the moment they learned of the approaching danger. "Status report!" demanded Tigh as soon as he stepped through the doors. "Approximately 200 Cylon Raiders on an intercept course with the Galactica, sir." answered Ensign Aetna hysterically. "ETA: 30 centons." Stay calm Tigh. Don't lose it now after all you've managed to accomplish since this situation started' the Colonel thought to himself. We still have the auxiliary bridge. You've survived battle countless times. The only difference is you don't have full control of the ship. "Have internal communications been restored yet?" he inquired. "It appears so Sir. Someone must have repaired the system in the last centaur." answered Ensign Incidental. "Omega did it!" cried Apollo. "Thank you Lord." said Tigh looking up at the ceiling. "Battle-stations! Launch all available vipers and recall all pilots from furlon!" The auxiliary bridge became a flurry of activity as the replacement crew frantically made preparations for the upcoming battle. "I'll contact the main bridge and see if THIS changes Sargon's mind about surrendering." said Tigh to Apollo. "It's definitely something he didn't expect Colonel." replied Apollo, getting ready to leave with Boomer. "Get the squadrons flying Captain and good hunting." replied Tigh. Apollo and Boomer replied with a sharp "Yes sir!", then turned around and ran out the nearest door. "That's it! I think we're finished Sheba!" cried Bojay triumphantly from under the cockpit's center console. "Now help pull me out!". Bojay was under the console head-first with his feet on the back of the pilot's seat. Sheba took his hand and pulled him out slowly. Bojay managed to grab the sides of the cockpit, lifted himself up, and climbed down. Sheba examined her friend with amusement. His jacket was on the floor nearby and was his only clothing still intact. Bojay's flight suit was now a grimy, oily, torn mess. His hair was a tangled mess, and his hands and face were covered in grime and a few substances Sheba didn't want to identify. He was also exhausted and sweating violently. The finished Viper didn't look much better either. Even though the two had help from Rising Star technicians, it looked like a collection of spare parts, each a different color. The cockpit was a heap of exposed panels and circuitry. So it wouldn't pass Colonel Tigh's rigorous inspections the two thought, but it would fly. Maybe. "Let's give everyone the good news." said Sheba as she reached into the cockpit for a headset. She adjusted some controls and put it on. "Sheba to Galactica, do you read? This is Sheba, do you read Galactica?" she said hopefully. There was silence for a few tense moments, then Tigh's voice boomed in loud and clear over the cockpit speaker. "We read you Sheba. What is your condition?" Something was wrong. Tigh was shouting, and his voice was trembling. "We've managed to put together ONE Viper down here Colonel. We're not exactly sure whether it will fly, but at least we have something." answered Sheba. "IS IT COMBAT READY??" demanded Tigh. Combat? Did things really get THAT bad? wondered Sheba. "Well Colonel, the diagnostics indicate we hooked everything up correctly, but there really is no way to tell." "Not good!" replied Tigh. "Listen up you two. Long-range scanners have picked up a wave of 200 Cylon raiders from an unknown base-star on an intercept course with the Galactica. ETA approximately 20 centons. We need to get every available Viper flying NOW. If you can fly, we need you!" "Yes sir! Sheba out." Sheba looked at Bojay. "How do we do this?" she asked. "You go Sheba. I'll try and see if I can fix that one over there" he pointed at another Viper, almost intact except for no engines." "No Bojay! You can handle yourself better in a firefight! I won't be able to get a feel for this viper as fast as you can." "But I can't fly. Look at my G-suit. This thing is useless now. I'll have to find another one even if I manage to put together another viper." She knew he was right. One look at his suit killed any arguments. "C'mon, let's get you flying!" he said before Sheba could protest. Sheba climbed in and Bojay helped secure her to the Viper. "Prepare for launch!' he shouted to the other technicians. They began setting up the bay systems for a Viper launch. Bojay gave Sheba her helmet, and flipped switches for her, silently praying that the frakking thing would work. He flipped the switches that controlled internal power. The indicator lights came on, then went out. Not wanting to rip them out again, Bojay banged them as hard as he could. They came back on, and the engines began humming. Bojay hoped Sheba didn't notice that. It would really ruin her confidence he thought. "OK, you're all set! Happy hunting, and make your father proud!" he said as he tapped her helmet. Sheba smiled and gave him a thumbs up. Bojay jumped off as she closed her canopy. The technicians turned the viper around so it faced the open end of the landing bay showing interstellar space, the atmosphere held inside by a tuned force field. Sheba did one more quick check of the flight systems, made sure that all indicators were green, waited for her permission to launch, and eagerly hit the three TURBO switches. The soft hum of the engines turned into a booming whine that grew in pitch and the Viper began to vibrate. Sheba tensed the muscles in her neck and pushed the center button on her control stick. Her body was thrown against the cushions, the Viper roared with power, and she was catapulted out of the landing bay into deep space. She retracted her landing gear, and was greeted by a series of alarms warning her about engine 1. `No time to worry about that now' she thought and set a course for the Galactica. Starbuck fired another shot, and his efforts were rewarded with another fiery eruption. It'll take those Borellian Nomen a long time before they'll be able to catch up with Starbuck he thought. But then again if they do, Starbuck worried that not even the Ship of Lights would be able to protect him! Still, they definitely picked the wrong target for a blood-trail, and Starbuck would let them know in his own special way. Bink ran up to them just as Starbuck stepped out. "I'm glad you're here Bink." said Starbuck. "I'm needed elsewhere and have to leave. I want you to take your father to safety where the Nomen won't find you." "Very well Starbuck. Will you come see us again?" "After all we've been through? the next time I'm on furlon and not being hunted down by hoardes of monsters, I promise to treat the two of you to a time on the Rising Star you'll never forget!" he said smiling. "It's been YAHRENS since I've been there!" exclaimed Dor. "You have alot to catch up on then." answered Starbuck. The three shook hands, and Starbuck prodded Bink to get going. "And be careful!" he shouted after them. "Don't worry! My father's been in worse situations!" yelled back Bink. "I don't doubt that" said Starbuck to himself. Back to business. There's work to be done. Starbuck climbed back into his Viper and prepared to launch. Those Nomen wanted him so badly they didn't even think about sabotaging his primary means of escape. HE didn't miss such details, however. The sound of laser boles and shouting from a corridor brought his mind back to reality. He hurriedly flipped switches aboard his Viper and taxied to a launch position. "Starbuck to Galactica, do you read Galactica? he said into his headset." "This is the Galactica, are you all right Starbuck?" asked Tigh excitedly. "Yes sir, the situation with the Borellian Nomen is under control. I was just getting ready to-" "Never mind Lieutenant! We're about to be bombarded by a major Cylon raid in about 14 centons! If your Viper is operational, I want you to get over here and join your squadron as soon as possible! This is a major emergency! Starbuck couldn't believe what he was hearing. Just when he thought the worst was over. "Yes sir, I'm on my way. Starbuck out." was all he said as he mentally prepared for what lay ahead. He hit the TURBO buttons, waited for his engines to build up their power, and blasted out of the ship, anxious to put as much distance between himself and the Nomen as possible. At least Cylons didn't hold grudges.. Baltar was silently contemplating the expected battle on his pedestal. Finally, after all these annoying yahrens of embarrassing defeats victory would be his! Soon, the Galactica would be a collection of glowing debree silently drifting in the endless void of space, and Adama would be part of it. THEN WHY WASN'T HE OVERJOYED? Perhaps was it because trying to destroy that little battlestar gave him a purpose in life, an excuse to stay alive? And what would happen to him should he succeed? Even if Imperious Leader decided to keep him he would still be left with nothing to do, save talk day and night with Lucifer. He shook his head. 'I need a vacation' he thought, 'this line of work is too stressful'. Omega finished working on another panel. After finishing repairs on the communications router, he began devising little schemes of his own to somehow regain control of the bridge. He exposed the light-control relays and rigged them in such a way that with the pull of one connector he could black out the bridge. Once he did that, he knew whatever advantage the darkness would give anyone it would be over in approximately 5 microns when the emergency lights took over and there was no way to stop them. Still, if something drastic was to occur he could at least cause a diversion. He took another look at Rigel. She was silent and calm, but Adama was running out of time. Omega swore that her guard would never be able to chew his food with his own teeth ever again! "Sargon, the Galactica crew has been telling the truth! According to these scanners, there are approximately 200 Cylon raiders approaching us!" cried Krista while peering down at the bridge tactical station. Adama could not stand it any longer. He was ready to leap at Sargon. "Sargon, I demand that you release the bridge!" he cried while taking several steps towards him. "This is beyond madness! Face it! You've lost control of the situation! End this now or we'll all die!" Two guards rushed up to block him with their lasers. But Adama still kept walking, and one of them was ready to hit Adama on the back of the neck. "Let him be!" shouted Sargon angrily to the guard. "Adama, I will not relinquish control until you agree to our demands!" `So he really was mad!' thought Adama. Sargon was so determined to get what he wanted he would risk the lives of every soul in the fleet! How come none of his people ever protested? Jolly noticed that his guard put his laser away, no doubt believing there was no need to keep it pointed at his head. He could just reach it...NO! Not yet! Rigel and Adama were still in a direct line of fire. One wrong move and it was all over for them. No, he had to wait for another opportunity. "Sargon, you know that what you're asking for CANNOT be accomplished in a centaur! Even if we could put together all the supplies necessary for just your group we would still have to spend dozens of sectars searching for a suitable planet!" Adama tried to reason. "Don't force this upon us! If you want to get off the fleet so badly I can understand, but I refuse to deal with anyone who would put the lives of so many people in danger!" Sargon's chronograph began beeping. He looked at it, pushed a button, and covered it with his sleeve. He actually had the look of regret as he faced Adama and uttered his next words: "I'm afraid your centaur is up Adama, and you failed to comply with our demands or at least make arrangements. You know what this means." Cold sweat began trickling down Adama's back. His knees buckled and he was doing his best to fight for control over himself. Perhaps he DID have nothing to lose after all. Athena was being taken care of in Life Center. Maybe he should just end it all and rush Sargon now, if it would only save Rigel! "Stroth, do your duty." ordered Sargon. "I regret it had to come to this Adama." "Sargon, you will burn for this!" Adama yelled, helpless. Rigel began to weep but stood her ground bravely. Stroth adjusted his laser and raised it- But his concentration was broken as the lights changed from their normal hue to combat red and the battlestation klaxons began screaming. The positive shield came down to protect the bridge from attack and bridge station controls indicated they they were being operated from the auxiliary bridge. "Sargon!" exclaimed one of the technicians monitoring the P.I.L.O.T. "It appears that internal communications have been restored!" "WHAT???" Sargon was dumbfounded. "Are you sure about that??" he walked up to the technician's station. "Affirmative! The ship is preparing for battle and all personnel are being directed to their posts! Even the Vipers are being launched. According to what they're saying, most of the fighters have already been deployed and some have already engaged the enemy!" "But! But ship-wide communications were supposed to have been disabled with the charge that was set in that service crawlway!" Sargon was saying in disbelief. "Go over there and take a look right now!" he ordered. The technician got up and headed for the crawlway. The situation on the bridge was on the brink of collapsing. Jolly was more than ready to grab that laser and shoot every one of Sargon's men, and Adama was standing within punching distance of Sargon. They both looked at each other. All they needed now was a diversion. Kill Rigel? NO! He would not let it happen! Omega sweated heavily as he watched Stroth near the crawlway's entrance. He positioned his body so that he would be able to leap out, and put one hand on the hook-up that would kill the bridge lights. Steady...steady...he only had one chance to hurl himself at Stroth, grab the laser, and turn it against its owner, while at the same tie throwing Rigel down to the floor (into the crawlway if possible), and blast the guards on the command pedestal. He was rocking back and forth to stay aimed at a moving Stroth. Then he heard the commotion at the side of the bride where the hostages were being kept, saw the bridge lights change to red and the klaxons sound, and heard the order Sargon gave to one of his technicians to check the sabotage they did to the crawlway. Now he KNEW he would have to go through with this! Nothing else mattered anymore, as he was certain he would not survive; so he prayed that the others would take his lead and help turn the tables on Sargon. Omega swallowed hard and tensed his muscles. The technician was less than 4 metrons away, and Stroth was taking aim again. Another step, then 3 metrons, another step, then 2 metrons. THIS IS IT!!! NOW!!! Omega pulled the cable as hard as he could and felt the connectors come out of the panel. The lights went out and the bridge became pitch-black He didn't even wait to hear the gasps of surprise that everyone took, nor did he pay any attention to the loud commotion that started from the area where the hostages were kept. Omega locked into his mind Stroth's last known position, and with all his might pushed against the ground with his feet, helped guide himself out of the crawlway with his arms, and launched himself into the darkness... OK, the torch is being passed to the next lucky guy who gets to write Chapter 7. Actually, in spite of all the difficulties that I experienced with this, it was a joy to write. One of my first fan-fic attempt, so please take it easy with the pitchforks and flame-throwers guys. I know it's a little long, but I was left wiht quite a mess. [:) I had quite a bit of things that I wanted to address, as well as writing it in a way that everyone would be able to experience the world in the character's eyes, as well as their feelings and conflicts. ENJOY!!! From: kxbyrnes@sescva.esc.edu Subject: Round Robin Story Part Seven Omega's aim was unerring, and within a moment, he had knocked Stroth down, and, it had seemed, incapacitated him. Now, however, he was on the bridge, with no idea of where he was or had been going, and, even worse, there were a couple of lunatics on the bridge with him that weren't so pleased with this new developement. To his left and right, he could make out faint shapes, but, Omega wondered, were they real, or just my imagination? "Well," he said, only faintly aware that he had been talking aloud, "I'll take my chances with trying to get out of their way." Seconds after he had moved, a laser bolt shot across the room, in the space that had previously been occupied by his head. The situation had become far more dire than he had realized. Tentatively, Adama tried to move to the last known position of Rigel, hoping that she was still there. It had been no use though, the lighting on the bridge was gone completely, and Adama's own eyesight was deteriorating. With Sargon's men scattered throughout the room, there was no way that he could be sure who he was approaching. Adama's last hope remained in the fact that they had appeared to have been equally disabled by the situation. He sighed heavily, hoping that with enough luck, they could be rescued before Sargon's men could lay their hands on them again. With that, he started to silently creep in the direction of the bridge doors. Then, an all too familiar voice wispered, "Thought we were blinded too, huh Adama?" Between the situation on the bridge, and the approaching fleet of Cylons, Tigh's mind was wracked. He needed as many free personelle as he could ou there fighting the Cylons. But, that would also mean leaving those who stuck on the bridge to fare for themselves, and if they lost Adama, the consequensces would be too grisly to bare. He knew that he had to clear his mind, and fast. Which, is why the last thing that he had needed was to have gone down to the medical center to visit Athena. Then something struck Tigh as odd, it seemed that down the corridor, towards the bridge, there seemed to be less light. Was it an optical illusion, Tigh reflected, or was it something else? Still, with some of Sargon's men guarding the entrance to the bridge, there was no way that he could know for sure. Unless, he thought, I went to one of the subdecks,and checked which circutry was operational, Tigh clung his hope, that there was a miniscule chance that Omega had struck again! There was no time for doubt now, Tigh decided to waylay his trip to see Athena in oreder to check out what was going on on the bridge. If hope really did still exist on the bridge, maybe it did in battle too. Apollo had become worried, he had already lost a brother, and now he stod to lose his sister, father, and the nephew he might not even get a chance to meet. This waws definately the kind of situation that Apollo had wanted to go into battle with, unforunately, he didn't seem to have much of a choice, and he tried desperately to stay focused, both for himself, and those who the Cylons would endanger, which were basically, the entire remnants of the colonies. He promised himself, that if he couldn't help the situation on the bridge, the, by the Lords of Kobol, that he would fight the Cylons, so that someone else could, or, at the very leaqst, he could prolong their lives and not let them be blown to pieces by the very same enemy who had already done it once before. Cassiopea felt extremely unsure of herself as Athena began to regain consciousness, first she had stolen her boyfriend, and now, she had revealed that Athena was pregnant, much to the shock and surprise of her family. So, it came as no surprise to her that when she awoke, Athena looked as if she were ready to kill Cassie then and there. However, it had almost given Cassie a stroke to find out that Athena was in fact grateful for not only Cassie's saving her life, but also for her revealing her secret. "Cassie, I really owe you one, you saved our lives," Athena said, looking down at her midsection, "and, thank you for helping me tell them, I couldn't have done it without you and, Cassie, I really mean that." Cassie was taken back, and wished that after having gotten Athena's forgivness, that she could have said , or asked something more tactful than the question that had been on all their minds since they had been informed of Athena's condition. But, she couldn't, and before she had known what she had said, she blurted out, "Athena, who IS the father?" Tigh was filled when he had seen that itb was no coincidence that the power had gone out on the bridge, that it was in fact, most probably Omega's doing. With Sargon and his men blinded, we can get them out of there, he dared to have let himself think. All we need, he thought, is some kind of infa-red vision, but where? Just then, almost as to have answered Tigh's question on cue, cxame a small whimper from a storage closet. Tigh opened the door, only to find Boxey, and his mechanical buddy, Muffit. "What's wrong Boxey?" Tigh asked. Boxey managed to choke out, "Grandpa's in trouble, he might be killed." A simpathetic beep came from Muffit. That's it, Tigh thought to himself. "Boxey, with Muffit's help, we just might be able to save your grandapa after all." Tigh quickly explained the basic premisis of his plan to Boxey, and they began to look for an air duct to load Muffit in that would lead to the bridge. "Maybe there is hope after all," Tigh said silently. Meanwhile, back aboard the bridge, Adama, Jolly, Rigel, and Omega had made the unpleaseant discovery of knowing that Sargon's men had been prepared for a loss of power, and had brought Infa-red sensors with them. The situation had just gon efrom bad, to worse, to damn near impossible now! That, was when they had heard a clanking noise coming from the air duct, and a robotic "Woof", this just might save us after all, the captives thought. Muffit's barking alerted them to where Sargon and his men were, and had give them the chance they needed. Then, with the fire of a laser, Muffit's barking was cut short, the daggit was dead. However, Adama now had the chance that he needed to go free... "Cassie," Athena faintly said to the Meditech, "the father is really Omega, and this time it's no hallucination." Okay, now let's see someone come up with part eight! See you later, Kevin From: Bruce.Pardy@vuw.ac.nz Subject: Round Robin #1 Chapter 8 Okay, kids, here's part 8. I was faster than I expected. Hope you like it! Bruce ****************************************************** BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ROUND ROBIN STORY #1 CHAPTER 8 Around the Galactica, the battle raged. In her makeshift Viper, Sheba bravely struggled to keep up. Her top engine was still producing alarm signals, and the fighter simply would not respond to her commands the way she was used to. Trying to ignore the explosions around her, she trailed a trio of Cylon fighters heading for the Battlestar, lined up the rear one in her attack scanner, and blew it to pieces. "At least that much works," she muttered to herself. The two remaining Cylons in the formation spun in opposite directions, one left, one right. Sheba knew if she went after one, the other would try to get behind her. Their predictability was her advantage. She banked to follow the one on the right, inviting the other to follow. She had a little surprise planned. Unfortunately, two of her three thrusters chose that moment to cut out completely. "Oh please, not now," she pleaded. The Cylon was quickly on her tail. With little manuevering capability, she was in trouble and she knew it. She turned away as fast she could on her one remaining thruster, both Cylons now close behind, firing. "Keep diving, keep diving!" Apollo's voice came over her headset. A viper fired from somewhere above her, and one Cylon was destroyed. "I can't lose the other one" Sheba cried as she twisted downwards. "I'm coming, hang on!" Apollo and the Cylon fired at the same moment. Apollo's blast turned the target into a fiery nothing. The shot from the Cylon caught Sheba's right laser turret which sparked and blew. Apollo heard her cry out. "Sheba! Sheba! Talk to me!" She moaned. "I'm hit Apollo..ow..I'm burned but...I'm still here." "I'll lead you in. Can you follow? Apollo to Galactica, medical emergency, landing bay stand by for injured pilot!" The diversion created on the blacked out bridge by the mechanical daggit, now expired, gave them a few precious seconds. During his time in the service alcove, Omega had observed that no guard had been placed by the ladder leading down to the repair tube underneath the main bank of bridge stations. At the other end of the tube there was a hatch which opened to more service crawlways, and eventually back to main corridors. It was a narrow opening, and would be a hopeless entrance for a rescue invasion. But as an escape route, it had potential. Omega had served on the bridge of the Battlestar for eight years and knew it as well as anyone, even in the dark. He had found Rigel in the darkness and had given her enough quick body signals to let her know, he hoped, what he planned. When he heard the daggit's bark and the ensuing commotion, he pushed her in the direction of the ladder, only a couple of steps away. First Rigel and then Omega plunged into more darkness, riding the rails rather than taking the rungs one at a time. Shots exploded over Omega's head as he disappeared beneath the floor, and then scrambled on his hands and knees towards Rigel and the hatch which she had managed to open. They were out! Sheba's landing was wobbly, but successful. She was whisked away in a medbed, Apollo following closely behind. Apollo's viper was quickly set for relaunch by one of the pilots waiting impatiently for a ship. Although the attending medtechs had assurred him Sheba's injuries were not critical, Apollo felt sick at the sight of her lying there. It reminded him of the only other time Sheba had been taken on a medbed, back on the Pegasus shortly before her father had attacked three baseships and then disappeared. Maybe it also reminded him of his last centons with Serina. He pushed that thought away. A medtech gave them a check in the corridor. Omega had twisted his ankle at the bottom of the tube, but insisted he was fine. Rigel seemed to be as well, in spite of her harrowing experience. "By the way, congratulations, Omega," said the medtech, Thrax, patting him on the shoulder. Omega wondered how anyone but Rigel could know about his actions in the darkness. "Thanks. It was nothing really." Thrax chuckled. "Okay, if you say so. I wasn't talking about the performance, but only Athena would know about that, right?" Athena? Omega didn't understand. "What are you talking about?" Thrax began to feel embarrassed. "Your child...Athena...You and Athena," Rigel's eyes fell. It was Omega's child? She was stung by the discovery, and surprised that she was stung. She knew she liked Omega, and they worked well together. But there had been nothing romantic in it. So why did she not relish the news? "I don't understand," Omega said, "Go to the Auxiliary Bridge," he told Rigel, "Tell Tigh that Sargon is able to listen in on every internal communication we make. All strategic messages should be made in person. I'll be there in a centon." He turned and hobbled as fast as he could in the direction of the Life Centre. "On your tail, Starbuck!" Boomer warned him, "Move it! Bring him this way!" "Frak!" Starbuck swore, as Cylon blasts came close. "Steady..." "Hurry up, Boomer!" Starbuck pleaded, and then relaxed when his pursuer exploded into little pieces. "Thanks, but you can be the bait next time. I hate that feeling." They banked and flew over the Galactica bridge area, in pursuit of more targets. "Boomer, what do you think would happen on the bridge if a Cylon got a hit up there?" Starbuck couldn't see the expression on Boomer's face. "It's called serious damage, Starbuck. Are you all right?" "No, Boomer, I mean with the hostage situation. It would throw it into chaos, right? They'd lose control, right? How many Cylons have you picked up heading for a run at the Galactica bridge?" "Actually, none." "I haven't seen any either. A full scale Cylon attack, and no runs at the bridge area? Boomer, that doesn't make any sense." "Talk about it later, Starbuck!" Boomer suggested, as they engaged another incoming Cylon squadron. Apollo came over to him as he entered the Life Centre. "Hey, congratulations, but you should've..." He stopped as Omega shook his head. "It's not what you think, Captain" he said, and walked past him to Athena's medbed. "Is she all right?" he asked Cassie. "Stable for now, but she has internal injuries we're still worried about." Omega sat on the edge of the bed. "Athena," he said gently. But Athena would not look at him. "Athena," he said again. "Athena?" Cassie said. Something was not right. Athena burst into tears. "I'm sorry, Omega, I didn't mean to get you mixed up in this! I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry." "You're not the father, are you?" Apollo said to Omega. "Athena, what is going on? Why did you lie to Cass?" "Oh, God help me, I'm so sorry," she sniffed, "Apollo, please help me." She looked at Cassie. "Back on the bridge, I wasn't delirious - at least, not until after I told the truth. It was just too horrible," she whispered, "I know lying about Omega would only delay things, but I couldn't bear it. I'm sorry," she said again. "By the Lords of Kobol, no," said Apollo, "It is Baltar, isn't it?" Athena nodded. Cassiopiea watched Apollo's face change. "Athena, are you out of your mind! " Apollo shouted, "How could you?! That man has done unspeakable things! He is responsible for everything we lost!" Cassie put her hand on his shoulder. "Take it easy, Apollo, she's not well." He took a breath. "When?" he demanded. "It was longer ago than Cassiopiea first thought. It was a little while after he surrendered to us." Apollo looked at her carefully and for the first time noticed that her belly was definitely larger than normal. He immediately felt guilty for not noticing before. Starbuck had been right. He didn't pay any attention to his family. Athena continued to sob quietly. "I don't know why. It's like it wasn't me. Someone else was in control and I was powerless to stop it." "I was so tired. I'd lost Mother and Zac. I'd lost Starbuck. You and I had never been good at talking, Apollo. I felt lonely and worthless. I didn't want to make decisions any more. He offered me comfort, and release, no responsibility." "Baltar offered you those things?" Apollo demanded. Athena looked startled. "No..." "No." Sheba interrupted from the next bed, freshly treated and bandaged. She looked at the trio, and then at Athena. "Iblis did." "We ALL die unless you stop this NOW!" Adama bellowed, "Look at it, man!" he gestured at screens displaying scenes of the battle taking place around the Galactica. "No! Not until you promise our freedom!" Sargon growled, "If you don't, you'll be the one who lets us die!" "Fire in the left landing bay!" one of the captured bridge officers called out, watching his monitor from a distance. "This man is suicidal," Adama said to Sargon's troops, "If you want to die, follow him. We are about to be destroyed." "What?!" Apollo said. "Balter may be the father, but it was Iblis, wasn't it?" Sheba repeated. Athena nodded, choking back more tears. "I didn't fall in love with Baltar. I knew him years ago, but that was a different lifetime. Something happened to him. Such a horrible man now, I didn't even like him, wasn't attracted to him. It was Iblis, he said Baltar had been misunderstood, that I should try to understand him, be kind to him. And then I lost my sense of myself." The dam burst and the tears flowed again. "How can I explain it to you when I can't even explain it to myself?!" Apollo looked at Sheba. "How do you know this?" "Apollo, think. You watched it happen to me. Remember the time when Iblis was there and we were dancing on the Rising Star and you were jealous..." "I wasn't jealous..." "...about the fact that I'd been taken under his spell. I had. It's the same pattern - I felt that you hated me then, rejected me. I had lost my father. I was vulnerable, alone. I needed you, Apollo. And he was there, casting this kind of spell, offering me a place if I would stop struggling. And then..." her brow furrowed. "No one can be forced to do anything they don't decide to do," Apollo glared. Cass sighed. "Apollo, not all of us are like that." Sheba ignored him, "Wait. There are parts of this I don't remember. That's odd." She looked at Apollo. "But I do know it was your fault I got away." She smiled. Apollo sat next to his sister. "I'm sorry. I wish you'd come to me." Athena smiled through her tears. "For God's sake, Apollo, not everything that goes wrong is your fault, you know," she shook her head, "How am I going to tell Father?" "We have to survive first, and get the bridge back," he turned to Omega and Sheba, "We haven't seen Cylons for sectons. Then they attack just when terrorists take over the bridge." "Either Baltar's incredibly lucky, or he's had inside help," Sheba said. "Or..." Omega said thoughtfully, "the PLOT device! Apollo, Sargon has a communications device on the bridge which allows him to intercept and transmit all of our internal signals. What if..." He was interrupted by Athena, who shrieked with pain and clutched her abdomen. "Athena!" Cass lept to her side, and took readings. "Doctor Salik, I need your help immediately!" Two more medtechs rushed to Athena and Salik hurried over, glancing at the equipment. "Two mcs of droxine," he ordered. "What is it?!" Apollo demanded, "Is she giving birth?" "Not even close! The baby's in trouble! Apollo, leave!" Cass ordered. Omega pulled him away. ********************************************************* Okay, there you are! Next! Bruce From: HomyakChik@aol.com Subject: RR Chapter 9 CHAPTER 9 - Davey Rigel wasn't the first one to reach the aux bridge. She pounded down the corridor, dodging personnel who were likewise performing acrobatics on their way to their duty stations. The lights in the corridor flickered, began to strobe in a pattern she had seen seldom, but had learned to dread. Red Four. The Galactica itself was now in serious danger. The terrorists had succeeded in dooming not only themselves but, by theiractions, everyone in the fleet. The girl skidded around the corner, sprinted toward the guards at the end of the corridor. Before they could notice and stop her, however, another figure, garbed in full-armor combat gear, emerged from another side corridor. Rigel managed to bring herself to a stop, more angry than anything. About to give the normal down on deck! command that _had_ to be obeyed in alert situations, she stopped, startled. The combat arms tech simply stepped up to the guards, handed over a record crystal, and turned away again. Rigel, her own business temporarily forgotten, took note that the armor was already linked and switched on; she could see nothing of the trooper at all. She felt the static build as the man clumped past her, his rad-and-light shield reacting to her own presence. Then he disappeared back down the corridor he had come from, and she was left alone. She shook her head, stepped up to the door. "Corporal Rigel, bridge tech. I have urgent information for Colonel Tigh, _right now._" The guards looked at each other. "I was one of the hostages on the bridge. _Please!_ I've got to speak to Colonel Tigh!" The second one nodded to the crystal in the first one's hand. "Call it in. This is too weird." The first one rolled his eyes but held his wristcom up. "Sergeant Hiksos, post one." "_What is it?_," a nondescript voice asked. "I've got a record crystal from combat arms, with instructions to give it to Colonel Tigh, and I've got a bridge tech here who says she escaped the bridge." Three michrons later the door hissed open. A noncom glanced at the guards, then at Rigel,then nodded. The guard with the crystal entered after Rigel. The auxilliary bridge was redly lit, the only greens and blues those of the screens the techs were huddled around. Rigel and the guard paused, getting accustomed to the illumination, and a tall form closed on them. "Corporal!" "Sir!" Rigel was so relieved she almost broke rank and hugged the man. "Sir," the guard interjected quickly, "I was given this crystal to give to you." Tigh took the record, eyed it curiously. "Who gave it to you?" "I don't know, sir," the guard responded, as mystified as his commander. "He was combat arms, in full armor, but I didn't see any rank or nameplate." "Combat armor with no--" Tigh broke off. "Sergeant. Was there a big patch of metal on the right shoulder? Triangular, black and red?" "I don't...I believe so, sir, yes," the guard temporized. "I'm sorry, sir,\ but I wasn't looking--" "Never mind. Return to your post." Tigh was already turning toward the communications station. The guard nodded, turned and trotted back to the door. Tigh glanced back, motioned with his head for Rigel to follow him. She elbowed her way up next to him as he leaned over an already-harried communications tech to pop the crystal into the reader. "Sir, Lieutenant Omega told me to tell you that--" Tigh held up a hand as he speed-read the crystal. Rigel saw his eyes grow wider, in surprise or shock. "Sir, you really need to--" "Damn. Dammit all." Tigh lifted a massive fist, thought twice about pounding it against the console. He shook his head, pinched the bridge of his nose. '_It never rains..._' he thought to himself. Then it was as though he remembered his diminutive visitor. "Corporal! Yes. Report, please." "Sir, the lieutenant said that the terrorists have set up a monitoring device of their own--" "That damned PLOT device," Tigh growled. "I know. Well, apparently it enables the terrorists to listen in on any communications through normal channels aboard the ship, sir," Rigel continued doggedly. Tigh closed his eyes tiredly. "I knew that too, but apparently some others have figured that out." Rigel, puzzled, continued. "But sir, the lieutenant said that you _had_ to be told that _that_ device, that PLOT thing, is how the cylons tracked us down in the first place!" Tigh's eyes opened, locked on the girl. "He said that? Was he certain?" Rigel nodded. "Damn, damn, damn. It's not going to do us any good now that the cylons have us on their screens, but it may come in handy if we can give them the slip." He stood up straight, stared off into space for a moment. Reaching a decision, he looked back at the girl. "All right, corporal. I've got another job for you." _Right back to work,_ Rigel thought to herself, brief visions of tall, cool drinks and bootless feet wriggling under a hair drier disappearing. Nothing was said about the close call that the girl had suffered in the past half-centar; likely nothing would be until long after this crisis was finished. Adama had spoken truly when he told Sargon that _any_ colonial warrior would sacrifice all in the service of mankind. "Get over to sciences," Tigh told her. "I want Major Heretni and his people to have a report in my hands within twenty-five centons--emphasize that, _one-quarter of a centar_--concerning the nearest star systems to us, including folds and do Alder points." Rigel nodded, started to turn. "And Corporal: emphasize to him that this report is to be hand-delivered to me, not called in or logged on to the shipnet. Tell him that you'll wait around for the crystal yourself, and bring it back personally. Understood?" The chance to get off her feet for a few centons was looking more and more likely. Rigel nodded again. "Yes, sir." "Good. Go!" Tigh watched her until the chamber door hissed shut behind her, then sagged against the panel. '_Lords above, I hope you're watching over _all_ of us right now,_' he thought discouragedly. He shook his head, resolved to set his mind back on current matters. Then another. Then a fusillade... whisper. "Croft, if you don't pull this off, I'll come after you myself!" *** *** *** *** *** Baolchat did not blink as Vel'chess ground to a stop before him. "Your findings?" he rumbled. "Neither noman took heed of the ranks of elderly humans lining the viewports of the landing deck. Not a one of them would have dreamed of approaching the terrifying gnomen for any reason at all, and the assembled barbarians knew that well." Vel'chess nodded, acknowledging Baolchat's status in this gathering. "As I said. The repairs can be finished within three centars. Two, and with no loss to our own, if we take parts from this ship instead." That such supplies might be necessary for the continued functioning of the senior ship was known, but not a thought to tarry with. The gnomen were the chosen people; all others must inevitably fall. What matters if a few fell earlier than others? "Very well." Baolchat turned to a younger gnoman, standing tall and silent to one side. "You. Yours was the responsibility to guard our ships against such an occurrence. You failed in your task." The young gnoman never looked away from infinity, never bent his neck or showed his shame. "I sought to stop the human, when I--" "You sought his blood for your own name." Baolchat's anger surfaced briefly, showing only in the way his durindig eyes flashed. "You were a fool. Thanks to you we will not be the ones to kill the Starbuck." He snorted, turned his eyes back to Vel'chess. "You know what you must do." The young gnoman did not even hesitate. He whipped out his balkur, kissed the blade once in thanks for its loyalty, and ran himself through. His lips twitched only once; he never blinked. Within michrons he was dead. "Move that to the side," Baolchat growled. "It will be in the way." He turned back to his second in command as though this were an everyday occurrence. "And the human insists that the pilot was the only saboteur?" he continued his discussion. Vel'chess nodded again. "I believe him too terrified to speak falsely. Besides, everyone knows that colonial pilots seldom master any skills but those involved in flight. They make poor saboteurs." "Indeed." Baolchat nodded to his compatriot. "Proceed." Rennokh was Baolchat's paxman; he could be excused the familiarity of his question. "Will this not end the blood-hunt?" "No." Baolchat did not move from where he stood in the hangar gateway, watching the assembled gnomen begin their work of repair. A few humans, drafted for labor, worked hard and made no complaints where their inhuman captors might hear. "But the fleet is under cylon attack." Rennokh was trustworthy to a fault, but as with most gnoman leaders, Baolchat had not revealed any more of the plan than was necessary. "What if the Starbuck is killed in the battle? What will happen to your name, as leader of the hunt?" "If he is, we will know. We will not take his head, but we will know that his women and his family will grieve long for him. That in itself will be almost as satisfying. That his old friend would ask such a question was understandable; that he would keep his own concern for his commander's name foremost was commendable. Besides, there are others who will kill the Starbuck if he survives and escapes us. They took sanctuary aboard the _Galactica_ itself when the cylon attack began. No; today was the last day that the Starbuck will see." Vel'chess came clumping back to stand in front of Baolchat, a younger warrior following closely. Baolchat just lifted an eyebrow, questioning. Vel'chess turned to the younger man. "Speak," he ordered. "Tell him what you told me." "Pellat," the young man said, addressing Baolchat by his title-of-the-hunt, "the Starbuck has already been struck down." The gnoman leader s furry eyebrow rocketed skywards. "Such a claim had best be backed by deeds, not words, young one," the gnoman snarled. "Yes. As the Starbuck was taking his interceptor out into space, another managed to strike his craft with his _er'bechin._" He used the native gnoman term for what the colonials called a laser-bola. "You saw this?" "I saw it well, pellat. The er'bechin struck the Starbuck's engines, and clung." "_Then why was the Starbuck not destroyed outright?_" Almost as soon as he finished bellowing he realized what the young warrior had said, and what it meant. He lifted a hand. "I spoke hastily. Your name that you saw this?" "My name and my life, pellat. I saw this. The er'bechin burned against the night." Baolchat's dark eyes met those of Vel'chess. Both smirked, the closest that the almost-emotionless gnomen would come to smiling in public. "Who," Baolchat asked the young man, "struck the fatal blow against the target?" The young man looked at the heaped body crumpled next to the trash bins. "He would have told you himself, but he was too ashamed of his failure." "He was a fool," Baolchat muttered. "But he redeemed himself. His name will remain on the list. Take his effects." He brushed his desert cape away from his boot. "I will tell your mother that our oldest son died with honor." *** *** *** *** *** The first attack wave had come and swept through the assembled defenders like a broom through talc. Starbuck had heard that there were two hundred attackers coming, but his combat computer had only tallied ninety-odd. That was a bad sign. If the cylons felt confident enough to split their forces--especially under circumstances such as these!--they probably had some trump hand prepared. There had been just over a hundred defenders assembled to hold the cybernauts off; the pilot's sensors only counted seventy-two now. And many of those traces were blinking standard distress markers. Starbuck recognized the code signal on the viper on the extreme right of his screen. "Apollo?" he called out, making sure that there were no cylons within immediate range. "Is that you, buddy?" "Starbuck! Yes! Where do you mark the closest cylons?"_ Apollo asked, the relief in his voice almost immediately replaced with concern. Starbuck glanced at his long-range display as he nudged his ship in the direction of his friend's. The response was curiously jerky; he suspected that any one of the near-misses and glancing shots he'd already taken had unsettled some vital system. As long as his ship continued to respond, he was satisfied. "I show the first wave almost out of range already, ahead of the fleet. Gods know what they're doing; they've got us beat six ways from Semday already. The rest of the wave the _Galactica_ told us about is about another six centons away, and coming in on a different arc." He stopped, feeling a chill. "Why? What happened to your ship, Apollo?" "Sideswiped. I've got short-range, but no long-range." Starbuck heard his friend mutter something to someone else on another channel; then the man's voice was back. "I'm fine, Starbuck, but Sheba's been hit. She's not the only one, buddy," Starbuck ground out. _There!_ He could see the running lights of Apollo s interceptor. Another ship, discolored and sparking, hung in space beside it. "Yeah, well, she was flying a cobbled-together mess and it took one hit too many." Apollo's voice was grim. "I'm trying to cover her back to the _Galactica_ as far as I can before the next wave shows up." "Cobbled-together?" Starbuck's eyebrow went up. "What happened to her own?" "Gnomen." The one-word response was enough to say volumes. Starbuck made a hawking sound. "Don't even talk to me about gnomen. Right now there are about thirty-some-odd of the bastiches trapped on the seniors ship with no way to get off." He nudged his viper around in a wide loop, came up alongside his friend's. Even from tens of metrons he could tell that Sheba was in trouble. Her ship really _did_ look like it had been assembled--badly--from parts of several others. "Sheba!" he cried in mortification. "Where's your second laser?" "On the _Rising Star,_ Bucko," the woman retorted. She tried to sound cheerful; even Starbuck could hear the pain in her voice. "With the rest of my bird." "Hey, if it's any comfort, I paid the gnomen back six or seven times for you already," Starbuck teased her. "Thanks," she responded. "I think." "Starbuck." Apollo's voice sounded odd. "Yeah?" "What's that?" Starbuck raised an eyebrow, then realized his wingman couldn't see the gesture. "What's _what_, Apollo?" "On your starboard engine." Starbuck felt a chill run down his back. He twisted in his seat; architecture robbed the move of any success. "Apollo, I can't even _see_ my engine right now. What are you talking about?" "There's something glowing on your engine," Apollo answered. "Can you swing over here? I'll take a look." "Roger that." Starbuck shifted his feet, swung his control stick to the left. Space obligingly swung about him, his friend's vipers moving down and beneath him. Midway through the move the ship jerked, jinked violently. "What the hells?" He had been in furious combat for several centars now, and was both tired and irritated; it was a difficult battle to keep his anger in check. He wrestled with the controls until, somehow, he managed to make his viper obey him. He leveled with his fellow pilots again to have Apollo hanging off his starboard side. Off in the distance, he could just make out seven or eight sets of running lights. One of them, he hoped for Sheba's sake, was the _Galactica._ "Oh, Gods," Apollo's voice whispered harshly. "Oh, _that_ helps a lot, Apollo," Starbuck shot back in irritation. "Starbuck, there's a _laser-bola_ stuck to your engine!" "A _what?_" Starbuck's voice rose slightly, but it _had_ been a long day for him so far. "A laser-bola! A gnoman's laser-bola. Hang on." Starbuck felt the hair on his neck start to rise as Apollo's silence stretched. Several eternal michrons later his friend continued. "Starbuck, it looks like it just hit your starboard accelerectifier and stuck there. It's wrapped around it like it hit after a throw. How long have you been in that viper?" "Tw--twenty centons, more or less. I got out here just in time for that last dance with the cylons, and--just a centon!" "Starbuck?" "Damn'em" the hotshot pilot thought to himself, pounding one fist against his knee. "Damn'em all to every one of Smet's hells! One of those hairy astrums must've made it to the hangar and tried to peg me! Gods, I hope I fried his astr--_ I know where it came from, Apollo. The senior ship. I trashed all the gnomen's ships to keep'em from getting away." He forced a starbuck-chuckle out, although he felt like doing anything but laughing right now. "Looks like the fight's still on." He paused, thinking. "Apollo. If it hasn't gone off yet, maybe it's a dud. I can hit the nearest ship, get it out of my engine, and be back out here in time for the second round! Hells, I'm just about out of fuel anyway, now that I notice it," he added, tapping on the unresponsive dial. Apollo was silent for longer than Starbuck liked. "Buddy, you've got a problem," the man finally said. His voice was quiet. "The bola's activated." "Huh?" Starbuck frowned at his friend's ship. "I _know_ that, Apollo. I figured that must be why my ship's been acting up for the last few centons. But if it hasn't gone off yet, it's not likely to, right? All I gotta do is remove it!" "No, Starbuck, that's _not_ all." Apollo's voice got low, very low, the tone he reserved for life-or-death seriousness. Starbuck sat up straighter. Apollo seldom used that voice. "Starbuck, the thing's _activated._ The only reason I can figure that it hasn't gone off yet is because you're out here in space, where it can't keep going. As a matter of fact--" He paused for a moment. "Yes. Yes, I can see the fuze mechanism. It's still lit." "Still lit--Apollo! We're talking about a laser here!" "No, we're not. We're talking about a laser-bola." "The difference being?" Starbuck wished he had a stig to chew on. He knew better than to smoke one in a cockpit, but having one to chew on when frustration built up to its inevitable maximum generally helped him weather the worst situations with his temper intact. "Starbuck, think about it. The gnomen were desert-dwelling nomads. The only things they fought until the colonies discovered tylium on Borallus were each other. The only high technology they had was what the cylons traded to them to keep the colonies busy in a two-front war, and the cylons didn't like the gnomen enough to custom-design weapons just for them. A laser-bola is just a chemical weapon with an electric fuze. It was _called_ laser because that's what the warriors said it looked like when the gnomen used them during night raids." "What--?" Starbuck swallowed. "Apollo, this is a pretty bad joke--" "No joke, buddy. I got this straight from Miriam and Croft alike. Both of them served on Borallus." Starbuck paused for a painful swallow and a long blink. "Apollo. Spell it out for me. It's been a long day." "Buddy, that thing is wrapped around your starboard accelerectifier. It's not coming loose without power tools. And it's _lit._ I can see the fuzes glowing from here. The only reason they're still lit and not blowing your engine to glory is because they can t burn in a vacuum. As soon as--" _ Apollo stopped. Starbuck finished it for him. "As soon as I hit air again, the fuze is going to finish, and I'm going boom." He carefully relaxed the fingers of his left hand, forced himself not to make another fist. His warbook breeped for attention. He hung his head tiredly as his sensors faithfully showed him the second wave of cylons attackers now sweeping into combat range. *** *** *** *** *** "Look, it's a miracle we got _one_ fighter patched together, considering what those barbarian armpits did to our ships!" Bojay roared. The complaining beaureticians backed away hastily before his ire. Bojay dropped a piece of plas he'd been holding, then disgusted kicked it. It clattered to a stop against a larger pile of rubble that, in better times, would have been called a viper. "Dobe!" he cursed. "The rest of this felgercarb's not going _anywhere_ without a maintenance bay!" *** *** *** *** *** The lights flickered, returned, dimmed, then brightened slowly to almost-normal levels. The scene was not one calculated to inspire pleasure in any but the coldest of hearts. The colonials warriors had been herded back to the bottom deck of the command center. Most of them had scrapes and cuts; two wore viscious-looking burns on their hands. Jolly himself was bleeding from a cut on his forehead; he had to lean on a bridge technician's shoulder just to make it down the stairs. The terrorists, for all their victorious mein, were not in appreciably better condition. Every one of them looked ruffled. Two were nursing injured limbs--Adama distinctly remembered hearing Jolly and another voice chortling at having broken someone's arm--and most had torn clothing and incipient black eyes. Sargon himself had taken more than one blow, as Adama's bleeding knuckles could attest. But the terrorists still had the weapons, and the upper hand. Sargon and Adama locked eyes across the distance. The terrorists started to sneer; something in the commander's demeanor turned it into a grimace that quickly disappeared. Adama turned to a nearby console, reached for the controls. All the terrorists weapons came up, pointed at him. Their angry cries were matched as the prisoner warriors saw their commander threatened and started to boil back up out of the pit. Adama held a hand up, silencing attackers and prisoners alike. Two fingers dialed up a communications screen. "Tigh," he said, his voice once more full of the power of command. "Report." Tigh's voice was not relieved--he was still monitoring the situation, and knew what was at stake-- but there was a smile in it as he answered his commander. "Sir, the cylons are attacking in two major waves. The first has already gone through the fleet. Initial reports indicate that we lost twenty-four fighter pilots and ships, and seventeen fleet vessels reported serious damage. We managed to launch the remainder of our forces when we got communications control back--" Adama's dark eyes locked with Sargon's; the terrorist was the first to look away. "--but intel reports that the second wave, the second half of the cylons attack force, is due within centons." "Understood. You have complete control now?" "Yes, sir. The ship is no longer in danger because of the terrorists." The warriors at the bottom of the stairs expressed their pleasure with this news in complete disdain of the weapons pointed in their directions. The terrorists themselves looked shaken; their upper hand was dissolving around them, leaving them with fewer and fewer bargaining chips. "Thank you, Colonel. You retain command until relieved." Adama paused, glanced deliberately at Sargon. "You are aware of the contingencies planned for. In this case I recommend options Sartor, Marklanis and Ellechim." "Enough, Adama!" Sargon brandished his rifle openly, conspicuously tightening his finger on the trigger. "You have had your say. Switch the console off and get up here." "Understood, commander," Tigh responded. "Contingency plans will be activated in the recommended order." There was a brief silence, then the battlestar's second-in-command continued in a lower tone of voice. "Adama--Salik just called. I--thought you should know." Something in the colonel's voice got to the hostages and the terrorists alike. All gradually fell silent, hanging on the distant exec's words. Athena-- Adama closed his eyes. "Tell me," he said, his heart tightening in his chest. "Salik and the med techs did everything they could, but... they lost the baby, Adama. And they're still working on Athena. Salik said if they'd been able to help her sooner, if they'd gotten her to sickbay in time--" Adama didn't remember thanking his friend for his concern; perhaps he did not. The next time he noticed, the communicator was off; _someone_ had closed the link. The commander took a deep breath, another. His shoulders rose, and fell. He did not notice his massive hands turning into fists. Sargon did, though. Something in Adama's eyes told the rogue that he had taken this game as far as he could. The end was in sight, and it was not the end he and his followers had planned for. Adama took the first step before anyone gathered the wits to protest. He was on the second step before Sargon managed to scream "Adama! _Stop!_" He reached the third step before the first shot was fired, sparking from the metal of the fourth step. He deliberately placed his foot where the shot had struck, ignoring the sudden warmth from his boot. "Sargon, this ends now." Adama's voice was steel on icebergs, cold, harsh and unrelenting. Sargon was the first to step back as the commander of this fortress slowly advanced up the stairs to him, but he managed to keep his wits enough to keep his rifle pointed right at Adama's midriff. "You have hurt and killed, you are directly responsible for more injuries and more deaths, and all because you are too blind to see that the needs of the many by _far_ outweigh the needs of your pitiful few!" Adama was far past patience and careful negotiating; regardless of the questionable parentage, it had been his grandchild that these terrorists had, through their actions and irresponsibility, killed. Had the remainder of the pilots from the _Galactica's_ rosters been able to launch in time, the pilots who had sacrificed themselves might still have lived. Adama ground to a halt almost leaning into Sargon's rifle. "This ends now, Sargon. You and your people will surrender yourselves to the authorities, and you will accept your punishment with what adult grace you can possibly muster." "Adama, you're out of your mind!" Sargon laughed; the laugh sounded forced even to his own compatriots. "We've still got you, and your bridge crew, and as long as we have--" "You. Have. _Nothing!_" Adama's anger radiated from him like heat from a fire. "_We_ have control of this ship back, and you will not take it again. _We_ are in control of the situation, and we are going to save your miserable lives along with our own. The rest of you, think about what this will mean." Adama continued to stare down Sargon, but now he was talking directly to the rest of the terrorists. "You said you wanted to leave the Fleet because of your concern for your own families." Sargon flinched when Adama said _families._ The commander noted this, filed it away for later perusal. "Think about what is going to happen to them when this affair is over. Had you succeeded, your names would have been reviled as long as memory remained. You would be the ones who fled, stealing from those who could least afford it, returning nothing as you went. You have failed; now your names will be known as those who _would_ have robbed the poor. You will be in prison; I will promise nothing better for you and your crimes. But I will promise that your families will not be made to suffer for your misconduct." The first crack appeared in the facade of the Invincible Terrorists. Two looked uncertainly at each other; another glanced questioningly at Sargon. Sargon pressed forward. "Assuming that you're right and that we've actually lost--not that I'm conceding the point, you understand--why shouldn't we simply strike out and hurt you as much as possible?" "Because the rest of your followers, at least, fought for their loved ones. My word is given; if you surrender now, the only ones who will be punished will be you and your number." Adama leaned back slightly. "But that word is given only now, and only from me. If you injure another living being, or if you kill me, there will be no one and nothing left to protect your families." This time itwas Adama who leaned forward. "They will be known as part of you, part of those who would sooner have seen two hundred thousand living beings suffer and die rather than make the best of the life they were given by providence. There will be _no one_ to keep their neighbors from paying them back in the same coin you have been spending." The terrorists paled; even Sargon seemed shaken at Adama's cold tone. "You would do that-- you would involve _innocents_--" "_I will do nothing!_ If you kill me or my people, there will be no one to _prevent_ that from happening. After what you have done, do you honestly believe that _anyone_ will lift a finger to assist you?" Sargon lifted his rifle, stepped back. His partner leaned over, whispered urgently to him. He shook his head angrily, snapped something back too softly for Adama to hear. The woman repeated what she had said. Sargon's eyes glittered with anger, but he remained silent for long michrons. Adama glanced down at the assembled warriors on the lower deck. All of them, even the injured, were standing straight, watching the tableau unfold. Several noticed their commander's gaze, straightened unconsciously. Adama felt a brief rush of pride. His people really _were_ the best, and he would see that they knew it after this. Assuming they survived. "Adama." Sargon's voice was a harsh whisper. Adama turned his attention back to his captor. "You appear," the man said, his grin tight, going no farther than his lips, to have persuaded my band to surrender." He waited a beat, then smiled even larger. His rifle, lifted while he spoke to his companion, came back down, pointed right at Adama's chest. He shifted his hand on the grip and the barrel. But then, he continued, "who says you have to win all the time?" His finger tightened on the trigger. *** *** *** *** *** Captain Croft clumped around the corridor bend, ground to a stop before the seven armor-clad warriors, eyed them critically. "Stace back yet?" "Yes, sir," a large, husky Gemon responded. "Bravo already said he'd gotten to his station." "Good." These were a third of his company, his own combat unit. The unit that he had fought to form, fought to equip, fought to train. The Black Talons. Many had opposed his return to active duty, feeling that a once-disgraced officer could be of no further use to the military. Even many who had professed to support his second chance had become detractors rather than supporters. He grinned slightly at the thoughts that had to have been going through the mind of the battlestar's executive commander about now; Tigh had always been one of the most outspoken in his opposition to Croft and Croft's Project. But Adama, of all people, had continued to lend his authority, and now Croft had a fighting force second to none. The combat armor itself had been prototyped on Scorp, before the Holocaust. Thirty-four sets had survived in the same research ship that had furnished the fleet with its until-now almost-inexaustible supply of viper parts. Twenty-seven groundforce warriors who survived the Holocaust had been highly-trained enough to wear the armor and use it to its fullest potential. In this armor a man could fight a cylon, hand-to-hand, and win. He could easily damage a small fighting craft, could run fifty kiloms a centar for centars on end. With the built-in weapons alone he was a match for almost anything the cylons would put on the ground; with the weaponry available to add to the armor, each Black Talon was an almost unstoppable force for humanity. Adama had championed Croft and his intention to protect what was left of humanity when all others turned their back on him. Now Croft intended to repay that trust as best he could. "All right,"he grated. "Bizleth, gimme intel." A massive female stepped away from the way, disengaging sensor leads from a wall panel. "They've got their lights back on. The raiders are split; two of them are on the command podium, and the other five are down on the second tier. Each of them has a rifle; four of them have AH-271s; the other three have what look like CC850s." Someone whistled low. "Where'd a bunch of civilians get hold of hummers?" another member of the team wondered. "We'll find that out later," Croft snapped. "It'll take more than a lucky shot or two even from a hummer to get through your shields." "The bridge crew's not shielded, boss," another warrior observed. Croft turned his head to the uncaring heavens. "_Thank_ you, Drahcir! I think that fact slipped right past the rest of us! Bizleth! Finish it!" The woman continued as though such interruptions were normal in her life. "The bridge crew are all downdeck, circled four hundred seventy true from the offramp. I count seventeen warm bodies, all in a tight bunch. Most of the assembled warriors nodded, each visualizing the setup as their teammate had described it." "Sir," the woman continued, getting Croft's attention, "the Commander's on the podium, too." "What?" "Yes, sir. Right before you got back he came up the ramp to the podium where two of the terrorists are at. He's still there." Croft took a deep breath. "Dobe! Why did I bother coming back on active duty?" "You love the perks," his second in command retorted matter-of-factly. "Naw, I just like the smartastrums I get to command. Up off yours, Yujinya." He offered the woman a hand as the other warriors straightened up. "We're going in?" a sergeant asked. "Ayuh. Right now." Croft looked at his people. He couldn't reach all of his team, but he could offer guidance to those who were with him. "You heard the woman. The people we're here to get out are at the bottom. Mishmar, Melis, Karem and Broos; you people take the long way round. Your objective is to get between the hostages and those terrorists. If you can take out some of the opposition while you're getting there, do it." "Prisoners, sir?" Yujinya asked pointedly. Croft glared at her. "Only if absolutely unavoidable." He turned back to the subteam. "But don't go out of your way to nail'em, either. Your job's just to be a shield between the bridge crew and the terrorists." "Jaz team'll be coming in from the maintenance corridor. He's gonna have three of his people headed downdeck for the hostages; don't shoot your own teammates!" There was a brief, good-natured hoot at the expense of Broos, who had more than once allowed the excitement of the moment to get in his way during training. "The rest'll be headed for the view deck. Once we're in, we call for surrender. Once the shields are in place, if they do anything but what we tell'em, we take'em out. Got it?" There were nods but no further comments. The team knew their job, and knew that their commander was confident in their ability. "Awright then!" Croft opened his communicator, tapped three keys, waited for a response, then slapped the device shut and joined the queue at the hatch. "Bizleth, on mymark," he hissed. The tech sergeant nodded, her probes already in place. "Control is ours now, boss," she whispered. "All right, then. On my mark--" Abruptly the lights in the corridor flashed, shifting from utilitarian white to deep red, a red that immediately began strobing. "Red four!" someone said unnecessarily. "The cylons are back!" Croft grated. "Okay! We're outa time! In five! And four! And three! And two! And one! GO!" The hatch clicked, groaned, hissed open. With an electronic roar, seven armored troopers rolled into the command center. A shot rang out. Then another. Then a fusillade... *** *** *** *** *** From: Brun102670@aol.com Subject: RR #10 1/2 Round Robin Star-l List Group Story Chapter 10, by Richard Brunson Cassiopeia stared down at Athena's serene face. Dr. Salik worked at Athena's midsection feverishly. Fearing that his speed would allow him to make a mistake, or miss something, Cassie said, "Doctor, you're going too fast!" He only looked at her, his face covered with sweat which glistened in the floodlights. His eyes gave her the only reply she would recieve: he was not stopping until the young mother and her baby were safe. Telling Adama that Athena had lost the baby had been Tigh's idea. He hoped that the ruse would give Adama the extra fire he needed to bring the hostage crisis to an end, as well as casting further doubt in the minds of Sargon and his band. Cassie looked back at Athena. Under sedation, her face was peaceful. Not at all like the terrified creature she had been moments ago when she had admitted to Apollo the circumstances surrounding her liason with Baltar. Cassie shuddererd involuntarily. To think that she, too, had come so close to falling under Iblis' spell. They had been rivals ever since the Exodus, barely even exchanging civil conversation with each other. And yet, in an odd sort of way, Cassie had come to care deeply for Athena. Perhaps because she was Apollo's sister, and Apollo was a good friend, but perhaps also because in fighting over Starbuck, they understood each other. She had similar feelings for Sheba who only moments ago had left the Life Center to return to the firefight with the Cylons. It seemed to Cassie that at this moment every person that she cared deeply for was in mortal danger. Dr. Salik finally stepped back and mopped his forehead. Relief showed clearly on his face. "They'll both be alright," he said simply, then he turned to care for the wounded warriors who were pouring in from the dog fight in space. Cassie checked Athena's vital signs. She would be okay, and she would carry the baby full term. She breathed her own sigh of relief and began to administer the vapors which would slowly bring Athena out of her deep slumber. ********** The auxiliary bridge seemed to be in chaos, but it was an ordered chaos. None of the bridge officers who scurried from one end of it to the other bumped into each other, or anything else. Tigh's makeshift command post was a model of Colonial efficiency. The crew worked madly, though, monitoring the battle in space, directing viper strike wings to the most heavily hit areas of the fleet, warning other ships of oncoming Cylon fighters, and amidst all of that trying desparately to regain control of the hostage situation on the main bridge. Colonel Tigh looked up from one of the consoles to see Omega enter the command center. He was limping slightly as he approached the colonel, but he was obviously in a hurry. "Sir," he said, not even waiting for his superior's acknowledgement, "Sargon, the PLOT device . . ." "I know," Colonel Tigh started. "Baltar . . ." "I know, I know," Tigh cut him off. "In the meantime we have Croft and his Black Talons ready to assault the bridge. They should be going in in just a couple of centons." "But sir, shouldn't we try to shut off that device? If Baltar's forces are using it to track us . . ." but again, Tigh didn't allow him to finish. "Omega, do you know how to sabotage that thing?" "Jam all radio frequencies around the fleet. Have Croft's people then disengage the device from the bridge, hook it up to its own energizer and send it floating off into space. By the time the Cylons figure out what we've done, we'll be safely away in another direction." This time he was allowed to finish as Tigh turned the idea around in his head. "We can't jam signals until all our vipers are safely back aboard. And what about maintaining contact with the other ships in the fleet? It sounds pretty dodgy, unless . . ." "Unless what, sir," Omega questioned. "Get Wilker up here! Double-quick!" Moments later Dr. Wilker was listening to Tigh's plan. "Yes," the doctor said, "I think I can pull that off. I've been doing a lot of experimenting on Baltar's centurions and I think I have figured out a way to do what you ask." He grinned at the opportunity to try out some of his theories. "Wilker," Tigh broke the moment and effectively wiped the smile from Wiker's face with his sternness, "you have ten centons, and not a micron more! Now go!" He hustled off as Omega asked, "Do you think it will work?" "It has to, or we'll lose everything." ********** "Uh, Apollo," Starbuck called out over his transmitter, "I hate to point this out to you, but there are about a hundred Cylon fighters about to fly up our shorts if we don't do something fast!" "I know, Starbuck. Just calm down and hold on a micron while I think this through." Apollo went back to mumbling to himself. "Apollo, while you're remembering every history lesson you ever had on Borellian Nomen, I'm about to have my backside fried by a bunch of bumbling tin cans who couldn't hit the broadside of a granary if they were inside of it, and I can't even give them a good fight! Now will you hurry up?!" He shouted at his friend. Apollo ignored his outburst and said instead, "I got it! Sheba, you still there?" "Right here, Apollo," she said as she brought her viper around to flank Starbuck. "You're short a laser, right?" "Yeah." "Which reminds me, why did you bring that heap back out here, anyway?" "Because it was the only thing even remotely flyable when I left the Life Center, and I figured it was better than coming out here in a pressure suit, swinging a ball bat around! What about my laser?" She was getting as antsy as Starbuck. "Do you have enough control over your megon charger to reduce the power of the one cannon to almost nothing?" He asked, his patient voice was incredibly exasperating to his companions. "Yes, why?" Sheba was really confused now. "You're going to blow Starbuck's engine off." He said nonchalantly. "What?!" Sheba and Starbuck both yelled at once. "Now wait one frakkin' centon!" Starbuck finished. "Trust me, buddy, it'll work." Apollo soothed. "Oooo," Starbuck moaned, "why didn't I quit the service like I wanted to and open a chancery on Gemon?" "Ready, Sheba?" Apollo asked. "Ready," she said flatly. "Aiming for the laser-bole, minimum megon power. You might feel a slight bump, Starbuck." "A slight bump?!" "Firing now," she said as her finger pushed the red button. ********** Sargon's finger tightened on the trigger. The muzzle of the laser rifle was poking Adama right at the base of his sternum but Adama didn't notice. All he knew was that his daughter had lost a baby and was possibly in danger herself, his son was somewhere in space and Adama couldn't even watch the fight, and the fleet and his mission to Earth were disintegrating. "Why shouldn't I just kill you now, Adama?" Sargon sneered. "Because if you do, I will kill you faster than you can blink." Sargon, stunned at the unexpected voice, turned quickly to face the menacing gun and angry face of his second-in command. "All I wanted was to live in peace on a planet somewhere. Where I didn't have to bow and scrape to the military, or worry about being blown to pieces by some bloody Cylon! But threatening Adama like this is not what I signed on for. Anyone else feel like that?" the woman yelled to her confederates. In response they each left the warriors and officers they were guarding and instead took menacing steps toward Sargon. "We are finished with you, Sargon. We only wanted to leave. We did not want to cause harm to other people in the fleet, or to kill the man who gave us any hope of surviving the Holocaust at all." She took another step forward and enunciated each word very carefully, "Let him go." But before Sargon could do anything all Hades broke loose as Croft and his Black Talons attacked. Once again the bridge was plunged into chaos. ********** (Audience sees a still frame of Baltar in the middle of an evil laugh, suddenly the screen flashes "TO BE CONTINUED" over his face.) ********* Croft was the first one onto the bridge. He jumped down near the command pedastal and began firing, dropping down so his companions could get over him. Yuginya, Broos and Drachir came in on his heels, picking their own positions to fire at the terrorists. After three quick blasts Croft was back on his feet rushing at Sargon. Realizing what was happening, Adama grabbed the muzzle of the rifle pointed at his chest and yanked it out of the hands of the confused terrorist leader. Sargon looked back to Adama from Croft and snarled, enraged that they were once again under attack. As Adama raised his arms to throw the captured rifle over Sargon's head, Sargon bunched up his fist and slugged the commander. Adama doubled over and dropped the rifle. Sargon grabbed the gun and began to return fire at Croft and his people. Meanwhile the captive warriors ran toward the assault team waving their arms as if to stop the attack. Jolly yelled "No, No!" as loud as he could but could barely be heard over the din of explosions and shouting. Most of the terrorists simply dropped their weapons and raised their arms to signal surrender, but a handful continued to fight. They did not, however, stand a chance against the body armor worn by the Black Talons. The assault team casually made their way up to the terrorists who continued to fight from behind different consoles. When the fracas ended, all but four of the terrorists were dead or severely wounded. Many officers and warriors were also hurt, either from trying to stop the attack, or to help subdue the few terrorists who still fought on. The game was not up, though. When he realized that he could not pierce the attackers' body armor, Sargon had lunged back at Adama, grabbed his right arm and twisted it horribly behind the older man's back. The commander's hand was trembling with pain and anger between his shoulder blades. Sargon's rifle was pointed at Adama's temple. Using Adama as a body shield, Sargon made his way behind the starfield map and against the wall to prevent another attack from behind him. The noise died down and Croft followed Sargon to the star chart. Standing to the right side of it he leveled his rifle, ready to fire at any opportunity. "What are you going to do now?" He asked, softly. "If you don't give me a shuttle immediately, I shall kill Adama," he growled from between clenched teeth. "Go ahead," Adama said. Utter despair was in his voice. "You may as well, everything I have cared about is gone. My wife and my young son, killed by Cylons. My other son about to die fighting the Cylons. And you," he spat the words over his shoulder at Sargon, "have killed my grandchild and left my daughter on the brink of death. And you have destroyed whatever hope we ever had of reaching safety on Earth. What more is there for me?! Kill me now!" Sargon looked doubtful, and Croft stared in disbelief at the Commander. But if Adama were dead, Croft thought, Sargon would have nothing left to bargain with. He could be stopped. Croft began to feel something he thought long buried: intense anger and revulsion for Adama. Yes, the Commander had allowed him back into the Colonial Service, backed the Black Talon project, but it was Adama who had put him in prison in the first place. All those yahrens, rotting in a cage when he could have been free. By now he could have had his own command, but for Adama. He should save the commander, it was his duty. But now he wasn't sure that he didn't want Sargon to kill Adama. ********** Sheba held her breath as she pressed the firing button on her control stick. A very thin, not very bright laser beam shot from her one remaining cannon. It struck the laser-bole head on and put a small crater in Starbuck's engine. His viper rocked for a micron and then was still. After a micron or two of silence Starbuck hollered, "Yeeoow!" "Starbuck," Apollo called over the com, "are you alright?" That got Sheba worried and she too began to call Starbuck's name. They were suddenly silenced by laughter. "Buddy, why did I ever doubt you? I'm just fine!" Starbuck laughed again and then began his liturgy of praising his own genius and likability. "Good," Apollo cut him off, "Do you have enough fuel to return to base?" "Barely, if I coast in," Starbuck tapped his fuel indicators. "Then you and Sheba get your tails back aboard the Galactica and bring back some ships that will work!" Now that Starbuck was okay Apollo sounded strained and irritated. But just that moment a message came over the com system. "This is Colonel Tigh to all vipers and passenger ships. In one centon the Galactica will be flooding this area of space with static. This will render all intership communications and scanning systems inoperable. All ships are to maintain visual contact on the Galactica. Viper pilots, along with the jamming is a signal which should stop the Cylons long enough for you to destroy them, then you are to head back to the Galactica at once. Countdown in fifty microns . . ." "You heard the Colonel," Apollo shouted, "get moving!" The three pilots pushed forward to the Galactica, blasting every Cylon in their path. The retreat call from Tigh had heightened the fury of the Colonial pilots who now plowed through the Cylon attack line, leaving nothing but debris in their wake. Microns later the few Cylons still flying went dead and drifted, making easy pickings for the last few vipers heading for their base. ********** "It's working, Doctor, it's working!" Tigh was ecstatic that something had finally gone right. Dr. Wilker, too, was happy, and even a little surprised that the whole thing had come off. The special pulse the Galactica had sent out had completely incapacitated the raiders. "Omega," Tigh called. "Yes, sir." "I'm going up to the bridge. Croft should have control by now. Then we can take care of that blasted P.L.O.T. device." He motioned two of the security guards to follow him and left. ********** Starbuck, Sheba and Apollo were the last ones to board the Galactica. Starbuck jumped from his ship and went to Apollo. Sheba joined them as Starbuck put an arm around each of them. "Thanks, you two," he said simply. "Not a problem," Sheba replied, "I've always wanted to take pot shots at your backside!" Apollo laughed but didn't say anything for a moment, then, "You know, Starbuck, I've been thinking about what you said about my never knowing what's going on with my family, and you're right. So I'm going to the Life Center to check on Athena right now. Then I'm going to find Boxey. You two go find the Colonel and see what's going on." He let out his breath, "We may just make it through this day." "Not so fast, Apollo," Starbuck stopped him. "Why, what's up?" They stopped walking. "Aren't you forgetting the Nomen on the senior's ship and the Rising Star? Who sent a Cylon attack force who wouldn't attack the bridge? How's your father? How did the Cylon's know where to find us? Who's behind it all?" He stared at the floor then tightened his grip on his friends and propelled them forward. "We aren't even close to being out of this one, yet." They turned a corner just in time to see two Borellian Nomen with drawn laser-boles, ready to throw. ********** Okay, next? From: Mark Wilcox Subject: Round Robin Story Battlestar Galactica Round Robin Chapter 10 part 3/3 by Mark Wilcox "Get down," Starbuck yelled to Apollo and Sheba as he drew his pistol. They had discovered two armed Borellian Nomen in the corridor after returning to the Galactica. The two Nomen fell to the ground from the quick blasts from Starbuck's pistol. "I guess I owe you won now," Sheba said. "We're even." "Enough of this chit-chat. We've got work to do," Apollo said. And they did. Terrorists, led by Sargon, had taken Adama and others hostage on the bridge. Athena lay near death in sickby while Boxey lay in stasis until they could properly bury him. Apollo was in the likely position of losing the rest of his family within a few centrons. "This way men." It was a deep voice from down the corridor. All three of the colonial warriors drew their weapons and prepared to fight. They let loose a sigh of relief when they saw it was Colonel Tigh followed by two security officers. "Captain Apollo," Tigh said. "Yes, Colonel." "I see Starbuck and Sheba are here too. Good to see you're safe." "That was a great plan you came up with," Sheba said. "We will definitely have to remember to use the disruptor signal again when me meet more cylons," Apollo said. "It was really Dr. Wilkins's idea. He thinks that they will be better prepared next time." "I still want to know who tipped the cylons off and why they didn't attack the bridge," Starbuck said. "Those answers may be waiting for us in the bridge," Tigh said. ******** Croft and the rest of the Black Talons stood in silence. The confrontation with Sargon who had Adama hostage in the corner of the bridge, behind the star chart was growing more tense by the micron. Sargon wanted a shuttle so he could escape to a planet. He couldn't handle the voyage anymore. Adama, an old man who had faced every danger as bravely as any man could be expected was trembling. He had lost his wife and younger son to the Cylons in the original assault on the colonies. His other son was fighting them in what was likely a suicide battle. His daughter and grand-son were dead or near death from the hands of Sargon. Then there was Croft. A man he had sentenced to prison, destroying a bright career. Adama believed he had made some reparations to the man's character by allowing him to form the Black Talons-the armored security forces trained to deal with situations like this. Yet he knew that Croft was debating whether or not to let Sargon kill him. The blinking A on the cylinder container which rested on the command level reminded him of one more danger. It was the dreaded P.L.O.T. device. When it completed its sequence of ABC, the device would explode, destroying the last remaining battlestar. It was definetly a bad secton. "Come on. Give me a shuttle in the next five centron's or Adama's dead." "Shoot me, Croft. I am old and will have to step down soon. Tigh is fit to lead. And you should be behind him. Shoot me and get rid of this worthless human who's wasting our time," Adama said. Croft couldn't believe the old man. He didn't know if he really wanted to die or was just trying to buy time. Then the side doors opened again. In walked Tigh, followed by Starbuck, Sheba and Apollo. "Apollo, you're alive," Adama said. "Yes, father. The cylons have been defeated." "No, they're just regrouping. Now I want a shuttle and a viper escort. And I want Apollo to fly the viper," Sargon said. "Hey, wait a minute. I'm the better viper pilot," Starbuck said. "I don't care. I want Adama and Apollo. They trapped me here and now they will free me." Silence. The counter flipped to AB. "You'd better hurry or you'll lose your ship too." "Ok. We'll comply, won't we," Apollo said as he caught the nod of Starbuck. "What? Wait a. . ."Croft said. "It's an order Croft," Apollo said. "Everyone put their guns down. Now!," Sargon said. Everyone complied. Sargon moved Adama down the bridge and out the door. Once he was out the door, Starbuck flipped out his wrist laser he had for these occasions. A quick pulse caught Sargon in his back. Apollo grabbed his father who fell when Sargon was shot. "You're not going to win," Sargon said before he died. "What does he mean?"Tigh asked. "Look,"Sheba said. The counter was moving faster. Apollo and Starbuck raced to the P.L.O.T. device. They removed the circuitry panel. But looked dumbfounded. "What's the cancel code?," Apollo asked. "F.O.X.," one of the remaining living terrorists said. Quickly they entered the code and the device was stopped. "That was close," Starbuck said. "Good work gentlemen,"Tigh said. "Let's get the bridge back together Colonel," Adama said. "Yes, sir." "Now to work on our other problems. Burying Boxey, treating Athena, dealing with the Borellian Nomen, how the cylons found us and why they didn't destroy the bridge," Adama said. The intercomm signal sounded. "This is colonel Tigh." "Colonel, this is Omega. Sensors indicate a new ship coming in range." "Prepare to launch viper interceptors," Tigh said. "But, sir." "Yes." "It's the Ship of Light." ************************* Now what??? From: Colossus@cup.portal.com Subject: RR #11 In my own defense I'd like to point out that this is my very first fanfic. I had a lot of fun writing this. That may or may not have been a good thing. You'll notice that I'm trying to open the story up. As it stood, the story seemed to be moving rapidly towards a natural conclusion. Several people were scheduled to follow me, I noticed on the recent list that Adam had added a few more. I felt I should try to open up the plot, to give those who follow me something to do. You can judge for yourself how successful I was. But enough stalling. For better or worse here is BSG round robin Chapter 11 by Ron McInnis Croft said slowly, "All right Sargon, we'll get you a shuttle. All we care about is Adama's safety." "A shuttle to where?" Adama asked. "Oh, don't worry about me." Sargon smiled. "There's still a few places I can go." Croft turned away from them to call for a shuttle. There was something wrong with his manner, Adama thought. Sargon must have seen it as well for when Croft began to spin back around Sargon was already pulling Adama back and raising his laser rifle to cover Croft. Adama threw himself backwards, twisting and shoving his shoulder into Sargon. He grabbed Sargon's laser rifle and rolled to one side. It discharged suddenly into the air. Sargon began struggling with Adama for possession of the rifle when Croft stepped up to Sargon and pressed his laser pistol into Sargon's neck. "It's over Sargon." Croft said quietly. Several emotions struggled across Sargon's face. Finally he released the laser rifle and slumped in defeat. Adama climbed to his feet, still holding the laser rifle, as Croft chained Sargon's hands behind him. "It's not over Adama!" Sargon suddenly shouted. "I have powerful allies. I'll be back." "Take him to the brig." Adama snapped. Several Black Talons stepped forward and hauled him off. Adama looked at Croft curiously. "I wondered about you there for a moment." Croft grinned. "I wondered about myself." He saluted and turned to leave. "Croft." Adama called. Croft turned back, looking puzzled. "I still don't recall condemning you, but..." Adama struggled with his thoughts for a moment. "I was wrong. You could never have done anything to disgrace the Service. I was wrong to condemn you and I apologize for it. I'll see that your record is altered accordingly. And, thanks for saving my life." Croft stared at Adama for a long moment, his face impassive and unreadable. Suddenly he smiled. "Apology accepted sir." He gave a short bow and left to organize the prisoners. Adama leaned against the railing and felt very tired. The gnomen hurled their bolas simultaneously. Starbuck grabbed Apollo and Sheba and dove back down the side corridor with them. The corridor filled with the flash of the explosion. Apollo heard Starbuck cry out in pain. Then Apollo was drawing his weapon and firing into the smoke. He was conscious of Sheba firing beside him. Another gnoman appeared running towards them and throwing his bolas. Incredibly Apollo missed, as the gnoman seemed to vanish into the smoke. He dove to one side as a second explosion detonated around them. He rose, trying to find a target in the smoke. Suddenly a gnoman leaped through the smoke and kicked Apollo in the solar plexus. Apollo was slammed against the bulkhead. He raised his pistol and in one motion the gnoman struck the weapon from his hand and smashed his elbow into Apollo's throat. Apollo fell to the deck, choking. He looked up and saw the gnoman grinning over him, preparing to strike. Suddenly a beam of light burst through the gnoman's chest. He stood for a moment, then fell dead to the ground beside Apollo. Behind him, Apollo saw Starbuck, lying down but propped up against a wall, holding his weapon. "This one wants to surrender." Sheba said. She was holding her pistol on the second gnoman, who stood motionless before her, his empty hands held out by his sides. "What?" Apollo said hoarsely. He helped Starbuck to his feet. "Thank you." He told him carefully. Starbuck smiled, then grimaced in pain. His shoulder was black with blast burns. "Peace, warrior." The gnoman began. "I bring words from Baolchat to Adama. These words are important. I must see Adama at once." "What words?" Apollo said. "Why did you attack us?" "Security!" He shouted down the corridor towards the bridge. Apollo began coughing. "My words are for Adama only." The gnoman said. "This one was young." He jerked his head towards the dead gnoman on the floor. "He became excited when he saw the Starbuck and behaved rashly. I have not attacked you." Apollo searched his memory, trying to see if this was a lie. It had all happened very quickly. Security officers arrived. "Do you have a name?" He asked. "I am Tajek. I must see Adama. It is important." The gnoman said. "Well, Tajek you're going to the brig now. If your story checks out, you'll see the commander." Apollo turned to the security guards. "Take him to the brig and secure him. Search him carefully. Gnomen are famous for their concealed weapons." The security officer nodded and led the gnoman off. Apollo turned to Starbuck. "Can you make it to sickbay on your own?" "Well," Starbuck flexed his shoulder, "Ouch, sickbay. Yeah, I can make it on my own. Hey, don't let anything happen until I get back." He headed down the corridor. Apollo looked at Sheba. "We were going to the bridge to help Croft rescue your father." She said. "Right. Well, let's go." They headed down the corridor. A medtech examined Adama. "You should be in sickbay sir. You're exhausted and you have multiple bruises." Feeling tired and beaten Adama began to let the medtech lead him away. Omega was back at his post, directing bridge repair. Despite his experiences the young officer seemed fresh and full of energy. Adama felt old. Omega looked up. "Sir, a number of our ships are accelerating rapidly. They're pulling away from the fleet." Adama pushed the medtech away and leapt up the stairs to the command platform. "Type and number?" He snapped. "The Rising Star and the Senior ship," said Omega, working the damaged scanners, "the Gnomen's ships, five Delta class freighters, three tankers, two foundry ships, and Agroship 3." "What's going on?" Adama wondered out loud. "Hail them." He directed Omega. "Tigh!" Adama addressed the one working comlink on the bridge. Tigh's face appeared, new lines of concern etched beneath his eyes. "Tigh, are you reading this?" Adama asked. "Yes sir. They began accelerating when we jammed transmissions a short while ago. They aren't responding to hails." "Keep trying, and bring Blue Squadron to launch ready as soon as they've refueled. You may have to direct an intercept which," Adama paused and looked over his wrecked bridge, "which we can not do from here." "Understood sir." Tigh replied. "Should I accelerate the Galactica to keep pace with the ships?" "No." Adama said. "That would only panic the fleet. In fact, I should go on unicom and say something to calm them." "We can not access unicom from this station sir." Omega said. He looked at Adama and hesitated. "Sir, you do not look your best. Perhaps Col. Tigh would be a more reassuring presence." Adama smiled. "Tactfully said, Omega. Tigh, you'd better broadcast something from the auxiliary bridge. We'll continue working on repairs here." "Understood, and Commander," Tigh said., "you should know that I lied to you." "You lied to me? About what?" Adama demanded. "Your daughter and her child. They're fine. Dr. Salik reports that they are healthy and strong and completely out of danger." Adama stared at Tigh for a moment. "That was a dirty trick, Tigh." He said smiling slowly. "Yes sir, but it worked." "Thank you my friend, Adama out." Adama turned to where Dr. Wilker and his team were disassembling the P.L.O.T. device. "Wilker, our communications are almost completely out." "Commander, this is delicate work. We can't hurry it any faster." Adama sighed. "Of course doctor, I know you're doing your best." Apollo and Sheba entered the bridge and stopped, stunned by the extent of the damage. Apollo raced up the command platform to where Adama stood. Adama smiled warmly at him and they quietly clasped hands. "Father, are you all right?" Apollo asked. "You look exhausted. Shouldn't you be in sick bay?" "Oh, I'm fine. As is Athena, and her child. Salik pulled them through." Adama replied. "Praise the Lords." Apollo said. "And the Cylons have been completely routed. What about Sargon and his terrorists?" "In the brig." Adama replied. "Thanks largely to Croft and his special force. But now we have a new situation. A number of ships are breaking away from the fleet. They're refusing to respond to our hails. I want you to get Blue Squadron ready to intercept them. Sargon mentioned he had friends and allies. They may be causing this." "Father, on our way here we were attacked by two gnomen." Apollo said. "We killed one, but the other surrendered, and said he had messages for you from a Baolchat. He wouldn't give them to me. Said he had to talk to you." "Baolchat is an important gnomen leader." Adama mused. "Sir." Omega interrupted. "We're getting a response to our hails. It's from the Rising Star." "Finally." Adama said. "On screen." It took a moment for the image to form. When it finally came into view Adama was stunned. "Uri?" He gasped involuntarily. Sire Uri had gone into voluntary seclusion after the battle of Carillon. Adama hadn't seen him in yahren. Uri looked much older now, and lines of bitterness streaked his face. "Adama." He said. "Have you spoken to the gnomen?" "No, I haven't Uri." Adama replied. "Why should I?" "The gnoman will tell you our demands. You have to deal with him." Uri replied. "What demands would those be, Sire Uri?" Adama asked. Uri's face seemed to clench as Adama used his title. "We're leaving Adama! And you can't stop us. This mad quest is over!" "And if I try to stop you?" Adama asked. "What happens then?" "You don't deal with me. Talk to the gnoman. He speaks for us." Uri replied. Adama decided to goad him. "Sire Uri. Are you sure you're not repeating the same errors in judgement you made on Carillon? You almost doomed us all." Uri's face twisted with hate. "Listen Adama. You can't stop us. We have hostages. And more! We have friends and..." Uri looked at someone off screen. A trace of fear crossed his face. "I can't say any more. Talk to the gnoman Adama. Uri out." The screen went blank. Apollo shook his head wondering. "Uri seemed almost insane." "I suppose I'd better talk to that gnoman." Adama said. He looked at Apollo. "I'd like to have you with me for that." "Starbuck's in sickbay with a laserbola injury." Apollo replied. "It's didn't look serious but I doubt he can fly." They both looked at Sheba. "Right." She said. "Take Blue Squadron out and intercept the ships. Make a show of force." She grinned at Apollo's hestitant look. "I've taken squadrons out before, Apollo. But since this is your special squadron, I'll try extra hard not to screw up." "That's not what I meant." Apollo called out, to Sheba's back as she darted out the bridge door. "You wouldn't care for any fatherly advice on that situation, would you?" Adama asked. "I'd rather go negotiate with the gnoman." Apollo replied. The security guards took Tajek to the brig. It had an open guard room, with security scanners and reinforced doors. Corridors of cells radiated out in three directions. Tajek noted these details automatically thought he thought it likely that he would never leave his cell alive. They stripped and scanned him. They tried not to approach him. They stank of fear. Eventually he was issued prison garments and taken to his cell. It was a simple place, like other cells. It had a transparent door. Tajek sat and composed himself for meditation. Sargon was across the hall from him. He began whispering at Tajek as soon as the guards left. After a time he stopped. Tajek went down to the deep calm and began focusing, preparing himself for what was to come. Then he heard the traitor's voice, and willed himself awake. The traitor was at the end of the hall talking to the guards. There was nervous laughter, then the sound of doors opening and closing. The traitor walked down the hall to Tajek's door and looked within. Tajek would not open his eyes and acknowledge his presence. Sargon began whispering at the traitor, his voice filled with desperation. The traitor ignored him and opened Tajek's cell. He went in and knelt on the floor, looking at the gnoman. Tajek at last opened his eyes and looked at the traitor. The man shrank back for a moment, then recovered himself. Silently he passed the gnoman his weapons, the bolas and his kerseis. The gnoman fingered the longknife for a moment, then made it disappear beneath his clothes. "You should use the bolas." The traitor said. "It will be quicker and surer." "No." Tajek said, closing his eyes again. "They are for war. This will be execution." "Be sure you tell them our demands first." The traitor said, his words coming out in a nervous rush. "After that... You know you'll only have a moment with Adama before... His warriors will kill you for this. You know that don't you?" There seemed to be genuine curiosity in his voice. Tajek opened his eyes and looked directly at the traitor. Since these were his last moments he allowed himself the luxury of letting his contempt for the man show on his face. "There are some," he said slowly, "who find death preferable to dishonor." The traitor shrank back. He rose quickly and exited the cell. Outside Sargon renewed his pleas for reassurance. "What's happening?" He whined. "Has it started yet?" "Don't worry my friend." The traitor cooed to him. "It's already begun. We'll have you out of here soon." Tajek could smell the satisfaction oozing from Sargon as the traitor fled down the hall. He focused and shut out all distractions. He visualized the scene as it would be. Adama stood before him. He struck and Adama fell. Adama stood before him. He struck and Adama fell. Adama stood before him... Starbuck arrived at sickbay as Dr. Salik and his team were finishing with the wounded. Casualties from the battle with the cylons and the battle for the bridge had arrived at about the same time. Salik was still working on one man but Cassiopeia raced up to Starbuck. "What's happened." She sucked in her breath as she saw his shoulder. "It's no big deal. I got winged by a Gnomen laser bola." Starbuck said smiling. "It looks worse than it actually is." "I hope so." Cassie replied as she ran her medscanner over it. "Because it looks pretty bad." She sat him down on a table and began cutting away his jacket. "What do you mean it looks bad?" Starbuck's smile began to fade. "Torn muscle tissue." Cassie muttered to herself. "Metal fragments in the wound. Oh, I'm sorry Starbuck." She looked at him and smiled. "I'm sure you'll be fine." "Better give him the antitoxin for iacide poison." Salik said, suddenly beside her. "Some of the tribes spike their bolas with it." Cassie nodded. Salik returned to his desk and began reviewing records on his computer. "Uh, yeah, do that." Starbuck said. Cassie smiled. "I will but you probably don't have it. If you did, you'd already be in convulsions." "Oh, good." Starbuck said. "How's Athena doing?" Salik asked, staring into his monitor. "She's resting comfortably. Just as she was the last time you asked." Cassie replied. "Starbuck come over to this scanner." "Is Athena really all right?" Starbuck asked. "She's perfectly fine." Cassie smiled. "There's something not right about this pregnancy." Salik said. "So you keep saying. What's wrong with it?" Cassie said. "Starbuck can you turn to left? Rest your arm there." "The situation seemed to stabilize itself. I'm not sure I needed to be there. And there was serious trauma to the area. There should have been some permanent damage. And the child's development. It's unusual." Salik replied. "But within normal parameters. Everything that's happened is within normal parameters." Cassie said. "Starbuck, lie back on the table and extend your arm out." She sprayed the wound area, then brought a transparent tubing over it. In the background, the call came for Blue Squadron to assemble in launch bay Alpha. Starbuck started to get up when Cassie stopped him. "Not this time. I'm pulling you off duty." She began raying the wound area. "What?" Starbuck said. "You can't do that. Hey, doc. Can she do that?" "Hmph?" Salik said, looking up from his records. "Oh, of course she can. Actually, since she passed her level 3 fleetmed test, I suppose technically she ranks you." Cassie grinned at Starbuck. "When your arm is better," she whispered, "I should make you salute." Starbuck circled his good arm around Cassie's waist and pulled her close to him. "Pretty lady," he said, "I would salute you any..." "Didn't Sheba say something about Count Iblis being involved in this Athena and Baltar business?" Salik said. "I never trusted that man. There was always something not right about him." Adama and Apollo entered the gnoman's cell. A nervous security guard closed the door behind them. Tajek stood and bowed his head in greeting. "I understand," said Adama, "that you have words for me from Baolchat." "We are leaving the fleet." Tajek said flatly. "We have taken the Senior ship as hostage. If you obey our orders and do not interfere with us, we will leave the Senior ship and it's passengers unharmed as soon as we pass out of viper range. Baolchat swears this by his name and the names of his ancestors." "That's one oath he won't break." Apollo said. Tajek glanced at Apollo curiously. "And just what are your.. orders?" Adama said. "You will launch no vipers." Tajek said. "You will put Sargon and his people into a shuttle which will be flown to the Rising Star. The Starbuck will fly the shuttle. Once it lands we will allow the one called Bojay and the officers of the Rising Star to fly it back here." "And Starbuck?" Apollo demanded. Tajek stared at him silently. "Yes." Adama said. "It always comes back to the bloodtrail. And if I refuse these orders, what happens then?" "We will begin killing the seniors and the other hostages. One by one. And it will be no quick death, Adama. It will be slow and...interesting. Each will be sent out broadbeam to the fleet, so that everyone can see the results of your policies." "Suppose I simply attack your ships, order my warriors to take them by force." Adama asked. Tajek studied Adama for a moment. He was not what Tajek had expected. Tajek stared into his eyes. "We will begin with the one called Bojay. I met him. He seemed brave to me. I think he will show courage when he is under the knives." "I'm sure he will." Adama replied evenly. "It does not matter if you are strong, Adama." The gnoman said. "You are ruled by your council. They are weak and they will make you obey us." "So you just fly off into space." Adama said. "To where?" Tajek stared at him silently. "What will you do without viper protection?" Apollo asked. "Find your own answers." Tajek said. "What will you do when the Cylons attack?" Adama pressed. Apollo moved to stand beside him. "Father, they're not even worried about a Cylon attack." He said. "Of course not." Adama replied slowly, his eyes never leaving Tajek's. "They've been guaranteed that won't happen. By the one man who could make such a guarantee." Adama stared at Tajek for a moment. "Baltar!" He suddenly snapped the name out. Tajek hesitated. Had Adama read him? But that was not possible. It was a trick. He calmed himself and filled his mind with purpose. Adama stood before him. "Thank you, Tajek." Adama said. "You've been very helpful. Was there anything else?" "Yes." Tajek replied. "There was one more thing..." In the sickbay, Salik, Starbuck and Cassiopeia watched the end of Col. Tigh's unicom transmission. "...and so while we expect the situation to soon return completely to normal," the smiling Tigh said, "please keep all channels clear for emergency traffic. Your cooperation and your trust are deeply appreciated. Tigh out." "Tigh's really worried." Salik said. "And where's Adama? I'd better get up to the bridge. Find out what's going on." "I think I'll tag along doc." Starbuck said. Just then the medical alarm claxon sounded. It was followed by Omega's voice. "Dr. Salik to the brig! Medical emergency! Dr. Salik to the brig!" "On my way." Salik snapped into the comlink. He grabbed his medkit and darted out the door, Starbuck and Cassie close behind him. And that's my bit. Next? --- Who cares to finish this? We want to know, did Baltar and Athena really get together to make a baby?